War Stories: Throwing Down The Gauntlet (1/1)

[lettered]

Series: War Stories
Title: Throwing Down The Gauntlet (1/1)
Length: 9,700 words
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: violence.
Summary: Angel takes over.
A/N: part of the “War Stories” universe. The first story is Raising The Banner. Thanks to everybody who encouraged. Cuz I'm spazzy.

Comments

[lettered]

For me, this fic was all about family.

Me too! I'm glad you saw it that way. But of course you did because it's your brain too, huh. ;o)

I could feel Angel being ripped apart.

I'm glad. I stayed out of Angel's head mostly on this one, because I thought the events and dialogue spoke for themselves, but sometimes I worry about everyone getting the same thing from it that I do.

I know Germaine was saying she's not sure that Angel would have done what he did at the end, but the thing is I don't think he would have if it had been anybody else. The Reiley's don't know it but they are Angel's family also in a personal way and Angel would kill for them in order that Connor and the people he loves don't suffer.

I'm not sure. To me, the end actually wasn't about Angel being a father, but being a leader. Angel realizes that if he's going to make the mall a safe place for Connor and the Reilly's to live, he can't be try to be the man Connor loves and respects, can't try to set the example for the kinda man he'd want Connor to be. Instead, he has to set the example for the community over all--an example of just how ruthless and inhuman he can be. I think he'd do the same for any family, because in the end, asserting his leadership=stronger community=safer place for Reilly's=Connor's happiness. Which is, of course, the only thing that matters.

Thanks so much for reading this. You always make me think.

And I owe you a beta. It should come soon; I'm a loser; sorry!