Giles frowned as he glanced at the time board in the Chicago airport. He had two hours before his connection to England. Stepping into a Captain's Lounge where it was a little more quiet, he checked his phone messages and sat down heavily.

He dialed Dominick's number.

Dominick leapt out of his seat when his phone rang. Without even glancing at Michael he headed outside and hit the button on his phone. "Dominick Young here," he said quickly.

"It's Giles, what's wrong," Giles demanded. "I'm on my way home, in Chicago now."

"Chicago!" Dominick gulped. That was too far away, he thought. Yet, it was a surprise that Giles wasn't still in Sunnydale. "Claire's in hospital," he said gently. He didn't know how much to say on the phone.

"It'll be ten hours before I'm there," Giles said, beginning to pace. "Tell me."

"They're prepping her for surgery now," Dominick said softly. He leaned against the building and closed his eyes, wincing as he tried to explain. "Her doctor just got here. She...she lost the baby, Giles. I'm so sorry. They are getting ready to do a hysterectomy. Claire hasn't been conscious since Michael called for the ambulance. She's lost a lot of blood..." Dominick swallowed the lump in his throat.

"Anything to save Claire," Giles said firmly. "No hesitation. Don't call Thomas." The Wathcer's mind tried to sort out his thoughts. "Oh God... I'll take a taxi from the airport. What... what did the doctor say?"

"They think the baby died a day or so ago. Claire was at the wig shop and she hemorrhaged. Luckily Michael was there and he phoned the ambulance." Dominick sighed. "They said a hysterectomy is the only way, and...they said Claire...they just don't know....at this point...." Dominick couldn't even voice his concerns. Claire might not make it, but he didn't want to voice it, let alone think it.

"I'll try for an earlier flight," Giles said slowly. "Call the solicitor, you've medical authority for anything they need to do. I'll call you once I'm over the ocean."

"I can send someone to pick you up, Giles," Dominick stated. "I haven't even phoned anyone at the manor yet."

"Phone and tell everyone to stay at the manor," Giles said. "Have someone pick me up. I'll call with a time. Let me see if I can switch airlines."

"Alright," Dominick said. "Claire should be out of surgery and in recovery by the time you get here." If she made it, he thought, and then mentally slapped himself for even thinking that.

"I'll be there," Giles said. "If she wakes.... tell her I'm on my way... that... I was already on my way."

"I will, of course I will," Dominick said quickly.

"Call if... anything else develops. Ringing off now," Giles said slowly. He had to find a plane leaving sooner.

"I'm sure everything will be okay," Dominick said gently. "Let me know what time you arrive, and I'll have a driver there for you."

"Right, later," Giles said, clicking his phone closed and headed out of the lounge.

Dominick sat in the waiting room of the hospital near Michael. They hadn't heard anything regarding Claire's condition yet. It was frustrating and maddening. He excused himself from Michael and stepped out to phone Giles.

He got the Head Watcher's voice mail. "Giles, this is Dominick. Please call me as soon as you're able. It's very important. It's about Claire. Please…it's urgent." Dominick hung up with a heavy sigh.

When he re-entered the hospital waiting room he saw Michael standing and talking with a doctor. Dominick hurried over. The doctor turned to Dominick. "We need a family member to authorize the operation. Where is Lord Giles?"

"Operation?" Dominick asked, confused. "Lord Giles is out of the country, I'm afraid."

The doctor frowned. Dominick looked at him and asked, "You aren't Claire's regular doctor. Where is he? He knows everything. It's all in Claire's file…how is she? What kind of operation?"

"Slow down, young man. Her doctor is on his way, but I'm not sure we can wait. Lady Giles has not regained consciousness and she's losing blood faster then we can transfuse. We need to perform a full hysterectomy right away, or she may die."

"Die?" Michael cried. "What about her baby? I mean…"

Dominick raised a hand to make Michael quiet down. "Everything is in Claire's file. I was told that by Lord Giles before he left. They've consented ahead of time in case a crisis such as this arose."

"The stress, it wasn't good for her," Michael complained.

Dominick turned and glared at Michael. "You're not helping! Please, just be quiet while I think." He ran his hand through his hair. "Of course if you need to do the operation, do it. Claire comes first."

The doctor nodded. "Alright, I'll consult her file, and if everything is in order, I'll start the procedure. Hopefully her doctor will arrive in time, if he's aware of all circumstances."

The doctor hurried off and Dominick sat back down. Michael paced. "Did you get a hold of her husband?"

"Voice mail," Dominick said softly. "I'm sure he'll call as soon as he gets the message."

Michael wanted to say something, but he refrained. Dominick was right. He wasn't helping Claire by getting upset. Finally he sank down into a chair next to Dominick. "I shouldn't have left her. If I had been there, maybe this wouldn't have happened, or…be this bad."

Dominick shook his head. "It's not your fault. She hasn't been feeling well. That's why she made the appointment. They couldn't get her in until the day after tomorrow, and since she wasn't in pain or anything…I guess they didn't think it was urgent, and Claire just thought it was her nerves. She's been stressed with Giles gone, and not feeling well anyway. Pregnancy isn't easy for….her. There's nothing you could have done. There's probably nothing anyone could have done."

The men sat together in silence, keeping vigil. Dominick hoped Giles called soon so he could inform him, yet…dreaded telling him at the same time.

Not for the first time was Dominick grateful Tacha wasn't a Slayer.

Dominick was in his office at the manor, frowning at his computer. He was inputting everything from Thomas' phone call about Aug. 1st, and any correlations at Sunnydale.

Devka entered the office with a tray of tea and biscuits. "You need break."

Dominick smiled at Devka. "I won't argue with you. Thank you, Devka. How are you doing?"

"I am all right, wish family was home," she said calmly. "What word from United States?"

"Giles is looking up a contact in LA, and Jackson and Sarah are heading to Las Vegas," Dominick answered.

"Is taking too long," Devka muttered. "Should find out where trouble and stop it. Is frustrating."

"We are making progress," Dominick commented. "We know the masters are congregating to Vegas for a meeting on the first of the month."

Devka frowned. "Must be something major. Do they need more there?"

"Not yet, but stay on alert," Dominick said with a smile. "Please, sit. Tell me what's going on with you, my Slayer? How's cooking class?"

"It is good," Devka said with a smile. "We learn Chinese this month. Is interesting, I never cook with wok thing before."

"Everything you make is marvelous," Dominick said, sipping on his tea. "Did you make these biscuits?"

Devka nodded. "I use fresh ginger. Does not take much when fresh. Do you like?"

Dominick nodded and grabbed another. "And little Evan? How is he doing?"

Devka grinned. "Tooth is here so he is not so grumpy. What of wife? How is pregnancy come along?"

"She's eating me out of house and home," Dominick teased. Then he turned a bit more serious. "T is feeling well, and the pregnancy is progressing on track. Did I tell you I'm having a son?"

Devka nodded. "Is a good thing. Most wish for boy first, da?"

"I don't think so," Dominick said. "I just want Tacha and the baby healthy. Actually...that's sort of the thing. Tacha's family, they seem to think the first born son's are cursed. They rarely survive past age 2."

Devka frowned. "Is not something to take light. Maybe have blessing on child?"

Dominick nodded. "Her father gave me some books and bibles with family histories to go through, but with everything going on here...kinda put it on the back burner," Dominick said softly.

"When is child due?" Devka asked. "I could go through records. Not much paperwork is needed right now."

"End of October," Dominick said softly. "Halloween, fitting, don't you think?"

Devka frowned. "I know of Halloween from recent years. We have harvest celebrations time of year. Would like me to read family history?"

Dominick looked at her and then smiled slowly. "There's no one I'd trust more. Thank you, Devka. I'd like that."

Devka grinned playfully. "I do good research. Now what is research on first of month? In homeland is time of.... preparing for harvest."

"Research shows that the first is a time of preparation for the first harvest. Sacrifices, getting ready for winter. It's all a cycle of life and death," Dominick explained.

Devka nodded. "Is common, yes? More harvest at end of fall and then more life and death cycle in winter?"

Dominick smiled. "Yes, it's common. Thomas thinks they are planning something big in Las Vegas. It's not just a sacrifice...something to open a hellmouth, perhaps."

"Would take sacrifice to open Hellmouth wide, yes?" Devka asked with a frown. "And negative energy. Las Vegas is evil?"

"Some say it is, yes. There are definitely evil presences there," Dominick said with a nod.

"Is good place to try then," Devka said easily. "Find where best to work magic, wait for vampires and sorcerer and stop them? Cannot work major magic on Strip, da?"

"I believe that's the plan," Dominick stated.

"Is good then," Devka said with a smile. "I start on family history."

Dominick smiled gratefully. "The boxes are in my trunk. I'll go get them. Thank you Devka. It means a lot."

Devka wiggled her eyebrows. "Is good to pass time."

Dominick was waiting out front when he saw Claire being dropped off by Michael. He waved at Claire's friend and then walked a few steps to take Claire's arm. "I thought I'd meet you out here and walk you inside," he said gently. "How did it go?"

Claire froze. "What's wrong? Have you heard from Rupert? Is there something wrong?"

Dominick's eyebrows rose and he shook his head. "No, nothing yet since they arrived in Sunnydale. I'm just here for you," he said gently.

Claire relaxed. "Okay. Sorry. I'm expecting Rupert to call in a little while. We arranged it for when I got home from my appointment and then lunch."

Dominick helped her inside and sat her down in the music room. "Let me get you some tea, and then you can tell me all about it."

Claire sighed. She didn't really feel like talking. What she really wanted was a nap.

Dominick fixed a tea tray with some scones and carried it into the music room. He paused when he entered. Claire was asleep in the chair. He set the tray down, and then gently covered her with the blanket.

He was so grateful Tacha was not a Slayer, especially now. He left Claire to sleep with the tray nearby and went to find Hannah to ask her to watch the kids a bit longer. Then he was going to go home to his wife. He was hoping that they could get together with her parents tomorrow night for dinner. Dominick wanted to ask her parents more about this "first son curse."

Dominick smiled and squeezed her hand. "There's so much to do. Even though it's the last day of the fair, we've still got all the viewing booths, the animals, I could try and win you a prize....food. You choose, luv, I'm overwhelmed."

Tacha giggled. "Well, you know you can always convince me towards food. Ooh, perhaps you can win something for the baby."

Dominick almost glowed when she said that. "Yes, I'd like to do that. Perhaps a teddy bear?"

Tacha grinned. "That would be perfect. Which game do you think is the least rigged?" She snuggled up close to him.

Dominick put his arm around her and held her close. "Something I can shoot or throw at, perhaps? You choose the game, luv."
( Read more )

Helen hung up her phone before dialing. It was late. Thomas would be sleeping, wouldn't he? And...he was so far away. And what could he do to help? And what if Giles heard? He'd freak.

Helen was frantic. She hit under a big bush as the Troll lumbered around. "Claire," she whispered. Then she realized who she should call. He'd be closer. Just in the village. But...God, it was so hard to talk to him. But this was Claire. She had to find and help Claire.

Quickly Helen dialed her cell phone again. It rang once. Then twice. Then finally a groggy Dominick answered the phone.
( Read more... )

Dominick squeezed his wife's hand and watched the monitor. The doctor had just started moving the ultra sound paddle on her swollen belly. He glanced at his wife and smiled. "You are so beautiful, T." He squeezed her hand again.

Tacha grinned and looked at the monitor. It seemed like every time the doctor would try to see something, the baby would scoot away. "Why do I see us doing a lot of running in the future?" She chuckled.
( Read more... )

Claire's songs were always different, and they depended on her mood. She didn't have a planned set. Not always. There were new songs she'd try out at times, and favorites that the crowd always loved to hear. She also was more than willing to take requests.

Tonight, her mood was melancholy as she started playing another song before taking a break.

( Read more... )

Thomas stuffed a flask of holy water in a pocket as he trotted down the stairs. He didn't know if it would hurt the demon but it might.

Dominick wasn't sure what kind of weapon to take. Now that the demon was corporeal, if they could find it, could it be harmed? He also wanted to talk to Devka, and make sure she was okay. It was a full moon tonight. He wondered if she'd gotten his note and wolfie earlier.

Thomas glanced around as he hit the main hallway. He first went to the office. "Dominick? Anyone?"

"In here," Dominick called out. "Thomas, how is my mother and Helen doing?"

"Keeping each other company," Thomas said easily as he opened the door. "Both anxious to help and frustrated they can't."

Dominick nodded. "We need to gather as many Watchers as we can. Xander should be with Kat, however, and Ethan will be with Devka. Can you think of anyone specifically we should ask to help?"

Thomas shook his head. "Just get people searching everywhere. Once people start searching, they shouldn't have contact with any Slayer until we're sure. That damned thing is invisible at times."

"I wish we knew how it got from Claire to Chance," Dominick stated. "That would help a lot."

"I'm betting it can latch onto anyone but prefers to feed on Slayers," Thomas said. "I'm afraid I might have been the transport."

"You?" Dominick blinked and then realization struck. "Ah, when you went for Giles pills, you saw Chance in the kitchen. It must have been invisible then."

Thomas nodded. "Only thing that makes sense. Or else it followed me."

"What weapons should we bring, do you think?" Dominick asked.

"I haven't a clue," Thomas admitted. "Hopefully if its solid it can be hurt by normal weapons. Did it seem afraid to be attacked when solid?"

"It just seemed in a real hurry," Dominick muttered. He wondered if they should ask Giles if he knew anything more about it.

"Then grab a sword and some holy water," Thomas suggested. "Or a pistol. Tell the others to arm themselves."

Dominick nodded. "Wonderful mother's day, isn't it?" Dominick said with a crooked little smile. "Ah well, it keeps us all out of trouble, I guess."

"Yes, just watch yourself," Thomas said softly. "We have to keep it away from Slayers. You start gathering Watchers and don't let any Slayer get stubborn."

"A Slayer that's not stubborn...that would be a miracle," Dominick teased.

Thomas managed to smile and nod. "That's true. See who you can find and order the Slayers to stay put. First sign of illness, find someone to report to."

"Of course," Dominick said. He hefted up his crossbow, just in case. "Shall we meet back here in say...three hours? And perhaps we should have some sort of signal if someone finds the demon?"

"No firing into the ceiling," Thomas teased. "Grab the police whistles from the locker. Three long blasts if someone spots the demon, three short if someone is ill."

Dominick nodded, his face finally turning serious. "There's no time to spare. We have to find it before anyone else is harmed."

Thomas nodded. "You take the west, I'll take eastern wings."

Dominick curtly nodded. He grabbed his cell phone on the way, to phone a few more Watchers.

Dominick smiled as he gazed down at his wife. She was still sleeping. It was early morning. He left a note beside her on the bed, next to her pillow. Alongside it was little box.

Tacha,

My love, my wife. I love you beyond measure. Happy Mother's day...I can't wait until I can see you holding our child in your arms.

Your loving husband, Dom

Inside the jewelry box were some diamond earrings. An early mother's day present. He was off to the mansion to see his Slayer. He would be spending the night there, because of the full moon. Sometimes he felt awkward now. He knew Ethan and Faith wanted to spend the nights of the full moon with their mate, Devka. But she would always be his Slayer, and even if he couldn't stay with her, he still wanted to be close.

Besides, he also had a little present for her. He'd found a stuffed wolf that was so cute, it made him smile just to look at it.

The drive to the mansion was uneventful. Dominick was glad. The day before had been so stressful and terrible with Claire's demon posession. Perhaps posession wasn't the right word, but...its all he could come up with. He'd also been terribly worried about his mother. But now all was well. They still had to deal with that blasted box, but it was in the safe in Giles' office. Safe and sound.

He turned into the drive and parked his car. He took the wolf and tucked it under his arm, along with the note.

Devka,

My slayer, my friend. I know its been a tough few months. Please accept wolfie here with all the love and affection that I feel for you. As your Watcher, I couldn't be more proud of you, and as your friend, I couldn't feel more blessed. I'll be in the office. Come find me for lunch, if you can? And I'll be here all night, in case you have need for me, or want me.

Your Watcher, Dominick.

Giles ran a hand through his hair. He was exhausted but they had a temporary answer. Poison the demon's energy intake, bind it and then find a way to permanently bind or kill it. He glanced at Dominick. "Are you up to this? You'll feel like you're getting over a bad flu after donating energy to Claire, you know."

"Of course I am," Dominick protested. "I'd do anything for any of our Slayers, but especially Devka or Claire."

Laminaska shifted on his meal, looking around warily. She still had some left and he wasn't ready to leave, but something didn't seem right. The worry of the other humans had shifted. They seemed almost excited.

Alice moved a cool cloth over Claire's forehead. Claire hadn't awakened in hours, and Alice was beyond worried. She glanced up at Thomas. "I think we should send for the ambulance."

Thomas nodded and glanced up as Rupert and Dominick entered quickly. "Do you have answers? If not we need hospital."
( Read more )

Dominick held the take out food bag in one hand, and had a bottle of sparkling cider under his other arm, brief case in hand. It had been a long day at the mansion, and he was anxious to see his wife. His hands were full and he frowned at the door, and then managed to ring the bell with his elbow.

Tacha opened the door almost before it had stopped ringing. "Sorry, would have been here sooner, but the baby decided that I really needed to pee." She took the take out bag from him.

Dominick nodded with a smile. He bent his head and lightly kissed her cheek. "I hope you and baby are hungry, luv. I bought enough for an army of Slayers because I couldn't decide what to get. So...I got a bit of everything." He put down the bottle of cider and his briefcase.

Tacha grinned. "Trust me, I think we can manage to demolish most of this." She went towards the kitchen. "Speaking of the Slayers, are they still getting ill?"
( Read More )

Dominick parked his car and reached into the back seat to grab his briefcase. He whistled a jaunty little tune as he entered the manor and went into the office.

Devka looked up as she hung the phone. "Glad you are here. New Watchers wish schedules, new Watcher trainee needs a trainer, Slayers need patrol schedule and Cook wishes to hire additional cook. Hannah is in Spain, Xander is with sick Kat and Willow is with sick Oz. Good morning."

Dominick abruptly stopped whistling and blinked. "Okay...one more time, slower. And I got the good morning, thanks."

Devka grinned. "Sorry, could not resist. Kat and Oz are sick, which means Willow and Xander are busy. Alice help watches twins. Everyone needs schedules and Cook wishes for more help."
( Read More )

Dominick held out the chair for his wife and then sat down next to her at the dining room table. Dinner at her family's house was always a loud, pleasant, fun, happy affair, and Dominick loved it. "This looks wonderful," he exclaimed, rubbing his hands together.

Tacha leaned on Dom a little, smiling. "Aren't you glad I don't cook now? This way you have an excuse to come over and practice on my nieces and nephews."

Dominick grinned and kissed her cheek. "I love you, T. You and your family. Your cooking? That's debatable." He chuckled and passed the cabbage.

Tim snorted. "Debatable hell. We've eaten her cooking." He made a face. "I think I'd rather eat dirt." He ducked at as a piece of bread was thrown at his head.

Tacha's mother shook her head as she sat down. "Now please, can we wait until after we've said grace to start the food fight?"
( Family Fun Inside )

Claire took Rupert's lunch tray into the kitchen and cleaned up a bit. As she headed into the hallway she saw Dominick. "Hey you, keeping busy?"

Dominick had some papers under his arm. He nodded. "Yes, actually...if you and Giles aren't too busy, I need to talk to you both."

Claire frowned. "Sure, we just finished lunch. Come on upstairs."
( Read more... )

Dominick was in the office at the manor manning the phones and doing some research. They were on the look out to find more active Watchers. It was time for Giles to step back, and Thomas as well. Between Xander and himself, Dominick knew they needed help. So…he was looking and researching. They didn't want just any Watcher that came about. They had to share the visions of Rupert Giles.

The phone rang and he absently grabbed it. "Giles Estate. Dominick Young here," he said, turning the page of his book. He frowned and sat up in his chair. "Mr. Giles cannot come to the phone right now, and neither can his wife. I can help you, or perhaps take a message."

Dominick's eyes grew in his face at what the caller said. He quickly grabbed a pen and starting jotting the information down: An attorney for Ronald Glasso. Estate left to Rose Claire Giles. Will made out while in prison, never changed…Everything now in Rose's name, including all businesses and bank accounts.

Dominick swallowed nervously and nodded into the phone. "I will certainly pass on this information to not only Giles, but to his solicitor as well. I'm sure the solicitor will be contacting you shortly. I would appreciate it if you faxed over the information here immediately." Glasso's lawyer agreed and Dominick gave him the fax information. As soon as they hung up, the papers began to come over the fax line.

"Holy mother," Dominick muttered, slumping in his chair.

Dominick hung up his phone and turned back to Tacha. "That was my mother. They are in a layover in New York and Giles seems to be resting alright." He ran his fingers through his hair. He couldn't believe everything that had occurred in the last several days.

Tacha went over and gently massaged his shoulders. "At least they're all coming home." She put her arms around him. "So what do we want to do with laughing boy in the wine cellar? We can't keep him there forever."

"Now that Glasso has been dealt with, I suppose we should just turn him over to the local authorities." Dominick grinned and turned around to pull her into his arms. "Unless you'd rather play with him some more."

Tacha thought about it for a moment. "I don't know. I'm still a bit pissed off at him and I really doubt you want to wonder what I did with the body."
( Read more... )

Devka had laid down on the sleeping bag after awhile, trying to rest until the shakes caused her to whimper softly.

Ethan had reached a point in the spell where he didn't have to focus on it alone, but he'd had to detach himself from what was going on. Still he found it hard to not go to her and try to comfort her. "She's starting the withdrawal pains. Talk to her and see if you can distract her."

Dominick nodded. He was sitting as close to the circle of the spell as he could. "Devka?"

Devka looked up and nodded. "I hear."

"Look over there. Evan is sleeping so soundly. He's so cute lying there under the stars," Dominick said softly

Devka sat up and nodded. "He looks like Father and mother. Dark and wild."

Ethan smirked a little, paying enough attention to what was going on so that he could put more power in the spell when needed. "But he takes after you with how he pays attention to everything."

Devka shivered but nodded. "Like you sneaking cookies?"

Dominick chuckled lightly. "Something we have in common. I love sweets," Dominick said with a little smile. "Especially if you've been the cook, Devka."

Ethan chuckled as well. "We'll have to have you and the missus over for supper then. How's that sound, teddy wolf?"

Devka nodded and wrapped the sleeping bag around herself. "C-cold but sweating. Not good. I try and sleep now."

Dominick nodded but kept his eyes on her. He hoped she could sleep and get some rest.

Ethan smiled a little, pulling most of his attention back to the spell. "You do that, dear. We'll still be here." He knew that now was one of the most unpredictable times, so he had to make sure he was ready.

Devka laid back down, clutching her stuffed wolf. She focused on the meditations that Dominick and Ethan had taught her.

Dominick knocked softly on Giles' office door.

"Come in!" Giles called as Hannah clicked away on a keyboard at a desk near the Watcher.

Dominick opened the door and stuck his head in. "Hullo, Giles. I heard you wanted to see me?"

"Hullo, Dominick," Giles said, motioning the Watcher inside. "Wanted to ask you if you could work up a report about the recent mission and I thought you might like to see the doctor's report."
( Read more... )

Tacha poked her head out of the bedroom at the sound of Dom coming in and grinned at him. "I was just setting up this monstrosity of a bed." She giggled. "Whatever shall we do with all that space?"

Dominick grinned. "Well, how about a picnic, for starters?" He held up the basket over flowing with goodies and wine. Tucked inside was also the earrings and necklace he'd purchased. "God I missed you," he said in a fervent tone.

Tacha took the basket from him, pretending to almost drop it. "If you use food to show how much, then I'd say you definitely did." She gave him a kiss on the cheek. "I've missed you as well. How did everything go?"
( Read more... )