The silence was broken by a long, wailing cry. Buffy let out a sigh and strained to see.
"Congratulations, Buffy, Rupert," Mary said quietly, her voice filled with joy. "You have a beautiful baby girl."
Buffy felt Giles squeeze her shoulders and a hot tear ran down her cheek as she looked at her daughter for the first time.
***
Faith heard a crack, just before something fell on her with a deafening roar. The weight left her as soon as she hit the ground so she rolled and bounced to her feet, a knife in either hand. Pain in her arm, and she looked down to see blood running down from a gash in her right arm. The knife dropped from her fingers and she swore.
The dark Slayer whirled into a roundhouse kick, and it felt as though she had kicked a solid wall. The impact was painful and sent her off balance. Luck smiled on her because as she fell a claw-filled hand slashed where her head had been. Faith rolled again, swearing as she felt pain burning in her arm, and came up swiping at the demon with her remaining knife. It roared and brushed her off as though she was a small and mildly irritating fly.
Faith could hear cries and shouts from the rest of her team but the demon in front of her had all her attention. She kicked and punched, slashed and pummelled, but the creature fended her off without faltering. It was bleeding from her knife thrusts, thin trails of blue blood mingling with its fur, but nothing stopped it.
Frustrated and in pain, Faith retreated a couple of paces and gathered her strength for another kick. It never happened as another snarling demon hit her from behind, throwing her back against the house. She felt something crack as she hit the wall and slid to the ground. For a stunned moment she simply sat, feeling the pain rush through her body. Then she put a hand to her side and felt something hot and sticky against her fingers.
She swore again and slowly levered herself into a sitting position. The demon that had thrown her joined its companion and they moved away slightly. Faith had to make a decision. She was injured, bleeding and the demons were apparently indestructible. Either she could make a futile last stand or she could retreat, and live to protect Buffy and the baby.
The decision was taken out of her hands when she felt strong hands on her arms and looked up to see Angel and Spike standing over her.
"Time to make a like a rabbit, pet," the blonde vampire said.
"I need-"
"You can't protect Buffy if you're dead, can you?" Angel cut her off.
The two vampires hauled her up and half-carried her to the kitchen door. Xander was already waiting for them and Faith heard a roar behind her as the demons spotted the open door.
"You're right," Faith panted. "Now get me the hell in there!"
The stumbled over the doorstep and Xander closed the door behind her.
***
The circle in the basement had formed again and Cordelia watched nervously as they began chanting. Whatever they were doing was not in English and, as they formed the words, a ball of light formed above the bowl of herbs. Cordelia could see sweat forming Willow's forehead as the ball gradually got bigger and brighter. The air in the room suddenly became thicker, almost a physical entity, and it felt as though there were tiny electric shocks coursing over Cordelia's skin. She shivered and shook her hands to try to get rid of the feeling.
As the ball of light grew bigger it began to hum, a pure, crystalline sound that reminded Cordelia of a champagne glass being struck. Slowly the ball of light began to turn, picking up speed until it was a small whirlwind of light. The humming grew louder until it abruptly stopped, just as it was reaching a painful intensity. At the same time the whirlwind of energy exploded sending shards of light to every corner of the room and through the walls.
Cordelia blinked as her eyes adjusted to the dimness of the room and realised that her friends were sitting slumped on the floor. The walls of the basement gave off a faint, pulsing light but she ignored it as she rushed to Willow's side.
"What was that?" she asked as the redheaded witch looked up at her groggily.
"Protection spell," Willow answered, wincing and rubbing her head. "Pretty powerful. Nothing can get into the house now until we take it down, or it fails."
"Fails? How likely is that?" Cordelia asked nervously.
"Uh, the spell should last about five hours."
"And then?"
"The house is still protected from magic . . ."
"But?" Cordelia waited but nobody answered her. "Oh. Spell fails, Comedores get in, we . . ."
"That about sums it up."
***
"Shit," Faith muttered as Angel pulled the tatters of her shirt away from the gash in her side.
"Sorry," he apologised.
"Not your fault."
She felt a burning sting as the tall vampire began washing the wound out. "How long do you think that'll hold?"
The walls of the kitchen were glowing faintly and, outside, the Comedores demons were pounding on the walls. The rhythmic booming sound set Faith's teeth on edge.
"Few hours," Angel said absently. "It's pretty strong stuff; nothing can get in while that holds."
"Good. I'm not sure I want those things in here," she said, wincing from the pain.
"Good for us for a while."
"But?"
He looked up at her. "The air supply will only hold out for a few hours."
"Oh." Faith thought for a moment. "I think they need to work the bugs outta that one."
***
Enclosed safely in her mother's arms, the baby yawned sleepily and closed her eyes. Buffy smiled and felt a burst of such incredible love for the tiny creature that her throat contracted and she had to swallow twice just to be able to breath. How had one being, only in her life for less than an hour, managed to close her hands so tightly around her heart? She knew then why Louisa had made the choice she had. If it came down to it, she would make the same one in a heartbeat. This tiny baby, with all her future and life ahead of her, was worth far more than anything in this world. Buffy smiled down at her daughter and gently touched her cheek.
"I love you," she whispered. "You're my daughter, and nothing can ever change that. I want to be here for your first smile, your first step, your first word . . . your first day at school . . . your graduation. I don't want you to ever go through what I have. If there is anything I can do to keep you safe, I'll do it. And I'll do it gladly because I love you. You're my baby, and I'd give my life for you."
"You won't have to do that, pet."
Buffy looked up to see Spike lounging in the doorway as they had agreed. She had persuaded Giles to go downstairs with Mary so that she could be on her own for this. Some things were better done alone.
"I'm ready to run your errand," the vampire continued. "Just give me the stuff and I'll be gone."
"Are you sure?" she asked. "You know that they'll kill you if they catch up to you."
"And that's why you got me, isn't it? They won't catch me."
She studied him curiously. Faith's information about Spike's feelings for her had surprised her, until she began watching him. The plan had formed in her mind but she had honestly not expected the vampire to be willing to carry it out. But he was standing here, with blood running down his face and a rip in his precious leather coat, and there was not a hint of deceit in his face. He was going out there to carry out her plan even with the knowledge that he might die a painful death. And he was doing it to save her.
"Faith was right," she murmured.
Spike paled slightly but met her eyes. "I don't care what the bitch told you, I have my reasons for doing this."
"I know."
Buffy carefully freed a hand and reached under her pillow to pull something out. She held it out on the palm of her hand and Spike took it, holding it up to the light. The thin gold chain had a globe of pure amber suspended on it that gleamed and glinted as it spun lazily.
"Will this work?" the vampire asked, fastening the chain around his neck and hiding it under his T-shirt.
"They'll think you've got the baby with you," Buffy confirmed. "Hopefully they'll follow you."
Spike looked at her doubtfully. "Pet, why would they chase a vampire even if they can feel the baby on me?"
Buffy picked up and bundle of rags and held them out. "Because if you're carrying these you'll look like you've got the baby. You'll be dead anyway if they get close enough to realise that you haven't got the baby."
"Thanks. I'm touched by your concern."
He shifted the bundle until it felt right and then frowned at her. "You'll be all right?"
"I hope so."
Quick as a flash he leaned down and kissed her on the cheek before hurrying out of the room.
"Good luck, pet," she heard as he descended the stairs.
"Good luck to you. I think you'll need it."
***
Gizmo watched the vampire run down the stairs and sighed. Time was running out. She could feel shivers of energy running through her fur and managed to resist the temptation to sit down and clean it. There were more important things for her to do.
***
Willow slumped down in her chair at the kitchen table. The spell had taken most of her reserves and she could only be glad that she had not attempted it alone. Wesley, Tara and Anya were not functioning much better and she smiled gratefully as Cordelia set a sugar-laden cup of coffee down in front of her.
"Does anyone know how Buffy is?" she asked.
Wesley smiled weakly at her. "Mother and daughter are doing fine."
"She had a girl?" Willow grinned. "Yay for Buffy. I can't wait to see her."
"For now it's probably better if she stays upstairs," the ex-Watcher cautioned.
"Yeah, I guess you're right."
The news appeared to lighten everyone's spirits and Willow watched as backs were straightened and her team-mates began sipping at their coffees with more enthusiasm. The only thing blighting the moment was the rhythmic pounding against their barrier. For a moment there was companionable silence and the redheaded witch took a long swallow of the hot, sweet drink, feeling her energy renewed a little as it was absorbed.
"Red! I need a door!"
The shout from the stairs made them all turn and moments later Spike rushed into the room, stopping at the kitchen door.
"Uh, the general idea is that nothing can get in," Willow said slowly. "Me opening a door would kind of defeat the purpose."
"I don't need it permanent or anything. I just need to get out." Spike punched the doorframe, wincing.
"Why?"
"Why?" Spike almost screamed. "Just open the bloody door and get me out of here!"
"I see," Wesley said, resettling his glassed. "You've decided that helping a Slayer isn't your cup of tea, so you want to get out now before you die."
The blonde vampire rolled his eyes. "If that's what you want to think, fine. Just get me out." He lowered his voice. "Tosser."
"Willow, why don't you do as he asks?" Wesley asked, glaring at Spike. "Let the coward out and we won't have to stake him later."
Shrugging, Willow stood up. For some reason she was vaguely disappointed in the vampire; it had seemed, at least for a while, as though he was genuinely trying to help Buffy. But sometimes nature had to win out and this was one of those times.
As the most experienced member of the group she had been chosen as the focus so she was the only one who could open a door. This had the downside that when the barrier failed she would be the one who would feel it. She felt a warm hand twine with her fingers, warmth coursing through her arm to replace her own flagging energy, and smiled briefly at Tara before concentrating on the door.
"Portal," she commanded, and watched with satisfaction as the shining barrier parted and created a small doorway.
The effort need to hold it open was incredible and as Spike slipped through she had to strain, feeling as though she was clawing at a smooth surface with greasy hands. As soon as he disappeared outside she released the doorway and slumped back. Tara was immediately there, with an arm around her shoulders and propping her up until she recovered enough to sit up unaided.
"Thanks."
Tara smiled her sweet smile and Willow could not help smiling back. They sat like that for one frozen moment, unable to say anything and unwilling to move.
"Look!" Cordelia called from the window. "Is that Spike's car?"
Sure enough, when they looked out of the window a black car was shooting away down the road. It careened around a corner and was out of sight. Outside, several of the demons lifted their heads and fixed their eyes on the car. The pounding on the house halted and they held their breaths.
Four of the demons bolted for the road and ran in the direction Spike had driven off in. After a minute's pause the pounding resumed as the demons threw all their weight against the barrier.
"What was that about?" Willow asked.
"It didn't work," a voice said from behind them, and they turned to see Buffy standing next to the table.
In her arms lay the sleeping baby and Willow thought she had never seen a more beautiful creature. Tufts of dark hair peeked out from under a wool bonnet and the tiny infant was wrapped in a soft yellow blanket.
"Wow," she breathed.
Buffy sat down with a sigh, absently rocking the baby gently. "The Comedores demons were meant to follow Spike and leave us alone."
"Some of them did," Willow said hopefully, crossing the kitchen and kneeling next to her best friend. "We'll think of something. They're stronger than they were."
"Yeah. Must be something to do with the approaching Apocalypse."
Tentatively Willow reached out and stroked a tiny hand. "Have you named her yet?"
"Do you want to tell them, love?" Giles asked as he entered the kitchen, closely followed by Mary.
He moved to stand behind his blonde wife, resting his hands on her shoulders and dropping a kiss on her head. As he looked down at his new daughter and a smile softened his features and Willow felt her eyes stinging with tears as she saw the love in his eyes.
"Yeah," Buffy said, tilting her head back to look at him. "It's only fair."
She kissed her daughter's forehead and turned to the group with a brilliant smile. "Her name is Charlotte Louisa Giles."
***
Gizmo ran down the stairs, missing her footing as a strong shiver shook her little body, but managing to control her fall so that she landed on her feet. There were a few advantages to a cat's body, after all, and the tail was a big one of them. She landed at the foot of the stairs and crouched. Her whiskers trembled as she reached out her senses. A storm was gathering.
***
Faith practically hummed with impatience as she waited for Angel to finish bandaging her cuts. Although they were deep, with Slayer healing they would probably heal in a couple of days. However they would slow her down until they were healed and the broken ribs she had sustained from the impact with the house would hinder her further. It hurt to breath and, she flexed her arm, it was going to hurt like hell to use most of her weapons.
"Crap," she muttered.
"It could have been worse," Angel said optimistically.
"Yeah? How?"
"You could have been thrown higher and had broken legs as well."
"Thanks for the cheery thought." Faith paused and looked at him closely. "How can you stand this?"
"Stand what?"
"Knowing that she's up there having someone else's baby. How can you protect her - hell, we're probably going to die - knowing that she'll never love you again."
The tall vampire turned away from her and began silently putting away his first-aid supplies. Faith could see from the set of his shoulders that she had hit a nerve.
"Look, if you're gonna turn all brooding on me just forget I mentioned it," she muttered, pulling her torn shirt tightly around her.
"No, it's all right," he said at last, turning. "I'm doing this because I love her. There is no one else in the world I could ever love this way. But I know that it isn't healthy for her to love me so if she's found happiness with someone else, so be it. And because I love her I will do anything in my power to ensure she stays safe and happy, even if it means sacrificing myself to do it."
Faith searched his eyes but could only see sincerity and implacable resolve. She wondered briefly what it would be like to have someone love her that way, before dismissing the thought. Right now she had a job to do and she was not getting it done sitting in here.
She wrapped her torn shirt tightly around her and tucked it into her jeans, hoping it would at least stay moderately decent. Normally it would not have occurred to her to think about that but tonight felt different. Tonight was the kind of night where doing the right thing was all that counted. Possibly tonight was the biggest expression of love anyone could give.
The pounding outside paused briefly before resuming and she grimaced. Those demons just did not know when to give up.
She entered the kitchen just in time to hear Buffy name her daughter, Angel on her heels. It was the first time she had seen the child that she had carried for a few, short hours and she swallowed as a strange emotion welled up inside. That child, so innocent, was what they were fighting for. Something inside broke and changed. It was something so profound that for a moment she was frozen as the implications of it overwhelmed her. For the first time in her life there was something she would be willing to sacrifice herself for. Was this unconditional love?
In the middle of Faith's self-revelation something outside illuminated the kitchen with a garish red light. It was gone in a flash but the thunder as it impacted with the barrier was deafening. Faith staggered and caught herself against the doorjamb. She watched as Willow gasped, paled and slid from her chair.
"What's going on?" she shouted above a strange low-pitched hum that seemed to be emanating from outside the house.
"I-I-I don't know," the redheaded witch gasped.
The hum reached an almost painful pitch and then Faith watched in horror as a ball of brilliant red light hurtled from the sky and smashed against their barrier. It impacted with a thundering roar and the room shook again. Willow grimaced in pain and Tara slid down to sit next to her, taking the redheaded witch in her arms.
"Red, how long will the shield last?" Faith asked, straining to be heard over another building hum.
Willow shuddered but did not answer so the Slayer turned to Wesley.
He shook his head worriedly. "I don't know. Not much longer though."
Another ball of light hit the barrier and its pale white light briefly fluttered before stabilising.
"Anyone got any more bright ideas?" Faith asked, moving closer to Buffy.
The blonde Slayer was pale but a light of determination showed in her eyes.
There was deathly silence in the room. There were no ideas. No plans. No more reserves. Their last cards had been played.
In the sudden stillness, the sound of another approaching fireball was deafeningly loud. It hit the barrier with stunning force. The shield's light flickered once . . . twice . . . and failed.
*finis*