Prompt 89 - Escape - BtVS

[thismaz]

 Title: Escape
 Fandom: BtVS
 Prompt: 89 - Hot seat
 At: tamingthemuse
 Rating: Older Teen
 Summary: Part 28. Set during the summer before season 1, Xander's life is changed radically when vampires invade it. In the meantime Angel and Spike have their own, separate agendas.
 Word Count: 2,375
 Comments: Are greatly appreciated, loved and cherished.
 Previous parts:
 In reverse order, in tags here
 In my memories.
 Or, starting here with links to the next, at the end of each chapter.
 Disclaimer: here.
Now beta'd by the wonderful laazikaat

Warning (highlight the white area to see the warning text):

Demon Spike/Vamp Xander story

dark_amia made a wall paper and she turned it into a banner for me. Lookee here -

Isn't it pretty?

28. Escape

Staring into Liam's eyes, holding his attention by main force, Angel knew he was pleading. "Don't watch," he instructed. "Please. You'll be safe. I'll make sure you are. I know it's a shock. I know it's wrong. But I can't stop him." Liam took a half step back, pulling himself free but didn't interrupt, just stared at Angel, as if challenging him somehow, his unfinished supper still clutched in both hands. Unsure what the look meant, or if Liam was even hearing him, Angel continued his attempt to reassure, "I know I said he was family. And he is, sort of. But he's not like me. I don't do that. I told you. I need blood to live. But I don't kill humans." Looking into Liam's eyes, he felt the pressure to explain the unexplainable, excuse the inexcusable. "What I told you before..." He hesitated to step closer, although the need to do so was almost overwhelming. "It was true. Everything. About my soul, about Xander, about finding other ways to survive." Liam was still staring straight at him and Angel felt uncomfortably like he was on trial. He'd never had to defend himself before. Never faced this hot seat situation, where everything he said could be taken the wrong way, if he wasn't careful in his choice of words. Silently willing Liam to understand, to wait, not to judge him, he injected all his sincerity into his voice. "Just wait until we get out of here," he pleaded. "I'll get you away. You won't die. I promise. I'll keep you safe." The sound of a body crumpling to the floor seemed to echo around the cave. "But I can't stop him," he admitted again. "He was my childe, but he's his own vampire now." A shiver passed through Liam's frame and he seemed to reach a decision. He raised the forgotten baguette and stuffed the last bite into his mouth, following it with a swig of the orange juice the big vampire had brought down to him an hour or so ago. Angel chose to interpret that as Liam doing his best to cope, to understand. "I'm sorry for them," Angel said, waving his hand vaguely behind him, while still making sure that he was the only thing in Liam's line of sight. "They didn't deserve this. No one deserves this. Please. Let's just get out of here. Once we're out, I'll help you get away. I won't let them hurt you. I promised, didn't I?" Desperate for any response, the feeling of relief when Liam's mouth twisted into a faint smile was enough to make him offer up a prayer of thanks. He reached out and pulled Liam against his shoulder, enfolding him in a hug. "It's okay," he murmured. "It's okay. It'll be okay."

Liam remained stiff for a moment, then with a suddenness that took Angel by surprise, his body relaxed. His arms rose to hug Angel back and he took a shuddering breath that ended on a hiccup, before he pulled himself free again. His eyes were solemn, but he nodded his understanding and Angel felt the tension leave his own body as he offered another smile of reassurance and admiration for Liam's bravery. "We will get out of here," he repeated, just to be certain Liam understood.

"Yeah, sure, man," Liam whispered. He broke eye contact then and glanced quickly around. "So, hadn't we better be going?"

No question, that was a necessity. Turning around Angel addressed Spike, "How did you get in here, anyway?" he asked.

Stepping over the bodies at his feet, Spike scanned the cave. "Dru had a plan," he replied. "She's led them all a merry dance by now. No worries. She won't let them get back too soon." His face took on that fondly indulgent expression that Angel had only ever seen when Spike was thinking of Dru. "They all left, except for the one guard and he was no trouble. But I don't want to go back that way. Don't want to leave any scents they can follow." He began to prowl around the walls, sniffing deliberately. "Torches stay alive," he noted, plucking one from its bracket and lighting it from the one by the entrance. "So there's air coming in from somewhere. Reckon the way out's past the charnel heap there. Come on," he said with a jerk of his head. To the minion he added, "You take Dru's supper off the sorcerer there. Clock 'er one and carry her. Can't expect her to walk, not the condition she's in." He began to turn towards the dark corner but apparently registered the minion's lack of comprehension, because with a sigh of exasperation, he strode back to Ethan's side, handing the torch to Xander as he passed. He jerked the last apathetic human out of Ethan's arms, punched her in the temple and tossed her across to the young vampire who caught her limp body and hoisted it over his shoulder like a sack.

Spike reclaimed the torch. "Right!" he announced glancing around the diminished group. "We ready now?"

The minion nodded enthusiastically, Xander snapped to attention and gave what he probably thought was a military salute and Angel reached over and placed an arm around Liam's shoulder, pulling him in to his side. Spike laughed at Xander and indicated Ethan. "Keep a close eye on that one, love, okay?"

Grinning back, Xander nodded and grabbed Ethan by the upper arm. "Sir, Yes sir," he replied crisply.

"This way, then," Spike said, spinning on his heel in a mockery of a parade turn and leading them over to the corner. Picking his way between out flung arms and legs, he skirted the pile of bodies and entered the darkness beyond.

Angel debated who he would rather have at his back, knowing that the minion would come last. Deciding that on the whole, he'd rather have the sorcerer where he could see him, he allowed Xander to hustle Ethan forwards next and then guided Liam after, keeping himself between the boy and the pile of bodies. "Don't look," he murmured. "Just a few steps and we'll be past. Can you feel the fresh air? Feel the breeze? It means there's a way out up here. Just watch the light and keep walking, okay?"

Liam nodded jerkily, keeping his eyes fixed on the torch as it dipped and flared, casting heavy shadows across the tunnel wall and sparking the occasional flash of reflected light from small crystals of quartz embedded in the rock. The walls were as rough hewn as the cave they had left, but the floor was fairly even and it didn't take long to get past the last of the bodies and into a clear stretch beyond. Rats chittered and squeaked around their feet, indicating that this exit was not regularly used by the occupants of the court, and gnawed and broken bones lay as testament to their reason for being there. Angel just hoped that the exit, once they reached it, would be big enough for them to get through. The idea of having to retrace their steps, and possibly having to fight their way out through the front door, was not an attractive one. However, the tunnel showed no signs of narrowing and it had obviously been created deliberately, so he concentrated on the intermittent wafts of clean, outside air and guided Liam as best he could in the semidarkness.

The light ahead disappeared as Spike turned a corner and Angel paused to look back. The faint glow behind them was almost obscured as the minion approached, his outline obscenely distorted by his burden. Angel felt Liam shiver beside him and tightened his arm in a reassuring hug, before resuming their walk. Rounding the corner, Spike's torch was in sight again and Liam relaxed a little, so Angel hurried them slightly, to get them closer.

Once they were nearer to the group in front, Angel was able to make out the words of the conversation he had been aware of between Xander and Ethan. "No, see, that's where you're wrong," Xander was saying. "There has to be a better reason than that. I mean, this town? How come no one ever mentions vampires? How come Xander went his whole life and never even knew they existed?"

"Very interesting, young man, the way you separate yourself from your human host." Ethan obviously caught a look from Xander because in spite of the tight grip Xander still had on his arm, he raised his hands and added, "I talk too much, I know." Apparently satisfied that Xander had accepted that peaceable gesture, he continued, "But I keep my ear to the ground. This place is famous, in certain circles. At first glance it could be considered mysterious, how it's survived so long, but there are power players here, keeping a low profile, waiting. More than just this vampire king his followers want to raise" He shrugged. "And lots of eyes watching from a distance, ready to swoop in when the storm breaks." There was a suggestion of a rueful smile in his voice. "I really should learn to wait too. But to be in on the first wave..." He sighed. "As the great man said: 'I can resist anything, but temptation'. On the other hand..."

A step or two ahead of them, Spike stopped. "Quiet!" he hissed.

Crowding closer, Angel could make out a branch in the tunnel ahead. Spike took a few paces into the one on the right, paused, returned and entered the other. Turning back to his companions, he jerked the torch towards the first tunnel. "This way," he said.

The tunnel sloped gently downwards and they continued along it in silence. The walls around them were no longer so rough and after a while the bare rock was replaced by brick. It looked old, by the standards of the area, but it was in good repair. They passed a number of other junctions, but Spike seemed more confident now and he didn't hesitate. After a further five minutes Angel spotted a ladder fixed to the wall. Pausing there, Spike handed the torch to Xander and climbed up to the iron trapdoor above them. It seemed to take some effort, but with a soft grating sound it shifted and Spike's stance changed as he lifted the lid slightly and peered out, turning in a full circle to scope the entire area above. Once satisfied, he bent down and spoke, "We're by the docks," he said. "Back alley behind The Customs House. Drop the torch, pet, and follow me up." Bracing himself again, he hefted the trapdoor over, so it fell open with a loud 'clang' and clambered out. Xander gave Ethan a shove towards the ladder and climbed up behind him. Angel helped Liam in turn, immeasurably glad when he was finally able to stick his head out into the cool night air, rich with the tang of diesel, salt and weed. The minion came last, still hauling the unconscious body of the girl they had liberated from the court's cells.

Xander left Ethan in Spike's care and pulled her up, allowing the minion to get out more easily. "Jesse, man, are you okay?" he asked.

The minion nodded in reply and Angel pursed his lips thoughtfully at the exchange, but he didn't have time to speculate on the nature of Xander's relationship with an obvious minion, Liam needed him. He was almost hyperventilating as he took deep lungfuls of air. Laying a hand on each of Liam's shoulders, Angel bent close. "I told you I'd get you out," he said. "But it's still not safe. We need to get back up town. So keep it together a bit longer and stay close, okay?"

Liam nodded tightly and wrapped his arms around his chest, rocking slightly.

Xander shoved the trap door back in place and Spike scuffed dirt roughly back into the slot around its edge. Then he handed Ethan back to Xander and set off along the alley, towards the centre of town.

*****

Eleven days and finally Giles had reached the end of his 'to do' list for settling in: furniture bought and delivered, belongings unpacked, kitchen appliances in place, pantry stocked, books put away on the shelves, car acquired and driving test booked, so he could get his California licence. He'd arranged an interview with the headmaster and a tour of the school and he'd even managed to wangle a key, so he could spend some time checking the catalogue in the library over the summer months.

Mr Flutie was a harmless old bird and had gushed enthusiastically in response to Giles' apparent dedication to duty. He'd promised that Sunnydale High would soon feel like home and that he'd discover in the student body a family to be proud of. Giles had not had the heart to contradict the man, or to admit his own natural aversion to teenagers in general and en mass. He was simply thankful that the Headmaster was going back east for the next month, so he wouldn't be subjected to too much of his overpowering personality.

And now, for the first time, on this Saturday evening, Giles was free to do as he wished. What he decided to do was take a walk around town, to get a feel for the place after dark. It wasn't large, but it packed a tremendous variety of neighbourhoods into it's small space. In the natural course of settling in, Giles had already learnt the general layout. He knew where the docks were and the mall. He had found the street off the high street, which housed the small, specialist shops and he'd thoroughly inspected the public library. What he didn't yet know was where the trouble spots were. There appeared to be an inordinate number of churches in the town and a rather impressive number of graveyards. Giles decided that he ought to at least know which was which, in case he ever needed to be specific in his instructions to his slayer. Packing a large cross in each of his pockets, he straightened his tie and let himself out of his flat.

Continued here.

Comments

[sparrow2000.livejournal.com]

Ooh, lots and lots going on here. Interesting how almost paternalistic Angel continues to be with Liam (or is it lover-like?) or possibly a combination of both. My question of last week still stands and I know you're still not going to answer it *g*

Very nice the way Ethan picks up on Xander talking about himself in the 3rd person.

Jesse really is getting relegated further and further down the ladder - being designated as 'the minion' until Xander actually calls his name. I know we're seeing this through Angel's eyes, but it does still make me feel sorry for Jesse a little bit.

Yay, Giles is here and he's got to pass his driving test - he has my sympathies... And I love that Principal Flutie is supposedly going back East for a month over the summer - now if only he would stay there, poor man!

Interesting how in so few words you make it clear that at this point Giles is still very much the Council's man. Doing a reccie of the graveyards in case he ever needs to give 'his Slayer' specific instructions. It's so clincial.

Very nicely done, love, as always.

[texanfan.livejournal.com]

Angel's misery over the expectation of judgement is palpable. He's focused so much of himself on trying to make sure Liam is safe, having failed to safeguard anyone else, that I think if something does happen to Liam it will break Angel.

Xander and Ethan's conversation was very interesting and Jesse seems to be acting more like a minion. I get the impression Spike is feeling better now that he's kind of put Angel in his place.

[thismaz.livejournal.com]

*grins back at you* You're right, I'm not going to answer.
I kind of feel Xander is still trying to work out what it means to be a vampire. He's experimenting with the idea. One big difference of course, is that he hasn't got the shyness of human Xander, in the company of adults.
And yes, Jesse and Xander are beginning to pick up on the difference in their ranks... Jesse faster than Xander.
I had you in mind, with the driving test, as I'm sure you guessed. I probably wouldn't have thought of it otherwise.
And I'm so glad Giles comes over properly. At this point, he really is a bit like early Wesley or Gwendoline Post - very much a product of the Council. Or, at least, trying to be.
Thank you, hon. Catch you later.

[thismaz.livejournal.com]

*hugs self* Thank you. I'm so glad Angel's feelings came over so clearly.
And Spike's. *g*
Poor Jesse, yes, I think he is gradually getting the message. Quicker than Xander is, anyway.
Thank you very much, as always, for your comment.

Edited, because otherwise that comma was going to drive me crazy *g*

[laazikaat.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you gave a nod to the special love Spike had for Dru, it's so often overlooked or downplayed, but we were shown it clearly when the characters first appeared in Season 2 School Hard.

Such a good story with so much layering, I'm always so pleased to read each new installment, but I know better than to ask you any questions. I'm just enjoying the ride, thank you very much for this.

[thismaz.livejournal.com]

I agree, missing Spike's love of Dru, means missing a huge part of Spike's personality. And this whole situation exists because he loves her and wants to make her better.
I am so glad you are still enjoying it. Thank you for taking the time to tell me so every week. It is really appreciated.

[laazikaat.livejournal.com]

I am ashamed to admit that giving feedback is a very new thing for me, even though I've been collecting stories for Spanderfiles for a couple of years now.

But I decided to turn over a new leaf and now if I'm enjoying a story I want to make sure the author knows this.

And I really am enjoying this

[thismaz.livejournal.com]

*g* Breaking across the lurker threshold is amazingly difficult, there's all that self-doubt, rationalised by 'oh, but they won't know' (which is quite true). I lurked on the yahoo lists for a couple of years before I ever sent an email, and then it was always off-list.
But it is very nice to get a chance to have a dialogue with readers. It is one of the good things about publishing this way, the opportunity to talk to the people reading and hear what they have to say (not to mention feed off their suggestions *g*). Thank you.

[smwright.livejournal.com]

Ah, I had almost forgotten Giles and the beginning of this whole story! Bad me. *g* So nice to bring him back in for us. ;)

Angel's early exchange here with Liam was very good, his need to "explain the unexplainable" plainly evidenced. Lovely job. I really liked Liam's fortitude in the face of all the new scary in his life, but his kind of crumbling once they were outside felt very real.

Now, you've dovetailed Giles again, and he's out for a bit of a walk. Whatever will he find?

[thismaz.livejournal.com]

Yes, Giles brief appearance was a long time ago. But I always knew he was going to come back in.
Poor Liam, he is holding up very well, all things considered. I think he can be forgiven a small freak out once he gets back above ground.
More Giles coming up, very shortly. *g*
Thank you hon, you really have made my afternoon here.

[smwright.livejournal.com]

*g* I'm just so glad to have had the opportunity to read it all. And what a luxury to do it in one sitting. There's something to be said for continuity!

[thismaz.livejournal.com]

what a luxury to do it in one sitting
I have been getting frustrated with this story lately, the lead up to the next chapter took *so* long. *g* It's such a relief to have finally got there. I think reading the last few chapters in one go was probably the best way to do it. There are a number of stories I tend to save up until I can read a number of chapters at once.