Chapter 38 - Glasgow, 24 July 2004

I can only assume that Angelus is waiting until he's got an audience before he does any real damage to me. He hurt me, but it seemed as if he was trying to make it look worse than it was, and compared with what I've suffered at his hands before, it was mild. I just gritted my teeth and concentrated on thinking about Buffy. That was made easier by repeats of that same feather-touch on my mind that I noticed when Dru was with me. Whatever-it-is isn't something I can latch on to or anything, it's just ... comforting, and I can't explain why except to say that it shows I'm not alone.

Once Angelus left me and went to Dru, it got much harder. If his heart wasn't in hurting me, it was definitely involved in hurting her. Don't get me wrong, Dru always enjoyed pain, but her Sire was always able to adjust what he did to get the required effect and this time he's out to hurt her. I use the pent up anger in me to continue to try to ease out the cleats holding my chains in the wall, but if I'm making progress, I don't see it.

Much later, I hear the flat door slam and I know Angelus has gone out into the night to feed. A short while later, Dru comes in again.

"Go away, Dru. He'll only hurt you again."

"He hurts me whatever I do now. It's her fault – the Slayer. She changed him. But being with you was almost like having my Knight back again. It's only pretend, but sometimes pretend is all you've got."

She walks towards me as she speaks, her carriage as sinuous as ever, despite the open wounds I can see on her arms and around her neckline. She sits close to me.

"What happened to me in your world?"

After the absolute hopelessness of her last words, she's back to child-like curiosity.

"Well, after Angelus got his soul back, he went to Hell for a spell. I took you away from the Slayer and tried to make you happy, but something had changed. You found someone else, and I made my way back to the Hellmouth."

"You mean I was on my own? Without you or Daddy?"

"Never on your own, Pet - not unless you wanted to be. I think not being with Angelus made you stronger somehow."

She's thoughtful then – perhaps imagining a life without her Sire or her Childe.

"What happened to him, to Daddy?"

"Angel? He came over with a bad case of human."

"Human? How ...?"

"A reward, if you'd believe it. Souled Angel worked for the Powers that Be, and eventually they made him a real boy again."

"He wouldn't like that."

"Would you? Go back to being weak? Then again, I've been this way for so much longer, I can hardly remember how it felt to have a beating heart."

"I think it's just easier if I don't remember."

"You're probably right, Pet. The brain's got some good tricks, and sometimes helping you to forget is the best of them."

The front door slams again, and Angelus' voice is heard even above that. My heart sinks, as I'd thought I'd have longer than that, and Dru tenses, knowing that she'll be in for it now.

He comes into the room, yelling at minions behind him to get out of his sight, and it's only as he finally pushes the door shut behind him that I spot who he's got with him. My heart sinks even lower – it's Mrs. M.

"You filthy ...," I yell, trying desperately to get up and at him. The chains hold me, and I fall back down to the floor, helpless once again.

He's grinning at me. The bastard is grinning at me, enjoying my pain. To avoid looking at him, I take a second to look at Moira. To my amazement, she seems unharmed – in fact, there's a small smile on her lips. Then there's a whisper in my mind telling me to be quiet.

I take another look at Angelus and realise my mistake. It's not Angelus – it's Angel. Dru spots something at the same time, and she gets up warily.

"Dru, get out of here. I've got business with William." Angel's perfectly in character again, and Dru seems to be fooled. She runs out of the room, closing the door behind her.

"Never knew Dru to do as she's told that quickly," Angel comments, as Moira comes over to me.

"She's bloody terrified of him. Gave her a going over earlier because she came in to see me. She's probably thinking herself bloody lucky you just told her to scarper."

"You're hurt," Moira murmurs, taking a look at the various injuries she can see.

"Yeah, well, he didn't nab me for my scintillating conversation. Not too bad, though. I've had worse."

"I'll see if I can do something with these chains," she says, placing her hands on them.

Her heart rate, which was already faster than I'm used to hearing, increases, and now I'm worried.

"Moira, stop. You're doing too much."

She takes her hands off the chains and looks at me as if about to give me a good telling off.

"I know you don't like being told what to do, but believe me, I know human heart rates, and yours is going too fast. You need to take a rest or we're going to have to carry you home. Now, sit down and tell me the plan. Where's Buffy?"

Moira reluctantly joins me on the floor. She's breathing heavily, but seems otherwise ok for now.

"Angel, where's Buffy?" I demand since there's been no answer. "She's outside, right? Ready to come in when you give the signal."

"Er, no. Moira didn't want her here and decided that she could use a glamour to make me seem like a vamp. Thought we could just come in and get you out."

"You daft pillock. You should've known he'd have me chained up – or that there'd be someone here who'd spot something wrong. You might fool some minions, but I don't think Dru's going to be fooled for long. If she hadn't been so relieved that you weren't hitting her, I doubt she'd have left just now without some answers."

"Well, we're all you've got. Let me take a look at those chains."

I can't help it, I roll my eyes. The idea that he could get me out of this with only human strength when I've been putting vamp strength into it for hours is just ludicrous. He pulls at them experimentally, then pulls out a knife I recognise as mine, and tries to pick at the stone behind me. That effort ends when I hear the sound of the blade snapping in two.

"Hey, I liked that knife."

"It's not my fault it's broken," Angel mumbles. "I'll try another one."

"Don't you bloody dare. Now, bolt cutters - they'd be useful. Don't suppose you've got some hidden somewhere? Didn't think so."

"Spike, we couldn't exactly come in armed to the teeth, now could we?"

"You should've brought Buffy."

"Yes, well, it's too late for that now."

And then there's the sound of the front door again, followed by an agitated conversation. A second later, Angelus bursts into the room, and there's a momentary stand-off as Angel and he look at each other – each no doubt noticing the subtle differences in their appearance.

"Very clever," Angelus murmurs. "No heart beat. I assume that's your doing, witch?"

He turns towards Moira, who is gathering her power. She murmurs a single word, and Angelus is blasted to the opposite wall. The noise attracts the attention of the minions who, I suspect, were all just outside the door anyway, wondering how there came to be two of their master. I'm straining at my chains more than ever, knowing that my strength is the only thing that can save us now.

The minions move back rather than attacking, and a glance at Angelus confirms that's because of his order. He's climbing to his feet, a sneer on his face again.

"Very good, witch. But, I don't think you've got any more of that, have you? Another one of those and your heart'd probably stop for good. And all it did was postpone the inevitable for a few moments."

He walks towards her, easily avoiding my feet as I desperately try to make contact in any way I can. Angel's on him too, stake in hand, jumping onto his back in a vain attempt to stop him reaching Moira, but he's thrown off easily. Angelus picks Moira up by her clothing, forcing her to stand in front of him. She pulls herself to her fullest height and squares her shoulders. Typical of the woman – she's not cowed in the slightest, even though I know, and I'm sure Angelus knows, that she's got nothing left just now.

Angelus takes a look at me as I strain impotently at the chains, then an arm snakes out to the side to send Angel flying again as he attempts to attack. He hits his head hard on the wall as he lands, and seems dazed. Angelus' face changes, and he turns around to ensure that I get the best possible view.

"Now, I normally prefer my blood a little younger, but this isn't about food, this is about causing pain."

He lowers his fangs towards her neck, and I lunge again – this time, there's the sound of falling rubble, and I realise that I've finally freed myself. I lower my head and charge, aiming at his middle, hoping, as a first attempt, to just use my momentum to knock him over. After that, if Angel can only get Moira out of the way, it might be a fair fight, at least if we're left alone. And if that happens, then I know I can beat him.

As I'd hoped, once overbalanced, Angelus drops Moira, and Angel is with it enough to carry her to a corner, cradling her tiny form. I don't have time to notice whether or not she's ok, because as soon as he's on his feet, Angelus is roaring after me.

The chains that are still attached to my wrists are flailing, and while I'd like to use them on him, there's too much chance he'll get hold of one and use it to unbalance me. I concentrate on using my legs then for a bit, the pain from broken ribs and countless shallow cuts becoming insignificant as I do my best to hurt him.

In the midst of all this, I'm vaguely aware that the minions are no longer in the doorway and that Dru has come into the room. I can't stop to wonder why, as Angelus is coming at me again. He seems much less measured than the Angelus I knew – as if actual fury is dulling his reactions when it's actually doing the exact opposite for me.

And then, at last, I've got him where I want him. He's on the floor, on his back, and I'm on top of him, pinning him to the floor.

Angelus starts bellowing for his minions, but they don't come. Dru steps further into the room, so he yells at her to help, and I know that if I'm going to stop her, I need Angelus out of it. I quickly wind the chain dangling from my left wrist around my hand and use it to bludgeon Angelus about the head until he loses consciousness. I get up to counter Drusilla, but she's just watching, her eyes flicking between Angelus on the floor and Angel who's ministering to Moira.

"How is she?" I ask Angel, without taking my eyes off her.

"Alive. He didn't do more than graze her neck. She's unconscious, though – and her pulse is racing. We should get her to a hospital."

"Dru, where are the others?"

"Sleeping."

"You put them to sleep?"

"Miss Edith said they had been very naughty, so they had to be sent to bed before supper."

Her eyes leave me, straying back to Angel.

"Human?" she questions, as if, for the first time in her life she doesn't trust her own senses.

"Yeah. Takes some getting used to, doesn't it? So, Dru? Do you know where Angelus put my phone? Because right now, I'd really like to call for some help for Moira over there."

I don't really expect her to help, but it seems worth the chance. She skips off, returning a moment later with my phone. I gesture her to give it to Angel. She hands it to him and then turns to me, dangling a set of keys which she uses to release my wrists from the cuffs of my chains.

"Will he call the nasty Slayer?"

"Buffy? We'll call her later. The important thing is to get help for Moira."

"I knew she was coming. I saw her - all white and shining - in my dreams."

"Who, Buffy?"

"No, silly. The witch. I knew she had our destruction in her hands. I saw it. But you care about her."

"She's a good woman, Dru. But she's old, and she wore herself out trying to save me."

"I'm glad. I didn't want Daddy to destroy you again. Are you going to stake him?"

"Who? Angelus?"

She nods.

"I think we're going to want to ask him some questions."

"Will you stake me?"

This time her voice is tiny, a small child looking for reassurance.

"We can't let you go, Dru. Not in this world."

"If it has to happen, will you do it? Please? Don't let the nasty Slayer do it." I don't know what to say to that. I could stake her in a fair fight or if she threatened someone I care about, but to stake her in cold blood? I don't think I could. Fortunately, Angel interrupts to tell us that the ambulance is on its way.

Suddenly, there's a crash which is oddly reminiscent of Buffy's patented way of opening my crypt door back in Sunnydale. That's why I'm not surprised when she rushes into the room, followed by Gus, and I quickly move to get between her and Dru.

"Spike? Are you ok? What happened to Moira?"

I'm just about to explain, when there's a roar behind me, and I'm pulled backwards. My arms are pinned uselessly behind my back and there's a stake over my heart. It's Angelus - and he's out for blood. I obviously didn't hit his thick skull hard enough.

"Don't come any closer," he threatens. "Spike and I are going to leave. If anyone follows, I'll just push this stake in a little further."

He's already breaking the skin, edging the stake into my flesh. I daren't struggle at all, and Buffy's fury that she can't do anything either is plain on her face. Angelus pauses in front of Buffy. If I know him, he's savouring her suffering, or perhaps he's wondering how he can manage to make a switch and get her instead of me. For the first time, the sense of Moira's plan hits me. He wants Buffy, so that's the last thing he gets.

My attention is on Buffy, desperately trying to make her see that there's nothing she can do, and that's probably why I'm surprised when Angelus' arm - the one holding the stake - is pushed upwards, away from my heart. I use the momentary instability to move away from Angelus, taking up my position in front of Buffy.

I can hardly believe what I see. Dru did it. Dru turned on her Sire to save me. Not that it's going to do her any good, as he kicks her across the room before turning back to us. Buffy passes me a stake and moves to my side.

"So, Angelus. How do you feel about facing both of us?" Buffy's voice is a welcome sound.

"You two? Please. A Slayer who's well past her best and my grandchilde who couldn't fight his way out of a paper bag. You know, I'm starting to think I did my Slayer a favour - you know, getting her out of circulation before she could get so flabby and old."

"Oh yeah? What about you? The only reason you like leather pants is because they expand to accommodate your ever-increasing butt."

Now sometimes, I could just stand there and listen to her, but now's not the time. Angelus is looking around, weighing up the situation. Dru gets up off the floor and walks towards him.

"Dru, go back out of the way. You've earned yourself a world of pain already, so don't make it worse for yourself."

"It doesn't matter, does it?" she asks.

Angelus doesn't look at her, his eyes remaining on Buffy and me.

"Dru, do as you're told."

"Or what?"

"I've already told you. Now go away."

"I think I will. I think I should walk out of the door and never come back."

"Dru, Dru. You know you wouldn't survive a day. You've always needed someone to look after you. William did it for a while, but when the Slayer got him it had to be me. And it hasn't been easy. The Senior Partners wanted me to get rid of you before I came here, but I wouldn't. You're family, and that's important."

"Spike was family too."

"Yes, and that's why I made the Slayer suffer for dusting him. Look, Dru, this isn't the time. Why don't you come here and help me? I'll leave the Slayer for you - give you a chance for some vengeance."

"I'd like that," she says, her voice soft and that smile on her face that I know so well.

She approaches to stand at her Sire's side. Ok, I admit it, I'm worried now. Between us, Angelus really wasn't a problem. Bringing Dru into the mix complicates things. She can do things to a human - make them see what she wants them to see - and that's more devastating than any purely physical strength. If she's fighting Buffy then I won't be able to concentrate on Angelus.

As if he knows the table is turned, Angelus rushes me, and I retaliate with everything I've got. I'm vaguely aware that Buffy and Dru are still watching one another, but I can't give that any attention. The last round of this fight was short enough that my previous injuries weren't too significant. I was able to ignore them, but as I tire, that's getting harder and harder. I'm slowing down and I know it.

There's a flash of dark hair between Angelus and me. Dru seems to be ignoring Buffy. She's come between us, and to my surprise, she's got a stake in her hand.

"Revenge, Daddy. It always tastes best cold."

Angelus freezes. "But Dru …"

It doesn't matter what he's going to say. The stake is aimed perfectly, not at his heart, but to the back of his neck. She pushes it in, and Angelus plunges to the floor in a heap.

I can hardly believe what I'm seeing. Angelus is lying immobile on the floor. I'd guess that she's managed to sever his spinal cord with her stake, and although he's alive, Angelus is completely helpless.

"Why, Dru?" he mumbles.

"You killed my William."

"No, Dru. It was the Slayer."

"Miss Edith told me the truth. She doesn't like it when naughty boys tell lies. You killed my William. He was good to me. He loved me and looked after me. He only hurt me when I wanted him to. He was the bravest knight in all the land and he wanted to take me away from you, but I said 'No,'. I said that family must stay together even though you hurt us. And then you killed him."

She starts to sob then, a pitiful sound, as she falls on his inert body.

Buffy and I stand mesmerised by the sight until a siren is heard from outside. Angel gets up, still carrying Moira, and takes her to the front door. Buffy and Gus follow him outside, leaving me to watch the strange tableau in front of me. Angelus is helpless, but in her way, so is Dru.

"I'll heal, Dru. It'll take time, but I'll heal, and then …" Angelus' voice manages to break through Dru's sobbing.

"You'll only heal if I let you," she says, quite clearly. "I know how long it takes to heal a broken spine. I looked after Spike for such a long time. Didn't I?"

"Yeah, you did, Pet. Did a good job too, when he'd let you." Well, I've got to say that. Being looked after by Dru is a singular experience that leaves you either wishing she'd leave you alone or craving attention when you've been ignored for weeks.

"So I can look after you just like I looked after Spike or the birds he used to bring me."

Angelus roars at the prospect.

"And if I think you're healing too quickly, I can always just do it again ..."

The expression in Angelus' eyes is one of absolute terror. You know, I'm really glad I didn't piss Dru off too much, because to spend forever being ministered to by her is probably more than I could take even though I once loved her. For Angelus, well, I'm not sure there's a worse fate.

"Much as I approve the sentiment, Pet, I think the Slayer's going to have something to say about leaving that wanker alive."

"No, she won't."

"But Dru …"

"We'll go back to our world. I know how to do that."

She dips under her the neck of her dress and pulls a phial similar to the one Angel brought to Glasgow.

"I got this when I found your phone. It will take us back to where we came from. Everything I need is there. I'll let him live for as long as I want him to. There are so many games I can play. And then I might try being alone for a while. Spike, who did I leave you for?"

"Chaos demon."

"Ooooh, yes. I always did want to find out if it's true what they say about them."

She must take my silence for agreement, since she takes the phial and throws it into the opposite corner of the room while muttering something under her breath. A portal spins out of thin air there, glowing and turbulent. Then, she stoops down and lifts Angelus over her shoulder. He cries out in what sounds like pain, although I don't see how it could be a physical pain.

"Goodbye, my Spike. Don't let the Slayer hurt you."

"Never again, Pet. And you - don't let him hurt you."

She giggles at that. "No, Spike. I won't," and then she's gone.