Angel 6x01 - Res Novus: 1
by Michael J
Angel 6x01 – Novus Res
Disclaimer: These characters are the property of Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy Productions, and 20th Century Fox. No copyright infringement is meant from this story.
Written by Michael J
ANGEL (V.O.)
Previously on Angel…
Shot of Spike’s reformation from Convictions
ANGEL
(angry) Spike
Fred dying in Wesley’s arms in Hole in the World and Illyria springing up from the floor. We hear Fred’s final words over the scene…
FRED
Wesley, why can’t I stay?
Cordy’s kiss to Angel with the vision transference.
ANGEL
I’m talking about killing every…single…member…of the Black Thorn.
Shots of the circle members dying.
ANGEL
We don’t walk from that.
Shot of Illyria in Fred guise crying over Wesley’s still dead body. Then a power shot of Angel, Gunn, Spike, and Illyria standing in the alley ready to fight the demon army.
SPIKE
And in terms of a plan?
ANGEL
We fight.
TEASER
Close up of Spike sitting on a chair hunched over with his elbows on his knees, obviously deep in thought. Pull away to a wider shot to reveal Illyria standing a couple of feet away. We also see that they’re in the lobby of the Hyperion. It’s obviously not been cared for over the last year. Cobwebs and dust line the walls.
GUNN
(coming into frame) A bit more dusty than I remember, but the place still feels like home.
ILLYRIA
This place is familiar. Fred has many memories of this building. Some not so pleasant and some (looking at Gunn) very pleasant.
SPIKE
(straining as if he can’t find the proper words) I can’t believe he…poncy son of a…I can’t….
Wide shot of the three of them that pulls further out. Then a white flash and we’re back in the alley last seen in Not Fade Away.
SPIKE
And in terms of a plan?
ANGEL
We fight.
SPIKE
Bit more specific?
ANGEL
Well personally. I kinda want to slay the dragon. (close up on Angel’s face) Let’s go to work.
Angel swings his sword to block the first demon’s attack and quickly decapitates it. Spike, Illyria, and Gunn assume fighting stances when the demon army suddenly stops rushing in. Angel is now in game face.
ANGEL
What’s wrong? I kill one of you bastards and suddenly you’re all afraid. (yelling) Come on!
Illyria, Spike, and Gunn stand with confused looks on their faces. A woman’s voice is heard from within the army.
WOMAN’S VOICE
Or we can do this without bloodshed.
Lilah Morgan steps out from the army. Angel’s face returns to human form, a look of bewilderment taking over his visage.
GUNN
(straining through the pain from his wound) Lilah.
SPIKE
Who?
He doesn’t get an answer. Angel and Gunn stand speechless.
LILAH
But that’s really not your style is it Angel?
ANGEL
What in the hell are you doing here Lilah?
LILAH
Well technically I’m not in hell. I’m here. (pointing to the ground) Excluding the rain, I gotta tell ya, it’s a much welcomed change of scenery. Unfortunately, my time here is short, so I’ll get to the point. I’m here to make you an offer, Angel. The offer of a lifetime.
Shot of Angel still looking confused.
LILAH
Again.
OPENING CREDITS
CREDITS
DAVID BOREANEZ as ANGEL
JAMES MARSTERS as SPIKE
J AUGUST RICHARDS as GUNN
AMY ACKER as ILLYRIA
GUEST STARRING
VINCENT KARTHEISER as CONNOR
ALEXIS DENISOF as WESLEY
CHARISMA CARPENTER as CORDELIA
SARAH MICHELLE GELLAR as BUFFY
GLENN QUINN as DOYLE
*Editor’s note: I know that Glenn Quinn has passed away and mean no disrespect in using him here*
ACT I
Top down shot of the two sides facing off. Then a shot of Lilah rotating around to behind her shoulder looking at Angel and his troops.
ILLYRIA
I do not like this woman’s insolent tone. I wish to do violent things to her.
GUNN
You catch on quick.
SPIKE
Again I ask, who the bloody hell is this?
LILAH
Oh I’m sorry Spike, we’ve never actually met. I’m Lilah Morgan from Wolfram and Hart. I’m also the only thing standing between you and your imminent, painful death, so I’d watch my mouth if I were you.
ANGEL
Whatever your offer is, Lilah, I don’t want it. Now if you’ll excuse me, we’re in the middle of an apocalypse.
LILAH
Not even if said offer could save the lives of your remaining friends. Not everyone has to die here Angel.
SPIKE
Yea, but we were planning on it anyway.
LILAH
Are all you souled vampires this stupid? I’m talking about a chance to save your worthless asses.
GUNN
And what exactly do we have to do?
LILAH
You don’t have to do anything. (looking directly at Angel) He does.
ANGEL
I’m not signing anymore contracts.
LILAH
Not asking you to. No contracts. No handshakes. All we want is you.
ANGEL
Ummm…you’ve got that demon army standing right behind you. Seems to me you’re the one holding things up here.
LILAH
My personal feelings aside, the Senior Partners never intended to kill you tonight Angel. This army is our version of…I guess a good phrase would be aggressive persuasion.
ANGEL
So if they’re not here to kill me…
LILAH
Oh they are, if you don’t take this offer.
ANGEL
Which is?
LILAH
(after a beat) You. We want you to surrender. Give yourself up to the Senior Partners and this attack is called off. Your friends walk. Your contracts with Wolfram and Hart are voided and everyone lives happily ever after. Except you of course. Hell, we’ll even heal that mortal wound Gunn is so fashionably sporting.
Angel opens his mouth to respond, but Spike cuts him off.
SPIKE
Well screw that.
ANGEL
Spike.
ILLYRIA
I came to this place to do violence in honor of Wesley. I will not leave until I have done so.
ANGEL
Illyria.
GUNN
Angel, you can’t seriously consider this.
Angel stands speechless, his eyes wondering as he evaluates his options.
SPIKE
Angel, the three of us here came to this alley to fight and die. We all raised our hands in your office agreeing to your sodding suicide mission. (pause) I’m standing here all primed for battle, ready to go out in a blaze of glory…again…and I’m bloody well not going to walk away from this because you choose to play Mr. Martyr.
ANGEL
(eyes narrowing) You’re right. (raises his head to look at Lilah) No deal Lilah. So why don’t you AHHH…
Angel grabs his head in pain as a second vision racks his mind. There are flashes of Connor being stabbed through the heart by a demon and Lorne getting jumped by several demons. The vision stops and Angel has the confused look back.
LILAH
Get the message Angel? Those three might be willing to die, but what about Lorne? What about Connor? The innocents who either didn’t want anything to do with this fight or have no business in it in the first place. (quick shot of Angel’s eyes wondering again) Are you going to let them die just so you can go out a hero saving the world? If I’m not mistaken you already did that once with Fred. Can you really live with that? I could have Connor sent to Quor’Toth again if you like.
Angel looks back at his companions, then to Lilah.
LILAH
There’s a timetable on these negotiations, so I’d hurry up and make a decision. I’m due back for a facial, pedicure, and eternal torment and suffering in a few minutes, so make up your mind. We get you or everyone dies.
Spike
(softly) You can’t.
ANGEL
(softly) I am. (louder) Do it.
GUNN
No!
ANGEL
(turning to face his friends) It’s alright. You don’t understand right now Gunn, but if Lilah holds up her end of the deal, you will. I just, I can’t let him down again.
SPIKE
Let who down? What are you talking about?
ILLYRIA
The boy.
GUNN
Who? Connor? No offense Angel, but why does he matter?
ANGEL
You’ll understand. I can’t let him die. No father would.
SPIKE
Father? Have you gone stark raving mad?
ANGEL
No, I think I’m thinking clearly for the first time all day. I was so focused on wiping out the circle that I just expected everyone to go along with it. I had no right to ask you all to die for this. I had no right to…to take the original deal in the first place. I…(looking down now)…maybe if I hadn’t, then Fred wouldn’t have…and Wes.
ILLYRIA
I do not understand this decision. A leader does not sacrifice himself for the sake of his followers. His followers sacrifice themselves for him, as is happening now.
ANGEL
This isn’t about sacrifice, Illyria. This is about atonement.
LILAH
This is about boring the dead lawyer so much she’d rather be back in Hell. Final answer, Angel. Yes or no.
ANGEL
(without a pause) Yes.
A black cloud swirls up from behind the demon army, engulfing them all. It expands to include Lilah and Angel, who has turned around to look at his friends for a final time. Before he disappears. Illyria, Gunn, and Spike are left standing in the alley. Gunn has a look of horror on his face.
GUNN
(softly) Angel.
Flashback back to Spike sitting in the Hyperion lobby. Everyone is silent. Gunn slowly pulls up his shirt to reveal where his wound should be. He touches the spot, but there’s nothing there.
SPIKE
I can’t believe he did that. I still don’t get it. He’s willing to die for some random kid. Well actually I do get it. That’s just like Angel, but why that boy in particular?
GUNN
Spike, Connor is Angel’s son.
Spike looks up from his chair at Gunn. Gunn continues.
GUNN
Two years ago, Darla showed up on our doorstep big as a house. Apparently when Angel went dark the year before, he and Darla….comshucked.
SPIKE
Dru paid me a visit in Sunnydale around that time. I knew Angel had lost it for awhile there, but I didn’t know about Darla. And what the hell is comshuck?
GUNN
Do I have to answer that? Anyway, against all possibilities, Darla winds up pregnant and out pops Connor.
SPIKE
Must’ve been a hell of a delivery. Kid’s a bag of bones, but he’s still full grown.
GUNN
No, he was a baby when he was born. Without getting into a long story I don’t care to relive, he was taken from us by (looking at Illyria and pausing) someone and wound up in a hell dimension. He grew up there. Then he came back, all this other crap happened that I’m just now beginning to remember and…I’m not sure about exactly how Connor ended up with another family.
ILLYRIA
Angel’s original pact with the wolf, ram, and hart. He agreed to take over as ruler in exchange for his son being placed in a new life, free of battle and hatred. It was…noble. In the process, all the memories of his confidants were altered so nothing of Connor’s original life remained.
SPIKE
So that’s what he meant about atonement. (standing up now) I swear the miserable bastard never stops brooding, does he? So now here we sit and I have no bloody clue what we’re supposed to do now.
MALE VOICE (O.S.)
We’re supposed to get him back.
Illyria, Spike, and Gunn turn to see Connor standing in the doorway.
CONNOR
We’re going to rescue my father.
END ACT I
ACT II
GUNN
Connor, what are you…
CONNOR
Angel told me to go home after we beat Hamilton, but you know how I am about following orders. I tracked him to an alley a block from here and lost the scent. Then I picked up yours and followed it here. So what is this deal you were talking about? Where’s Angel?
SPIKE
We don’t know. He agreed to let the lawyers take him in exchange for letting all of us live.
ILLYRIA
It is likely that Angel is in one of their many hell dimensions. I traversed many of them to rescue this one. (pointing to Gunn)
CONNOR(moving closer to the other three)
Okay, so you know how to get there. We can just hop through dimensions until we find the one he’s in.
SPIKE
Sorry kid, I’m all immortal and all, but there’s thousands of these dimensions. It’d take a lifetime to search them all.
ILLYRIA
I do not have the ability to move between realms anymore. It was taken from me by these worms.
GUNN
Hey I had nothing to do with that!
ILLYRIA
(looking at Gunn) You dare to raise your voice at me?
CONNOR
Shut up!
The other three turn to look at him.
CONNOR
Look I don’t give a damn how long it takes. We’re finding him and bringing him back.
GUNN
Connor, we can’t even be sure that Angel is going to survive what they put him through. He’s going to suffer all kinds of torture and...and…we don’t even know if he’s still alive.
SPIKE
He can take it. He’s done it before. Come to think of it, all of us have been through some form of hell and we’re all fine. If there’s any chance we can get him, we should. We at least owe him that.
GUNN
(turning to look at Spike) Since when did you give a rat’s ass about Angel in the first place? Last time I checked, you weren’t big with the brotherly bonding.
SPIKE
(stepping into Gunn’s face now) I owe him. That’s why. I still don’t like the poof…much, but the man gave himself up for me and I’m not going to stand here and brood over him when I could be doing something about it.
ILLYRIA
The likelihood of finding Angel is nil.
SPIKE
(turning to Illyria) Do I look like I care? I never really got it before, you know? It was all about impressing...people. But Angel knew. In that office he knew the score, he knew what he had to do, and I finally get it. It took me a while, but I finally sodding understand and now he's gone. (Pause) We can't leave him in there. W&H took him to Hell, and we can't let that stick.
ILLYRIA
You wish to repay your debt to Angel by saving him. To honor him. I understand. I wish to honor Wesley’s memory. I will help.
Connor stands there smiling.
GUNN
Fine. You’re right. We owe him. (sighing and putting his hand on Connor’s shoulder) Where do we start?
Flash to Wesley’s old apartment.
ILLYRIA
Wesley kept many scrolls about the wolf, ram, and hart here. Perhaps something in one of these books would aid us.
SPIKE
Good thinking, Blue.
GUNN
I still have my brain upgrade stuff intact, surprisingly. Maybe I can narrow down the list down from infinity to a thousand.
CONNOR
Funny. Let’s get to work.
Fade to a few hours later. Gunn and Connor are sitting at a table piled high with books. Spike is standing at a window looking out into the night. Illyria is wandering around Wesley’s apartment, stopping on a picture of Fred and him that sits on his mantle. She picks up and stares at it.
SPIKE
(walking over) It still hasn’t really set in for me. With all this stuff with Angel, I hadn’t really…thought about Wesley.
ILLYRIA
(still staring at the picture) He is all I have thought about.
SPIKE
You were there? For the end?
ILLYRIA
I arrived a moment too late. The red demon had already mortally wounded him. I held him as his life faded.
SPIKE
He died in your arms.
ILLYRIA
I…as his final wish…I assumed the Burkle persona for him. Showed him Fred’s visage. (cut to a shot of Spike’s shocked face as Illyria continues) I feared that my performance would not be satisfactory, but something happened. I experienced grief and…it became easier.
SPIKE
Good that he died in peace then. From what Charlie told me about the last few years, Wes went through more than any human should. He deserved…
Spike pauses as he notices a single tear hit the picture frame. He looks at Illyria, who is slowly starting to cry.
SPIKE
Did you cry? When he died.
ILLYRIA
(slowly) Yes. I do not understand why I did. The feeling of grief was overwhelming, like a power swelling inside the shell that was going to explode if I did not let it out. So, I cried. For him. And I do not know why. Crying is a human act. It is below a god like me. It is below even you half-breed.
SPIKE
(after a pause) I’ve cried before. After someone I cared about, someone I should’ve been able to protect, after she died…I cried.
ILLYRIA
(still looking at the picture) Did it help ease your grief? Does nothing help to get rid of this emotion? I do not like how it feels. How do I stop it?
SPIKE
You don’t luv. It never really goes away. You just focus all that energy into something else. Like fighting. Doing something positive to take your mind off of things.
ILLYRIA
I do not wish to stop thinking about Wesley. I just wish for it to stop hurting.
SPIKE
I’m not saying you should stop thinking about him because you never will. Just saying that if you pour yourself into fighting, for him, it helps. It helps to know that you’re doing what he would have wanted.
ILLYRIA
Wesley would want me to fight. He would want me to save Angel.
SPIKE
And you will. We will.
Cut to Connor and Gunn at the table.
CONNOR
Do you really think they’d be that stupid?
GUNN
If they know we have no way to access that dimension, I can’t see why they wouldn’t put him there.
CONNOR
You seriously think a bunch of superbrained lawyers would be dense enough to stick Angel in the same place you were.
GUNN
Not especially, but for Angel it’d be the ultimate punishment. To show him the perfect life I always figured he longed for and torture him at the same time. These people are smart, kid. They know straight up torture wouldn’t work for him. He’s had it happen to him enough. The perfect life scenario in itself would be torture enough.
CONNOR
Okay, so how do we get there?
GUNN
I don’t know. We don’t have the Camaro this time. We have to hurry though. If I’m right and he’s in that dimension, we need to reach him before it’s too late.
Cut to Angel waking up in a huge bed alone. He sits up and looks around confused. A door opens off screen and the camera circles around to see Cordelia stepping out of a bathroom in a robe.
CORDELIA
Well it’s about time you woke up.
ANGEL
Cor…Cordelia?
CORDELIA
(mockingly) An…Angel? Geez, you’d think you didn’t know me, or something.
Angel looks completely shell-shocked as Cordy comes over and sits on the bed. Angel reaches out with his hand and caresses her cheek. Cordy’s hand comes up and holds his.
ANGEL
You’re not fake.
CORDY
(with a look of disgust) If you’re implying that (looking down at her chest) any part of me is fake….
ANGEL
No, no. It’s just, nevermind.
CORDELIA
You are so weird today. So anyway, it’s a little late in the morning, but what do you want for breakfast?
ANGEL
Breakfast?
CORDELIA
You know, that food you eat every morning now. I know you used to wake up to a fresh cup of A poz and all…
ANGEL
What do you mean used to?
CORDELIA
(ignoring him) Do you know what I want? (pause) Salty goodness.
Cordy leans in and tenderly kisses Angel. He pulls back for a sec, then settles in and kisses back. Off screen, someone is heard knocking on the door. Angel breaks the kiss and turns to see Connor standing in his doorway.
CONNOR
(disgusted look) Good thing I didn’t eat my waffles yet. Anyway Dad, someone’s at the door for you.
Cut to Angel walking to the front door of the house and opening it to reveal Doyle standing on his porch.
DOYLE
Hey man, boys and I were all looking to play some round ball.
Angel looks past Doyle to see Gunn and Spike standing on the sidewalk. Spike is curiously enough not bursting into flames.
DOYLE
You game?
END ACT II
ACT III
Open on a shot of Gunn, Spike, Illyria, and Connor standing in a half circle. They are only visible from the shoulders up.
GUNN
This is good. I think we can use this.
CONNOR
What is it exactly?
ILLYRIA
My center.
The camera pulls out to reveal Spike holding the crystal that was in Illyria’s sarcophagus. The same crystal Angel used to nullify her time shifting power in Shells.
SPIKE
Near as I remember, this little beauty ties into Blue’s power somehow. When Angel was holding it, Illyria couldn’t freeze him in time. Figured Wes would’ve kept it afterwards.
CONNOR
So you’re thinking since this relates to Illyria’s old abilities, we might be able to tap it somehow. Maybe use it to open a dimensional gate or something.
GUNN
(taking the crystal from Spike and walking back to the table) That’s the idea. Wes kept copies of all the research he’d done on Illyria and this thing. Maybe he found something we can use.
ILLYRIA
Do you wish to restore my full power?
SPIKE
Bugger that. I’d rather not have you blowing up Angel when we get to him. But maybe there’s something that little gem can do for us.
GUNN (O.S.)
I think I got it. Illyria might be able to tap into her old powers if she’s using this crystal. Then she might be able to open a portal.
CONNOR
What’s the catch? Because there always is one.
GUNN
Well, I’m not exactly sure how much energy Wes drew out of Illyria. I wasn’t there for that. I’m also not sure how much power this little thing holds. It might be too much for her to handle. She could…
ILLYRIA
No power is too great for Illyria to handle. I will do this.
GUNN
Did you hear what I just said?
ILLYRIA
I do not care. If this is how we are to get to Angel, this is what I must do. Give me the crystal.
Gunn tentatively places the crystal in Illyria’s hand. She stares at it.
SPIKE
You feel anything?
ILLYRIA
Yes. I feel a…a taste of my true power. This is a conduit to it. I know I can open a portal with this.
CONNOR
Let’s go then.
Cut back to Angel standing in his doorway looking at Doyle. Doyle is smiling. Cordy walks up behind Angel and puts her hand on his shoulder.
CORDELIA
You can eat later. Go play.
She shoves him out onto the porch and into the sunlight. Angel recoils and screams for a second before he realizes he’s not bursting into flames. He closes his eyes and basks for a moment.
DOYLE
I think you’re a little slow on the uptake today champ. You seem to be forgetting you’re not a vampire anymore.
ANGEL
I’m…I’m not?
CORDELIA
Ugh, we do this everyday. No Angel, you’re not a vampire anymore. You won the final battle with Wolfram and Hart and in the process restored all of us. You’re human now. You got all shanshuey. And (smirking now) every night I give you a moment of perfect happiness, actually several moments of perfect happiness and you haven’t tried to bite me yet, so yea, I think you’re okay. (smiling) Now go have fun before I get glowy and kick your ass.
Angel looks back at her and smiles, then back and Doyle.
ANGEL
Well okay then. (yelling) Connor, you coming?
Cut to Angel, Connor, and Doyle walking around to the side of Angel’s house. The camera swings to a shot of a basketball hoop hanging on the top of the garage, then comes down to Fred standing with Wesley. Wesley is holding a basketball.
WESLEY
(throwing the ball to Angel) Heads up.
ANGEL
(catching the ball) Thought cricket was more your game.
WESLEY
It is, but I’m also good enough at this to dribble circles around you.
ANGEL
Yea we’ll see. So, shoot for teams?
Just then a portal opens behind Wes and Fred. They quickly move away as Spike, Illyria, Gunn, and Connor all step through. The alternate versions of Spike, Gunn, Wesley, and Fred look dumbfounded for a moment. Then they attack the real versions. Angel just stands there looking confused.
ANGEL
What the...what the hell?
GUNN
(after punching his double) Glad you get it. (ducking a swing) Angel, want to give us a hand here?
Angel stands there still looking confused watching his friends fight…themselves. Doyle and Wesley stand at his side.
ANGEL
This isn’t right. None of this is right.
SPIKE
(after throwing his double into the garage door) Damn right it isn’t.
DOYLE
Don’t listen to him man. This is some kind of trick. Someone trying to get to you.
CONNOR
Dad, we’re not a trick. This place is.
The fake Connor tackles him and they wrestle on the ground. Connor speaks in a strained voice as he fights.
CONNOR
You have to remember. Wolfram and Hart took you and stuck you in a hell dimension. You willingly left to save us. Now we’re here to save you.
Intersperse shots of the battle with Angel’s confused face. Illyria seems to be having trouble fighting Fred, grasping her stomach and head in apparent pain as she fends off Fred’s attacks. The other three are holding their own.
ANGEL
No, this isn’t…this isn’t happening. (yelling) Stop it! All of you stop! Just back off.
The fighting ceases aside from Spike who gets one last shot on his double.
SPIKE
Hey, who blew the whistle?
ANGEL
(looking down) Just…just stop for a damn minute. I…I can’t deal with…none of you are real.
Illyria is now moaning in pain.
ILLYRIA
I was mistaken. The power is too much to sustain. We have to return now while I still have the strength to open a portal.
Illyria throws her hand out and a portal opens.
GUNN
Angel, let’s go.
ANGEL
(still looking down) Not real, you’re not real. (snapping his head up to look at his real friends) None of you are real. I’m not going anywhere with you!
END ACT III
ACT IV
Open on a shot behind Angel looking over his shoulder. Illyria’s face is obviously racked with pain while the other three look confused.
CONNOR
Dad? Dad, what are you saying? You have to come with us. We’re here to save you.
ANGEL
No, you’re here to damn me.
CONNOR
(shaking his head and visibly hurt) No. Dad…
ANGEL
Shut up. I’m not going back to that. I’m done, like Buffy was.
Spike’s face perks up at the sound of Buffy’s name, but he still looks confused.
SPIKE
What do you mean like the Slayer was?
ANGEL
When I saw Buffy after she came back, she told me all about her experience. About being in heaven. She said she was done. Done with all the fighting and all the death and….she was at peace.
SPIKE
This is nothing like that mate.
ANGEL
This is exactly like that.
Illyria screams in pain again and a small tear in her arm opens up. Blue light starts to pour out of it.
GUNN
Guys, we need to hurry. Illyria’s not going to hold out much longer.
CONNOR
Dad, please.
ANGEL
She was dragged kicking and screaming back into that life, that life she never wanted. You expect me to willingly go back to that? I’m done, son. Do you get that? I’m human and all the people I love are here with me. I did it. I’m redeemed. Finally.
SPIKE
Are you wearing a necklace?
More tears form in Illyria’s body.
GUNN
Guys!
SPIKE
We’re not leaving without him.
Connor rushes over and grabs Angel’s arm, who promptly decks him with his free hand. Connor looks up at his father with a look of horror.
GUNN
We have to go now or we won’t be going at all. We got here before, we’ll get here again. We’ll be back.
Spike stares down Angel as Gunn collects Connor and they pass through the portal. Spike backs into the portal never losing his eye contact with Angel. Finally Illyria limps through and the portal closes. Angel stands there with a perplexed look, then his face straightens.
ANGEL
So, Spike and I will be team captains.
Cut to an interior shot of Wolfram and Hart. A woman in a business suit enters Angel’s old office. The shot pulls away from her to the arm of Angel’s chair, which is facing the wall. We see a man’s arm. The camera holds this shot for the duration of the scene
WOMAN
Sir, we had a disturbance today. Somehow Angel’s people managed to reach him in the holding dimension. He refused to leave with them. Apparently the mind control has taken completely.
MAN
I read the report. Everything proceeded just as the Senior Partners said it would.
WOMAN
Should we send a team to take them out? They may prove to be a bigger threat than we first thought.
MAN
Not right away. From the report, Illyria could not maintain the portal for too long without almost exploding. I doubt they will try again right away. They’re too noble to risk the life of the Old One.
WOMAN
Yes sir. Of course sir.
MAN
Is there any word on Krevlorneswath?
WOMAN
Yes, ummm…(shuffling through papers)…he’s been located. How he got that far away that quickly I don’t know, but the extermination squad has been dispatched.
MAN
Good. Is that all?
WOMAN
Yes sir.
MAN
So why are you still standing there?
Back to Wes’s apartment. Illyria is on the ground unconscious, but her body seems to have restored itself. The three men are staring off into space.
CONNOR
We have to go back.
GUNN
We will, but we need to figure out a way to get him to come with us.
SPIKE
I didn’t see any necklace on him, but they might be controlling him somehow.
GUNN
Yea I figured that. We can’t go back until we figure out how to keep Illyria from blowing up though. She almost popped back there.
SPIKE
We’ll also need reinforcements. Didn’t see any this time, but they might still be packing uzis. Got any favors you can call in?
GUNN
Well, there’s that old gang of mine, but somehow I can’t see them risking their lives to save a vampire. Connor?
CONNOR
I go to Stanford, so unless we want to beat those guys at chess…
SPIKE
Right, so LA is useless. We’ll have to get some outside contractors.
GUNN
And where do you propose we find some?
Close up on Spike’s face.
SPIKE
Rome.
Cut back to Angel’s bedroom. It’s night now and he’s standing by his window brooding again.
FEMALE VOICE(O.S.)
Even human, you never stop doing that do you?
Angel turns around to see Buffy Summers standing in her doorway. The Buffy/Angel love theme starts up.
BUFFY
Cordy called me over. Said you had an intense experience and you might be a little…confused.
ANGEL
They were trying to…trying to do what…what Willow did to you.
BUFFY
It wasn’t real Angel. Probably another Wolfram and Hart trick or something. Did you really run that company?
ANGEL
Doesn’t matter now. I’m here, you…all of you are here. And this is real…this is really real. You and I…what are we Buffy?
BUFFY
(stepping up to him) We’re whatever you want us to be Angel. It was always your decision wasn’t it? (placing her hand over his heart) I feel it again, just like I did four years ago. Your heartbeat.
ANGEL
Yea.
There’s a long meaningful stare between the two. They lean in for a kiss and Angel closes his eyes. Suddenly her face straightens and her hand violently pushes through his chest. Angel’s eyes open in shock.
BUFFY
(sarcastically) This is really real Angel. (serious voice) This is really hell.
Buffy’s face vamps out and she sinks her fangs into his neck. Angel cries out in pain as the camera moves back to the doorway. All of Angel’s friends and family are standing there with sinister smirks looking at the scene.
FADE TO BLACK
END OF EPISODE
Editor’s note: I am cowriting this season with another writer named Paynbow. We are posting on several sites, but I will be posting all of her episodes here under my name. I will include her email address for her episodes.
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