Part Fifteen
They were too late. Too late to save yet another soul. The demon had gotten to her before they could.
Now she lay with her blood pooling around her. The child within her long since died.
He couldn't save her. He couldn't save anyone.
Too many have died because he couldn't save them. Because he had been too late.
This was his fault. It was always his fault.
Getting up slowly, he walked out of the alley. All the while he could hear Cordelia's cries.
She had wanted so bad to save her, she had stood by her as she took her last breath.
Angel hadn't seen the demon that was responsible for this but he vowed that he would not let another soul slip by him because of his own mistakes.
*****
Cordelia, Wesley, Gunn, and Angel were all sitting in the Hyperion Hotel. An eerie silence spread across the room.
Angel sat slouched in his chair, while Cordelia was typing furiously at her laptop, searching for a clue at what kind of demon would want to kill a pregnant women. Once in awhile, Cordelia would wipe away at a tear that would occasionally fall down her already tear stained face.
Gunn was sharpening stakes and looking for more weapons around the room. Wesley had his head buried in yet another of his books.
They were all so involved in their own worlds that they didn't hear as someone entered the building.
*****
Part Sixteen
Kate had heard of the news concerning the death of a pregnant women. When reading the files, she knew it wasn't anything concerning humans. Rather, she knew that a demon had been the cause of this death and if she didn't get some help, more will die.
Over the months of her fathers death, Kate had learned that Angel wasn't as bad as she had thought. Knowing that he had a soul gave her some comfort that he would never hurt her or anyone as long as he was in possession of his soul.
She had apologized to him and now she was glad she did. She still mourned the death of her father, but she knew not to put the blame where it didn't, never would, belong.
Picking up her files and her car keys, she exited the building and headed towards the Hyperion Hotel.
*****
Entering Angel's office, she was greeted by silence. It was eerie. Taking slow steps, she headed towards the office area where she met the grim faces of her friends.
She walked up to them and stood by Cordelia's chair. None of them seemed to notice her.
Clearing her throat, she saw that Angel seemed to still be off somewhere. Sadness was apparent on his features. Obviously he was brooding again.
Even when he was human, he still brood as much as he did when he was a vampire with a soul. Brooding seemed to be a part of him.
Cordelia had looked up when she cleared her throat. Kate could see the lingering tears on her face. Genuine worry crept up on her.
"What's wrong?" She asked.
Nobody seemed to want to answer. She guessed it was because of the reaction from Cordelia for she seemed to be emotionally broken right now.
"Okay, well, Angel. Can I talk to you for a minute?" Angel finally looked up, smiling a little, he got up and led her towards his private office.
She was not surprised when he had told her that he knew about the case that she came to tell him about.
Everyone seemed to be determined to get the demon before even more dead people popped up.
As Angel exited the office, he could hear Cordelia's cry of pain as a vision swept over her.
Rushing to her side, he was told that it was the same demon that killed the woman and her child. Grabbing his duster and some weapons that Gunn handed to him, he left. Going to the alley in which he would find the demon.
Only to find that he was yet again too late.
*****
As the days went by, more corpses popped up. Worried, he went to the Powers That Be where he was informed that it was a demon assassin sent to kill a certain pregnant woman, but it had not succeeded. And until it found the right person, it would not stop.
He went back to his hotel, even broodier for more than ten dead pregnant women were found. Each he was too late to save.
He had to find the pregnant woman that the PTB was talking about and he had to do it fast.
*****
Part Seventeen
Entering Caritas, Angel and Wesley searched for the green demon that owned the karaoke bar. Angel spotted him, telling Wesley to have a seat for he was going to sing.
Dreadfully, he walked to the Host. Talking to him quietly before the Host did and intro for Angel.
The crowd that had been so lively were now a chorus of groans and boos. Obviously, they've heard of the vampire with the soul and his terrible voice.(Even if I think it's gorgeous.)
Angel gathered up his wits and picked out a song, a sad one to match his mood.
As he sang, the Host made his way towards Wesley who had watched with fear in his eyes. Dreading the upcoming event in which his boss would sing.
Taking a seat, the Host turned to look at Angel. Grimacing when Angel tried to hit a high note. That was when he saw what was in his future.
Although he couldn't tell Angel himself, he would tell his partner. Hoping that he would prevent what was about to come.
Taking a piece of paper and a pen out of his pocket, he began writing. Wesley watched the Host as he scribbled what appeared to be an address.
Giving it to Wesley, he watched as confusion masked his face.
"You have to get to the Slayer, and you have to do it fast." The Host told him.
"H-How? How can she be pregnant?" Wesley stammered.
"The forgotten day. It's your pal, Angels, child. You can't tell him this. He has to find out himself, otherwise the whole end result would be different."
"Right. What am I supposed to do?"
"You have to convince her to talk to Angel. She needs protection and a seven months pregnant slayer needs a lot. There is a prophecy that needs to be fulfilled and unless she survives this ordeal, the world would end."
Nodding his head, Wesley glanced up to where his friend had just finished singing.
He watched as the Host told him lies, that he couldn't see anything in Angels future.
Time was running out and he had to find Buffy Summers quickly before she was hurt.
Angel and Wesley left. Angel was furious, Wesley was still thinking of a way to get away from Angel to get to Buffy.
Time was running out and he had to find Buffy Summers quickly before she was hurt and the whole world would end.
*****
Part Eighteen
When Angel came back to the hotel, he found Cordelia holding her head with one hand and the other scribbling on a notepad. Rushing to her side, he found that she had another vision. Only this time she got a name and an address.
Lily. That was her name. The address that Cordelia found was for a hotel. Angel took the paper while Cordelia dased towards her computer, typing in the address.
Once she found it, she exclaimed happily. Glad that she had found a lead, maybe this time she could prevent Lily's death.
Although, in her vision, Lily hadn't been pregnant. She guessed it probably was that she was but it hadn't begun to show yet.
At least now they could save her life.
*****
Wesley had managed to get away from Angel. Claiming that he was tired.
Once he was sure that Angel had left, Wesley made his way towards the address given to him by the Host.
He had to convince Buffy to get protection from Angel. He knew it would be hard, but he had to convince her. Her life, as well as everyone's, was on the line.
Making his way into the building, he ascended the elevator.
As he stepped off, he never heard the noises downstairs. Or the screams as a demon entered, killing anybody in his path.
The demon was determined to find the Slayer and kill her and her child.
It wasn't going to stop killing until he found her.
*****
Part Nineteen
Buffy sat on her bed, watching tv. One hand was on her huge stomach, while the other was on the remote. She leaned against the headboard as her back start to hurt from sitting up.
She was 35 and a half weeks along. Her little baby was kicking in her stomach at that moment.
Buffy loved to feel where her baby had kicked. She was amazed that such a small being inside of her could kick that strong.
Guess it came from her and its father.
Buffy had been giving time off from work because she was pregnant. Her boss had told her that when she was ready, she could come back.
Right now, Lily was supporting her and her child. She was very grateful for LIly, even if she had friends in Sunnydale who had offered to help.
They visited her once in awhile. Checking up on her and the baby.
She was already dozing off when there was a knock on the door.
Sighing loudly, she grumbled when she couldn't get up.
One hand on her stomach and the other at the small of her back, Buffy took slow steps towards the door.
She was surprised to see Wesley behind the door.
"W-Wesley. What are you doing here?" She asked, wishing that Angel hadn't found out of her pregnancy.
Wesley stared, he hadn't believed that Buffy was pregnant when the Host had told him. But now, seeing her as pregnant as can be, he believed.
Taking a minute to clear his head, he answered.
"Buffy, you have to come with me. You're in great danger." He told her, already knowing that she already knew.
Anger filled her eyes as she questioned accusingly.
"Did Angel send you here? If he did, tell him he can go to hell and that he isn't going to lay his hands on me or my child."
"You'll have to tell him sooner or later, you know. It might as well be now before it's too late."
"You don't understand. He couldn't care less if I were gone. Didn't you notice that he didn't even try to find me?" She asked him with such sadness in her voice that it almost brought tears to his own eyes.
"He'd been searching for you ever since you left his building. Even if he won't admit it, he has."
"He didn't do a very good job at it than."
"Buffy, you have to tell him. You have to let us protect your child. The fate of the word depends on it." Wesley told her urgently. Willing the stubborn woman to understand.
"No! You tell him and I will kill you! He doesn't need to be with me or my child. He has Lina and he doesn't want me! Just go away already!" Buffy screamed at Wesley.
Before he could answer, the door was ripped off of it's hinges.
And inside the doorway stood a demon eight feet tall and huge.
The demon took one look at Buffy through it's red eyes and he knew he had found her at last.
Buffy watched fearfully as a cruel smile crept up his green face.
For the first time in years, she prayed to God. Praying that her child would survive and that it woud be able to go on. Even if the price was her death.
Wesley stared at the demon before taking a step in front of Buffy protectively.
The demon laughed.
Wesley lunged at it with an ax that he had gotten from his car. He would have been able to strike the demon and kill it if not for the demon's own height and speed.
With one flick of his hand, he sent Wesley flying against the wall, rendering him unconscious and his blood stuck on the wall as his body slid down.
Buffy looked fearfully at Wesley, scared that he was dead, before she looked at the demon.
She began to back up, her hands on her stomach to protect her child.
The demon advanced, cornering her at a wall.
Before another thought could be understood, she, too, was flying against the wall.
As the world went black, she prayed once more that her child would survive.
The demon smiled, satisfied that she was dead, and left.
*****
Part Twenty
Angel and Cordelia found Lily at the entrance of the hotel only to find that she wasn't the pregnant one, rather her friend was. They asked her if she could show them the way to her friend.
Taking a step up the stairs, Angel felt a pain pass through him. He knew what that meant.
Buffy was hurt, or worse. She might be dead.
He panicked. He rushed inside of the building, he could smell the blood and death in the air.
Fearing the worst, he used his senses to find Buffy.
Behind him he could hear a pained cry from Cordelia, knowing she was having another vision.
Turning towards her, he questioned what she had seen. Only to have his nightmares come true.
Buffy was indeed hurt as well as Wesley.
Rushing towards the stairs, jumping over the dead people along the way, he made his way upstairs where he could feel he was getting closer to her.
But he could also feel their bond become weaker and weaker.
Finally he stopped, he ran towards an open door where he found a demon making its way out.
In a fit of rage, he snapped its neck. Not even giving it another glance, Angel walked towards the open doorway.
Only to be stopped by the sight that greeted him.
All of his blood drained out of his face as he saw his beloved lying on the floor, helplessly. One hand on her enlarged stomach.
Wait a minute, enlarged stomach? It didn't make any sense. How could she be pregnant?
It didn't matter as he rushed to her side. Picking her gingerly up, he rushed her downstairs.
Cordelia would take care of Wesley, he had to take care of Buffy. Like he should've before.
Now, she was hurt. Because of his pride and his male ego. It was his fault. It was always his fault.
And this time, it could be the death of his beloved and the child she carried.
Rushing down the stairs with silent tears on his face, he looked like a man of misery.
A broken Angel.
*****
Part Twenty-One
Everything was a blur to Angel. From when he had found Buffy lying nearly dead on her apartment floor to when he had arrived at the hospital. The only feeling that his body could remember was the grief and the pain. Throughout his numb body, he had pains. Riveting through every pore and muscles as he felt the close bond that had been formed between himself and Buffy beginning to fade. As if his own body could tell how near to death she was.
Grief was the basic feeling that he had gotten to used to, only this time it was tenfold. For he was the cause, no matter the reason, he was why she was in the hospital and in LA when she should be at home. Resting and safe as he had been confident that she was.
But, instead, she had to be in LA She had wanted to talk to him. But he had brushed her off, his arrogance getting the better of him.
He had wanted to rub the fact that he was dating in her face, like she had did to him. He hadn't admit it then but it had hurt that she could shove someone in his face, telling him she loved him and that he was a mistake. He had wanted to get her back for that, but now, it was foolish. Nothing could ever replace the hurt that they had caused each other. Only he didn't try to lessen the pain, he had made it worst. And now she lay on some surgery table behind the closed doors as he was left in his own world, fearing for the worst that maybe, this time, her luck would run out.
And only then did his life end. His life was meaningless without her.
It had been too late for him to realize that.
*****
Part Twenty-Two
Cordelia watched her boss sitting on the linoleum, knees pulled up to his chest and his head in his hands. From where she stood, she could see the tears trekking down his face. He looked so miserable. No one should have to go through the pain that he had been in.
She could feel the pain that he was in. She could feel that he was, once again, blaming himself for hurting the woman that he loved-love.
And in some way, he did. But it wasn't entirely his fault. She knew that as much as she knew it wasn't anybody's fault besides the fates themselves.
Making her way towards her boss, her shoes hitting the floor with a soft thud, she crouched down and lay a hand on his shaking shoulders.
Pulling him close, Cordelia tried the best that she could to comfort the hurting Angel.
The once strong and powerful Angel was now reduced to a shaking heap of flesh.
All because of one powerful woman.
*****
Buffy was in a daze. Everything was a blur. She could hear people around her, fussing her. She could feel their hands on her and she wanted to yell at them.
Tell them to get their hands off of her, that she was okay.
That her baby was okay.
Her head was hurting. She wanted to get out of here. She knew she was in a hospital. The blue coats and the sterile smell told her so.
Her back lay on a could metal table.
An operation table.
She tried to regain consciousness but the pounding in her head commanded her to fall asleep. To feel the bliss of feeling nothing.
The last thing she heard before she fell into the abyss of sleep was the urgent voice of one of the blue coats.
"Hurry! We're losing her!"
And she fell.
*****
Part Twenty-Three
Cordelia and Angel sat in the same exact position as they were hours before. Neither moving from their spot.
Angel had somewhat gained enough of his feelings to find out that he was being comforted by Cordelia, but his brain couldn't process that for long. It was the first nano second that he had not thought of Buffy. And her baby.
Judging by the wet spot on his shirt, Cordelia had been crying on him. Although he could hardly register the wet feel of his shirt on his warm skin.
Angel was still in deep thoughts, in his own hell, when the doctor came out of the swinging doors, carrying a clipboard and a stoic expression as he walked down the halls towards Angel.
Cordelia was the first to register his presence, only after he cleared his throat.
Looking up, she shook Angel out of his reverie and pulled him so that he could stand up.
Angel stood on his shaky feet, leaning against the wall to hold himself up.
With a shaky voice, he talked. "How is she?"
The doctor sighed, his steel gray eyes gave nothing, not even a hint, away.
"Well, there are good news and bad news. I presume that you would want to hear the good news first?" Without waiting for a response, he continued.
"The good news is that your friend, Wesley I believe, is okay. Only an injury to his skull, nothing serious. He has been asking to speak with you, Mr. Summers. The other good news is that we were able to save your daughter, she is now being checked up to make sure she is alright. But I must say, your daughter is healthy as a horse."
The doctor stopped. Waiting for a sign from Angel. Angel nodded when he heard the news of his, Buffy's, daughter.
"The bad news is that, and I'm very sorry to say this, but," The doctor's eyes held nothing in them, "I'm afraid we were unable to do anything for your wife and she has slipped into a coma. I'm very sorry, Mr. Summers. The longer that she stays in her comatose state, the lesser of a chance it is for her to ever get out of it. Now, there are papers that you must fill out. Please, when you are ready, ask for Eileen for the papers. Good-bye, Mr. Summers."
"Doctor." Angel cried out before he could turn away. "Can I see her?"
The doctor nodded his gray haired head.
"Eileen will show you the way." With that, he turned and left.
Cordelia watched sadly at her boss. She hoped he wouldn't do something too drastic.
While Angel followed Eileen, at least he thought that was her name, one thought kept dancing around his head. Mocking him with it's truth.
*Buffy.....Coma.....Buffy.....Coma.....Buffy.....dead.*
He felt a panic rush inside of him and he kept a strong hold over it. He had been able to somewhat perfect his feelings, not letting them show, but now all of the practice was really coming in handy.
If he didn't hold in his pain, keep it in himself, he surely would combust with all of it's pressure. It was bursing to be free, pushing at the edge of his control.
If he didn't keep it in, he may never be able to stop.
The nurse had stopped at a doorway and he peeked through it's window.
Inside he saw Buffy's pale form, tubes and machines around and some in her.
It was the worst site of his life.
*****
Part Twenty-Four
Angel opened the door slowly, afraid to go inside to find that it was the brutal reality. He was scared that if he did, his worst nightmare might come true. That instead of Buffy lying on the hospital bed, in a coma and her flat belly that showed no signs that she was ever pregnant, she could be just lying there. Dead.
Her pale and lifeless body resembled too much of a dead person than a person in a coma.
Machines were around her, some were in her. There was one to help her to breathe and another to make sure she was still alive.
The beeping of the machines seemed to mock at him.
This was what *he* had been unable to prevent. No matter how much he tried, he had always, somehow, seem to lose Buffy. Losing her love for him.
But it was *his* fault. He had never given Buffy anything that even gave her hope that someday, they would be able to reunite.
And when she had heard of the miracle that happened, she had traveled to Los Angeles.
To see him and talk to him. But instead, he had pushed her farther away from him than he had already had.
No matter the bond that Buffy and himself shared, he could still feel the distance, their souls had drifted apart.
Mostly his fault.
He had tried so hard to give Buffy what she had always claimed that she had wanted, he had tried to run away from the feelings that she envoked in him.
Strong feelings that he was unable to prevent.
And look where that got him.
Closing the door behind him, he took hesitant steps towards her. Very slowly, he reached by her bedside.
She was pale and she had lost most of the weight of carrying a child within her.
No matter the machines around her, the paleness of her skin, or her deathlike figure he thought she was so beautiful.
He glanced at the pale lips. Once it had been red and smiling, making him smiling as well, but now it was a very sad imitation of her lips.
Lips that had once been on his own. Making him feel alive as well.
She was so small, the bed seemed to swallow her up.
Reaching out a hesitant hand out, he caressed her features. Softly, he traced the curve of her cheeks, her eyes, the outline of her lips, and finally down to where her neck was.
Tears fell down his face as he remembered every single curve of her body like it were his own. He had managed to remember everything about her.
But now, looking at her, he realized that he had almost lost the most important person in his life. The reason why he was alive in the first place.
He didn't care who the father of the child was, all he cared about was being with her.
All that needed to be done now was for Buffy to wake up.
Grabbing a chair, he sat beside her and held her hand.
He prayed that if there was a God, that he would be able to have another chance to make things up to Buffy.
To show her that he really love her, that he had never stopped.
He prayed and prayed and an angel from above heard his wish.
*****
Part Twenty-Five
Angel sat beside Buffy's hospital bed, one hand holding on to hers. He was deep in thoughts, thinking and brooding.
What he had always been good at. Feeling guilty.
He didn't know how long he had sat there, waiting for a miracle to happen.
It felt like days, but in reality could have been hours.
His muscles hurt from sitting in one spot for too long, but he didn't care. All he cared about right now was that Buffy was okay, that she would wake up and tell him she loved him.
A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts, the door opened to show the doctor that had talked to him earlier enter.
"Mr. Summers, Mr. Pryce has been asking to see you, although he is quite delirious right now. Would you please come with me after I check up on your wife?"
Angel just nodded, he didn't want to leave Buffy's side. He wanted to be with her for as long as he could.
As the doctor did checked up on Buffy, Angel got up and stretched his aching muscles.
When he was done, the doctor gestured for them to leave.
Angel closed the door softly behind him, taking one last look at Buffy before going down the hall.
The doctor stopped at a door, Angel could hear mumbling behind the door.
The doctor left and Angel entered.
Wesley still except for his mumblings, his eyes were closed. Wesley had only suffered from injury to the head, nothing serious, but Angel guessed that Wesley was probably in his drug induced state.
Walking closer to the bed, Angel could bearly make out the words. When he was right next to him, Angel leaned in close to Wesley.
"Angel....Buffy.....baby.....Angel's baby.....forgotten day.....have to tell.....him.....Buffy....danger.....baby......Angel's......forgotten day...."
Angel was shocked, what Wesley said made no sense yet it made a lot of sense.
If what Wesley said was true than Buffy's child was also his.......
How was it possible?
It wasn't.
The miracle! This was the miracle he had been waiting for!
***The baby is mine! I have to go see her. God, this was what Buffy had wanted to talk to me about!***
He remembered about seven months ago when he had recieved a visit from Buffy.
He hadn't known what she had wanted to talk to him about but now he knew he shouldn't have brushed her off like he had.
Angel quickly left the room and made his way towards the reception, asking where the nursery was.
From above, an angel grinned.
They were too late. Too late to save yet another soul. The demon had gotten to her before they could.
Now she lay with her blood pooling around her. The child within her long since died.
He couldn't save her. He couldn't save anyone.
Too many have died because he couldn't save them. Because he had been too late.
This was his fault. It was always his fault.
Getting up slowly, he walked out of the alley. All the while he could hear Cordelia's cries.
She had wanted so bad to save her, she had stood by her as she took her last breath.
Angel hadn't seen the demon that was responsible for this but he vowed that he would not let another soul slip by him because of his own mistakes.
*****
Cordelia, Wesley, Gunn, and Angel were all sitting in the Hyperion Hotel. An eerie silence spread across the room.
Angel sat slouched in his chair, while Cordelia was typing furiously at her laptop, searching for a clue at what kind of demon would want to kill a pregnant women. Once in awhile, Cordelia would wipe away at a tear that would occasionally fall down her already tear stained face.
Gunn was sharpening stakes and looking for more weapons around the room. Wesley had his head buried in yet another of his books.
They were all so involved in their own worlds that they didn't hear as someone entered the building.
*****
Part Sixteen
Kate had heard of the news concerning the death of a pregnant women. When reading the files, she knew it wasn't anything concerning humans. Rather, she knew that a demon had been the cause of this death and if she didn't get some help, more will die.
Over the months of her fathers death, Kate had learned that Angel wasn't as bad as she had thought. Knowing that he had a soul gave her some comfort that he would never hurt her or anyone as long as he was in possession of his soul.
She had apologized to him and now she was glad she did. She still mourned the death of her father, but she knew not to put the blame where it didn't, never would, belong.
Picking up her files and her car keys, she exited the building and headed towards the Hyperion Hotel.
*****
Entering Angel's office, she was greeted by silence. It was eerie. Taking slow steps, she headed towards the office area where she met the grim faces of her friends.
She walked up to them and stood by Cordelia's chair. None of them seemed to notice her.
Clearing her throat, she saw that Angel seemed to still be off somewhere. Sadness was apparent on his features. Obviously he was brooding again.
Even when he was human, he still brood as much as he did when he was a vampire with a soul. Brooding seemed to be a part of him.
Cordelia had looked up when she cleared her throat. Kate could see the lingering tears on her face. Genuine worry crept up on her.
"What's wrong?" She asked.
Nobody seemed to want to answer. She guessed it was because of the reaction from Cordelia for she seemed to be emotionally broken right now.
"Okay, well, Angel. Can I talk to you for a minute?" Angel finally looked up, smiling a little, he got up and led her towards his private office.
She was not surprised when he had told her that he knew about the case that she came to tell him about.
Everyone seemed to be determined to get the demon before even more dead people popped up.
As Angel exited the office, he could hear Cordelia's cry of pain as a vision swept over her.
Rushing to her side, he was told that it was the same demon that killed the woman and her child. Grabbing his duster and some weapons that Gunn handed to him, he left. Going to the alley in which he would find the demon.
Only to find that he was yet again too late.
*****
As the days went by, more corpses popped up. Worried, he went to the Powers That Be where he was informed that it was a demon assassin sent to kill a certain pregnant woman, but it had not succeeded. And until it found the right person, it would not stop.
He went back to his hotel, even broodier for more than ten dead pregnant women were found. Each he was too late to save.
He had to find the pregnant woman that the PTB was talking about and he had to do it fast.
*****
Part Seventeen
Entering Caritas, Angel and Wesley searched for the green demon that owned the karaoke bar. Angel spotted him, telling Wesley to have a seat for he was going to sing.
Dreadfully, he walked to the Host. Talking to him quietly before the Host did and intro for Angel.
The crowd that had been so lively were now a chorus of groans and boos. Obviously, they've heard of the vampire with the soul and his terrible voice.(Even if I think it's gorgeous.)
Angel gathered up his wits and picked out a song, a sad one to match his mood.
As he sang, the Host made his way towards Wesley who had watched with fear in his eyes. Dreading the upcoming event in which his boss would sing.
Taking a seat, the Host turned to look at Angel. Grimacing when Angel tried to hit a high note. That was when he saw what was in his future.
Although he couldn't tell Angel himself, he would tell his partner. Hoping that he would prevent what was about to come.
Taking a piece of paper and a pen out of his pocket, he began writing. Wesley watched the Host as he scribbled what appeared to be an address.
Giving it to Wesley, he watched as confusion masked his face.
"You have to get to the Slayer, and you have to do it fast." The Host told him.
"H-How? How can she be pregnant?" Wesley stammered.
"The forgotten day. It's your pal, Angels, child. You can't tell him this. He has to find out himself, otherwise the whole end result would be different."
"Right. What am I supposed to do?"
"You have to convince her to talk to Angel. She needs protection and a seven months pregnant slayer needs a lot. There is a prophecy that needs to be fulfilled and unless she survives this ordeal, the world would end."
Nodding his head, Wesley glanced up to where his friend had just finished singing.
He watched as the Host told him lies, that he couldn't see anything in Angels future.
Time was running out and he had to find Buffy Summers quickly before she was hurt.
Angel and Wesley left. Angel was furious, Wesley was still thinking of a way to get away from Angel to get to Buffy.
Time was running out and he had to find Buffy Summers quickly before she was hurt and the whole world would end.
*****
Part Eighteen
When Angel came back to the hotel, he found Cordelia holding her head with one hand and the other scribbling on a notepad. Rushing to her side, he found that she had another vision. Only this time she got a name and an address.
Lily. That was her name. The address that Cordelia found was for a hotel. Angel took the paper while Cordelia dased towards her computer, typing in the address.
Once she found it, she exclaimed happily. Glad that she had found a lead, maybe this time she could prevent Lily's death.
Although, in her vision, Lily hadn't been pregnant. She guessed it probably was that she was but it hadn't begun to show yet.
At least now they could save her life.
*****
Wesley had managed to get away from Angel. Claiming that he was tired.
Once he was sure that Angel had left, Wesley made his way towards the address given to him by the Host.
He had to convince Buffy to get protection from Angel. He knew it would be hard, but he had to convince her. Her life, as well as everyone's, was on the line.
Making his way into the building, he ascended the elevator.
As he stepped off, he never heard the noises downstairs. Or the screams as a demon entered, killing anybody in his path.
The demon was determined to find the Slayer and kill her and her child.
It wasn't going to stop killing until he found her.
*****
Part Nineteen
Buffy sat on her bed, watching tv. One hand was on her huge stomach, while the other was on the remote. She leaned against the headboard as her back start to hurt from sitting up.
She was 35 and a half weeks along. Her little baby was kicking in her stomach at that moment.
Buffy loved to feel where her baby had kicked. She was amazed that such a small being inside of her could kick that strong.
Guess it came from her and its father.
Buffy had been giving time off from work because she was pregnant. Her boss had told her that when she was ready, she could come back.
Right now, Lily was supporting her and her child. She was very grateful for LIly, even if she had friends in Sunnydale who had offered to help.
They visited her once in awhile. Checking up on her and the baby.
She was already dozing off when there was a knock on the door.
Sighing loudly, she grumbled when she couldn't get up.
One hand on her stomach and the other at the small of her back, Buffy took slow steps towards the door.
She was surprised to see Wesley behind the door.
"W-Wesley. What are you doing here?" She asked, wishing that Angel hadn't found out of her pregnancy.
Wesley stared, he hadn't believed that Buffy was pregnant when the Host had told him. But now, seeing her as pregnant as can be, he believed.
Taking a minute to clear his head, he answered.
"Buffy, you have to come with me. You're in great danger." He told her, already knowing that she already knew.
Anger filled her eyes as she questioned accusingly.
"Did Angel send you here? If he did, tell him he can go to hell and that he isn't going to lay his hands on me or my child."
"You'll have to tell him sooner or later, you know. It might as well be now before it's too late."
"You don't understand. He couldn't care less if I were gone. Didn't you notice that he didn't even try to find me?" She asked him with such sadness in her voice that it almost brought tears to his own eyes.
"He'd been searching for you ever since you left his building. Even if he won't admit it, he has."
"He didn't do a very good job at it than."
"Buffy, you have to tell him. You have to let us protect your child. The fate of the word depends on it." Wesley told her urgently. Willing the stubborn woman to understand.
"No! You tell him and I will kill you! He doesn't need to be with me or my child. He has Lina and he doesn't want me! Just go away already!" Buffy screamed at Wesley.
Before he could answer, the door was ripped off of it's hinges.
And inside the doorway stood a demon eight feet tall and huge.
The demon took one look at Buffy through it's red eyes and he knew he had found her at last.
Buffy watched fearfully as a cruel smile crept up his green face.
For the first time in years, she prayed to God. Praying that her child would survive and that it woud be able to go on. Even if the price was her death.
Wesley stared at the demon before taking a step in front of Buffy protectively.
The demon laughed.
Wesley lunged at it with an ax that he had gotten from his car. He would have been able to strike the demon and kill it if not for the demon's own height and speed.
With one flick of his hand, he sent Wesley flying against the wall, rendering him unconscious and his blood stuck on the wall as his body slid down.
Buffy looked fearfully at Wesley, scared that he was dead, before she looked at the demon.
She began to back up, her hands on her stomach to protect her child.
The demon advanced, cornering her at a wall.
Before another thought could be understood, she, too, was flying against the wall.
As the world went black, she prayed once more that her child would survive.
The demon smiled, satisfied that she was dead, and left.
*****
Part Twenty
Angel and Cordelia found Lily at the entrance of the hotel only to find that she wasn't the pregnant one, rather her friend was. They asked her if she could show them the way to her friend.
Taking a step up the stairs, Angel felt a pain pass through him. He knew what that meant.
Buffy was hurt, or worse. She might be dead.
He panicked. He rushed inside of the building, he could smell the blood and death in the air.
Fearing the worst, he used his senses to find Buffy.
Behind him he could hear a pained cry from Cordelia, knowing she was having another vision.
Turning towards her, he questioned what she had seen. Only to have his nightmares come true.
Buffy was indeed hurt as well as Wesley.
Rushing towards the stairs, jumping over the dead people along the way, he made his way upstairs where he could feel he was getting closer to her.
But he could also feel their bond become weaker and weaker.
Finally he stopped, he ran towards an open door where he found a demon making its way out.
In a fit of rage, he snapped its neck. Not even giving it another glance, Angel walked towards the open doorway.
Only to be stopped by the sight that greeted him.
All of his blood drained out of his face as he saw his beloved lying on the floor, helplessly. One hand on her enlarged stomach.
Wait a minute, enlarged stomach? It didn't make any sense. How could she be pregnant?
It didn't matter as he rushed to her side. Picking her gingerly up, he rushed her downstairs.
Cordelia would take care of Wesley, he had to take care of Buffy. Like he should've before.
Now, she was hurt. Because of his pride and his male ego. It was his fault. It was always his fault.
And this time, it could be the death of his beloved and the child she carried.
Rushing down the stairs with silent tears on his face, he looked like a man of misery.
A broken Angel.
*****
Part Twenty-One
Everything was a blur to Angel. From when he had found Buffy lying nearly dead on her apartment floor to when he had arrived at the hospital. The only feeling that his body could remember was the grief and the pain. Throughout his numb body, he had pains. Riveting through every pore and muscles as he felt the close bond that had been formed between himself and Buffy beginning to fade. As if his own body could tell how near to death she was.
Grief was the basic feeling that he had gotten to used to, only this time it was tenfold. For he was the cause, no matter the reason, he was why she was in the hospital and in LA when she should be at home. Resting and safe as he had been confident that she was.
But, instead, she had to be in LA She had wanted to talk to him. But he had brushed her off, his arrogance getting the better of him.
He had wanted to rub the fact that he was dating in her face, like she had did to him. He hadn't admit it then but it had hurt that she could shove someone in his face, telling him she loved him and that he was a mistake. He had wanted to get her back for that, but now, it was foolish. Nothing could ever replace the hurt that they had caused each other. Only he didn't try to lessen the pain, he had made it worst. And now she lay on some surgery table behind the closed doors as he was left in his own world, fearing for the worst that maybe, this time, her luck would run out.
And only then did his life end. His life was meaningless without her.
It had been too late for him to realize that.
*****
Part Twenty-Two
Cordelia watched her boss sitting on the linoleum, knees pulled up to his chest and his head in his hands. From where she stood, she could see the tears trekking down his face. He looked so miserable. No one should have to go through the pain that he had been in.
She could feel the pain that he was in. She could feel that he was, once again, blaming himself for hurting the woman that he loved-love.
And in some way, he did. But it wasn't entirely his fault. She knew that as much as she knew it wasn't anybody's fault besides the fates themselves.
Making her way towards her boss, her shoes hitting the floor with a soft thud, she crouched down and lay a hand on his shaking shoulders.
Pulling him close, Cordelia tried the best that she could to comfort the hurting Angel.
The once strong and powerful Angel was now reduced to a shaking heap of flesh.
All because of one powerful woman.
*****
Buffy was in a daze. Everything was a blur. She could hear people around her, fussing her. She could feel their hands on her and she wanted to yell at them.
Tell them to get their hands off of her, that she was okay.
That her baby was okay.
Her head was hurting. She wanted to get out of here. She knew she was in a hospital. The blue coats and the sterile smell told her so.
Her back lay on a could metal table.
An operation table.
She tried to regain consciousness but the pounding in her head commanded her to fall asleep. To feel the bliss of feeling nothing.
The last thing she heard before she fell into the abyss of sleep was the urgent voice of one of the blue coats.
"Hurry! We're losing her!"
And she fell.
*****
Part Twenty-Three
Cordelia and Angel sat in the same exact position as they were hours before. Neither moving from their spot.
Angel had somewhat gained enough of his feelings to find out that he was being comforted by Cordelia, but his brain couldn't process that for long. It was the first nano second that he had not thought of Buffy. And her baby.
Judging by the wet spot on his shirt, Cordelia had been crying on him. Although he could hardly register the wet feel of his shirt on his warm skin.
Angel was still in deep thoughts, in his own hell, when the doctor came out of the swinging doors, carrying a clipboard and a stoic expression as he walked down the halls towards Angel.
Cordelia was the first to register his presence, only after he cleared his throat.
Looking up, she shook Angel out of his reverie and pulled him so that he could stand up.
Angel stood on his shaky feet, leaning against the wall to hold himself up.
With a shaky voice, he talked. "How is she?"
The doctor sighed, his steel gray eyes gave nothing, not even a hint, away.
"Well, there are good news and bad news. I presume that you would want to hear the good news first?" Without waiting for a response, he continued.
"The good news is that your friend, Wesley I believe, is okay. Only an injury to his skull, nothing serious. He has been asking to speak with you, Mr. Summers. The other good news is that we were able to save your daughter, she is now being checked up to make sure she is alright. But I must say, your daughter is healthy as a horse."
The doctor stopped. Waiting for a sign from Angel. Angel nodded when he heard the news of his, Buffy's, daughter.
"The bad news is that, and I'm very sorry to say this, but," The doctor's eyes held nothing in them, "I'm afraid we were unable to do anything for your wife and she has slipped into a coma. I'm very sorry, Mr. Summers. The longer that she stays in her comatose state, the lesser of a chance it is for her to ever get out of it. Now, there are papers that you must fill out. Please, when you are ready, ask for Eileen for the papers. Good-bye, Mr. Summers."
"Doctor." Angel cried out before he could turn away. "Can I see her?"
The doctor nodded his gray haired head.
"Eileen will show you the way." With that, he turned and left.
Cordelia watched sadly at her boss. She hoped he wouldn't do something too drastic.
While Angel followed Eileen, at least he thought that was her name, one thought kept dancing around his head. Mocking him with it's truth.
*Buffy.....Coma.....Buffy.....Coma.....Buffy.....dead.*
He felt a panic rush inside of him and he kept a strong hold over it. He had been able to somewhat perfect his feelings, not letting them show, but now all of the practice was really coming in handy.
If he didn't hold in his pain, keep it in himself, he surely would combust with all of it's pressure. It was bursing to be free, pushing at the edge of his control.
If he didn't keep it in, he may never be able to stop.
The nurse had stopped at a doorway and he peeked through it's window.
Inside he saw Buffy's pale form, tubes and machines around and some in her.
It was the worst site of his life.
*****
Part Twenty-Four
Angel opened the door slowly, afraid to go inside to find that it was the brutal reality. He was scared that if he did, his worst nightmare might come true. That instead of Buffy lying on the hospital bed, in a coma and her flat belly that showed no signs that she was ever pregnant, she could be just lying there. Dead.
Her pale and lifeless body resembled too much of a dead person than a person in a coma.
Machines were around her, some were in her. There was one to help her to breathe and another to make sure she was still alive.
The beeping of the machines seemed to mock at him.
This was what *he* had been unable to prevent. No matter how much he tried, he had always, somehow, seem to lose Buffy. Losing her love for him.
But it was *his* fault. He had never given Buffy anything that even gave her hope that someday, they would be able to reunite.
And when she had heard of the miracle that happened, she had traveled to Los Angeles.
To see him and talk to him. But instead, he had pushed her farther away from him than he had already had.
No matter the bond that Buffy and himself shared, he could still feel the distance, their souls had drifted apart.
Mostly his fault.
He had tried so hard to give Buffy what she had always claimed that she had wanted, he had tried to run away from the feelings that she envoked in him.
Strong feelings that he was unable to prevent.
And look where that got him.
Closing the door behind him, he took hesitant steps towards her. Very slowly, he reached by her bedside.
She was pale and she had lost most of the weight of carrying a child within her.
No matter the machines around her, the paleness of her skin, or her deathlike figure he thought she was so beautiful.
He glanced at the pale lips. Once it had been red and smiling, making him smiling as well, but now it was a very sad imitation of her lips.
Lips that had once been on his own. Making him feel alive as well.
She was so small, the bed seemed to swallow her up.
Reaching out a hesitant hand out, he caressed her features. Softly, he traced the curve of her cheeks, her eyes, the outline of her lips, and finally down to where her neck was.
Tears fell down his face as he remembered every single curve of her body like it were his own. He had managed to remember everything about her.
But now, looking at her, he realized that he had almost lost the most important person in his life. The reason why he was alive in the first place.
He didn't care who the father of the child was, all he cared about was being with her.
All that needed to be done now was for Buffy to wake up.
Grabbing a chair, he sat beside her and held her hand.
He prayed that if there was a God, that he would be able to have another chance to make things up to Buffy.
To show her that he really love her, that he had never stopped.
He prayed and prayed and an angel from above heard his wish.
*****
Part Twenty-Five
Angel sat beside Buffy's hospital bed, one hand holding on to hers. He was deep in thoughts, thinking and brooding.
What he had always been good at. Feeling guilty.
He didn't know how long he had sat there, waiting for a miracle to happen.
It felt like days, but in reality could have been hours.
His muscles hurt from sitting in one spot for too long, but he didn't care. All he cared about right now was that Buffy was okay, that she would wake up and tell him she loved him.
A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts, the door opened to show the doctor that had talked to him earlier enter.
"Mr. Summers, Mr. Pryce has been asking to see you, although he is quite delirious right now. Would you please come with me after I check up on your wife?"
Angel just nodded, he didn't want to leave Buffy's side. He wanted to be with her for as long as he could.
As the doctor did checked up on Buffy, Angel got up and stretched his aching muscles.
When he was done, the doctor gestured for them to leave.
Angel closed the door softly behind him, taking one last look at Buffy before going down the hall.
The doctor stopped at a door, Angel could hear mumbling behind the door.
The doctor left and Angel entered.
Wesley still except for his mumblings, his eyes were closed. Wesley had only suffered from injury to the head, nothing serious, but Angel guessed that Wesley was probably in his drug induced state.
Walking closer to the bed, Angel could bearly make out the words. When he was right next to him, Angel leaned in close to Wesley.
"Angel....Buffy.....baby.....Angel's baby.....forgotten day.....have to tell.....him.....Buffy....danger.....baby......Angel's......forgotten day...."
Angel was shocked, what Wesley said made no sense yet it made a lot of sense.
If what Wesley said was true than Buffy's child was also his.......
How was it possible?
It wasn't.
The miracle! This was the miracle he had been waiting for!
***The baby is mine! I have to go see her. God, this was what Buffy had wanted to talk to me about!***
He remembered about seven months ago when he had recieved a visit from Buffy.
He hadn't known what she had wanted to talk to him about but now he knew he shouldn't have brushed her off like he had.
Angel quickly left the room and made his way towards the reception, asking where the nursery was.
From above, an angel grinned.