William had been riding for almost three days straight. He had stopped twice, briefly. At the last stop the innkeeper had bothered him to such an extent that William had 'spiked' him to a wall and wrote 'Best not to cross William the Bloody'. He had laughed about it as he rode away. His new horse, Carmine, and he made a great team. But they had to hurry. His Drusilla could be in trouble. William walked into Drusilla's house. He was surprised to find it...empty.
Taking a glance outside, he noticed that soon it would be night. Being thoroughly exhausted, he settled down on a chair across from the door and closed his eyes. Soon he was breathing heavily and would not have noticed a marching band outside had there been one.

Drusilla pranced next to Angelus, stopping to gather flowers, pet a puppy, and glance at the moon along the way. Suddenly, she let out a wail, then sank to the ground. Angelus sighed and knelt down next to her.
"What the bloody hell is wrong with you? If I knew how much trouble you were, I probably would have let you die." Angelus heard Drusilla mutter softly and cry, and he smirked. Quickly, wiping the smirk off his face, he gathered Drusilla into his arms.
"Shhh, there-there, my queen. Whatever's the matter, daddy will fix for you. It'll be alright."
Drusilla laughed softly and replied, "Puppy's home. I wonder if he'll remember me. I remember him. Soft kisses, warm hugs. Eyes so sweet and kind. He came back for me. I'm his princess. His...dark princess." With that, she swung her arm, catching Angelus unexpectedly in the face. She hit him hard, over and over on the head until he fell with a grunt onto the ground. Smiling, she sang, "Don't worry, sweet. Princess is a'coming to get you."

William opened his eyes as he heard a sound outside. A slim figure of a woman was outlined in the window. Holding his breath, William stood up slowly as the door knob turned. When the woman walked in the room, tears were streaming down his cheeks and his arms were wide open. The woman ran into his arms. William buried his head in the layers of her dark, wavy hair.
"Drusilla, I missed you so much. I love you. Marry me, dearest." William whispered these things into Drusilla's ear.
She giggled and replied, "I missed you, dearest daddy. I wasn't happy with Angel; he took away my toys. All gone, they are. Like the birds. Flown away." William stepped back and took Drusilla's face in his hands.
"Are you okay? You seem different, pet." Anxiety and worry filled his words. Drusilla took her head and William's hands in her own and rocked back and forth on her heels.
"Everything's so different. I'm hungry. The sun whispers nothing but evils and the moon sings songs. So sweet. But I'm confused. Mother and Father, Tommy, Irianna, Mary, all gone. My pretty dolls. Even a new home. I'm so confused." She began to whimper and cry.
William took her in his arms and said reassuringly, "No matter what you are, no matter what happens, no matter what you and I become. I will love you forever, dearest Dru. You are mine and I am yours, body, mind, and soul."
Drusilla stepped away again, a new look in her eyes. She smiled as if she held a deep, dark secret, and sat down on the floor, patting the space next to her. "I've got a story for you. A secret. Angel told me not to tell, but you're me and I'm you. Always, like you said. I must tell- William dear, it's eating me up. I 'm all icky inside. My hair will fall out, that's what Angel says. It mustn't fall out, it can't! You like my hair and my insides, don't you?"
William sat down next to her and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"Yes, pet. I love you from your hair down to the insides of your toes. Always, like I said. Who is this Angel you keep talking about? What happened since I was away?"
Suddenly, Drusilla got a different look in her eyes. She seemed more...sane. She sighed, then whispered, "The moon wants me to tell you. Once you left, things changed. The moon tells me it was time for change, but it upset me. One week, you were gone. And then some more. The moon kept me company, Edith I called her. Edith watched me and told me of stories and things to come. They scared me, but I must tell you. Edith says." Drusilla looked expectantly at William who nodded for her to go on.
She seems a little insane...maybe it's just me. But who is this Angel? What's he done to my Dru? So different, but I promised. I'm with her till the end. Always. Satisfied, Drusilla went on with her story; the story of what had happened during the month that William was gone.

"The day after you left, a man visited me. He said that it had come time for me to see my true powers. Soon after he left, I had a blinding headache. That was the first time Edith spoke to me. She told me stories of such horror and blood at first. Awful, it was. I went to the priest two days after that. I had had a story told to me about the mine, and how it was going to go 'boom!' I told mother and she said that I needed to cleanse my mind and should and to go to the priest. As I was going, the mine collapsed. A bigger boom then I thought. The priest told me I was possessed, a child of the devil. Naughty man, I'm the child of Angel."

She stopped for a second; seeming to catch her breath, though William heard naught a sound.
"Then, I went home. I opened the door and mummy and daddy were on the floor, their throats ripped out. Poor mummy, her dress was ruined. Daddy was just in his Tuesday suit, so it didn't matter. I cried and was so upset. Yes, I remember that. There was writing on the wall. It said, 'Pretty Queen'. Angel had taken them away. I went to Aunt Annie and Uncle Tim's house after that. I took Mary and Thomas with me. No Irianna, though. She left before, remember? Mummy and Daddy are with her. I played with Mary and Tommy a lot. Oh, I loved them. My two little dolls. Then, I came home from the fair and there were puddles of blood in the door. I went inside and there were Auntie Annie and Uncle Timmy at the table. They weren't awake, they left long ago. But it was so messy. Her dress was soiled. Uncle Tim got his Sunday best messed up. Though why he would wear that on a Wednesday...hmmm. I walked up the stairs, and there was little Mary, as silent as a lamb. Though the lamb would have had to be dead, since Mary was. Her wrists were torn open and her throat was slashed. Angel likes blood. He spills it, then drinks. He didn't drink any of Mary's blood though. She was special. When I got up to my room, Tommy was there, looking out the window. He was holding onto his eyes, all squishy they were. Smelled icky too. Like pigs. Oink! Hmm. Then I fled. Edith told me so many stories, they confused me. I went to the Nurse's home, but Angel came. He loved me so much that he followed me. Then he took my blood and I took his. That's why he's my daddy. And now, I want to be your mummy. Would you like that?"

For the last part of the story, Drusilla's face had been covered by her long hair. Now she looked at William, though it was not her face he saw. Yellow-green eyes stared at him and her smile showed the teeth of a demon. "William, join me. Be my daddy, I'll be mummy. Edith likes you so much. And we'd be together forever, like you wanted." Drusilla looked at William, her eyes pleading for him to say yes. There was nothing else he could say. He promised his life to her. He wasn't going to go back on his promise now.
"Drusilla, I love you. I want to be with you...do what you will so that we'll be together, forever." William thought that this was a solemn moment, but then Drusilla clapped her hands and laughed gaily. She pulled William to her and then lay down on top of him, her head against his chest. Pulling herself up, she kissed him softly, then whispered, "Forever. I'll be your dark princess forever." She leaned into his neck, her teeth bared. William only remembered the feel of her lips against his neck, then a prick, similar to a needle. He felt the burn and a suction, then he fell into a deep sleep.

Chapter 2

William woke slowly, first opening his eyes, then sitting up, and lastly smiling at Drusilla - seated on the end of the bed playing with a cat. Drusilla looked up at the sudden movement on the bed. She cheered gleefully, scurried up beside William, and rested her head against his chest. William stroked her hair for a bit, then whispered, "Pet, darling, I'm...hungry. What do I...we eat?" William looked down at Drusilla who smiled and waved her hand carelessly. "When we can go outside, I'll show you. Tasty..." she giggled, then sat up straight. "We can't go out when the evil sun comes. He will twist us up inside and light a match so we burn. Like the devil...burning away. But soon the moon, she will save us. 'Shoo!' to the sun, she will say. Dearest moon, she loves me. Loves us, William, she loves you too. Soon it will be time. Oh-so soon." Drusilla smiled again and whistled for the cat.
"Hear kitty- kitty! Daddy needs to see you." The cat pounced on a wrinkle in the bed, then pranced up to Drusilla. Drusilla cocked her head and asked William, "Daddy? How 'ungry are you?" William growled softly and replied, "I'd be outside if the blasted sun weren't up." Drusilla hugged the cat and then held its feet together. The cat, unsure of what was going on, began mewing and hissing. It tried to struggle, but Drusilla's hold on the cat maintained as strong as ever. Holding the head roughly, she pushed it back, revealing the neck. She held it to her mouth briefly, her face changing, and then made two holes in the neck. Blood dripped out of the punctures, and William felt his face change. He grabbed the cat and drank -- sucking the blood and life out of the feline.
Drusilla laughed and said softly, "Daddy, you're drinking too fast! It's only a baby kitty! Meow!" She got up, pranced around the bed, and danced, twirling and spinning. Soon, William discarded the cat, having drunk all that would be allowed. He walked over to the closet, got out a pair of pants and a silk shirt, and slowly began to put them on, letting Drusilla's now-still eyes examine him. When he had the pants on, he slipped on the shirt, but left it unbuttoned. He opened his arms out to Drusilla, silently beckoning her to him. She obliged, and when she was near him, William pulled her arms, causing her to practically fall on top of him. Smiling darkly, he buried his head in Drusilla's neck. The change overcame him and he slowly pucntured her neck, licking the drops of blood that came out. Drusilla sighed happily, her face twisting and changing, and began to do the same thing to William's neck. Together they stood, two lovers, now eternally bound.

William walked along the side of the street, Drusilla in his arms. Every now and then, he'd look down and smile at her, unbelieving of the gift she gave him and the love for her he felt, as well as the love for him she expressed. Every now and then, Drusilla would look up at William, amazed by his absolute loveliness and thinking how much fun they would have together, how much better he was to be with compared to Angel; William loving her, Angel using her. She was fortunate to have someone to share the rest of her life with. She was glad that the moon approved her choice.
William's attention was drawn over to three men near the corner, taunting and making fun of two girls, looking about fourteen or so. He bent his head down to Drusilla, who giggled and nodded. William walked ahead of Drusilla into an alley. When William was hidden, Drusilla took her shawl and draped it more seductively around her arms. Then, she sauntered over to the three men and called out in a sultry voice, "Why don't you have some fun with a woman more your size?" The men's attention was drawn away from the girls to this walking goddess. They laughed among each other and slowly began to walk up to her. Instead of running away, she walked up to them, took two of the men's arms, and pulled them towards the alley.
"The moon says that we can all have some fun, but it must be in the dark, or she'll be upset." The men just laughed again and let her lead.
As the walked in, she pushed two of the men towards a trash pile. There, William was waiting.
Drusilla grabbed the third man and brought his face close to hers. William felt a pang of jealousy, but the blood lust brought his attention back to the men. He kicked one in the head and tossed the body next to the wall. I'll deal with that one later. William took the other man, now still with fright, and pulled him close to his face. He bit into the man's neck and drank - still watching Drusilla.
Drusilla stroked the man's face, hair, and cheek gently and whispered, "Don't be afraid, no reason to be." Suddenly, her face changed and she bit into his neck, drinking quickly. Then, she looked at William, now dangling the last man by his hair. She smiled evilly, walked over to William, and wrapped one hand around his neck. With the other hand, she held onto the man's arm. William copied her motions. Then, both of them bit the neck of the man. Drinking together, blood lust and something else overwhelmed each. Soon, they were done. Taking each other's arms; they walked silently back home.

Angelus smiled at William and Drusilla as they walked in the door. He was seated in a chair opposite the door, his face a combination of fury and amusement. "Did you two have a grand 'ol time?" he asked sarcastically. He observed William with a careful eye at that point. This took about ten minutes; William stood quietly, unafraid, and certainly, not intimidated. Angelus then looked at Drusilla and said, "Well, you did do a good job. I wanted to tear him to shreds and play with him, torture him, but no. It's best you turned him...he will do well as a vampire."
Drusilla blushed, but cowered, holding desperately onto William's arm.
Suddenly, Angelus stood up, put on his cloak and spoke, "I will be gone for another few days. The Master is holding a ball in Ireland. Darla wishes to go. I'm sure you two -- no, wait. I want you both to go upstairs, change into something a bit less...bloody, and then pack. The Master and Darla may enjoy meeting the two of you. Hurry now. The train leaves in an hour. We want to get some bottles of...refreshment...so no one will get too thirsty." Angelus began to walk out of the door, then changed his mind. Turning around again, he said, "Drusilla, you pack. William, your clothes are bloody awful. We will buy you some respectable things on the way up." William raised an eyebrow, but said naught a word. He knew that Angelus was more powerful then him. William would do as he said.
For now.

Interlude

The train ride led them out of London and a bit further. After awhile, they left the train and the rest of the trip was a blur for William. The only part he could remember was arriving at the border of Ireland and getting into a carriage.

Drusilla was getting extremely excited about the trip to Ireland. Once the screeching and shrills got a bit excessive, Angelus told the driver to stop for an hour or so. William and Drusilla followed Angelus out of the carriage. The driver leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. He was planning on getting a bit of sleep.

"I'll call you when we need to go." Angelus' voice was curt, abrupt. With that, he left, fading away into the shadows cast by the moon. William shrugged and took Drusilla's arm. Together they went towards the nearby woods.

"William, will you dance with me?" inquired Drusilla, looking up expectantly at William. Laughing, he took her in his arms and together they waltzed to an unheard song. Drusilla flung her head back, silently singing to the dark sky. She pressed herself close to William, her arms tightening around his neck.
Suddenly, William changed the waltz into a frenzied symphony and round and round in circles they went. Soon, he noticed that they were no longer in the forest, but out in a meadow. They kept on spinning -- round and round, round and round. They were one with the night and wind. Silently, both ended the dance.
Musicians left to go back to the trees.

Drusilla sat down upon the cool, newly wet grass and once William joined her, she lay down, her head resting against his lap. She looked up at the stars and whispered, "They tell me things. Horrors, pain. Friends fly away like the birds. But they will watch over us. The moon commands it." William stroked Drusilla's long, dark hair. In a voice barely louder than a breeze, he replied, "The moon and I will always watch over you. My dark princess. My moon-goddess." Drusilla giggled softly.
"The stars, Will. The stars are watching too!" He chuckled, though his eyes were sad.
What happened to you, Dru? Was it Angel? My poor princess...my poor princess.
Drusilla lay still, unnoticing of William's sudden silence. All the while, the crickets played a mournful song, stars danced above, and the moon --their guardian-- just watched.

Chapter 3

William put his arm around a now-sleeping Drusilla. The ride had gotten bumpier since the last stop, but Drusilla had apparently taken no notice. Angelus sat up straight: very awake, very cranky. He had given William a variety of different looks, ranging from, "You'd better behave" to "I believe you've got some blood on your vest". William slowly began to close his eyes, drowsiness coming over him, when he heard Angelus' voice.
"William, Drusilla. I've got some things to tell you. We don't want you two to look like complete idiots. You might as well have some idea of what we're getting into.
'Darla is my sire...or would that be siress? Well, she turned me. Where was it...oh yes. Galway, 1753. Now it's 1861, isn't it? About 100 and ten years. Well, Darla was made in about...1300. She and the Master will be rather chummy. Don't be surprised when you get there if you see that. She doesn't really love him, more of a little brown-noser she is." Angelus stopped for a second, making sure that Drusilla was paying attention and awake, and that William was hanging onto every word.
Which he wasn't.
"William!" he barked. "Pay attention. This is like a school lesson of sorts. If you mess up too many times at the ball, you get punished. Except, unlike at your little schools, you won't ever be able to fix what you did wrong, because you probably won't ever see the moonlight again. Then I would have to take care of a whining Drusilla for a couple 100 years." William wiped the sneer off his face quickly, and put on a look of rapt attention.
"Anyway, the main thing is, whatever the Master says, you do. You listen to Darla as well. Watch out for the aristocratic vampires. They will want you, William. You and Dru. A perfect match, you two are. They would love to play with you, dress you up, and eventually, ruin all the wonderful qualities you have. You are rather...powerful. Of course, " he added hastily, "you'll never become like Darla and myself, but you will be strong. Drusilla, on the other hand, she is special." He chuckled softly, closing his eyes, before he turned to William.
"A few days after you left London, Drusilla began having visions. Tearing her apart, they were. Especially since each and every one of them came true. I was planning on just killing her, but this power, these visions may help me to one day be a Master. And I will have you and Drusilla at my side. What a team" With that, Angelus became quiet, thoughtful even. William shrugged and held Drusilla close to him.

Angelus, or Angel (as William now called him), had bought Drusilla a dozen or so dresses along the trip. Each was different, each was beautiful, and each was made perfect and whole when Drusilla wore them. Angel couldn't keep the smile off his face when Drusilla spun around in the dresses, though he did try.
William's favorite was a dark, satin dress that was the color of blood. It had slightly poofed shoulders, but the sleeves clung to Drusilla's arms. The bodice and waist were almost a second skin, and the skirt fell gently, an 'empire waist' the shopkeeper called it. There was black satin ribbon laced through the sleeves as well as the bodice. The shopkeeper also threw in a blood-red ribbon to go in Drusilla's hair. She looked splendid. His own...dark goddess.

It was time to go into the castle. The time flew by after they docked in Ireland. William had changed into a black coat and had bought black pants. He was also wearing a red, paisley vest. Drusilla had remarked to him that he 'looked like her own dark angel'. William, in response, had just smiled. But now, they were walking in. Angel had told, or commanded, Drusilla to go on his arm. William had been upset, but smartly, stayed quiet. There were two guards at the gate to the black-stone castle. Angel showed the guard on the left a silver and gold ring that was upon his finger. Without a question, the guards let them inside.
Inside the castle, vampires were dressed in their finest. All were chatting gaily, though there was a constant, evil, undertone to everything. Suddenly, a blonde woman bounded up the stairs to Angel.
"Angelus! Darling! You came! I was worried that with your new children, you might stay." She gave Angel a kiss on each cheek, then looked at Drusilla. Darla reached out, grabbed Drusilla's chin, and jerked her head up.
"Hmmm. You are a beauty. I can see why Angel chose you as a childe. Such eyes, such talent! She will be a special one, I guarantee it. I approve your choice, Angelus." Darla kissed Drusilla on each cheek in the same manner that she had Angel, but Drusilla stayed more 'submissive'. As soon as she could, her eyes flew to the ground, the only words spoken being: "I'm approved. The moon is so proud."
Darla then walked up to William, who had stayed a few steps behind Angel.
"You," she said in a slight awe, "must be William." Darla curtsied slightly, and offered her hand. William took it, kissed it gently, and replied, "And you must be the famed beauty, Darla."
Darla laughed softly, and took William's arm, pressing herself rather close to him. William glanced over at Angel and inwardly laughed at the sight. While Darla had been friendly around Angel, she was acting much more seductively towards William, and Angel seemed to be jealous. His grip on Drusilla tightened and a slight growl was heard from the back of his throat.
Darla laughed again and whispered, "Don't mind him. I'll show you around to some of the...more respected Vampiric Society. It is not often we have these balls, you know."
William had played the perfect gentlemen, but he couldn't help but be slightly flattered at all the attention Darla had given him. Neither Drusilla or Angel was happy about it, but at the moment, William couldn't care less. Darla was now leading him towards a group of extremely well-dressed vampires, all laughing and talking to each other.
"Serene, Michelle, Jonathon, Patrick, Lauren, Rebecca, Clint; this is William." All of the vampires had talked to him and taken a liking to him right away. Serene and Michelle stayed close to him, touching his arm every time he said something comical. Lauren and Rebecca shot Darla looks of feigned jealousy and approval, each staying near their children. William learned that Lauren and Rebecca had been friends of Darla's when she was mortal. Lauren had made Jonathon soon after she herself had been made. Rebecca had recently turned Clint...his looks and smile had 'inspired' her. Suddenly, the orchestra began playing a waltz. William couldn't think of the name, but is seemed familiar. Darla winked at Lauren and Rebecca and took William's arm and led him over to the dancing area of the main hall. She placed one arm around his neck, her hand lightly touching his hair. The other, she placed in William's own hand.
William looked over to Drusilla, feeling extremely guilty and confused. She returned him a look that showed she wasn't mad. She understood. Dismissing his guilt, William and Darla danced.
They were quite a sight to see. Both were 'flush', but that may had something to do with the winepicker's punch. To put it more correctly, it might have been the winepicker's blood in the punch that did it. Darla nuzzled William's neck during the few slow pieces in the waltz. He was enjoying himself. It had been so long since he felt so...appreciated.
Everyone had enjoyed talking to him; they all respected him, or at least seemed to.
Maybe it's because I'm powerful...like Angel said. More powerful than him, perhaps. Wait, William, maybe you shouldn't get ahead of yourself like that. At least not yet...
As he spun Darla around, he noticed another young woman. Yes, it was a woman -- a mortal woman. She was standing near Drusilla. When he looked closely, he could see a piece of wood in her hand.
He stopped his dance and walked away, leaving a rather upset Darla. He walked over to the woman as she raised the wood. Grabbing her neck, he threw her up against the wall.
"That's my Dru you were about to stake. That isn't very nice of you, is it?" He grabbed the stake from the woman's hand and was about to impale it into her own heart when she started to cry.
"Please, let me go! Let me live! A job o' mine, but I'll leave thee and thy friends!" William snorted and impaled her anyway. When he listened, he could still hear her heart beat.
Drat, must have been off by a bit. The blood flew freely now, down her green, silk dress onto a puddle on the floor. William looked around, then was pleased by what he saw. Nearby, a fire place stood. In this fireplace was a log...with a railroad spike. The fire had not been lit, so he strode over, grabbed the log, pulled the spike out, and walked back to the almost-dead woman. Unfortunately, she was still (barely) conscious. He reached down, lifted her back up, and smiled sweetly.
"Say good-bye dearest. Time for you to rest." Then, he forcefully shoved the spike into her heart. This time he didn't miss.

"William the Bloody! William the Bloody!" The chant started as a whisper then grew to a yell. The vampires shouted the name of the man who had just saved quite a few from a Slayer. While William was 'playing', piles of ashes had been found near the door entrances and hallways. He had saved quite a few...the 'aristocratic' ones.
Suddenly, hust befell the crowd. An elder vampire was walking towards William. All parted, making a pathway.
William knelt down, his eyes looking at the floor. "Master." was all he spoke, for the vampire who stood before him was The Master. The Master laughed and offered his hand. William took it and kissed it lightly and quickly. The Master looked at the dead Slayer with amusement. Then he looked at William. "William. William the Bloody. I liked your use of the spikes. Very creative. Very painful. I think that would fit you a bit better. Much easier to remember than 'William the Bloody'. You should consider going by that. Spike is so much more...violent...hinting at ideas. ' The Master' is a much easier name to remember than my actual, given name." The Master looked at a now standing William.
William smiled viciously before replying,
"Spike. I think it bloody well fits me."

Chapter 4

Drusilla walked slowly along the garden path. They had been there for so long. Angelus left Spike and her two days after they arrived. The castle was so boring. No people to play with. All the meals came in goblets and on trays. Spying a stone bench, Drusilla sat down then laid back. Looking up at the moon and stars, she smoothed out the wrinkles in her dress, then sighed.
"The stories change each day. Different things. No pretty pictures. You use to draw pictures of so many nice things. Now the world is all torn up. Sad me. Sad Spike."
The stars were silent, but the moon replied the best she could. The ring of light around her shrank and the blackness flooded the sky. Drusilla cried. They both cried.

"But if you move that piece, won't I still be able to win?" Rebecca, or Becky as she liked to be called, asked. Lauren growled softly and whispered, "I'm going to find whoever made this game and tear them limb from limb."
A laugh was heard from the bay window. Spike's whole body shook as the deep laugh grew in intensity. Becky and Lauren were trying their hand at 'Chess'. Becky was doing splendidly, but Lauren...well, Lauren was trying her best. He smiled, looking at the two figures. Darla had begun to bore him with her incessant and mindless chatter. Once Becky heard, she and Lauren 'took Spike under their wings' and he soon learned that they both found Darla a huge twit. Spike gazed out the window that peered into the 'midnight garden'. Down below him was Drusilla. Lately, she had gotten more and more distant, always staying away from the others. Lauren had said that her 'powers' were growing stronger, but he felt that she was lonely. He and Drusilla were a match, a perfect team in killing, hunting, and in this immortal life. He tried to explain it, but Lauren had just waved her hand and laughed. Suddenly, he went rigid. Jonathon had walked out into the garden. He was going to Drusilla.

Drusilla turned her head slightly so she could see the figure.
"Mummy's got company." she whispered to herself. Jonathon paused, perhaps two feet away, and looked at the beautiful woman before him.
"Where has that friend of yours gone, Miss Drusilla?"
She sat up before replying. "Spike's gone to play with others. He's left princess to her lonesome." Her dark eyes were lit up with curiosity. Jonathon laughed softly, leaning back against the brick wall.
"There's another garden down the lane a bit. Has a pond with some swans and such. It's been such a long time since I've been there. Would you like to come with me?" Drusilla smiled, then glanced up at the window above. Spike's fists were clenched by his side, his face grave. Drusilla's eyebrows and forehead crinkled with worry.
"But Daddy will be sad if I leave." Jonathon took her hand and placed it between both of his.
"I'll have you back before the sun comes up." Drusilla smiled again, thinking of the swans and how she could have a feast. Standing up gracefully, she allowed herself to be led away.

Where in hell is she going? Spike closed his eyes, thinking of how he had ignored Drusilla the past few days. If she leaves, then I deserve it. But I'm not going without teaching that 'Jonathon' a bloody lesson. He stood up and began to walk out the library door.
"Where are you going, Will?" Lauren's eyes followed the figure as he walked to the door and paused.
"I'm going to stop your Jonathon from taking my Dru." He gave Lauren a forced smile, then went.

"Jonathon ought to be punished, Lauren-dear." Becky didn't even look up as she began to put the game away.
"But if Jonathon takes Drusilla, we'll have Spike."
"Are you that thick? Or perhaps just hopeful." Becky glanced up at Lauren. "He would be a nice plaything, but he cares so much for that girl. She's going to cause him a lot of trouble. But maybe we could keep him here...and send her away." Lauren's face was lit with an evil smile that mimicked the one on Becky's face.
"Aren't you going to have a lunch with the Master tomorrow?"
"Mmm-hmmm. And you're invited."
"So you, Becky-dearest, could have a chat with the Master since you are his favorite."
Becky laughed loudly, the sound echoing off the walls. "We could say what a nuisance Dru had become. But," she paused; thoughtful, "Drusilla will get herself killed if she's off in the world by herself."
Lauren began walking around the room, a plan forming in her mind. "We could send Jonathon with her...he's been around for so long anyway. Before he and Dru leave, I could go down to that witch in MiddlePort. She could make us a sleeping potion to keep Spike under for awhile."
"And while he's asleep, Dru and Jonathon will leave. Then, when he wakes up, we'll just tell Spike that Drusilla and Jonathon ran off together. They seem to be getting rather close." Becky was smiling in a 'jolly' fashion now. "I'm sure we can convince Drusilla to go with Jonathon. There won't be any problems there."
Becky and Lauren began to laugh, each voice hauntingly carrying through the halls, down the stairs; reaching every being in the castle.

Drusilla laughed gaily, skipping along the side of the pond. Jonathon smiled as he watched her. She was so 'different' from all the other vampires that he knew. He could tell that she had some sort of gift. He was almost infatuated with her...
Spying a swan at the end of the pond, he took off his coat, shirt, and shoes. Now clad only in his pants, he dove into the water and towards the swan. Drusilla had begun watching with interest once he had taken off his coat. At the moment, she sat at the edge of the pond, her mind whirling in fascination. Jonathon had caught the bird. Might have had a bit to do with the fact that the wings were clipped, but Drusilla didn't know that. He carried it over to Drusilla; then, holding its body and head, told Drusilla, "Tie the beak closed with your hair ribbon." Drusilla nodded, reached up, and took out the scarlet ribbon. Her hair flowed around her shoulders, the wind seemingly brushing it back and holding it in the air. Once the beak was tied shut, Jonathon let Drusilla touch it, pet it. He took out a feather from the bird and traced her jaw with it. Drusilla's eyes were shining. For the first time in such a long time (since they arrived), someone was paying attention to her. Treating her like the princess the moon told her she was.
Spike had watched up until the point where Jonathon had taken out the feather. Once he began that, Spike just turned around and walked away. If he wanted to beat the knowledge that Dru was his into Jonathon's head, the current time was wrong for it. He would wait.

Becky smiled and squeezed the Master's hand fondly.
"Of course lunch was pleasant! That must have been an aged version. It was very...rich."
Lauren raised an eyebrow, then laughed. "Becky's right, Master. You're taste is...wonderful."
The Master chuckled, then glanced at Lauren and Becky. "My two dearest children. You seem extremely...happy tonight. Almost as if you both wanted something. Am I right?"
Lauren blushed and Becky's eyes almost twinkled.
"Master," Becky began, "We wanted to ask for a favor. Just a slight one." The Master nodded, indicating her to go on.
"Well," she continued, "Drusilla has sort of become a nascence around the castle. Yet, she and Jonathon have seemed to form a bond-of-sorts. Lauren and I were wondering if we could request Drusilla be sent away. Perhaps to Normandy. Jonathon would be more than delighted to make sure she stays out of trouble and out of any harm." Becky looked over at Lauren quickly, who nodded, then back to the Master. He almost said no, but the looks on Becky and Lauren's faces were impossible to refuse. He nodded, then stood up.
"It's time for me to travel again. To the HellMouth. You two will be in charge until I return." Both nodded and gave the Master a kiss on the cheek. He gave each a brief hug, then walked out the door.
"Plan's under way." Becky and Lauren laughed, hooked arms, and almost ran down the hallway in glee.

Chapter 5

Lauren and Becky glided down the dirt road. They had rode to MiddlePort last night and were currently searching for Norice. Norice was known throughout England for her precision and knowledge of the craft. She was also the perfect person to make a sleeping potion for a vampire.
"Knock, knock, Norice-dear. It's time for you to do us a little favor." Lauren rapped her knuckles against the door until a young woman appeared.
"You again. Haven't I done enough for you vermin?" Norice's voice was harsh and brittle; stress and worry had taken their toll on the young woman. Becky flew into the door and slammed Norice up against the wall.
"Norice, isn't it rude to speak like that to your betters? I'm hurt! Truly." Becky's face bore a smile, but her words dripped in sarcasm and unheard threats. Norice nodded and slid down the wall as she was released.
"How can I help you two?"
"Now, that's the tone I like to hear. We need a sleeping powder or drink...something powerful enough to knock out a vampire. A strong vampire." Lauren reached down as she spoke and helped Norice to stand again. "Becky, I think you were to harsh on her. She's a fragile thing. Must be gentle."
Lauren's voice was teasing and playful; Becky's expression was one of repentance.
"You're right, Lauren. Forgive me, Norice?" Becky's eyes grew wide and she worked hard at keeping the smile off her face.
"Of course, Becky." Norice forced a small smile then began walking into a back room. "It'll take me half and hour to get it prepared."
Lauren began looking at the many bottles on the shelves. "We'll wait. Do hurry, though. If we leave early enough, we can make it back home by sunrise." Norice nodded and hurried her pace.
The bookshelves were cluttered with bottles and boxes, as well as a few spell books. Lauren reached up and began paging through a leather-bound book. "I think I may get this. Or take it, rather."
Becky glanced over and smirked. "Beginning another hobby, Lauren-dear?"
Lauren smiled back and replied, "Sort of. My theory is that if I learn the spells, we won't need this impudent wench to cast the spells and make the potions and powders for us. We could get rid of her." Becky squealed in delight and ran over to Lauren.
"How soon do you think you could learn all of this?"
Lauren closed her eyes, deep in thought. "It would take me quite awhile, Becky. I want to learn the spells she doesn't have in the books as well as the ones in them. We'd have to keep her around for at least a couple months."
Becky nodded, crestfallen. Then, she gazed into the back-room doorway. They stood still as Norice's incantations were spoken and heard. Both smiled when she reappeared, holding a small, glass flask filled with a clear liquid.
"Pour this into something that he will drink. Should be out for about three full days, I'd guess." Lauren snatched up the flask and began walking out. Becky took out a small, velvet bag and tossed it to Norice; the clattering of coins could be heard as it fell to the ground.
"Thanks, sweets. See you around, no doubt."

Drusilla frowned as Lauren explained the plan.
"But if daddy's sick, why wouldn't he tell princess? Why must I go away?"
Lauren smiled and laughed coldly. "Drusilla, don't be such a clod. Spike doesn't want you to know his weakness. Once he gets better, he'll send for you. Until then, you'll be enjoying your life in Normandy. Haven't you always wanted to go to France, dearest?"
"I can't go by myself! I forget what to do, so often. What if someone tries to kill me and princess can't take care of herself? The moon may never see me again, what if I disappear like smoke! Voosh?"
"I'd love to accompany you. As a guardian, of sorts." Jonathon was leaning against Drusilla's bedroom door frame. His black hair was falling over his forehead as he gazed at Drusilla with...longing? Drusilla's eyes grew wide and her mouth fell open.
"But, I'd miss Spike! I can't leave-"
"If you don't go away, he'll die. Then, no one will have him. Stop being such a baby and grow up, Drusilla. Do you want Spike to die because of you?" Now Lauren's voice was harsh and cold, her eyes in slits on her face. Lauren heard a sound outside of the door, but then ignored it as Drusilla began react to the 'news'.
Tears ran down Drusilla's porcelain-skin, her brown eyes clouding over. She shifted her gaze to Jonathon who was whispering, "Don't cry, Drusilla. I'll take care of you." Abruptly, she stood and walked over to the window. Gazing up at the moon, she asked, "Will he be alright while I'm gone? Will I see him again?" Suddenly, a vision came.

The crowds were around her with sticks and rocks. They beat her mercilessly and blood streamed down her face. They were shouting something, what was it? Demon...yes, that was the word. The children were setting fire to her gown; it looked brand new. She didn't know this place, the buildings had pointy tops and the people had heavy accents. She didn't understand! Was this what would happen if she stayed?

"Yes, I'll go." Her voice was soft and she was clutching her head gently. If this happened to her, something worse must have happened to Spike. She couldn't let that happen to her prince. Never would that be allowed.
Drusilla seemed to float over to her cherry-armoire. Opening the door, she took out all her dresses: the black, ivory, mauve, and yes, her favorite blood red dress. Then, she reached underneath the armoire and took out a large suitcase. She gently placed her dresses in, one by one: hands caressing the soft material of each. Then, once she was finished, she looked up at Jonathon.
"Let's go."

"Have you seen Dru around, Catherine?" Spike's voice was soft as he spoke to the brunette. She had been made awhile ago by Darla and was extremely annoying; yet, sometimes at night, he saw her at the 'midnight garden', crying her eyes out. He guessed it was from the double ridiculing by Becky and Lauren on one side, Darla herself on the other.
"No. But there are some rumors that she left with..." Her voice trailed off and Spike was unable to hear the last bit.
"With who, Catherine. Tell me."
"With Jonathon." Her voice was barely audible, but Spike heard. His fists clenched as he muttered, "And I never got to break his bloody neck." Glancing down at Catherine, the corner of his lips lifted.
"Thank you, Catherine. Don't let Darla push you around, don't let Becky and Lauren push you around. Be your own person, pet." With that, he left the little corner in which she sat.

"Spike, dearest, where in the world have you been? It's time for tea." Lauren tried to 'soften' her voice a bit, but the characteristic coldness couldn't keep itself out.
"Catherine told me Dru left."
Lauren's eyebrows raised and her eyes grew wide. "Catherine...Darla's new childe. How lovely. Can you trust such a...novice in life to tell you the truth Spike?" Spike shrugged and began to continue his walk down the corridor. "Why not come for tea. You might hear something about her recent disappearance there."
Spike nodded. "Let me change. I'll meet you down in the parlor in five, ten minutes." Lauren smiled widely and curtsied. Once Spike was out of sight, she walked up to the nearest guard and whispered, "Go dust that twit, Catherine. She's causing unwanted troubles. Understand?" The guard paled but agreed. He knew better than to cross one of the mistresses of the house: the ruler of the grounds now that the Master had left.

"Rebecca!" hissed Lauren through the door. "We've got to have a chat. Now!" Becky walked out of her bedroom door and into the hallway. "You know better than to call me-"
"Hush. Spike's heard where Dru's gone. I could tell he had a pretty good idea of who with, too."
"How would-"
Lauren waved her hand. "That idiot, Catherine. I've sent a guard to take care of her. She's been nosing around our rooms and Jonathon as well as Clint lately. Jon and Clint knew better than to say anything, but I left some letters and such from Jonathon in my drawers. They were moved...oh! I wish she dies painfully. Stupid-"
"That means we have to give him the drink tonight. Everyone's meeting in the parlor, but things like this has been done before. I'm positive no one else knows where Dru and Jon have gone...we don't have to worry about that end." Becky smiled and let out a little laugh.
"It will be fun sharing him. He'll learn to love us just as much as he adored Dru." Together they laughed as they began to discuss other preparations.

"Spike, try some of this blood. It's a special blend of mine." Becky's eyes darted to Lauren's as she offered him the goblet. Spike barely noticed; the disappearance of Drusilla was affecting him greatly. He drank slowly, then noticed Becky and Lauren ushering everyone out of the parlor. He tried to speak, but found himself growing sleepier than he had ever before. His eyes began to close, but then they popped open as he saw Darla storm into the parlor.
"You had Catherine staked! You bitch! Both of you!" Darla's face changed as she charged for Lauren. Lauren neatly sidestepped her and brought her hands over Darla's head.
"Hold still, Darla pet. You're going to go far away." Darla struggled, then gasped involuntarily as Becky kicked her in the stomach.
"Oh! This is so much fun! Do you know how long it's been since I've gotten to play like this?" Joy was written all over Becky's face as she continued to berate Darla with kicks, punches, and scratches. She frowned when Darla slumped down, losing consciousness.
"Damn. I thought she would last longer. Wimp." Becky glanced over at Spike and poked Lauren. "Look. He's growing tired. Let's bring him up to his bedroom. He'll be more comfortable there." Becky clapped her hands and guards entered. She pointed to Darla's bruised and bloody body, then at Spike. He saw her say words, but he couldn't hear what she said. As his eyes closed, he felt himself being carried upstairs.
Then, he fell into blackness.

Chapter 6

"Jonathon?" Drusilla spoke for the first time since Jonathon and whisked her out of London. Jonathon perked up and smiled; she had begun to talk again.
"Yes, my love?"
Drusilla raised her eyebrow and shook her head, then continued. "What's your last name?"
Jonathon laughed at the simplicity of the question and replied, "Beurly. Lord Jonathon Beurly is my full title." Drusilla nodded and returned to staring out the window. Jonathon, not wanting to let the silence return, asked, "What's your full name, dearest?" Drusilla turned around sharply and looked at him with fury in her eye.
"I only go by Drusilla. My last name was lost the moment my family died. My parents were not nobles, nor were they poor." The sanity that had come upon her disappeared again, as was evident by the next things she said. "The moon calls me her child. Would that make my new surname Moon? No, for that is her first name. She talks to me so often these days. She cries, for no matter where I go, the vision is the same. Now, Spike is hurt. She tells me so." Then, hitting the window with her fist, she cried out in anguish the name of her love.
"Spike!"

Spike's eyes shot open and he tried to sit up. However, hindering him in this task were the ties at his hands and feet. Instead of struggling against the rope, he lay back and observed the setting.

He was tied to a bed with his hands at the headboard and his feet at the footer. It was a canopy bed with black fabric wrapped around the top of the canopy and he was surrounded by black lace pillows and black ribbons.
"Kinky." He muttered to himself.
"Do you think so, Spike?" He lifted his head as high as he was allowed to and looked at Lauren and Becky leaning against the footer of the bed. Lauren, who had spoken, was smiling and wrapping one ribbon around her fingers. Becky seemed to be in the process of making a handcuff from the ribbons.
"Would you kindly tell me why my feet and hands are tied to the bed, Lauren?" His voice was a mixture of amusement and fury. At least I'm not unconscious, he though to himself.
"Becky and I thought we'd have a bit of fun. With you. And this way, you won't try to get away." Smirking, she added, "Though after we start our game, I think you'll do anything but try to get away." Becky began to laugh as Lauren finished speaking. Holding up her 'handcuffs', she exclaimed,
"Well lookie here! They're done!" Lauren patted Becky on the back and replied, "Good for you, sweetie. Now, can we get on to the fun? I'll take the right." Becky nodded and crawled up to the left side of Spike while Lauren sidled up on the right. Frowning, Becky told Lauren, "He's rather thin: I have to go down and check up on Darla, anyway. Why don't you have your fun, then I'll get him in, oh, an hour or two."
Lauren grinned and nodded. "Wonderful plan, Becky-dearest. See you in a bit!"
As Becky left, Lauren dipped her head down to capture his in a passionate kiss. Spike couldn't do too much to resist; though, he probably wouldn't have done too much. He thought Lauren was a great kisser. Spike smiled when she was done and asked, "Lauren, pet, if that was what you wanted, you didn't need to tie me up."
Lauren reached behind her and smiled back. "Are you into torture, Spike?"
His eyes grew wide as he saw a toothpick and a letter opener in her hands. "Haven't had anyone do that to me, love, though I have done a number on others." Lauren closed her eyes and dragged the toothpick up her wrist, causing her skin to break and bleed. She put the cut to Spike's mouth and he eagerly drank. Then, she brought her head down to his neck and bit, inducing a moan from herself as well as Spike.

Becky was about to step back into the bedroom when she heard loud moans and… "Screeching? Ugh…I'll go see if Clint's nearby. Ugh, ugh, ugh!" Prancing down the hallway, she hummed a little tune and began her search for Clint.

Spike was breathing heavily as Lauren finished dressing. He pulled at his hands and smiled as the ties broke. They must have loosened…
Suddenly, he imagined Drusilla with Jonathon: she was crying and he just smiled. He wasn't going to help her! He'd hurt her, he'd…god knows what he'd do to her! Spike sat up and untied the bonds at his feet and looked at Lauren.
"I'm leaving now. I'm going to find Drusilla."
Lauren's eyes grew wide and her mouth opened. "What?"
"You heard me."
Lauren's eyes grew to slits and her voice turned cold as an arctic wind. "Well, Becky and I will have some objections to that. Oh, well. You'll learn to like this room. It's quite…pleasing after awhile."
Spike's face grew questioning, then furious as Lauren jumped up and ran out the door. Before he could follow her, he heard a very distinct 'click'. "Like the sound of a lock. Spike, you've gotten yourself stuck here you stupid bloke!" He growled and leapt up. Running to the door, he began to bang on it before he noticed his hands burn.
Through the door, Lauren said, "Holy Water. The door was coated with it, then blessed. Didn't you notice how Becky and I had gloves on when we came and when we left?" He heard her laugh as she went down the hall, leaving him there.

Spike had dressed and was lying on the bed. He couldn't think of any way to get out himself. Maybe, just maybe, someone would come up and…no. That wouldn't even be a possibility. Everyone was too frightened of Lauren and Becky.

Suddenly, he noticed the doorknob turning. He got up slowly and walked to the door. A small figure walked in, shorter than Rebecca. She was wearing a green cloak that covered her face and body.

"Come on, Will---Spike. Follow me."
She had a lovely voice. Something within it made him stir. Almost as if he knew her from somewhere.
"Stop dawdling and hurry up! Becky will be here any second."
Spike stopped thinking and followed. She led him down the hallways and corridors before reaching the kitchen. She reached behind a basket of apples and produced a cloak similar to hers, only larger.
"Put this on."
Spike did as she said and trembled as she took his hand. She seemed to not notice anything as she led him out the door and towards two horses. Without warning, a guard yelled out, "Lady Rebecca! He's here!" The guard was watching from an upstairs window. Spike only could stare as his companion took a small bow from her cloak and shot it at the guard.
"Nice aim." Spike muttered as she took his hand again and ran to the two horses.
"This one." She said, pointing to a black horse with a white line running down its back. Spike nodded and jumped into the saddle. Soon, the two were miles from the castle.

"Do I know you?" Spike asked her while the horses drank from a small stream. The woman seemed to laugh softly and reached up, pulling the hood from her cloak down. Spike reached for his horse in order to avoid falling down in shock.
"Elizabeth? Lizzy?"

Chapter 7

Elizabeth smiled sadly and sat down on the grass. "You haven't forgotten me, William dearest. I looked for you, all around. Then, you seemed to just vanish." Gazing upon the surprised and almost anguished look on Spike's face, she sighed and stood up. "I'll explain when we get back to my home. The sun will be up in a matter of minutes. We must hurry."
Spike nodded, understanding the urgency to find shelter came before the wanting of answers. He hopped astride his horse and followed Elizabeth as she rode off down the road.

Elizabeth's home was very large. It had eight windows in the front, though all were covered with fabric. There was a small stable that was barely visible behind the dark stone coloring of the house and that stable was where Spike followed Elizabeth to. Once inside the stable, the two siblings unbridled their horses and led them to stalls filled with water and food. Then, Elizabeth motioned for Spike to follow her through a well-hidden door in the stable that led into the house.

The secret door led into the kitchen and once inside, a tall, gangly looking vampire rushed up to Elizabeth and spoke. "Your disappearance caused us much distress, mistress. Is everything all..." The vampire's long face grew still in awe as he saw Spike enter behind his 'mistress'. "Is this him?"
Elizabeth nodded and replied in a soft but commanding voice, "I go where I please. Was everything kept in order while I was gone?"
The vampire nodded, than quickly rushed away as Elizabeth waved her hand at him. Then, taking Spike's hand, she led him through the kitchen into a hallway; and from there, he was taken into the library.

She motioned for Spike to sit on the couch and than gracefully knelt at his feet, her hands still clutching his. Elizabeth turned her soft brown eyes to his and began to speak. "It began the night of the ball. Lord Angelus took me out earlier than the ending time, but I thought he was just bored and wanted to go home. I stepped into the carriage with him; then I felt his hands around my shoulders and head. He pushed me down to the seat so no one could see and bit me. He took almost all my blood; I could feel it protest to leaving my body. Then, before I died, he slashed his wrist and gave it to me to drink. He didn't give me a lot, though. When I arrived at home, I was almost fully a vampire, though I wasn't strong enough to awake. I felt you carry me around and show me the forest. Then, I woke as the men began to put dirt on my coffin. I was going to scream and yell and claw my way out, but I decided to wait until it was nightfall. I could feel the moon rise into the sky and take its heavenly throne. That was when I pushed the coffin open and dug my way out of my grave. I placed all the dirt and grass back where it had been so it looked as if I was still dead. When I went to see mother and father, I overheard them yelling about you- how you had disappeared and finally escaped this wretched life forced on you. That was what mother said. So I tried to follow you. I learned how to hunt by myself, I became fierce and cruel and deathly savage. When I reached London, I heard that you had once again left for home. I went there, but all I came upon was a lovely picture of death drawn by you with father. I think I sat in front of his dead body for hours, just rocking with laughter. I left for London a week after that, but then again, I was too late. You were always just a few steps ahead of me. But I lost you after London. I had to go and call upon my minions to find all clues of you that they could." She smiled at Spike's astonished face. "Yes, brother dear. I had many minions then. All were loyal to me; all were made by my own, loving hand. As I sent them up to find you, I received word that you had met the Master. That was when I came here with my most trusted minions, Harlent and Julienne. They stayed here to protect the house while I went to find you. And that's what I did."
Spike whistled and bent down to embrace his sister. "I missed you so much, Lizzy. There were times when I was ready to die because you weren't there. It was like that until..."
"Until you met Drusilla." Elizabeth interrupted, then laughed. "That's the next part, Will. We're going to find her and bring her back for you. She never wanted to leave, you know. Lauren and Becky bullied her into it making her think that she was doing it for your own safety. But it's time you were happy."
"What about you, Lizzy? Are you happy?" Spike's curious voice seemed to have a touch of the boyish wonder from years long past.
"I was happy with you. I'm happy now. Now that I know you're alive, I'm delighted. Once we get you back your happiness, I'll go to the forests. That's where I'm the most happiest. I'll be so content knowing you and Dru are together. I think that's how you two are supposed to be: together."
Spike could do nothing but laugh and hug his sister repeatedly: she had changed, but she was still the young girl who had his devotion and love.

Elizabeth had dressed in a red and black dress; dressed to kill, Spike thought. She had packed one bag for each of them, (each) containing a silver knife, a wooden stake, a wooden knife, a change of clothes, and a bottle of blood. Her minions were instructed to stay at the home and watch over it until she returned, or five years had passed. If the five years passed before her coming home, than they were to assume her dead and burn down the house and make lives for themselves around the world.

She seemed to glide up and unto her horse: Angel. Elizabeth had informed Spike that his horse's name was Dantra and that if he called her by that, she would probably respond to him even better than now. They set off for the shores of England that day.

"How do you know where Dru is, Lizzy?" Spike's voice was barely carried over the wind as they rode, but to the vampire sense, it was as clear as night.
"Harlent found them for me. He had an inkling that I would want to find her after I returned with you, so he sent some of the lesser minions to various places he knew Jonathon would visit. They're in Normandy, right now."
Elizabeth had grown much quieter on the journey and Spike couldn't help but wonder why. He didn't bother her about it though. If she wanted to tell him what was troubling her, she would when the time was right.

The ship ride was awful for the horses and Spike. Elizabeth seemed to have just slept through the whole thing. Once they arrived in France, Spike woke Elizabeth up and took her and the horses out of the wretched wooden contraption that floated. He hated it.

"We're going to ride to Normandy tonight." Elizabeth spoke simply, apparently not in the mood for talking. She rode Angel across the countryside with a fury and passion that surprised even Spike. Many hours later, Elizabeth stopped outside a small cottage. "It's almost daylight." Then, glancing at Spike, she added, "We're in Normandy."

Chapter 8

The wind had gotten much colder and harsher since Elizabeth and Spike had arrived at the cottage in Normandy. The horses in the stable were given extra blankets to keep warm; the cottage that Elizabeth had, though small, was very well packed with supplies that helped with the cold and other problems Spike thought may come up. In the cellar were bottles of blood that were kept for the instances when no humans or animals were around, and since the two vampires had no intent on killing off their rides, the bottled blood was used as their source of nourishment. Spike had been in the cottage for four days. On the other hand, at night, Elizabeth would go out and search the country-side, apparently having connections that eventually told her of a mansion where Jonathon and Drusilla supposedly were staying at. She had told Spike the news as soon as she arrived back at the cottage on the fourth day. It was just two hours from here and they would leave tomorrow, she told him.

Sitting on a wooden stool, Spike brushed Dantra's dark mane and coat, making her shine like black onyx. "You'll have to watch out for me, luv. Tonight I'm to try and get my one and only back, and I need your help for it. Saving me at the Master's castle and taking me here-you've done extremely well at watching out for me. Keep it up and I'll see to it you graze in pastures for the rest of your days." When Dantra whinnied, he added, "Unless you want to run. Then I'll take you along the shores by the ocean. How does that sound, pet?" Dantra rubbed her head against Spike's side and he chuckled in amusement. His head turned slightly as the secret door in the stable opened and Elizabeth appeared this time dressed in forest-green pants and a white shirt. She had a belt with different openings in it; these were filled with her wooden and silver knives, stakes, a small pair of scissors, and one bottle of holy water, tightly sealed with wax. The belt was hidden from sight by a long, hooded, green cloak she had on.
"You look ready for a war, Lizzy." Spike kept his voice light and cheerful, but the undertone of excitement and worry could be detected.
"This is a war, Spike. It's just turned dark, so I brought you some helpful prezzies. You get a belt like me, though on yours there are mainly railroad spikes." Smiling, she continued, "I heard you have a liking for those." She tossed Spike the belt and also a cloth bundle. Upon opening the bundle, he saw it was a black cloak, almost exactly the same as what Elizabeth wore. Then, she walked over to Angel and began to bridle her up, then mount her. Spike followed his sister's actions and followed as Elizabeth galloped out of the stable.

They were nearing a large house. It was just off the dirt road that Elizabeth insisted they not take. Instead, they went around to the back of the house and examined the doors and windows. Elizabeth popped open a window and held her hand up to it experimentally. Frowning, she shook her head and put her hand through to the inside before taking it out again.
"What's wrong, Lizzy? Shouldn't it be a good thing that we can get in?" Spike's question expressed some of his naivete about his immortal world. "That's just the thing, Will. We need to be invited to be able to break through the barrier: it's almost as if they knew we where here." Elizabeth shrugged, than added, "No matter. We have to go in anyway." She whispered into Angel's ear and jumped off the horse. Surprisingly, all Angel did was turn a few times; she seemed adamant about staying near the window. Spike pet Dantra's mane a few times, then hopped off and looked into the horse's dark and beautiful eyes.
"Remember our deal, Dantra? Stay and wait for me." The horse shook her head, then seemed to smile. Walking over to Angel, the two horses watched in silence as their masters jumped up and crawled through the open window.

Once inside, Elizabeth brought the hood back from her face so she would be able to see her surroundings more clearly. Spike did the same, then looked around. Apparently, the window was just part of a hallway here, exits were to the right and left. Elizabeth pointed at him, then to the left, then to herself, and lastly to the right. He understood: they needed to be silent and split up. He embraced his sister quickly, then went down the left hallway.
The house was beautiful: the wallpaper ornate, the rugs soft, the wood a dark walnut. Soon, he entered another room that looked like an emptied library. Shelves were all over the walls and three chairs occupied the room. Suddenly, a loud noise erupted from the hallway. Turning, Spike ran back towards the window, than down further to where the sound had come from. The direction that Elizabeth had gone.
Bursting into the room, he practically gawked. On the ground in front of him was Lizzy, unconscious. Ahead of him was a smug looking Lauren and a yawning Becky.
"You didn't really think we'd let you get to Drusilla, did you?" Lauren tittered.
Becky laughed viciously and added, "Our theory is that if we can't have you, neither will she. Besides, Jonathon loves playing with the little simp." Spike growled and his face twisted, his teeth grew to sharp points, and his eyes changed to those of someone who was ready to kill.
"You're sister has gotten in our way so many times. She didn't expect me to be able to blast her with some magic." Peering around Becky who had walked in front of her, Lauren snickered at Elizabeth's body. "Would you look at that, she knocked out cold."
Spike became cold as his spine hardened and his fists clenched. No longer was this a hopeful quest, or a little game of romance between Lauren, Becky, and himself. His sister, who he had lost, met, and now lost again, lay cold against the paisley carpet while Lauren and Becky stood happily just four feet away. Kneeling down, Spike placed a kiss on his sister's forehead, then delighted in a fluttering of her eyes. She'll be okay, he thought to himself.

Standing up sullenly, he reached behind him under his cloak and took out two railroad spikes.
"Now precious, what are you going to do with those?" Becky's eyes grew wide with amusement, but that amusement quickly fled as Spike threw a stake at her with deadly accuracy. It landed in her heart and as she fell, Lauren turned on him with absolute rage and fury in her eyes.
"How dare you!" She seemed to forget how she had gotten Elizabeth down and charged at Spike with claws flying. Spike blocked her attempts to scratch out his eyes and threw her across the room. Going to where Becky lay, he looked down at her face.
"You had the guts to do it, you prick. I never though..." Coughing, Becky looked up with now-pleading eyes. "Just stake me, you idiot. I won't make it happily out like this; I'll grow so weak, so feeble. Get one of your sister's stakes and get it over with."
Spike laughed meanly and snickered. "Don't think so, Becca. You'll just stay there while I---"

"While you do what? Why not come over here and fight like a real vampire?" Lauren's voice was ice cold and as Spike faced her, he knew she was ready to fight to the death.
"I did and look where you've ended up so far, Lauren. But, I would never turn a lady down." Spike went into a fighting stance, his fists in front of his chest, all his muscles tight and ready for attack.
Lauren walked over to him imitated his stance.
"Good night, dear childe."

She punched his face and tried to kick his feet from under him. Unable to block the punch, Spike took it and returned a few hits to her face and stomach. That threw Lauren off balance and as she tried to regain it, Spike took her arms and twisted them behind her.

"A bit sloppy, don't you think? Never underestimate your opponent, pet. Ever." Lauren snickered and kicked behind her, catching his knee. Grunting, Spike let go of her arms and she delivered a roundhouse kick, causing him to fall. She drifted over to where Elizabeth lay and stretched her arms before her. Then she whispered phrases in Latin to low for Spike to hear. A small ball of orange flame grew in her hands and she raised the flame above her head and released it at Spike.
Spike looked at Becky's body just inches from him. Grabbing her quickly, he held her up as a shield and it was she who absorbed the force as well as the flames from the blast.
The flames started at her stomach and for a few moments, both Spike and Lauren were in shock and unable to do anything. Then, Spike threw Becky's body away from him and could only watch as the fire devoured her, not quickly as it should have, but torturously, taking the outer skin, then the arms and legs. It crawled up her body and past the stake up to her neck. Becky began to scream in horrific pain; that did nothing to slow the fires. Lauren stood frozen, her hand covering her mouth, her eyes wide in fright. The fire crept up over Becky's head, and then there was a burning smell. In a second, the burning smell disappeared and all that was left of the Master's favorite was a pile of ash.
"Becky!" Lauren screamed in anguish, then ran at Spike again. Her movements were jerky and off, her concentration vanished. Yet, as she threw punches and kicks and even tried to stake him with a nearby fire poker, Spike knew he could win. Lauren stepped back a bit and ran at him again, this time the fire poker tip aimed at his stomach. Spike sidestepped it neatly and grabbed the poker and pulled it from Lauren's hands. Then he swung it across her throat.
The blood gushed as if it were coming from a faucet. A never-ending stream, he thought. Then, Lauren staggered over to Elizabeth's still body and took out one of the wooden stakes. As she bled over Elizabeth's body, she smiled at Spike and whispered, "I sent Jonathon and Dru away. Far away." Then, aiming the stake for Elizabeth's heart, she whispered in even a softer and weaker tone, "Now you won't have anyone." She plunged the stake as Spike was running towards the two women. Lauren tried to stand up, but as the rivers of blood faded to rivulets, she fell again and became a pile of ash.
Spike picked up Elizabeth and shook her. She hadn't exploded into dust, Lauren must have missed the heart, he thought.
"Elizabeth, wake up. We need to get out of this wretched place." He shook her again and again until her eyes fluttered open and she gazed up at him. "It's best for me to die now, Spike. Wood poisoning...it will reach my heart in a matter of minutes. When I'm gone, take me to the forest and spread my ashes. Any forest. I've heard the ones in Prague are beautiful. Take me there, brother dearest."
Struggling for a moment, she began to speak in the softest of whispers. "I love you so much. We did enjoy our last meeting, didn't we? I wish I could talk to you longer, Will. I tried to be the best sister I could be to William Jonathon. I guess I failed." She laughed in a scratchy and worn voice.
Spike's eyes filled with tears and they began to run down his cheeks onto the top of her head.
"No, Elizabeth. You were the best sister anyone could have."
Elizabeth laughed lightly again before writhing in pain. She got out a few more words in the same, soft voice. "Go find Drusilla, Spike. Be happy for the rest of your immortal life. I love you. I'll watch over you, wherever I end up." Coughing again, she added in a slightly comical tone, "And go beat up that Angel-pansy. He's a big poof." Then, her body lurched up in Spike's arms and suddenly she was dust.
Leaning over the remains of his sister, Spike cried for a bit longer; mourning the loss of his mortal sister, joyful for the meeting of his immortal kin, and utter sadness of the loss of his immortal sister. After awhile, Spike gathered the ashes in a pile. Tearing a square from his cloak, he placed the ashes in the piece of material with reverence and tied it up. Putting it in his pocket, he headed out to the hallway and out the window. Dantra was waiting there for him, but Angel had run off.
"She must have known Lizzy went away." Jumping into Dantra's saddle, he said softly, "Come on dearest. I guess we're visiting Prague." The two companions road off through the fields and down the dirt road to look for shelter from the coming daylight.

His journey had ended and a new one had taken its place.