Title:
Series: The Council War, Chapter 3
Author: Watcher_Giles
Pairing: Giles/Original Character
Rating: R, to be safe (violence)
Disclaimer: Not mine, they belong to Joss and the boys. Sara, Thomas and the various Watchers do belong to me. The other fun people are just being borrowed. I shall return them undamaged.

Author’s note: See disclaimers in Ch 1. Since I posted the first two chapters of this fic, my email address has changed. You can either send feedback to jldanna@earthlink.net or jldanna@yahoo.com I thrive on feedback, please give me some. :-P And now on with the story:

BUFFY’S HOUSE – AFTERNOON

Thomas smiled when he saw the cup being placed in front of him.

“I thought you might like some tea,” Buffy smiled, uneasily. “It’s always seemed to calm your dad.” She looked at the book he had been reading for the last twenty hours. She didn’t know what the book was, but everyone was sure on edge since Wesley brought it. “We have an hour before we have to wake them.” She and Thomas had been determined to give Giles and Sara the last day to just be together. They had been fending off requests to see them from everyone. Buffy told them – in no uncertain terms – that the plan was sound, everyone knew their jobs, and since most of this was going to fall to Sara – let her spend her time alone with her husband. Thomas had filled in beautifully for Giles. He went over spells with Willow and Wesley, four weapons checks with Xander and Gunn, and was getting in as much research as he could before it was time to leave. “I saw you talking to Cedric, earlier. You OK?” They had all made it clear that he was only welcome until they beat Kane. As soon as Giles and Sara could focus their attention on the Council problem, they would hear him out, then send him on his way. He had burned his bridges with his son – which meant by default, nobody else liked him. Thomas was surprised she had noticed. He smiled warmly.

“Yes, thank you. He wanted to discuss the Kobliner’s,” he pointed to the book on the table, “And my parents, of course.” He made a face at that. “He gave up all rights to discuss familial issues with any of us years ago.”

“Anya calls him the ‘Sperm Donor,” she giggled. Thomas started to laugh, and ended up choking on his tea. He was still chuckling when he regained his composure.

“I’m starting to realize why dad likes her,” he replied. The smile still lit his green eyes. “Good Lord, she calls it like she sees it, doesn’t she?” Buffy smiled.

“Thomas, everyone seems to wigging over that book. It’s the Watcher’s version of my Codex, isn’t it?” She asked. Her heart dropped when he just nodded his head with a sad smile. ‘No wonder Sara didn’t want to know about anything else in there.’  She thought.

“Mum’s family occupies over two hundred pages in here. Those ‘of the Goat,’ don’t appear until around three generations ago. With my great grandmother, Claudia.” He gently answered.

“Of the Goat?”

“Giles, it’s derivative from French – it means ‘Of the Goat.”

“I am sorry for your Grandma, Sara’s mom. The way Giles talks about her – you can tell he loved her.” She offered. “I wish I could have met her. She sounds impressive.” Thomas watched her carefully, attempting to decide if she was sincere. With her being the Slayer – his father’s Slayer – he wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt. But he felt he needed to read his dad’s journals about this small formidable woman. It was the only chance they had of truly being friends.

“Your life would have been immensely different – all of ours would have been different. I would have been raised with my parents, who would have most likely been sent together to train you. My grandmother would have headed the Council.” Buffy could feel her temper flaring up.

“I am so going to beat Travers to death.” She ground out. She flinched when Thomas’ eyes turned hard and cold.

“You will do no such thing,” Came a voice from the bottom of the stairs. Buffy looked up to see Sara, with a smirk on her face. Giles was standing directly behind her. “When it comes time – Rupert will pay this family’s respects to Quentin. Not to worry, Buffy, I’m sure he’ll pass on messages from both of us, as well.” Gunn and Wesley got up from the couch to allow them to sit down. “Thank you.”

“Mum, are you certain you don’t want to take advantage of the last hour before we leave.” Everyone could clearly see that she was still in a great deal of pain. Wes felt his cell phone vibrating on his hip and stepped to a corner to answer it.

“I feel rested,” Sara told her son. She smiled when Cordelia and Dawn appeared with tea for her and her husband.

“Buffy, do you have a scrap of paper that I can write on?” Wes called to her. All eyes turned to him as he began writing. Wesley, like most Watchers, had a phenomenal memory. If it was important enough for him to actually commit to paper, it must be bad. “I see,” Wes told the caller. “Well, keep looking for them, and do what you can. Thank you, Stokes. Ta.”

“What is it, Wes?” Gunn asked. The tension in his friend’s squared shoulders was not a good thing.

“Stokes said they have successfully neutralized one of the assassination teams.” He glanced at Sara; “They want to meet you when tonight is over.” He continued on with his news. “He received a tip from London that the other team are not Watchers, but mercenaries. At the moment, they are nowhere to be found.” He handed the paper over to Sara. “They went by the suite at The Sunnydale Arms, the weapons are missing, and there are leftover spell books.”

“What kind of weapons are we talking, Wes?” Xander asked.

“Guns mostly. Long range rifles.” He answered.

“So, in other words, flying fatalities for us.” Buffy commented. Thomas got up quickly and went in search of a book. He returned to his mother’s side and handed the book across to his father.

“This should work for the rifles.” Giles opened the book to the page Thomas had marked. He began reading and realized this was the perfect spell. Dawn was trying to read over his shoulder, but all of the markings on the page looked like scribbles to her.

“Giles, what language is that?” She pointed at the page she was glancing at.

“Aramaic.” He could clearly tell she didn’t understand. “It’s the language from the days of Jesus Christ.” He chuckled when Dawn’s eyes got very large. “Yes, it’s old. This just might work.” He told his wife, before giving his son a proud smile.

“Magic Shields for all?” Dawn asked.

“These shields will stop projectiles – but not magic.” Sara held the list up to Wesley. “There are two dark mages on that list. One of who will not be a bother; he’s not strong enough. But Burke, he’s our problem. I’ve crossed paths with him before. He knows some right nasty spells, and won’t hesitate to use them.” She cast a nervous glance at Giles. “Since Quentin sent them here to kill me, I don’t believe it will be necessary to ward all of you.”

“Mum, you’re strong. But you can’t face every blasted magic user on the battlefield. Not if you hope to stand fast against the vampire. Even you’re not that powerful.” Thomas was worried. She was already taking most of the battle on herself as it was.

“I know. Which is why I am counting on your father to find the bastard and gut him before he causes trouble for me.” She mentally sent Giles the image of the man he was to kill. Buffy was a bit sickened at the thought of her proper Watcher ‘gutting’ someone. Almost instantly, she cursed herself for being the biggest hypocrite of all. She knew Giles would kill anyone that harmed her – or any of the Scoobies – without hesitation. Why was it hard to believe he’d do the same for his wife? “We’ll have to do some changing of positions.” Giles handed the book back to Thomas.

“Get Willow and gather the components. We’ll do the spell before we leave.” He turned to Xander, “Where are the blueprints of the high school?” They had spread it out across the dining room table and marked everyone’s positions. The job they had to do was left unspoken. Giles and Sara went to the table and debated the different groupings. Everyone was silent, waiting for orders. Giles pointed to the exterior edge of the blueprint, where Thomas had originally been placed. “Thomas, you will take my position in the center. Buffy you’ll have to protect him long enough for him to get his spells away. I’ll take Willow and Wesley with me, and we’ll find Burke.”

“Wes, get on the phone to Stokes. Tell him to figure out some way for us to differentiate his team from the mercenaries. That way we won’t destroy one of the good guys,” she smirked. “I’ll take Gunn, and Xander to watch my back, here.” She pointed to the Principal’s Office – right over the opening of the Hellmouth. She looked up into the eyes of the two men she was trusting with her life. The fear was clear, but there was also a surprising resolve.

“We won’t let you down,” Xander told her. As serious as Giles had ever seen the young man. Gunn nodded his agreement.

“Nathaniel, you know as well as I do, that a triangular pattern is most likely – catch us in the crossfire. With Rupert’s group here, I want you to take Cordelia and Ethan and go here.” She pointed to a section on the blueprint. “Find the other mage, and neutralize any of the other mercenaries. Anya, when you get possession of the gems, teleport to Thomas and give him the stones. As soon as he has them, join Nathaniel’s group.” Sara was issuing orders like the General she was to become. Giles allowed himself a moment of pride for his love.

“I want to be by Xander.” Anya protested.

“I know,” Sara smiled at her, “But we need you out here. You can sense magic. Nathaniel will need you to help him find our other mage.” She turned to her son. “Thomas, we won’t have time to destroy the stones. You’ll have to teleport them to your uncle.”

“The Relic Room,” he nodded. It was a good idea. There were generations of wards around that particular room. Not to mention that there were over 250 people – over half were magic users – to get by for even a chance and breaking the wards. The stones would stay protected and out of Kane’s hands. He felt a warm glow when his mother smiled at him.

“Yes. Buffy, he won’t be able to protect himself while he’s casting. I’m depending on you.” Buffy felt the tears well up in her eyes. She wouldn’t let Sara down again. “When the stones are gone, Buffy, I want you to join Gunn and Xander. Thomas, go to your father. I don’t have to tell you that the demons will be out in full force tonight.” They all shook their heads. They knew this was a fight to the death. Three people had been purposely left off of the plans.

“Willow, did you finish what we asked?” The witch disappeared into the kitchen and returned with a radio. She passed it to Giles. “Dawn, Whistler, we want you to stay here and monitor communications. Eastman gave Willow the radio codes the assassination teams were using. She’s programmed them in here, along with police band and 911 Emergency.”

“Willow, promise me you’ll only use your powers for good,” Xander teased. He chuckled when the witch smiled at him. Cordelia dumped a dozen Nextel cell phones from the bag she carried.

“We picked these up on the way from LA. They also have 2-Way Radios. Program the number you want, hold this button down and talk,” she showed everyone what she was talking about. Giles held the youngest Summers by the shoulders, forcing her to face him.

“Dawn, I know you want to fight. But you have one of the most important jobs here. You know us. You know how we fight, and how we react to sudden changes. You’re a very clever girl. We need you here to process information as fast as it comes in. With your help, we may be able to stay one step ahead of the bad guys.” Buffy released the breath she didn’t realize she was holding. And if it were possible – she adored her Watcher, and his wife, even more. They had managed to include Dawn in this very important battle, without putting her on the front line. Even more amazing was the fact that the teenager seemed to accept her duty. Their consideration made her even more determined not to fail in her assignment.

“I get why you’re leaving the kid here, but why me?” Whistler asked.

“Because you’re a coward whose only purpose is to bring cryptic information and generally annoy the crap out of me?” Buffy hazarded a guess.

“You and Dawn will guard each other’s backs here. The house is warded, but we’re not taking any chances.” Sara used her telekinesis and lifted Whistler up until they were eye to eye. “And if anything untoward happens to Dawn, I promise you more pain that any pathetic hell world can muster. Are we clear?” It wasn’t really a question. The Scoobies all shivered when they heard the same ‘Mrs. Ripper’ tone she used with Ethan.

Whistler held his hand up in surrender.

“Yeah, yeah. Protect the kid like my life depends on it.”

“It does,” she growled.

“Rupert, let me help.” Cedric stepped forward. He wasn’t a complete fool. No one trusted him to watch their back in the upcoming battle.

“Sit down, father. We’ll deal with you when this is over.” Giles didn’t want his father anywhere near the people he cared about.

“Rupert, be reasonable. The Slayer and the two of you are the only ones that can best me with a sword. The Slayer will be busy protecting Thomas, you’ll be occupied finding your mercenaries, and your wife will be too busy with the Vampire Mage. You can use me out there.” He decided to try a different tactic. “Look at it this way, if I get killed, what have you lost? Better I die, then one of those children. Or worse,” he looked pointedly at Sara. Giles growled in frustration. ‘Damn the old man, he was right.’ He just didn’t want to give in to the man who had betrayed him so many times before. Sara saved him the trouble.

“Very well. Cedric, I’ll take you with my group. I’m sure Xander and Gunn can use the assistance.” She cut off her son’s glare with a sharp look of her own. “Now that everyone has their assignments, let’s go over it one last time. Group #1: Thomas?”

“Buffy and I get into position, we don’t reveal ourselves until Anya hands me the gems. I teleport the stones to the Relic Room of Covington Hall, while Buffy protects me. Once the stones are away, I join dad to search for the assassins, while Buffy joins you in fighting Kane.” Thomas replied.

“Group #2: Rupert?”

“Willow and I hide to magically fortify your defense until you teleport the infant back here to Dawn. Once the child is away, Wesley joins us and we go in search of our errant mercenary, Mr. Burke. We find him and kill him before he can cause any real trouble.” Giles restated his group’s part in this.

“Good. Group #3: Nathaniel?”

“With Cordelia and Ethan, we take the opposite side away from Rupert’s group. We seek out any of the assassins as well as the other magic user, and we eliminate them. Anyanka will join us as soon as the gems are given to Thomas.” The large Watcher responded.

“Good. Ethan, come here.” She smiled as the Tiger automatically obeyed. She placed one hand on the Tiger’s head and chanted. “I’ve blocked the spell that has you sharing an increased level of Rupert’s pain. You’re of no use to Nathaniel or Cordelia if you’re too busy writhing around in pain to protect them. Group 4: Xander?”

“We guard your back while you take on the big bad vampire. Anything breathes wrong in your direction, we slay it. That includes you,” he said right to Cedric. He looked to Gunn to see if they agreed on that point. The man just stepped forward and grasped Cedric’s shoulder, hard. “We keep the nasties off your back, and wait for Buffy to help you kill Kane.” Xander beamed.

“Anya?”

“I go in with your group because you and I have to do this together. You give me the signal and I teleport to the gems. A half a second later, you teleport the child away from the vampire. I grab the stones and teleport to Thomas. As soon as I hand the stones to him, I teleport to Nathaniel’s group and help them look for the other magic user. Did I get it all?” She looked at Sara and Giles with so much hope in her eyes, they couldn’t help but smile.

“Yes, Anya. You got it all. Dawn?”

“Demon Boy and I stay here. We take possession of the baby Sara teleports. And we stay by the radio and coordinate information as it comes in. And we relay it to you at the first sign of trouble.” Sara smiled. They all had their assignments down pat. The fate of the world rested in the hands of these seventeen people – half of them, not yet twenty-five years old. But they had a feasible plan – and as long as Kane was stopped, and Rupert and Buffy survived, it would be a victory. It was thirty minutes before they had to leave to meet the Vampire Mage in battle and Sara wanted some time alone with her thoughts. When she headed for the front porch, Giles started to follow. He stopped when he felt a hand on his own arm, Wesley’s.

“Let her go for a bit, Rupert. Let her do whatever she has to do to get focused.” He advised the older man. Giles went over to the window and looked out to see his love, shoulders slumped, sitting on the porch.

“She looks like she has the weight of the world on her shoulders,” Giles noted, sadly.

“She does,” Wesley replied. “If Kane opens the Hellmouth, the World is doomed.”

Sara knew that tonight she was destined to die. Kane would be stopped, but she would no longer be here. Her only chance – and a small one, at that – lied in Angel’s possession. She glanced down at the wedding ring on her hand bestowed by whatever powers. Good or bad, she wasn’t sure. But she could sense the magic radiating from it. Would it play a part in her fate?

“So you’re her,” a voice asked from the darkness. Sara visibly flinched and grabbed a stake from her belt. Spike stepped from the shadows. From what he heard, this woman wouldn’t need a piece of wood to send him to oblivion. “Easy, luv. Just wanted to get a look at the woman that has the local vamp community quakin’ in their boots. Don’t see what all the fuss is about, you don’t seem so tough,” Spike taunted. Sara calmed when she saw who it was.

“Yes, well none of us are what we seem. Are we, William?” she asked.

“No, I suppose we aren’t.” he replied, taking a drag off his cigarette before offering Sara one. Lighting it, she talked to the vampire without looking at him.

“So, you’re back. The battle has begun, William. You know that I can’t allow you to walk away without choosing sides,” she warned him.

“Smart bird like you hasn’t figured it out, I always side with the Slayer? Even when it puts my arse on the line,” Spike admitted proudly.

“I know. You’re a different kind of man, William. Admirable.” Spike couldn’t hide his shock. Even when he was alive, no one had referred to him as such.

“Me? No, the things I’ve done…” Sara smiled enigmatically.

“I know. I should be very cross with you. Those two Slayers you killed, my ancestors were their Watchers. I have to admit, it was an excellent way to get Cho Yun to follow you to that temple – murder her Watcher in front of her.” She chuckled, clutching at her ribs when he visibly tensed. “Don’t worry, Spike. You may have been a royal pain in the arse for Rupert, but you’ve come through for them when it counts. In my mind, it wipes your slate clean where the Covingtons are concerned. My family have been Watchers for sixteen generations, we know the risks that come with the job – and we accept them.” She turned slightly to look at the vampire, and he relaxed when he saw the truth of her statement radiating from her eyes.

“Wow,” he said in awe. “For what it’s worth, that Watcher in China, I liked him. He went down fightin’ like a warrior.” He confessed. Truth was, he had to hide out for two days to heal from the damage the old man did. Or he would have never survived the Slayer. “A Lot like ole Rupes.” Though he’d never tell him that. They both sat silent for a few minutes. “You know I’m no good to you fightin’ over the Hellmouth? The voices…the closer I get – they get too loud. I can’t function.” Now it was Sara’s turn to be surprised. From what she knew of ‘William the Bloody,’ he wouldn’t admit weakness to anyone.

“All right, but on one condition,” Spike tensed up again. “If I live through this night, I want to know why we couldn’t take one of our best fighters into battle. I want to know why you suddenly left Sunnydale, and what happened.” Sara stated.

“No, I can’t…” he dropped his head into his hands. Sara stiffened when she pulled the thought from his mind. So, he tried to rape Buffy. That in itself was reason enough to stake him, but looking at him nearly trembling in shame, she couldn’t do it. Spike had too much potential to do good.

“Okay, you don’t have to tell me. But I want your word – If I’m killed tonight, no matter what you have to do, I want you to protect Rupert…even from himself.” Spike looked at her in amazement.

“You think Rupes will try and off himself?” he asked, knowing the Watcher often let his emotions control his actions most of the time.

“My husband and I have a history that you can’t even begin to understand. He is a man controlled by his emotions,” She began, echoing Spike’s thoughts. “And I know that if I were killed, he would do what he could to join me. Because I would do the same for him – after I obliterated the thing that killed him.” The vampire nodded, more than a bit surprised at the Watcher’s change in marital status.

“I swear, on my life, nothing will happen to the Watcher. Not by his own hand, or anyone else’s.” Spike gave his oath. Sara looked into his eyes; a bit taken aback by the sincerity she saw radiating from them. She knew he wouldn’t let her down. Spike jumped up from the porch when he heard the door opening. Sara smiled when she sensed her son.

“It’s all right, William. It’s just my son.” She assured him. Spike gasped when he saw Thomas, and Sara just smiled. That was the reaction of most people that knew her husband.

“Blimey! You look like your old man!” Thomas chuckled at the vampire’s shock. Spike looked the young man up and down. He was taller than Rupert, more muscular. And no doubt every bit as dangerous as his parents.

“Mum? Are you okay? Dad’s getting worried.” Truth was, he had sensed both his parents’ distress. He could at least alleviate some of it by getting his mum to return inside. Sara stood, taking her son’s face in her hands.

“I know, I can sense him too.” She said with a small smile. Thomas hugged her, knowing he shouldn’t have underestimated the bond between his parents. He desperately wished he could read his mother, but she was the only one strong enough to block him. “You don’t need to know anything other than I love you and your father more than my own life – remember that, no matter what happens.” She turned in her son’s arms to face Spike. “Remember your promise, William.” She told him, solemnly.

“I won’t forget,” he replied, as he backed away and disappeared into the darkness.

“What was that about?” Thomas asked her when they returned inside.

**William is doing me a favor, no need to concern yourself** she told him, telepathically. She felt her husband’s presence and looked up. She met his concerned gaze and smiled. Wordlessly, Giles opened his arms and Sara stepped into his embrace. Both felt the absolute bliss of being exactly where they belonged.

“We have to go,” Sara mumbled into his chest. Giles could feel the grief of sending the woman he loved more than anything, from his arms, to her potential death. He didn’t want to let her go, but he knew he had to. Whatever happened tonight, they had a world to save. Giving her one last tight hug, he released her, not trusting his voice.

“Willow?” Giles called the young witch, his voice thick with emotion. She walked around, setting up the last candles and leaving the last components in a pile in the center.

“It’s all set, Giles. I’ll close the circle as soon as the caster enters it,” she explained. She didn’t feel comfortable casting so soon, but she felt she could offer support to whoever did. When Giles went to take a step forward, he was halted by his son.

“Let mum and I do this,” Thomas suggested with a shy smile. He wanted to show his parents what he could do. Giles nodded and backed off, allowing his family to take their place at the center of the circle. Willow closed it, as Thomas helped his mother to kneel down. “Everyone, gather round,” the younger Giles ordered. Meeting Sara’s gaze, they both began chanting in their minds. Accessing their telepathy, they released the spell. As if watching a mirror image, mother and son leaned down and gathered the last component in the spell, throwing it into the fire. A wave of golden energy worked it’s way out from the two casters and spread out, passing through the others. When the spell was complete, Willow stepped forward and began opening the casting circle, and cleaning up the mess. Giles approached his son, his eyes wide.

“You’re strong, stronger than I thought possible. Miranda made sure you were prepared,” He told the younger man, thankful for his mother in law’s foresight. His son was a warrior in every sense of the word. Hand to hand, weapons and magic, Miranda Covington left nothing to chance. Thomas bowed his head, embarrassment and pride at his father’s words warring for control.

“Wards are in place, the weapons are loaded?” Sara asked. She smiled when Xander nodded.

“Yup. Yours and Giles’ talisman thingys are waiting in the car for you.” Xander told her.

“Very well. Then it’s time.” Sara looked around the room, seeing that everyone was prepared in their own way. Silently, they made their way out to the cars.

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

Sunnydale High School

Unsure of what to expect, they had decided to park the cars a few blocks away from the school itself. When they got within a block, Willow suddenly gasped.

“Mum, dad…” Thomas called to them, his voice sounding strangled.

“We know, we can feel it too.” Giles said. Buffy and Xander looked around the group and could see that whatever they were facing was affecting those with magical abilities more. Sara, Giles, Thomas, and Willow looked like they were in a great deal of pain.

“Buff, look at Ethan,” Xander pointed out quietly. The large tiger was hurting too. Every muscle in its body seemed to be bunched up, and the hair on his back was standing on end.

“Hey, England,” Gunn leaned over toward Wes. “What’s goin’ on with the mojo people?” He asked, figuring he might actually have a clue. Wesley tamped down on his own slight discomfort, knowing this must be agonizing for Rupert and his family.

“Dark magic,” he explained softly. “The stronger the power of the magic user, the more it hurts them. Sara, Mr. Giles, their son, Miss Rosenberg, this must be excruciating for them all.” He observed, casting a concerned glance at the four in question. The only indication of anything wrong with the older watchers was tightness in their jaw, and blinking a bit more. Young Thomas and Willow were not faring as well. When the high school was supposed to be in view, the group stopped dead in their tracks.

“Giles? Where’s the school?” Xander asked, suddenly very concerned. Evil vampires that make entire buildings go pooft should have no problem getting rid of a Zeppo the same way. Smaller parts of the building were still intact. But the central part, right over the hellmouth, was no more.

“Everyone get into position,” Giles ordered. His voice seemed to calm the Scoobies, and Cordelia, and spring them into action. He turned and Sara grabbed him quickly. She kissed him with every bit of love in her soul.

“I love you….never forget that.” She rasped. Giles couldn’t help but feel as if she was saying goodbye, but they had a world to save. So he tamped down on the tightness in his chest and moved into position. Everyone checked their watches, Anya watching Sara closely. The older woman gave her the signal to teleport. At the same second Anya arrived in the casting circle, Sara teleported the child back to Dawn. Much to her credit, Anya didn’t even flinch when the vampire turned on her. “KANE!” Sara yelled, stepping out into the open. The moment Kane spared to look at his nemesis, Anya had the stones in her hand and teleported to Thomas.

“Attack!” The vampire called out, and his minions emerged from the shadows. Sara’s gaze never wavered from the vampire, even as she heard the fighting.

“You have something that is mine demon. I’ve come to reclaim it,” She growled. Anyone who had taken a second to watch the two magic users stand off, would have seen an eighteen foot bird, made entirely of fire, go hurdling toward Sara. Without missing a beat, a large dome appeared in front of her, and she redirected the fire bird, sending it through a crowd of Kane’s minions, turning the vampires to dust.

Giles didn’t bother watching the slight exchange. He knew he would never be able to complete his task if he did. Instead, he cut through the crowd of Kane’s minions, his mind only on finding Burke, before he could hurt Sara. Any vampire foolish enough to get in his way, soon found themselves without a head. On the outskirts of the group, leaning against the tree, Giles saw Burke. He growled deep in his chest when he realized the man was able to get one spell away. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Sara fall to her knees, and barely get her arms up in time to deflect Kane’s next attack.

“NO!” Giles heard Thomas call out behind him. He looked up to see Burke’s head snap back, disrupting his casting. Giles was less than a foot away when the angry mage got to his feet. The man tried to swing at him, but the watcher easily sidestepped the attack, bringing his katana down, severing the man’s Achilles tendon. With a yelp of pain, Burke tried to stand by leaning on his sword. He found himself being lifted off his feet and slammed into the tree. The man knew of Rupert Giles by reputation, but his eyes went wide with horror when he saw an angrier, younger version of the man approaching. He tried to recite a spell, to break whatever hold the young Giles had on him, but stopped when the flare of pain flooded his mind. He began convulsing, and yelling out in pain. “LEAVE MY MUM ALONE!” Thomas shouted, ignoring the blood trailing from his own nose. Burke gave a blood-curdling scream as Giles decided to behead the man. It wasn’t as if he gave a whit about Burke’s pain threshold, he just didn’t want his son to rupture anything taking the man out. He stepped between the fallen corpse and his son.

“Burke can’t hurt your mum anymore,” Giles told him, sternly. The younger man still didn’t look away from the body. Taking out a handkerchief, Giles pressed it to his nose, getting his attention. “He’s done for, son. He’s no threat to your mum, or anyone.” When Thomas finally looked up at him, he smiled. “Come on, let’s finish this.” Both men gripped their swords tightly and jumped back into the fray.

Kane was getting frustrated that his attacks were having little effect on the wizard’s progeny. On this plane, she was nearly as strong as he was. Initiating the two spells he would need to call upon, he attempted to antagonize the woman further.

“You brought help. No matter, the day will still be mine,” he taunted, taking in the field of battle. His minions still outnumbered the woman’s friends. Sara had to force herself to stay focused on the vampire, even when she heard a very human yelp of pain. It sounded like Xander. The minute distraction gave Kane the opening he needed.  Collapsing to her knees, Sara felt herself being pulled from her body. The vampire laughed, assuming he’d won, when Giles and Sara were enveloped in a blinding flash. When the light cleared, Giles was on his knees, and above the school were large spirit forms of Sara and Kane – and the new twins, Miranda and Alexander. It took Sara a moment to realize who stood by her side, but when she did, she grinned at the vampire, ferally.

“No, demon. You may prefer the cover the night gives you, but the day belongs to us,” She said, indicating her fully-grown twins. Cordelia and Nathaniel looked up when they heard the clang of metal above their heads. Seeing Sara and two others locked in a heated sword battle with the vampire made Cordy cringe.

“Awwwww, man. It’s my vision. We’re not going to make it.” She whispered, and Nathaniel looked at her sharply. “Where the hell is Angel?” She asked herself, but was brought out of her reverie by the growl of a tiger. Ethan had jumped on a vampire heading to the distracted Cordelia, and sliced through its neck in a flurry of teeth and claws.

As if summoned by Cordelia’s words alone, Angel’s car screeched to a halt in front of the school. He popped the trunk as he and Faith jumped out. When she grabbed a knife and a shortsword, a van careened to a stop directly in front of them. Angel tensed, ready to pounce. Stokes and his group stopped when they saw Faith.

“We’re here to help,” he said, raising both hands in front of him. Faith looked at Angel, then at the Watcher.

“Fightin’s that way, tweed boy,” Faith pointed toward the battle. “Pick a weapon and jump on in.” When he stepped close to Faith, she fixed him with a hard stare. “I got a job to do here, so no big ideas about double crossing me – or I promise you lots of pain. Got it?” With a slight nod, Stokes and a few others grabbed weapons, and headed for the fight. Angel walked next to Faith for a moment.

“All in all, I’d say that went well.” He said, giving her an awkward smile. “I have to find Giles, then Sara. Will you be all right?” He asked, just as several vampires approached them.

“Me? I’ll be great!” Faith laughed, landing a blow to the head of the first vampire that lunged. Angel could tell from watching her, that she needed this. The new freedom. He shook off his thoughts, just in time to duck a Fyral demon. Taking the silver knife off of his belt, he proceeded to cut the demon to shreds. Choosing one side, he cut his way through the crowd, sighing in relief when he saw Wesley.

“Where’s Giles?” He asked, polishing off two more vampires. Wes gave a frustrated groan, when his head snapped back. Angel, needing his question answered, stepped forward and drove the stake home. “Wesley, where’s Giles?” He demanded again, now that the other man wasn’t in the middle of a fight. He pointed behind him, and continued into the battle, taking on the closest demon. As Angel came around the corner, he saw a man dressed in tweed, aiming a rifle at Giles and another man. “Oh no you don’t!” He growled, his handsome features taking on the visage of the vampire. Grabbing the man from behind, he snapped his neck like a twig, and dropped the body to the ground. Using his anger, he fought his way toward Giles. He reached his former friend, but pulled up short with a gasp. Barely rolling out of the way in time, he was stunned to see a younger version of the Watcher progressing on him with a stake. Angel felt a wave of panic grip him as he was lifted off his feet, but the boy was still five feet away. He could easily read his own death in the young man’s face. And the regret of failing Sara flooded his system. He felt the stake point just pierce his skin, then stop. Opening his eyes, he saw Giles physically restraining the young man’s arms.

“No, son. Let him go.” Giles told Thomas, tightly, the strain of the decision weighing heavy on him. All he had to do was look the other way, and the cause of his nightmares would go up in a cloud of dust.

“But….what he did to you?!” Thomas couldn’t understand how his father could allow this thing to live after what it did to him. Angel hung his head in shame, not able to meet either man’s eyes as he spoke.

“This isn’t about my past in Sunnydale, this is about Sara.” He said softly. He didn’t need to look up to see that he had Giles’ undivided attention. “She sent me Giles. To you, with something you might need.” Giles gave Thomas a nod, and the younger man released Angel from his hold, dropping him to the ground. Reaching around his neck, he handed the glowing amulet to Giles. When it passed from Angel’s hand to Giles,’ the glow increased exponentially. “She said only you could call on the magic inside,” Angel explained. Looking over his shoulder, he smiled to see the crowd thinning. They were either destroying Kane’s minions, or driving them away. “Giles, we have to get to her now.”

Kane floated above the hellmouth, knowing he was beaten. He looked across to the woman that was his downfall; the hatred between them was palpable. He might be beaten, but he was going to take the Covington bitch with him. Closing his eyes, he began to chant. Thomas and his siblings knew what the vampire was trying to do. The soul of Alexander rushed to Buffy, while Miranda stayed to help their mother fight.

**Slayer, you have to get to Kane. Destroy his body before it’s too late!** Alexander would have carried the small blonde there if he could. Buffy nodded and took off like a shot. Ignoring the slices cutting into her skin from creatures she ran by, she got to the downed body of the vampire mage, just as he uttered the last word of the spell. Buffy drove the stake home, only to drop to her knees at Miranda and Alex’s concerned cries.

**Nooooooooo, Mum!** The twin souls echoed. Sara’s soul collapsed above her body, as a thirty-foot shadow pried itself off of the school and headed for the down woman. The twins stood in front of their mother, battling the shadow for possession of her soul. **Slayer, find our dad. Only he can pull her back!** Alex managed to ground out between swings. With a stunned nod, Buffy immediately sought out her watcher. She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw him coming with Thomas and Angel. Giles froze as he saw Sara’s lifeless, bloodied body. The color drained from his face. Collapsing to his knees next to her, he numbly stroked the hair off of her forehead, feeling what was left of his heart shatter.

“You knew,” Giles whispered. “You knew, damn you,” He said, stroking her cheek. Buffy and Angel had both been trying to get his attention through the fog of grief. Finally, Buffy physically grabbed Giles’ head and directed his gaze to the scene above the school.

“Giles, look!” She growled, holding his head in place. “Those are your kids, fighting for your wife! Either help them, or you’re gonna lose all three of them.” Giles stared up numbly, watching his son and daughter fight to keep the shadows from claiming their mum. “Giiiiiillllleeeessssss,” Buffy whined. Angel yanked the amulet from Giles’ grasp, knowing he was risking the angry young man’s wrath again.

“Giles, damnit! Look!” Angel shoved the amulet in the watcher’s face. “Sara put something in here, only you can call on! So pull yourself together!” Giles was slowly coming out of his fog when two words snapped him to attention.

“Dad, please,” Thomas pleaded. Giles snatched the amulet back from Angel, turning it over in his hands, trying to figure out if Sara left him a clue as to what she needed him to do. There, on the back, were three small markings. Placing the amulet around his own neck, so that it rested above his heart, Giles began to chant. The rest of the party, having dispatched the rest of Kane’s minions, hobbled over to the small group to witness one man’s attempt to call his love back to him. Cedric ignored the blood running down his head, and began to pray. Pray that Sara would heed Rupert’s call and come back. Pray that the twins could hold out long enough. Gunn, Wes and Cordy gathered behind Angel, their fear for their downed friend, clear on their face. Willow and Xander both limped up behind Buffy. Xander put his hand on the Slayer’s shoulder, and caught her in his arms when she spun to hug him. Willow joined in less than a second later, followed by Anya. The Scoobies were shocked when they heard the vengeance demon’s soft plea.

“Please, don’t let her die. I don’t think Giles could take it,” She whispered. Wind kicked up around the large group, and the amulet around Giles’ neck began to glow bright red. Giles began to chant louder, and gripped the amulet in both hands. Everyone except Giles had to cover their eyes when a bright flash erupted in the sky. Buffy managed to pull it together enough to catch Giles before he collapsed to the ground.

“Easy…” She said, softly, as she lowered him next to Sara. “Did it work?” She asked Angel, or anyone that knew. Xander called his friend, and pointed up toward the sky, his mouth open in shock. Above them, were Alexander and Miranda, both sporting large grins. It was clear to see that as adults, Alex and Miranda shared features with both parents. Alex, while looking like Giles, had his mother’s steel blue eyes and darker hair. And Miranda got the best of both worlds. Her mother’s beauty, with her father’s gorgeous green eyes, which gave her face a warmth that her mother did not have. Giles lay on his back, looking up at his children. He couldn’t help but smile when Alex smiled down at him.

**You did it, dad,** he whispered. Thomas’ eyes shot to his mother, then up to his siblings. Miranda met his gaze steadily. **We’re trusting you to watch over them, until we can come and help,** She told him in her mother’s no nonsense tone.

“I won’t fail,” Thomas replied, still stunned as to what was happening. “How?” He asked his sister.

**They gave us names, identities. After that, their rings allowed them to call us,** Miranda explained. Alex grinned at his brother. **It’s time for us to go now. Remember your promise. We’ll see you in eight months.** In a flash of light, both twins disappeared.  Everyone nearly rushed to Sara’s side when they heard her groan. Angel held back his people, while Buffy held back the Scoobs, allowing Giles and Thomas to go to her first. Giles rolled over with some effort, but managed to sit up.

“Come on, luv. Open your eyes, please. Let me see those lovely blue eyes.” He pleaded. He knew Sara had multiple broken bones and cuts all over, but she was alive. Everything else would heal. With a great deal of effort, she managed to pry her eyes open, and her pain filled blue eyes met two terrified sets of green. Thomas and Giles looked as if they might cry. Sara felt tears fill her own eyes, and raised her hand to Giles. She hissed in pain when two of the broken bones rubbed together, but she didn’t care. She needed to touch him. Knowing how she felt, he leaned down and pressed his forehead to hers. “Don’t you ever do that to me again!” He rasped, his voice thick with emotion. He took a clean handkerchief from Wesley and pressed it to the bleeding gash on her temple.

“You’re alive, so is Buffy and Thomas. Hellmouth is still closed, curse is gone. I don’t matter,” She reminded him, but Giles shook his head, adamantly.

“The hell you don’t. Look around, luv. These people aren’t standing here for the weather,” He motioned to all their friends. Seeing Stokes and his group standing off to the side, he waved them forward. “See? They came back for you, no one else.” He pointed out. When Sara met the younger Watcher’s gaze, he nodded.

“It’s true, ma’am.” He looked back toward the van, then back at Giles and Thomas. “Um….we have a van, Mrs. Giles should be more comfortable there. We can take you to hospital.” He tossed the keys to one of the Watchers in his party. The young man nodded, and went to pull the van closer. Stokes took a knee in front of Giles and Sara. “If you’d permit us, we’d like to help keep watch while you recover. The Slayer and her friends are safe, the Hellmouth is closed, and the Vampire Mage destroyed. You are what matters now.”  Giles looked up at Thomas to see what he thought of this. Thomas glared at Stokes, but his gaze softened slightly.

“You tried to shoot my dad earlier, I still don’t like you for that. But you came through here when we needed you. I’m willing to give it a shot,” Thomas told him. “We’ll pair up one of your people with one of ours until I feel we can trust you.” Stokes turned as the van pulled up close to them. The driver got out, and opened the side door.

“Fair enough,” he told the young Giles. “Mr. Giles, we should get your wife to hospital, where she can rest comfortably.” Stokes suggested gently. Giles never took his eyes off of Sara. Both were locked in their own little world. Buffy placed a gentle hand on her Watcher’s shoulder, thrilled that the curse was gone.

“Giles,” she called him, softly. He immediately looked up at her. “We need to get everyone to a hospital. Stitches need to be put in, bones need to be set.” She suggested, and he nodded, numbly. Thomas stepped up next to his father, and gratefully accepted a makeshift backboard that Wesley had found. Together, they gently rolled Sara on to it, securing her to the board with ripped strips of Thomas and Nathaniel’s shirts. Several of the Watchers stepped forward to help slide Sara into the back of the van, carefully. Thomas placed his hand on his father’s shoulder.

“Go on ahead with mum. Buffy and I will stay here and gather everyone else. We’ll be along shortly.” He promised. Seeing Nathaniel was relatively uninjured, he called his father’s cousin over. “Go with Stokes. Keep them safe until we get there,” he ordered, showing shades of his future. The large man nodded and climbed in the passenger seat of the van. When the van pulled away, he turned to face Buffy. “You might want to call Dawn, have them bring the infant to the hospital.” Buffy nodded and stepped to the side to do just that. Thomas surveyed the group in front of him. He was surprised to see the other slayer, and couldn’t help the chuckle that erupted at the shocked look on her face.  “I see my aunt got you out. She’s told you of the situation, of our intentions?” He smiled when Faith nodded. “You’re more than welcome to join us, if you like.”

“Travers would have had me killed, rather than help. Would have succeeded too, if it weren’t for B and Angel. Chance to take him out, and make things better for future slayers? Count me in.” Faith told him with a sly grin. Buffy ground her teeth slightly, as she saw Faith practically drooling over Thomas’ bare torso. He had a light mat of hair on his chest, and six pack abs, and in Buffy’s view, the scratches and bruises he was sporting only complemented the picture. Finishing her conversation with Dawn quickly, after having to hold the phone away from her ear to avoid Dawn’s piercing squeal, Buffy returned to Thomas’ side. She figured with Sara and Giles out of commission, that left the two of them in charge.

“Excellent, welcome aboard,” Thomas replied with a smile toward the dark haired slayer. Willow helped lower Xander to the ground, the wound on the young man’s leg screaming for attention. Thomas kneeled in front of him, the gratitude toward the other man, clear on his face. Using a knife from his belt, he cut the pant leg on Xander’s trousers. The gaping wound on his leg was still bleeding sluggishly. Placing his hand over the wound, he began chanting. Xander gasped as a warm glow emitted from under the younger Giles’ palm, and he watched the sides of the wound come together and knit. Thomas took his hand away with a smile.

“Why didn’t you do that for Sara?” He asked, not understanding. But he was thankful that the younger man was there.

“Her injuries were too extensive. I can heal cuts, individual broken bones. She has fractures and lacerations all over.” Thomas responded, the fact that he couldn’t help his mother, clearly bothering him. Buffy placed a small hand on his broad shoulder and gave it a supportive squeeze.

“Don’t do that,” She chided him. “She’s gonna be okay, so’s your little brother and sister.” Her gaze met Xander’s. “I swear it must be genetic. Blaming themselves for things that aren’t their fault.” Xander nodded with a grin.

“Your dad does the same thing,” the dark haired young man chuckled.  Thomas shook his head with a smile. Seeing Ethan lounging in the area, he called the tiger over. Checking his coat, he ran his hands over the slices in the tiger’s skin.

“We can’t exactly take him to the vet,” Thomas commented with a sigh. “You did okay, old man.” He began chanting. It took several minutes, but the painful growls turned into the moans of a man once more. Thomas stood and glared down at his father’s old friend. “Don’t think you’re off the hook because you are no longer a tiger. Cross me or my parents again, old man, and being turned into a tiger will be the least of your worries.” He warned, before his face softened slightly. His gaze went over their small group, and he felt a pride flood his system. Buffy and her friends were scratched, and bruised, but alive. Gunn and Xander would always have a special place in his esteem, for giving their all to protect his mum. He met Gunn’s eyes and could see the understanding in them. There was blood trailing down the other man’s face, from the cut over his left eye, and his right arm was broken and pulled out of socket. Taking a clean handkerchief from his own pocket, he passed it to Gunn. When he moved to do something for the man’s arm, the other man just shook him off.

“Let’s just get everyone to the hospital,” Gunn told him, softly. Thomas, Buffy and Angel being the least hurt, helped everyone to the cars. No one noticed as a light haze floated down and settled on Thomas, seeming to seep into his very skin. He stumbled, barely gripping the wall in time. When he looked up, Buffy was at his side. The concern was written on her face.

“I’m all right. Just felt light headed for a moment.” He shook his head, attempting to clear it. Buffy felt her knees puddle slightly when he smiled at her.

“Oh boy,” she whispered under her breath, helping him to the car.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

Sunnydale General Hospital

The moment they got there, Buffy sent Thomas ahead to find Giles and Sara. She was happy when the hospital just found it easier to put the rest of them in one large room and treat them as a group. When the nurses stepped out, Buffy got everyone’s attention.

“I know Giles and Sara were talking about this war with the Council after we finished here, but I think we should wait.” She tried hesitantly. Xander and Willow, seeing their friend had something particular in mind, waited silently for her to continue. “We need to wait at least nine months. Give Alex and Miranda a chance to be born.”

“The Council knows Sara’s alive, we stay here, she’s a sitting duck. There’s no guarantee the twins have a better chance here.” Xander chimed in.

“They don’t. I’ll talk to Giles and Thomas, see if they know a place we can hide out.” She looked at Wes, Gunn and Cordy. “We welcome your help if you want to come,” turning her sad gaze on Angel, she continued. “Angel, your presence seems to be freaking out Thomas,” She explained.

“I wonder why?” Xander snorted, sarcastically. Buffy cut him off with a glare.

“Xander, not now. I was going to say, I think Angel should stay in Sunnydale and watch the hellmouth. We’ll send for you, right before we leave for England.” Buffy told her ex. “It’ll give us time to warm Thomas to the idea of you being around.” Gunn was about to protest the treatment of their boss, but Cordy and Wes both put a hand on his good arm and shook their heads. He ignored their warning.

“What’s the kids beef with Angel anyways? Seems that amulet thing he brought with him saved the day,” Gunn demanded to know. Wes sighed, and Cordelia just glared at her friend. The whole Angelus/Giles thing was like walking a tightrope. And it didn’t help that Gunn was blindly trudging through the nastiness.

“Could be that the kid’s beef has something to do with your boss’ alter ego taking his father, tying him to a chair and torturing him for days, for laughs. Ain’t that right, deadboy?” The anger was clear in Xander’s voice. Gunn pulled back as if slapped. It was clear the dark haired man in front of him lived through that hellish time.

“Xander!” Buffy, Cordelia and Willow all yelled at him.

“What?! I’m not going to sugar coat things just cause Gunn thinks Thomas is being unfair.” He looked at Gunn, “No offense, but Thomas has a right to his anger and hatred. He’ll do the right thing when the time comes, but leave him alone about it.”

“Xander! That’s enough! We all know what happened, now. So knock it off.” She looked at Angel, not as an apology, but to see how he was holding up under the barage of his past. “Angel, you can stay and watch the hellmouth. I’ll talk to Sara. See if she can calm Thomas down enough to bring you into this fight. But we won’t be leaving for England until the twins are born. Agreed?” Buffy smiled when everyone agreed. She was happy to see three of the nurses had returned. “Did you manage to find out what room Mrs. Giles is in?” Buffy asked the nearest one.

“Yes, ma’am. Mrs. Giles, is in ICU 3. They have to put in quite a few stitches, as well as set several of her bones. Mr. Giles and Family should be near there.” She started to explain where the room was and stopped when another nurse stopped her.

“No need to tell her, Marge. Buffy and her friends are regulars here. She knows where it is.” She gave Buffy a teasing smile. “Though I wasn’t aware that Mr. Giles was married. I think the news will break Moira’s heart,” She and the Scoobies shared a laugh over that.

“Ok, did not need to hear about women lusting after Giles,” Cordy complained, half heartedly.

“No need to worry about Moira lusting after anyone,” Xander laughed. At Wesley’s confused glance, Willow explained.

“Moira is basically a permanent resident here. She’s seven, and has decided that Giles is the best thing since sliced bread. She’s already declared her intention of marrying him. I swear every time we come in here, the staff always finds her in his room. Giles is great with her too….patient. I know he won’t admit it, but as much as he hates hospitals, he’s okay if he gets to see Moira. I think she stops him from slaying the hospital staff while Buffy isn’t there.” She chuckled.

“Maybe I’ll drag Giles away for a minute and have him break the bed news,” Buffy smiled.

“Would you? I think she’ll take it better from him than she will from us,” the nurse asked. Buffy nodded and made her way out the door. On the way to ICU 3, she stopped at a vending machine and got four coffees. She saw Whistler and Dawn coming down the hall, and had to blink twice, seeing Whistler holding the infant they rescued from Kane.

“You, take the kid and leave him in the chapel, it’s right down the hall to the left.” She ordered.

“What if the kid cries?” the small demon asked.

“The sooner it cries, the sooner it’s found. Just make sure you’re not seen leaving him in there.” When Whistler walked away, she focused her attention on Dawn. “Most of the group is straight down this hall. Trauma Room 2, if you want to go check on them. I was just going to see Giles and Sara.” She explained, and Dawn shook her head.

“How’s Sara? I heard some of the stuff going on. I was worried about her, and Giles.” Dawn asked. Buffy gave her a warm smile.

“She’ll live, but she has a lot of healing to do. Giles is fine too. Though I think Sara scared ten years off of him,” she teased. “Come on, munchkin.” They made their way down the hall and found Giles sitting in a chair outside the room with his head in his hands. For a moment, Buffy thought the worst. “Giles?” her pronouncement of his name said and asked a thousand things. Are you okay? Is she okay? Has anything changed? Etc, etc. The non-verbal communication between them having been established years ago, Giles immediately picked up on her distress.

“She’s okay, Buffy. I think everything just hit me at once.” He confessed, greatfully taking the coffee from her. Buffy and Dawn knew then, just how tired he was, Giles normally despised vending machine coffee. Buffy looked at her sister, both a little scared at how lost he looked. Each Summers girl sat on either side of him. Buffy hesitantly raised a hand and stroked the hair over his ears. The gentle touch was enough to break his resolve. His hand began to shake and he spilled his coffee on the floor. His breathing became ragged and harsh. When he went to stoop to wipe up the coffee, Buffy grabbed him and hugged him. She held him as the sobs wracked her old friend’s large frame. Dawn hugged him from behind, and rubbed soothing circles on his back as he cried. Buffy looked up as she saw Thomas come out of Sara’s room. He stopped abruptly, concern for his father taking hold. Buffy just shook her head with a sad smile, and continued to comfort her watcher.

“Hey, that’s it. Just let it out Giles.” She said, soothing. “You know, you don’t have to be super guy all the time. You’re allowed to be scared. The danger is real.” Thomas gave her a greatful look and just stood by and let her continue. “We won this round, your son is okay, your wife is alive, you got two gorgeous twins on the way.” She reminded him, knowing he just had to cry this out. After nearly five minutes straight, Buffy felt the tension begin to leave her friend. Five more minutes, Buffy and Dawn felt Giles sit up. He wrapped his arms around both girls, drawing them to his chest.

“Thank you, both of you. I had no idea it would hit me that hard,” he confessed.

“No problem, Giles. Come on, how many times have me and Buffy soaked the front of your shirts freaking about something?” Dawn teased, trying to lighten his mood.  Buffy gave her sister a beaming smile when her Watcher laughed softly. She clutched the front of Giles’ shirt, and nudged him playfully.

“Will you think I’m selfish if I say I’m really glad this curse has gone away? I mean, I don’t know how I wouldn’t have made it through the next week without my Watcher hugs. As much as I like your wife, sorry, her hugs just aren’t the same.” She grinned when he laughed. From his position in the corner, Thomas began to see his father’s slayer in a slightly different light. It was clear she cared about him….more than he originally thought possible. Perhaps he had judged her too harshly before? “I’m glad you’re both out here, I needed to talk to you about something.” She felt Giles tense under her hands, and she hated ruining his mood once more. “I know we’re all determined to do this Council thing, and I agree, it has to be done. But I wanted to talk to you about waiting.”

“Buffy, the Council…” Giles began, but Buffy cut him off.

“Has been there for hundreds of years, I think it can wait eight or nine months. Giles, we need everyone at full strength if we’re going to do this. They need time to heal.” She smiled widely at her Watcher. “Plus, after what I saw tonight, you got some great kids on the way. I’d like to give them a chance to be born.”

“What do you propose?” Thomas asked, intrigued that Buffy would come up with this.

“I talked to the others, they agree. For the next eight months, at least, we go into hiding. Make it hard for Travers and his goon squads to find us.” She explained.

“What about the hellmouth?” Thomas asked.

“Since I doubt you’ll take to being cooped up with Angel for eight months well, I asked him to stay behind to watch the hellmouth.” At Thomas’ dark glare she continued. “Look, no one blames you for not liking him, but I trust him to do this. I was hoping one of you might know a good place we can hide.” After several minutes of silence, Thomas spoke up.

“Dad, I might know somewhere.” When Buffy and Giles looked up at him expectantly, he continued. “Grandmother Covington has a friend that lives on the Blackfoot Indian Reservation in Billings, Montana. He’s a Shaman. It’s wide open land, easily defensible, and Joseph’s magic might be enough to throw off any of the Council’s detection methods.” Giles seemed to consider his words, then finally nodded at Buffy and Thomas.

“I’ll leave contacting him up to you,” Giles told his son. “Buffy, Dawn, tell the others we have two days to pack. I don’t want to be here long, with so many of our group injured. I’ll talk to Sara, as soon as all her sutures are in, and her bones have been set, I’ll see about getting her released.” He took a card out of his wallet, as well as an old receipt. Scribbling a number on the paper, he handed it to Buffy. “I also want you to go to the bank and draw out $20,000 in cash. We’ll take out more on the way.” Buffy’s eyes grew large when he mentioned the amount, but she nodded nonetheless. “All right, off you go. We have a lot to do in two days.” Before Buffy and Dawn disappeared down the hall, he called them. When they turned, he offered them a warm smile. “Thank you, both of you.”

“No sweat, Giles. Just know, no one messes with you or your family while I’m alive, or I get cranky.” Giles was taken aback by the flare of anger and possessiveness that rose up in his slayer’s eyes. But no matter what, it did offer him a great deal of comfort. One could do worse than an angry slayer to protect your family. He smiled gently as Buffy and Dawn disappeared down the hall. Silently, he ducked back into Sara’s room. She looked up and her brow furrowed in concern, she could tell he had been crying.

“I’m fine, luv. But we need to talk. Buffy had this idea…”

TBC...
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