Angel 6X06: Enter Sandman

Chapter 7: Rude Awakening

Suddenly Laura was back in The Hyperion, on her bed. In her hands she grasped at the throat of the now corporeal Sandman. She snarled and threw the monster across the room.

"Welcome to my world, bitch."

Laura leapt to her feet. She delivered a roundhouse kick that slammed the demon through the door of the room. She turned to grab a weapon, and noticed Angel, Spike, Faith and Oz staring at her in disbelief.

"Oh, hi guys.." Laura said.

"Uh, you need a hand there Red?" said Spike.

"No thanks, I got this one." Laura said. She turned to Angel. "Can you chuck me that sword Angel?"

Angel threw Laura the sword next to him. Laura caught it, and moved towards the door.

"Back in a minute guys."

As she walked out of the door, Oz moved to follow her, and help her out. Angel put his arm up and blocked him.

"This is her fight Oz. She's gotta do this alone."

"But.."

"But nothin' kid." said Spike. "Not often I say this, but Angel's right. Red needs to do this. She needs closure."

On the other side of the wall, Laura fought against the Sandman, venting the fury she had build up. She smashed the hilt of her sword into the face of the demon.

"How dare you!" she screamed at it. "You violated my dreams, turned my thoughts against me!"

The demon ducked under a slashing blow from the sword.

"If it's any consolation slayer, you lasted longer than most. I'll just have to feed on you here, in your world now..."

Sandman slashed his claws across her stomach. Laura managed to jump back in time, avoiding the brunt of the attack, leaving shallow cuts across her stomach. She dropped to the floor and took out Sandman's legs with a vicious snap kick.

"Not so tough out here are you?" she growled. "How does it feel to have all your power stripped away?"

Laura struck out with a kick to the demon's head. The Sandman rolled to the side and sprang to it's feet.

"I am going to rend your soul in half slayer, and feast on your spirit for eternity..."

Laura kicked the demon in the chest, and with a mighty blow hacked it's head from it's body.

"Quit dreaming..."

Laura walked back though the door into her room, where the others stood.

"It's done."

"Are you alright?" Oz said, rushing to her side.

"Uh, yeah, just kinda spaced out." Laura said. "This is real now isn't it?"

Oz leaned over and kissed her.

"Real enough?" he said.

"Not even close..." she said, leaning back in for another kiss.

Suddenly Angel's mobile phone rang.

"Angel here." He listened to the voice on the other end.

"Alright. I'll be there as soon as possible." He turned to the group.

"I have to go away, something has come up. I'll be as quick as I can."

"Angel," said Faith, "What is it?"

"The end of the world."

"Again?" said Spike.