Angel the series was created and is owned by Joss Whedon. I am Lamech. Here me roar.
(ahem) ~meow~ ….Feh, I really must work on that.
As always, please take the time to review the story. How do you like it so far? What do you not like about it? Thank you for your time. If you want, drop a line and visit the old webpage. dimension exit 12.(bows and departs.)
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LICK THE DUST
(part four)
by Lamech
Angel lied across the backseat of the Plymouth with a thick comforter over him while Gunn drove. Even with the cloth top up, sunlight still found a way to leak in hence the cover up. The comforter was not exactly a lead sheet but it worked. He peeked out where sunlight failed to reach him. He could see the back of Cordelia's head, who was sitting in the front seat.
I should be sitting up there. He let out a groan. I feel like a damn little kid back here. He pulled down the cover back over his face and realized something. I don't believe it. I am a kid, complete with a security blanket!
Cordelia turned around in her seat and peaked down at the vampire. "How are you holding up, Angel?"
The comforter stirred. "I'm fine. And how does it look up there?"
"We're stuck in traffic," she answered. Leaning against her seat as if it were more a bar than a piece of the car she sighed, "And it doesn't look like we are going to be moving any time soon. Look on the bright side though, if Wes went down this way he should be stuck in traffic too. So, let's hear it for L.A. traffic."
"That is unless the car he was following took the back roads. Then he could be way ahead of us," spoke Gunn as he stared at the endless sea of cars before him.
"Oh." The girl turned around and stared at the cars as well. "Damn L.A. traffic. C'mon, move already!"
Angel poked out his head once more, "Where do you think he of could've been heading, Gunn? Could it be back to the Yakuza?"
Gunn did not turn around. Instead he shrugged his shoulders. He folded his arms. There wasn't a need to hold onto the steering wheel. The car was not going anywhere. "Could be. And if that's the case then I know where that is. My people have been covering that place for a good week. We haven't been inside of it but we do know who has been in and out of that place."
The inside of the car grew quiet. Everyone was lost in his or her own thoughts. Suddenly Gunn grabbed hold of the steering wheel. His foot slammed the gas pedal and he swerved the car onto the shoulder. Cordelia grabbed hold of the roof and the dashboard. She muttered a prayer as Gunn raced the car forward. Angel sat up to see what was going on only for a beam of sunlight to hit him across the face. His skin began to instantly blister and smoke. The smell of meat cooking filled the car. He fell back down and covered his face.
His fingers brushed across his brow to feel the sticky mixture of puss, blood and already forming new skin growing. Pain awoke in every nerve in his body. He slammed a hand over his mouth and let out a muffled scream. That helped a little. Letting go he yelled out to Gunn. "What is going on?"
"I am using a shortcut," the man answered as he drove on.
Cordelia on the other side of the car had her eyes closed as tight as she could get them. Both of her hands still had a death grip on the roof and dashboard. For once she cursed Angel's car for having more style and less safety. Why couldn't he be driving a Volvo? There's no shame in that. They're good sturdy cars. Oh, God, please, don't let us get into an accident because Mr. Toad here decided he wanted to go on his wild ride now. And, please, please, PLEEEEASE, let there not be any cops. I know I've prayed to you that I want to be on TV but not on the six o'clock news!
The car suddenly turned once more. Cordelia opened her eyes slightly. She saw the familiar green highway sign overhead claiming that they were entering the exit for E 2nd St.. The car went back onto the semi-empty road. Gunn smiled. This was the type of driving he was used to.
Cordelia stared out the window and took in the foreign scenery. She thought she had been to everywhere in Los Angeles but this was all new to her.
From under his blanket Angel stuck out a finger. When the flesh failed to sizzle he peeked out from his cover. His face revealed a fresh pink scar that ran across the bridge of his nose. "What was that?! And where are we?"
An amused Gunn answered, "That was the shortcut I was telling you about. And we're in Little Tokyo. This is where we've followed the Yakuza to after they've swept through my neighborhood." His voice was that of a tour guide. Calm and matter a fact. He could have been telling them about Beverly Hills and the fabulous homes of the stars rather than the hide out of a mafia ring as far as they could tell with that tone. He settled down into the seat like it was the captain's chair to an ancient sea ship. "This car may be old and a bit sluggish but you can never go wrong with a classic. I love this machine!"
Cordelia did not bother to turn her head to look at Angel. She did not have to. She knew exactly what sort of face the vampire was making. It was the same I don't believe this is happening as hers. She rolled her eyes.
Angel shook his head and sat up. He curled his body into a tight ball making sure no body parts peaked out except for his face, which was cast in a deep shadow. The sunlight was not shining in anymore but glare of the hood and the sheer brightness of the world around him made his eyes ache slightly. He squinted. "Cordy, do you see Wes anywhere?"
She looked around the busy streets. Dozens and dozens of American-Japanese and Japanese roamed the district going about their day to day lives. Only every so often did Cordelia see a face of a different ethnic background. A redhead here. A Chicano over there. But there wasn't a tall dark haired European in a gray Polo shirt and Dockers to be seen. Nor did she see his bike. C'mon, Wes, where are you?
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After nearly losing the car twice between the traffic and the back roads Wesley had tailed the Falcon all the way to Little Tokyo. The car pulled into a lot that was littered with construction materials. Dumpsters of useless lumber, broken concrete and other building goods made a small maze across the grounds. On either side of lot stood dual two story brick buildings that looked like they had seen better days. All the curtains in the windows were drawn giving the impression that who ever was in there wanted to be left alone.
Wesley parked his bike about a quarter of a block away between two large SUV's. For once he was joyed for large American mechanical monstrosities. They gave him the perfect cover. He looked at his damaged arm. The bleeding had finally stopped but blood caked up the lower half of his sleeve. Carefully he rolled up his sleeve trying to hide the blood within the rolls. The bleeding may have stopped but the pain was still there. He bit his lower lip but a whimper still escape. He glanced up to see if anyone was watching him. No one was. The district locals were lost in their own world that or they just did not care that some blood covered spectacled gaijin was in their home. Chalk it up to LA. Everyone was jaded. Been there. Done that. Got the T-shirt.
It didn't matter to Wesley. Actually he preferred the situation that way. The last thing he wanted was some old lady in her housedress screaming at him and making a scene. He climbed off his bike and rolled up his other sleeve. It was then and only then that he realized something. I don't have any weapons. How stupid could he be? What did he plan on doing anyway? Running into the Yakuza quarters and yelling, "Everyone get down on the floor…….pretty please?" He took off his glass for a moment and felt his face. Think.
No, he couldn't fight. But he could do what he was good at. What Cordelia told him he was good at. He was the fact finding, research guy. He could spy, gather information and then return to the office. But Angel…He thought about it for a moment. I have a few weapons at home. Maybe I shouldn't do this alone. But… He closed his eyes. Planning was usually one of his better traits and yet the whole thing before him looked like a mess of knots. I am about to step into a den of snakes and I don't have a bloody clue what do next. Self doubt began arise in him. And then suddenly he began to feel the sting of Angel's slap across his cheek once more. The memory of it refused to be ignored. I am not worthless. I can do this.
He took a deep breath and looked around the SUV. The two Asians that were in Falcon strolled into the far-left building of the lot. Another Asian in a white tank top and a hooded figure walked out of the other building. The man had a suit of tattoos covering his body and was smoking a cigarette. Every time he lifted his hand to take a drag Wesley was able to see that his pinkie was gone. Between the irezumi and the chopped off digit there was no doubt in the young man's mind that this was a Yakuza. However the cloaked figure left him puzzled. That was until the figure reached out and patted the Yakuza on the shoulder. The figure's hand was the deepest blue that Wesley had ever seen. Oni.
The young man looked around the neighborhood again. Dull bored residents looked back as they shuffled up and down the streets. He couldn't understand it. He was one thing. But to have the Yakuza in their own backyard, and the young man knew for sure that they knew as well and not react was something all together different. Were they that afraid? He remembered Kobe and how hard it was getting information from any of the locals there about the Slayer and Watcher deaths.
The Yakuza and the oni walked into the far-left building. And then nothing happened. Wesley's body tightened up. It was now or never. He began to walk down the block like he belonged there hoping to blend in. He stuck out like a sore thumb. But besides a giggle from a pair of schoolgirls who were walking behind him no one said a thing. Quickly he slipped out of the small crowd and stood flat across the shadow of the building.
His mind was racing. Right, right, I'll use the fire escape to go up the building and from there I'll use the air ducts to go through each floor. Then I can gather information, see who is there and go back to Gunn. Then we can…we can…He closed his eyes. His heart was pounding so hard that he could feel it in his throat. I can't think that far ahead! One thing at a time. Spy first. He turned around to look for the fire escape only to practically scream in utter frustration. I'm on the wrong side of the bloody building?!? The fire escape was indeed on the other side.
Dropping to his knees against the building he thought for a moment. Maybe this is a sign from God. Maybe I should go back to the office. Taking off his glasses he gazed up at the hazy world around him. A heavy sigh came next. I don't believe this. I am right outside of my enemy's headquarters and I am arguing with myself on what I should do next. He placed his glasses back on and stood up tall. His face took on a look of confidence as he thought of his history and his possible future. Ian was my friend. My good mate. And Gunn and his people are counting on me. I can do this. I know I can. I'll show Cordelia and Angel that I can do this. A smirk came across his face. And if I die I hope they don't put me in one of those gaudy coffins. I preferred to be burned.
With his mind made up Wesley stepped out onto the street once more. The cloaked figure behind him made sure he did not take another step.
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The Plymouth was barely half a block away and with every gaining foot it took Gunn felt fear grow in him. He knew that this was possibly the stupidest thing he ever done. You're not supposed to go charging into your rival's territory after they've just attacked you. They're going to be expecting it. But still he had to do it. Deep in his heart he knew that when decisions came to matters such as these every man counted. Every life counted. And if there was a chance to save one then every effort must be done to do so.
Besides he came to Angel asking for them to risk their lives to help him and his people. He had to show that if the roles were in reverse he'd be willing to do the same. Only Gunn did not plan for the reversal to come so soon.
His hands were white knuckled against the steering wheel. But his face showed a cool, calm expression.
Cordelia on the other hand was practically crawling the walls. "I don't see him or his bike anywhere. Gunn, are you sure they would have gone here?!" She scanned out the windows. "What if he is in another part of town? What if he decided to return to the office? What if he's still stuck in traffic?"
Angel placed a hand on the girl's shoulder. "Cordelia." The girl calmed down. "Just keep looking."
A moment of peace passed before Cordelia began screaming again. Only this time it was out of joy. She threw up an arm and pointed out of Gunn's window. Which in turn made him jerk and sent the car racing. Slamming his foot on the brake Gunn ground the car to a screeching stop. Angel flew forward into the back of Cordelia's seat and smacked hard against it. Pain followed.
Cordelia saw the whole thing. She grabbed at the seat belt that was snuggly fitted across her chest; "You should have had your seat belt on."
Both Gunn and Angel glared at the girl. Instead of feeling the brunt of both of their anger Cordelia pointed out the window. "Look! There between those SUV's."
The two men turned not sure what to expect. With Cordelia it could be anything.
"That's Wesley's bike," the girl yelled, "I know that death trap anywhere!"
Angel looked at the parked vehicle. It was indeed Wesley's motorcycle. Hope grew in him. But then as soon as the relief came the emotion vanished leaving a hole behind. Thick poisonous fear quickly filled the void. What if I am too late? He came closer to the window only to shrink back when pain began to cover him. Looking down at his hands he saw smoke dancing off his flesh. He was too close to the sunlight. Too close to do anything.
"He's not here," remarked Gunn, waking Angel from his daze.
Angel drew the cover tighter around him, "Drive up a little further. Maybe we can spot him on the street."
Gunn obeyed.
The Plymouth edged forward.
Cordelia began to pray under her breath to anything and everything that was holy to help her. Her own thoughts went to what Angel said about the banshee and her warning. The very notion that death could be predicted like that frightened her. Would she have a warning before she was about to die? And if she did would she be able to see it and recognized it. She thought of how Angel kept that very secret about Wesley to himself. No wonder he wanted to do a family bonding act such as bowling. The vampire wanted every moment he had with Wesley to count. But in the end his own actions that were meant to protect the young man drove him away.
But still the girl could not blame the vampire for keeping the secret. It was after all Wesley. The young man had a tendency to fly off the handle when it came to certain things. Especially when it came to death. And who knows even if Angel had told Wesley about the death warning maybe, just maybe the same thing would have had happened. Maybe Wesley would have realized that he was going to die no matter what and would have decided that a fight to the death would have been better than a coward's death. Over the months she had worked with the young man she had learned a few things about him. And that was despite the thin shell that Wesley put out. Under the clumsy, snobby know it all facade, Wesley was actually brave. But it was like pulling teeth to make him show that side of himself. It was as if he wanted to fail. That he felt he was not deserving of success.
Cordelia's thoughts then switched over to the spat in the street between the two of them.
The closet remark came foreward. She had picked up that Wesley had a bad childhood. But perhaps it was worse than she thought. For a second she thought of her own father. Yes, he had cheated on his taxes but that was it. Other than that he had spoiled her all her life with praise, affection and money. Her every whim was his command. She closed her eyes and thanked her father for being who he was.
She opened her eyes and looked out the window again. And to her amazement she saw him. She saw Wesley. He was walking out of the shadow of the building. And he was alive. Everyone else in the car saw him at the same time. Angel began shouting to Gunn to take the car down the alley. That he was going to grab Wesley and for him afterwards to floor it. Gunn shouted back that he wasn't sure that car would fit in the narrow alleyway. The side mirrors and the entire body of the car might become destroyed. And even worse the car might become stuck.
Angel glared into the rearview mirror at Gunn. For once in several times the vampire cursed that he did not have a reflection otherwise his simple glare would have told Gunn all he needed to know.
"Will you two stop arguing!" Cordelia screamed as face went red with anger. Did they not care about what was going before them? She then went back to Wesley, "He's leaving and we might lo-" Her voice stopped and finished with a gasp. She spotted the figure behind Wesley.
The creature grabbed Wesley by the neck and bashed his head once against the brick wall. The man's body went limp and fell foreward into the creature's arms. He did not even see what had hit him. The creature pulled down his hood revealing the deep blue face of a tusked oni. The demon came close to Wesley's face. A black as tar tongue slowly licked the young man's cheek as if oni was testing the taste of his flesh. A jagged fanged smile showed the oni's approval. Slowly the creature began to drag the young man deeper into the shadows.
Cordelia yelled in horror as all color flushed from her face. She went for her door only for Gunn to grab her and yank her back.
"What do you think you are doing?" His face was twisted in anger. "You can't go up against something like that!"
Angel's eyes narrowed. But I can. The rear car door swung open and out flew Angel. His body was still bundled up in the comforter but under the harsh midmorning sun it offered little protection. The skin on his exposed hands began to smoke and blister. Suddenly flames burst across his uncovered skin.
Cordelia watched as Angel dove into the building's shadow. Her mouth fell opened but she did not speak. Her mind was too puzzled by the act before her to worry about such things as speech. She just sat there in quiet awe. Gunn snapped her back into reality with a string of hissed obscenities.
"God damned stupid fucking vampire," he hissed as he grabbed hold of the steering wheel as tightly as he could. "You want to see if this car will fit into the alley, then fine we'll see if it does!"
Suddenly the sound of gunfire interrupted his anger. Gunn ducked in his seat, as did Cordelia. There on the front steps to the first building were two men. Yakuza. They had just happened to be walking out of the building at that moment. Deciding that Gunn and the Plymouth had no place there in their home they chose to clean house. Bullets rained down as more men with irezumi came out to the front to join them. More gunshots followed. None of it was direct fire. They did not want to kill who ever was in the car too quickly. The day had been dull in the building and any excitement they could get was a pleasant welcome. Especially when the target such as the huge sitting duck before them did not once fire back.
The people along the streets screamed. They fell onto the pavement cowering in fear of their lives. Cordelia could hear the voices of old women begging for the gunfire to stop. In the distance she heard a baby screaming its head off in terror and confusion. She felt like that baby. "Gunn," she cried, "Do something!"
Obeying Gunn sucked in his breath and stomped on the gas pedal. The car gave off a loud wail as if it was an injured animal and raced forward. Angel's open rear door slammed against a parked car and shut itself. Weaving back and forth down the street the Plymouth raced for cover as bullets continued to dent and mark it. Suddenly Gunn sat up and swirled the car around the corner and pushed the Plymouth as fast as it would go. Cordelia felt her body being pressed against her seat by the force. Covering her eyes and balling up in the chair she held her breath. C'mon, c'mon, this can't be my end. I'm vision girl. I can't die. I haven't given the gift to anyone. Don't cheat me, PTB. You can't change the rules in the middle of the game. The firing suddenly stopped. But the car kept on roaring down the road. Cordelia's hands raced across her body. No holes. No blood. And that is always a good thing. Her eyes opened and glanced around. Barely two inches from where her head was a few minutes ago was a bullet hole in her seat. Oh, the church is so getting a bonus from me come next time I go for my weekly Holy Water pick-up.
Cordelia looked up at Gunn. A mixture of complete anger and pale shock graced his face. He looked like he wanted to yell. And he did. "Dammit, dammit, dammit!" Suddenly the car swirled around in the street leaving a heavy tire streak on the road. The front of the Plymouth was pointed in the direction of the Yakuza but did not move. Instead the vehicle just sat there like a ruined vessel. Too damaged to charge back into war.
"That fool," whispered Gunn, "Now not only do we have Wesley to worry about but now him as well."
Suddenly Cordelia climbed out of the car. Gunn followed thinking she was going to go back on foot after Angel. He lost Angel but there was no way on earth he was going to let the girl slip though his grasp. If need be he would tackle her in the middle of the street and toss her in the trunk. But to his surprise she only took out her cell phone from her pocket and dialed a number.
Gunn stared on with much curiosity. The girl shook her head and took a deep breath. She looked like she was preparing to run a marathon. Then suddenly she tensed up her body and began to cry. "Hello? Hello?" she said in a voice so frail that even scared Gunn. Still he did not say anything. He just watched.
The girl continued, "911? Oh, oh, god, oh, god, pl-please, please (sob) you have-have to help me. I'm, I'm in my bedroom closet. There's a man in my house. He-he already killed my brother…..no, no, I don't know who he is. But I know he is going to kill me if you don't come….I-I don't know….yes…no, a gun…I DON'T KNOW….(sob)….(sob)."
Cordelia proceeded to give the address to the Yakuza's building all the while crying and halfway screaming. Her performance was so real that she was physically sobbing and shaking like the victim she was portraying.
"Please…please, hurry. I-he's coming. I have to go. Please, hurry…." She hung up and closed the phone. Wiping her faux tears she smiled at Gunn who was standing there with his mouth wide open. "That takes care of that," she said as leaned against the car. "The cops come in and flush everyone out. Then we can find Wesley and Angel."
Gunn shook his head. "That was stupid."
Cordelia scrunched up her brow. "What do you mean?"
"The cops are going to raid the place, right?"
"Yeah, so?"
"Here they are charging into the place thinking there will only be one guy. Not a building full of Yakuza, vampires, oni and kappa! They aren't going to be prepared at all. Do you have any idea what an ugly bloodbath this is going to be?! And all thanks to your little pity play."
The girl's eyes grew big as a blush traced her cheeks. She smiled meekly and bit her nail.
"Oops."
END OF PART FOUR