Chapter 38
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Bianca returned to California in late August. Classes didn't start up for another two weeks, but Bianca was almost three months pregnant, couldn't take the chance that Erica would figure it out. She'd start showing in California but at least noone would accidentally inform Erica. By the time she returned in December, Bianca would be wearing heavy clothes. Kendall secretly promised to come out with her sister soon, Bianca needed family right now. It wouldn't be long before Buffy and her group figured out Bianca was pregnant. Willow offerred to do a spell, prevent anyone from seeing her as pregnant. But Bianca was hesitant to use magick on her pregnancy. They thought there were only four people who knew of Bianca's condition. But Giles' friends informed him of a new development, one he shared with Buffy.
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Giles: The Watcher's council has informed me, that our seers have detected something. They believe Moloch is rising.
Buffy: Wasn't he that demon on the internet? I killed him.
Giles: I should explain. Moloch is a popular name amongst demons, many claim to be the original diety. Suppossedly Moloch was an ancient Caananite diety, largely associated with human sacrifice, particularly the sacrifice of infants. However so little is actually known about Moloch that some scholars believe it is just a word for human sacrifice. If that's true than the Biblical prohibition against worshipping him is a condemnation of human sacrifice.
Buffy: Is all this really neccessary for me to know?
Giles: Sorry. My point is that it's a popular name. This particular one may have actually been the original inspiration. His followers sacrifice twelve infants to their master, and it brings him forth. Moloch was believed to be as powerful as the Old Ones whom the Master worshipped.
Buffy: So he comes to town, we're talking twelve dead children, plus however many people Moloch kills before we take him down.
Giles: Yes, so we need to stop his cult before that happens.