The scene picks up right where Season five left off, with Angel, Spike, Illyria and a wounded Gunn up against the Wolfram & Army. There is a constant rain, though it is unobtrusive and quiet. The demons advance down the alley while the group takes a war stance.
A relative silence is cast over the group.
SPIKE
Right then, shall we?
They charge into the oncoming demons, swords sparring and carnage ensuing. With each sweep of his sword, Angel slices through three to four demons and knocks back even more.
SPIKE (shouting)
What the hell are you on?
Angel dissects an enemy before turning to Spike.
ANGEL
Had a fix of Wolfram & Hart blood before I came.
GUNN
That’ll do it.
The scene continues in an epic brawl; Spike and Gunn display a tag-team formation; Illyria punches directly through demons one at a time; Angel seizes his opportunity to slay a dragon.
Spike stops, looks up.
SPIKE
Bloody show off.
ILLYRIA (while fighting)
These demons tear much too easily.
SPIKE (spitefully)
Only if you’re a God!
ANGEL (delicately)
Hey now, she’s not anymore.
SPIKE
Cheers to that.
Further carnage ensues, beautiful camera angling and imagery at work. Spike lets out a few war cries, Illyria gives a few grunts.
Spike throws a demon into a crowd of others, then turns to Illyria.
SPIKE
Hey, you used to be friendly with these guys – know any weak spots?
ILLYRIA
Decapitation, cerebral paralysis, or extensive dissection.
SPIKE
Not particularly helpful.
ANGEL
Works for me.
As he says that, Spike is kicked in the faced. He scowls.
Over several successive shots, it becomes apparent that the enemy forces are increasing too rapidly. Spike, Gunn, and Illyria are slowly cornered up near each other.
GUNN
There’s too many of them!
ILLYRIA
Their forces grow tenfold.
SPIKE (breathing heavily)
Yeah thanks for that one. (He backs away for a moment)We’re gonna need to fall back soon. (Looks to Angel, shouts loudly) Hey! Fall back!
Angel is surrounded and isolated, but continues to wail on the enemy. A lucky shot from a demon knocks him off balance. Gunn and Illyria are already falling back.
ANGEL
Be there in just a second.
SPIKE
Come on, mate!
Angel is suddenly stabbed in the abdomen.
GUNN
Angel!
Angel falls to his knees.
SPIKE
Help him you bleeding idiot.
GUNN (to himself)
C’mon Angel, not now…
They dodge several attacks en route to Angel, but are impeded by growing armies. Suddenly, a sweeping force throws several dozen demons backward. Camera zooms to Spike, in awe. Illyria, too, turns her piercing cerulean eyes towards the oncoming force.
High heels approach Angel, who is looking down. He peers up, and camera focuses on Buffy.
BUFFY
I heard an apocalypse was in town.
CUE TO CREDITS.
Angel
Starring David Boreanaz
James Marsters
J. August Richards
Amy Acker
Max Perlich
Jenny Mollen
Guest Starring
Sam Anderson
Vincent Kartheiser
Ilyari Limon
With DB Woodside as Wood
Eliza Dushku as Faith
Alyson Hannigan as Willow
And Sarah Michelle Gellar as Buffy Summers
Angel looks up at Buffy with a half perplexed, half agonized look. She looks down, somewhat haughtily. The alley has been cleared of all demons for the time being from that blast before the credits.
ANGEL
Buffy…
She turns around. Camera pans out to show an army of slayers behind her.
BUFFY (inspiringly)
Alright girls, we’ve got a job to do and lives to save. I want Kennedy’s group to sweep 6th street, (zoom Kennedy) I’ll take mine down on Oak, and Faith, (zoom Faith) take yours over to Sunderland! I want these things’ asses kicked back into their dimensions just as much as you do, but remember, your priority is to save lives. This isn’t a drill any more, ladies. This is the real deal. It’s save the world or go down with it, and frankly, I’m more for the first option.
While she makes her speech, the camera wanders around the meticulously managed army of slayers. They seem automatic and rehearsed, clearly capable of handling the problem at hand. Several wiccans make a short-term anti-demon shield, which is confirmed by the fact that an approaching demon stops dead in its tracks. Angel looks overwhelmed.
Buffy looks at Angel, bends down and surveys his wound.
BUFFY
And let’s get a medteam stationed in this alley!
ANGEL
If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you staged this whole apocalypse just to impress me.
BUFFY
Is that what they tell you at the office, Angel Esquire?
ANGEL
Hey, I can explain that. It was a necessary step in -
Spike walks out of the shadows.
SPIKE (interrupts)
That’s all lovely, but haven’t you the faintest desire to ask her (sudden change in tone) what the hell she’s doing here?
Buffy stares at him in disbelief. She completely forgets about Angel.
BUFFY
Spike…?
SPIKE (haughtily)
Don’t put this on me, love. We had things perfectly under control before you came.
A moment of silent confusion. Camera focuses on Angel for a brief moment.
SPIKE
Oh, right, the dead thing. Quite better now, actually. Helpin’ Angel out. Woulda given you a ring, but, you know (looks at Angel) awkward.
More silence, Buffy gets emotional.
SPIKE
Well you certainly look good. Last I heard you were pitchin tea cups with the Immortal. Dunno how that’s been, but –
She reaches out to touch his face. A tear sheds from the corner of her eye. A blurred Angel can be seen in the background.
BUFFY
Spike, I – I can’t believe it’s you…(she hugs him) I’ve missed you.
SPIKE (slightly more serious)
More or less the same here, pet.
Angel looks, on, his jealousy apparent on his face. He throws his hands up.
ANGEL (agitated)
We’ve got a world to save here and I have a spear in my stomach -
BUFFY
Right we – we should go. Help people.
SPIKE
Right then.
Illyria looks on from the background, perhaps spiteful of the slayer. Gunn coughs. Spike looks over at Gunn, who’s up against a wall, clutching his side.
SPIKE (pointing over shoulder)
Right, might want to fix him up too, if you have the chance.
GUNN
No rush.
BUFFY (clearing throat)
I’ll get someone on it. I – I’d better go help fight. (forces a smile) We all gotta do our part.
SPIKE
I hear that.
ANGEL (trying to get recognition)
I know these streets pretty well, maybe you should stick with me.
BUFFY
No, you need to sit tight for the moment. No point in throwing yourself out there injured. Don’t worry about me, I’ll take Spike and sweep the streets.
Buffy turns to Spike.
BUFFY
I’ll meet you out there.
Buffy tentatively leaves the alley for battle. Spike walks over to Angel and sits him up against a wall.
SPIKE
Man, that was painful (Angel grimaces). Did it look painful to you?
ANGEL
Spike…
SPIKE (unperturbed)
The last she saw of me I was a bleedin lighthouse down in the hellmouth. Surprised she –
ANGEL
Spike…
SPIKE
-took it as well as she did, really. You know how she gets, all clingy like that.
Angel suppresses his anger under his visible pain. He clutches the spear still in his abdomen. Spike notices.
SPIKE
Let’s get you taken care of, mate.
ANGEL
I need to get back out there.
SPIKE
You have a bloody spear in your gut!
Angel pulls the spear out of his gut. He winces.
ANGEL
There’s a city that needs me.
SPIKE
And instead of you, it’s got an army of slayers. I’d say that’s a fair trade.
The medteam arrives and sets up near Angel.
SPIKE
See, there they are. Relax and we’ll be back for you when it’s over.
Spike gets up, camera slowly pans outward and upward, showing several slayers and medics entering the alley. Other slayers seem to be barricading the entrances to the alley, as if to make it a base of strategic operations. Camera continues to pan out until we’re at a bird’s eye view, seeing a greater part of the whole city, dawned with fire and demons.
Cut to: Shots of the city, complete with rampant demons, fleeing innocents, and slayers running on screen to fight. Several more shots of slayers fighting, some winning, some losing.
Cut to: Faith runs down a wide street with two slayers in tow. They stop.
FAITH (pointing)
Check that building over there, I’ll hit the side street.
The slayers nod, and Faith turns and heads down the side street. After a few moments of searching, she finds an innocent cornered in a building stoop, harassed by a demon.
FAITH (boasting)
Hey, I hear a slayer’s blood tastes ten times better.
She unsheathes her sword.
FAITH (slightly softer)
Don’t suppose you’ll find out, though.
She charges, the demon turns and does the same. The two fight in nicely choreographed moves.
Cut to: Willow and Kennedy entering the alley where things are stationed. Willow has several items assumed to be of magical properties. Behind them, a procession of wiccans follow, militarily.
KENNEDY
This looks like the place.
WILLOW
Have them set up the dimensional circle, I’ll get crackin on the necessary translations. Won’t take long. (Starts to walk away) Oh, wait! Tell them not to activate the pentagram till I’m ready.
KENNEDY
Roger that (winks). (Kennedy turns to the procession) You heard her! Move! Move!
Cut to: Willow approaching center of alley, where Angel is.
WILLOW (excited)
Angel, hey!
ANGEL
Willow.
WILLOW
Isn’t this great? We’re saving the world!
ANGEL (joyously disillusioned)
Yeah, alright…
WILLOW
So how have you been? It’s been months. Last I saw you, you were all soulless. Hope my spell worked out for ya.
ANGEL
What are you, uh – (Angel makes vague hand gestures).
WILLOW
(Looks at items in hands) Oh, right. My wiccans and I are gonna perform an inter-dimensionary spell to suck all the demons back to where they came from. Pretty cool huh?
ANGEL
Looks like you’ve prepared.
WILLOW
Gotta be on top of your game. We’ve been preparing for months. The slayer training roof is never empty!
ANGEL
So you’ve all known all about this “apocalypse” for a while?
WILLOW
Oh yeah, definitely.
ANGEL
Would have liked to have known ahead of time, perhaps coordinate a thing or two…
WILLOW
Oh, Buffy didn’t tell you? (Angel looks slightly perturbed) Andrew told us you’d gone all evil, working for that law firm and all. We figured you we too unreliable to share our information with. (Notices Angel’s hurt expression) Oh, no, it’s not you! It’s just, the (eerie emphasis) Senior Partners might’ve overheard. Couldn’t risk it. We wanted to tell you though!
An awkward silent moment.
WILLOW
Well I really gotta go. These spells won’t save the world on their own. Take care of yourself.
ANGEL (under his breath)
I’m supposed to be saving the world…
WILLOW (walking towards center)
Kennedy, go patrol, we’ve got enough slayers on defense here till the barrier’s up.
Cut to: Faith, fighting the same demon. She cuts off one of its arms, and she’s about to finish the job when an axe comes from behind and decapitates the demon. Wood walks on screen.
FAITH
Bastard.
WOOD
What?
FAITH
I so had that one you kill stealer!
WOOD (picking up his axe)
Just protectin’ my lady.
FAITH (semi-jovially)
If anyone needs protectin, buddy –
Part of a flaming building collapses near them.
FAITH
Well, this guy does, for starters. You finish this area, I’ll take ‘em back.
WOOD
Don’t have to tell you to be careful, do I? Cause that’s pretty cliché..
FAITH (laughs)
Go on, get outta here. I’ll see you later.
Wood raises his axe in recognition. He starts running.
FAITH (watching him, softly)
Be careful.
He runs off screen and Faith kneels next to the whimpering innocent.
FAITH
Hang in there bud, I’m here to help. Can you walk?
She slowly stands up, holding the innocent’s arm.
INNOCENT
Wha – what the hell is going on in this town?
FAITH
Don’t worry, bud. It’ll all blow over. These kinda things happen more often than you’d think. (The innocent stands limply) Hold on to me, I’ll get you outta here.
They begin walking, the innocent’s arm over Faith’s shoulder. Zoom out, show them walking on an empty, wide street littered with fire that remained unperturbed by the rain.
FAITH
I hope they know what they’re doing…
Cut to: Buffy and Spike, fighting alongside eachother. The view is from a distance, and camera slowly pans out to reveal we’re at Angel’s viewpoint, still sitting in the alley. His look suggests he feels lost and helpless, still rather injured and waiting further care from the medteam. He longs to get up and fight. Spike and Buffy can be heard in the background:
SPIKE (enthused)
Nice kick, love. I remember when it just to be me on the receiving end.
BUFFY (playfully)
Might be you again if you don’t mind your own fight.
Spike lets out a war cry. Angel looks down at the ground again.
Cut to: Connor, atop a roof overlooking the mayhem. He sees slayers fighting demons and saving innocents, and he has a vivid flashback of saving Sunny from her drug lord on his first day in LA. He seems to have a revelation at that moment, and decides to help fight.
Connor (rhetorically)
What the hell.
He jumps off the roof, approaches a demon.
Cut to: Faith, still carrying the innocent down a street. Sirens are heard in the distance. Kennedy runs on screen.
KENNEDY
Faith!
FAITH
What’s up?
KENNEDY (worried)
We need your help! There’s a whole restaurant trapped full of people. God, there must be at least 40 or 50 in there. There isn’t much time, they’re -
FAITH (interrupting)
Slow down Hun. What happened to your squad?
KENNEDY
We fell victim to the old divide and conquer tactic…(she looks down at the ground) One squad just wasn’t enough.
A moment passes, then Kennedy looks up at Faith.
KENNEDY
Still, we can’t give up on those people!
FAITH
Right, okay. (takes a moment) Take this guy back to the rendezvous. I’ll check it out.
The hostage lets out a groan as he is passed from Faith’s shoulder to Kennedy’s.
FAITH
I’ll see ya there.
Faith begins running off screen.
KENNEDY (turning)
Hurry!
FAITH (looking over shoulder)
Send back-up!
Cut to: Angel standing, bandaged, peering down an alley. He looks on at Spike, Buffy, and the slayers, all of whom are fighting. He clutches his gut; his face suddenly seems determined. He picks up a sword and starts walking forcibly.
He enters an area adjacent to Spike and Buffy, with a high concentration of demons. Buffy looks over at him.
BUFFY
Angel what are you doing? You’re hurt!
SPIKE
Hey, retard, you’re gonna get yourself killed!
ANGEL
This is my fight. (he swings) This is my city. (Another swing). This is my problem.
SPIKE
Don’t be stupid, man. You just got speared!
ANGEL (speaking between slashes) I won’t sit around for someone else to do my job.
BUFFY
God, he’s so stubborn.
He seems mildly successful fighting at first, and he seems to be holding his own. Meanwhile, Buffy tries to break free of her fight and make her way over to Angel.
Cut to: Willow, finishing her defensive spell.
WILLOW
Amorare, Effildorare, in ventus tempore. (She looks up) I’ve got it! Form the circle!
Willow stands up and rushes over to the circle.
WILLOW
Everything ready here? (wiccans nod) Then let’s get started…Orbs! Book! Keep those candles lit. Try to clear your minds of the chaos around you. (Flustered) Book people! I need that book!
Cut to: Faith, arriving at the restaurant, looking down at a dead slayer at her feet. She picks up the sword in the slayer’s hard and hurls it through a broken window at a demon, killing it.
The group of innocents, littered with dead bodies and terrified lives ones, look on in hope.
FAITH (to demons)
Who did this? (Points to body, demons guffaw) What, no volunteers? Then I’ll just have to kick all your asses for it.
She advances, throws a punch. In midpunch, scene cuts to –
Cut to: Angel, punched in the stomach. He’s losing stamina and getting his ass kicked. Semi-slow motion kicks in. Buffy desperately runs to him, and in the same shot behind her, Spike snaps the neck of a demon. He looks pleased, but looks at Buffy, then to Angel, and starts after them.
Angel is hit in the face, blood spits out of his mouth.
Cut to: Willow and witches, continuing their chants. Willow is holding two glowing orbs with a book in front of her. The pentagram in the center of the circle lights up.
Cut to: Faith, laying roundhouse kicks but a demon punches her in the back. She stumbles, swings around to face it, and another demon hits her in the back from the opposite side.
Cut to: Angel is stabbed in the upper left chest, a defeated look enters his eyes. He falls to his knees, the demons snort. Angel looks over to Buffy, desperately.
BUFFY
Angel!
Cut to: Willow and witches, and just as they are about to finish an incantation, a piece of flaming building crushes half the circle. Willow screams as demons file into the alley. Camera focuses on pentagram, whose glow fades.
WILLOW
Help! Buffy, someone! Help!
Cut to: Faith, knocked in the face and tossed against a wall. Her mouth is bleeding. She looks pissed, but fails to capitalize on her fury. She’s thrown on the ground, on her hands and knees. She looks up at an enclosing circle of demons. A demon with a blunt club grins, then swings down towards camera (Faith-eye view)
Cut to: Connor fighting, being thrown against a wall. His face is bloodied, and as he tries to get up, it’s apparent he has a limp. He starts to flee.
Cut to: Angel, looking up at a demon, who jabs a wooden spear straight into his heart. Buffy reaches out to him as he feels himself fading, and everything surrounding him turns to white.
A moment passes, Angel finds himself intact, in an endlessly white space.
He’s standing; he looks around, and realizes he still has the spear in this chest. He looks comically agitated by it.
HOLLAND
Hello, Angel.
Cut to commercial.
Fade in. Angel stares at Holland Manners in a bored, agitated way. Angel still has the spear sticking out of his chest.
He is still bending over, hands on his knees, breathing heavily.
ANGEL (bored, still looking down)
We’ve been through this before, Holland.
He pulls the spear out, throws it on the ground. Holland smiles, tilts his head slightly.
Angel then stands up, turns and walks away from Holland.
HOLLAND
Where’re you going?
ANGEL (without looking back)
Away from you.
HOLLAND
Why so bitter?
ANGEL (stopping, turning)
You’re not a fun guy to talk to.
HOLLAND
Be that as it may, Angel, I don’t think you have much of a choice here.
Angel breathes heavily, looking around.
ANGEL
What do you want.
HOLLAND (smiles)
I only want what’s best for you –
ANGEL (starts walking again)
I told you not to waste my time.
HOLLAND
No you didn’t.
ANGEL (turns back)
Don’t waste my time!
HOLLAND
Angel, you’ll find you have plenty of time to hear me out.
ANGEL
Really don’t, see, I was fighting a war with you guys before –
HOLLAND
Before that spear claimed your life.
A moment passes.
ANGEL
Liar.
HOLLAND
Wolfram & Hart isn’t in the business of lying to its clients.
ANGEL
I’d be dusted, moron. And since when have I been a client?
HOLLAND
Angel, we’ve been looking after your interests from day one. We could have dusted you a thousand times over. But that’s not what we want, and that’s not what you want.
ANGEL
You need me for your pet apocalypse.
HOLLAND
Oh, the hell with the apocalypse. We just say that nonsense to keep our employees happy. The Wolfram & Hart employees across dimensions need to think that we are working for some kind of purpose. Corporeal beings are always looking for the teleological. Progress, you see. That’s what everyone mortal being wants…It’s what you want.
ANGEL
Not really caring.
HOLLAND (ignoring him)
“Live like the world is as it ought to be.” It’s a beautiful sentiment. I’ve always respected your convictions Angel. You know what you want and you go for it. Getting rid of the Black Thorn? I’ve seen some things in my…well, you could say life, I suppose… (clears throat) You’re a tactician, Angel. You hold your friends close, your enemies closer. But since you have a conscience, you fall victim to welfare of your loved ones. And that’s why you’re here.
ANGEL
If this is what you brought me here for, then God, just kill me now –
HOLLAND
We, the Senior Partners would like to extend to you an offer –
ANGEL
Nope. Not happening. Not doing offers with you. You can put me back in my body now.
HOLLAND
Angel, what if I told you you’re friend’s lives depended on your cooperation through this meeting.
Camera zooms out. A moment passes.
ANGEL
You’re lying again. See, all you do is lie –
Holland grabs Angel by the collar and suddenly becomes deadly serious. Angel can’t seem to break free, or even resist.
HOLLAND
Oh believe me when I say the severity of the matter far extends your ill-advised suspicion of my threats. They’re going to die if you don’t act within reason. Make no mistake. (Releases Angel, smiles) Now, let’s take a walk. (He begins walking) Come.
The two of them are suddenly placed on the streets of LA, where the demons seem to be winning.
Cut to: Willow, lying unconscious, or dead. The audience can’t tell.
Cut to: Faith, bleeding badly, trying to run from a pack of demons. She is cut off by one and slashed at. Angel runs to help her, but runs right through her.
HOLLAND
You’re not home free Angel. But this is exactly how the world is in the wake of your death. Let’s see, it’s been (looks at watch) not more than five minutes and the slayer ranks grow thin.
ANGEL
This isn’t real.
HOLLAND
I do hope that’s the last time you question my sincerity. For their sake.
Angel looks at Faith and shuts up. Holland starts walking again, and Angel follows.
Cut to: One last wiccan trying to finish an incantation, but is swept up by a demon and thrown like a rag doll. Holland and Angel walk among it.
HOLLAND
The Senior Partners and I admire your fervent belief in what is wrong and what is right. I mean (laughs), your conviction led you to your death, and there is no better example than that.
Cut to: another wide street. Connor looks beaten and bloodied, and is continually getting hammered.
HOLLAND
So naturally, in the offer you’re about to receive, you’d make an appropriate assessment of priorities and act accordingly. Even if that means the sacrifice of one for the good of many.
ANGEL
Apparently I’m already dead. What else do you want?
HOLLAND
Look over there (points).
Cut to: Buffy and Spike, being cornered and on the verge of death.
HOLLAND (V.O)
It’s a pity you can’t help them right now. They look rather fatigued. Well, the Slayer anyway. The vampire has quite the resolve.
Angel gets increasingly angry.
HOLLAND
Alright, Angel. The deal is as followed: The Senior Partners and I will call off the demons if you personally incapacitate the Old One. We’ll handle the rest.
ANGEL
Old One? You mean Illyria?
Holland nods.
ANGEL
What the hell do you need me for? You have God knows how many demons out there, tell them to do it.
HOLLAND
That’s just it, Angel…we don’t want to kill her, necessarily. Although that may come later. Instead, we want to respect the professionalism of the matter, as two business associates would. Illyria is a proud individual. I find that this agreement is specifically tailored toward both party’s likings. All we want is to keep her out of the way.
ANGEL
Keep her out of the way…?
HOLLAND
We don’t like her. She never could play well with others.
ANGEL
There’s more to this you’re not telling me.
HOLLAND
Of course there is Angel, but that much, I’m sorry to say, I cannot disclose.
ANGEL
So, what? I just smack her over the head, hand her off to one of your cronies?
HOLLAND
In a manner of speaking.
ANGEL
And you’ll call off the dogs?
HOLLAND
Most certainly.
A moment passes.
Cut to: Angel watches Illyria dismantling demon after demon. Though bruised and bleeding, she seems less injured than the rest.
HOLLAND
Such a sweet girl, Fred was. Truly a pity she was sacrificed so an abomination could walk this earth. (pauses, smiles) And her smile – wow, did it light up the room –
ANGEL (furious)
You’re gonna shut the hell up.
Holland maintains his smile.
Cut to: Spike slammed on the ground and skewered in the stomach. Buffy is pinned by two demons.
HOLLAND
Time is a factor, Angel. Make your decision now.
ANGEL
No deal.
HOLLAND
What?
ANGEL
Not accepting your offer.
HOLLAND (deadly, grave)
You have no idea of the consequences her existence on this realm means.
ANGEL
If it pisses you off, then I don’t really care. No deal is ever worth making with you. There’s something I’ve learned after working under your roof.
HOLLAND
I advise you to reconsider.
ANGEL (face to face)
Would you feel better if I lied?
HOLLAND (stepping back)
Very well, Angel. It appears we’re going to have to pursue another means to our end. I warn you, you’re not going to like the other means. (He takes a few steps back) Good-bye then, Angel.
The scene circles while it whitens to a blur. Angel slowly opens his eyes to find Buffy cradling him where he had fallen, with Spike, Gunn, and Willow hovering nearby.
GUNN
He’s coming to!
BUFFY
Angel, oh my god you’re awake! (Hugs him) We’d thought we’d lost you…
ANGEL (still desensitized)
What…you’re all…everyone’s alive, right? This isn’t hell, is it?
BUFFY
What are you talking about? Of course we’re fine. You, on the other hand…
ANGEL (desensitized)
I – I’m alive. I can’t believe it.
SPIKE
Luckily for you, demon wasn’t a crack shot. Missed the heart.
Angel inspects his chest, which has a deep gash left of the heart.
ANGEL (to himself)
So…none of that was real.
BUFFY
None of what?
WILLOW
I…think I know what he’s talking about. See when the spell kicked in, it began sucking up (cut to: Willow’s spell creating a column of white light, sucking in demons. Willow continues v.o.) all the demons and warping them back to their dimensions. I guess Angel’s consciousness got caught up in it. Sorry about that. It’s not like the portal chooses between good demons and bad ones. (pause) So…what did you see?
GUNN
Probably the whole Wolfram & Hart army, right?
ANGEL
Uh – no, not much – the spell was finished? You’re sure?
WILLOW
Yeah, pretty sure, considering there aren’t any demons left.
Angel seems oblivious to Buffy’s attention and makes an effort to get up. Buffy backs away.
Angel gets up, surveys the area. He finds the chaos is over. There are no demons walking the streets, and the rain has ceased. Dawn (the time of day) approaches. Angel bares the look of a man who’d just missed his chance to save the world.
ANGEL
So just like that. It’s over.
WILLOW (gleefully)
Yep. Looks like we saved the world again.
ANGEL
I guess so.
WILLOW
I say we treat ourselves to ice cream.
Buffy suddenly snaps out of her quiet trance.
BUFFY
Oh, um, we’d better get you and Spike inside. It’s almost morning.
SPIKE
Brilliant. We survive an apocalypse and now we’re hiding from the sun. (Pats Angel on the back) Let’s go, champ.
ANGEL (As they walk away)
Don’t call me that.
SPIKE (trailing off)
Pardon me, mister center of the universe. I forgot how modest you were.
ANGEL
Why didn’t the portal take you?
SPIKE
I’ve been sent by the Senior Partners to annoy the hell outta you.
They finally travel far enough out of earshot. Buffy remains somewhat jolted by the recent developments. She is still kneeling where Angel had been.
WILLOW
Something wrong? You’re not your usual I-just-saved-the-world-self.
BUFFY
Hmm? Oh…Yeah it’s been a weird day. Or night. Seeing Spike alive, it was just…surreal. And then Angel giving us that scare didn’t help.
WILLOW
Well, let’s go find Kennedy and Faith and round up the rest of the crew. I think we all deserve a little rest.
Buffy gets up and walks with Willow’s arm around her shoulder. The way the camera is set up, it is clear that they are inexplicably walking the opposite direction Spike and Angel had walked.
The camera pans in the same way it had shortly after Buffy had arrived, only this time the sun is rising and the fires on the streets seem much less violent.
Cut to: scenes of the city, with people looking out their windows or stepping outside their homes, observing the aftermath of the war.
Cut to: birds flying in front of the now partially risen sun.
Cut to: Connor walking down an empty street, bruised and bloodied. He walks by the collapsed Wolfram & Hart building, stops, contemplates, then continues on.
Cut to: Transition shot to Spike’s apartment, where Angel looks out the window, but remains out of the light due to curtains. Over his shoulder, you can see he’s watching Illyria sitting outside with Gunn. Gunn seems to be acting something out for her, which he intends for her to mimic. Eventually Gunn begins to laugh at her.
Buffy enters the room.
BUFFY
Hey. How’re you feeling?
ANGEL
Fine. (He turns to her) Couple of holes in the chest, should heal fine.
BUFFY (walking around the room)
Well, at least we got the job done. (Raises chin) Think of those wounds as little medals of courage.
ANGEL
Yeah, I wanted to thank you for helping.
BUFFY (lightheartedly)
So do it.
Angel (faintly smiles)
…Thanks.
BUFFY
There ya go! I knew you had some chivalry left underneath all that brooding.
ANGEL
But don’t help me again.
BUFFY
What?
ANGEL (without looking at her)
Thanks for your help, but don’t come to LA looking to save the world again. It’s not your problem, it’s mine.
A few moments of silence, and Buffy looks pissed.
BUFFY
What the hell is the matter with you? You know if I hadn’t swooped in to save you –
ANGEL (interrupting)
Then I would have done something about it. This isn’t your fight that you can just jump in when you want and make things better. This is something I have to do on my own.
BUFFY
I can’t believe you.
ANGEL
You’ve already done your part to save the world. Several times in fact. That was your story to fulfill and I didn’t interfere with it. My story’s still being written and I’d appreciate if you just let me handle my own problems.
BUFFY
So that’s what it’s about. You want a story so people can remember your name and how great you are. But you can’t handle someone else stealing your thunder –
ANGEL
Oh, come on –
BUFFY (without stopping)
- Because you want all the credit for yourself. You want to be the big hero and save day when you can’t even keep yourself together in a fight –
ANGEL (abruptly)
Grow the hell up, Buffy! I would have though you’d matured a little bit since you moved away from Sunnydale but you’re still same selfish child who thinks she’s above everyone else (his finer points accusingly).
Angel takes a step back, keeping his head down as not to look at Buffy. Buffy looks shocked, and on the verge of tears. Angel turns his back to her, camera looks at him with a shot of Buffy over his shoulder.
ANGEL (quietly)
I don’t need you to help me. This war is my responsibility. They’re after me and it can only be me fighting them in the end.
Angel walks towards the door.
ANGEL (as he passes Buffy)
Thanks for stopping by.
Angel opens the door and finds Spike pressed up against it. Spike stumbles, and quickly tries to look uninterested.
SPIKE (defiantly)
I was stretching.
Angel ignores him and proceeds to exit the apartment. Spike looks into the room at Buffy, who’s quietly crying.
SPIKE
Um, Willow and that lot are ready to go. Should I tell ‘em to wait a few?
BUFFY (wiping a tear)
No – thanks. I’ll be right there.
She gathers herself, and starts walking out of the room. She takes a few steps past Spike, then turns to him.
BUFFY (semi-desperately)
Spike, come with us.
SPIKE
What was that?
BUFFY
Come with us back to Europe. We can…We never got to… Just like it used to be, with the whole gang back in Sunnydale.
SPIKE
Oh, cause they were a lot of laughs. Always treated me with respect they did.
BUFFY
A lot’s changed. We need you, and…I need you.
A moment passes.
SPIKE
Some day, pet, maybe I’ll look into that. But I think I’ll stick around here and clean up this mess. Besides, who’s going to annoy Big Brow if I go? (a pause) Look Buffy, you’ve been doing just fine without me for the last year, I’m sure you’ll manage. And if not, you’ve got the Immortal to take care of you.
BUFFY
How did you…?
SPIKE
Yeah that’s right. You’ve got problems. You’ve got a pathological desire to get bit, you know that. It’s like some slayer version of the Oedipus complex.
BUFFY (on a tangent)
That’s over and done with and for your information you died over a year ago and now I find out you’ve been alive for several months? Did you think I’d be some sick joke not to tell me or were you really that apathetic?
SPIKE
I had to find the right time…
BUFFY
That’s right, cause every runs on Spike time, doesn’t it? Who cares if I’m halfway across the world, mourning over your death, because poor Spike can’t find the courage to actually live again!
SPIKE
You’re the cry-baby!
BUFFY
Shut up!
(A moment passes where the two just look at each other, quite angry. Gradually, they begin to smile both end up laughing for a few moments.)
SPIKE
Look at us. Will we ever grow up?
BUFFY (laughing between tears)
I’m in my 20s, what’s your excuse? (Wipes away tears, laughs fade. After a moment, she focuses) So I guess this is it. You’re staying here, I’ll eventually go back to Europe…
SPIKE (takes her hand, quiets her)
I’ve missed you…You’re still all that keeps me going, pet. But I’m needed here. I’m fighting the good fight and for once it’s not just to impress you. Go back to Europe. We’ll pick up the pieces here.
BUFFY
(Tears once again swelling in those oh-so-tortured eyes of hers)
Take care of yourself, then…
(She turns and leaves. Once she is out of ear-shot, Spike says:)
Bye Buffy. I love you.
Cut to: outside, where Willow, Faith, and Kennedy are waiting by a car. Buffy walks on camera.
WILLOW
Didn’t go well?
BUFFY
Never a simple question, is it?
FAITH
Well cheer up B, we’ve got a whole road trip planned out and it’ll kick ass.
BUFFY (smiles)
I told Dawn we’d be gone only a few days. Who knows what the hell she and Andrew are up to.
KENNEDY (from the driver’s seat, she honks)
Come on! We’ve got a schedule to follow!
The girls get into the car, and Buffy seems happier. They drive off. Happy music plays.
Cut to: Transition from car to apartment, where Angel is preparing to leave. As he exits, Gunn stands in the doorway behind him.
GUNN
You sure it’s safe in broad daylight?
ANGEL
I managed to keep one of the necro-temper cars from Wolfram & Hart.
SPIKE (shouting o.c.)
The Viper?
ANGEL (still to Gunn)
I’ll see you when I get back.
Angel closes the door behind him. He starts walking, when a voice appears behind him. The way the camera is shot, you can see the man’s caricature from over his shoulder.
MAN
Quite a show out there, sport.
Camera focuses on man, who, if the audience doesn’t know, is Whistler.
WHISTLER (continuing)
I dunno which was better, you getting impaled twice with a spear, or your ex springing the waterworks.
ANGEL
Whistler.
WHISTLER
Angel.
ANGEL
What are you doing here?
WHISTLER
Continuing where I left off. I’m here to make sure you do your job right. Direct order from the powers that be.
ANGEL
I don’t really like them.
WHISTLER
Yeah, neither do I. They jump in my head when I’m on the jon or watching a porn.
Angel looks unperturbed.
ANGEL
You get visions now?
WHISTLER
Not quite. Let’s just say, they get their point across with perfect clarity. So no more of those flashes of street signs or house numbers. (Shifts position) Well the P-T-B want me to give you the heads up that they’re in the game for real now. They wanna help you foil whatever plans the Senior Partners have up their sleeves this time.
ANGEL
The powers have a habit of making empty promises. And who said that’s my plan?
WHISTLER
Hey – we all wanna fight evil, Angel. It’s our God-given right.
ANGEL
I’ve been cut off from the powers ever since my best friend died. And for some reason, I just haven’t gotten around to renewing that bond. (he turns) So if you’ll excuse me –
WHISTLER
That Illyria chick is more than you know.
ANGEL (turning back)
What do you know about her?
WHISTLER
I only know that the both the powers and the Senior Partners are a little weary of her existence is all. Maybe it’s something to look into. Look, that was noble of you and all to reject the Senior Partner’s plans, but you can’t just put it behind you. There’s a reason why they want her, and I’ll be a son-of-a-bitch if they aren’t going to keep trying.
Angel remains silent.
WHISTLER
And here’s another thing to wrap your noggin around on your road trip – you guys didn’t save the day.
ANGEL
What are you talking about?
WHISTLER
I’m talking about the so-called spell that witch cast. It didn’t do jack. What happened last night, including the entire army, was created and ended by the Senior Partners.
Whistler puts his hat back on his head.
WHISTLER
You didn’t save the day. The day has only begun, Angel. (Starts walking) I’ll be in touch.
Angel stands for a moment. He starts walking in the opposite direction. He enters the building staircase.
Cut to: Angel walking towards his car, proceeding to get in. He starts the engine, pulls out of his parking spot.
Cut to: Angel driving off.
Cut to: Transition Angel driving down the highway in the desert.
GUNN (voice over)
Think she’ll wanna come back? Last she saw him, (cut to Gunn, sitting) he was pretending to be evil, which, If I remember right, was pretty convincing.
Cut to: Angel pulling into a hotel.
SPIKE (voice over)
Oh yeah. (cut to Spike, who’s sitting) Bet she’s bored as a mushroom in Vegas. Dying to come home.
Cut to: Angel in front of a room door. Nina opens.
SPIKE (voice over)
But he really likes this one. Or at least he wants to.
Angel and Nina hug.
Cut to: Illyria, examining a patch of flowers outside.
SPIKE (voice over)
Can only hope it lasts.
Screen fades to black.
CREDITS
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Rave
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biscuit07
Filmtheory (Jim)
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Stephanie Loss
Wendyness (Wendy)
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