Divine Interference
Part Four
Posted: April 6, 2004
Author's notes: I'm terribly sorry for such a long delay. The whole getting into season five really scared me, and I thought it was going to be harder than it really was. I didn't want to copy the season episode by episode. But now I've done one episode, and you'll get there eventually, and it's really not that hard. I still tend to have tense problems though.....
And I just wanted to get this over with....
NO ONE PICKED IT UP!!! Lol. I've been spelling Divine wrong! Evil me! Lol. It should be right from here on out guys, ok?
Ok!
Reader Responses:
Destiny-ruler: Ok, if you haven't figured it out yet, you are on the right track, but it's been so long since I've worked on this, I should really go and reread what I've posted, but anyway...all of your questions should be answered soon!
Doukeshi03: things are going to become clearer. And thanks once again so much for doing the Scottish dialogue.
WhiteWolf 3: I'm glad your liking it. I'm sorry for such a long wait in updates!
Kate: Yeah, I don't know why I keep doing cliffhangers. I hate the crappers, and yet I tend to write them. Here is your next, very long awaited update, and I'' terribly sorry!
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
"I cannot believe her!"
"She didn't let anything of importance slip, and she sent them on a dead end path." Ganymedia was fast to sooth her mate.
"You were in league with others, and you did not tell me!"
"Malhavoc, calm down. It was just as dangerous as telling you, as leaving the slayer to her own devices. The Hell God is getting closer, and the monks had to do something. By putting the power into her unborn child, in her womb, there is no doubt that she shall cherish and protect it until her dying breath, and beyond."
"What about the vampire? Surely he will figure it out, and he shall go to her, and her watcher. What shall we do then?"
"Do not doubt him so quickly. He has his own secrets. She reacted badly to his decision when she knew of his day of life, she shall be just as displeased now as she was then. He shan't tell her, unless he has to. He knows her wrath, and he knows her pain. He shall not risk it, unless it is absolutely necessary."
"But will he let that boy raise his child? He hates her mate, we both know that. If only to hurt him, he might risk it."
"No. He's hurt to many in his days and he would not be so petty. He's seen where that path leads, for both vampires and humans. No, he's beyond petty hate."
"Hating a guy for dating his ex? No, that's not petty at all."
"If anything, we can always intervene. Before the Powers find out."
"Don't you think they're watching this just as closely as we are? We are talking about the potential end of the world! As if They didn't have enough to worry about, with Wolfram and Hart, no, now there's this."
"Ganymedia! Malhavoc!" A voice that was not heavenly could be heard. "Stop bickering like children, or you shall be treated like a pair, and your jobs will be given to those who can do it better."
"Yes, Aramil." They both bowed their heads at the presence of one of the Powers That Be. They didn't interfere for light matters.
"We are unimpressed with your work thus far." A female voice, as cold as ice told them. It was Anassrianna. "But if it works out, then you shall be rewarded by keeping your jobs."
"Otherwise, your powers will be stripped, and given to worthier gods." That was Evandele, voice like spring dew.
"Yes, my lords." They chimed.
"The vampire is to be trusted. He is, after all, a Champion of the Powers." Quarich told them. His voice was deep and melodic, almost like falling leaves. "And so is the girl. We are not pleased with the outcome of your endeavors in our names, but we are able to forgive. The girl is also a Chosen One among her generation, and our other Champion." It was well known that the Powers chose up to two Champions at a time, but only when a male and female was worthy. Many slayers had been champions, but it had been a long time since a male champion had been named, since none were worthy.
When both champions were chosen at the same timeframe, then the time was special, and they tended to work closely together, and be soul mates, like the Gods they served. They would complete each other. But they always had a challenge to get through before they could live their destinies.
They waited a few minutes, but that was the end of their conversation with the Powers That Be. The four Gods, each known for a season, and a feeling related to such, were not to be crossed. Both Malhavoc and Ganymedia waited just a bit longer, before getting up and going about their business. They did not want to loose their jobs.
~ * ~
At 6:42, when the sun began to sink, Buffy felt it. It was something she had been accustomed to knowing, since her job took place after the fall of night. She also became aware of his presence. She gave Dawn to Phae, so she would be out of the way. The baby was in no way a burden, but she had occasionally gotten her signals crossed before, and she wanted her safe.
He stepped into the room as she sat in the chair, and he didn't look at her for a moment.
"Buffy." He said finally.
"Angel. What are you doing here?" She wasn't about to forget his last visit to Sunnydale, nor forgive him for it.
"I heard you were in trouble, of sorts. My connection to the Powers said that you were here, and that they wanted me here. Don't ask me why, because I don't know." He looked her over critically. "Are you ok? How have you been?"
"I've been better." He nodded, since it made sense since she was in the hospital. He looked around, and noticed the elf and baby. He didn't let her know that he could see them, since she obviously thought he couldn't. He filed the information away, with what little he had from the vision, and the glimpses of other patients in this wing.
"How long are you here for?"
"Couple days. Then its back to classes."
"Yeah, I heard you were taking some summer courses. How's that?"
"Keeps me out of trouble, for the most part." She looked down at her lap, then back up at him, "Angel, stop the act. We both know that you want information. So just ask. You owe me that much, to be honest with me."
"Fine." He sighed. "The Powers that Be sent me here. I told you that. The vision, it saw you at school, hunched over, then you here, in this room. They obviously wanted me here. But I don't know why. Maybe it would help if I knew why you were in here, and why there is an elf in your corner, holding a baby."
"How-" Buffy looked at him, confused. Phae stared in shock at him. Did her powers not work anymore?
"I could smell you the moment I walked in the room." He told her. "And I could smell the baby as well. Pretty distinct scent, Buffy. A touch of the mother, milk, I can almost smell the innocence. I think I deserve you to be honest with me, since the Powers want me to be here."
"There's nothing to tell, Angel. Three days ago, I started getting bad cramps. Yesterday, I gave birth. Her name is Dawn Jennifer Summers." She emphasized the middle name. He had hurt her so bad, and she just couldn't help but wan to hurt him in return.
He winced, but that didn't satisfy her, it just hurt her further. "The father?"
"There is none. No recollection of conceiving her. Willow and Giles are working on it, though."
"What do you mean?" It just didn't add up. "Riley isn't the father?"
"NO! No. And he doesn't know yet, either. I can't hide her forever, but he doesn't know. Neither does mom. Or Xander. I don't know what to tell them." She was clearly in pain.
"If there's anything I can do. . . "
"Patrol?" her voice was just above a whisper. She looked up at him, "I can't do this alone. I never thought I'd get to be a mother, never planned to be one. I have no idea what to do. But Phae is here to help. But I can't patrol. Not so soon. If anything happened-"
"She needs her mother. Of course I'll patrol, Buffy. You don't even have to ask."
"Stay clear of the Initiative guys. We closed it down, but there are still a few out there, who wouldn't care whose side your on. And stay away from Riley." He nodded.
"Anything else?" She shook her head. She wouldn't look at him. The pain was too great.
Phae could feel the pain and tension in the room. And they didn't even know. . . . .
"Well, then I'll be going. Oh, here's my cell phone number, if you think of anything I can do . . ."
"Ok." She nodded. Then a thought came to her, "Angel." he turned back to her, as she motioned Phae over. "Would you like to hold her?" He hesitated, remembering all the infants he had ripped from their mother's arms, and killed before their eyes, before moving in for the kill on them as well.
But something told him to hold her, if only for a minute, maybe it was his longing to hold her mother. He nodded. Phae handed over the infant, and he was gentle with her. All of a sudden, he was awash in a sea of calm.
He had learned through prior experience that an infant Dawn's age would have yet to produce her own scent, and for the first 24 to 48 hours, it varied from infant to infant, the child would carry the scent of both parents. He hesitantly took a sniff of the surrounding air. Sweet Pea hand lotion, Buffy's; lavender, Buffy's shampoo and conditioner; Kiwi, Buffy's body wash; the sweet scent of a mother's first milk; the smell of uterus fluids; the distinct smell of the elf; Buffy's distinct smell, and. . . . .
His eyes widened, and he looked first to Buffy, who was gazing lovingly at her baby, and then the elf. She gave him a small smile and a half wink. She knew! But how . . . . .
Was that what the first part of Cordy's vision meant? But everything had been reversed! Time itself, even!
But, if he had memories, wasn't it possible that maybe inter-uterus couldn't be changed? And the Hell mouth might have played a role.
Or was this something the Powers had cooked up?
It wasn't possible. It couldn't be! He had to get out of there, so he could think!
He looked down at the bundle in his arms, all soft baby skin, big blue eyes, and he couldn't. This was his child, and he couldn't leave her. She yawned, and promptly went to seep, and his undead heart melted. She was so tiny, and perfect, and his. His and Buffy's.
Buffy got up slowly and looked at the tiny bundle. She was close enough for him to smell her hair; not just the shampoo she used, or her conditioner, the oils itself.
"She's asleep." She murmured.
"She's so beautiful, Buffy. Just like her mother." She smiled, then seemed to remember something.
"You'd better go. She's gonna sleep for an hour or so, and then she's gonna be hungry."
"Yeah, ok." He passed their child to her, even though she didn't know, and might never know. Their hand brushed and he accidentally brushed her breast. He would have blushed, if vampireicly possible, but she didn't say anything, so he didn't say anything. God, he missed her so much! Being this close to her, and not being able to hold her, it was almost unbearable.
Once Dawn was settled into her arms, he dropped his own to his sides, to prevent him from doing something rash.
"It was great seeing you again. Ca-can I stop by later? Or tomorrow?" he was hesitant, not sure if he had overstepped his boundaries. But he wanted to see more, both of his baby, and her mother.
"I'd like that." Her voice was soft. She said this without thinking. And then it was too late to take it back. She wasn't sure she wanted to.
"Good." He impulsively slid his thumb down her cheek, caressing it. Then his hand dropped to his side. "Bye, Buffy. Dawn." He turned to the elf. "Phae." He gave her a look that clearly said, 'take good care of them. Both of them. Or else.' If she could sense that he was the father, then she had to have sensed what he was. And the consequences. She bobbed her head once, and he left. Buffy sat back in the chair, and sagged into the back.
Seeing Angel and the efforts of the day before drained her more than she'd like to admit. The birth had drained her physically, the way no fight ever could; and seeing Angel had drained her emotionally.
"Why don't ye take a nap? Yer friends, Willow and Mr. Giles shall no' be here for at least another hour. The child'll sleep for at least that long. Take a rest. Ye deserve it." Buffy looked at her sweats and tank top, and nodded. Wrinkled was in. She set Dawn in the plastic crib/box and curled up on the bed.
Phae went over to the child, behind Buffy's back, and waved her hand over her face. She then went over and waved her hand twice over Buff's face, and she was asleep. She now knew they would not awaken before she returned. She thought about her destination, picturing it in her mind, and she disappeared.
~ * ~
Buffy had peaceful dreams, nothing remarkable, or even worth remembering. She woke up to the sounds of a whimpery cry, and murmuring.
"Shh, now, wee one. Yer Ma's asleep, now. Shh."
"No, I'm awake. Give her here." She sighed. Once Dawn was firmly attached, and was contentedly feeding, she turned back to the elf. "Why didn't you wake me? Or feed her some more goat's milk?" She asked, though it was clear she wasn't happy with the idea.
"Now, tha' would'nay be takin' good care of either of ye. Goat's milk is perfectly fine fer a child, but not nursing can be painful fer the mother. She needs the nutrients."
"What do you mean, good care of us?"
"Ah was told t' take good care o' both of you, and the Powers agree. Mah assignment was only t' take care of you, but now the job has changed."
"Who told you?" The elf shut her eyes, like she said too much. But she opened them, and stared straight into Buffy's eyes.
"Ye're man told me to."
"Riley?! He was here?!"
"Nay, th' vampire."
"He's not my. . . .man. We were involved, but we broke up a long time ago, and I'm over him." She told her.
"Just keep tellin' yersel' that, lass. Eventually, ye'll believe it." Buffy sulked in silence as Dawn drank her fill.
Dawn was just finishing up as Giles and Willow showed up, with nothing new to report, besides that it was in fact a spell that had caused Buffy to forget. And a potential one that could have both protected the baby, and left her unawares.
They also had bad news. Riley was freaking out. He'd left a couple messages on the dorm answering machine, a couple at Giles's house, and he had said he was thinking about calling her house.
"But then mom will find out I'm in the hospital!" She cried. They both nodded glumly. "But she can't know! Not until we get this figured out."
"What if you told him half of the truth? That you just found out you were under a spell, and you first went to the hospital, for your own safety, but once everything's figured out, you'll tell him. That gives you time, and he won't contact your mom."
"Good idea, Will. That might end up being what I have to do. But I don't want to lie to him!"
"But is lying better than the truth, Buffy?" Giles asked.
She looked down at the tiny baby in her arms. "Yeah. It is." She said, resigned. "Could you take her? She might be a bit fussy. She just ate." Willow took the baby, as Buffy grabbed the phone.
She dialed the number she knew by heart, and waited for it to be picked up. Graham picked it up, but promised to go find Riley.
"Buffy! Oh my God! I've been so worried about you!"
"Hi, Riley. Listen, I just wanted to let you know, there's nothing to worry about. Someone put a spell on me, and we're trying to figure it out. It's best if you don't come and visit me, I'm sorta muddled."
"What type of spell?" He was genuinely concerned, and it hurt her heart.
"Memory spell. We're not sure what I've forgotten, but it's something big, I can tell you that much."
"When will I be able to see you again?"
"I don't know, Riley. I'm sorry. Look, Willow's here, and she wants to run some tests, so I have to go."
"I love you, Buffy."
"I love you too." But in her heart, she didn't mean it, and she knew it. And that scared her. She hung up slowly. Willow handed back her baby, and she hugged her tight to her chest.
"Uh, Giles, could you go get me something to eat? Phae, I think that Buffy needs to eat to, could you go with him?" She glared at both of them, and finally they left, ignoring Buffy's meager protests. She closed the door behind them, then sat on the bed next to Buffy. "What's wrong?" She asked quietly.
"I'm just so confused." She hung her head. "Three days ago, I was a happy college student, taking some great summer courses, to stay closer to my boyfriend. But now, I'm a single mother, and I can't even determine what's reality and fiction anymore. How could I have not known about her, Willow? I know everything about my body! From how much force it takes to break just about every bone, how much force to exert to break my spin, to paralyze me, to kill me. I know how high a window I can jump out of, if necessary, and how much of a reaction I have to make, mid air, to land with the best of my ability, and to not get hurt.
"So, then how could I not know about the baby growing in my stomach?!"
"The spell . . . ."
"It's just an excuse, Will. Maybe it was that I didn't want to know."
"No, Buffy, I did a spell, yesterday, before I showed up, that allowed me to see magic, and you, the elf, and Dawn have either used magic, or had magic used on you. Now, you don't use magic, and Dawn's too little, so that has to mean a spell was cast on you."
"Angel visited earlier today." She muttered.
"He did? What did he want?"
"His connections to the Powers sent him here. Said he was needed, and urgent. Everything is so much more complicated with him here!" Buffy cried.
"I know. I understand, Buffy. Why don't you just tell him to go back to L.A?"
"Because I don't want him to!" she unconsciously touched a hand to her cheek, "When he's around, he makes everything so complicated, but also simpler. I know he still loves me. And I thought I was over him, but . . . what if I'm not? What if he's in my heart to stay, and he just keeps showing up?"
"Oh, Buffy." She drew her best friend into a gentle hug, taking care not to squash the infant between them. "It'll all work out, you'll see. He has to be here for a reason."
"But what if I don't want to know why?" she whispered.
"Shh." She rocked her distraut friend.
When Giles and Phae came back, carrying soft drinks and tea, Buffy and Willow were deep in conversation about the hottest guys in the movies. Giles shook his head admirably at the pair, and sipped his tea.
~ * ~
Angel waited a few hours to go back to visit Buffy. He actually waited until they switched shifts. While the desk was unmanned, just for a minute, he slid past, and crept into her room. He stood against the wall, watching her sleep. Tonight, Dawn was in the nursery, so Phae had left. He was alone with her.
She murmured something in her sleep, and rolled over in the bed. He moved closer, and moved the hair from her face, brushing it to the sides of her head, so her beautiful face showed. He knew he should be ashamed of himself, or something. Peeping Tom that he was. Anything but what he was feeling.
He was feeling the old flames rekindling. He was feeling the bottomless pit where his love had been for her slowly fill to the brim, and even overflow, once more. He had fought it, and he had tried to run from it, but there was just no use anymore. Now that they had a child together. . . . Things were different.
He brushed the back of his hand over her smooth cheek, and she shivered slightly from the cool touch. He knew that he should leave, but he couldn't. He just wanted to hold her warm body against his cool skin once more.
She shifted away from him, lost in a dream, so he turned from the bed. He thought back to all the pictures that Angelus had drawn and left for her, and even the ones that he had drawn, and burned because they could never show her true beauty. He thought about it a moment, then quietly positioned the chair so he could have a clear view of her, and yet couldn't be seen from the door. As a vampire, he didn't need light. He took out a sketchpad, no real reason for it to be in his pocket, and he began to sketch.
He started fresh five times, before he thought he had captured a fifth of her beauty. He smiled, once he looked over the final drawing, and tucked it away in his pocket. He knew that if he left it for her, she would freak. It would just be a reminder of her time living with Angelus on the loose. He had no want to remind her of his past.
He decided to leave her be, he didn't want her to wake, and find him lurking in her room. Next, he decided to visit Dawn in the nursery. Another couple stood by the window, staring lovingly at their child, the father holding the mother in his arms.
"Which one's yours?" the couple asked, and he answered, without thinking.
"Um...that one. Over there." He pointed her out.
"She's really pretty." The mother said.
"Thanks. Uh, congratulations. Which one is yours?" He asked, uncomfortable. He was still working on his people skills.
"He's right over there." The dad pointed, bearly letting go of his wife; he could see the ring on her finger. "What's her name?"
"Uh. . . . Dawn. Dawn Jennifer. What's his name?" It got easier as time went by.
"James Mackintosh Qwilleran." The father said with pride, and the mom just beamed up at him. "Family name." He said, to Angel's curious stare. Angel nodded.
A/N: before I forget, James Mackintosh Qwilleran is the main character in 22+ books written by Lillian Jackson Braun. I do not own that name, I just couldn't think up a name, then James, then QWILL! So, it's not mine. But I just had to use it, I love that name.
Angel watched the infant sleep for awhile. He wanted to do a sketch, but not with the others there. Eventually, the father led the mother away, telling her that she needed to get some rest.
He pulled out his pad and pencil, and began to sketch. He had never drawn an infant before, and he found it challenging, but he eventually got the hang of it. He noticed that she had the same eye shape and forehead as Buffy, as well as her tiny nose. But then, all the infants had tiny noses. He sighed an unneeded sigh, and continued.
Buffy awoke to a presence in her room. Using breathing techniques Giles had taught her, she faked sleep, while trying to figure out who or what it was. The figure came over and brushed its hand over her cheek, and she shivered involuntarily at his cold touch. He then drew the chair over, and took something from his pocket. She almost sighed, and gave herself away, but she didn't.
It seemed like forever, but whatever he was doing, he became satisfied, and left.
She sat up, after his footsteps had faded away down the hall, and touched her cheek, where he had touched her. She smiled, and lay back to go to sleep.
~ * ~
Buffy was awoken the next morning, to find Willow sitting none to patiently in the chair next to her bed. "Buffy!" She cried, when she saw the slayer's eyes open.
"Hi, Will. What time is it?" She asked, trying to fight the sleepy cobwebs from her brain.
"10:30. But they're letting you go home today!"
"Great! Yes!" Buffy hopped out of the bed. "Oh, wait. There's still the problem of mom and Riley." She sat back on the bed with a sigh.
"Your mom will be easier than Riley."
"You didn't see her after she learned about Angel."
"Ah."
"But it's my best shot. So, when can I check out?"
"Lunchtime."
"Thank God! I hate hospitals."
"So, is that elf, Phae coming with you?"
"O' course Ah'm comin'. It's mah job t' take care of th' wee one, and there's nee way Ah'm goin' t' jus abandon her, now!" Buffy sighed.
"Will, could you look after her, for like 20 minutes, while I go talk to my mom? I want her to meet her today, but if I walk in with her, mom's not going to listen." She shook her head.
"Sure. But. . . .what about Riley?"
"I don't know." She sighed. "I have to tell him something. When I figure out what I'm going to tell him, could you take her then, too? If she's there, he's gonna get all stuffy and he's not going to listen to reason, and he'll go flying off the handle." Willow nodded. "Will, should I tell him that Angel's here? The last time they saw each other, they beat each other to pulps, and Angel's gonna be staying for awhile, but I'm afraid after Riley finds out about Dawn, he might do something stupid, and attacking Angel would be something he would do." Willow nodded.
"I think that he doesn't have a right to know. Angel is your problem."
"But he'll be jealous."
"There's nothing between you and Angel anymore. He should realize that." Willow rationalized. Buffy sighed, but didn't say anything more.
~ * ~
"Mom? You here?"
"Kitchen!" Buffy wove her way through the gallery boxes, and into the kitchen. "Hi, Buffy. It's great seeing you!" she hugged her mother.
"Mom, I want to talk to you about something. But you can't freak."
"Then you shouldn't tell me I can't, because it leads to freaking." She told her daughter. They sat down at the bar.
"Mom. A spell was put on me, about nine months ago. We're not sure by whom, but we now know why." Joyce looked at her daughter, concerned. "The spell was a memory spell, and it made me forget something. Something important. Now here's where you are going to freak. The spell . . . . "she took a deep breath, and Joyce could tell it was something serious. "The spell made me forget getting pregnant. I learned about it three days ago. I haven't remembered what I was meant to forget, but Willow's working on it." She looked at her hands in her lap.
"If you don't know what you forgot, then how'd you know- Oh." It dawned on her.
"Mom, I am so sorry! I had no idea, and I-"
"Buffy, it's ok. Well, not ok, ok, but I understand. You had nothing to do with this, I know that. Where is . . . . it now?"
"She. Willow has her right now. She's out in the car. I didn't want to spring her on you, I wanted a chance to explain, before you met her." She looked at her mom, with a look on her face that Joyce knew really well. It was the "I'm sorry, I know it was wrong, but what are you thinking?' look.
"Can I meet her now?" Buffy nodded, and went to get her child. Willow squeezed her best friend's hand, and followed her inside.
"Mom, this is Dawn Jennifer Summers." Buffy held her child out to her mother, and she took her.
"Do you know the father? No, of course not, you don't remember." Buffy cringed back a bit, and Joyce sighed. "That was way more judgmental than I meant. But Buffy, I haven't seen you since the start of the summer, and you didn't look pregnant then, and now you come to me, with a child?"
"There was another spell used, that hid the growth and development of the child from view." Willow told Buffy's mom. "That's why no one knew that she was pregnant, until she went into labor."
"I had gained some weight, but I just thought it from stress. I had no idea." Buffy hastened to add.
"Dawn Jennifer Summers, is that her name?" Buffy nodded. "I like it. Now, what are we going to do about college, Buffy?"
"Giles has offered to take her once regular classes start, in the fall. I can maybe still get half credit for the classes I'm taking now. And if Will helps me, I might be able to pass the exams, if she'll take notes and help me with them at night. If she would pick up my homework, I know I can do it, mom." She looked at her best friend as she felt the squeeze of her hand.
"You're laying an awful lot of responsibility on Willow. What does she think of all this?"
"I'm perfectly fine with it, Ms. Summers. I've been tutoring a few others, and I normally help Buffy out with notes she missed, or didn't understand." She nodded, and she seemed genuinely happy to help, Joyce thought.
"Fine, if you think you can do this. Though I don't think you understand just how hard it is to raise a child, Buffy. Its exhausting work."
"Mom, I have great help, and I think I can handle it."
Joyce nodded. "Well, if you ever need any help, I'm here, you know that, right?"
"Yeah, mom." She smiled, "I do." Joyce went back to staring at the tiny girl in her arms.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Author's Note: Way longer chapter than I was planning on posting, but since it's been so long, I guess I owe it to you. I have another study hall on Friday, so I'll try to update one story or another then, but I have a paper due Thursday, and a French project due Friday, so Study hall, and then the weekend will probably be the only times I can update, but I will always be writing, never fear on that.
I will try to update one or two stories at least once a week from here on out, a sort of random regular update. I don't know which story I will be ready to update next, I have almost finished redoing chapter 8 of One of a Kind, and I almost have enough written for The Dark Years. And then I have a few typed pages of this. So don't give up on me. And keep reviewing!
Part Four
Posted: April 6, 2004
Author's notes: I'm terribly sorry for such a long delay. The whole getting into season five really scared me, and I thought it was going to be harder than it really was. I didn't want to copy the season episode by episode. But now I've done one episode, and you'll get there eventually, and it's really not that hard. I still tend to have tense problems though.....
And I just wanted to get this over with....
NO ONE PICKED IT UP!!! Lol. I've been spelling Divine wrong! Evil me! Lol. It should be right from here on out guys, ok?
Ok!
Reader Responses:
Destiny-ruler: Ok, if you haven't figured it out yet, you are on the right track, but it's been so long since I've worked on this, I should really go and reread what I've posted, but anyway...all of your questions should be answered soon!
Doukeshi03: things are going to become clearer. And thanks once again so much for doing the Scottish dialogue.
WhiteWolf 3: I'm glad your liking it. I'm sorry for such a long wait in updates!
Kate: Yeah, I don't know why I keep doing cliffhangers. I hate the crappers, and yet I tend to write them. Here is your next, very long awaited update, and I'' terribly sorry!
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
"I cannot believe her!"
"She didn't let anything of importance slip, and she sent them on a dead end path." Ganymedia was fast to sooth her mate.
"You were in league with others, and you did not tell me!"
"Malhavoc, calm down. It was just as dangerous as telling you, as leaving the slayer to her own devices. The Hell God is getting closer, and the monks had to do something. By putting the power into her unborn child, in her womb, there is no doubt that she shall cherish and protect it until her dying breath, and beyond."
"What about the vampire? Surely he will figure it out, and he shall go to her, and her watcher. What shall we do then?"
"Do not doubt him so quickly. He has his own secrets. She reacted badly to his decision when she knew of his day of life, she shall be just as displeased now as she was then. He shan't tell her, unless he has to. He knows her wrath, and he knows her pain. He shall not risk it, unless it is absolutely necessary."
"But will he let that boy raise his child? He hates her mate, we both know that. If only to hurt him, he might risk it."
"No. He's hurt to many in his days and he would not be so petty. He's seen where that path leads, for both vampires and humans. No, he's beyond petty hate."
"Hating a guy for dating his ex? No, that's not petty at all."
"If anything, we can always intervene. Before the Powers find out."
"Don't you think they're watching this just as closely as we are? We are talking about the potential end of the world! As if They didn't have enough to worry about, with Wolfram and Hart, no, now there's this."
"Ganymedia! Malhavoc!" A voice that was not heavenly could be heard. "Stop bickering like children, or you shall be treated like a pair, and your jobs will be given to those who can do it better."
"Yes, Aramil." They both bowed their heads at the presence of one of the Powers That Be. They didn't interfere for light matters.
"We are unimpressed with your work thus far." A female voice, as cold as ice told them. It was Anassrianna. "But if it works out, then you shall be rewarded by keeping your jobs."
"Otherwise, your powers will be stripped, and given to worthier gods." That was Evandele, voice like spring dew.
"Yes, my lords." They chimed.
"The vampire is to be trusted. He is, after all, a Champion of the Powers." Quarich told them. His voice was deep and melodic, almost like falling leaves. "And so is the girl. We are not pleased with the outcome of your endeavors in our names, but we are able to forgive. The girl is also a Chosen One among her generation, and our other Champion." It was well known that the Powers chose up to two Champions at a time, but only when a male and female was worthy. Many slayers had been champions, but it had been a long time since a male champion had been named, since none were worthy.
When both champions were chosen at the same timeframe, then the time was special, and they tended to work closely together, and be soul mates, like the Gods they served. They would complete each other. But they always had a challenge to get through before they could live their destinies.
They waited a few minutes, but that was the end of their conversation with the Powers That Be. The four Gods, each known for a season, and a feeling related to such, were not to be crossed. Both Malhavoc and Ganymedia waited just a bit longer, before getting up and going about their business. They did not want to loose their jobs.
~ * ~
At 6:42, when the sun began to sink, Buffy felt it. It was something she had been accustomed to knowing, since her job took place after the fall of night. She also became aware of his presence. She gave Dawn to Phae, so she would be out of the way. The baby was in no way a burden, but she had occasionally gotten her signals crossed before, and she wanted her safe.
He stepped into the room as she sat in the chair, and he didn't look at her for a moment.
"Buffy." He said finally.
"Angel. What are you doing here?" She wasn't about to forget his last visit to Sunnydale, nor forgive him for it.
"I heard you were in trouble, of sorts. My connection to the Powers said that you were here, and that they wanted me here. Don't ask me why, because I don't know." He looked her over critically. "Are you ok? How have you been?"
"I've been better." He nodded, since it made sense since she was in the hospital. He looked around, and noticed the elf and baby. He didn't let her know that he could see them, since she obviously thought he couldn't. He filed the information away, with what little he had from the vision, and the glimpses of other patients in this wing.
"How long are you here for?"
"Couple days. Then its back to classes."
"Yeah, I heard you were taking some summer courses. How's that?"
"Keeps me out of trouble, for the most part." She looked down at her lap, then back up at him, "Angel, stop the act. We both know that you want information. So just ask. You owe me that much, to be honest with me."
"Fine." He sighed. "The Powers that Be sent me here. I told you that. The vision, it saw you at school, hunched over, then you here, in this room. They obviously wanted me here. But I don't know why. Maybe it would help if I knew why you were in here, and why there is an elf in your corner, holding a baby."
"How-" Buffy looked at him, confused. Phae stared in shock at him. Did her powers not work anymore?
"I could smell you the moment I walked in the room." He told her. "And I could smell the baby as well. Pretty distinct scent, Buffy. A touch of the mother, milk, I can almost smell the innocence. I think I deserve you to be honest with me, since the Powers want me to be here."
"There's nothing to tell, Angel. Three days ago, I started getting bad cramps. Yesterday, I gave birth. Her name is Dawn Jennifer Summers." She emphasized the middle name. He had hurt her so bad, and she just couldn't help but wan to hurt him in return.
He winced, but that didn't satisfy her, it just hurt her further. "The father?"
"There is none. No recollection of conceiving her. Willow and Giles are working on it, though."
"What do you mean?" It just didn't add up. "Riley isn't the father?"
"NO! No. And he doesn't know yet, either. I can't hide her forever, but he doesn't know. Neither does mom. Or Xander. I don't know what to tell them." She was clearly in pain.
"If there's anything I can do. . . "
"Patrol?" her voice was just above a whisper. She looked up at him, "I can't do this alone. I never thought I'd get to be a mother, never planned to be one. I have no idea what to do. But Phae is here to help. But I can't patrol. Not so soon. If anything happened-"
"She needs her mother. Of course I'll patrol, Buffy. You don't even have to ask."
"Stay clear of the Initiative guys. We closed it down, but there are still a few out there, who wouldn't care whose side your on. And stay away from Riley." He nodded.
"Anything else?" She shook her head. She wouldn't look at him. The pain was too great.
Phae could feel the pain and tension in the room. And they didn't even know. . . . .
"Well, then I'll be going. Oh, here's my cell phone number, if you think of anything I can do . . ."
"Ok." She nodded. Then a thought came to her, "Angel." he turned back to her, as she motioned Phae over. "Would you like to hold her?" He hesitated, remembering all the infants he had ripped from their mother's arms, and killed before their eyes, before moving in for the kill on them as well.
But something told him to hold her, if only for a minute, maybe it was his longing to hold her mother. He nodded. Phae handed over the infant, and he was gentle with her. All of a sudden, he was awash in a sea of calm.
He had learned through prior experience that an infant Dawn's age would have yet to produce her own scent, and for the first 24 to 48 hours, it varied from infant to infant, the child would carry the scent of both parents. He hesitantly took a sniff of the surrounding air. Sweet Pea hand lotion, Buffy's; lavender, Buffy's shampoo and conditioner; Kiwi, Buffy's body wash; the sweet scent of a mother's first milk; the smell of uterus fluids; the distinct smell of the elf; Buffy's distinct smell, and. . . . .
His eyes widened, and he looked first to Buffy, who was gazing lovingly at her baby, and then the elf. She gave him a small smile and a half wink. She knew! But how . . . . .
Was that what the first part of Cordy's vision meant? But everything had been reversed! Time itself, even!
But, if he had memories, wasn't it possible that maybe inter-uterus couldn't be changed? And the Hell mouth might have played a role.
Or was this something the Powers had cooked up?
It wasn't possible. It couldn't be! He had to get out of there, so he could think!
He looked down at the bundle in his arms, all soft baby skin, big blue eyes, and he couldn't. This was his child, and he couldn't leave her. She yawned, and promptly went to seep, and his undead heart melted. She was so tiny, and perfect, and his. His and Buffy's.
Buffy got up slowly and looked at the tiny bundle. She was close enough for him to smell her hair; not just the shampoo she used, or her conditioner, the oils itself.
"She's asleep." She murmured.
"She's so beautiful, Buffy. Just like her mother." She smiled, then seemed to remember something.
"You'd better go. She's gonna sleep for an hour or so, and then she's gonna be hungry."
"Yeah, ok." He passed their child to her, even though she didn't know, and might never know. Their hand brushed and he accidentally brushed her breast. He would have blushed, if vampireicly possible, but she didn't say anything, so he didn't say anything. God, he missed her so much! Being this close to her, and not being able to hold her, it was almost unbearable.
Once Dawn was settled into her arms, he dropped his own to his sides, to prevent him from doing something rash.
"It was great seeing you again. Ca-can I stop by later? Or tomorrow?" he was hesitant, not sure if he had overstepped his boundaries. But he wanted to see more, both of his baby, and her mother.
"I'd like that." Her voice was soft. She said this without thinking. And then it was too late to take it back. She wasn't sure she wanted to.
"Good." He impulsively slid his thumb down her cheek, caressing it. Then his hand dropped to his side. "Bye, Buffy. Dawn." He turned to the elf. "Phae." He gave her a look that clearly said, 'take good care of them. Both of them. Or else.' If she could sense that he was the father, then she had to have sensed what he was. And the consequences. She bobbed her head once, and he left. Buffy sat back in the chair, and sagged into the back.
Seeing Angel and the efforts of the day before drained her more than she'd like to admit. The birth had drained her physically, the way no fight ever could; and seeing Angel had drained her emotionally.
"Why don't ye take a nap? Yer friends, Willow and Mr. Giles shall no' be here for at least another hour. The child'll sleep for at least that long. Take a rest. Ye deserve it." Buffy looked at her sweats and tank top, and nodded. Wrinkled was in. She set Dawn in the plastic crib/box and curled up on the bed.
Phae went over to the child, behind Buffy's back, and waved her hand over her face. She then went over and waved her hand twice over Buff's face, and she was asleep. She now knew they would not awaken before she returned. She thought about her destination, picturing it in her mind, and she disappeared.
~ * ~
Buffy had peaceful dreams, nothing remarkable, or even worth remembering. She woke up to the sounds of a whimpery cry, and murmuring.
"Shh, now, wee one. Yer Ma's asleep, now. Shh."
"No, I'm awake. Give her here." She sighed. Once Dawn was firmly attached, and was contentedly feeding, she turned back to the elf. "Why didn't you wake me? Or feed her some more goat's milk?" She asked, though it was clear she wasn't happy with the idea.
"Now, tha' would'nay be takin' good care of either of ye. Goat's milk is perfectly fine fer a child, but not nursing can be painful fer the mother. She needs the nutrients."
"What do you mean, good care of us?"
"Ah was told t' take good care o' both of you, and the Powers agree. Mah assignment was only t' take care of you, but now the job has changed."
"Who told you?" The elf shut her eyes, like she said too much. But she opened them, and stared straight into Buffy's eyes.
"Ye're man told me to."
"Riley?! He was here?!"
"Nay, th' vampire."
"He's not my. . . .man. We were involved, but we broke up a long time ago, and I'm over him." She told her.
"Just keep tellin' yersel' that, lass. Eventually, ye'll believe it." Buffy sulked in silence as Dawn drank her fill.
Dawn was just finishing up as Giles and Willow showed up, with nothing new to report, besides that it was in fact a spell that had caused Buffy to forget. And a potential one that could have both protected the baby, and left her unawares.
They also had bad news. Riley was freaking out. He'd left a couple messages on the dorm answering machine, a couple at Giles's house, and he had said he was thinking about calling her house.
"But then mom will find out I'm in the hospital!" She cried. They both nodded glumly. "But she can't know! Not until we get this figured out."
"What if you told him half of the truth? That you just found out you were under a spell, and you first went to the hospital, for your own safety, but once everything's figured out, you'll tell him. That gives you time, and he won't contact your mom."
"Good idea, Will. That might end up being what I have to do. But I don't want to lie to him!"
"But is lying better than the truth, Buffy?" Giles asked.
She looked down at the tiny baby in her arms. "Yeah. It is." She said, resigned. "Could you take her? She might be a bit fussy. She just ate." Willow took the baby, as Buffy grabbed the phone.
She dialed the number she knew by heart, and waited for it to be picked up. Graham picked it up, but promised to go find Riley.
"Buffy! Oh my God! I've been so worried about you!"
"Hi, Riley. Listen, I just wanted to let you know, there's nothing to worry about. Someone put a spell on me, and we're trying to figure it out. It's best if you don't come and visit me, I'm sorta muddled."
"What type of spell?" He was genuinely concerned, and it hurt her heart.
"Memory spell. We're not sure what I've forgotten, but it's something big, I can tell you that much."
"When will I be able to see you again?"
"I don't know, Riley. I'm sorry. Look, Willow's here, and she wants to run some tests, so I have to go."
"I love you, Buffy."
"I love you too." But in her heart, she didn't mean it, and she knew it. And that scared her. She hung up slowly. Willow handed back her baby, and she hugged her tight to her chest.
"Uh, Giles, could you go get me something to eat? Phae, I think that Buffy needs to eat to, could you go with him?" She glared at both of them, and finally they left, ignoring Buffy's meager protests. She closed the door behind them, then sat on the bed next to Buffy. "What's wrong?" She asked quietly.
"I'm just so confused." She hung her head. "Three days ago, I was a happy college student, taking some great summer courses, to stay closer to my boyfriend. But now, I'm a single mother, and I can't even determine what's reality and fiction anymore. How could I have not known about her, Willow? I know everything about my body! From how much force it takes to break just about every bone, how much force to exert to break my spin, to paralyze me, to kill me. I know how high a window I can jump out of, if necessary, and how much of a reaction I have to make, mid air, to land with the best of my ability, and to not get hurt.
"So, then how could I not know about the baby growing in my stomach?!"
"The spell . . . ."
"It's just an excuse, Will. Maybe it was that I didn't want to know."
"No, Buffy, I did a spell, yesterday, before I showed up, that allowed me to see magic, and you, the elf, and Dawn have either used magic, or had magic used on you. Now, you don't use magic, and Dawn's too little, so that has to mean a spell was cast on you."
"Angel visited earlier today." She muttered.
"He did? What did he want?"
"His connections to the Powers sent him here. Said he was needed, and urgent. Everything is so much more complicated with him here!" Buffy cried.
"I know. I understand, Buffy. Why don't you just tell him to go back to L.A?"
"Because I don't want him to!" she unconsciously touched a hand to her cheek, "When he's around, he makes everything so complicated, but also simpler. I know he still loves me. And I thought I was over him, but . . . what if I'm not? What if he's in my heart to stay, and he just keeps showing up?"
"Oh, Buffy." She drew her best friend into a gentle hug, taking care not to squash the infant between them. "It'll all work out, you'll see. He has to be here for a reason."
"But what if I don't want to know why?" she whispered.
"Shh." She rocked her distraut friend.
When Giles and Phae came back, carrying soft drinks and tea, Buffy and Willow were deep in conversation about the hottest guys in the movies. Giles shook his head admirably at the pair, and sipped his tea.
~ * ~
Angel waited a few hours to go back to visit Buffy. He actually waited until they switched shifts. While the desk was unmanned, just for a minute, he slid past, and crept into her room. He stood against the wall, watching her sleep. Tonight, Dawn was in the nursery, so Phae had left. He was alone with her.
She murmured something in her sleep, and rolled over in the bed. He moved closer, and moved the hair from her face, brushing it to the sides of her head, so her beautiful face showed. He knew he should be ashamed of himself, or something. Peeping Tom that he was. Anything but what he was feeling.
He was feeling the old flames rekindling. He was feeling the bottomless pit where his love had been for her slowly fill to the brim, and even overflow, once more. He had fought it, and he had tried to run from it, but there was just no use anymore. Now that they had a child together. . . . Things were different.
He brushed the back of his hand over her smooth cheek, and she shivered slightly from the cool touch. He knew that he should leave, but he couldn't. He just wanted to hold her warm body against his cool skin once more.
She shifted away from him, lost in a dream, so he turned from the bed. He thought back to all the pictures that Angelus had drawn and left for her, and even the ones that he had drawn, and burned because they could never show her true beauty. He thought about it a moment, then quietly positioned the chair so he could have a clear view of her, and yet couldn't be seen from the door. As a vampire, he didn't need light. He took out a sketchpad, no real reason for it to be in his pocket, and he began to sketch.
He started fresh five times, before he thought he had captured a fifth of her beauty. He smiled, once he looked over the final drawing, and tucked it away in his pocket. He knew that if he left it for her, she would freak. It would just be a reminder of her time living with Angelus on the loose. He had no want to remind her of his past.
He decided to leave her be, he didn't want her to wake, and find him lurking in her room. Next, he decided to visit Dawn in the nursery. Another couple stood by the window, staring lovingly at their child, the father holding the mother in his arms.
"Which one's yours?" the couple asked, and he answered, without thinking.
"Um...that one. Over there." He pointed her out.
"She's really pretty." The mother said.
"Thanks. Uh, congratulations. Which one is yours?" He asked, uncomfortable. He was still working on his people skills.
"He's right over there." The dad pointed, bearly letting go of his wife; he could see the ring on her finger. "What's her name?"
"Uh. . . . Dawn. Dawn Jennifer. What's his name?" It got easier as time went by.
"James Mackintosh Qwilleran." The father said with pride, and the mom just beamed up at him. "Family name." He said, to Angel's curious stare. Angel nodded.
A/N: before I forget, James Mackintosh Qwilleran is the main character in 22+ books written by Lillian Jackson Braun. I do not own that name, I just couldn't think up a name, then James, then QWILL! So, it's not mine. But I just had to use it, I love that name.
Angel watched the infant sleep for awhile. He wanted to do a sketch, but not with the others there. Eventually, the father led the mother away, telling her that she needed to get some rest.
He pulled out his pad and pencil, and began to sketch. He had never drawn an infant before, and he found it challenging, but he eventually got the hang of it. He noticed that she had the same eye shape and forehead as Buffy, as well as her tiny nose. But then, all the infants had tiny noses. He sighed an unneeded sigh, and continued.
Buffy awoke to a presence in her room. Using breathing techniques Giles had taught her, she faked sleep, while trying to figure out who or what it was. The figure came over and brushed its hand over her cheek, and she shivered involuntarily at his cold touch. He then drew the chair over, and took something from his pocket. She almost sighed, and gave herself away, but she didn't.
It seemed like forever, but whatever he was doing, he became satisfied, and left.
She sat up, after his footsteps had faded away down the hall, and touched her cheek, where he had touched her. She smiled, and lay back to go to sleep.
~ * ~
Buffy was awoken the next morning, to find Willow sitting none to patiently in the chair next to her bed. "Buffy!" She cried, when she saw the slayer's eyes open.
"Hi, Will. What time is it?" She asked, trying to fight the sleepy cobwebs from her brain.
"10:30. But they're letting you go home today!"
"Great! Yes!" Buffy hopped out of the bed. "Oh, wait. There's still the problem of mom and Riley." She sat back on the bed with a sigh.
"Your mom will be easier than Riley."
"You didn't see her after she learned about Angel."
"Ah."
"But it's my best shot. So, when can I check out?"
"Lunchtime."
"Thank God! I hate hospitals."
"So, is that elf, Phae coming with you?"
"O' course Ah'm comin'. It's mah job t' take care of th' wee one, and there's nee way Ah'm goin' t' jus abandon her, now!" Buffy sighed.
"Will, could you look after her, for like 20 minutes, while I go talk to my mom? I want her to meet her today, but if I walk in with her, mom's not going to listen." She shook her head.
"Sure. But. . . .what about Riley?"
"I don't know." She sighed. "I have to tell him something. When I figure out what I'm going to tell him, could you take her then, too? If she's there, he's gonna get all stuffy and he's not going to listen to reason, and he'll go flying off the handle." Willow nodded. "Will, should I tell him that Angel's here? The last time they saw each other, they beat each other to pulps, and Angel's gonna be staying for awhile, but I'm afraid after Riley finds out about Dawn, he might do something stupid, and attacking Angel would be something he would do." Willow nodded.
"I think that he doesn't have a right to know. Angel is your problem."
"But he'll be jealous."
"There's nothing between you and Angel anymore. He should realize that." Willow rationalized. Buffy sighed, but didn't say anything more.
~ * ~
"Mom? You here?"
"Kitchen!" Buffy wove her way through the gallery boxes, and into the kitchen. "Hi, Buffy. It's great seeing you!" she hugged her mother.
"Mom, I want to talk to you about something. But you can't freak."
"Then you shouldn't tell me I can't, because it leads to freaking." She told her daughter. They sat down at the bar.
"Mom. A spell was put on me, about nine months ago. We're not sure by whom, but we now know why." Joyce looked at her daughter, concerned. "The spell was a memory spell, and it made me forget something. Something important. Now here's where you are going to freak. The spell . . . . "she took a deep breath, and Joyce could tell it was something serious. "The spell made me forget getting pregnant. I learned about it three days ago. I haven't remembered what I was meant to forget, but Willow's working on it." She looked at her hands in her lap.
"If you don't know what you forgot, then how'd you know- Oh." It dawned on her.
"Mom, I am so sorry! I had no idea, and I-"
"Buffy, it's ok. Well, not ok, ok, but I understand. You had nothing to do with this, I know that. Where is . . . . it now?"
"She. Willow has her right now. She's out in the car. I didn't want to spring her on you, I wanted a chance to explain, before you met her." She looked at her mom, with a look on her face that Joyce knew really well. It was the "I'm sorry, I know it was wrong, but what are you thinking?' look.
"Can I meet her now?" Buffy nodded, and went to get her child. Willow squeezed her best friend's hand, and followed her inside.
"Mom, this is Dawn Jennifer Summers." Buffy held her child out to her mother, and she took her.
"Do you know the father? No, of course not, you don't remember." Buffy cringed back a bit, and Joyce sighed. "That was way more judgmental than I meant. But Buffy, I haven't seen you since the start of the summer, and you didn't look pregnant then, and now you come to me, with a child?"
"There was another spell used, that hid the growth and development of the child from view." Willow told Buffy's mom. "That's why no one knew that she was pregnant, until she went into labor."
"I had gained some weight, but I just thought it from stress. I had no idea." Buffy hastened to add.
"Dawn Jennifer Summers, is that her name?" Buffy nodded. "I like it. Now, what are we going to do about college, Buffy?"
"Giles has offered to take her once regular classes start, in the fall. I can maybe still get half credit for the classes I'm taking now. And if Will helps me, I might be able to pass the exams, if she'll take notes and help me with them at night. If she would pick up my homework, I know I can do it, mom." She looked at her best friend as she felt the squeeze of her hand.
"You're laying an awful lot of responsibility on Willow. What does she think of all this?"
"I'm perfectly fine with it, Ms. Summers. I've been tutoring a few others, and I normally help Buffy out with notes she missed, or didn't understand." She nodded, and she seemed genuinely happy to help, Joyce thought.
"Fine, if you think you can do this. Though I don't think you understand just how hard it is to raise a child, Buffy. Its exhausting work."
"Mom, I have great help, and I think I can handle it."
Joyce nodded. "Well, if you ever need any help, I'm here, you know that, right?"
"Yeah, mom." She smiled, "I do." Joyce went back to staring at the tiny girl in her arms.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Author's Note: Way longer chapter than I was planning on posting, but since it's been so long, I guess I owe it to you. I have another study hall on Friday, so I'll try to update one story or another then, but I have a paper due Thursday, and a French project due Friday, so Study hall, and then the weekend will probably be the only times I can update, but I will always be writing, never fear on that.
I will try to update one or two stories at least once a week from here on out, a sort of random regular update. I don't know which story I will be ready to update next, I have almost finished redoing chapter 8 of One of a Kind, and I almost have enough written for The Dark Years. And then I have a few typed pages of this. So don't give up on me. And keep reviewing!