Chapter 22: And a wall stood between them
Title: A new beginning.
Author: Nikka
Author notes: Hey everyone, If you need to know about summary, rate and all the rest it's all in chapter 1 I'll just remind you that **English is not my native tongue** I want to thank Kelly for all the great works she's done, and to welcome aboard Nisus who from now on will be reproofing my fic. As it is you may still find some spelling & grammar mistakes. You're more than welcome to let me know about them but remember you may find them while you read the story. Have fun.
A special thank you to Nisus for reproofing my story. As of that the upload of the chapters may take longer. And to Kelly get well soon.
Feedback: I love love love reviews and I'll be sure to mention it at the end of every chapter.
***
Willow entered the room quietly, not to disturb. Cordy was crouching on the bed. "Willow?" Cordy said as she noticed her.
"Excuse me, what are you doing here? Nurse Thompson turned to face her.
"I'm her friend, I thought she'd want some support." Willow made an excuse.
"That's very nice, but I'm afraid I have to ask you to..."
"Let her stay." Cordy cut her off. "I want her to stay."
"I'm sorry but we really can't."
"This is my delivery." Cordy raised her voice between breaths. "Let her stay!"
"Doctor?" The nurse turned to the doctor.
"Leave her. I need you here."
Willow walked over to Cordy's side. "Hey. How are you holding up?"
"So so." Cordy panted heavily. "And you?" Willow wasn't sure how to respond to that. On one end she didn't want to upset her; on the other she knew Cordy's bound to notice her citing in Latin in a few moments. "Will?" Cordy asked when there was no reply.
"Cordelia another one is coming, I need you to hold it in." The doctor instructed her.
"I can't it burns." Cordy cried.
"You have to hold it!"
"If you're going to stay, you may as well make yourself useful." Nurse Thompson said to Willow in a snappy tone. Willow seemed beveled, what can she do? "Take her hand!" the Nurse instructed and Willow complied. The contraction was over and Cordy fell backwards onto the bed, which was in a sitting position.
"Cordy?" Willow said quietly to her. "I know it's not the best time to do this, but..."
"What is it?" Cordy said with an angry tone.
"I need to do a little spell, but I can't be interrupted." She explained. Cordy just nodded.
"Doctor?" Cordy called out. "My friend is going to read a prayer for me in...."
"Latin." Willow completed the answer.
"Yeah right." Cordy smiled. "It's suppose to cleanse the way for the baby, or something like that. Okay?"
"As long as she stays out of my way, she can even sing." The doctor joked.
"I'll be right over here." Willow stood in the corner, with a little note she had prepared. She looked down as she started citing in Latin. As she continued citing, her body started to shake.
"Is she okay?" Nurse Thompson asked Cordy.
"She's fine." Cordy said, not sure that she really was. "Haaaa." Cordy screamed as the nurse attended to her.
"Almost there." The doctor encouraged her, just a few more pushes." Suddenly the lights went off.
"What the hell?" The doctor looked around as the auxiliary power began working.
"It's probably a blackout or something." Nurse Thompson said to the doctor. "Don't worry we have auxiliary power. "She assured Cordy, who knew it wasn't a blackout. Willow continued citing, knowing time was running out.
***
As the Sheryon advanced towards them, the three backed against the door. "Willow." Angel called from the outside. "It's now or..."
"Infario." Willow yelled out loud as a flash of light abruptly disappeared as quickly as it appeared.
"That was weird." Nurse Thompson whispered to the doctor." The doctor just shook her head; she had more pressing things to worry about at the moment. The baby was showing signs of distress and she was fighting against time. "Cordy I'll be right back." Willow said as she stepped out the door.
"Find out if one of the surgery rooms is frees." The doctor instructed nurse Thompson, who quickly turned to eave.
"No wait." Cordy grabbed the nurse's arm, preventing her from leaving.
"It's okay." The nurse smiled gently. "It's just a precaution." Cordy didn't let go of her arm.
"You can't go." Cordy insisted, knowing what the nurse might find outside the door.
"Cordelia please let nurse Thompson do her job, we know what we're doing.
"I don't want an operation." Cordy said firmly. "I refuse to sign the papers."
"Like Nurse Thompson said it's just a precaution."
"No." Cordy insisted But Nurse Thompson was able to release from her grip. "No wait." Cordy called out after her as the nurse walked out the door.
***
The Sheryon stopped, the barrier was holding. They couldn't go through.
"Break it down." The leader ordered as the demons started hitting the barrier with their weapons. "Fetch me the wise ones." He ordered while two demons rushed out of the hospital. A nurse that past by was thrown to the side by one of the demons. There were 3 demons at each end of the corridor preventing anyone from passing through. The rest circled the gang, trying to break down the barrier. In the dark the circle of protection that surrounded them lit."
"Are we safe here?" Buffy asked Willow as she joined them.
"As long as you don't try to go past the barrier." Willow smiled. "I added a little something extra, to the usual spell. Anybody that touches it, will have a splitting headache once it wakes up."
"Impressive." Buffy did a clapping gesture.
"Thank you, thank you." Willow bowed.
"How's Cordy?" Angel asked concerned.
"She's hanging in." Willow replied. "It's nearing the end."
"Good cause I think they just called for backup." Spike added.
"Backup?" Willow asked confused, after seeing all the demons surrounding them. "I don't think they need any more backup."
"The big guy." Spike pointed to the leader. "Asked for the wise ones, what ever that means."
"He's going to break the barrier." Willow concluded.
"Can he?" Buffy asked worriedly. As confident as she was in her abilities, she knew there was no way they can fight all these demons and protect Cordy all at once.
"I hope not." Willow didn't give them a very encouraging answer.
"You hope not? Spike repeated her answer.
"It's strong magic, but every magic can be broken, even dark ones." She glanced at Buffy, who knew exactly what se meant. "It all depends on the big guns they have."
"I guess we're about to find out." Angel said as 3 figures, wearing black hoods entered the corridor. The hood covered their faces; all the gang could see was their creepy hands. It didn't look remotely human. They approached the barrier lowered their heads and began to mumble. Willow couldn't tell which language it was.
"It's not the first time someone tries to break your barrier." Buffy reminded her. "If they couldn't do it then..."
"They were humans." Willow cut her off. "Theses things aren't." Willow looked worried.
"Maybe we should go inside?" Buffy suggested.
"No." Willow ruled it out. "The room is not that big and she needs her privacy."
"We wait." Angel said, while keeping his focus on the Sheryon. Suddenly the door opened and the nurse Thompson froze in place. She gazed amazed at the sight before her.
"Great now we have to admit demons as well as humans." She grumbled. "I thought we drew the line with canines." The four turned to face her confused.
***
"You're not shocked, terrified and in serious denial?" Buffy asked.
"Should I be?" Nurse Thompson looked at the demons. "I knew this was coming with the baby's arrival and all. Why do you think I asked to work a double shift, because I really love my job?" She said sarcastically.
"You know about Cordelia?" Angel asked as curiosity was replaced by suspicious.
"Yes we do." She nodded.
"We?" Spike asked intrigued.
"The Watcher's Council." She replied.
"But you're not British!" Said Willow.
"Actually, I am." She replied with a fluent British accent.
"If you're here to hurt her..." Angel didn't like this one bit.
"If I was, don't you think I'd do it by now, Mr. Angel?" Angel looked beveled. She obviously knew whom she was dealing with.
"So you probably know us all?" Spike asked in a cocky tone.
"I read all the necessary files before arriving here." She paused observing the situation. "As much as I love to chitchat with you four, I really have to go."
"You can't." Willow pointed to the barrier.
"Great." Nurse Thompson sighed. "I'll make up some excuse." She turned to leave.
"Wait." Angel stopped her. "I want to know everything you know."
"I have 12 years training in the watcher Council and another 10 years expression. Do you think you can handle all of that information?" It was obvious to Angel and everyone else, that she was making fun of him. Spike chuckled, before Buffy elbowed him.
"Do you really think now is the time to play who's the smarter one here?" Angel leaned towards her and Nurse Thompson seemed unease. "Answer me."
"About a year ago we found a copy of an ancient prophecy presumed lost for centuries."
"Yeah we know that part. Go to the more recent things." Buffy cut her off.
"Once we discovered whom the prophecy referred to, I was assigned to this project, and I came here about a month ago."
"How did you know she'd come here?" Willow asked.
"Her doctor is an old associate of ours. He made sure she'd arrive here for her first set of tests."
"Cordy was here before?" Angel asked confused.
"So I guess you don't know everything." Nurse Thompson said quietly.
Angel dismissed it. "So what are you suppose to do, once the baby arrives? Take it to England?"
"Keep it safe." nurse Thompson replied.
"Which means?" Buffy asked suspiciously.
"Do whatever's necessary to protect it and make sure it's safe from harm's way."
"Does that include vampires?" Angel asked with a bitter smile. He knew the Council wasn't considering him father of the year.
"You do have a short parental experience." Angel didn't know she knew Connor was his son. Nurse Thompson noticed his surprised expression. "You'd be surprised what we know Mr. Angel." She glanced over to Spike.
"Why wasn't Giles or Wesley informed about this?" Buffy asked, trying to divert the topic away from Spike.
"Mr. Wyndham-Pryce Jr. is no longer a member of the watcher's Council."
"But Giles is." Angel said quickly.
"We didn't believe it was necessary to informing Mr. Giles of our actions, since it didn't concern him or the slayer"
"No. You just didn't want to inform him," said Angel. "Afraid he might tell me about your little operation. And the last thing you needed was me in your way."
"I can't imagine why?" Said Nurse Thompson in sarcasm as she looked at Angel standing between her and the door. Angel moved aside allowing her to go through. She started going past him when he grabbed her arm. "What's with you people and grabbing arms?"
"If anything happens to her, and I find out you or your precious Council had anything to do with it..."
"I know. You'll kill us right?" She rolled her eyes.
Angel tightened his grip and pulled her close. "There are worse things than dying. I should know." He let go of her arm and Nurse Thompson rushed to the door without saying anything else.
"Uh." Willow said and Nurse Thompson stopped, her back facing her. "Know anything of value about our guests?"
"Afraid not." Nurse Thompson replied.
"If you're holding back information, you're endangering the baby which goes against your purpose." Angel added.
"I'm not." She said and quickly got inside closing the door behind her.
"Great, now we have the bloody Council on top of all." Spike grumbled.
"At least we know." Buffy said.
"Yeah, at least." Angel looked at the barrier worried. Things we're not looking good.
***
"Will, why don't you go check up on her." Angel asked Willow. "There's no point all four of us stand here waiting."
"Sure." She smiled slightly. As she turned to the door, she heard a pooping sound. She turned quickly to see a tiny hole forming in the barrier. "They punched through." She said quietly as if she expected it.
"You don't seem surprised. "Spike noticed her cold reaction.
"I'm really not." She replied.
"So what now?" Angel asked.
"We wait and hope she delivers before that hole gets any bigger." And with that she left.
"Should we be worried?" Spike asked. "I mean she really seemed indifferent."
"No." Buffy said firmly. "She's just been realistic."
"Too realistic to my taste." Spike replied. "Maybe with everything that happened last year..."
"Spike!" Buffy quitted him down.
"I'm just saying, maybe it affected her confidence."
"I don't think Willow would deliberately avoid helping us." Buffy insisted.
"Maybe not deliberately, but the witch I know..."
"You don't know her Spike." Angel cut him off.
"Better than you do, that's for sure." Spike replied with a grin.
"Stop it, both of you." Buffy raised her voice. "Even the demons are laughing at you." They both looked at the barrier, the demons barely noticed their presence.
"I'm going to see Cordy." Angel declared. When suddenly the lights came back on. The sight they saw was pretty much what they expected. On each side of the corridor stood 5 demons, **they must have brought backup.** Angel thought. The elevator was shut down. They were able to see two nurses on the ground, maybe unconscious, maybe dead. They thought there must be more than that, but that's all they could see. At that moment Willow rejoined them.
"I saw the lights came ba..." she looked around realizing really what, or actually how many they were facing. "Brought backup, huh?" Angel just nodded.
"Can I see her?" He asked Willow.
"I don't know," she hesitated. "I guess it's up to her." That's all Angel needed to go inside, quickly, before anything else happens. "You guys. I'm going around the corner to work on something, I'll be right back."
"Alone at la..." Spike smiled.
"Will?" Buffy cut him off. Willow turned around. "Is it safe there, I mean the barrier..."
"It's okay, I covered that area as well." She smiled and walked away.
"As I was saying," Spike grinned. "Alone at last."
"Are you blind or just stupid?" Buffy said, She was staring at the demons, who seemed more than eager to lunch at her.
"Don't mind them." Spike walked over and stood right in front of her.
"What are you doing?" She tried moving him aside. He was blocking her vision.
"They're not going anywhere" he said and placed his hand on her shoulder.
"Spike don't." she removed his hand.
"Are you disgusted by my touch?"
"You come back and act as if nothing changed." Buffy said to him.
"Everything changed. I got a soul."
"That's not what I meant Spike!"
"Then what?" He was confused.
"Things happened between us..." She paused. "Things I can't just block out of my mind." He knew exactly what things she referred to.
"I thought we talked about it." He said in a bitter tone.
"No. You spoke I nodded."
"Buffy I don't know what else to say." He said.
"I know." She sighed. "It's not about forgiving, I already forgave."
"Is it trust, cause you know you can trust me..."
"I trust you Spike... for most of the time." She smiled. "It's about me needing time to figure out some things." She tried to explain.
"He doesn't love you anymore, not like that, at least." Spike's words hit a touchy spot.
"Stay out of it." She went into defense. "You know nothing about my relationship with..."
"Come on Buffy." He cut her off. "If there's someone out there who really knows, it's me." He moved to the side and leaned against the wall. "I know him, better than he likes to admit, and that's why he hates me so."
"I don't think that's the reason." Buffy had a snobby expression.
"Uh luv, you do have so much to learn."
"Don't talk to me as if I was a child."
"Don't talk to me as if I was an imbecile." He replied in a snappy tone.
"This is getting us nowhere." She said. "Lets do this later, once this is all over."
"And what if there's no later?" He asked.
"I'm counting on it." She said quietly and turned around, her back facing him.
***
"Hi." He smiled to her as he entered the room.
"What is this?" The doctor scolded him. "Is this a bus station?"
"It's okay." Cordy said, as Angel walked towards her.
"How are you holding up?" He took her hand.
"I just want this to be over and done." She sighed. "I really had enough with the whole birth experience." angel smiled.
"Don't worry." He caressed her gently. "It's all going to be over soon."
"Wow." The doctor said suddenly. "I guess you're a magician on top of all." Angel looked confused. "Her blood pressure." The doctor pointed to the monitor. "It's the first time in hours it dropped to normal." Angel smiled. "Yeah, keep doing that, but to her not to me." He smiled again looking at Cordy.
"You scared me you know." He grabbed the chair and pulled it towards the bed.
"I know, I'm sorry." She squeezed his hand. "I wish we had a chance to have a normal conversation."
"I'm here." He sat down.
"I wish it was that easy." She smiled a bitter smile.
"It can be." Angel looked over to the doctor who got the hint and pulled the nurse aside to give them some privacy.
"Not in a million years did I ever think I'd say this; but I really wish for a normal life, white picket fence and all."
"We can have it, have it all". He paused leaning close to her. "We can built a future together, a home for the baby..."
"You make it sound so simple."
"We can make it that simple." He smiled gently.
"Perhaps." She hesitated; he felt there was something else she wanted to tell him.
"What?" He asked. She smiled, he knew her so well.
"Call it a hunch, call it an insistence, or just call it knowing-your-friends-too-damn-well, but I sense something isn't right." He wanted to tell her she was crazy, he wanted to dismiss it as if it was nonsense; he wanted to do anything but remain quite. He knew silence said it all. "It's okay Angel. You don't have to say anything. I rather you didn't than lie to me." She took a big breath. "I just have one request."
"Anything." He said quickly.
"I think Groo should know his child in case I'm not..."
"Don't." He stopped her half way through.
Her voice cracked. "I want the baby to have at least one parent, or at least know one parent."
"Cordy..." He wanted to shush her again but she beat him to the punch.
"Angel. Denial won't make it go away, so please hear me out." He quieted down, knowing she was right.
"I'll make sure he knows." Angel promised, and that's all she needed.
"Thank you." She smiled." And leaned her head back down. The pain was growing strong and by now even the drugs had little effect.
"Cordelia." The doctor approached her. "I need to examine you, so if your friend can wait outside."
"Is something wrong?" She asked worriedly.
"Actually the opposite." The doctor smiled. "I think the baby is ready to come out and meet his mommy."
"Really?" Angel asked with a huge smile on his face.
"Really, so if you could please."
"I'll be right outside." He said as he backed away, his face still facing her. He bumped into the chair and smiled awkwardly. Cordy couldn't help but giggle, he looked like a dupes, but a happy one.
***
"How's everything here?" Willow asked.
"Fine. Fine." Buffy said trying not to sound suspicious.
"Okay." She said knowing something happened but really didn't need to know what. "I tried enhancing the barrier..."
"And?" Angel just came out from Cordelia's room.
"Nothing. It didn't work. At this rate..."
"They're good?" Buffy kind of asked.
"Very good." Willow replied. "Is she nearing the, hmm, birth?"
"Yeah." Angel replied. "Which means we have to think of a way to get her and the baby out of here safely and quickly."
"But Angel the prophecy..."
"I don't care." He cut Buffy off. "Until I see it with my own eyes..." He paused. "I won't believe it. I can't."
"So we have time." Spike changed the subject. "Let's work on a plan before they..." A loud cracking sound caught their attention. They all turned to face the barrier. It was full of cracks, as if it was about to break. The hooded demons paused. They looked backwards to the Sheryon leader. They didn't say anything but a few moments later the Sheryon leader nodded and the hooded demons turned around. They raised their hands and kept chanting.
"Oh no." Willow said in panic. "This is not good."
"How much time?" Angel grabbed her shoulders and turned her so he faced her. "Willow." She shook her head gently and looked at him, as if only now she realized she wasn't staring at the barrier anymore. "How much time do we have?"
"Minutes." She replied.
"Can you buy us more time?"
"I can try, but even if I can... it won't be more than 10... 15 tops."
"It will have to do." Angel turned to Spike and Buffy while Willow searched the book she had with her for a spell she thought would might work. "We need to get her out of there now!"
"Angel, we can't. She's in the middle of..."
"Buffy I don't care." He raised his voice. "If we won't take her out of here, now..." they heard a scream coming from the delivery room. Angel ran to the door followed by the rest.
***
They all barged in. The nurse looked at them shocked, she quickly shifted the drapes. "Get out this is not the time...."
Angel walked up to her and grabbed her arm pulling her towards him. "Time has just run out."
"Nurse get this people out of here." The doctor yelled to her.
"They refuse to leave." She replied.
"Call security and come here, I need your assistance." The nurse turned to leave but Angel was stilling holding her arm.
"She's your friend..." Angel released her with a firm stare.
"I'm right here Cor." He called out to her. All he heard was some puffing and screaming sounds.
"Angel?" Spike said. "Maybe we should..."
"Yeah." Angel nodded and they walked out.
"Okay Cordelia Push." The doctor instructed her.
"I can't." She cried. "It hurts too much."
"Do you want it to be over and done with?" Cordy nodded. "Than push like there's no tomorrow." She pulled herself together and pushed again.
"Good girl." The doctor smiled. You're doing great."
***
How are we doing Will?" Angel asked.
"They're almost there," she replied.
A few moments past by, Angel kept peeping through the door to see how Cordelia's doing. "Angel!" He turned his head quickly. The barrier collapsed, he raised his weapon ready to fight but then Willow raised her arm and said something in Latin. The demons couldn't go through. "I can't keep it for much longer."
"Then we fight." Angel took out his sword. Spike and Buffy stood beside him ready to fight.
***
TBC
Hi ppl,
Thank you for your kind words, I know you hate me for updating so scarcely, but time is not so easy to find these days.
So I'm sending you this ch and ch 23 is just around the corner, so hang tight, and as always I'd love to hear your opinion, which means... please review.
Enjoy and thank you,
Nikka.
Title: A new beginning.
Author: Nikka
Author notes: Hey everyone, If you need to know about summary, rate and all the rest it's all in chapter 1 I'll just remind you that **English is not my native tongue** I want to thank Kelly for all the great works she's done, and to welcome aboard Nisus who from now on will be reproofing my fic. As it is you may still find some spelling & grammar mistakes. You're more than welcome to let me know about them but remember you may find them while you read the story. Have fun.
A special thank you to Nisus for reproofing my story. As of that the upload of the chapters may take longer. And to Kelly get well soon.
Feedback: I love love love reviews and I'll be sure to mention it at the end of every chapter.
***
Willow entered the room quietly, not to disturb. Cordy was crouching on the bed. "Willow?" Cordy said as she noticed her.
"Excuse me, what are you doing here? Nurse Thompson turned to face her.
"I'm her friend, I thought she'd want some support." Willow made an excuse.
"That's very nice, but I'm afraid I have to ask you to..."
"Let her stay." Cordy cut her off. "I want her to stay."
"I'm sorry but we really can't."
"This is my delivery." Cordy raised her voice between breaths. "Let her stay!"
"Doctor?" The nurse turned to the doctor.
"Leave her. I need you here."
Willow walked over to Cordy's side. "Hey. How are you holding up?"
"So so." Cordy panted heavily. "And you?" Willow wasn't sure how to respond to that. On one end she didn't want to upset her; on the other she knew Cordy's bound to notice her citing in Latin in a few moments. "Will?" Cordy asked when there was no reply.
"Cordelia another one is coming, I need you to hold it in." The doctor instructed her.
"I can't it burns." Cordy cried.
"You have to hold it!"
"If you're going to stay, you may as well make yourself useful." Nurse Thompson said to Willow in a snappy tone. Willow seemed beveled, what can she do? "Take her hand!" the Nurse instructed and Willow complied. The contraction was over and Cordy fell backwards onto the bed, which was in a sitting position.
"Cordy?" Willow said quietly to her. "I know it's not the best time to do this, but..."
"What is it?" Cordy said with an angry tone.
"I need to do a little spell, but I can't be interrupted." She explained. Cordy just nodded.
"Doctor?" Cordy called out. "My friend is going to read a prayer for me in...."
"Latin." Willow completed the answer.
"Yeah right." Cordy smiled. "It's suppose to cleanse the way for the baby, or something like that. Okay?"
"As long as she stays out of my way, she can even sing." The doctor joked.
"I'll be right over here." Willow stood in the corner, with a little note she had prepared. She looked down as she started citing in Latin. As she continued citing, her body started to shake.
"Is she okay?" Nurse Thompson asked Cordy.
"She's fine." Cordy said, not sure that she really was. "Haaaa." Cordy screamed as the nurse attended to her.
"Almost there." The doctor encouraged her, just a few more pushes." Suddenly the lights went off.
"What the hell?" The doctor looked around as the auxiliary power began working.
"It's probably a blackout or something." Nurse Thompson said to the doctor. "Don't worry we have auxiliary power. "She assured Cordy, who knew it wasn't a blackout. Willow continued citing, knowing time was running out.
***
As the Sheryon advanced towards them, the three backed against the door. "Willow." Angel called from the outside. "It's now or..."
"Infario." Willow yelled out loud as a flash of light abruptly disappeared as quickly as it appeared.
"That was weird." Nurse Thompson whispered to the doctor." The doctor just shook her head; she had more pressing things to worry about at the moment. The baby was showing signs of distress and she was fighting against time. "Cordy I'll be right back." Willow said as she stepped out the door.
"Find out if one of the surgery rooms is frees." The doctor instructed nurse Thompson, who quickly turned to eave.
"No wait." Cordy grabbed the nurse's arm, preventing her from leaving.
"It's okay." The nurse smiled gently. "It's just a precaution." Cordy didn't let go of her arm.
"You can't go." Cordy insisted, knowing what the nurse might find outside the door.
"Cordelia please let nurse Thompson do her job, we know what we're doing.
"I don't want an operation." Cordy said firmly. "I refuse to sign the papers."
"Like Nurse Thompson said it's just a precaution."
"No." Cordy insisted But Nurse Thompson was able to release from her grip. "No wait." Cordy called out after her as the nurse walked out the door.
***
The Sheryon stopped, the barrier was holding. They couldn't go through.
"Break it down." The leader ordered as the demons started hitting the barrier with their weapons. "Fetch me the wise ones." He ordered while two demons rushed out of the hospital. A nurse that past by was thrown to the side by one of the demons. There were 3 demons at each end of the corridor preventing anyone from passing through. The rest circled the gang, trying to break down the barrier. In the dark the circle of protection that surrounded them lit."
"Are we safe here?" Buffy asked Willow as she joined them.
"As long as you don't try to go past the barrier." Willow smiled. "I added a little something extra, to the usual spell. Anybody that touches it, will have a splitting headache once it wakes up."
"Impressive." Buffy did a clapping gesture.
"Thank you, thank you." Willow bowed.
"How's Cordy?" Angel asked concerned.
"She's hanging in." Willow replied. "It's nearing the end."
"Good cause I think they just called for backup." Spike added.
"Backup?" Willow asked confused, after seeing all the demons surrounding them. "I don't think they need any more backup."
"The big guy." Spike pointed to the leader. "Asked for the wise ones, what ever that means."
"He's going to break the barrier." Willow concluded.
"Can he?" Buffy asked worriedly. As confident as she was in her abilities, she knew there was no way they can fight all these demons and protect Cordy all at once.
"I hope not." Willow didn't give them a very encouraging answer.
"You hope not? Spike repeated her answer.
"It's strong magic, but every magic can be broken, even dark ones." She glanced at Buffy, who knew exactly what se meant. "It all depends on the big guns they have."
"I guess we're about to find out." Angel said as 3 figures, wearing black hoods entered the corridor. The hood covered their faces; all the gang could see was their creepy hands. It didn't look remotely human. They approached the barrier lowered their heads and began to mumble. Willow couldn't tell which language it was.
"It's not the first time someone tries to break your barrier." Buffy reminded her. "If they couldn't do it then..."
"They were humans." Willow cut her off. "Theses things aren't." Willow looked worried.
"Maybe we should go inside?" Buffy suggested.
"No." Willow ruled it out. "The room is not that big and she needs her privacy."
"We wait." Angel said, while keeping his focus on the Sheryon. Suddenly the door opened and the nurse Thompson froze in place. She gazed amazed at the sight before her.
"Great now we have to admit demons as well as humans." She grumbled. "I thought we drew the line with canines." The four turned to face her confused.
***
"You're not shocked, terrified and in serious denial?" Buffy asked.
"Should I be?" Nurse Thompson looked at the demons. "I knew this was coming with the baby's arrival and all. Why do you think I asked to work a double shift, because I really love my job?" She said sarcastically.
"You know about Cordelia?" Angel asked as curiosity was replaced by suspicious.
"Yes we do." She nodded.
"We?" Spike asked intrigued.
"The Watcher's Council." She replied.
"But you're not British!" Said Willow.
"Actually, I am." She replied with a fluent British accent.
"If you're here to hurt her..." Angel didn't like this one bit.
"If I was, don't you think I'd do it by now, Mr. Angel?" Angel looked beveled. She obviously knew whom she was dealing with.
"So you probably know us all?" Spike asked in a cocky tone.
"I read all the necessary files before arriving here." She paused observing the situation. "As much as I love to chitchat with you four, I really have to go."
"You can't." Willow pointed to the barrier.
"Great." Nurse Thompson sighed. "I'll make up some excuse." She turned to leave.
"Wait." Angel stopped her. "I want to know everything you know."
"I have 12 years training in the watcher Council and another 10 years expression. Do you think you can handle all of that information?" It was obvious to Angel and everyone else, that she was making fun of him. Spike chuckled, before Buffy elbowed him.
"Do you really think now is the time to play who's the smarter one here?" Angel leaned towards her and Nurse Thompson seemed unease. "Answer me."
"About a year ago we found a copy of an ancient prophecy presumed lost for centuries."
"Yeah we know that part. Go to the more recent things." Buffy cut her off.
"Once we discovered whom the prophecy referred to, I was assigned to this project, and I came here about a month ago."
"How did you know she'd come here?" Willow asked.
"Her doctor is an old associate of ours. He made sure she'd arrive here for her first set of tests."
"Cordy was here before?" Angel asked confused.
"So I guess you don't know everything." Nurse Thompson said quietly.
Angel dismissed it. "So what are you suppose to do, once the baby arrives? Take it to England?"
"Keep it safe." nurse Thompson replied.
"Which means?" Buffy asked suspiciously.
"Do whatever's necessary to protect it and make sure it's safe from harm's way."
"Does that include vampires?" Angel asked with a bitter smile. He knew the Council wasn't considering him father of the year.
"You do have a short parental experience." Angel didn't know she knew Connor was his son. Nurse Thompson noticed his surprised expression. "You'd be surprised what we know Mr. Angel." She glanced over to Spike.
"Why wasn't Giles or Wesley informed about this?" Buffy asked, trying to divert the topic away from Spike.
"Mr. Wyndham-Pryce Jr. is no longer a member of the watcher's Council."
"But Giles is." Angel said quickly.
"We didn't believe it was necessary to informing Mr. Giles of our actions, since it didn't concern him or the slayer"
"No. You just didn't want to inform him," said Angel. "Afraid he might tell me about your little operation. And the last thing you needed was me in your way."
"I can't imagine why?" Said Nurse Thompson in sarcasm as she looked at Angel standing between her and the door. Angel moved aside allowing her to go through. She started going past him when he grabbed her arm. "What's with you people and grabbing arms?"
"If anything happens to her, and I find out you or your precious Council had anything to do with it..."
"I know. You'll kill us right?" She rolled her eyes.
Angel tightened his grip and pulled her close. "There are worse things than dying. I should know." He let go of her arm and Nurse Thompson rushed to the door without saying anything else.
"Uh." Willow said and Nurse Thompson stopped, her back facing her. "Know anything of value about our guests?"
"Afraid not." Nurse Thompson replied.
"If you're holding back information, you're endangering the baby which goes against your purpose." Angel added.
"I'm not." She said and quickly got inside closing the door behind her.
"Great, now we have the bloody Council on top of all." Spike grumbled.
"At least we know." Buffy said.
"Yeah, at least." Angel looked at the barrier worried. Things we're not looking good.
***
"Will, why don't you go check up on her." Angel asked Willow. "There's no point all four of us stand here waiting."
"Sure." She smiled slightly. As she turned to the door, she heard a pooping sound. She turned quickly to see a tiny hole forming in the barrier. "They punched through." She said quietly as if she expected it.
"You don't seem surprised. "Spike noticed her cold reaction.
"I'm really not." She replied.
"So what now?" Angel asked.
"We wait and hope she delivers before that hole gets any bigger." And with that she left.
"Should we be worried?" Spike asked. "I mean she really seemed indifferent."
"No." Buffy said firmly. "She's just been realistic."
"Too realistic to my taste." Spike replied. "Maybe with everything that happened last year..."
"Spike!" Buffy quitted him down.
"I'm just saying, maybe it affected her confidence."
"I don't think Willow would deliberately avoid helping us." Buffy insisted.
"Maybe not deliberately, but the witch I know..."
"You don't know her Spike." Angel cut him off.
"Better than you do, that's for sure." Spike replied with a grin.
"Stop it, both of you." Buffy raised her voice. "Even the demons are laughing at you." They both looked at the barrier, the demons barely noticed their presence.
"I'm going to see Cordy." Angel declared. When suddenly the lights came back on. The sight they saw was pretty much what they expected. On each side of the corridor stood 5 demons, **they must have brought backup.** Angel thought. The elevator was shut down. They were able to see two nurses on the ground, maybe unconscious, maybe dead. They thought there must be more than that, but that's all they could see. At that moment Willow rejoined them.
"I saw the lights came ba..." she looked around realizing really what, or actually how many they were facing. "Brought backup, huh?" Angel just nodded.
"Can I see her?" He asked Willow.
"I don't know," she hesitated. "I guess it's up to her." That's all Angel needed to go inside, quickly, before anything else happens. "You guys. I'm going around the corner to work on something, I'll be right back."
"Alone at la..." Spike smiled.
"Will?" Buffy cut him off. Willow turned around. "Is it safe there, I mean the barrier..."
"It's okay, I covered that area as well." She smiled and walked away.
"As I was saying," Spike grinned. "Alone at last."
"Are you blind or just stupid?" Buffy said, She was staring at the demons, who seemed more than eager to lunch at her.
"Don't mind them." Spike walked over and stood right in front of her.
"What are you doing?" She tried moving him aside. He was blocking her vision.
"They're not going anywhere" he said and placed his hand on her shoulder.
"Spike don't." she removed his hand.
"Are you disgusted by my touch?"
"You come back and act as if nothing changed." Buffy said to him.
"Everything changed. I got a soul."
"That's not what I meant Spike!"
"Then what?" He was confused.
"Things happened between us..." She paused. "Things I can't just block out of my mind." He knew exactly what things she referred to.
"I thought we talked about it." He said in a bitter tone.
"No. You spoke I nodded."
"Buffy I don't know what else to say." He said.
"I know." She sighed. "It's not about forgiving, I already forgave."
"Is it trust, cause you know you can trust me..."
"I trust you Spike... for most of the time." She smiled. "It's about me needing time to figure out some things." She tried to explain.
"He doesn't love you anymore, not like that, at least." Spike's words hit a touchy spot.
"Stay out of it." She went into defense. "You know nothing about my relationship with..."
"Come on Buffy." He cut her off. "If there's someone out there who really knows, it's me." He moved to the side and leaned against the wall. "I know him, better than he likes to admit, and that's why he hates me so."
"I don't think that's the reason." Buffy had a snobby expression.
"Uh luv, you do have so much to learn."
"Don't talk to me as if I was a child."
"Don't talk to me as if I was an imbecile." He replied in a snappy tone.
"This is getting us nowhere." She said. "Lets do this later, once this is all over."
"And what if there's no later?" He asked.
"I'm counting on it." She said quietly and turned around, her back facing him.
***
"Hi." He smiled to her as he entered the room.
"What is this?" The doctor scolded him. "Is this a bus station?"
"It's okay." Cordy said, as Angel walked towards her.
"How are you holding up?" He took her hand.
"I just want this to be over and done." She sighed. "I really had enough with the whole birth experience." angel smiled.
"Don't worry." He caressed her gently. "It's all going to be over soon."
"Wow." The doctor said suddenly. "I guess you're a magician on top of all." Angel looked confused. "Her blood pressure." The doctor pointed to the monitor. "It's the first time in hours it dropped to normal." Angel smiled. "Yeah, keep doing that, but to her not to me." He smiled again looking at Cordy.
"You scared me you know." He grabbed the chair and pulled it towards the bed.
"I know, I'm sorry." She squeezed his hand. "I wish we had a chance to have a normal conversation."
"I'm here." He sat down.
"I wish it was that easy." She smiled a bitter smile.
"It can be." Angel looked over to the doctor who got the hint and pulled the nurse aside to give them some privacy.
"Not in a million years did I ever think I'd say this; but I really wish for a normal life, white picket fence and all."
"We can have it, have it all". He paused leaning close to her. "We can built a future together, a home for the baby..."
"You make it sound so simple."
"We can make it that simple." He smiled gently.
"Perhaps." She hesitated; he felt there was something else she wanted to tell him.
"What?" He asked. She smiled, he knew her so well.
"Call it a hunch, call it an insistence, or just call it knowing-your-friends-too-damn-well, but I sense something isn't right." He wanted to tell her she was crazy, he wanted to dismiss it as if it was nonsense; he wanted to do anything but remain quite. He knew silence said it all. "It's okay Angel. You don't have to say anything. I rather you didn't than lie to me." She took a big breath. "I just have one request."
"Anything." He said quickly.
"I think Groo should know his child in case I'm not..."
"Don't." He stopped her half way through.
Her voice cracked. "I want the baby to have at least one parent, or at least know one parent."
"Cordy..." He wanted to shush her again but she beat him to the punch.
"Angel. Denial won't make it go away, so please hear me out." He quieted down, knowing she was right.
"I'll make sure he knows." Angel promised, and that's all she needed.
"Thank you." She smiled." And leaned her head back down. The pain was growing strong and by now even the drugs had little effect.
"Cordelia." The doctor approached her. "I need to examine you, so if your friend can wait outside."
"Is something wrong?" She asked worriedly.
"Actually the opposite." The doctor smiled. "I think the baby is ready to come out and meet his mommy."
"Really?" Angel asked with a huge smile on his face.
"Really, so if you could please."
"I'll be right outside." He said as he backed away, his face still facing her. He bumped into the chair and smiled awkwardly. Cordy couldn't help but giggle, he looked like a dupes, but a happy one.
***
"How's everything here?" Willow asked.
"Fine. Fine." Buffy said trying not to sound suspicious.
"Okay." She said knowing something happened but really didn't need to know what. "I tried enhancing the barrier..."
"And?" Angel just came out from Cordelia's room.
"Nothing. It didn't work. At this rate..."
"They're good?" Buffy kind of asked.
"Very good." Willow replied. "Is she nearing the, hmm, birth?"
"Yeah." Angel replied. "Which means we have to think of a way to get her and the baby out of here safely and quickly."
"But Angel the prophecy..."
"I don't care." He cut Buffy off. "Until I see it with my own eyes..." He paused. "I won't believe it. I can't."
"So we have time." Spike changed the subject. "Let's work on a plan before they..." A loud cracking sound caught their attention. They all turned to face the barrier. It was full of cracks, as if it was about to break. The hooded demons paused. They looked backwards to the Sheryon leader. They didn't say anything but a few moments later the Sheryon leader nodded and the hooded demons turned around. They raised their hands and kept chanting.
"Oh no." Willow said in panic. "This is not good."
"How much time?" Angel grabbed her shoulders and turned her so he faced her. "Willow." She shook her head gently and looked at him, as if only now she realized she wasn't staring at the barrier anymore. "How much time do we have?"
"Minutes." She replied.
"Can you buy us more time?"
"I can try, but even if I can... it won't be more than 10... 15 tops."
"It will have to do." Angel turned to Spike and Buffy while Willow searched the book she had with her for a spell she thought would might work. "We need to get her out of there now!"
"Angel, we can't. She's in the middle of..."
"Buffy I don't care." He raised his voice. "If we won't take her out of here, now..." they heard a scream coming from the delivery room. Angel ran to the door followed by the rest.
***
They all barged in. The nurse looked at them shocked, she quickly shifted the drapes. "Get out this is not the time...."
Angel walked up to her and grabbed her arm pulling her towards him. "Time has just run out."
"Nurse get this people out of here." The doctor yelled to her.
"They refuse to leave." She replied.
"Call security and come here, I need your assistance." The nurse turned to leave but Angel was stilling holding her arm.
"She's your friend..." Angel released her with a firm stare.
"I'm right here Cor." He called out to her. All he heard was some puffing and screaming sounds.
"Angel?" Spike said. "Maybe we should..."
"Yeah." Angel nodded and they walked out.
"Okay Cordelia Push." The doctor instructed her.
"I can't." She cried. "It hurts too much."
"Do you want it to be over and done with?" Cordy nodded. "Than push like there's no tomorrow." She pulled herself together and pushed again.
"Good girl." The doctor smiled. You're doing great."
***
How are we doing Will?" Angel asked.
"They're almost there," she replied.
A few moments past by, Angel kept peeping through the door to see how Cordelia's doing. "Angel!" He turned his head quickly. The barrier collapsed, he raised his weapon ready to fight but then Willow raised her arm and said something in Latin. The demons couldn't go through. "I can't keep it for much longer."
"Then we fight." Angel took out his sword. Spike and Buffy stood beside him ready to fight.
***
TBC
Hi ppl,
Thank you for your kind words, I know you hate me for updating so scarcely, but time is not so easy to find these days.
So I'm sending you this ch and ch 23 is just around the corner, so hang tight, and as always I'd love to hear your opinion, which means... please review.
Enjoy and thank you,
Nikka.