Fiction- AtHwA11- Adaptability

Title: All That Heaven Will Allow

Chapter Title: Chapter Ten- Adaptability

Author: Restive Nature

Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to BtVS. They belong to Whedon & Mutant Enemy. I also do not own the rights to Charmed. They belong to the WB. No infringement is intended and this fiction is for private enjoyment only.

Rating: PG-13

Genre: Crossover

Type: Angst, Action, Humor

Pairing: canon pairings in both shows

Summary: Slayer dreams and Whitelighter-Witch hybrid powers collide when the veil between worlds come close to collapsing. Can baby Wyatt survive life on the Hellmouth?

Spoilers/ Time line: Season 4 (after “Harsh Light Of Day”) of Buffy and Season 6 (after “Forget Me... Not”) Of Charmed.

Feedback: Always welcome!

Distribution: Ask first please.

A/N: This was one of my contributions started for NaNoWriMo 2012. The story was by no means completed in that month and I am looking forward to continuing it.

A/N2: There is a definite time difference between these two worlds and the seasons that I am using. This will hopefully, be explained within the fiction itself.

All That Heaven Will Allow

Chapter Ten

Adaptability

Tears were quickly dried and the game faces that the sister's wore were donned just as rapidly. It didn't change matters any, but all three felt better standing to meet adversity head on, rather than laying down and just letting anyone or anything walk all over them.

Not that Elder Sandra would do so. Of all the Elders or other Whitelighter's that the sister's had met, she was the most sympathetic seeming to the trials they suffered and the effort they made in trying to do good. Piper too, knew from what Leo had told her before that Sandra was one that had argued long and hard for their relationship to be allowed to develop. So she, at this point, was more than ready to hear what the woman had to say.

“What happened to Leo?' she demanded. “And my son? Do you have any idea where Wyatt is? Or what's going on?”

“We don't,” Sandra shook her head in the negative. “Piper, please believe me, we don't know where Wyatt is, or what happened to him. Aside from what we've been able to glean from Leo. He is healing, but whatever that darkness is, he took it full on from what Chris said,” she supplied.

“Wait, is Chris okay?” Paige wondered. “Odin was able to heal me quickly, but not Chris or Leo.”

Sandra nodded, half turning to include Paige in the conversation. “Chris was easier to heal than Leo was, is,” she corrected herself with a glance at Piper's pale face. “But that is a relative term. Most of the Elders are sitting vigil with Leo, trying to get the remnants of evil rooted out of the recesses of his mind. It's...” she hesitated, worried obviously about bringing something up.

“It's what?” Phoebe demanded, sensing more than a simple hesitation. Sandra, knowing that she could not hide this from the sister's, that they would probably reason it out for themselves at some point or another, decided to try and get all the shocks out of the way at once. She resolved to keep an eye on Phoebe. The Elders were well aware that the witch did not have full control of her empathy yet and Sandra was very good at reading people.

“With the difficulty that Leo has had, some issues from the past,” she chose her words carefully, “disagreement with decisions that the Elders made, it has created a... a pocket of anger that he most likely wasn't very aware of. Or perhaps anger isn't the correct term,” she hastily backpedaled. She allowed Piper a gentle smile. “Perhaps it's more primal than what we term it. The natural response of a husband and father, despite his being an Elder, he will always carry with him as long as he has you in his life.” She didn't bother to tell the witches that the other Elders wanted Leo to sunder those ties completely. No more visits to Wyatt at all. She herself could see why and though she rooted for Leo and Piper and their family, some needs were greater. She acknowledged that even as her heart warred.

“So what does that mean?” Piper wanted to know. “Why is it making it difficult?”

“Because the anger is giving that darkness a place to hold on,” Phoebe answered for her.

“I wonder what it was holding on to in Chris?” Paige muttered and Sandra turned back to her.

“Anger, as well,” she supplied and then inclined her chin slightly. “Luckily, we were able to recognize the danger that Chris presented and worked to erect a barrier in his mind.”

“A barrier against what?” Piper was starting to get agitated again.

“His knowledge of future events,” Sandra sighed. “We don't know what he knows, at least all of it. We can't allow the enemy, even a shadow of an enemy to possess that knowledge.”

“Agreed,” Paige nodded. “So is he...”

“Recovering,” Sandra nodded. “Once the shadow darkness was unable to cross that barrier, it seemed to lose interest in Chris, allowing us to heal him. He was able to tell us what happened.”

“What did happen?” Piper was grinding her teeth in frustration at how long this all seemed to be taking, as explanations went.

“Leo was tracking Wyatt in the underworld,” Sandra explained, with a small nod, “as you know. From what Chris said, Leo believed he was close and when he finally had the direction to go in, they encountered the shadow. Leo confronted it head on and was attacked. Chris received residual attacks simply from trying to rescue Leo. He orbed them back here and you know what happened after that.”

“Okay,” Piper breathed in shakily. At least Leo was in better hands than he had been before. At least he'd be able to get better. “Were you able... did Leo...?”

“He's been mostly incoherent,” Sandra broke that news as gently as possible. “All we've discovered was that he heard a woman. He believes that she is the one that found Wyatt and took him away from the last place Leo sensed your son at.”

“So he was in the Underworld,” Piper gasped, referring to Wyatt. She shook her head, trembling slightly. “So how do we find him? Nothing has been working.”

“We don't know yet,” Sandra sighed and noticed Phoebe turn her head sharply and eye her, trying to discern what was causing the emotional tell she was experiencing. “We have suppositions and theories, but nothing concrete yet.”

“But one or more of those theories, you believe are completely possible,” Phoebe theorized. “And it's scaring you.”

“Of course it is,” Sandra wanted to snap, but she held herself back. Losing control of herself would lead to losing control of the situation and they all needed laser point focus now. “We will continued to research and discover precisely what this shadow darkness is. Leo will recover. The only other clue I have to offer was what Odin was able to mine from Leo's mind as he thought of the woman that took Wyatt. He seemed to think it was the Crone, or someone close to her.”

That seemed to steel all three Charmed One's backs and resolve in a matter of seconds. Sandra could see it.

“The crone?” Phoebe burst out, knowing that Sandra was telling the truth of the matter, but it made little sense.

“She declared a truce with us,” Paige told the Elder. “She said that it served no purpose to try and take Wyatt. Why would she? I mean, I know why, but...”

“Need I remind you that demons lie?” Sandra interjected, her voice heavy. “She is able to see the future, yes. But it's not always concrete. Perhaps she saw something she did not yet understand and as time moved on and it became clear, her position changed. I hardly think that she would be so kind as to give you warning.”

“Maybe it was this shadow she saw,” Phoebe suggested, a delicate shiver running through her body. “Maybe she found a way to use it for her own purposes.” She threw a glance at Piper. “It's not the first time one of their Seers has tried to take power for herself.”

“No, it's not,” Piper agreed wearily. She turned to Phoebe. “Tell her what you said about the shadow.”

Sandra, no stranger to sensing when there was new information to be dissected, approached Phoebe a little more closely, reaching out a steadying hand to the middle sister, the empath whom she realized, had had to deal with this pain, this darkness as well, albeit second handedly. But when the witch began to speak hesitantly, of what she had felt and remembered, Sandra felt a frisson of fear growing in her mind.

This shadow, this thing was a greater threat than one they had faced before and she didn't know if the others would believe the new theory niggling at her mind, that threated the very fabric of their universe.

AtHwA~AtHwA

“Well, there's certainly no worries about that now, are there?” Giles commented with humor and relief as he watched baby Wyatt take naturally to a bottle. Nestled in Joyce's arms snug in warm pajamas, clean and dry after his bath, he had accepted the bottle with no qualms. Even trying to hold it himself. She let him, remembering this stage of attempts at independence. They'd come early and often with her daughter.

“It certainly makes everything easier,” Joyce agreed as she carefully arranged the blanket that Buffy had retrieved from her mother's wardrobe. It was just a bed runner, really, but Wyatt would drown in any of the other blankets that they had. She had tried really, to remember if she had any of Buffy's baby things left over aside from pretty girl's clothes and some toys. There might have been a quilt or two, but it would take some reorganization of the basement to find them. Joyce had expected to have some more notice of a baby coming home than to just see her daughter carrying one up the walk.

“They're here,” Buffy announced as she came back through to the living room, able to see out the living room window as she carried cups of beverages for the adults since Joyce was too busy to carry out hostess duties. She settled the mugs by Giles on the coffee table and another of herbal tea where her mother could reach it, but it wouldn't be bumped by Wyatt. Joyce was only slightly surprised at how thoughtful of the situation her daughter was being.

As soon as she had set them down, there was a soft knock at the door that Buffy moved to answer. Xander was through first, holding up Joyce's keys with a smile. He had borrowed her vehicle to run over to Giles' place and pick up the rest of the gang, citing his intense hatred of manual drive vehicles. Buffy saw also, that they must have stopped to get Oz's van, since it was pulling in at the curb. Xander and Anya were the first to arrive, parking in the driveway so that Joyce had her Jeep ready to go in the morning.

“We're back,” he announced unnecessarily. “Should I put your keys on the desk Mrs. Summers?”

“That would be fine, thank you, Xander,” Joyce replied.

“Well, that was a big waste of time,” Anya announced as she stomped inside the house, pushing the door shut behind herself. She turned to glare at Buffy. “Thank you so much for calling to let us know that we didn't have to finish the ritual. It was very considerate of you to not let us know what was going on so that we were fully aware of the gut wrenching worry about our boyfriends was not necessary.”

“Ahn!” Xander complained, throwing his hands up in the air as Buffy smirked at the blond ex-demon. “We talked about it in the car. Slightly more worriedly worries than calling you. Also, walked here? No phone. And boyfriend?”

“Well you should have found one,” the blond huffed as she removed her coat and hung it on the peg next to the door.

“Anya?” Buffy asked calmly, bemused. “Would you like some herbal tea? Maybe a Xanax?”

“I don't require drugs,” Anya responded immediately. “But some tea sounds lovely. Thank you.” The moment she finished responding to her, she turned to Xander. “Was that better?”

“Very nice,” Xander nodded and paused a moment to eye Buffy and see if any quips were forthcoming. From his soft groan, he was fully aware that she was just hanging on to the moment to recall it later when she could really let loose. Ideally, when there were no parents or parental types to rein her in. Now mollified though, Anya took his hand, beaming and attempting to drag him into the living room. The door opened just as they moved away and Buffy saw it was Willow, led by Oz who seemed to have quickly opened the door so that Willow wouldn't walk into it.

“This is so cool,” she was enthusing, which was broken by an exclamation from Giles in the living room.

“Oh my word!”

Unsure which way to turn, Buffy made the decision to go to where the desperation sounded. Stepping into the living room she saw that everyone was quite shocked as her mother and Wyatt were surrounded by a shimmering blue energy like field. Joyce was taken aback, but recovered enough to ask, “is this magic?”

“Yeah,” Buffy nodded, garnering the occupants of the living room's attention. “He was doing that earlier. I think it's like a protection bubble. It's not hurting you, is it Mom?” Joyce gave her a slow shake of her head, but was keeping herself as still as possible from the inside of the bubble that encased her and the baby.

“I mean, think of all the possibilities that we could use this for?” Willow was continuing as she followed after her friend. “If we can get a sample from all these different- oh!” The last came as she ran into Buffy's solid stance. The blond turned to glance over her shoulder.

“Nose out of the book Wills,” she teased as Oz reached around his girlfriend to pluck the book from her hands. Things seemed manageable until Wyatt suddenly started to cry and Buffy hurried forward to calm and reassure him, only to find her way most definitely blocked. Joyce who had tried to pick him up and put him over her shoulder to comfort him was finding it difficult as he kept squirming around to keep the newcomers in his eye line.

“Wyatt baby,” she shushed, “it's okay honey. Come on, it's okay.”

Buffy however, was a little more shrewd and familiar with the boy, turned and eyed her friends. “Sorry Oz, could you step outside for a sec? You too Anya.”

Trustingly, Oz nodded, quickly picking up the hint and intimation, though Anya was inclined to argue for a brief moment before Xander escorted her to the door. Wyatt's crying slowed some, but he still appeared upset. Buffy returned to the blue energy, but carefully refrained from touching it.

“It's okay sweetie,” she spoke softly which worked, surprisingly, as Wyatt quieted as well to hear her. “I'm not gonna let anyone hurt you. Can you let me in?”

And as easily as that, the barrier came down and she took Wyatt from her mother. But when Willow stepped froward to get a good look at the baby that her friend had rescued, it came back up, enclosing Buffy and Joyce as well as the baby this time.

“Oh!” Willow exclaimed and quickly stepped back. “I just, sorry,” she sighed. “I've never seen a protection orb before. Wow! He's so powerful, isn't he?” she asked, turning to Giles, who was on his feet, now calmly cleaning his glasses.

“He is,” Giles agreed, “and obviously wary of meeting new people.”

“It's more than that Giles, I think,” Buffy commented, her mind working rapidly. “He didn't do that with you or Xander or Mom. I think maybe he can sense things about us.”

“You think so?” Giles' eyes widened slightly. “Like our power or intent?”

“Maybe,” Buffy agreed as she rubbed at Wyatt's back. He was still regarding the others with that wary curiosity. “I think he might have trusted you because I do, so much. And Xander's harmless. Just a human. Plus, he was mostly asleep when I got up to you guys.”

“B-but,” Willow stammered, looking around at the other's still in the room. “I'm harmless. I do no harm. I play by the Wiccan creed.” She shook her head and shrugged. “Oz I can understand. Werewolf. It would upset anyone that didn't know him. And Anya, obviously, ex demon there. But what's wrong with me?”

“Could it maybe be that you startled him Willow?” Joyce asked from her still position in the arm chair. She was slightly afraid to move, lest she get zapped even though she was on the inside of the ball.

“Is that it Wyatt?” Buffy asked the baby as he focused on her face. “Did Willow surprise you? She likes magic too you know,” she chuckled and Wyatt gave her a smile. “Look,” Buffy gestured and then turned to her friend. “Willow? Can you do something easy? Not so boomy?”

“Sure,” Willow nodded quickly and glanced around. “Oh, floaty. Floating is always good. Okay, watch Wyatt!” Buffy turned and pointed to where Willow was gesturing as one of the magazines that was fanned out on the coffee table began to rise slowly into the air. The baby watched and as Willow telepathically manipulated the magazine into her hands to hold up and show the baby, he gurgled and with much relief from the others, the barrier came down. Willow waited though, as did the others, while Buffy retrieved the bottle from her mother and chose another seat.

“I will never let anyone hurt you again sweetie,” Buffy promised him. “But I'm so glad you're careful. And you kept my mom safe too. What a good boy,” she praised him. She waited until he had accepted the bottle again, though there wasn't much left and then stroked his cheek. “Can Willow come meet you then?” The baby's eyes flicked to Willow and then back to Buffy. “Give it a try Wills,” she instructed softly. Willow took obedient, slow steps towards the baby and though he watched her, the bubble didn't come back.

Finally, with Willow kneeling beside them, giving one finger for Wyatt to grab onto, Willow smiled brightly. “You know,” she told the boy in utmost seriousness, “I really wish you were a little older. That orb is so cool and I wish you could teach me how to do it.”

“It'll definitely have to be later,” Joyce commented. “Magic baby or not, he still needs to sleep.” Indeed, Wyatt's eyes were getting droopy, though he seemed to be struggling to stay awake. He fed for a few more minutes before Joyce retrieved him.

As the assembled group said good night, Joyce reminded Buffy of the night's arrangements. “I've got that drawer set up and you made sure and checked all over the floor?”

“No danglies, no stray pins, buttons or otherwise,” Buffy nodded. “Doors are all closed and I lined the box with that extra blanket.”

“Good,” Joyce nodded as she lifted Wyatt up to her shoulder, where he let out a soft belch. “Well, that's one less chore down. We'll have to remember to get some rice cereal and baby food tomorrow morning and try him on a little. See if he likes it.” She turned to say good night to the rest and they waved her off, looking just as she was, an old hand at motherhood.

“I must say,” Giles chuckled as they all watched Joyce moving up the stairs. “I've long admired your adaptability to most situations when it relates to fighting Buffy.” She turned back to look at her mentor. “I always thought it was you making the most of your calling. Perhaps now I underestimated the influence of your mother.”

Buffy grinned and nodded. “Most other parents would throw a fit. But Mom, yeah, I'm so gonna owe her for this one.” With a content sigh, she regained her seat and busied herself folding the pajamas that Giles had brought over and motioned to Willow. “So I guess we should grab the others and get this Scoobie meeting started.” Her best friend nodded and went to let the others know that it was all right to come back in. Her excitement over her ideas and discoveries, even if they hadn't gotten them anywhere yet, was growing again and once more she wanted to dive right into share mode. But first things first.

“Guys, Wyatt's gone to bed,” Willow announced as she cracked the door a few inches. They had ceased their conversation before she had even done so and aside from Anya's grumpy look, all seemed well. “Let's meet.”

Chapter 11- Sleeping Arrangements