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Kris woke up around 6 am. She started her normal workout and breakfast routine. She had no idea of the call she would be receiving or of the plans to take her slayer from her. She was out for a run when Giles's call came around 7:30 am. He was hoping to catch her early enough so that they would have time to talk about what was probably going to happen soon. He did leave a message for her to call him when she got back on her answering machine.
He decided to get something to eat and to start trying to figure what all he should tell her. The fact that Dru had faced Spike twice and had been released was not going to be discussed. He still didn't trust her enough to understand that Dru was acting like Buffy had when it came to Angel. Giles knew that facing Spike was hard enough on Dru but to have to kill him just one thing that she wasn't ready for, no matter how much she tried to convince herself that she was. He had just finished his breakfast when the phone rang an hour later. He answered it quickly. "Hello? Kris, yes, I called. We need to talk at your earliest convience. Yes, I would say that it is important. It concerns our slayers. At 9:30 this morning? Yes, I will be there. See you then. Bye." Giles hung up the phone. He had about an hour to get himself ready to face a day of research and trying to save a slayer from a battle she may lose.
Kris took her shower and got ready for Giles's visit. He didn't give her much information, but she knew that it had to deal with both Buffy and Dru. She wondered what would be so important that it couldn't wait till their normal meeting time. She had just finished up the dishes when Giles knocked on her door. She opened it and allowed him to come in. She offered him a seat and a cup of tea. He took the cup of tea and sat down across from her. "Kris, I know that I didn't say too much over the phone about the reason for wanting to see you so early. It does concern both Buffy and Dru as you have probably figured out already. They shared a dream last night. It woke both of them up. Buffy said it gave her a bad case of the wiggins. From what I was told, Buffy called and checked on Dru. She had woke up screaming and it took Angel a while to calm her enough to even realize where she was at. Once she had calmed down, Buffy did talk to her. There was a gentleman that Dru recognized in it. She gave his name as Duncan. Angel remembers a Duncan Starson that Spike knew, and according to him he uses magic. Dru said that in the dream it felt like a part of her was being torn away. She doesn't know what part though. Buffy couldn't get to her because of some invisible wall in that dream. Now I mentioned the possibility that Spike maybe trying to remove Dru's soul. Buffy seems to agree with me. If that is the case and this dream is prophetic in nature, I would have to say that this Duncan is in town and preparing to do what we feared would happen. He may be trying to steal Dru's soul from her so that she returns to Spike. I was wondering if you would join me at the library for some research. I have to go there anyway since school goes back into session next week. Mr. Snyder won't get suspicious of the fact I am there now, if it were any sooner, he would." Kris nodded. "Of course, I will join you. This does concern Dru. Do you have a computer where I can gain access to the internet? I will need to consult a few friends on this matter as well, at least where the spell is concerned. Also, do you think Willow would agree to help? She is the one that did the spell on Dru. I would like to have her close just in case a question comes up that I can't answer." Giles nodded. "Don't see why not, I'll have to call her once we get to the library. She is also very good with those dread machines that you are asking about. I just don't like them but I'm sure she would like to help. Buffy will be going over to Angel's later on this afternoon. She will be helping with Dru's training, and trying to find out if Dru is dealing with the nightmare ok. She is concerned that Dru may have problems dealing with it. Buffy is used to having these types of dreams, but this is Dru's first one that has warned of danger to her. She hasn't had much practice dealing with them as of yet. I wasn't even sure she would have them now. It has been a while since she had them. Well, I guess we should be going." He opened the door and went to open the car door for Kris while she locked up. She got in and he closed the door. He got in on the driver's side, started the car and drove to the library in silence.
Giles didn't know what to think about Kris's silence on this matter. She was quieter than usual when it came to what he had just told her. Once they entered the library, he went to his office to call Willow. He quickly explained that he needed her help doing a bit of cataloging of new books that had came in while they were on vacation. Willow said she would be there, and that she would bring Oz with her. Giles told her that he thought that was a good idea, and then hung up. He returned to the area outside of his office to let Kris know that Willow was on her way. He saw that Kris had found the computer and logged onto the net already. She wanted to try to find out as much as she could about the gentleman mentioned by Giles that Dru had recognized. Kris wasn't having much luck though when Giles had walked over. Everything she found pointed to a legitimate business that he was running. She was sure that this was just a cover up for something else, but had no proof. Giles told her about Willow being on her way and that once she got there he would explain the dreams to Willow along with their suspicions. Kris nodded and tried to locate an area that would allow her to find out more about binding spells and soul restoration spells before Willow got there.
Willow arrived about an hour later with Oz. He was wanting to help as well. Giles told both of them about the dream Buffy had and the fact that Dru had shared it. Willow listened and tried to get some ideas. She was thinking about the maze that was mentioned. The only thing that came to mind there was the sewer systems that ran everywhere under Sunnydale. She saw Kris on the computer and noticed that she was getting frustrated. Willow left Oz to aid Giles with research book style and she went over to the computer. She noticed that Kris was looking at the records for a Duncan Starson that lived in LA. She had found only the legitimate business records, but Willow suspicioned she was looking for something else. Kris glanced up as Willow walked over. Willow smiled. "Looking for something in particular? Maybe some illegal dealings? Let me give it a try. I'll see if I can't find something, but you can't tell anyone that I did this, ok?" Kris nodded and slid the chair to the side. "This is the only name that Dru gave as being the guy in her dream. I wanted to see why he would be here and why he would be hanging around Spike of all people. That doesn't allow for a very good feeling about him." Willow nodded and started using her computer skills to try to find out more about Duncan Starson. She located a Swiss bank account that seemed to hold a great deal of money. She found out that large amounts of money had been added to it from time to time. She started to access his buying records as well and discovered that he purchased a lot of the same types of items that could be used for very strong magic spells. Willow looked at Kris, and started to tell her of her suspicions about Duncan. Kris was one step ahead though and asked Willow to start cross referencing the depositors with any unexplained illnesses or deaths in their area. She did as she was asked and came across quite a few articles that fit those requests. She also did a check on dates. Willow noticed that each deposit was made only two or three days prior to each incident that was listed in the paper. Kris also noticed that and had Willow start the computer to printing it up. They had about an hour or so before it would be finished and decided to go and get something to eat for everyone there. They asked for orders from the little deli across the street and once they had them wrote down, went to get them. Oz and Giles continued their search in the books for any way to prevent this spell from harming Dru as the girls left.
Buff went to the mansion around 3 pm totally unaware of the research party at the library. Buffy felt that she had to check on Dru herself. That dream was just way too real for her. She had made a silent promise to herself that she would stick close to Dru tonight. There was no way that the blonde vampire was going to harm Dru. Buffy wasn't sure that Dru would accept the fact that she had to stay in so Buffy and Angel would just have to step up her training a little that's all. Buffy knocked quietly and was greeted by Angel. He smiled and invited her in. As she stepped in, she saw Dru in the hall. Dru was finishing up her breakfast, and turned away when she saw Buffy still a bit embarrassed at the fact the demon surfaced while she was eating. Buffy walked over and told Dru that it was ok. She explained that she didn't really see the difference between the two faces much anymore. Angel agreed with her remembering the first time she told him the same thing after the fight at the ice rink. Dru turned to face them, back in her human face. She smiled and explained that she was still learning to control the demon inside. She went to put her glass back in the kitchen and joined them in the library for the practices that were becoming a daily occurrence. Dru didn't mind the training sessions. They were becoming fun for her. She wasn't sure what Kris had meant by learning how to handle more than one vampire at a time, but she had a feeling she would find out soon enough. Angel and Buffy agreed to start with an attack together on Dru just to see how she would handle two on one. As soon as she entered the room, Angel moved in behind her, pinning her arms to the side. Buffy moved in to aide in the attack on Dru. She flipped Angel quickly and tried to dodge Buffy's attack. She didn't do as well as she had hoped against the two of them, but she was able to hold her own for a while. They were finally able to get Dru to the point where she couldn't get out about a half an hour later. Buffy called a stop to the practice and then showed Dru how to get herself out of that situation. She also explained where Dru had made some mistakes that placed her with her back against the wall and no way out. Dru nodded trying to remember what Buffy was saying so that it wouldn't happen again. Angel suggested that they start with the tai chi for a cool down, and then some time to talk before patrol. The girls agreed and took their places. Angel put some music on and then joined them with the familiar movements that brought inner peace.
Kris and Willow returned with the sandwiches and the group sat down to eat. Giles and Oz had located some information on the spell that Willow used to bind the soul to Dru and some of the side effects as to what might happen if someone attempted to remove it. The news was not as promising as everyone had hoped. Giles explained what was discovered after they finished eating. "The spell you used was indeed strong Willow. It did bind Dru's soul to her permanently unless she does want to lose it. The problem is this, if Spike has found a person that can use magic to remove it, then Dru will end up weakened and in a great deal of pain. This ritual would require the person who wishes it done to be there. It also needs Dru to be away from us. If we find her, but aren't in time to stop the spell from being started, we must wait till after it is completed to go to her. To interrupt the spell could kill either the caster, her, or both. It will take about one full day after it is cast to know whether or not it was successful in removing the soul. I just hope that Dru can remain calm and not lose her resolve to keep her soul." Willow looked down. She had finished eating and went back to the computer. She had to find anything that looked like the maze that Giles had mentioned in Buffy's dream. Willow started hacking her way into the city computers to look at the plans that were for the sewer systems and anything else that may resemble a maze. Kris joined Giles and Oz in trying to find a spell to help counter this one without causing any harm to the slayer.
Spike gave his minions specific orders as to how things were to go down with their attack tonight. They were to attack the entire trio, but when it came to Dru, they weren't allowed to kill her. They had to separate her from the slayer and her sire, but if they killed her they had to answer to him. They were to force her away from them and into his arms. He didn't think that he would have too much trouble with her, but he did pick three of his most trusted minions to aid him in bringing Dru to the location on the outskirts of town where Duncan had prepared everything for the spell, including a forcefield that would be put up once they got there with her. Spike could barely wait. He was sure that this was his last night to be without his dark rose, his dark goddess would soon be back in her beautiful dresses that she always wore. He sent them away to wait for sundown which was about an hour or so away. They knew better than to cross their master and knew what the punishment would be if they messed up.
As darkness started to settle on the town of Sunnydale, Duncan finished his preparations for the spell that he was going to do tonight. Everything was ready from the herbs needed to the heavy throne type chair that Dru would be tied to. Duncan had chose the old art gallery on the outskirts of town. They had all sorts of old artifacts that were from an age that required brute strength just to move them. They were made to resist even the strongest person, and with the right spell even a vampire with a slayer's strength would be unable to get free from them. He had prepared the chair as well as the rope that would be holding her there early that morning, and then had a few of Spike's minions play tug of war with the rope, six to a side. They couldn't break it, so there should be no way that Dru could either. He sat down after lighting a few candles to help light the way to the chair to wait for Spike to arrive with Drusilla.
Spike went to the cemetery and started putting his plan into motion when it got dark. He wanted everything ready for the arrival of his girlfriend. She would be his for sure after tonight, as long as he could prevent the slayer from getting involved and totally messing up his plans. She was good at mucking up even the most careful laid plans that he had. This was one time that it couldn't be allowed to happen, even if it meant sacrificing a few minions to the cause. Once everyone was in place, he sat down to wait on the trio that would be arriving anytime now.
Giles called Angel's mansion hoping to catch him before patrol. Angel answered and Giles explained that he had some information that he felt they should know and wanted them to swing by before patrol. Angel said that they would be there soon. As he hung up, he told the girls that the library was the first stop. They nodded their understanding and started out the door. Angel quickly locked up and joined them. As they passed the cemetery, Buffy stopped. Angel turned and asked what was wrong. "Company, and close too." Dru quickly reached for the stake that she had close at hand and looked for any sign of where the attack would come from. She saw a group of vampires approaching from the right and pointed them out to her partner. Buffy moved closer to Dru remembering the promise she made herself earlier. Angel followed Buffy's lead and moved in closer too. He thought that she knew something he didn't and was going to trust her instincts in this matter. The vampires started fighting with them. The trio was distracted and never noticed the fact that there were three other groups of vampires closing in on their location from behind and the other sides. They were outnumbered and didn't see any way out. Buffy tried to keep Dru close to her, but was unable to do so as three vampires cut off the gap between them. They had cornered Dru and were pushing her further and further away from Buffy. Buffy noticed this and tried to fight her way to Dru with little luck. Angel had worked his way over to Buffy's location and pulled a few of them away from her. They dusted quite a few of their attackers, but didn't seem to be making much progress when it came to getting closer to Dru. Dru had been pushed away from Buffy and Angel. Her attackers kept her separated till they got her to Spike. Then a gap formed and he walked over to her. "Hello Dru, did you miss me?" He smiled and nodded to the group that was to help him get Dru to the location where Duncan was. They grabbed Dru from behind before she had a chance to react. She was trying to break free when one of them hit her with a rock on the head knocking her out. Spike grabbed her and carried her to the place where they were going underground to the maze of pipes that would eventually lead them to the gallery where Duncan was waiting on them.
Buffy and Angel continued to fight, and try to find a way out of it. After about 5 minutes or so, the rest of the vampires that weren't dusted just left. Buffy looked around trying to figure out what happened, and then she realized that Dru was missing. Buffy asked Angel if he knew where she was and he shook his head. Buffy looked around her and then took off running for the library with Angel right behind. She just knew that the fight was a ploy to get Dru alone so that Spike could get her. Buffy had to tell Giles and to try to find out where she may have been taken. She just knew it was a matter of time before her dream became reality and her partner would be in pain.
Buffy burst through the doors of the library startling everyone there. "Dru's been taken! We were attacked on our way here near the cemetery. I think Spike has her and is planning on trying to take her soul tonight. I need the possible locations as to where they may have taken her." Kris looked up. "Dru? They've got her? How could you let that happen, she trusted you! Buffy you should have protected her, she isn't as good of a slayer as you are yet." Kris's face showed the pain that she felt. She couldn't tell them why she felt this way but she had her reasons. "I'm sorry, Kris. I tried to stay close to her, but she was cut off from us. I will get her back that is a promise. I'm not giving up on her by no means." Kris nodded. "I know, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have lost it like that. It just doesn't seem fair that's all." Angel could understand both points of view. He stayed quiet and walked over to where Willow was surfing the net for the city plans of the sewer systems. Willow looked up. "Spike can't have her. She doesn't want to be with him now. If she did, she would have left a long time ago. We have to get her back. I have some of the plans, but I'm not sure what type of maze you were dreaming about. This is a map of the sewer systems leading from the cemetery. There are three possible locations they could go from there. One is an old factory that is to the east. Another is to an old church, and the third to an old art gallery. I don't know which is the right one. Buffy can you remember anything at all that may help?" Willow looked at her friend. Angel was looking at the three different locations trying to see what he could figure out. Giles took Kris into his office so that he could talk to her. He explained that yelling at Buffy wouldn't get Dru back. He also told her that they would get Dru back. The small group that was in the library was the best chance they had at getting Dru back in one piece. Kris wasn't sure, but she did remember the success rate they had when it came to keeping the hellmouth from opening. She agreed to let them do what they were good at and to try not to worry too much. They went back to the room and saw Buffy going over the plans with Willow and Angel. She had sent Oz to the Bronze for practice earlier that afternoon after they had discovered the problems with the spell. Buffy had remembered a number from her dream and was looking to see if she could locate it.
Spike had arrived at the art gallery with Dru and had tied her to the chair with Duncan's help. Now all they needed was her to wake up. Duncan needed her alert in order for his spell to work properly. He didn't have to wait long, she was starting to wake up while they were tying her up. She was fully awake a few minutes after they finished. She looked at Duncan and then Spike. "What do you think you are doing to me? I won't give in Spike. I told you things have changed. I'm a slayer now." She was testing the ropes the whole time she was talking. She found that they were stronger than she expected, and hoped that Buffy would find her soon. She knew that she would have to keep the fact that she wanted to keep her soul in mind so that she could cancel out the spell Spike had asked Duncan to do. Spike stepped back and watched as Duncan placed the invisible shield around their location. Dru realized that she was really in some big trouble now, and there was no way out for her. Duncan walked back over towards Dru. "Now, my dear Drusilla. Just relax and this will be easier on you. I'm going to try to remove that soul that has caused you so much trouble. Spike still loves you and it at his request that I am doing this. He feels that you have been misguided and lead astray by your sire and his girlfriend, and I am just trying to fix things back the way they were." He smiled at Dru. "Fix things!?!? You think this will make me happy? Boy are you mistaken. I wanted this! Don't take it from me! Let me go! I want Buffy and Angel! Duncan, don't listen to him, he doesn't understand what has happened. Please, don't do this." Dru's eyes pleaded with Duncan as she tried to break free from the chair. She was still struggling when Duncan started the spell against his better judgement. Dru let out a scream and started to fight even more to get away from the pain.
Buffy located the right set of tunnels and found out where they lead. She held up the piece of paper with a smile. She was on her way out the door when Giles stopped her. "Buffy, if they have started the spell don't interrupt it. If you do, you could kill Dru. Let them complete it, but you would have to take her away right after it. If she gives into the pain and agrees to allow it to be taken, then you should leave her quickly because she will be lost to us." Buffy nodded and then continued on her way. Angel said that he was going to take the other way in and that Buffy should go the same way her dream told her. As Buffy dropped down into the sewers, she allowed her "spider sense" to take over and guide her through the maze. She made the same turns that her dream had shown her. She could hear Dru's screams of pain, and it told her that the spell has been started to rob Dru of the soul she accepted willingly. Buffy knew that she was getting close and started calling Dru's name telling her to hang on. Dru heard her partner and yelled for her to hurry. Buffy rounded the corner and could see Dru tied to the chair. She could also see her struggling to get away but not having much luck. Buffy cautiously moved forward knowing that she would run into the wall. She reached out and touched the wall. She had reached the end of the line at least til that spell was completed. Dru saw Buffy and called her name again, but it sounded weaker this time. "Dru, hang in there partner. I'm on my way. Don't give up, you are strong enough to fight this. Trust me, I haven't given up yet." Buffy slowly started working her way around the wall.
Spike heard the slayer and glanced up. He walked over to the wall and started laughing. "Give it up slayer. Dru will lose this fight. She just doesn't have it in her to be a slayer. You've already lost and don't even know it yet." Buffy smiled. "Didn't anyone tell you I have a problem with listening? Gets me in trouble ALL the time." She continued looking around her trying to find some way of getting around the wall that kept her from Dru. "Awww, poor little slayer. Even if you could get to her, you can't stop this without killing her, and it would be your fault she's dead. Can you handle that?" Buffy knew it was the truth, but didn't want to tell him that. She gave him a stern look. "Spike, if she dies you'll fit in an ashtray, no questions asked." Spike was not sure what to make of this. Buffy wasn't falling for it. He was sure that she would try to push her way past the wall, but it wasn't happening. "Slayer, I don't even know why you're here. All I am trying to do is get back what is mine. You are the reason she left me to begin with. You had to go and give your boyfriend the happy that released the demon that had been buried under the soul. With that demon lose, he tried to take all of our little happy meals with legs to hell. I couldn't let that happen, so I helped you. Then I lost Dru for being to soft. This makes everything that is happening now your fault." Buffy smiled at him. "My heart just breaks for you. You are the one who came back and caused all sorts of problems by kidnapping Willow and Xander." Spike growled. "Well, if it's trouble you're looking for, I'm sure my Dru can give it to you. She's gonna be hungry for something warm when she returns to being without a soul." Buffy looked at Spike. "Well, if that's the case, bring it on. We'll see just who's side she's on after what you're doing to her now." Spike gave Buffy a look of shock. "You are causing her this pain. If you hadn't had the little witch do that soul restore spell, I wouldn't have to remove it now. Just leave, she won't be going back with you." He turned away from her. The sounds of Dru's screams had started dying down meaning the spell was nearing completion. He wanted to be the first one by her side. Buffy could see Dru was weak, but she never once said that she gave up.
Buffy glanced off to the side just in time to see that Angel was nearing Duncan. She wasn't sure how long he had been there, but she knew that he had heard what Giles told her and was waiting on the right moment to try to help Dru. Buffy picked up a few rocks and started hitting the shield with them. Dru had gone limp in the chair. Buffy wasn't sure that Dru was even aware of what was going on around her at this point. She looked like she had been in a fight that she had lost 50 times over. Spike was at her side, gently untying her when Angel approached Duncan. The older gentleman turned and waved his hand behind him. The wall disappeared, and he motioned for Buffy to cross over to the same side he was on. Buffy took a cautious step over towards Dru. Spike had laid her down on the floor gently and was brushing her hair back away from her face. She looked like she was asleep. Duncan walked over and placed a hand on Spike's shoulder. "Spike, I need you to leave for now. I told you it needed 24 hours in order to tell whether or not it was successful. She will be ok, I will stay with her." Spike looked back at Buffy and Angel. "Why should I do that? Just so the slayer can take her from me again? I think not. I want my Dru and the only way to make sure that she will be mine is if I am there when she wakes up. I won't allow that. There is no way!" Spike placed a hand protectively around Dru.
el looked at Buffy. They knew that this wasn't going to be easy, but Spike was making it impossible right now. Duncan turned and faced Them. "Angelus, I can't allow you to take Drusilla either. This choice is hers to make now. I did the spell to remove her soul as a favor for Spike. I won't play favorites. I will take Dru somewhere safe till tomorrow evening. If she choses to remain a slayer, then she will have no more worries about me trying to take her soul. If she choses to return to Spike, then I would hope there would be no more problems from your and your friends." Duncan kneeled down and picked Dru up. If you will excuse me, I have a weakened vampire who will awaken hungry. I don't want to take a chance of something unfortunate happening." Spike tried to stop him from taking Dru, and Duncan shook his head. "Do you really want to push me Spike? You have only seen a small portion of my power. I still have enough in reserve to place you in an ashtray as the pretty little blonde said." Spike backed up a little. Buffy tried not to laugh, but Angel placed a protective arm around her waist. She realized that he didn't trust Duncan, but what he said to Spike did strike her as funny. Duncan took out a small ball and threw it at the floor. It started smoking and Duncan and Dru both had disappeared when it cleared. Spike couldn't believe what Duncan had done. He didn't even give Spike a chance to talk to her. He turned and growled at Buffy. Angel moved even closer to Buffy. Spike realized that Angel had claimed the slayer as his and decided to leave before testing that point. Buffy and Angel left also. They returned to the mansion to report in about what had happened.
Buffy called her mom and told her that she would be spending the evening at Angel's. Buffy explained the reasoning behind wanting to stay. Her mom understood and said that she could stay as long as she gave her a call when she got up. Buffy agreed and called the library. There wasn't anyone there. She tried Giles's apartment next. The phone rang twice then Giles answered. "Giles, hi. Yes, we found her. No, she isn't here with us. No, she never gave up either. Duncan took her with him. No, Spike was sent home alone. Duncan said something about allowing her to make her own choices about things now. Yes, he said that when Dru woke up she would be hungry and he didn't want any misunderstandings. He gave Spike a warning about attacking him. Yes, he said he would make him fit in an ashtray. I guess we won't know anything til tomorrow night. Sure, I'll tell you just as soon as we know anything. Thanks for offering to tell Kris for me. I don't think I could handle her after tonight. Night Giles." Buffy hung up. She would tell Willow in the morning. No need to upset her tonight. Angel had walked up behind Buffy while she was talking to Giles. He knew that she was concerned about what choice Dru would make the following evening. He hugged her and she leaned back toward him. He picked her up and carried her to the room she had been using. He felt something wet hit his arm and realized that Buffy was crying. "Buffy, what's wrong? Are you hurt?" Buffy looked up and saw the concern in Angel's eyes. "No, I'm fine honey. That spell really hurt her Angel. I wanted to make it go away, to make it stop somehow. I was helpless to do anything. That was a feeling that I don't ever want to face again." Angel hugged her and held her close to him. "I felt the same when I stepped up behind Duncan. Buffy, I could hear her pain and I knew that if I stopped Duncan it would have been worse. I had to stand there and listen. I kept hoping that she wouldn't give in, and she didn't. I never heard her say she gave up. That was my main concern. I'm kinda glad that she was strong enough to keep from doing that. She will be back. I'm certain that the choice she will be making will lead her back here. We just have to wait till tomorrow evening. Get some rest sweetheart. You'll need it for tomorrow night." He gave the top of Buffy's head a kiss, then let her go. He placed the blanket over her. "I'll see you tomorrow. You know where to find me if you need me. Love you." Buffy nodded. "Night Angel." she whispered.
Duncan had taken Dru to a nearby motel and laid her on the bed. She was weak
and he knew it. Dru stirred and Duncan pulled out the special food that he
brought with him and got her a glass of it. He walked over to the bed. She
looked at him and started backing away. "Dru, I'm sorry for the pain the
spell caused you. Spike called in one of the favors I owed him. It was done
against my better judgement to do it, but it is done now. I have already
told him that I won't be doing it again ever. I don't know if he believes me
or not, but it is my promise to you. This is the last time I will try to
remove your soul. Here, drink this. It will help to strengthen you." He
hands Dru the glass and helps her to steady it so that she can drink.
"Tomorrow evening you will need to make a choice. Angel and a blonde were
there tonight. They were both concerned for you. Spike was just worried
that you wouldn't want to return to him. He is the one that wanted to
proceed with this despite the pain it would cause you. He does love you, but
doesn't want to accept the fact that you may not feel the same about him.
You're done?" Dru nods and hands him the glass back. "Good, now lay down
and get some rest. It is what you need right now. Night Dru." She laid
back down and fell asleep quickly. Duncan made sure she was covered up and
took the second bed to lay down on. He knew that the spell cast on her soul
was binding. He could feel the difference in it from the start. He didn't'
say anything to Spike about it though. Spike would never have believed it.
Duncan had a feeling Spike would be very unhappy with Dru's choice tomorrow
evening, but he would do nothing to change it. Duncan fell asleep a few
hours after Dru did.