Those who say the past is not dead should stop and smell the smoke

[prodigal_slayer]

We had to keep an eye on him, that was for damn sure. I nodded at Wes because the only words that seemed to be comin' outta my mouth were 'I'm sorry'. Didn't think either of them wanted another meaningless apology from me, so I just set my lips into a thin line as Wesley turned and headed up the stairs to his bedroom. With a heavy sigh I tilted my

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[watcher_pryce]

Finally finding the book I'd been looking for, I walked back to the desk. My desk. Angel's desk...a desk. Funny how that doesn't matter anymore when at one point I had received death glares for just daring to sit behind it. But that was all in the past now, just as most everything was. Except... well several things, but there was one thing that was niggling at me. One thing I didn't understand.

"I'm sure it doesn't from your point of view." Sitting down on the chair, I opened the book and gave her a slight smile. Typical Slayer. Why do research and look for answers when you can get them while beating something into submission. So much like Angel. Or how he used to be. I'm surprised he's not gone out to pummel some undeserving demon or other. Just to blow off steam. But no, he's hauled up in that room and it's getting tiresome. He needs to get out of here and...move on, I guess.

"Oh the...the Shan Shu prophecy," I nodded at that, a sad look on my face. "Uhm, it's about the vampire with a soul who will shan-shu as a reward for his battle for good, in a nutshell. In other words it's about Angel becoming human as a reward." It's no longer about Spike as some thought. Since Spike is dust. I'm not sure what to think about that. They were both deserving, something I didn't believe at first. But Spike did his good deeds, one of them getting his soul voluntarily.

"After the final battle, that is," I added, frowning at the book confused. Since Angel was still very much a very brooding vampire, I'm guessing this wasn't it. Even though I thought it was...Or should've been. I didn't understand. Perhaps I'd made a mistake. Again. No surprise there.

[prodigal_slayer]

"Whoa. For real?" I asked raisin' an eyebrow and takin' another drag from my smoke as he gave me the 411 on this Shoe prophecy thingy. "Angel gets to be a real boy one day?" Man, and there he was upstairs moping his unlife away. Of course, I understood why he was doin' that. He was all bummed cause of his pals and his friends kickin' the bucket. I didn't blame him, I understood. But the fact was? Not all of his friends were dead. Some of us were still alive and we were gonna kind of need him soon. 'Specially if the senior partners showed up here lookin' to throwdown. What was he gonna do? Hide up in his room while Wes and I try to smack 'em down? Fucking hell.

With a sigh I took another drag off of my smoke and banged my feet against the desk a little bit out of boredom. "You tired?" I finally asked Wes, until he finally tilted his chin up to look at me questioningly. What? It wasn't a question about his health, I wanted to know if he was tired. It was two in the mornin' and I knew not everyone who wasn't a vampire kept up with my whacked out sleeping habits.

"You know, I just thought...maybe we could get outta here for a few hours. I, for one, am fucking tired of lookin' at the same walls." I wasn't about to put in the added fact that I didn't trust him and Angel here alone together. Soul Boy'd take care of himself and I knew Wes could too, but that just spelled dangerous and stupid at the moment. At least to me. Course I knew he'd be offended by that so I kept it to myself. He had to be itchy to get outta this hotel, especially now that he was feelin' better. All recoverin' from that nasty stab wound in his side.

"We could go slaying?" I asked hopefully, carefully watching his eyes to see if he'd approve or disapprove. "Just for a little while. I need to get outta here." But not permanantly. Not unless they asked me to, and I knew they wouldn't. Well, Wesley wouldn't. If Soul Boy got pissed enough at me he'd probably demand that I leave. In which case I'd punch him in the face and refuse.

[watcher_pryce]

"Yes, for real," I muttered, thumbing through the book. Books, I was looking through several at once. I'd never thought I'd say this, but I missed the templates. At least they taught me some more about the shan shu while I still had them. I frowned when I thought about how fast they'd build up Wolfram and Hart after the beast had destroyed the building and most of it's occupants last time. Wonder if that's the same now.

"Pardon?" I blinked, and looked up at Faith's question. Was I tired? Well, I suppose so, I'm not quite used to staying up so late anymore. Then again, one easily gets used to it again. I wasn't exhausted, just a little tired from lack of sleep. Nothing my body and I weren't used to. Giving her a puzzled look, I wondered what was on her mind. She had that look in her eyes, one of a caged wild animal. Of course, she's been cooped up in here as well. No doubt she wants to go out and...hit things. Makes me wonder how she handled that in jail.

"We?" Wait a minute, she wants me to tag along. I glanced out the door automatically. As if I could see up those stairs, passed those walls and into Angel's bedroom. I didn't like leaving him alone, afraid he'd do something stupid. He was far from alright. Of course he wasn't, his son had just died. And this time there was no coming back. His friends had all died, and they weren't coming back. But he still had Faith, and myself dammit. It was making me angry, reminded me of the time he took off for Tibet and left the rest of us behind to hold the fort.

I suddenly feel the need to hit something as well. And since I can't hit Angel, why not some demon. Slamming the books shut, I wasn't making any progress anyway, I stood up from behind the desk. "I'm probably a little rusty," I said, turning toward Faith and reaching for my coat. "But why not. I need to get out of here myself for a bit." And then we need to find a way to shake Angel out of his bloody mood. There's a time for brooding and he's done it quite enough now.

[wickedslayer]

"Nothing like practice." I offered him as he slammed the book shut, stood up and announced that he was rusty. Hey, after a week of coolin' my jets in the hotel of eternal gloom? I was probably a little rusty too. Course it was just like riding a biker, right? Never forgot that feeling. A few quirk jerks and thrusts and then...release.

Couldn't help smiling a little bit as Wes grabbed his coat and actually agreed to come with me. Hell yeah. We were gonna have fun tonight. Time to shake off the oppressive stifling nothing in this fucking hotel. Some of us were still alive and breathing and we needed to see the outside world every once in awhile. I, for one have spent way too much of my life cooped up and caged. Needed to find me some action. Wondered if there was anyway I could convince Wes to grab a drink with me afterwards. Hell, we were in L.A. Some of the parties didn't even start til six in the mornin'. Alright, so Wes didn't really seem like a party kinda guy.

"Good deal." I nodded at him as we both walked through the lobby and out into the all too warm night air in Southern California. Southern California, for real you'd think the vamps would hang out somewhere else where the sun didn't shine all the time. Alright, so not all the time cause it wasn't shinin' right now.

"This is your town, man. Where do we start?" I asked, walking a few steps ahead of Wes and then turnin' around and smilin' at him as I continued to walk backwards a little bit. I still remembered the two of us trailin' after Angelus, the last time I was in L.A. Wes had known all the hot demon spots in town.

[_wes_pryce_]

As we walked through the lobby, past the weapons chest, I grabbed one of the axes we had left behind when we'd abandoned the hotel. Or they, I should say. I'd left the hotel long before the others had. Voluntarily and not voluntarily. But again, that's in the past. No use dwelling on it, especially not since most everyone involved is gone now. I still had my gun, I'd been keeping it on me ever since I left the hospital.

Once we were outside, I glanced over at Faith and shrugged. She was on edge alright. Made me wonder if she had gone out of the hotel at all since we found out about Connor. Probably not, she must've been cooped up inside, playing baby sitter over Angel. And possible myself a bit. She seems reluctant to leave me alone with Angel, or vice versa. I'll have to ask why that is. Perhaps she's afraid we'll kill each other? Or hurt each other? I guess it's a bit late for the latter.

"Well," I said thoughtfully. "Why don't we borrow Angel's car and then drive over to one of the warehouse districts. Or we can swing by one of the more vampire infested grave yards and get a little warm up before heading over there." Oh wait, I suppose I should go back in and see if I can find the car keys. I doubt Angel would appreciate us hot-wiring his car. Then again, he might not care. Or perhaps it'll finally get him angry enough to actually *do* something.

[wickedslayer]

Grinning at Wesley impishly I pulled a key ring full of keys outta my pocket and tossed them to him. He glanced down at them before lookin' back up at me again. What? Like I wasn't above some serious klepto tendencies? Shit. When you grew up like I did you figured out what it took to survive. And sometimes you had to be mad shady and sneaky about things. Not that I had to by stealin' Soul Boy's car keys but it sure was fun.

"Grabbed 'em earlier." I said with a wink before we rounded the corner of the hotel towards Angel's car. One thing to be said for Dead Boy, he had a seriously sweet ride.

"Warehouse District sounds like fun to me." I said as I hopped over the side of the car and slid down into the leather passenger seat. Felt free, felt so fucking good just to get out of that hotel for a little while. Wes slipped into the driver's seat and I leaned my head back, resting it on the seat. Except when he finally turned the key in the ignition Barry Manilow filled the air surrounding us.

"Damn." I muttered immediately pushin' the eject button on the stereo. "You'd think he'd get a new MO." Smirking I let the radio play as Wes pulled the car out of the parking spot. Already felt better.

[_wes_pryce_]

Not hot wiring the car then. Damn, take away the excitement why don't you, Faith. I frowned at myself. Good god, how pathetic have I become that the mere prospect of hot wiring Angel's car is exciting. Shaking my head at myself, I slid into the driver seat and sighed. The fact was, that if she was capable of getting the holy keys to the sacred car, Angel really was bad off. I remember how Cordelia and I practically had to beg to loan his car before I had my own.

"The warehouse district it is then," I said, and started the car. Only to have Mister Manilow bellow his 'Mandy' at us. I blinked at that, and let out a relieved sigh as Faith ejected it rather quickly. "At least you didn't have to hear him actually sing it," I said, shuddering at the thought. Lord, that had been bad. Bad didn't even come close to what that had been. The man truly did anything to get the job done back then.

Pulling away from the curb, I drove over to one of the warehouse district. Didn't matter which one at this point. They all would give us something to do. I'd rather have swung by one of the cemeteries to warm up a little. I'd not been joking when I said I wasn't really in shape. I'd not been fighting since...Fred...died. Lost the purpose to do so then. But it would seem it came back with a vengeance.

The drive over to the our 'hunting ground', because lets be honest, that's what we were going to do, wasn't all that long. Neither of us said much, but the silence wasn't uncomfortable, or oppressing. Just...silent. I guess we were both preparing for it. Or thinking about Angel. Probably both. I parked the car and turned off the ignition. "Ready for some action?" I asked, reaching behind me for the axe. Of course she was. As a Slayer she's probably always prepared and ready.

[prodigal_slayer]

"Born ready." I replied easily as she grabbed the axe and I hopped out of the car. Didn't need a weapon, cause I was the weapon. Already could feel the blood pounding beneath my skin screaming at me that it wanted some action. Needed a fight like I hadn't needed one in a wicked long time and I knew it was cause the last time I stayed cooped up for that long was in Federal prison. Course prison lasted alot longer than a week, but still...

Wes got out of the car and I didn't even wait. Just strode over to the front door and raised a leg, before pounding the door in with my boot. The frail wood caved easily as I slowly walked into the warehouse. The only sound was the echo of my boots as Wesley followed me inside, axe still tightly gripped in his hand.

"This is where the nasties hang out?" I asked after a minute before turnin' back to Wesley with a raised eyebrow. "I don't see nothin' h..." I stopped suddenly when I heard a noise up in the rafters.

'Don't even." I muttered to Wesley as he shot me an 'I told you so' look. Glancing up towards the ceiling I was sure I'd seen something move out of the corner of my eye up there. "Huh. He's in the rafters. How we gonna get him down?" I asked just as I sprung up and let my fingers wrap around the metal bannister. Swinging up and around I landed on the second landing before glancing down at Wes and givin' him a smile.

"I'm gonna shove him down there with you. Might wanna have that axe ready." I called down to him, as something ran down the other side of the building again. Shit. There were more than one of 'em too. Sneaky little bastards.

[_wes_pryce_]

Good lord, she was really itching for a fight wasn't she? Not even waiting for me to lock the car and join her she was already on her way over to the warehouse. Typical, isn't it. When it comes to that, she's much like Angel. And Gunn. And...Spike. Just barge in and ask questions later. Sighing, I pocketed the car keys and grabbed my axe, jogging to catch up with her.

She kicked in the door and I rolled my eyes. Drama, must be something else they have in common. I need to stop comparing them. Either that or make a list, just for my own amusement if nothing else. Tightly gripping my axe, I followed her inside. Of course they weren't waiting inside there for us with a nice welcome banner. What did she expect? After that big fight, I'm sure most of them were out there throwing a party. I'm sure word about Angel not doing much must've gotten out. We really needed to remedy that. And this might be a good start.

I was just about to tell her that when there was a noise. The smirk I tossed her way, was wasted as she jumped up to hunt the vampire down. "Show off," I muttered, pulling the stake out of my pocket. Seriously, she's very much like Angel when it comes to this. And since I've been fighting along side Angel for so long, I almost know what to expect of her. "I'll be waiting," I said, waving the axe in her direction. Narrowing my eyes, I could feel my body tense as I followed her path, keenly aware of the rest of my surrounding. "Be careful," I said needlessly. As if she'd be careful. Slayers and careful, right.

[neverbeenfree]

Bursting into action, I followed the noise to the other side of the warehouse, with Wes following below. I could see him through the slight holes in the floor of the rafters I ran across. There were two vamps on the other side now, I could hear them both. They were tryin' to hide, and now they'd fight. And then they'd be dust on the floor. Faith. Pest Control.

Swinging a wild right, I looked through some beams and crates until I spotted beady yellow eyes.

"Wes!" I yelled as I sprung out at the vamp and kicked him hard in the chest, sendin' him fallin' flat on his face on the cold pavement below. Wesley instantly burst into action and I couldn't help but smirk. Also, I found myself kinda just watchin' Wes fight for a minute. Man didn't have a shotgun in his hand but he was still a menace yo. Just liked watchin' him fight, his moves were so fucking raw but damn if they weren't effective. He was, after all, only human.

I'd been starin' for too long and a gasp escaped my mouth as something collided into me from behind. The other vamp. Didn't have time to regain my footing when both of us were sailing over the railing. I landed hard on the ground with a groan.

"I'm sending you my chiropracter bill." I threatened the vamp as I sprung back up to my feet and belted him one hard across the face.

[watcher_pryce]

I ran underneath as Faith 'smoked' out the vampires from above. It was fairly obvious that she was still in form. Apparently sitting around the hotel hadn't done her much damage. Then again, she'd been back in top form right after I sprung her out of jail as well if I remember correctly. My memory is still fuzzy on some part, but all to clear on others.

Keeping my eye on her, I was instantly ready when she called out and one of the vampires came sailing down. I smirked as he jumped up and vamped out. Growling he came toward me, spouting the usual banter that's apparently needed for a fight. Leveling my shotgun, I shot away his kneecap with a clear shot and then watched as he howled and went down. It was fairly easy to dust him from there. Hardly a fight, but we can't all be slayer now can we?

I was just looking up when Faith came down with the vampire she'd been chasing. Frowning, I watched the two of them fight. Faith got in a few good shots as did the vampire. I just leaned back and watched, since it was obvious that Faith was going to take her time. Probably getting rid of a lot of pent up energy. One would almost feel sorry for the vampire. Then again, his banter is atrocious. Even I can do better.

"Please stake him, Faith. You'll do our ears a favor. He's a bit of whiner isn't he?"

[neverbeenfree]

Wes did have a point, this was one was wicked whiny. Kind've a musing though and hey at least he packed more of a punch than the punching bag in the basement at the Hyperion. My blood was pumping, my heart beating wildly in my chest cause I'd needed this so fucking bad. Needed to feel the fight again and here was this vamp, puttin' up a really weak fight. Least I got to play in the rafters.

Easily I took the stake out of my jacket pocket and jammed it through his chest. Leaning down I brushed the dust off of my pants before straightening back up and lookin' at Wes again. Tilting my neck all the way to one side I could hear the kinks poppin' before I shook my head. Damn. That was fun. Where were the rest?

"Feels so good to be outta that hotel." I admitted to Wes as we both stepped out into the alleyway and continued moving towards more warehouses and some bars down by the docks. Maybe he'd even be down for gettin' a drink later. Who could even tell anymore.

Stretchin' my arms out I glanced around the darkened docks lookin' for anything. Hell, I'd duke it out with a bunny rabbit right about now for real.

[watcher_pryce]

Well, that took us less time then we both thought. It was over before we even started. I'm gathering those were either very young vampires, or we're both in better shape then we thought. Or I am, I can't speak for Faith of course. She seems to be fighting ready at all times. I gave her an approving look when she dusted the vampire easily.

Pocketing my own stake, I grabbed my gun and followed her back into the alley. I kept my eyes and ears open for anything that might be lurking around. Actually, I was rather hoping there was. This fight, which wasn't really a fight, had warmed me up considerably. Nothing like getting the adrenaline flowing, as long as it keeps on flowing.

"Yes, it does," I agreed. I thought about Angel, alone and brooding in that hotel room of his. "We need to get Angel out of there as well," I mumbled with a sigh. That was going to be hard though. I wonder if we'd get away by dragging the idiot out of there.

"There's usually some hiding over there," I said, pointing toward a warehouse at the end of the docks. "You look as though you're itching for some more slaying time," I shrugged at her look. And I could certainly use some more. Sitting around in that hotel had frustrated me to no end. Especially when I couldn't go out.

[neverbeenfree]

"You know that's gonna be easier said than done." I remarked lightly when he mentioned gettin' Angel out of the hotel. I already knew we had to get the big broody guy outta there before he went crazy and tried to stake himself or try to go out in a big stupid blaze of glory or something. We were both worried about Angel and that much was obvious, but I also worried about the two of us. Cause when it came down to draggin' people down with him in the fight, it was gonna be the two of us. No doubt. And we'd probably follow him too, even though we shouldn't. Because we were stupid...no, cause we loved him...and we were stupid.

Suddenly a scream rang out through the air and I snapped my attention to Wesley. The two of us exchanged a glance before we both burst into a run towards where the scream had come from. It wasn't long til a girl in an alleyway being mauled by a couple of vampires came into view. Blonde. Always the blondes walkin' around in dark alleys. You'd think they'd get the hint by now. Walkin' around in alleyways after dark? Not the smartest move ever.

Comin' up from behind I slammed my stake into the first one's back, while the other two turned their attention to me and Wes. The girl that they'd been attacking started sobbing and crumpled to the floor curled up against the wall. Sighing I shook my head before lashing out a kick at one of the vampires. He surprised me by grabbing my foot and slamming me back down on to the pavement, his weight crushing down on top of me. Stupid vamp. Did he forget that I had the stake?