Title: Best Laid Plans.
Author: Charlie
Timeline: Post BtVS S7 & AtS S5
Summary: You can see someone everyday and not really see them.
Feedback is always appreciated.
-Riley and Alex's hotel, later on that evening. -
Riley Finn had long ago mastered the ability to sleep lightly enough to awaken easily, yet refreshed. It was a useful and sometimes necessary skill to survive. He had learned that the hard way after seeing one soldier disappear into the night while resting. The other man in the hotel room watched him sleep for a short time. In the dark, he dressed and as quietly as possible he left the room. As he locked the door from the outside, Riley opened his eyes slightly and smiled before rolling over and going back to sleep.
He surveyed the empty hallway before making his way towards the stairs. The elevator was simply more trouble then it was worth, too many questions could be asked by riding it down. Instead, he opted for the stairs where he made his way down the back entrance again. This time he wasn't out on business, this time was strictly personal.
-Crestview Library-
Rupert Giles was in the midst of transcribing his notes to his latest watcher's diary when the knock came. Looking up he saw Robin Wood standing in the doorway. He waved the younger man inside as he returned to his task.
Wood watched him for a few minutes before clearing his throat. Reluctantly Giles put his pen down and looked at him.
"Kind of an interesting afternoon we had wasn't it?"
"Yes, I suppose it was."
There was a pause before Giles spoke again.
"Is something bothering you, Robin?"
"You might say that. Today we had a guy, two guys actually. One of whom I know lost one of his eyes to an agent of the First Evil and lost his former fiancée in the same war. He shows up here and tells the same friends he fought alongside to go to hell."
"Yes. That does seem to summarize the events of the day."
"Is that all you can say?"
"What would you have me say?"
"I don't know? Maybe an explanation?"
Sighing Giles removed his glasses and pinched his nose lightly.
"Robin, Xander was and is an impulsive young man with many positive and negative qualities. Among the latter is a lack foresight that frequently gets him into trouble. That he has decided to limit those kinds of trouble by removing himself from our lives shows he is at least partially aware of that fact. "
The black man looked skeptical.
"Rupert, Can you honestly say that young man is any less a liability then Spike is? Or Andrew?"
"Andrew has several useful abilities not the least of which are his knowledge and summoning abilities. He is also quite useful with that infernal computer when Willow is not available."
"Spike is a vampire."
"Yes, he is, he is also in possession of his soul."
Wood snorted.
"I understand your distrust and hatred of Spike for the actions of his demon. But, his sacrifices first in Sunnydale and then in Los Angles for Angel, have convinced me that he is trustworthy, Robin."
"If you say so."
"I would not have thought it so when I first encountered him. But, the former William the Bloody is more useful and more of an asset to us then Alexander was. It is with his help that normal people such as Alexander are no longer needed."
"Guess that means I am ready to be replaced as well?"
"Absolutely not. We are in need of your skills as principal not to mention your skills as a fighter are quite formidable."
Wood got to his feet, deep in thought. "Faith wants to go out tonight so I'd better get ready."
"A patrol?"
"No, bar."
"Oh well be careful, Angel was able to suppress the pursuit of Faith and the Hellmouth's energies make it less likely she will be noticed, it remains possible that she will be recognized by someone."
"We know, low level bars and dives tonight. Places less likely to ask questions."
-In town-
The Topper was once a somewhat respected gentlemen's establishment. Founded nearly 50 years ago, it had catered to a modest middle management clientele. It's wood trim, soft lighting and cushioned seats had lent to an air of quiet comfort on many a night. That ended a few years ago when the club's ownership had changed hands. The new owners had gutted much of the club's interior, installing a more modern sound and lighting system. Platforms had been installed and patrons were often encouraged to 'use' them. The club's bar had been redesigned and expanded. The exterior was the same as it had been while the interior was garish and new. The mix of the two was somewhat jarring and caused quite a bit of discussion among the locals.
None of which mattered at all to the man currently sitting in the darkness. He had chosen this spot specifically to avoid being noticed. His eyes roamed the club, slowly tracing a lazy pattern in the noise. He dropped his gaze to the tabletop and the half-filled glass of ice and water on it. A distinctive voice reached his ears and he found its source at the bard. Faith, the slayer from Boston, was present. Beside her, was an older black man, Robin Wood. They were dressed for a night on the town, she in black leather pants, a matching black halter and a leather jacket. Wood on the other hand opted for something less eye catching, black jeans and a dark blue shirt. They seemed in the midst of an animated conversation that had Faith gesturing and talking as Wood listened in.
"It sounded like a fucking freight train."
Hearing that phrase, the man eye's closed and he thought back to before....
Flashback
It was safe now to go outside, the immediate danger had passed. Slowly he crept forth from his shelter and saw what had happened. This had been a fairly average neighborhood, brick and wooden houses with chain link fences, bird feeders and lawn sprinklers. Now most of the neighborhood was gone, obliterated by the terrifying power that had passed through. Homes that had stood for more then a decade had been reduced to piles of rubble. Even those places that still stood showed signs of extensive damage. Trees, boats, automobiles were interspersed throughout the rubble at random.
He turned his attention to the east, following the roar. Its path of destruction seemed to lessen as it got further away from them. Even as he watched, the storm lost its strength finally and the funnel disappeared. But the damage it created was proof its strength. Homes and lives ripped apart as though they were tissue paper and scattered across the ground. He smiled grimly, there would be time enough to mourn the dead once the living were saved.
End Flashback
The man jerked his attention back the present. His senses buzzing, he scanned the room. A woman dressed in red clothing and her date attracted his attention. Quietly he watched as they made out before leaving the club as a new influx of people entered. Silently the man paid for his drink and followed them outside.
The vampire had just begun to feed when it was struck from behind and its victim was yanked away. It quickly got to its feet, growling at the strange man that dared interrupt. The man seemed unconcerned as he checked on the victim. The vampire had been prevented before it could drain too much blood.
"That was rude."
The red garbed woman spoke a thin trail of blood dribbled out of her mouth. The human seemed untroubled by the vampire.
"Dinner's cancelled leech."
"No, not cancelled. Changed, it's two for one now."
The man chuckled, his blue eyes full of mirth before replying.
"Give it a try."
-Less then five minutes later. -
Faith and Wood burst forth from the club. They looked around tensely, having to work their way through the crowd while not drawing attention to themselves would be hard under most circumstances. Trying to do so in order to save someone from being eaten had made them even more difficult.
"Damn it, I know that bitch came out here to feed."
"Faith, over there."
Wood made his way over to the young man lay propped up against the wall. Wood quickly checked for a pulse and sighed in relief when he found. He checked the man and found a makeshift bandage around the man's neck. He removed the bandage and saw the wound wasn't life threatening but resolved to call 911 as soon as possible.
"This sucks, where the hell is the vamp? Her meal is here but where did she go?"
In frustration, she kicked an old soda can that lay near her foot. The can flew into the wall, bounced off and rolled before coming to a stop. Faith's eye's widened when she saw a familiar looking pile of ash next to the can. Wood joined her and they both stared at the pile of ash.
"Guess we know what happened to the vampire."
Faith turned her attention back towards the intended meal, now merely unconscious while Wood took a few steps nearer the remains of the vampire. Faith's confusion increased as she looked at the otherwise unmarked alley. Robin looked up to say something to her but a flicker of movement caught his eyes. He turned towards it and just for a moment caught the outline of a figure.
"We had better get back to the school."
Faith nodded and the two of them set off for home.
-Riley and Alex's hotel, later on that evening. -
Riley Finn had long ago mastered the ability to sleep lightly enough to awaken easily, yet refreshed. It was a useful and sometimes necessary skill to survive. He had learned that the hard way after seeing one soldier disappear into the night while resting. The other man in the hotel room watched him sleep for a short time. In the dark, he dressed and as quietly as possible he left the room. As he locked the door from the outside, Riley opened his eyes slightly and smiled before rolling over and going back to sleep.
He surveyed the empty hallway before making his way towards the stairs. The elevator was simply more trouble then it was worth, too many questions could be asked by riding it down. Instead, he opted for the stairs where he made his way down the back entrance again. This time he wasn't out on business, this time was strictly personal.
-Crestview Library-
Rupert Giles was in the midst of transcribing his notes to his latest watcher's diary when the knock came. Looking up he saw Robin Wood standing in the doorway. He waved the younger man inside as he returned to his task.
Wood watched him for a few minutes before clearing his throat. Reluctantly Giles put his pen down and looked at him.
"Kind of an interesting afternoon we had wasn't it?"
"Yes, I suppose it was."
There was a pause before Giles spoke again.
"Is something bothering you, Robin?"
"You might say that. Today we had a guy, two guys actually. One of whom I know lost one of his eyes to an agent of the First Evil and lost his former fiancée in the same war. He shows up here and tells the same friends he fought alongside to go to hell."
"Yes. That does seem to summarize the events of the day."
"Is that all you can say?"
"What would you have me say?"
"I don't know? Maybe an explanation?"
Sighing Giles removed his glasses and pinched his nose lightly.
"Robin, Xander was and is an impulsive young man with many positive and negative qualities. Among the latter is a lack foresight that frequently gets him into trouble. That he has decided to limit those kinds of trouble by removing himself from our lives shows he is at least partially aware of that fact. "
The black man looked skeptical.
"Rupert, Can you honestly say that young man is any less a liability then Spike is? Or Andrew?"
"Andrew has several useful abilities not the least of which are his knowledge and summoning abilities. He is also quite useful with that infernal computer when Willow is not available."
"Spike is a vampire."
"Yes, he is, he is also in possession of his soul."
Wood snorted.
"I understand your distrust and hatred of Spike for the actions of his demon. But, his sacrifices first in Sunnydale and then in Los Angles for Angel, have convinced me that he is trustworthy, Robin."
"If you say so."
"I would not have thought it so when I first encountered him. But, the former William the Bloody is more useful and more of an asset to us then Alexander was. It is with his help that normal people such as Alexander are no longer needed."
"Guess that means I am ready to be replaced as well?"
"Absolutely not. We are in need of your skills as principal not to mention your skills as a fighter are quite formidable."
Wood got to his feet, deep in thought. "Faith wants to go out tonight so I'd better get ready."
"A patrol?"
"No, bar."
"Oh well be careful, Angel was able to suppress the pursuit of Faith and the Hellmouth's energies make it less likely she will be noticed, it remains possible that she will be recognized by someone."
"We know, low level bars and dives tonight. Places less likely to ask questions."
-In town-
The Topper was once a somewhat respected gentlemen's establishment. Founded nearly 50 years ago, it had catered to a modest middle management clientele. It's wood trim, soft lighting and cushioned seats had lent to an air of quiet comfort on many a night. That ended a few years ago when the club's ownership had changed hands. The new owners had gutted much of the club's interior, installing a more modern sound and lighting system. Platforms had been installed and patrons were often encouraged to 'use' them. The club's bar had been redesigned and expanded. The exterior was the same as it had been while the interior was garish and new. The mix of the two was somewhat jarring and caused quite a bit of discussion among the locals.
None of which mattered at all to the man currently sitting in the darkness. He had chosen this spot specifically to avoid being noticed. His eyes roamed the club, slowly tracing a lazy pattern in the noise. He dropped his gaze to the tabletop and the half-filled glass of ice and water on it. A distinctive voice reached his ears and he found its source at the bard. Faith, the slayer from Boston, was present. Beside her, was an older black man, Robin Wood. They were dressed for a night on the town, she in black leather pants, a matching black halter and a leather jacket. Wood on the other hand opted for something less eye catching, black jeans and a dark blue shirt. They seemed in the midst of an animated conversation that had Faith gesturing and talking as Wood listened in.
"It sounded like a fucking freight train."
Hearing that phrase, the man eye's closed and he thought back to before....
Flashback
It was safe now to go outside, the immediate danger had passed. Slowly he crept forth from his shelter and saw what had happened. This had been a fairly average neighborhood, brick and wooden houses with chain link fences, bird feeders and lawn sprinklers. Now most of the neighborhood was gone, obliterated by the terrifying power that had passed through. Homes that had stood for more then a decade had been reduced to piles of rubble. Even those places that still stood showed signs of extensive damage. Trees, boats, automobiles were interspersed throughout the rubble at random.
He turned his attention to the east, following the roar. Its path of destruction seemed to lessen as it got further away from them. Even as he watched, the storm lost its strength finally and the funnel disappeared. But the damage it created was proof its strength. Homes and lives ripped apart as though they were tissue paper and scattered across the ground. He smiled grimly, there would be time enough to mourn the dead once the living were saved.
End Flashback
The man jerked his attention back the present. His senses buzzing, he scanned the room. A woman dressed in red clothing and her date attracted his attention. Quietly he watched as they made out before leaving the club as a new influx of people entered. Silently the man paid for his drink and followed them outside.
The vampire had just begun to feed when it was struck from behind and its victim was yanked away. It quickly got to its feet, growling at the strange man that dared interrupt. The man seemed unconcerned as he checked on the victim. The vampire had been prevented before it could drain too much blood.
"That was rude."
The red garbed woman spoke a thin trail of blood dribbled out of her mouth. The human seemed untroubled by the vampire.
"Dinner's cancelled leech."
"No, not cancelled. Changed, it's two for one now."
The man chuckled, his blue eyes full of mirth before replying.
"Give it a try."
-Less then five minutes later. -
Faith and Wood burst forth from the club. They looked around tensely, having to work their way through the crowd while not drawing attention to themselves would be hard under most circumstances. Trying to do so in order to save someone from being eaten had made them even more difficult.
"Damn it, I know that bitch came out here to feed."
"Faith, over there."
Wood made his way over to the young man lay propped up against the wall. Wood quickly checked for a pulse and sighed in relief when he found. He checked the man and found a makeshift bandage around the man's neck. He removed the bandage and saw the wound wasn't life threatening but resolved to call 911 as soon as possible.
"This sucks, where the hell is the vamp? Her meal is here but where did she go?"
In frustration, she kicked an old soda can that lay near her foot. The can flew into the wall, bounced off and rolled before coming to a stop. Faith's eye's widened when she saw a familiar looking pile of ash next to the can. Wood joined her and they both stared at the pile of ash.
"Guess we know what happened to the vampire."
Faith turned her attention back towards the intended meal, now merely unconscious while Wood took a few steps nearer the remains of the vampire. Faith's confusion increased as she looked at the otherwise unmarked alley. Robin looked up to say something to her but a flicker of movement caught his eyes. He turned towards it and just for a moment caught the outline of a figure.
"We had better get back to the school."
Faith nodded and the two of them set off for home.