Love Can Save the World Ch. 04

If anyone reading this has any suggestions on adding to this story, please send the comments in an email for consideration.

Ashira

*

"How are you doing?" Kari asked Sky, bringing her a bowl of beef stew.

"I just want to go home," Sky murmured, rubbing the small of her back. They had been on the run for over five months and Sky was nearing her due date. They were all exhausted from the constant battles. At only a week shy of being six months pregnant, Sky looked like she was nearly nine months pregnant and very miserable.

Del was coming closer and closer to finding them every day, but they couldn't move again, not this close to Sky's due date.

"Soon," Brand promised, walking over to them, a tall, elvish looking woman following him. "Sky, Kari, this is my mate Pixel," Brand introduced. Sky gave a shy smile and she noticed instantly that Pixel's clothing was rumpled and her cheeks were bright pink.

"I have news on Del. His uncle is going to order his death if he doesn't bring you and the others to him," Pixel said.

"We can't send Sky to Del, not now, she's too close," Paul argued, walking over with Billy. Before anyone could say anything else, the door to the hideout flew open to reveal a very pissed off Del.

Del sent a bolt of energy towards Paul and Billy who had stood up to keep Sky protected. Kari stood up and held out her hand, stopping the energy from moving any closer, but she was unable to push it back towards Del. Del waved his hand and Kari flew into the wall with a scream.

"Stop Del, before you kill someone!" Brand shouted, moving to take Billy's place as he went to check on Kari.

Del laughed and flicked his wrist sending Brand and Paul against the opposite wall, leaving Pixel and Sky alone.

"Paul!" Sky shouted as her oldest friend slammed into the wall. She ran over to her friend.

"Get out of here, Sky, before he kills us all," Paul said softly. "How's Kari?" he asked, sitting up. Sky looked over her shoulder and saw her Billy heal Kari before helping her to stand.

"She'll be fine, and I'm not leaving you here," Sky said, stubbornly.

"He'll kill you," Paul protested. Sky looked at Del who had made no move towards them.

"No, he won't. I have an idea. Brand, I'm going to try and talk to Del, get him to remember who he really is. If that doesn't work, can you knock him out so we can escape?" Sky asked. Brand nodded.

"Be careful Sky," Brand warned as Sky stood up and walked over towards Del.

"Del, stop this now before you kill us!" Sky shouted. Del looked at Sky and started to form an energy ball. "Del! Stop this madness! This isn't you, this is your uncle! Look at me and remember who I am, who you are!" Sky exclaimed. When Del didn't move to send the energy ball at her, Sky took a few more steps until she was right in front of Del.

"Del, do you know who I am?" Sky asked gently. Del stared at her making Sky very uneasy, unaware of the conflict within him.

"Kill her now!" Del's uncle screamed in his head. "She wants to destroy us!" Del raised his hand higher and moved to hit her with the energy ball.

"Del, if you kill me, you kill your son!" Sky exclaimed, following his hand with her eyes.

"You must kill her! She lies!" Del shook his head, unsure of who to listen to.

"You're lying," Del spat. Sky shook her head.

"I'm not lying." She glanced back at her friends before unbuttoning her shirt, exposing her very pregnant abdomen. "Del, when have I ever lied to you?" Sky asked gently, reaching out for the hand without the energy ball. "Trust me," she murmured, placing his hand over the baby.

"No Sky!" Brand shouted, but it was too late; the minute Del's hand touched Sky's naked stomach, Sky screamed in pain.

"What happened?" Paul demanded to know.

"The energy within Del has triggered Sky's labor," Brand answered. "If she doesn't get through to him before the baby is born, Del's uncle will have the heir he needs and we'll all be dead," Brand added grimly.

"Del, please, remember who you are; who I am!" Sky pleaded, clutching his hand.

"Sky, use your power to project; show him the past, before he was infected!" Pixel shouted. Sky groaned as a contraction gripped her and she sank to the floor. Something in Del had him stooping down next to her. "Del, please," Sky pleaded again, projecting the only thing she could think of; Del's homecoming. Del grabbed his head, unprepared for the onslaught of memories.

"Sky?" Del asked, uncertainly. Sky breathed a sigh of relief as Del's eyes turned from red back to their normal chestnut brown. Del looked around and his eyes widened when he saw his friends' injuries.

"Thank God!" Brand exclaimed as Billy and Kari surrounded them. "Billy, Sky will need your medical expertise," Brand said softly, but not softly enough. Del looked at Brand for a moment, then at the hostility written on Paul's face and back down at Sky as she moaned in pain.

"Sky, love, did I hurt you?" Del asked.

Tears fell down Sky's cheeks and she gasped for air as the contraction eased.

"Sky, slow, deep breaths little sister," Billy said gently, helping Sky stand. "We need to get you to a bed," he added. Billy was unprepared for Sky's knees to buckle again the moment she stood and he eased her back to the floor.

"There's no time Billy," Del said, turning his attention back to Sky. "Ah love, I never meant for this to happen this way," he said sadly.

"Talk later," Billy scolded. "Sky, sweetie, you aren't going to be able to stop this by keeping your legs closed together," Billy said gently.

Sky moaned again. "Breathe Sky, that's a girl." Billy looked at Del. "Do you know anything that could make this easier on her?" Billy asked. Del looked at Brand who was already pulling a vial out of his bag.

"It's good to have you back Del," Brand said, handing the vial to Billy.

Billy looked at Brand uncertainly. "Have her drink it; it will help," Brand promised. Billy handed the vial to Sky who downed it quickly, wrinkling her nose at the taste. "Now it's time for Del and Sky to be alone. It's going to be hours before the baby comes, and Del knows what to do," Brand said, pulling a reluctant Billy from the room.

"I will kill him!" Paul swore.

"Calm down Paul," Billy said.

"Calm down? That's your sister that he raped!" Paul shouted.

Billy sighed.

"I studied the DNA Brand gave me, and he couldn't have stopped that if he wanted to. Del loves Sky and Sky loves him. They will get through this," Billy said, always the voice of reason, even if he felt like ripping Del apart.

"You need to rest, Balus will not let this go unpunished," Pixel said. Brand nodded in agreement.

"Kari, I suggest that once Billy gives you all a clean bill of a health, you help Paul get rid of some excess energy. After Sky has had the baby and some time to rest, we'll have a meeting to discuss what to do next. At that time, Del and Sky will be married," Brand said.

"I don't think so," Paul snarled.

Billy laid a hand on his friend's shoulder.

"It's Sky's decision," Billy said.

"Get some rest, I'm going to catch up with Pixel," Brand said, a devilish expression on his face.

Paul chuckled in spite of his anger and shook his head.

"That's a pretty deep cut Paul," Billy said, looking at the cut at Paul's hairline. He held his hand over the cut and Paul winced as the warm energy from Billy's hand stung, at least until the cut was healed. Billy moved to check on Kari. "Have you told him yet?" Billy asked quietly, healing her dislocated knee. Kari shook her head.

"You need to you," Billy murmured. Kari nodded.

"I know. Just tell me everything is okay," Kari murmured. Billy gave her a quick exam.

"Everything looks okay, but you really need to see a doctor that specializes," Billy said. Kari nodded again. Billy stood up and headed towards the door. "I'm going to check on Sky then I'm going out for some air and some food. Paul, go easy on Kari and try not to kill Del," Billy said before leaving.

"How is she doing?" Billy asked Del, kneeling down next to her. Del gave Billy a small smile.

"She's doing okay," Del answered.

"I hate you right now," Sky groaned. Billy laughed.

"You'll do fine little sister." He looked at Del for a moment. "Is it okay if I take a look?" Billy wanted to know. Del started to shake his head until Sky gasped.

"Something isn't right," she moaned. Billy stood up, pushed past Del and down by his sister's legs.

"Sky, I need you to spread your legs," Billy said gently. He swore under his breath.

"What's wrong?" Sky wanted to know. Billy looked at her with a smile.

"Nothing Sky, the baby is almost here," Del answered for Billy with a grin. "You can't stay to help, it's customary that unless there are complications that the father deliver the baby," Del told Billy. Billy nodded and pressed a kiss to his sister's cheek.

"I'm going to pick up dinner, hang in there," Billy said before leaving the cabin.

Kari and Paul made their way to the stream. "I'm glad that's over," Paul said before kissing Kari gently. Kari nodded and pulled her dress over her head and let it drop to the ground. "Holy hell Kari, are you trying to kill me?" Paul asked with a groan.

Kari giggled and reached for his belt buckle. "No, but it's been weeks," Kari complained. Paul laughed and inched Kari towards the ground carefully.

"Do I need to get a condom?" Paul asked Kari. Kari shook her head and Paul sank into her with a groan. "I love you," Paul whispered as he began thrusting hard and fast. Kari moaned happily and met him thrust for thrust. Paul slowed down the pace and stopped to explore Kari's body. "You look different then last time we did this," he observed. "I like the differences, you're bigger here," Paul added, cupping Kari's breasts. Kari moaned as Paul thrust in deeper, slower.

"Paul!" Kari exclaimed as he pinched one of her nipples.

"Did I hurt you?" Paul asked, worriedly.

"No," Kari assured him, as Paul's hands made their way to her abdomen.

"How are you gaining weight with all of the extra working out we've been doing?" Paul asked before hitting himself on the forehead. "I'm sorry, that was horrible of me," Paul apologized. Kari smiled and kissed Paul.

"Paul, I love you," Kari began.

"I love you too," Paul murmured.

"Paul, I need to tell you something," Kari said with a moan as Paul's lips found her breast and started sucking lightly on one of her nipples. Paul looked up briefly as he teased her carefully.

"Can it wait?" he asked before biting her nipple lightly. Kari gasped and pulled away slightly. "What's wrong? That's never hurt before," Paul asked with a frown.

"It didn't hurt Paul, I'm just very sensitive right now," Kari said. Paul studied Kari carefully before pulling out of Kari and sitting up.

"What's going on Kari? Are you sick?" Paul asked, unable to keep worry out of his voice.

"No Paul, I'm not sick," Kari said with a small smile.

"Then what?" Paul asked.

"This isn't how I wanted to tell you," Kari sighed.

"Tell me what?" Paul asked, becoming impatient.

"We're having a baby," Kari answered. Kari waited nervously for Paul to react.

"We're what?" Paul asked, unsure if he had heard her correctly.

"I'm pregnant Paul," Kari said. Paul stared at Kari and she looked away.

"Are you sure?" Kari sighed and nodded.

"Very sure," Kari answered. Paul stood up and walked to the bank of the river.

Kari waited a moment then got up and sat down next to him. "Paul, please say something," Kari whispered. Paul looked at Kari and his expression softened when he saw the tears in her eyes.

"I'm not angry Kari, just surprised. We've always been careful," Paul assured her, raking his gaze over her entire body. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?" he wanted to know.

"We've been so busy fighting Del and Balus, I didn't want to worry you," Kari said.

"Kari, you should have told me. God, woman, did you even think about what could have happened to you?" Paul growled. Kari sighed and looked down at the ground.

"I"m sorry Paul," she whispered.

Paul growled again as he reached out and tilted her face towards his. "I love you Kari Marie Standard." Paul kissed Kari gently before easing her back to a laying position. "Tell me if I hurt you," Paul murmured, entering her slowly. Kari moaned as he thrust gently, lovingly into her.

"I'm not going to break," Kari teased him, thrusting up to meet him.

Paul thrust harder, but still gently. "I don't want to hurt you," he groaned.

"You won't," she promised. Despite Kari's protests, Paul continued his slow, gently ministrations until she was crying out her pleasure.

"I love you," Paul whispered in her ear as he came deep inside her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When Paul and Kari returned to the cottage, Billy was making a big pot of chicken soup. "How long have you known about Kari being pregnant?" Paul asked as Billy was testing the spices in the broth. Billy choked on the broth.

"A little while; I figured it out last month," Billy admitted as Brand and Pixel walked into the kitchen.

"Congratulations," Brand said, hearing the tale end of the conversation. Kari gave him a weak smile.

"How'd you figure it out?" Paul asked. Billy rolled his eyes.

"You didn't notice how many more times Kari was going to the bathroom?" Billy asked. Paul thought about it for a minute and grinned.

"Now that you mention it, yeah, I did," he admitted. Billy laughed and shook his head.

"How far along are you?" Pixel asked Kari.

"Four months, a little under half way there," Kari answered, avoiding Paul's gaze. Everyone looked up as Del walked into the kitchen.

"What's wrong?" Brand asked, seeing the look on Del's face.

"Is my sister okay?" Billy wanted to know.

"Sky's fine," Del said.

"What about the baby?" Paul asked, taking Kari's hand and giving it a gentle squeeze.

"She's just fine," Del answered. Brand gasped.

"A first born a girl?" he asked in shock. Del nodded.

"Is that rare?" Kari asked.

"There hasn't been a first born girl in over two hundred years," Pixel answered. "In fact, usually it takes four or five pregnancies to even have a girl," she added.

Del rubbed his face and Billy could see his exhaustion.

"Sit down Del, I'll look after Sky," Billy said. Del shook his head.

"As her intended, it's my job to look after her and the baby," Del told Billy.

"I'm her brother Del, do you honestly think I'll hurt her?" Billy snapped.

"Let him go," Brand told Del as Billy left the kitchen.

"We need to find another place to hide," Del told Paul. It had been two weeks since Sky had managed to purge the evil from Del, and despite the fact that it seemed like Del was back to normal, Paul still didn't trust him.

"We need to wait until Sky recovers completely," Paul argued.

"Del's right, it isn't safe here. I'm surprised Balus hasn't attacked sooner," Brand agreed.

"Of course you agree with Del, he's your best friend," Paul said.

"Oh stop it, all of you! You're acting like children!" Sky exclaimed, walking into the kitchen.

"How are you feeling?" Del asked, setting a plate of chicken pasta salad down in front of her.

"Tired," Sky admitted. Paul frowned.

"That's completely normal," Billy said, ruffling his sisters hair before stealing a sip of her water.

"I managed to hack into Balus' communication center; he's planning on striking the house at sunset," Pixel told them, walking into the kitchen.

"I have a new safe house lined up, I'll go finish making the preparations. Be ready to leave in two hours," Brand said, standing up and walking out of the house.

Billy helped Sky and the baby into the RV before helping Del, Paul and Kari finish the packing.

"Where are Pix and Brand?" Billy asked, shoving the last suitcase into the back of the RV.

"We're right here, we need to get out of here; Balus' forces are moving," Pixel said, hurrying to the RV.

"I have some food supplies and a map to the safe house," Brand said, climbing in the driver's seat.

Sky's eyes fluttered open and she smiled when she saw Del watching her. "Hi," she said shyly.

"Sky, I'm so sorry about everything.

"It's okay. Brand explained everything to Billy and he explained it to me. Paul will get over it," Sky assured him. She looked over at her sleeping daughter and smiled. "I can't believe she's here, I never thought that we'd stay safe enough for me to have her," Sky said softly.

Del gave Sky a gentle hug. "I'm so sorry," Del murmured. He traced the dark circles under Sky's eyes before pressing a kiss to her lips. "I love you Sky."

"I love you too Del," Sky told him, shivering at the sensations going down her spine.

"Hey guys, we have trouble heading our way," Brand called from the driver's seat. Sky let out a small scream as the RV swerved dangerously in and out of traffic. Sky pulled the baby into her arms who protested loudly at being woken up so rudely.

"You guys okay?" Paul asked, coming back with Kari, Billy and Pixel as instructed by Brand. Sky and Del nodded. "Del, Brand may need you up front," he added.

"And now, before the shit really hits the fan, don't you think it's time to give my niece a name?" Billy teased. Sky laughed.

"Well, she has one hell of a temper," Kari observed.

"I am not naming my daughter Temper," Del said, shaking his head.

"How about Tempest?" Sky asked. Del smiled.

"It's different, like our names, but not unusual, and it definitely fits her temper," Del agreed.

"Del, get up here, we're under fire!" Brand shouted. "Pix, I need you to man the radar; tell me where they're coming from!" Brand added. Del and Pixel ran to their posts; Del grabbed a laser gun from the storage space under the seats and Pixel turned on a mini laptop and plugged it in to the radar controls. Before she could say anything, a blast hit the center of RV. Brand did his best to keep control of the RV and by a miracle was able get the RV hidden in some bushes before he put the vehicle in park and hurried to check on those in the back of the RV.

"Pixie, sweetie, can you hear me?" Brand asked as she fell out of her chair and into his arms. Brand looked her up and down and his heart nearly stopped when he saw the gaping wound in her abdomen. "Billy, are you all right?" Brand called. Billy shouted back and hurried to his friend.

"I'll do what I can for Pixel, but I need for you to go back and put band-aids on the smaller cuts and hold down pressure on the larger wounds," Billy told Brand who nodded and hurried to the very back of the RV.