Standing the Test of Time 14
Title: Standing the Test of Time
Fandom: AtS
Pairings: Spike/Dracula, Spike/Angel
Rating: Pg-13 for now. The rating might go up later.
Warning: Slash
Disclaimer: I don't own them or make money off them. This is just for fun.
Summary: When captured in the aftermath of a battle Spike finds himself at the mercy of his old rival--Count Dracula. Will he be saved before it’s too late or will he be lulled into something even more dangerous than the Counts’ wrath?
Spoilers: For the Peter David IDW comic series Spike vs. Dracula 1-5.
Timeline: After NFA and after my story William Restored.
"Yes, I think you recall my son, don’t you? You certainly made the impression on our family."
Faith had never thought much about Wesleys’ parentage except when they use to joke about it in Sunnydale. Yet she had thought she would see more of a resemblance of the father and the son. The only thing she could see were the eyes, a coldness that she had seen in Wesleys’ eyes the last time they were together had unbalanced her. It was nothing like the unemotional depths she now saw in this man. This was the type of guy that didn’t take shit from anyone.
"Yeah, Wes was really something." She responded weakly.
Rogers’ mouth tightened briefly as if to make a cutting remark yet he managed to restrain himself giving the impression that he had better things to do than waste an effort on a lost cause. "Now, Ms. Jordan was it? Take us to see the vampire."
"Hey wait a sec you can’t--"
"Ms. Lehane your orders are to report back to the Council not interfere with other assignments. You can do that much right can’t you? I would hate to think that you were not thinking of the best interest of the Council again." Rogers’ voice held anything but regret at the idea. Turning to the uneasy Jane he gave a long suffering sigh. "Well what are you waiting for girl, stop gawking and do your job. I didn’t come here to watch you daydream!"
Jane blushed murmuring her apologies and lead him and the other four slayers down the hallway. When Faith took a step forward a girl with her hair in an impossibly neat bun blocked the entrance. "Mr. Wyndam-Pryce has not authorized you to see the vampire. Please restrain yourself or we’ll be forced to bring you down." The young woman warned in a bored voice.
"Bring me down huh? Flattering as hell but I gotta say I like it with someone with less of a stick up their ass." Faith replied with a shameless grin flashing the shuttering woman a wink over her shoulder.
Once she was out of the other girls’ sight Faith reached for her cell and clicked on Robins’ line. She would have clocked the slayer in years past and gone on ahead heedless of the odds. Now she had learned how to play it on the down low. It wasn’t as much fun but it got better results in the long run. When Robin picked up he was in a bad mood, in the distance she could hear angry yells of discontentment. Ah the joys of teaching the new girls.
"Sounds like your having your own party there. Did you take away their meds again?"
"Nah, we’re not that crazy. You kind of learn within the first two weeks that you shouldn’t take away anything from ax wielding women with short tempers. Though Andrew taste in movies leaves much to be desired with this crowd." He remarked with a tired chuckle.
"Another vampire movie-fest? Damn, does that man has a death wish or something? The girls have been sick of those things since week one."
"Yeah, well word of your problem has reached around here and he left some films about Dracula." Judging by his tone he knew what she was calling about. "What’s the story?"
"You said that things were bad with the Council last time we spoke. Is it spilt? ‘Cuz Wes’ dad is here and is trying to take Angel. I spent two minutes with that dude and I got frosty. No way do I wanna leave Angel with him."
When Robin didn’t answer right away Faith felt the familiar dread return. "You're still there aren’t you? Damn it Faith you're suppose to be on your way back--"
"Did the Council send him or not?" She threw back.
"They...yes they sent him, Roger is still with the Council, Giles wants Angel here to see personally that he stays away from Romania."
Her mind raced with the implications furious at Giles, Roger, Robin and herself. "Why send him? This guy hates me, he hates Angel, lost his son while he was working for Angel and now the Council trust him to bring him in? Hell no! They can’t--Giles can’t even trust me to go with them at least until Angel is handed over to him?"
"He’s a well respected member of the Council, he has boundless resources at his disposal and is the key to stopping this feud. Least that is how Rupert sees it. Roger gave his word that he'll bring Angel in alive."
--------------------------------------------------------
Checking to see that he was well guarded by the four slayers Roger entered the confinement. It was an empty office that was often used as an interrogation room. The slayers were sure to see to it that the area was cleaned up properly at least. None of the stains from the former demon prisoners were visible on the pristine floors.
He nodded absently pleased to see that the codes for disposing were being met. The floors were still wet, which meant that it was cleaned just before these prisoners were brought in. Not perfect or up to his standards but it would do for now. It would be untraceable to the human senses though not vampire standards he suspected. With this thought on his mind Roger glanced at the occupants.
On the left hand side sitting at the table was a brunette woman with delicate features slumped over leaning with her elbows on the table. She held her head in her hands turning to meet his gaze in a curious way. Such a thin tiny thing she was in her red floral print dress and oversized sandals. Smiling shyly she waved uncertainly. "Hi, um...I know ya’ll are busy and all that. I don’t mean to cause any trouble, it’s just that we haven’t eaten in awhile."
She looked over to a boy seated across from her causally twirling a pen between his fingers. The youth barely looked at the group before returning to his idle trick. Roger quickly made mental notes of them disregarding them as potential threats. From his own research during Wesleys' foolhardy work with the vampire he had noted that the demon liked to keep human workers, and rarely had other demon assistance.
"These are the manners they teach in L.A. now a days? Most find it proper to ask for introductions instead of making demands. Not that you are in any position for either. As for eating, you will be fed when we decide and not before." He announced ignoring her words explanations.
He glanced in disdain at the puddles of sticky blue liquid that covered the table along the scattered empty bottles. It was a disgraceful mess that reflected the looseness of the rules that he abhorred. From the corner of his eye Roger could see Carey cringe. Yes, they would speak on this later. How many times had he said that they were not allowed to bring the prisoners food or drinks?
Without looking at Carey he held out his hand expectantly as she fumbled around for his clipboard. Taking it from her Roger circled the table keeping respectful distance from the vampire that stood dangerously near to the opened blinds. The sun was still up soon to set not that it would do the beast much good.
"Names?" He asked expectantly.
"Fred--sorry--," the woman said noting the odd expression on Rogers' face," --Winifred Burkle."
"What is your connection to the vampire Angelus and what is it you do exactly?"
"First of all his name is Angel now." Fred corrected hotly showing Roger a spark of defiance he would have never suspected. "As for what I do I work in the science division, examining the ectoplasm, entrails, electric impulses, sonic waves--"
She ticked off more names for the varies things she did seemingly lost in the joy her job gave her. The slayers stared at one another silently asking is she was serious. Fred still went on ratting off different things she would study playing idly with an empty bottle on the soaked tabletop. Having enough of that Roger cleared his throat.
"That will do Ms. Burkle. I believe I have the general idea of your job. What about you young man?"
"Michael Corvin." The boy said glancing up with amused eyes. "I fight demons." He added as an after note knowing that question was coming.
"Not all it would seem." Roger said meaningfully.
"Nope. Neither do you, then again I think it would sorta defeat the purpose of having slayers if you’re going to kill them."
"We’re not demons!" Jane cried out in distress.
"Don’t let him get to you." Carey hissed back under her breath.
The youth unfazed by the reactions he received shook his head. "What you just think you magically got your powers? Hate you break it to you but you’re all part demon now----"
"That is quite enough." Roger leaned down until he was face to face with him. "I’ve met your type before boy, I know what you’re like."
"I kind of doubt that."
"You think you’re indestructible since you work with brutal monsters. That they won’t harm you since you chose their side. Demons are pure evil boy, and they should be dealt with as such!" Face flushed from his anger Roger was furious to see that this youth simply stared back at him.
"You know you remind me of someone I knew too." The boy whispered so softly that he almost missed it. "And that makes me feel sorry for them," he nodded towards the slayers, "but more for Wesley."
In a move so swift it shocked the girls under his charge Roger slapped the young man across the face. Fred made to raise but was stopped by a cold voice.
"Touch him again and you’ll regret it." Carey quickly held up her crossbow at the approaching vampire. "You wouldn’t hit me if you tried." Angel said not bothering to look in her direction, his eyes focused on the Watcher gripping the young mans’ shirt.
"Now let him go, Roger."
That seemed to bring the old man back to his senses. "So you do know who I am." He realized glancing at the trio.
"We’ve met in a matter of speaking. At least with someone who stole your appearance." The demon shrugged. "Personally I was more impressed with the robot."
Releasing the boy the Watcher stood to face Angel bringing his cross into plain view.
"Rupert Giles was a fool to let you wander around corrupting his charges and leading others astray. I’d wage that it was you who murdered the members of your little "team" in the first place!"
Angels’ eyes hardened to fine points briefly flashing amber. "That’s a damn lie."
"Is it? Strange how all your people seem to drop like flies." Frowning Roger briefly thought about hearing something from Rupert Giles as he left in regards to Ms. Burkle. Not wanting to waste time he had left without hearing the other man out. No matter, she presented no threat and bared no signs of being a vampire herself.
"You’re awfully smug for someone trapped inside a room with a vampire. No wait that’s normal for a Watcher isn’t it? To be so full of yourself that you make stupid mistakes?"
"Hardly Angelus, in case it slipped your notice I have four slayers ready to take you down should you get out of control. While you on the other hand can make no such claims." Roger taunted noticing the boy now carefully moving near the window yanking at his collar to get more air. Weakling.
The vampire nodded. "Maybe not or maybe I was just stalling for time."
No sooner did Angel say this then did he knocked away Rogers’ cross and tossed him over the table knocking into two slayers as he did so. Carey fired an arrow at Angel only to have it be intercepted as Fred leaped forward. Carey was horrified believing that she had hit the woman. Tilting her head to the side Fred pulled back revealing the arrow held in her left hand and not through it.
"Intriguing." She said meeting Careys’ startled gaze. "I wish to test these limitations now. Let us engage in battle and discover what a slayers’ might is compared to a god-king."
"What?"
Sarah who had gotten past Fred during the exchange of the two women had attacked Angel head on, trading hits with him but not quite managing to get past his defenses. After a nasty hit to her back she rolled with the punch coming up close to the boy. Without a backwards glance the young man elbowed Sarah hard in the stomach sending her back into the vampires’ direction. Angel brought his arm out striking the stunned slayers’ in the throat sending her body across the room barely missing hitting Carey who dodged just in time.
Alison had leapt to her feet once she saw that Jane was helping a dazed Roger stand. Seeing the battle ready stance of Fred and the shocked Carey she attacked. The slender woman nodded back at her. "You will do."
Obviously holding back due to her "weak" opponent Alison soon discovered the agileness the other woman had and let go of her restraint. Ducking a series of kicks, and the follow through punch Fred stared at the slayer strangely. She then hit Alison square in the face throwing the woman back so hard she bounced off the wall collapsing into a undignified position.
"This is a slayer? Pathetic."
"What are you doing girl snap out of it!" Roger roared at Carey who rose with Jane ready to join the fray.
That was when the young man tossed two lit matches onto the damp floor and table. Roger had mistaken the wetness for the drinks from empty bottles that had littered the table and the cleaning crews' work on the floor. As the fire soon spread quickly he knew the truth, it was alcohol that the vampire had smuggled in. It was a set up.
The glass exploded raining shards of glass when the woman, Fred causally tossed a fold out chair into it. The boy leaped out the window in a dangerous foolish fashion that would surely kill him from their height. The woman was next though she paused briefly to stare oddly at Roger before she dropped down after the boy. Angel was last shaking out his duster from stray glass fragments when he also met Rogers’ gaze, nodded meaningfully and followed the others.
With a fire setting the room on blaze it was impossible to go after the group through the flames. Not that it made much difference to Roger. "Go after them! Their getting away!"
"We’re on it , sir." Carey answered motioning for Jane to help a dizzy Alison take Sarah away from the inferno. She clicked on her headset. "Michelle, we have runners--intercept, over."
-------------------------------
The plan had been a little risky but luckily his dad was right on the money about the way they would overlook some details when faced with a legendary vampire. Connor was happy that they even had the rubbing alcohol and the mouthwash to use thanks in small part to Faith. Being a slob thanks to college life even paid off leaving them plenty of empty bottles to use. Still it was too early to gloat and they had miles to go to save Spike.
"I thought you said there was a car!" Angel exclaimed his sudden coolness fading in light of this finding.
"There was! I saw it drive up over here when Pryce came! It was right here!" Connor pointed frantically at the now vacant spot.
"This is just great! I make a badass exist and get trapped in the parking lot! You were suppose to look out for the car!"
"So now this is my fault?!" Connor yelled back, running towards the cars on the distant side of the parking lot.
"I’m sorry it’s just--you were given one job and you couldn’t keep an eye out for the car?!" He threw his hands up in a "what the hell" gesture.
"Not helping dad!"
"You lost the car!" The vampire cried out again in disbelief.
"We’ve already established that and again not helping!"
"These are the beings I have allowed myself to have an allegiance with. I sense that this feeling of deep shame is a normal occurrence for those who accompany your kind." Illyria said speaking more to herself than the other two.
A clicking sound drew the attention of the trio to a slayer holding a crossbow aimed for Angels’ heart. "Take another step and you're dust."
Carefully stepping closer she jerked her head at Illyria. "Get back inside unless you want me to hurt you."
"You presume much to dare order those far above you. I should rip your insolent tongue from your mendacious mouth for this indignity."
"Nice to see that she’s gotten over her shyness." Connor quipped.
A squeak of tires alerted them a second before a limo slammed into the slayer hitting her hard enough to send her flying.
"Well, we found the car." Angel remarked.
The door opened to reveal Faith with a slight smirk on her face. "Who’s bringing who down now?"
"Faith? What are you-?"
"Just get your asses in, alright?" Seeing the fallen slayer start to rise Angel quickly saw the logic in listening to her. Piling into the limo Faith stepped onto the gas tearing out of the lot.
"Faith, why did you steal this--"
"Got tried of waiting for a cab." She joked.
"Faith..."Angel tried again.
"Look I really don’t want to talk about right now, okay?"
"Sure...thank you."
Fandom: AtS
Pairings: Spike/Dracula, Spike/Angel
Rating: Pg-13 for now. The rating might go up later.
Warning: Slash
Disclaimer: I don't own them or make money off them. This is just for fun.
Summary: When captured in the aftermath of a battle Spike finds himself at the mercy of his old rival--Count Dracula. Will he be saved before it’s too late or will he be lulled into something even more dangerous than the Counts’ wrath?
Spoilers: For the Peter David IDW comic series Spike vs. Dracula 1-5.
Timeline: After NFA and after my story William Restored.
"Yes, I think you recall my son, don’t you? You certainly made the impression on our family."
Faith had never thought much about Wesleys’ parentage except when they use to joke about it in Sunnydale. Yet she had thought she would see more of a resemblance of the father and the son. The only thing she could see were the eyes, a coldness that she had seen in Wesleys’ eyes the last time they were together had unbalanced her. It was nothing like the unemotional depths she now saw in this man. This was the type of guy that didn’t take shit from anyone.
"Yeah, Wes was really something." She responded weakly.
Rogers’ mouth tightened briefly as if to make a cutting remark yet he managed to restrain himself giving the impression that he had better things to do than waste an effort on a lost cause. "Now, Ms. Jordan was it? Take us to see the vampire."
"Hey wait a sec you can’t--"
"Ms. Lehane your orders are to report back to the Council not interfere with other assignments. You can do that much right can’t you? I would hate to think that you were not thinking of the best interest of the Council again." Rogers’ voice held anything but regret at the idea. Turning to the uneasy Jane he gave a long suffering sigh. "Well what are you waiting for girl, stop gawking and do your job. I didn’t come here to watch you daydream!"
Jane blushed murmuring her apologies and lead him and the other four slayers down the hallway. When Faith took a step forward a girl with her hair in an impossibly neat bun blocked the entrance. "Mr. Wyndam-Pryce has not authorized you to see the vampire. Please restrain yourself or we’ll be forced to bring you down." The young woman warned in a bored voice.
"Bring me down huh? Flattering as hell but I gotta say I like it with someone with less of a stick up their ass." Faith replied with a shameless grin flashing the shuttering woman a wink over her shoulder.
Once she was out of the other girls’ sight Faith reached for her cell and clicked on Robins’ line. She would have clocked the slayer in years past and gone on ahead heedless of the odds. Now she had learned how to play it on the down low. It wasn’t as much fun but it got better results in the long run. When Robin picked up he was in a bad mood, in the distance she could hear angry yells of discontentment. Ah the joys of teaching the new girls.
"Sounds like your having your own party there. Did you take away their meds again?"
"Nah, we’re not that crazy. You kind of learn within the first two weeks that you shouldn’t take away anything from ax wielding women with short tempers. Though Andrew taste in movies leaves much to be desired with this crowd." He remarked with a tired chuckle.
"Another vampire movie-fest? Damn, does that man has a death wish or something? The girls have been sick of those things since week one."
"Yeah, well word of your problem has reached around here and he left some films about Dracula." Judging by his tone he knew what she was calling about. "What’s the story?"
"You said that things were bad with the Council last time we spoke. Is it spilt? ‘Cuz Wes’ dad is here and is trying to take Angel. I spent two minutes with that dude and I got frosty. No way do I wanna leave Angel with him."
When Robin didn’t answer right away Faith felt the familiar dread return. "You're still there aren’t you? Damn it Faith you're suppose to be on your way back--"
"Did the Council send him or not?" She threw back.
"They...yes they sent him, Roger is still with the Council, Giles wants Angel here to see personally that he stays away from Romania."
Her mind raced with the implications furious at Giles, Roger, Robin and herself. "Why send him? This guy hates me, he hates Angel, lost his son while he was working for Angel and now the Council trust him to bring him in? Hell no! They can’t--Giles can’t even trust me to go with them at least until Angel is handed over to him?"
"He’s a well respected member of the Council, he has boundless resources at his disposal and is the key to stopping this feud. Least that is how Rupert sees it. Roger gave his word that he'll bring Angel in alive."
--------------------------------------------------------
Checking to see that he was well guarded by the four slayers Roger entered the confinement. It was an empty office that was often used as an interrogation room. The slayers were sure to see to it that the area was cleaned up properly at least. None of the stains from the former demon prisoners were visible on the pristine floors.
He nodded absently pleased to see that the codes for disposing were being met. The floors were still wet, which meant that it was cleaned just before these prisoners were brought in. Not perfect or up to his standards but it would do for now. It would be untraceable to the human senses though not vampire standards he suspected. With this thought on his mind Roger glanced at the occupants.
On the left hand side sitting at the table was a brunette woman with delicate features slumped over leaning with her elbows on the table. She held her head in her hands turning to meet his gaze in a curious way. Such a thin tiny thing she was in her red floral print dress and oversized sandals. Smiling shyly she waved uncertainly. "Hi, um...I know ya’ll are busy and all that. I don’t mean to cause any trouble, it’s just that we haven’t eaten in awhile."
She looked over to a boy seated across from her causally twirling a pen between his fingers. The youth barely looked at the group before returning to his idle trick. Roger quickly made mental notes of them disregarding them as potential threats. From his own research during Wesleys' foolhardy work with the vampire he had noted that the demon liked to keep human workers, and rarely had other demon assistance.
"These are the manners they teach in L.A. now a days? Most find it proper to ask for introductions instead of making demands. Not that you are in any position for either. As for eating, you will be fed when we decide and not before." He announced ignoring her words explanations.
He glanced in disdain at the puddles of sticky blue liquid that covered the table along the scattered empty bottles. It was a disgraceful mess that reflected the looseness of the rules that he abhorred. From the corner of his eye Roger could see Carey cringe. Yes, they would speak on this later. How many times had he said that they were not allowed to bring the prisoners food or drinks?
Without looking at Carey he held out his hand expectantly as she fumbled around for his clipboard. Taking it from her Roger circled the table keeping respectful distance from the vampire that stood dangerously near to the opened blinds. The sun was still up soon to set not that it would do the beast much good.
"Names?" He asked expectantly.
"Fred--sorry--," the woman said noting the odd expression on Rogers' face," --Winifred Burkle."
"What is your connection to the vampire Angelus and what is it you do exactly?"
"First of all his name is Angel now." Fred corrected hotly showing Roger a spark of defiance he would have never suspected. "As for what I do I work in the science division, examining the ectoplasm, entrails, electric impulses, sonic waves--"
She ticked off more names for the varies things she did seemingly lost in the joy her job gave her. The slayers stared at one another silently asking is she was serious. Fred still went on ratting off different things she would study playing idly with an empty bottle on the soaked tabletop. Having enough of that Roger cleared his throat.
"That will do Ms. Burkle. I believe I have the general idea of your job. What about you young man?"
"Michael Corvin." The boy said glancing up with amused eyes. "I fight demons." He added as an after note knowing that question was coming.
"Not all it would seem." Roger said meaningfully.
"Nope. Neither do you, then again I think it would sorta defeat the purpose of having slayers if you’re going to kill them."
"We’re not demons!" Jane cried out in distress.
"Don’t let him get to you." Carey hissed back under her breath.
The youth unfazed by the reactions he received shook his head. "What you just think you magically got your powers? Hate you break it to you but you’re all part demon now----"
"That is quite enough." Roger leaned down until he was face to face with him. "I’ve met your type before boy, I know what you’re like."
"I kind of doubt that."
"You think you’re indestructible since you work with brutal monsters. That they won’t harm you since you chose their side. Demons are pure evil boy, and they should be dealt with as such!" Face flushed from his anger Roger was furious to see that this youth simply stared back at him.
"You know you remind me of someone I knew too." The boy whispered so softly that he almost missed it. "And that makes me feel sorry for them," he nodded towards the slayers, "but more for Wesley."
In a move so swift it shocked the girls under his charge Roger slapped the young man across the face. Fred made to raise but was stopped by a cold voice.
"Touch him again and you’ll regret it." Carey quickly held up her crossbow at the approaching vampire. "You wouldn’t hit me if you tried." Angel said not bothering to look in her direction, his eyes focused on the Watcher gripping the young mans’ shirt.
"Now let him go, Roger."
That seemed to bring the old man back to his senses. "So you do know who I am." He realized glancing at the trio.
"We’ve met in a matter of speaking. At least with someone who stole your appearance." The demon shrugged. "Personally I was more impressed with the robot."
Releasing the boy the Watcher stood to face Angel bringing his cross into plain view.
"Rupert Giles was a fool to let you wander around corrupting his charges and leading others astray. I’d wage that it was you who murdered the members of your little "team" in the first place!"
Angels’ eyes hardened to fine points briefly flashing amber. "That’s a damn lie."
"Is it? Strange how all your people seem to drop like flies." Frowning Roger briefly thought about hearing something from Rupert Giles as he left in regards to Ms. Burkle. Not wanting to waste time he had left without hearing the other man out. No matter, she presented no threat and bared no signs of being a vampire herself.
"You’re awfully smug for someone trapped inside a room with a vampire. No wait that’s normal for a Watcher isn’t it? To be so full of yourself that you make stupid mistakes?"
"Hardly Angelus, in case it slipped your notice I have four slayers ready to take you down should you get out of control. While you on the other hand can make no such claims." Roger taunted noticing the boy now carefully moving near the window yanking at his collar to get more air. Weakling.
The vampire nodded. "Maybe not or maybe I was just stalling for time."
No sooner did Angel say this then did he knocked away Rogers’ cross and tossed him over the table knocking into two slayers as he did so. Carey fired an arrow at Angel only to have it be intercepted as Fred leaped forward. Carey was horrified believing that she had hit the woman. Tilting her head to the side Fred pulled back revealing the arrow held in her left hand and not through it.
"Intriguing." She said meeting Careys’ startled gaze. "I wish to test these limitations now. Let us engage in battle and discover what a slayers’ might is compared to a god-king."
"What?"
Sarah who had gotten past Fred during the exchange of the two women had attacked Angel head on, trading hits with him but not quite managing to get past his defenses. After a nasty hit to her back she rolled with the punch coming up close to the boy. Without a backwards glance the young man elbowed Sarah hard in the stomach sending her back into the vampires’ direction. Angel brought his arm out striking the stunned slayers’ in the throat sending her body across the room barely missing hitting Carey who dodged just in time.
Alison had leapt to her feet once she saw that Jane was helping a dazed Roger stand. Seeing the battle ready stance of Fred and the shocked Carey she attacked. The slender woman nodded back at her. "You will do."
Obviously holding back due to her "weak" opponent Alison soon discovered the agileness the other woman had and let go of her restraint. Ducking a series of kicks, and the follow through punch Fred stared at the slayer strangely. She then hit Alison square in the face throwing the woman back so hard she bounced off the wall collapsing into a undignified position.
"This is a slayer? Pathetic."
"What are you doing girl snap out of it!" Roger roared at Carey who rose with Jane ready to join the fray.
That was when the young man tossed two lit matches onto the damp floor and table. Roger had mistaken the wetness for the drinks from empty bottles that had littered the table and the cleaning crews' work on the floor. As the fire soon spread quickly he knew the truth, it was alcohol that the vampire had smuggled in. It was a set up.
The glass exploded raining shards of glass when the woman, Fred causally tossed a fold out chair into it. The boy leaped out the window in a dangerous foolish fashion that would surely kill him from their height. The woman was next though she paused briefly to stare oddly at Roger before she dropped down after the boy. Angel was last shaking out his duster from stray glass fragments when he also met Rogers’ gaze, nodded meaningfully and followed the others.
With a fire setting the room on blaze it was impossible to go after the group through the flames. Not that it made much difference to Roger. "Go after them! Their getting away!"
"We’re on it , sir." Carey answered motioning for Jane to help a dizzy Alison take Sarah away from the inferno. She clicked on her headset. "Michelle, we have runners--intercept, over."
-------------------------------
The plan had been a little risky but luckily his dad was right on the money about the way they would overlook some details when faced with a legendary vampire. Connor was happy that they even had the rubbing alcohol and the mouthwash to use thanks in small part to Faith. Being a slob thanks to college life even paid off leaving them plenty of empty bottles to use. Still it was too early to gloat and they had miles to go to save Spike.
"I thought you said there was a car!" Angel exclaimed his sudden coolness fading in light of this finding.
"There was! I saw it drive up over here when Pryce came! It was right here!" Connor pointed frantically at the now vacant spot.
"This is just great! I make a badass exist and get trapped in the parking lot! You were suppose to look out for the car!"
"So now this is my fault?!" Connor yelled back, running towards the cars on the distant side of the parking lot.
"I’m sorry it’s just--you were given one job and you couldn’t keep an eye out for the car?!" He threw his hands up in a "what the hell" gesture.
"Not helping dad!"
"You lost the car!" The vampire cried out again in disbelief.
"We’ve already established that and again not helping!"
"These are the beings I have allowed myself to have an allegiance with. I sense that this feeling of deep shame is a normal occurrence for those who accompany your kind." Illyria said speaking more to herself than the other two.
A clicking sound drew the attention of the trio to a slayer holding a crossbow aimed for Angels’ heart. "Take another step and you're dust."
Carefully stepping closer she jerked her head at Illyria. "Get back inside unless you want me to hurt you."
"You presume much to dare order those far above you. I should rip your insolent tongue from your mendacious mouth for this indignity."
"Nice to see that she’s gotten over her shyness." Connor quipped.
A squeak of tires alerted them a second before a limo slammed into the slayer hitting her hard enough to send her flying.
"Well, we found the car." Angel remarked.
The door opened to reveal Faith with a slight smirk on her face. "Who’s bringing who down now?"
"Faith? What are you-?"
"Just get your asses in, alright?" Seeing the fallen slayer start to rise Angel quickly saw the logic in listening to her. Piling into the limo Faith stepped onto the gas tearing out of the lot.
"Faith, why did you steal this--"
"Got tried of waiting for a cab." She joked.
"Faith..."Angel tried again.
"Look I really don’t want to talk about right now, okay?"
"Sure...thank you."