The Male Slayer - A Buffy The Vampire Slayer Fanfiction

VI. Team Powers That Be (Chapter 4)

Los Angeles, one night later

Strolling up to the entrance to the old hotel which was now the Angel Investigations Headquarters, James took a deep breath, readying himself for the chaos that could await him behind the door.

The flight had been long and tiring. Although he had managed to catch a few hours, James was still feeling a tad exhausted. He had to be ready for anything though, just like Julie taught him. 

He opened one of the double-doors and walked in, observing the completely empty lobby. Robson hadn't informed him if he had gotten a hold of anyone, so James assumed everything was fine. James walked up to the reception and ringed the bell a few times, looking around cluelessly. He walked behind and entered the office, which was also completely barren, although James did take note of the very empty open safe. 

As he walked back into the lobby, he spotted movement in his peripheral vision and turned to face the two figures. "Charles Gunn and Connor Whatever-your-last-name-is." 

"James the Vampire Slayer." Gunn said, walking up to him. James expected Gunn to try and intimidate him but instead he just stuck out his hand to shake. James shook his hand and Gunn almost looked relieved. "Man, am I glad you decided to show up again." 

"I told one of my team to call, did you hear from him?" James asked as the handshake ended.

"Not that I know of." Gunn replied, "We've been kind of busy with Angelus and all." 

"I've heard." James said, leaning over the reception counter.

"Then you'll know that Faith was put to the task of trying to stop him, and boy did that end in style." Gunn explained.

"Faith? She's...out?" James questioned, taken aback.

"Yeah, she busted out when Wes told her everything. His genius idea was to inject her with some drug that knocked both of them out when Angelus decided he was thirsty." Gunn answered, leaning on the counter too.

"I'm going to check on her." Connor informed the two. 

"Do I not get a handshake from you, too?" James asked, as Connor glared at him.

"Wesley, Fred and Lorne are up there, seems more fun than any place you are, Slayer." Connor retorted, before turning and walking away up the stairs. 

"And to think I wanted him to join the squad." James said to Gunn.

"You want him? Hell, you take him." Gunn replied.

-------------------------------------------------

James walked down the hallway, aiming to find the open door. As he rounded a corner, he spotted the dim light emerging from the crack of one of the many doors. James approached and knocked, despite the fact he couldn't hear any voices. 

He entered to find all four faces on him, "Hi, guys." 

Connor immediately turned back to face the unconscious Faith who was laying on the bed. Fred smiled, "Hi, James. Glad to see you made it alright." 

"You heard from Robson then, I take it?" James replied, smiling back. 

"According to Fred, he seemed pretty on-edge." Wesley said, "Thanks for offering to help, James, but I'm afraid you might be too late."

James nodded in acknowledgement, spotting a demon he'd never seen before. "Who's the green guy?" 

"Oh I'm Lorne, sweet cakes, and I wish I could say it's nice to meet you, but we're going through a bit of a crisis at the moment." he introduced, "As you can see."