THE COLONY OF LOST SOULS
Chapter Two

"Suddenly, the sound of a loud motor broke Angel from his thoughts. He quickly darted around for the source of the noise (more out
of habit than anything) until his eyes came upon a small red motorbike racing towards them"- Chapter Two

Only a moment or two after entering the colony, Angel and his entourage stalked across the dark and empty streets to a large building a few blocks away. As they entered the tall, somehow metallic complex, Angel realised that this was in no way his new humble abode.

The halls were long and narrow, the walls gleaming with endless sheets of metal plates that served only to reflect the harsh fluorescent lighting. After more than a few twists, turns and card-swipes, the scene drastically changed.

Now standing in a large, white room, Angel couldn’t help but feel on edge. Around him were portraits of what he could only assume to be former council members, a large metal desk home to several neatly stacked piles of papers. Behind it was two men; the first seated at the desk; a large man with a stern (almost sad) face busy studying the reports before him. Looming over him was a the second gentleman, tall and well built, his grey hair cut short and dressed in a neatly pressed black suit. His eyes were fixed on Angel’s; cold hatred burning within them. The vampire held his gaze until the tall man finally turned to the other, clearing his throat in not quite annoyance.

As if on queue, the larger man looked up at Angel, giving him a briefly inquisitive look.
“ Ah yes, Mister.... Angel, is it? Welcome to Colony 015. My name is Quentin Travers, as you may know I am head of what many call the Council. This gentleman behind is my colleague Richard Garrison, you would do well to remember his name.” Rising, Quentin crossed the room to stand a few short feet in front of the vampire. “I’m pleased to see that you came quietly, I’m sure my men wouldn’t have enjoyed trying to sedate you.”

Angel clenched his jaw, his expression becoming unreadable.
“ As much as I’m overjoyed that you are satisfied, all I’m interested in at this point is why the hell you brought me here.”

The taller man, Richard, turned crimson with aggression.
“ How dare you speak to us like that you ungrateful--”

“Now Richard,” Quentin started in a stern voice, “The vampire asked a reasonable question, and to answer it Mr. Angel, we brought you here because we know of your good deeds and think that you may be of more use here than at your past residences.”

Angel narrowed his eyes,
“ Is that right?” he said warningly, making his disbelief more than evident.

Quentin’s expression fell.
“ Quite right, actually. Whether you believe it or not vampire, it’s all the information the council feels the need to share at this time. I suggest you take it as our word and move forward.” He paused, heading towards his desk once again, “Now, the locals have been alerted of your presence, they will know what you are and I will warn you that this colony is full of warriors who will not hesitate to weed out noncompliant guests.”

Angel raised an eyebrow.

“You are not to become violent towards the inhabitants in any way nor will you be allowed to harvest any of them for your own… purposes, shall we say. You will be given a small accommodation to stay in but past that your survival is your own prerogative. And be aware sir,” he said, with an obvious pause, “you are not permitted to leave here under any circumstances. And as I’m sure you have already gathered-- we will know if you try.”

When Angel didn’t reply Quentin waved his hand.
“ Very well.”

In the blink of an eye the men surrounding Angel quickly turned and started ushering him towards the door. With one final glance towards the two officials, Angel turned and followed the warriors down the hall.

Once outside, the men began leading Angel through the dimly lit colony, he couldn’t help but notice the strange appearance of the city. The roads were paved, however the once black pavement had turned a light grey-- cracks and potholes seeming to fill the streets. As expected, there were no cars on the road, nowadays it was really only council members who drove at all. They passed a few subway stations that assumingly they ran throughout the city, and although few people were outside at this time of night, there were small groups of civilians wandering around. All seemingly oblivious to everything happening around them. Par for the course, one would suppose.

Another thing Angel noticed were the huge buildings around him. Dozens of metallic stories stacked one atop the other; most of them seemingly housing complexes. Angel had always heard that California was dense in population, but he had never thought that there would be enough people to fill that many buildings. Not all in one place, anyway.

Suddenly, the sound of a loud motor broke Angel from his thoughts. He quickly darted around for the source of the noise (more out of habit than anything) until his eyes came upon a small red motorbike racing towards them.

The warriors around Angel halted as one of them, a tall black man, came forward as the bike slowed to a stop.
“ Summers,” the man started, “Mind telling me what you’re doing out here at this time of night?”

Putting the roaring beast into idle, the driver reached up and removed their helmet revealing the type of person that Angel would have least expected to encounter. A small woman, frail seeming but with an air of strength that would lead few to question her. With golden blonde hair and fierce green eyes, there was something about her that Angel couldn’t quite put to words. He felt a surge of emotion that he hadn’t felt in recent memory—the urge to protect, to ensure that no one would bring harm to this stranger. But most importantly was the oddity of such a creature being alone at night, without wearing council colours, that is.

Immediately Angel had the sneaking suspicion that this girl was bad news.

The blonde promptly turned to the man who had questioned her, flashing a sheepish smile.
“ Gunn, hey. I was just heading back home. Having one of those late nights at the Bronze you know.”

The man, Gunn, gave her a chastising look.
“ Buffy, you shouldn’t be out patrolling. If the council wanted you out on active duty you would be. You’re not ready.”

“What gives you the idea I was patrolling? I’m simply on my way home.” She replied, giving him her best puppy-dog eyes.

Gunn sighed,
“ Whatever you say Summers. Get home and stop trying to-”

“-Do your job. I know, I know. Fine, you guys go along your merry little way; I promise I’ll just scurry home.”

Apparently deciding not to argue the statement, Gunn nodded to the men and started walking again. As Angel turned to glance at the blonde beauty, his eyes locked with hers. As their eyes met, the centuries old vampire couldn’t help but feel exposed-- almost naked to the curious depths before him, yet unable to turn away. Entranced, it was only when he was lurched forward that he dared break eye contact. Reluctantly turning, Angel started down the road again; slowly growing further and further from a woman he was sure would never remember him.

Little did he know, the small blonde warrior stared at his retreating form, her mind already filled with questions. Who was he? Why had he been so heavily guarded? And how, after only a few moments, had he managed to get under her skin like no one had before?

 

End of Chapter Two.

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