2.6

SIT

48 Hours

Written by Stephen Craig & Irene Beimers

The graveyard, even in the light of the full moon was a foreboding place. The fact that the moon was behind a haze of cloud cover added to the darkness, creating more shadows in which the forces of darkness could hide. The big problem, after nearly two hours, was that none of the forces of darkness had actually come out to play.

“I’m bored.” Kelly moaned, for what seemed like the thousandth time that night. Simone, walking beside her, stifled a yawn. She had long ago given up agreeing with Kelly’s assessment of the current situation. Even as they walked along the well trodden path, a slight breeze whipped up around them, causing the leaves on the ground to rustle and gently blow past them. Simone, however was not intent on the leaves. For the past forty minutes she had been certain that they were being followed. Still, every time she turned to look back, all she could make out were the shadows. Finally she stopped, and turned to face the way they had come. A moment later Kelly turned as well.

“And we’re stopping for the sights then?” Kelly asked.

“Shush.. I think we’re being followed.” Simone whispered.

“By what?”

“If I knew then I wouldn’t have stopped to take a look... nimrod.” Simone muttered.

“Wait, look, by that tree.” Kelly said suddenly. Simone tensed and stepped forwards. Nothing moved.

“I don’t see anything.” Simone muttered.

“Me neither, tense isn’t it?” Kelly said with a laugh.

“Oh ha ha.” Simone drawled. She turned back to face Kelly, and took a sharp intake of breathe.

“Where the hell did you come from?” Simone demanded. Hope stepped forwards, and shrugged.

“Oh, you know. Here and there. You two by the way.. really have to work on your demon sensing skills.”

“Yeah well...you need to work on....your dress sense.” Kelly stammered.

“Ok, that really hurt.” Hope said sarcastically.

“Bite me.” Kelly snarled.

“Maybe later, just eaten.” Hope said with a sly wink.

“So why we’re you following us?” Simone asked.

“I was bored. I do weird stuff when I’m bored.”

“If this involves a story about band camp, then I’m outta here.” Kelly said. Before Hope could reply a loud scream pierced the night air around them. The three of them tensed. A moment later a meek, “Help me.” issued on the breeze. The three of them took off at a run, dodging and jumping over tombstones as they went. After thirty odd seconds they emerged into a clearing. A large demon, with horns the size of elephant tusks was bearing down on a smaller demon, who was clutching a book close to his chest. The three girls went into attack mode. Simone launched a flying kick at the big demons back, staggering but not felling it. It turned and back handed her into a tombstone. She lay winded for a few moments, but then stood and ran towards it again.

“Its horns! You must snap off its horns!” Cried the demon that had been attacked.

“Great, go patrolling, take out a horny demon... That came out so wrong.” Kelly said. Hope turned to her, eyes blazing with the force of the demon within. She was enjoying this.

“You distract it, I’ll handle its horns!” Hope yelled.

“Distract it? What am I meant to do? Play charades?” Kelly asked, but Hope was already moving.

“Kelly, be yourself.” Simone suggested, running past.

“What’s that meant to mean?” Kelly asked.

“Well if you can annoy that thing as much as you do me, that’d be a start.” Simone called back. The demon, now enraged turned to face Simone and Hope. Beyond them it saw Kelly making rude gestures towards it. The demon paused watching her, then shook its head, but even as it focused on Simone, Hope had grabbed one of its horns. She sped around the creature, pulling its horn in to a tree. There was a sharp snap, and the horn came off. It became brittle in her hands, then cracked into dust. The demon roared in pain as blood the colour of rotting fungus spurted from the wound, some of it catching Hope.

“This stuff stinks.” Hope moaned, wiping it from her clothes. She looked up in time to see the demon charging at her. She went to jump out of the way but was a split second too slow as the demons head caught her legs and sent her spiralling out of control into Kelly. The two landed in a heap. Simone meanwhile, had attempted to grab the demons other horn. She gripped onto it for all she was worth even as the demon swung its head in an enraged attempt to dislodge her from the horn. Suddenly it stopped, Simone looked down the long horn and into the demons beady pink eyes. The eyes narrowed and then the demon ducked its massive bulk.

“Oh...SHI-” Simone screamed as the demon thrust its head into the air and sent Simone flying straight up. The demon watched her fly. Hope and Kelly watched her fly. Then they watched her land ungracefully in a freshly dug grave. The demon, despite its injury laughed, a laugh that was cut short as Hope and Kelly appeared beside it. They grabbed the demons remaining horn and snapped it with a vicious twist. The demon screamed in pain, then blood spouting across both of them, then fell to the ground twitching. A moment later it was dead.

“That was.. really disgusting.” muttered Kelly.

“Tell me about it.” Hope agreed, the demon’s blood dripping from her blond hair.

“Don’t worry about me, I’m fine.” Simone said from the grave. Hope and Kelly rushed over, and helped her out and back onto solid ground.

“Thank you.. Oh thank you so much.” Said the demon that had been attacked.

“No problem.. Why was he trying to kill you?” Simone asked as she dusted herself off.

“This book. You see he was in possession of it and was attempting to open a portal to allow a demon army through to earth. I could not allow that to happen. Permit me to introduce myself, I am Krall of the Vox.” he explained.

“Well Krall of the Vox, pleased to help.” Hope said.

“You must permit me to express my gratitude.... Krall said.

“Really, its no problem. We’ll just be on our way.” Said Hope, backing off, wary of the way he was looking at her.

“But please...” He continued. The three girls turned and began to walk away.

“You had a son.” He called out. The girls kept walking, but Hope stopped and visibly stiffened. A moment later, the girls both turned to face her.

“Hope?” Kelly began, but surprisingly Simone gripped Kelly’s arm and shook her head. “What?” Asked Kelly, then she saw Hopes face. And the pure emotion etched across every feature. Slowly Hope turned to face Krall.

“You know NOTHING of my son.” She whispered with a cold fury.

“I know he died. That you believe him dead.”

“I believe him dead because he IS dead.” Hope roared. Krall for his part, remained where he stood.

“I can give you a gift Hope.. One of love.. one that you will cherish.”

“Oh and what would that be?” Hope sneered.

“I can give you your son.” Krall replied. At this every sound in the graveyard seemed to go silent.

“Don’t play with me demon.” Hope finally said. Krall shook his head.

“I’m not playing. The love of a mother for her child is not something to be toyed with. I offer you this gift with my gratitude. But I must warn you, although he will be flesh to you and all who meet him, after 48 hours he will cease to be. That is the way of the magic. The way of my kind. We allow those who have passed on to say goodbye to those they have left behind. I offer a chance for you to get to know this person before you had to....” He looked over at Kelly and Simone, then back at Hope. “Before he died.” Krall continued.

“My son was evil. He was beyond reason, he was beyond even the love of others. He was his fathers son, in everyway and more.” Hope said bitterly.

“He wasn’t always evil though.” Krall said softly. He reached out and took Hopes hand. She surprised herself by not pulling away from him.

“You remember when he was but a child. The innocence of a five year old, the love he held for his mother. I can return that child to you, the real son you had, not the one corrupted by the evil that was his father. I can let you taste that love again, if you will allow me.” Slowly Hope nodded.

“Excellent. Remember you have 48 hours, from the time he arrives to show him how much you care, have always cared for him.”

“How will I know he’s arrived?” Hope asked.

“Because he’s already here. With friends, go to them Hope, go to them and enjoy your son’s love.” Krall said. Then he turned and walked into the grave yard, a moment later he had vanished. Hope turned, looked at Kelly and Simone, then ran. Ran for all she was worth.

She stopped at the corner of the street looking at the Sit house. The lights were on in the windows and soft music could just be heard. Slowly as if in a daze, Hope walked up to the house and opened the door. Giles looked at her curiously, then at the small boy he was reading too. The boy was still looking at the pictures in the book when he heard somebody softly call his name.

“Matt?” Hope said so softly that Giles barely heard her, but Matt did. Jumping off Giles’ lap, he raced across the room and into his mothers waiting arms. He laughed as she swung him up and around. Hope had tears running down her cheeks as Matt clung to her with his small arms. She pulled him against her and held him tightly.

“Mommy, I can’t breathe.” Matt giggled.

Giles cleared his throat and tried to catch Hope’s attention.

“AHEM. I presume you know who this young man is.”

“Yeah, I know who he is. He’s my son, Matt.” She said softly.

“Good Lord. Are you sure?” Giles looked at her puzzled.

Hope looked at Giles with a withering glare. Then turned her attention back to Matt.

“See Gileth? Tol you my mommy was comin’ for me.” Matt said with a huge smile.

“Indeed you did and it’s Giles.” Giles replied while removing his glasses for a polish. “ And I was reading him a fairy tale.”

“What one was Mr. Giles reading you baby?” Hope asked.

“ Snow White and the 7 Midgets.” Matt replied proudly. “ Doopey, Sneezer, the Doctor one, Bwushfull, Gumpy, Happy and , and me don’ remember cus Gileth never got that far yet.”

“I recall saying Dwarfs there young man.” Giles replied looking at Matt with a smile. Surprisingly Hope smiled back.

The front door opened to admit, the two out of breath Slayers. They were greeted by a small child who smiled up at them happily.

“Ok. Kinda cute but who is the brat?” Kelly asked. Simone elbowed her hard.

“And OW. What was that for anyways?” Suddenly Kelly’s eyes went wide. “ OHHH! That’s the kid that demon was talking about ain’t it.”

“Demon? What demon?” Giles asked from his chair.

“ A friend.” Replied Hope. “ And he gave me a very special gift.” She looked down at her son with a wistful smile. Matt looked up at the two young Slayers and bashfully asked, “ Who is you?”

“I’m Kelly and that’s Simone. She has the worst taste in clothes. Me, I’m wearing the latest fashion. Check it out.” Kelly turned and showed Matt the blood red top and tight black jeans.

“Don like it Kewwy. Too dawk.” Matt looked up at her. Kelly huffed once and then left the room. Simone laughed and ruffled Matt’s dark hair.

“I like you kid. You got taste.”

“Hope, might I ask about this demon you’ve encountered.” Giles asked trying to get her attention, and failing. Rolling his eyes , he tried again only louder. Hope looked up at him as did Matt.

“We met him on patrol, rescued him. Krall. Of the Vox” Hope said.

“The Vox you say. Well that narrows it down” he said.

“You know the Vox Giles?” asked Hope, absently sitting Matt on her knee.

“Yes.. an ancient and thankfully peace loving race. They don’t actually have a word for war in their vocabulary, the closest alternative being argument” he explained.

“A peace loving demon, what do ya know” said Simone.

“And the Vox take their debts very seriously. If he say’s he has returned your son to you Hope.. then that is indeed your son” Giles said.

“I know Giles” she replied. She smiled down at Matt. “I know my own son’s soul” she finished. As if in answer Matt gave a loud yawn.

“Tired?” asked Hope.

“Nope, me’s ok” Matt said sleepily.

“I’ll take him upstairs, he can sleep in my bed, I’ll crash on the couch” said Simone.

“Thanks Simone, I’m gonna grab a coffee and I’ll be right up” Hope agreed.

“You pwromise?” asked Matt, eyes looking at her imploringly.

“I promise” she said with a smile.

“Can Gileth wead me the rest of the stwory?” he asked.

“I’ll read it to ya” said Simone, taking the book from Giles. Taking Matt’s hand she led him up the stairs. Hope watched him longingly, then she looked at Giles.

“So.. what happened?” she asked.

“Sorry?”

“How did he get here?”

“Oh.. well I was researching the Darkling, when I looked up to get my tea he was standing there. Asked my to read to him” Giles explained.

“Just.. wham... into existence?” well there was no warning.. he just appeared” Giles explained, standing up and heading for the kitchen. Hope followed, and waited as Giles pulled 2 mugs from the cupboard and began to boil the kettle.

“I see. Are Stephen and the others back yet?” Hope asked.

“Afraid not. the plane from Boston’s been delayed, apparently they’re having a bad storm over there” he told her. At her blank expression he sighed.

“And your not listening to a word I’m saying are you?” he asked.

“Huh? oh sorry... I was thinking about things”

“Matt you mean” Giles replied with a knowing smile. Hope returned it, albeit a sad one.

“Hope?” prompted Giles.

“Yes?” she asked, sipping her coffee.

“well I don’t claim to be a good judge of a demons emotions, but you seem... upset” he said. hope sighed.

“Happy, sad... Excited, fearful. I don’t have him back permanently Giles. I have 48 hours with him” she admitted, her voice catching briefly in her throat.

“48 hours. then I suggest you go and be with him” said Giles. Hope looked at him.

“yes... Yes I guess I should” she said rising. Giles watched silently as she walked up the stairs.

As Hope walked towards her room she stopped as the door opened and Simone walked out with Rose.

“He’s asleep” said Simone quietly.

“thanks Simone” Hope replied.

“Nice kid” said Rose.

“The best. I’ll see you in the morning” Hope said walking past them and quietly closing the door. Lying down on the bed next to Matt, she closed her eyes. Closed her eyes and dreamt of the past.

“Mommy.... mommy wake up!” Matt said shaking Hope awake. Sunlight draped through the windows, lighting the bedroom. Hope opened her eyes and looked at him.

“Matt? what is it?” Hope asked.

“you wuz dwreaming” Matt said, the concern on his little face making Hope stroke his head affectionately.

“Mommy’s fine darling” she said to him.

“Pwromise?” he asked.

“Promise” she said with a smile. Matt jumped off the bed, and ran to the door.

“So.. what do you want to do today?” asked Hope, taking his hand.

“Me wanna meet all you fwrends” said Matt. Hope smiled at him.

“Ok love. Lets go meet mommy’s friends” she said to him.

Hope walked into the kitchen with Matt, seeing that the others were already awake.

“Coffee?” asked Kara, looking at Hope. The she looked at Matt. “And.. O.J for....?”

“Oh.. Matt.. Matt, this is Kara... one of my friends”

“Hello Kawa” Matt said a little embarrassed.

“Hello Matt. So you want so Orange Juice?” asked Kara, holding out the cup. Matt took it and then sipped at it.

“Matt is Hope’s son” filled in Giles. Kara nodded, then frowned and mouthed ‘son?’ to Giles who nodded.

“So.. what do you have planned today Hope?” asked Giles.

“well Matt wants to meet my friends-” began Hope, she was cut off as Kelly ran in.

“That was Angel” Kelly said.

“Any news?” asked Giles.

“Huh? oh. No.. nothing on Dark Marc or the Darkling, although he is looking into it. But guess what” she said.

“The suspense is killing me” said Jenna.

“Spike’s back” Kelly told them. The group looked at her. when it became apparent it wasn’t a joke, they all began to speak at once. All except Hope who was looking at Matt. He had become very quiet at the mention of Dark Marc.

“Good lord. did he say how?” asked Giles, looking at Kelly.

“He didn’t go into great detail, just that he was back.. but he was a ghost. Apparently he turned up about a month ago” Kelly said.

“Matt.. what is it?” asked Hope gently. Matt shook his head.

“Mark... I don’t like him” Matt said.

“Oh no honey... not that Mark... this is a different one” Hope assured him.

“There’s another Marc?” asked Simone quietly.

“From my past. Its not important” said Hope. Standing up she took Matt’s hand.

“What say we go out?” asked Hope. Matt nodded.

“thank you for the Owange juice Kawa” Matt said.

“Your welcome” Kara replied with a smile. Hope nodded at the group and took Matt out of the house. As soon as the door closed, Giles went to the books.

“Giles?” asked Kara.

“If I can’t find anything out about Hope, maybe this... Mark might shed some light on her” he told her.

“Giles.. that’s a cook book” said Kelly, looking at the book Giles held.

“yes.. seeing as how Matt has very little time with us I propose we do something special for him” Giles said. The girls looked at each other, then at Kara.

“Where we going mommy?” asked Matt.

“To see an old friend” said Hope.

“Who?” asked Matt.

“You’ll see” Hope told him.

“Boss, your morning appointment just cancelled. Oh.. Wesley thinks he’s got a lead on that clan of Baby eaters, Fred wants to see you about something or other-”

“Thank you Harmony, that will be all” said Angel, looking past her. Harmony shrugged and turned to see Hope standing there.

“oh.. its you again” she said.

“Yep”

“Boss, if you need anything I’ll be at my desk”

“Yes Harmony, I know.. that’s where I pay you to sit” angel replied. Harmony walked out past Hope, closing the door.

“Hope. What can I do for you?” asked Angel.

“Actually.. there’s someone I want you to meet” said Hope. Angel frowned, then his eyes went wide as Matt walked out from behind her.

“Hope.. is that...?” his voice trailed off. Matt had gone as ridged as a statue.

“Bad man mommy.. bad man” Matt said.

“Not anymore honey” Hope said. Angel looked from Hope to the boy, then back to Hope. The unasked question of ‘how?’ hung in the air. Hope quickly explained To Angel what had happened. By the end of it, Angel was nodding in thought. Before he could speak however, they were interrupted by a man walking through the door. A familiar man.

“What do you want Spike?” demanded Angel. Spike looked at Hope.

“Came to see if it was true, bout Hope being here and all” He said.

“Spike, How... you doing?” asked Hope.

“Ghost, as if you couldn’t tell. Who’s the kid?” he asked, looking at Matt.

“My son, Matt” Hope said. Matt was staring wide eyed at Spike.

“Mommy.. he just walked through the wall!” Matt said. Then he walked over to him. And gently put his arm into Spike. Then, getting daring, he walked though him, giggling.

“Hey! Stop that!” shouted Spike. Matt ignored him, and began running backwards and forwards through him.

“Looks like you’ve found your perfect job Spike” said Angel.

“Bloody typical, give up my sodding life to save the world, get brought back as a kids toy” he muttered.

“Ahh let him be Spike, kids having fun” Angel said.

“You can shut up.. or I’ll possess you again” Spike growled at Angel, as Matt ran through him again.

“Well.. its been eventful. But we really should be going” said Hope. Angel nodded and Stood.

“Bring him by anytime” Angel replied.

“I... don’t think you’ll be seeing him again” said Hope softly, so Matt couldn’t hear.

“What? why not?” asked Angel.

“He only has 48 hours... well 29 hours now before he...” she began.

“Oh god Hope. I’m so sorry” he said gently, putting an arm on her shoulder. Matt stopped and watched intently.

“Is you mommy’s boyfwrend?” he asked, causing Spike to go into a fit of laughter.

“No.. not...no” Hope stammered.

“We’re friends” Angel replied.

“Oh... Have you kissed?” asked Matt, Sending Spike into another fit of laughter so hard he fell back through the door.

“Matt... we’re just friends” said Hope.

“oh.. ok” he said, before examining the door that Spike had just fallen through. A second later Spike stuck his head back in, causing Matt to go running to Hope and jumping into her arms.

“I have to go Angel” Hope said.

“Ok.. Hope.. if there’s anything you need...” Angel began.

“I’ll bo ok.. but thanks” Hope said Hugging him. A moment later Matt hugged him as well. Angel smiled and patted him on the head.

“You be good for mommy now Matt” he told him.

“I will Mr. Angel” Matt promised. Hope smiled then opened the door and walked out, through Spike.

“I for the love of... does anyone else wanna have a go of walk through the ghost?” Spike demanded.

The Park was pretty empty when Hope got there with Matt. Watching him run over and climb onto the swings she smiled softly.

“Mommy! come push me!” Matt cried. Hope stood and went over to him.

“I wanna go high!” Matt said. Hope laughed and pushed him high into the air, Matt giggled in delight. When he had bored of the swings he dragged Hope over to the slide and climbing he steps he looked down. Then he looked at Hope.

“You play too?” he asked. Hope joined him at the top of the slide, and then with Matt seated firmly on her lap, they slid down to the ground, Matt whooping in delight all the way.

As the day wore on, Hope found herself enjoying the time in the park. Matt’s play time had been fun, and now, as they were leaving she found his curiosity lovable. Every so often he would stop, point to a flower or a bird and ask what it was. Hope would tell him, and he’d find something else to ask about. this carried on all the way back to the hotel. Opening the doors she and Matt walked in. It was in darkness.

“Hello?” called out Hope, but there was no answer. Matt gripped his mothers hand tightly.

“Mommy?” he asked softly.

“It’s ok love” she assured him. A moment later the lights came on and the gang appeared from behind tables, the front desk and the small alcoves around the foyer. the room was decorated in brightly coloured balloons, streamers hung across the walls.

“What... what is all this?” asked Hope looking around.

“It was Giles’s idea actually.. thought we might throw a party for Matt” said Simone.

“well I think we could all use a distraction” said Giles trying to not look too embarrassed. Hope chuckled and smiled at him.

“Is this for me?” asked Matt looking around in awe.

“Yes Matt, its for you” said Giles kneeling by him.

“Thank you” he said.

“Ok.. we got Pin the tail on the donkey.. Twister... Cakes... Music... you name it we got it” said Kara.

“Twister?” asked Giles.

“Yeah.. a game where-”

“I know what Twister is Kara... I just haven’t played it in years” Giles said.

“You played Twister?” asked Kelly incredulously.

“I’ll have you know I was quite the... Twister man in my day”

“They had twister in Rome?” asked Matt innocently. Giles looked at him, then at Hope, then at the others who we’re trying desperately not to laugh. Then he himself began to laugh.

“come on.. lets go play” said Hope, leading Matt towards the pin the tail on the donkey board.

Hope gently tucked Matt into bed, then lay down next to him. He was sleeping soundly, his energy burnt out. Kissing him on the forehead, she tip toed out and down the stairs. the girls had gone out patrolling when the party had finished, and Giles and Kara were doing a little tidying up.

“He asleep?” asked Kara, looking at Hope. She nodded.

“He was so tired he was complaining of going to bed” Hope said.

“Perhaps you should go join him” suggested Giles.

“I will in a minute. I just wanted to say thank you” Hope said.

“Whatever for?” asked Giles.

“For all of this. For making Matt happy” Hope told him. Giles smiled at her.

“Hope.. all we can do is help.. your the one who makes him happy” Giles told her. Hope looked at him, then she smiled.

“Go.. be with your son Hope” Giles said gently. Hope nodded then, she stepped forwards and hugged him softly. Then she went back upstairs. Giles watched her go, with a smile.

“There’s so much evil in this world.. it makes you appreciate the good stuff in it” Kara said.

“That it does” agreed Giles.

Hope slept peacefully that night, Matt cuddled in her arms. Finally however morning broke. The first rays of the sun shining through the windows. Hope opened her eyes, Matt was still sleeping beside her. She looked over at the clock, it read 5:56. just over 18 hours left. Standing she opened the door and nearly ran into Kelly.

“your up early” said Hope.

“Haven’t actually been to bed yet, was cleaning up the stuff form the party. How’s Matt?” she asked.

“Sleeping” Hope replied.

“And you?” asked Kelly.

“Scared.. to be truthful” she said. Kelly surprised her by putting a hand on her shoulder.

“Listen.. no matter what happens, at least you’ve had this experience. It might not be easy, but we’ll be there for you” Kelly said.

“Thank you Kelly... that.. means a lot to me”

“What can I say, the kids made an impression on all of us” said Kelly with a smile. Hope returned it.

“mommy?” asked Matt sleepily from the bedroom.

“I’m right here honey...” she said looking into the bedroom. Looking back at Kelly she smiled.

“Go, have fun” Kelly said.

Hope and Matt sat in the sun, a small picnic between them. Matt was drinking form his carton of Orange Juice, and studying his mother.

“Are you ok mommy?” he asked between gulps.

“Mommy’s fine love. How’s the picnic?”

“Fun. Can I play on the swings again?” he asked.

“Honey, you can do whatever you want” Hope said. Matt’s face brightened into a big smile. As Hope packed up the lunch he ran over to the swings and climbed on. Hope watched as he swung his legs back and fourth, going a little higher with each swing.

“Look mommy!” he cried out. “I’m doing it!” he said with a laugh. Hope laughed with him.

“So you are” she agreed. “Guess that means you don’t want mommy to push you then?” Matt stopped swinging his feet and looked at her.

“I like it when you push.. I go way high” he said. Hope patted him on the head and then obliged by pushing the swing. Matt laughed happily. Hope laughed with him, but inside she knew her time was coming to an end. They played on the swings on the slide and went for a walk around the park. Walking around the city they found a photo booth. With a laugh they sat inside and had their pictures taken, Hope making funny faces, causing Matt to laugh. Eventually however, the sun began to set.

“We have to go now Matt, its getting late” said Hope. Matt looked at her.

“Ok mommy. can we play twister again?” he asked happily.

“We’ll see love” she said softly.

Hope walked into the Hotel, and saw that the group were waiting for them. In the corner of the room she saw Krall. He was looking at them, smiling. Hope nodded at him and he stepped forwards.

“Had fun Matt?” he asked. Matt looked at him, all shy again.

“Matt, this is another of Mommy’s friends. This is Krall”

“Kwrall” Matt said the name softly. Krall smiled and held out his hand.

“Nice to finally meet you” he said. A moment later Matt shook his hand. A second later Hope too knelt down by Matt, taking his hand gently in hers.

“Matt. Its time to go see Grandma now” she said.

“Gwrandma?” he asked confused. Hope nodded.

“You’ll love grandma” she said.

“will she make me cookies and play twister like Mr. Gileth?” asked Matt excitedly. Hope gave him a smile.

“Yes love. she’ll do all that and more” Hope said. Krall looked at them, but remained silent.

“Will you be ok mommy?” Matt asked. Hope nodded at him.

“Mommy will be fine, and waiting for you” Hope told him.

“Ok Mommy” Matt said.

“It is time to go Matt, say goodbye to your friends” Krall said gently. Matt looked at him, then at the small group gathered in the foyer.

“Bye Kewwy, bye Jenna, Bye Simone, bye Wose” he said to them. Each of the girls came forwards and hugged him gently. Matt then turned to Giles and Kara.

“thank you for the party Mr. Gileth” He said. Giles knelt down and shook Matt’s hand.

“Your very welcome Matt” he said softly. Matt smiled and then turned to Kara.

“Bye Kawa. Thank you for the cwakes” he said. Kara smiled and hugged him.

“Anytime kiddo” she replied with a small smile. Finally Matt turned back to Hope.

“I love you mommy” he said. Hope hugged him tightly.

“I love you too.. with all my heart” she said holding him tightly. Finally Matt turned away and took Krall’s hand.

“As a demon who knows the love of a child, I swear that he will be safe, I offer you this on the honour of the Vox” Krall said bowing to Hope. Then sweeping Matt up into his arms. He turned back to Hope.

“Goodbye Mommy” Matt said one last time. Then both he and Krall faded, until they were gone.

“A remarkable child” said Giles, removing his glasses and wiping his eyes. Kara had a tissue up to her own face, And Kelly had her arm around Simone’s shoulders as the other girl wept.

“Hope?” asked Rose softly. Hope said nothing, as she turned and walked back up the stairs. Rose watched her go, when Jenna put a hand on her friends shoulder.

“Give her time Rose” Jenna said softly.

Hope went into the room she had shared with Matt and sat on the edge of the bed. Picking up his P.J’s she held them to her face and then finally let the tears fall. As she cried there was a shimmering on the bed stand. Looking over she saw a picture of Matt, face smiling. She picked it up and tried to wipe the tears from her eyes.

“Mommy loves you with all her heart Matt” she said softly. Hope finally fell asleep clutching Matt’s P.J’s close to her.