Title: A Fair Exchange.
Author: Charlie
Timeline: Post BtVS S7 & AtS S5. Sequel to "Best Laid Plans."
Summary:Xander begins revamping the slayer school but finds his biggest challeges lie within.
Feedback is always appreciated.
Author Notes: Round and round, the ship goes. Where it lands, the
Author doesn't know. Will it be (A)my, (B)uffy, (C)ordelia, (D)awn, (F)aith, (F)red, (H)armony, (K)ennedy or (W)illow that wins the Xandman?
The ride back to the school was quiet for the most part. Travis deftly moved in and out of traffic while Willow sat in the passenger seat. Both were deep in thought over the conversation they just had.
Although he had apologized publicly to the boy, inwardly Travis still seethed with anger. In the span of a few short days, his structured way of life and perfect setup had been blown up and tossed aside like garbage. The school hadn't been his idea but he had adapted to it quickly. In part because he recognized how foolish it would be to oppose it and in part because of Buffy. She was hurting physically and emotionally over what happened but she was still his and he would do whatever was necessary to keep her as such.
Which brought him to the current problem. The actions of the Watcher's council had thrown everything into chaos. Their 'champions' as it were had single-handedly managed to upset the two elder slayers and the Witch, not to mention removal of the school figurehead in Giles. They had also managed embolden Wood to the point he was asking questions. Questions that could lead to other questions with answers that the half demon didn't want known. Especially by his present lover and her companions.
Attacking Harris physically was out, though he was stronger then the human, he was certainly no match for Cole. And any direct assault on the former carpenter would likely trigger a negative reaction from the others. Perhaps an indirect attack then? Magic? Or through some intermediaries. Both methods had risk; Magic could be detected and possibly traced while hired help could be made to talk.
Travis frowned as he pulled up to the school and paused. Willow looked over at him expectantly. "I'm terribly sorry Willow but I have a meeting that I must attend to." She nodded dully and got out of the car. He lowered his window and added, "Please don't tell Buffy about my behavior, I don't want her getting upset right now. I'll be back before dark." The witch nodded and made her way into the school. Behind her, Travis raised his window, put the car back into gear and drove off.
-Elsewhere-
Cole had stalked his prey for almost three minutes when the opportunity came. He listened intently while gripping his weapon of choice. Then he heard it, he waited half a heart beat and swung with all of his strength. And promptly whiffed as the ball broke to the outside corner, leaving him swinging at air.
"Fuck."
Annoyed, he tapped the ball on the ground and returned his attention to pitching machine. Just as he as was about to swing, a familiar voice interrupted and he only got part of the ball.
"Hey Jerk."
Cole turned around and saw his visitor, "Hey Ken-doll." She glared at him in response. He held up his hands in surrender and made his way over to the machine and shut it off.
"So what's on your mind, Ken?"
"Oh, I don't know how about you assaulting the most experienced slayer in front of numerous eye witnesses?"
"Someone's a little upset I see."
"A little? You snapped her arm and separated her shoulder! What is the matter with you? Failure to communicate MUCH?"
"I can communicate just fine, Ken-doll. To me it sounds like the issue is the language and the content of the message."
"And what is the message? I hate you because of Xander?"
Cole paused as he considered her question, "Hate? No but, I'm disappointed in them. As both friends and in theory champions, they leave a lot to be desired but that's how people are I guess."
"If people are like that, why can't you just let it go?"
"It's not up to me to make that choice, Ken, it's up to them. Look; picture the relationship Xander had with everyone like a tree. Okay?"
She nodded slowly.
"Now trees grow slowly but steadily for the most part. They provide shelter and structure for countless animals and plants. So much so that while you're busy watching the birds on their branches and the squirrels on their limbs, you never really notice the leaves on the tree. You still with me."
"Yes."
"Okay now the problem is trees, even the strongest ones are susceptible to things like diseases and termites and other things. Those sorts of things can kill a tree and cause it to rot from the inside out. Now you can step in and prevent that but only if you pay attention."
Kennedy blinked as understanding spread across her features, "Buffy and Willow didn't pay attention, did they?"
"No, they didn't."
"And you hurting Buffy, was that for him?"
"No, I hurt Buffy because she needed it quite frankly."
"Okay, now I'm lost again."
Cole sighed, "Buffy Summers has gone most of her life and all of her time believing that she above all others is right and that she alone is the one to make every choice."
"And she isn't."
"No man is island and no slayer is the law."
"So you hurt her because she thought she was?"
"Kind of. She's been raised and taught that it's her way or no way at all."
"And you're trying to make her think differently."
"Bingo."
She frowned at him, "Kind of heavy handed don't you think?"
"You mean taking a club to a situation that needs a feather?"
"Yes."
"A little." He admitted.
She cocked her head to one side, "What makes you different? What makes you better then her?"
"Nothing makes me better, but I choose to be different."
"How?"
Cole leaned back the chain link fence a distant look coming into his eyes, "Well, I'm 28, I've been doing this thing since I was 15. I wanted to be a doctor but ended up working as a mechanic after high school for four years. I spent seven years protecting the LifeSpring in my hometown. Then I wandered around the world for awhile, went to Asia, Africa, Europe, even South America. Took on Zombies, Vampires, Shapeshifters, Demons and Golems. You name it, I probably killed it."
"And killing things makes you different?"
"No, choosing to accept other people's help and not treating them like redshirts on Star Trek, makes me different."
"And with the school?"
He smiled at her; "I'm open to suggestions. I was going to meet with Wood and the others individually but I'll listen to any ideas you got."
Kennedy paused to think about that, "Any ideas?"
"Any ideas."
She seemed to mull that over and then saw that he was smiling at her.
"And what are you smiling about?"
Cole waited, then answered in a soft voice, "Nothing. You just remind me of someone."
The young slayer blinked twice, feeling a faint blush on her skin. She shook it off and put a dirty look on her face, "I'm in a healthy, committed relationship. And besides, I don't do guys." She finished in a huff.
He had to laugh as he started walking away from her and restarting the machine. Idly he swung the bat, "That's okay Ken-doll, neither do I. Although there was this one time, I needed a ride."
The look became a scowl and Cole smirked a little, "I was just kidding. I didn't need the ride."
Behind him, the machine whirred up and spat out a ball MUCH quicker and much faster then he had anticipated. Cole turned around just in time to catch the ball right on the chin and promptly collapse.
Kennedy almost started forward but then noticed how he was lying on the ground. She couldn't help it, she started giggling and then laughing. On the ground, Cole slowly drummed his fingers on the ground as he looked up at the laughing girl. He turned and looked up at the ceiling muttering to himself.
-Later-
"Don't you dare tell anyone how I got this." Cole was holding an ice bag to his face over a rather large and impressive bruise.
"You got it fighting some unspeakably nasty demons, gotcha." Kennedy said in semi-sweet yet serious voice.
The Hunter shot her a dirty look and the two of them set off for the school.
Around the same time, a different sort of conversation was taking place within the VIP rooms of a private club. Travis watched the other man intently, when he had been alerted that someone wanted to meet to conduct a business deal he first thought was to blow it off. But after recent events, he was glad he hadn't.
"So, you will be able to meet the requirements I have for the shipping of my order in addition to the actual order itself" The other man inquired.
"Yes, your order will be processed and shipped as soon as the funds clear."
The man smiled, "Indeed. I was most happy to learn that someone such as yourself was available in this city. Suppliers of 'exotic' materials such as I require are so very rare in this world."
The half demon smiled at his client, "I have been involved with my family's business since I was old enough to walk. I have participated in numerous trips involving both 'freight' and 'passengers'. Believe me when I say that your shipment will come through untouched and without arousing suspicion."
Each man smiled at the other as they shook hands.
"I believe you, Mr. Travis. A pleasure doing business with you."
"And I say the same to you Mr. Thomas."
Author: Charlie
Timeline: Post BtVS S7 & AtS S5. Sequel to "Best Laid Plans."
Summary:Xander begins revamping the slayer school but finds his biggest challeges lie within.
Feedback is always appreciated.
Author Notes: Round and round, the ship goes. Where it lands, the
Author doesn't know. Will it be (A)my, (B)uffy, (C)ordelia, (D)awn, (F)aith, (F)red, (H)armony, (K)ennedy or (W)illow that wins the Xandman?
The ride back to the school was quiet for the most part. Travis deftly moved in and out of traffic while Willow sat in the passenger seat. Both were deep in thought over the conversation they just had.
Although he had apologized publicly to the boy, inwardly Travis still seethed with anger. In the span of a few short days, his structured way of life and perfect setup had been blown up and tossed aside like garbage. The school hadn't been his idea but he had adapted to it quickly. In part because he recognized how foolish it would be to oppose it and in part because of Buffy. She was hurting physically and emotionally over what happened but she was still his and he would do whatever was necessary to keep her as such.
Which brought him to the current problem. The actions of the Watcher's council had thrown everything into chaos. Their 'champions' as it were had single-handedly managed to upset the two elder slayers and the Witch, not to mention removal of the school figurehead in Giles. They had also managed embolden Wood to the point he was asking questions. Questions that could lead to other questions with answers that the half demon didn't want known. Especially by his present lover and her companions.
Attacking Harris physically was out, though he was stronger then the human, he was certainly no match for Cole. And any direct assault on the former carpenter would likely trigger a negative reaction from the others. Perhaps an indirect attack then? Magic? Or through some intermediaries. Both methods had risk; Magic could be detected and possibly traced while hired help could be made to talk.
Travis frowned as he pulled up to the school and paused. Willow looked over at him expectantly. "I'm terribly sorry Willow but I have a meeting that I must attend to." She nodded dully and got out of the car. He lowered his window and added, "Please don't tell Buffy about my behavior, I don't want her getting upset right now. I'll be back before dark." The witch nodded and made her way into the school. Behind her, Travis raised his window, put the car back into gear and drove off.
-Elsewhere-
Cole had stalked his prey for almost three minutes when the opportunity came. He listened intently while gripping his weapon of choice. Then he heard it, he waited half a heart beat and swung with all of his strength. And promptly whiffed as the ball broke to the outside corner, leaving him swinging at air.
"Fuck."
Annoyed, he tapped the ball on the ground and returned his attention to pitching machine. Just as he as was about to swing, a familiar voice interrupted and he only got part of the ball.
"Hey Jerk."
Cole turned around and saw his visitor, "Hey Ken-doll." She glared at him in response. He held up his hands in surrender and made his way over to the machine and shut it off.
"So what's on your mind, Ken?"
"Oh, I don't know how about you assaulting the most experienced slayer in front of numerous eye witnesses?"
"Someone's a little upset I see."
"A little? You snapped her arm and separated her shoulder! What is the matter with you? Failure to communicate MUCH?"
"I can communicate just fine, Ken-doll. To me it sounds like the issue is the language and the content of the message."
"And what is the message? I hate you because of Xander?"
Cole paused as he considered her question, "Hate? No but, I'm disappointed in them. As both friends and in theory champions, they leave a lot to be desired but that's how people are I guess."
"If people are like that, why can't you just let it go?"
"It's not up to me to make that choice, Ken, it's up to them. Look; picture the relationship Xander had with everyone like a tree. Okay?"
She nodded slowly.
"Now trees grow slowly but steadily for the most part. They provide shelter and structure for countless animals and plants. So much so that while you're busy watching the birds on their branches and the squirrels on their limbs, you never really notice the leaves on the tree. You still with me."
"Yes."
"Okay now the problem is trees, even the strongest ones are susceptible to things like diseases and termites and other things. Those sorts of things can kill a tree and cause it to rot from the inside out. Now you can step in and prevent that but only if you pay attention."
Kennedy blinked as understanding spread across her features, "Buffy and Willow didn't pay attention, did they?"
"No, they didn't."
"And you hurting Buffy, was that for him?"
"No, I hurt Buffy because she needed it quite frankly."
"Okay, now I'm lost again."
Cole sighed, "Buffy Summers has gone most of her life and all of her time believing that she above all others is right and that she alone is the one to make every choice."
"And she isn't."
"No man is island and no slayer is the law."
"So you hurt her because she thought she was?"
"Kind of. She's been raised and taught that it's her way or no way at all."
"And you're trying to make her think differently."
"Bingo."
She frowned at him, "Kind of heavy handed don't you think?"
"You mean taking a club to a situation that needs a feather?"
"Yes."
"A little." He admitted.
She cocked her head to one side, "What makes you different? What makes you better then her?"
"Nothing makes me better, but I choose to be different."
"How?"
Cole leaned back the chain link fence a distant look coming into his eyes, "Well, I'm 28, I've been doing this thing since I was 15. I wanted to be a doctor but ended up working as a mechanic after high school for four years. I spent seven years protecting the LifeSpring in my hometown. Then I wandered around the world for awhile, went to Asia, Africa, Europe, even South America. Took on Zombies, Vampires, Shapeshifters, Demons and Golems. You name it, I probably killed it."
"And killing things makes you different?"
"No, choosing to accept other people's help and not treating them like redshirts on Star Trek, makes me different."
"And with the school?"
He smiled at her; "I'm open to suggestions. I was going to meet with Wood and the others individually but I'll listen to any ideas you got."
Kennedy paused to think about that, "Any ideas?"
"Any ideas."
She seemed to mull that over and then saw that he was smiling at her.
"And what are you smiling about?"
Cole waited, then answered in a soft voice, "Nothing. You just remind me of someone."
The young slayer blinked twice, feeling a faint blush on her skin. She shook it off and put a dirty look on her face, "I'm in a healthy, committed relationship. And besides, I don't do guys." She finished in a huff.
He had to laugh as he started walking away from her and restarting the machine. Idly he swung the bat, "That's okay Ken-doll, neither do I. Although there was this one time, I needed a ride."
The look became a scowl and Cole smirked a little, "I was just kidding. I didn't need the ride."
Behind him, the machine whirred up and spat out a ball MUCH quicker and much faster then he had anticipated. Cole turned around just in time to catch the ball right on the chin and promptly collapse.
Kennedy almost started forward but then noticed how he was lying on the ground. She couldn't help it, she started giggling and then laughing. On the ground, Cole slowly drummed his fingers on the ground as he looked up at the laughing girl. He turned and looked up at the ceiling muttering to himself.
-Later-
"Don't you dare tell anyone how I got this." Cole was holding an ice bag to his face over a rather large and impressive bruise.
"You got it fighting some unspeakably nasty demons, gotcha." Kennedy said in semi-sweet yet serious voice.
The Hunter shot her a dirty look and the two of them set off for the school.
Around the same time, a different sort of conversation was taking place within the VIP rooms of a private club. Travis watched the other man intently, when he had been alerted that someone wanted to meet to conduct a business deal he first thought was to blow it off. But after recent events, he was glad he hadn't.
"So, you will be able to meet the requirements I have for the shipping of my order in addition to the actual order itself" The other man inquired.
"Yes, your order will be processed and shipped as soon as the funds clear."
The man smiled, "Indeed. I was most happy to learn that someone such as yourself was available in this city. Suppliers of 'exotic' materials such as I require are so very rare in this world."
The half demon smiled at his client, "I have been involved with my family's business since I was old enough to walk. I have participated in numerous trips involving both 'freight' and 'passengers'. Believe me when I say that your shipment will come through untouched and without arousing suspicion."
Each man smiled at the other as they shook hands.
"I believe you, Mr. Travis. A pleasure doing business with you."
"And I say the same to you Mr. Thomas."