canon au } { post-s4, of wolfram and hart and lesser solomon demons

[ooglyboogleys]

Peter: [has checked into his hotel and goes to call Angel]

Angel: [takes him a minute to actually answer the phone because he's about as good with technology as Derek] Angel Investigations, we help the helpless.

Peter: I'm looking to speak with Angel, please.

Angel: [it takes him a minute, but vamp hearing means he can place the voice pretty quickly] It's Peter, right? [why are you calling him, is this about Buffy, is Buffy okay, WHAT IS THIS]

Peter: That would be me. I'm assuming this is Angel then? [really, you suck at phone matters, Angel]

Angel: [look, he's not usually on the phone. He just hasn't had the heart to replace Cordelia] Yeah, that's me. Sorry. What's going on?

Peter: Buffy and Dawn both advised that I reach out to you while I am in town working on a research matter.

Angel: Of course. How can I help?

Peter: I want to give you my cell phone number so that you know if I'm calling you. I need to speak with a few of my old contacts, and the Summers sisters want to make sure I have someone to contact if I get in over my head. [which he won't. Please]

Angel: I'm always happy to play back up. LA can be a tricky town. Just let me grab a piece of paper. [there's one around there somewhere. probably]

Peter: I spent much of my twenties traveling back and forth here for my sister so I'm familiar with it enough.

Angel: Right. [man, he really doesn't want to be babysitting Buffy's new boyfriend. Oh look, there's the paper] Alright, what's the number?

Peter: [..... the caller ID... no, no this is like dealing with Derek. No, worse. He just sighs and rattles off the number] I will only be doing this tomorrow, but I will let you know when I'm leaving town so you won't have to wonder about my silence being a bad thing.

Angel: [Oh, that's cute. You think Angel actually has a phone with caller ID. It's probably safe to say his phone system hasn't been updated since the '90s.] Got it. Thanks for the heads up. Are you looking into the Mark of Cain?

Peter: One of the few things on my agenda, yes. [the Desert Wolf being the second.]

Angel: Who are you going to talk to? I've been doing some digging myself - wouldn't want you to go over the same area twice.

Peter: A few friends I have. I don't think we travel in the same packs, so I doubt there will be much overlap.

Angel: I've been in LA a long time. If there's someone in the occult circuit I probably know them.

Peter: [deep breath] The person I'm speaking with is probably one who wouldn't speak with you even if you asked.

Angel: [... well, he can't deny he doesn't have his fair share of those too. But most of those people aren't all that nice. Yeah, he super duper doesn't like this now] Right. Well, good luck.

Peter: Thank you. [and he will hang up and just hope that the vampire is not going to stalk him in the streets. He then goes to leave and head towards Wolfram and Hart to find Lindsay's scent]

Angel: [no, he won't. it's not like he knows where to start from. But it's not like he doesn't still have contacts in Wolfram & Hart too, in the form of one undead ex-Watcher]

Lindsey: [and Wes will probably easily see Peter running into Lindsay just outside the building and having a quick conversation and slipping Peter a slip of paper with a location and time on it before heading back inside and the wolf leaving]

Wesley: [will make a note of it, possibly snoop around, maybe it'll make it back to Angel but in all actuality, he'll actually be waiting outside the location once Lindsey and Peter are finished]

Peter: [and he and Lindsay will meet for dinner and drinks and catch up and wow Angel you're a bag of dicks for killing Lindsay but Lindsay is telling the story from his POV too. After a long talk, Lindsay doing the obligatory trying to lure the Hale elder to the firm just to be able to get the meal and all the drinks - lots of drinks - comped by the firm those bastards - he slips Peter a manuscript that's in some demonic language that talks about contingency plans on getting people out of Lucifer's cage. Sadly, he can't read it but he's sure between the Hales, Dawn, Giles, and that whole wing up at Berkley... someone can crack the language code. After a very expensive dessert they are going to leave and head their separate ways and are saying their goodbyes as they exit]

Wesley: [recognizes the tome. He's a Watcher, after all. And he'll wait until Lindsey is gone and Peter is heading his way before he speaks up from where he's leaning against the wall of the restaurant] I wasn't aware that giving away company resources has become part of the sales pitch.

Peter: [turns to look at the unfamiliar voice, one eyebrow up as he tucks the manuscript inside of his jacket] If you're here to retrieve it, I would suggest you're better served forgetting you saw that.

Wesley: [raises an eyebrow] I'm not interested in retrieving it. I'm much more interested in why you need it, especially considering that particular volume contains information that could become quite volatile in the wrong hands. I would know - I've read it.

Peter: Well, that would be my business. I'm afraid you will just have to be left to wonder. [goes to leave]

Wesley: [put upon sigh] There are very few people with the skill set to read the language of the Lesser Solomon demons. And most of the ones I know wouldn't willingly do business with Wolfram and Hart. If you're doing this behind their back, I believe I have reason to be concerned. They are, after all, friends.

Peter: See, this is where your stalker skills betray you. I'm not doing business with Wolfram and Hart. I'm doing business with a friend who owes me a few. And I'm pretty confident in my own resources.

Wesley: [smirk] I'm sure. The Hale werewolves association with the Slayers has been well documented.

Peter: [and that stills him a moment, his eyes narrowing barely but he's sizing up a threat now] Who are you?

Wesley: Forgive me. Manners get a bit touchy when you're dead. [he pushes off the wall and steps forward] Wesley Wyndham-Pryce.

Peter: [that explains the smell. Just the hint of sulfur on the skin. Lindsay had a similar after-scent] I've heard your name before from Giles and Buffy both. I didn't realize they had a Watcher in the law firm of evil people.

Wesley: It is a very long story. But it can be an advantage, under the right circumstances. [there's a pause] Particularly when Angel is trying to get ahead of something. Not that I can do much for him, but I can provide information from time to time.

Peter: [nods] Well, this is for Dawn. She got herself into a situation, which if you know her is her normal disposition at any given time.

Wesley: Well aware. Angel filled me in on part of the situation - said that you were disinclined to provide further information on that matter and wanted me to look into it. Now, given that this was Angel and Buffy being involved tends to provoke him onto reacting at an eleven rather than at a five, I thought it prudent to do most of the investigating myself.

Peter: [thinks a moment] Perhaps this is a conversation then best taken out of the street.

Wesley: [he nods] I would agree.

Peter: What would be a good place for you that would not raise suspicion of your superiors?

Wesley: [... sigh] I know a place. It's a bit of a dive, but the clientele is no one of interest.

Peter: [sorry, Wes. He's not taking you back to his place. You're not his type] Then let's go there.

Wesley: [he honestly wouldn't ask you to. And he'll gesture with one hand and lead the way towards a demon bar that's a bit off the beaten path] Sorry in advance for the smell.

Peter: [oh god what is that.... no, no he doesn't want to know. It's a good thing he can usually school his face into neutrality but good god.] I’ll survive.

Wesley: [he said it was a dive. and as they make their way inside there sure are two demons going at it in the corner over the pool table. most of the patrons are crowded around and watching and the bartender doesn't really seem all that interested in breaking it up, so it must not be anyone important. Wesley just makes his way over to the bar and signals to the barkeep for his attention] Bourbon? [oh, yeah, and there's definitely an undercurrent of ... something gross smelling somewhere in the bar.]

Peter: [he looks at the stool and debates on just standing but he can just burn his jeans later. He goes to sit next to Wes, ordering a whiskey for himself. He wasn't about to ask for a wine list here]

Wesley: [that's good because they don't have one.] I'd assume if you were looking for something that specific, you have a theory.

Peter: I do. I'm going to assume that Angel has told you about the status of Dean Winchester?

Wesley: He didn't have to. The Senior Partners are well aware of the situation. Crowley ... comes in on occasion to close particularly difficult deals.

Peter: Well, Dawn made a deal of her own with the Powers that Be to save the life of my nephew who temporarily died in the process of evolution. But the deal ended up bouncing and brought my niece back instead. They are now demanding that Dawn find a solution for Dean's demon issue or they will take back their gift. I have a vested interest in keeping my niece alive.

Wesley: And you believe the answer can be found in Lucifer's cage.

Peter: The mark of Cain was created as a reminder of the first sin: the killing of a brother. My theory is that by saving the soul of a brother, that mark can be reversed.

Wesley: So the one you intend to save is Adam Milligan.

Peter: The one we're intending Dean to save is him, yes.

Wesley: Then it's not only getting in that's your problem. It's making sure that Adam is there to retrieve. It has been nearly seven years since Adam was trapped. By our best estimate, that is over eight hundred and forty years of torture at the hands of two of the most powerful archangels in existence. Never mind the fact that Michael may have never separated from Adam to begin with.

Peter: I never did say that it would be easy.

Wesley: Aside from that, we don't know how literal this "saving" would have to be. According to Cain, his actions did save Abel, it merely came at the cost of Cain himself. Abel did go to Heaven.

Peter: No, we don't. But other than this theory, there isn't much out there to go on. And if nothing else, the boy deserves to at least be rescued if he is still down there.

Wesley: [nods] I can't say I can argue with that.

Peter: Both Sam and Castiel have had experience on taking the path into Hell and rescuing souls, so that isn't a problem for us. The trick is getting Adam out of the cage, if only in soul and not body. Which is what we need this tome for.

Wesley: You believe there may be something in there that will keep the angels in but still let Adam out?

Peter: Yes. Either instructions, or a spell to hold the angelic grace back and extract the human soul.

Wesley: [nods a bit] Well, I wish you luck. I haven't spent as much time with it as I would have liked, so I can't say for sure you'll find what you're looking for - though Giles is a rather knowledgeable resource, should you decide to take that route.

Peter: And you said it was the language of the lesser demons, correct?

Wesley: The Lesser Solomon demons. As I'm sure you've learned by now, there are many different kinds of demon from many different hell dimensions. The Lesser Solomon demons are different in the sense that they are unique to our dimension specifically. The theory is that it is a variant of Enochian, the language of the angels.

Peter: [nods] Well, at least it's not the language of the birds. Then we'd all be out of luck.

Wesley: [dry smirk] I'm sure we would be. Giles, unfortunately, is not that kind of librarian.

Peter: [but he may or may not know that kind of librarian] No, and I'm sure he is very happy for that.

Wesley: Indeed.

Peter: [watching the bar a bit, making sure no one is paying attention to them] Since you said you've read it, do you know if this will actually tell us what we need?

Wesley: It's entirely possible. There is quite a bit of information the various levels of Hell, but ... as far as spells go, the passages I managed to translate through were vague at best.

Peter: So backup spell would probably be the best to have.

Wesley: At the very least.

Peter: Looks like there's still more work to do.

Wesley: There usually is.

Peter: Well, thank you for the additional information.

Wesley: My pleasure. I like to pretend I'm still one of the good guys when I can.

Peter: [he stops a moment at that] Perhaps, and far be it from me to be the one with this suggestion, but perhaps reversing the order of that mindset would help.

Wesley: [smirks a bit] I think you'll find that the world we live in was never really that black and white. We just like to think it is. We sleep at night a little better that way.

Peter: Those of us who find sleep comforting, that is. [Peter has issues sleeping without someone in the apartment still. Which is why he's not going to be sleeping well tonight, or last night]

Wesley: [a rueful smile] Then I recommend a very good whiskey, if your healing factor will allow you to tolerate it.

Peter: I get the taste, but none of the fringe benefits.

Wesley: My condolences.

Peter: Such is life with a healing factor. I've only been drunk once in my life and it wasn't exactly what I thought it would be.

Wesley: Not as exciting as you hoped?

Peter: I'm fond of having a clear head.

Wesley: Where as I would like to make things as foggy as possible.

Peter: My condolences. Lindsay tends to be of a similar mind, so I can only imagine what this kind of life is like.

Wesley: I started living it long before I died.

Peter: [nods] Still, same sentiment applies.

Wesley: [nods]

Peter: [and with that he will probably leave unless anyone at the bar has a beef with the wolf in their midst]

Wesley: [nope, they'll let him go]

Peter: [and he will head off back for his hotel room]

Wesley: [and Wes will tell Angel no harm done]

Peter: [yay, no stalking vampire coming to ream him out then?]

Wesley: [Nope he's safe]

Peter: [and then the next morning he will drive back to LA, drop off the car, and walk back to the apartment to drop off his stuff first with intent to go to the loft next]

Dawn: [is there, being nerdy with whoever may happen to be with her]

Derek: [he's totally there this time, making lunch and listening to Dawn being nerdy with one ear, but he will poke his head out when he hears the door open]

Peter: And I make my grand return from the city of angels. I hope you two have behaved while I was gone.

Derek: [snorts and goes back to making sandwiches]

Dawn: Define behave.

Peter: Actually, I think I'll just save myself from any mental images and believe you have. [he has a messenger bag and pulls the book from it] I was successful, in a way.

Dawn: [leans forward more so she could see what's in his hands] What's that?

Peter: It's a book, written in the language of the Lesser Solomon demons, detailing the process to remove a soul from various portions of our hell as well as blocking angelic spirits.

Dawn: [........] Where did you get that?

Peter: My contact.

Dawn: That seems like a pretty spooky contact.

Peter: [thinks, and shrugs a bit] That's actually pretty accurate. Though I think zombie is the technical term for his condition.

Derek: [is coming out because wtf?] You have a zombie as a contact?

Peter: Yes. But not the brain eating kind.

Dawn: [stares for a moment] Is it the Frankenstein kind? Because those aren't really any better.

Peter: More like the ones who made very bad life choices and have to eternally pay for it kind.

Dawn: Oh. Well ... it could have been worse.

Derek: ........ [just shakes his head] I'm making sandwiches. Do you want one?

Peter: Is Laura due back anytime soon?

Derek: Dawn? You were awake when she left...

Dawn: [shakes her head] She said something about the beach.

Peter: Then yes, please. [goes to sit next to Dawn] I also ran into a friend of yours, I believe. A Mr. Pryce?

Derek: [goes to make more]

Dawn: [her eyes go a little wide because now she's hazarding a guess as to where he got the book and that ... is totally not worrying at all] You saw Wes?

Peter: [he thought the description of the zombie would have clued her in already] I did. He identified the language and confirmed a few of the contents. He also suggested that the spell in here may not be reliable, so to have a backup spell ready just in case.

Dawn: [well, you never know. Lots of different people use zombies. Not all of those people are Wolfram and Hart] How's he doing? Other than, you know, stuck in Evil Incorporated.

Peter: Very down, it seems. He spoke of how he pretends to be a good guy on occasion and prefers to spend his time inebriated.

Dawn: [sighs a bit] He's not a bad guy. He just ... had a lot of bad luck.

Peter: and the contracts with that firm are iron clad. Which is why the Hales don't do business with them, but keep face to be able to prevent backlash. Or Had.

Derek: [thinks as he's coming back in with the plate of sandwiches] That was what mom used to send you to LA for?

Peter: [nods] Yes. I was very good at saying no while getting all the information I needed at the same time.

Dawn: Yeah, well, the real bitch of it is Wes didn't really make that choice for himself. Angel did it for him.

Peter: Really? [snorts and reaches for a sandwich] And you all wonder why I don't trust the man.

Dawn: [sigh] It's ... complicated. I don't really know what happened, because it was back when the First was happening, but some crap went down that ended in Angel running the LA branch of Wolfram and Hart.

Peter: I know some of that. My contact is not one of Angel's biggest fans.

Dawn: Do I want to know who your contact at Wolfram and Hart is? Because last I checked Wes was the only one there who was on the "Trust Me" list.

Peter: For you. Not that I actually trust Lindsay with my life but he tends to also hate Wolfram and Hart so feeding me information is usually easy for him to piss them off.

Dawn: McDonald?

Peter: Yes.

Dawn: [makes a face. But only a small one] Okay, that could have been worse.

Peter: I didn't tell because I wasn't going to explain to Lindsey why Angel was lurking.

Dawn: [eye roll] They have a history of mutually assured destruction and share an ex. Or at least that's what I think happened.

Peter: He was an idiot for going back or for thinking he could trust Angel. I told him as much then.

Dawn: Lindsey's hands weren't clean either. [holds up her hands] At least he went out making a stand. Better than being hunted down like a dog.

Peter: Is that what Angel told you?

Dawn: Actually, that's what Spike told me. Angel doesn't really talk to me much, and he wasn't ... around for a while.

Peter: Well, from what I've been told, of course mind you, it was Lindsey's point of view, was that he finished his objective to help Angel, and then he was shot twice in the chest from his partner on Angel's orders.

Dawn: Yeah, that sounds about right. And that partner hasn't spoken to Angel since because of it. But you know Lindsey. Do you honestly think he wouldn't have let the power of Wolfram and Hart go to his head? Because that was the deal Angel made with Lindsey - they take out the Senior Partners, and he was supposed to get the firm.

Peter: Oh it would have. He and I are alike in a lot of ways. And then he would have had to have sense knocked into him, remind him why he hated the place, and he would have evened out. Mostly. But instead he never got the chance to loophole himself out of his contract and instead he's now trapped there with Mr. Pryce.

Dawn: I'm not saying it was a good thing. But ... I don't know. Angel did a lot of stuff that year that we don't exactly support. That's why Buffy distanced herself a bit.

Peter: And then you came to Beacon Hills and she distracted herself with me.

Dawn: Actually that was when we were in Beacon Hills. I think.

Peter: Lindsey came through in 2004. Derek was sixteen at the time and pissed that I missed one of the quarter final games because I was trying to talk Lindsey out of returning to LA.

Dawn: Yep. Sunnydale cratered in 2003. We were here.

Peter: Oops. [well that outted that little secret, huh?]

Dawn: [she shrugs] I don't care. So long as you're not going to sell my sister out to the Senior Partners, you can be friends with whoever you want.

Peter: [his eyes narrow just a bit and he sighs, standing up] That would be the last thing I would ever do. I hope that helps you both. [goes to leave]

Derek: [looks at Dawn, then Peter because what just happened there...]

Dawn: [makes hands at him before leaning forward to watch him go] Peter, I ... I'm sorry?

Peter: [is at the door, his fingers playing along the edge a moment] I may have done a lot of horrible things, Dawn. More than I'm worth redeeming for. But I have never let harm come down on your sister, and I never will. You can bet on that. [and he's going to leave]

Dawn: [she'll let him go. Her mouth works for a moment, before she glances back to Derek once he's gone] I didn't mean it like that. Did it sound like I meant it like that?

Derek: [is just going to eat a sandwich and not answer?]

Dawn: [groans] Damnit.

Derek: Call Buffy. She can talk him down

Dawn: [sighs and nods, before reaching for her phone] My mouth gets ahead of my brain sometimes.

Derek: Yes, it does. But it's a pretty mouth so it's easily forgiven. And I know his weaknesses.

Dawn: [texting texting texting] Oh do you?

Derek: Yes. Fine wine and peanut butter cups.

Dawn: [looks up with a pleased expression] You do know me well.

Derek: Peter's a snob, but he does have his own guilty pleasures.

Dawn: I'm sure my sister will be able to diffuse things a bit. And to seal the deal, I'll send a gift basket.

Derek: Good plan. You do that, and I'll see if Giles knows anyone who knows what, Lesser Solomon demon language?

Dawn: Have fun with that. [she sighs] All else fails we could as Castiel.

Derek: We could. We probably should call the Winchesters.

Dawn: [nods slowly before shaking her head] Sam. I don't want to tell Dean anything until we know it's actually going to work.

Derek: Probably best.

Dawn: [and goes to text Sam too. So much texting] I don't want him to start bucking.

Derek: ...... Bucking. Right.

Dawn: Dean has a martyr complex and if he found out that we were attempting something as dangerous as trying to break his brother out of the cage on his behalf, he will probably do something ... stupid.

Derek: [nods. No, he had thought she said fucking the first time. But the definition made sense] Which is probably best to avoid.

Dawn: The less we have this ruined by stupid Winchester antics the better.

Derek: Solid plan. Now eat your sandwich.

Dawn: Yes, sir. [and will go to do just that]