Cut to Willows room
Buffy frowns in her sleep as she begins to dream.
{Buffy stands in a dark room and begins moving slowly searching for anything to help her find her way. She stops and looks down when she hears a noise. She sees that she has stepped on broken glass.
Buffy: So I'm guessing this is a symbolism thing.
Voice: It's whatever you choose it to be.
Buffy startles and spins around in the direction of the voice. Doyle stands before her. Buffy: I know you.
Doyle: Just a little. Nothing like I know you.
Buffy: You worked with Angel.
Doyle: With, for, its all semantics. You're right though, I knew Angel.
Buffy: And you died.
Doyle: Right again. You're one smart slayer.
Buffy: Not getting that right now.
Doyle: Oh, I guess you must be wondering.
Buffy: Little bit.
Doyle: Nutshell, I got something to show you.
Buffy: Bigger shell please.
Doyle: They want me to show you what's happening to your friend. (He points behind Buffy)
She turns to see Willow sleeping as if lying on the bed except there's no bed. She's just floating.
Buffy: (turning back to Doyle) You know what's wrong with her?
Doyle: Pretty much. You trust me?
Buffy: Wait. I don't understand. You have nothing to do with us. Why are They sending you?
Doyle: Good question. I was hoping you'd ask that. I've been dying to tell you for like ever and after you went and jumped into the abyss and all, I wondered if I would ever be able to. But here we are.
Buffy: I'm going to refrain from asking all the other questions I have after that info, so please just tell me. Why you?
Doyle: It's a funny thing. I was part demon on earth, don't really know what I am now. But on earth, I had this present from the Powers that Be.
Buffy: The visions.
Doyle: You remember? Good. Anyway, I had a thing for Cordelia the minute I saw her. She's some piece of work, you know.
Buffy: Definitely a piece of work.
Doyle: Hint of Antagonism. I hear it, but moving on. When I chose to go all heroic or Angelic if you get the double entendre there.
Buffy: (smirking and nodding her head)
Doyle: Yeah. Anyway, I kissed Cordy to say good bye and my visions were mistakenly passed on to her.
Buffy: I heard about that.
Doyle: Yeah, I guess you did. Anyway, what isn't so well known is that she gave me a present of her own.
Buffy: That's new.
Doyle: Was for me too believe me. This 'present' provided me with a first class ticket to Sunnydale.
Buffy: You mean you've been her since...
Doyle: Yep, since then. It took me a good while to figure it out. They don't like to make things easy on us you know.
Buffy: Us?
Doyle: Yeah, us. Let me put it this way. It's not so much about the who with me but the why.
Buffy waits for him to continue.
Doyle: You haven't spoken to Cordy much since your visit to LA.
Buffy: Can't say that I have.
Doyle: Well she's not the same girl you knew here. She's a fighter that one. A lot of hard choices have crossed her path. She's managed to make all the right ones. And that's in large part to my present.
Buffy: Can we move this along? Not to be rude or anything.
Doyle: Of course not. When my visions got passed onto Cordelia she had to lose something in exchange. Lucky for her the biggest part of her was Sunnydale baggage. So off it went. She doesn't know it consciously. In fact, she wasted no time after receiving the visions trying to pass them off on any Tom, Dick or Angel that would take them.
Buffy doesn't like the Angel reference but keeps her mouth shut.
Doyle: Of course it was all for not. So now Cordy is a crusader for good and I'm the proud owner of Issues a la Sunnydale.
Buffy: I get it. You took the bad qualities of Cordy so she could become a better person. Not an easy burden to carry I'm sure. But I still don't understand how you came to know so much about me. That was never an issue of Cordelia's.
Doyle: That you knew of. (Buffy stares at him dumbfounded) Buffy, you must have known the affect you had on those around you in high school. Cordelia was the queen of everything until you came along. But Buffy arrives and the focus isn't on beauty and fashion and money, it's on demons and vampires and this amazingly brave, pretty girl who caught the eye of every Tom, Dick and Angel in Sunnydale. Sure she hid it well, that's what Cordy did best. She played a part. But deep down, she knew.
Buffy: Knew what?
Cordy: That she could never be you.
Buffy: Cordy never wanted to be me.
Doyle: Not in the strictest sense, but in some small way, yes.
Buffy: Okay, even if she did or sort of did, she left. I wasn't in her life anymore. Sunnydale should have been the last thing on her mind.
Doyle: It was until she met up with Angel at that party. What do you think she thought of when she saw him?
Buffy: Oh.
Doyle: Oh. So, I have been here watching you and your friends since I got dead. Trying to piece together my purpose here and thought it was lost forever when you got yourself dead. But then there was her.
He points to Willow again and Buffy looks to see she's still floating in her deep sleep.
Doyle: She brought you back. Now I still haven't worked out all the kinks but there's one thing I'm sure of. You being here is directly tied into your friends current coma like state, Cordelia's current sleepless state, and my current There's no place like Sunnydale state. So if you've heard enough explanation we can get going.
Buffy: Don't know if there's ever going to be enough explanation for this one.
Doyle: Point taken.
He grabs her arm and pulls her with him past Willow into the darkness.
Cut to LA
Angel walks downstairs.
Angel: Where's Fred?
Cordy: I don't know. I assumed she was sleeping it being pre-dawn and all.
Angel: She's not in her room and she's not with Connor. If she wasn't here why would Lorne be running out? He didn't know we were coming. Was he going to leave Connor alone?
Cordy: Lets not pass judgments here Angel. Maybe Fred is on the patio or downstairs. Where is Connor?
Angel: He's sleeping.
Cordy: Then it's not all bad. Let's just look for her. This is a really big hotel in case you've forgotten.
They spend the next half hour searching every nook and cranny of the hotel with no sign of Fred. Just as they're meeting back up in the lobby, Lorne rushes in.
Lorne: Where is she?
He's breathing hard and his jacket is dirty.
Angel: Where's who? And what happened to you?
Lorne: Fred and never mind that. Where's Fred?
Cordy: We were going to ask you the same thing.
Angel: Yeah, like how could you leave Connor alone to go look for Fred?
Lorne: What? I wasn't looking for Fred. She was...oh no. You mean...
Cordy: Lorne, Fred is not here. Connor is sleeping and we've spent the last half hour looking for Fred. So believe me when I say, she's not here.
Lorne: Then he got her.
Lorne collapses in exhaustion on the stairs leading to the lobby.
Angel: Who got her? Somebody got Fred?
Lorne: I followed him but he took off. He must have seen me. I tried to run after him but some uncouth human attacked me. I thought the normal people were supposed to be sleeping this time of night? Usually the humans that I let see me at night aren't even bothered. I'm just one more freak in LA. But tonight, I have to run into a freaking normal. If that's what you want to call him. Shoot if you ask me, attacking someone because of the color of their skin is pretty abnormal in my book.
Cordy: LORNE! Focus please! What happened to Fred?
Lorne: (Looking up in surprise) Oh Fred. Poor thing must be beside herself.
Angel: Okay that's it. One large order of abnormal coming right up. (He steps menacingly towards Lorne)
Lorne: Okay okay! (He stands up with a hand up defensively) I'm not sure of the whole deal yet, but I saw someone when I was reading Fred earlier and I went to check it out. I never found him, but I think his minion came to bring Fred forth if you know what I mean.
Cordy: Rarely... Interior: Rundown house
Fred is handcuffed to a chair in the middle of the room.
Justine: So can I get you anything?
Fred: I don't suppose you'd consider giving me the key to these. (Holds up her handcuffed hand)
Justine: I knew you were smarter than that.
Fred: That's me. The smart one. (wriggles her hands uselessly for a second) What are you going to do with me?
Justine: Nothing...yet. I'm giving the vampire a chance to save you. That's what he does right? Saves people?
Fred: I'm more than just people you know. He brought me here from Pylea and I'm part of the team. You'll be sorry if you don't let me get back to them.
Justine: (bending down in front of Fred) I know you're trying to put on the brave face, but you're really not that convincing. Don't worry though. You won't have to be brave unless he never shows. I'm counting on him being all 'knight in shining armorish'. But in case he screws up, well I wouldn't want to be you.
Fred: (Trembling slightly and then raising her chin defiantly) Funny. I was just thinking how much I wouldn't want to be you.
Justine smiles slightly before standing to walk away. Fred watches her leave and then begins to tear up as soon as she's alone.
Fred: (Whispers) Where are they?
Cut to Buffy and Doyle walking through the dark. Finally they reach a window and he motions for her to look through it.
Buffy: Where are we?
Doyle: Just look.
Buffy slowly inches forward until she can see through the window. It's a hospital room and Tara is laying on the bed unconscious.
Buffy: Tara?
Doyle: Looks like it.
Buffy: Where is she? Is this Sunnydale? What's wrong with her? When did this happen?
Doyle: Whoa, slow down! Let's not get ahead of ourselves.
Buffy spins to face him.
Buffy: Ahead of ourselves? How can I be ahead of myself when I don't even know where I am? And what does this have to do with Willow?
Doyle: I'm afraid I can't answer that.
Buffy: Which question can't you answer? Is this really happening? Or is this just part of a dream? Whose dream is it?
Doyle: Buffy, listen to me. You have to find her. You don't have a lot of time. He'll be here soon.
Buffy: Who is he? What are you saying?
Doyle suddenly disappears and Buffy is left alone. She's too stunned and confused to move until a hand takes her by the shoulder from behind. She screams and then she's awake.
Spike: Buffy?
Buffy: (Opening her eyes and realizing she's back in Willow's room) What?
Willow is awake and looking at her wide-eyed. Buffy looks to her shoulder and sees the hand. Raising her eyes, she sees Spike looking at her with concern.
Spike: I didn't mean to startle you. I was coming to get you and heard you asking who he was. Who were you talking about?
Willow: Buffy? Are you okay? What's happened?
Buffy: I had a dream.
Willow: You too?
Buffy: You had a dream?
Willow: It's kind of how this got started. I had this really weird dream about Oz and Tara and then I woke up. That was when I realized I couldn't move. Then just now, I dreamt that I was sleeping and someone was there but I couldn't see who.
Spike: I don't mean to interrupt, but I came to tell you that Anya has the spell. She can fix you Red.
Willow: Really? So where is she?
Spike: She's getting the ingredients. Xander and her went to the shop. They'll be right back and we can get you moving again.
Buffy: I don't know if we want to do that.
Willow: What? Why? Is it the magic thing? Cause I'm not doing it.
Buffy: It's not that Will. I just think that I better figure out my dream first.
Spike: You want to keep Willow paralyzed so you can analyze your bloody dream?
Buffy: It's not like that. (Stands up defensively) What business is it of yours anyway? (Turns to Willow) Listen, you were in my dream. And you were like this. Then Doyle...
Willow: Doyle?
Buffy: Yeah, Doyle. The half breed demon that used to work with Angel.
Spike: Angel? So you had a dream about Angel did you?
Buffy: No Spike. I had a dream about Doyle. He showed me something.
Willow: What was it?
Buffy: Willow, can you just give me a little more time to figure this out. It may be nothing and if it's not, then we'll do the spell and fix you right up. But if I don't at least try and work through this in my head, then we could hurt you.
Spike: If you don't work through your dream, you could hurt Willow? I'm not getting it.
Willow: It's okay Buffy. Do what you need to. I trust you.
Buffy: Thanks. (Bends to kiss her forehead) I'll be back.
Buffy leaves the room and Spike follows.
Cut to LA
Angel, Cordy and Lorne are standing in the lobby when Gunn and Wesley burst through the doors.
Gunn: Did you find her? Wesley: Is she okay?
Lorne: Slow down boys! We haven't found her. I thought we should wait on you.
Gunn: Fine, lets go. Lorne, take us to her.
Angel: I admire your sense of urgency Gunn, but we have to do this carefully.
Wes: I agree. I say we very carefully go to that house and very carefully destroy every living or non living thing standing between us and Fred.
Cordy: Way to ask for serious bodily harm Wes. I thought you were the voice of reason for our little group.
Wes: (Snaps)I don't think reason is an option in this instance Cordelia.
Gunn: Wes is right. Fred can't handle this. She's not ready to be a kidnap victim. You've been there done that Cordy, we could take the time if it was you, but not Fred.
Cordy: I don't know if I like what you're implying Gunn. Are you saying that if I were kidnapped, you wouldn't be in a rush to do the saving?
Lorne: I don't think that's what he meant Cordy.
Cordy: So correct me Gunn. What did you mean?
Angel: Enough! Cordelia, I'm sure he only meant that you've proven yourself to be a strong, exceptionally skilled fighter who could easily withstand what a kidnapper might throw at you. However, none of us would want you to be in Fred's place, right guys? If it was you I wouldn't even be here. I would have gone after them without even thinking.
Cordy: It's good to know that someone here still cares enough to protect me. (She glares at the men) But how many times have I told you Angel that I can take care of myself?
Wes: See? This is why...
Cordy: (Interrupts) What? This is why what?
Lorne: People! Can we get back to the matter at hand? This guy has Fred and he's waiting for you Angel. I heard the woman say that they wanted the righteous vampire. Last I checked, you were that man.
Angel: So they want me, they'll get me. Take me to them.
Gunn: What about us?
Angel: Are you a righteous vampire?
Cordy: You should all go.
Wes: Cordelia's right. Angel, you can't go in there alone.
Lorne: He has too. At least that's what they have to think.
Angel: Is that a plan I hear Lorne?
Lorne: Don't get too excited. I'm just thinking of the best way to keep myself and my horns in one piece. If you go in there, Wes and Gunn should be there to launch a surprise attack should anything go wrong. While at the same time, ensuring my safety in the interim.
Wes: That's our Lorne. Always thinking of the best way to not be involved.
Lorne: Hey, I'm taking you there aren't I? Not to mention, I went there by myself in the first place! Can I get some brownie points for that at least?
Gunn: Okay, let's do this. I'll get the weapons.
Angel: Cordy...
Cordy: Yes, I'll stay with Connor. Just go get Fred.
Wes, Gunn and Lorne are heading out the door when Angel grabs his weapon and starts after them.
Cordy: Angel!
He stops and looks back at her.
Cordy: When I say go get Fred, I mean in the sense that you come back with her.
Angel looks at her for a second and then grins slightly before heading out the door. The phone rings and Cordy jumps in surprise. She is laughing at herself when she picks it up.
Cordy: Hello?
Voice: Is this Cordelia Chase?
Cordy: Yes, and this would be?
Voice: I'm calling from Long Beach community hospital. You brought a mugging victim in here tonight.
Cordy: (Thinking for a sec) Oh yeah, the girl from the alley. How is she?
Voice: She's stable. I was wondering if you might be able to help us.
Cordy: I doubt it. We didn't know her.
Voice: That's what I thought you said, but I was under the impression I heard you call the gentleman that you were with Angel.
Cordy: Yes...Yes I did. But he's not responsible or anything. He carried her in. I told the nurse my name because he's from out of town.
She didn't know why she felt the need to protect Angel, but it was hard to explain some guy that didn't exist on paper and didn't even have a last name.
Voice: He's from out of town? Well, then she must have known.
Cordy: Known what? Why are you calling me?
Voice: The girl was awake for a short time when she first came in. She's since lapsed into a coma. However, before she lost consciousness, she told us her name was Tara.
Cordy: (Thoughtful) Tara?
Voice: Yes, and when we asked her if she was from here, she said no. Before I could ask her where she was from, she began to lose consciousness. but right before she did, she called out one word.
Cordy: And?
Voice: She called out the name Angel.
Cordy froze trying to fathom what this might mean.
Voice: Miss Chase? Are you there?
Cordy: Um...yes I'm still here. But I have to go.
Voice: But...
Cordy: I'll be right there.
She hangs up the phone and begins to climb the stairs to get Connor. Suddenly she stops and begins to remember something.
Cordy: Tara...Tara. I know that name. How do I know that name?
Cut to Buffy's house.
Spike and Buffy are in the kitchen when Xander and Anya come in the back door.
Xander: How is she?
Buffy: She's the same.
Anya: Well not for long. I've found the perfect spell.
Buffy: We won't be needing that.
Xander: What?
Spike: Buffy here has asked that Willow stay as is because she had a dream.
Xander: One more time, what?
Buffy: I know it sounds crazy, but there's something more to this than some random mystical goof. Tara is in the hospital. At least I think she is.
Anya: When did you see Tara?
Spike: That would be in her dream.
Xander: You had a dream Tara was in the hospital and now you want Willow to stay paralyzed. If Tara's hurt, then she'll want to be with her. It's all the more reason to do the spell.
Buffy: No! I think Willow's like she is because Tara's in the hospital. If we use magic to fix Willow, it might have serious repercussions on Tara.
Xander: So we go to Sunnydale General and see what's up with Tara. I can handle that, but we have to go now. I'm not going to let Willow suffer like this for much longer.
Spike: Don't think you have a choice in that friend.
Anya: What does that mean?
Buffy: It means, we just called Sunnydale G. and Tara's not there. I don't know where to find her.
Xander: So why are we sitting here? It was just a dream Buffy. Let's not punish Willow because you're still hanging onto the prophecy girl thing of the past. That was high school. It hasn't happened for years.
Buffy: I know. I'm not saying I understand what's happening Xander. But Willow trusts me, why cant you?
Xander: It's not that Buffy.
Spike: Enough with the vows of friendship and love. Let's get on with finding this girl so Red can walk. It's seems pretty obvious to me what we need to do.
Xander: By all means Spike, bestow your vast knowledge on us.
Spike: Buffy needs a nap. Interior: Hospital
Cordy walks through the halls carrying Connor. Finally stopping at a nurses station.
Cordy: Hi. I'm looking for the woman that was brought in here earlier tonight. I think she said her name was Tara.
Nurse: And you are?
Cordy: Cordelia Chase. I brought her in. My friend and I found her.
Nurse: Oh yes. The Doctor said he had called you. Your friend's name was Angel?
Cordy: Yes. But he's not with me. I came to see if maybe I could recognize her.
Nurse: Well, I'm afraid we don't allow infants in the ICU.
Cordy looks down at Connor in her arms.
Nurse: Would you like me to take him for a moment so you can see her?
Cordy: No! (Harshly and then backtracking) I mean, he's really attached and all. Can't you just bend the rules for a minute?
Nurse: I don't know. (She looks around nervously as Cordy gives her a silent pleading look) Um...okay. But just for a minute.
Cordy: That's all I need. Thank you.
She goes in the direction the nurse points out and enters the room to see Tara lying on the bed. Besides a bruise, she looks almost serene.
Cordy: Okay Connor, I'm going to test these newfound visions. See, before I would have had to put you down so as not to drop you during my violent convulsions. But now because your Aunt Cordy has a bit o' demon in her, she doesn't have convulsions anymore. So, you just relax and I'm just going to walk over here and...
Her voice fades as she scans Tara's face to see if she recognizes her. When nothing looks familiar, she reaches her free hand out to place it on Tara's forehead. The vision comes quickly and Cordy begins to see flashes of what Tara's dreaming in her coma.
{Tara is walking slowly through a dark room. Without warning, Willow appears before her, floating in mid air and apparently asleep. Tara reaches out to her but a flash blinds her and Willow is gone. But in her place is Oz.
Oz: What happened to Willow?
Tara: I don't know. She was fine and then I had to leave. I just got back, what did you see?
Oz: Nothing. One minute I'm talking to you both and the next I'm alone here. Then Willow comes back all Copperfield like and she wont wake up. Now you're back and what's that on your face?
Tara: (reaching up to feel the bruise on her forehead) Oh. I can't remember. (She frowns trying to make sense of it) Wait. It was him.
Oz: Gonna need more than that.
Tara: I was in the alley looking for a hotel. Something came at me from behind. Then I was here.
Oz: Here?
Tara turns around and sees herself lying in the hospital bed.
Oz: So you're out too.
Tara: I guess. But he was there. I found him, but I couldn't tell him.
Oz: Found who? Tell him what?
Tara opens her mouth and there's another flash. Angel is carrying Tara and instead of Cordy beside him, it's Oz. Oz watches without saying a word.
Tara: That's him.
Oz: Angel. That's Angel. You were looking for Angel?
Tara nods. Another flash and Cordy is standing in front of Oz and Tara. They see her but before she can say anything, another flash.}
Cordy opens her eyes and removes her hand from Tara's head. Connor stirs and then seems to fall asleep. Cordy looks back at Tara.
Cordy: You came for Angel. But why? And what does Oz have to do with anything?
Exterior: East LA house
Gunn, Wes and Lorne are crouched behind a car in the street.
Gunn: I don't like this.
Lorne: What's not to like? You're here, Angel's going in. You get the signal and rush in all commando like. It's a good plan.
Gunn: No, a good plan would involve me getting Fred myself.
Wes: I don't think you rescuing Fred is much of a plan Gunn. It's a good ending to a plan, but not a plan.
Gunn: And I suppose if you rescued her, that would be a great plan?
Wes: Well... Lorne: Hey boys. Can we make with the silence so as not to miss my previously mentioned signal? If we do this right, then you can both rescue Fred and prove your devotion.
Gunn: Devotion? This isn't about devotion.
Wes: I don't remember mentioning any thing close to devotion.
Lorne: uh-huh. My miss. (Rolls his eyes) Now SShh!
Interior: House
A vampire is standing in front of the door with his back to it. Suddenly a knock causes him to turn to face it.
He looks back over his shoulder to see another vamp nodding at him to open it. He opens it slowly and sees nothing there. He steps on the porch and a stake emerges with lightening speed from the side. He is still turning to dust when Angel walks through the cloud vamped out.
With a loud growl, the second vamp rushes forward.
Interior: Room
Justine hears a commotion and smiles looking at Fred.
Justine: Your Sir Vampsalot has finally arrived. You must be breathing a sigh of relief right now.
Justine goes to a door and opens it to pull a frightened homeless person out.
Another door opens from the opposite side of the room but no one comes out.
Interior: Living room
The second vamp gets in a good punch before Angel kicks him backwards and into a wall. He walks calmly to the vamp as he struggles to get back to his feet.
Angel waits until he is face to face before charging. The vamp sidesteps and Angel crashes headfirst into the wall. Before he can recover, the vamp grabs a stake from his back pocket and raises it above his head. Angel sees it and bends down while at the same time raising his leg up. The vamp doesn't see it coming and the stake is knocked from his hand.
Before it even hits the ground Angel has reached a hand out to catch it and in one swipe he pushes it up and into the heart of the vamp. Dust falls over his head and back.
He stands up shaking himself off and looks around. There's a strangled noise from another room and he walks that way. He enters and sees Fred sitting handcuffed to the chair in the middle. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees another coming at him and he doesn't look before ducking low to miss the charge. He rolls forward in a tuck position and into the legs of the aggressor.
Fred: Angel No! She's screaming because Angel is unaware that this is the homeless person that Justine has thrown at him. He's not realizing that it's an innocent in the confusion.
Angel hears Fred's scream and stops just as a bone breaks in the man's leg. He cries out and falls to the floor. Angel looks unsurprised at what he's done.
Before he can understand, Justine comes running towards him ready to attack. He scoots out of her path and presses himself against the wall as she misses her mark and falls past him.
In a flurry of movement, Gunn and Wesley having heard Fred's scream rush in the room. Wes trips over Justine and falls on top of her. Gunn hurdles the pair and rushes to Fred's side.
Angel begins to move but balks at the sight of several more humans rushing from the open door that had been standing empty until now. They are hollering combat cries and two head for Wesley as the other three come for Angel.
Gunn hacks the handcuffs loose from the chair with an axe and helps Fred stand. She watches the people attacking Wes and Angel and screams at Gunn to help.
Gunn starts grabbing bodies as fast as he can off Wes and gets in a few good punches while taking some of his own.
Wes climbs off Justine and the floor and rushes to pull Fred by the arm.
Wes: Gunn, Angel let's go!
Angel: Kind of busy here. (busy deflecting blows from the humans when one pulls out a cross and presses it to the side of Angel's face) AArrghh!
Smoke rises from his skin as the cross burns his flesh. He collapses and just as the three move in for the kill, Lorne charges in screaming like a madman.
Lorne: Hey over here! Look at the green demon guy!
All movement stops as the humans turn to look at him and then look at Justine in confusion. Gunn grabs Angel off the floor and drags him out pushing past the people.
Wes and Fred rush past Lorne and he turns tail and runs away behind them.
The group is left behind in stunned silence. Justine stands to face them and smiles.
Justine: That is why we need you. We've all seen what vampires can do. We've all lost people we love. But never before have we seen one with this power. He has convinced these humans that his intentions are honorable. but we know better don't we?
She points at the homeless man still lying on the floor moaning in pain. The group looks from him to Justine and begins to nod in agreement and anger.
Interior: Kitchen
Buffy, Spike, Anya and Xander are sitting at the table. Buffy: I don't think a naps going to do it this time Spike.
Spike: So what do you suggest love?
Xander: Ahem. (He clears his throat to acknowledge his disdain for Spike's use of the word) If Tara's not in Sunnydale G. then where could she be?
Anya: Did you tell Willow what you saw in your dream?
Buffy: No. I don't think she could handle this right now. She needs to concentrate on maintaining her own sanity. We have to figure this out without her.
The phone rings and Xander picks it up.
Xander: Summer's.(pause) Cordelia?
Buffy, Anya and Spike all look up in surprise.
Buffy: Let me see that. (She takes the phone) Cordelia?(Pause) Yes, she's Willow's girlfriend. How did you...(pause) Oh God. What happened?(pause) She didn't say why? (pause) I don't know. We just now realized she might be hurt. (pause) I had a dream.(pause) Yeah whatever. What's that in the background? Is that a baby? (Pause) No, don't worry. I'll come there. (pause) No Willow isn't available. (pause) Oz? What does he have...? (pause) Yet me having a dream is not believable? (pause) You're right. We don't have time. (Pause) No, don't say anything to anyone. Just tell me where Tara is. (Pause) Got it. Oh and Cordelia...thanks.
Buffy hangs up and the others start shouting questions at her.
Buffy: Hold up! Slow down! Let me think. (She sits down and puts her face in her hands for a moment) Tara's in Long Beach Community Hospital. She was mugged or something and is currently unconscious. Cordelia said that before she went out, she asked for Angel.
Xander: Angel? Tara doesn't even know Angel.
Spike: Well she knows of him. I'm sure of that.
Buffy: Spike's right. Willow's filled her in, but that still doesn't tell us what would make her go to LA to find him.
Anya: Maybe she's not gay anymore. Maybe after hearing all those romantic stories about Angel she decided he was the one for her.
Xander: Anya. (Exasperated)
Anya: What? It makes about as much since as anything else.
Spike: I don't think Tara would choose Angel to test the straight waters with.
Buffy: What does that mean?
Spike: Are you actually asking me that?
Buffy: I just don't know what you meant by...
Xander: Are you people insane? Am I really hearing this conversation?
Buffy: Sorry.
Spike: You should be.
Buffy: (opens her mouth and Xander puts his hand over it)
Xander: So when are we going?
Anya: Going?
Xander: To LA? Someone has to go get Tara. If we leave now, we can be there just after sunrise. Oh I guess that means Spike has to stay here with Willow and Dawn.
Spike: I'm not letting you go to LA by yourself.
Xander: That's funny. I could have sworn I said 'we' but you still think Buffy will be going by herself? That's odd.
Spike: you know what I meant.
Buffy: Both of you stop it. I'm going to LA to bring Tara home. That is it. Xander you come with me, Anya you stay with the shop. Spike, you have to watch over Dawn and Willow. The less people that go, the faster we get back.
Spike wants to argue but decided against it. Xander smiles in self- satisfaction. spike gives him a dirty look.
Buffy: Xander let's go. Anya, can you stay until its time to open the shop?
Anya: Yes. I'll go explain to Dawn.
Buffy: Good. But don't tell Willow yet. She doesn't need to worry about this too. Just tell her that we're close to figuring everything out. Xander, now.
The two leave the house and Spike and Anya exchange a look before heading upstairs.
Buffy frowns in her sleep as she begins to dream.
{Buffy stands in a dark room and begins moving slowly searching for anything to help her find her way. She stops and looks down when she hears a noise. She sees that she has stepped on broken glass.
Buffy: So I'm guessing this is a symbolism thing.
Voice: It's whatever you choose it to be.
Buffy startles and spins around in the direction of the voice. Doyle stands before her. Buffy: I know you.
Doyle: Just a little. Nothing like I know you.
Buffy: You worked with Angel.
Doyle: With, for, its all semantics. You're right though, I knew Angel.
Buffy: And you died.
Doyle: Right again. You're one smart slayer.
Buffy: Not getting that right now.
Doyle: Oh, I guess you must be wondering.
Buffy: Little bit.
Doyle: Nutshell, I got something to show you.
Buffy: Bigger shell please.
Doyle: They want me to show you what's happening to your friend. (He points behind Buffy)
She turns to see Willow sleeping as if lying on the bed except there's no bed. She's just floating.
Buffy: (turning back to Doyle) You know what's wrong with her?
Doyle: Pretty much. You trust me?
Buffy: Wait. I don't understand. You have nothing to do with us. Why are They sending you?
Doyle: Good question. I was hoping you'd ask that. I've been dying to tell you for like ever and after you went and jumped into the abyss and all, I wondered if I would ever be able to. But here we are.
Buffy: I'm going to refrain from asking all the other questions I have after that info, so please just tell me. Why you?
Doyle: It's a funny thing. I was part demon on earth, don't really know what I am now. But on earth, I had this present from the Powers that Be.
Buffy: The visions.
Doyle: You remember? Good. Anyway, I had a thing for Cordelia the minute I saw her. She's some piece of work, you know.
Buffy: Definitely a piece of work.
Doyle: Hint of Antagonism. I hear it, but moving on. When I chose to go all heroic or Angelic if you get the double entendre there.
Buffy: (smirking and nodding her head)
Doyle: Yeah. Anyway, I kissed Cordy to say good bye and my visions were mistakenly passed on to her.
Buffy: I heard about that.
Doyle: Yeah, I guess you did. Anyway, what isn't so well known is that she gave me a present of her own.
Buffy: That's new.
Doyle: Was for me too believe me. This 'present' provided me with a first class ticket to Sunnydale.
Buffy: You mean you've been her since...
Doyle: Yep, since then. It took me a good while to figure it out. They don't like to make things easy on us you know.
Buffy: Us?
Doyle: Yeah, us. Let me put it this way. It's not so much about the who with me but the why.
Buffy waits for him to continue.
Doyle: You haven't spoken to Cordy much since your visit to LA.
Buffy: Can't say that I have.
Doyle: Well she's not the same girl you knew here. She's a fighter that one. A lot of hard choices have crossed her path. She's managed to make all the right ones. And that's in large part to my present.
Buffy: Can we move this along? Not to be rude or anything.
Doyle: Of course not. When my visions got passed onto Cordelia she had to lose something in exchange. Lucky for her the biggest part of her was Sunnydale baggage. So off it went. She doesn't know it consciously. In fact, she wasted no time after receiving the visions trying to pass them off on any Tom, Dick or Angel that would take them.
Buffy doesn't like the Angel reference but keeps her mouth shut.
Doyle: Of course it was all for not. So now Cordy is a crusader for good and I'm the proud owner of Issues a la Sunnydale.
Buffy: I get it. You took the bad qualities of Cordy so she could become a better person. Not an easy burden to carry I'm sure. But I still don't understand how you came to know so much about me. That was never an issue of Cordelia's.
Doyle: That you knew of. (Buffy stares at him dumbfounded) Buffy, you must have known the affect you had on those around you in high school. Cordelia was the queen of everything until you came along. But Buffy arrives and the focus isn't on beauty and fashion and money, it's on demons and vampires and this amazingly brave, pretty girl who caught the eye of every Tom, Dick and Angel in Sunnydale. Sure she hid it well, that's what Cordy did best. She played a part. But deep down, she knew.
Buffy: Knew what?
Cordy: That she could never be you.
Buffy: Cordy never wanted to be me.
Doyle: Not in the strictest sense, but in some small way, yes.
Buffy: Okay, even if she did or sort of did, she left. I wasn't in her life anymore. Sunnydale should have been the last thing on her mind.
Doyle: It was until she met up with Angel at that party. What do you think she thought of when she saw him?
Buffy: Oh.
Doyle: Oh. So, I have been here watching you and your friends since I got dead. Trying to piece together my purpose here and thought it was lost forever when you got yourself dead. But then there was her.
He points to Willow again and Buffy looks to see she's still floating in her deep sleep.
Doyle: She brought you back. Now I still haven't worked out all the kinks but there's one thing I'm sure of. You being here is directly tied into your friends current coma like state, Cordelia's current sleepless state, and my current There's no place like Sunnydale state. So if you've heard enough explanation we can get going.
Buffy: Don't know if there's ever going to be enough explanation for this one.
Doyle: Point taken.
He grabs her arm and pulls her with him past Willow into the darkness.
Cut to LA
Angel walks downstairs.
Angel: Where's Fred?
Cordy: I don't know. I assumed she was sleeping it being pre-dawn and all.
Angel: She's not in her room and she's not with Connor. If she wasn't here why would Lorne be running out? He didn't know we were coming. Was he going to leave Connor alone?
Cordy: Lets not pass judgments here Angel. Maybe Fred is on the patio or downstairs. Where is Connor?
Angel: He's sleeping.
Cordy: Then it's not all bad. Let's just look for her. This is a really big hotel in case you've forgotten.
They spend the next half hour searching every nook and cranny of the hotel with no sign of Fred. Just as they're meeting back up in the lobby, Lorne rushes in.
Lorne: Where is she?
He's breathing hard and his jacket is dirty.
Angel: Where's who? And what happened to you?
Lorne: Fred and never mind that. Where's Fred?
Cordy: We were going to ask you the same thing.
Angel: Yeah, like how could you leave Connor alone to go look for Fred?
Lorne: What? I wasn't looking for Fred. She was...oh no. You mean...
Cordy: Lorne, Fred is not here. Connor is sleeping and we've spent the last half hour looking for Fred. So believe me when I say, she's not here.
Lorne: Then he got her.
Lorne collapses in exhaustion on the stairs leading to the lobby.
Angel: Who got her? Somebody got Fred?
Lorne: I followed him but he took off. He must have seen me. I tried to run after him but some uncouth human attacked me. I thought the normal people were supposed to be sleeping this time of night? Usually the humans that I let see me at night aren't even bothered. I'm just one more freak in LA. But tonight, I have to run into a freaking normal. If that's what you want to call him. Shoot if you ask me, attacking someone because of the color of their skin is pretty abnormal in my book.
Cordy: LORNE! Focus please! What happened to Fred?
Lorne: (Looking up in surprise) Oh Fred. Poor thing must be beside herself.
Angel: Okay that's it. One large order of abnormal coming right up. (He steps menacingly towards Lorne)
Lorne: Okay okay! (He stands up with a hand up defensively) I'm not sure of the whole deal yet, but I saw someone when I was reading Fred earlier and I went to check it out. I never found him, but I think his minion came to bring Fred forth if you know what I mean.
Cordy: Rarely... Interior: Rundown house
Fred is handcuffed to a chair in the middle of the room.
Justine: So can I get you anything?
Fred: I don't suppose you'd consider giving me the key to these. (Holds up her handcuffed hand)
Justine: I knew you were smarter than that.
Fred: That's me. The smart one. (wriggles her hands uselessly for a second) What are you going to do with me?
Justine: Nothing...yet. I'm giving the vampire a chance to save you. That's what he does right? Saves people?
Fred: I'm more than just people you know. He brought me here from Pylea and I'm part of the team. You'll be sorry if you don't let me get back to them.
Justine: (bending down in front of Fred) I know you're trying to put on the brave face, but you're really not that convincing. Don't worry though. You won't have to be brave unless he never shows. I'm counting on him being all 'knight in shining armorish'. But in case he screws up, well I wouldn't want to be you.
Fred: (Trembling slightly and then raising her chin defiantly) Funny. I was just thinking how much I wouldn't want to be you.
Justine smiles slightly before standing to walk away. Fred watches her leave and then begins to tear up as soon as she's alone.
Fred: (Whispers) Where are they?
Cut to Buffy and Doyle walking through the dark. Finally they reach a window and he motions for her to look through it.
Buffy: Where are we?
Doyle: Just look.
Buffy slowly inches forward until she can see through the window. It's a hospital room and Tara is laying on the bed unconscious.
Buffy: Tara?
Doyle: Looks like it.
Buffy: Where is she? Is this Sunnydale? What's wrong with her? When did this happen?
Doyle: Whoa, slow down! Let's not get ahead of ourselves.
Buffy spins to face him.
Buffy: Ahead of ourselves? How can I be ahead of myself when I don't even know where I am? And what does this have to do with Willow?
Doyle: I'm afraid I can't answer that.
Buffy: Which question can't you answer? Is this really happening? Or is this just part of a dream? Whose dream is it?
Doyle: Buffy, listen to me. You have to find her. You don't have a lot of time. He'll be here soon.
Buffy: Who is he? What are you saying?
Doyle suddenly disappears and Buffy is left alone. She's too stunned and confused to move until a hand takes her by the shoulder from behind. She screams and then she's awake.
Spike: Buffy?
Buffy: (Opening her eyes and realizing she's back in Willow's room) What?
Willow is awake and looking at her wide-eyed. Buffy looks to her shoulder and sees the hand. Raising her eyes, she sees Spike looking at her with concern.
Spike: I didn't mean to startle you. I was coming to get you and heard you asking who he was. Who were you talking about?
Willow: Buffy? Are you okay? What's happened?
Buffy: I had a dream.
Willow: You too?
Buffy: You had a dream?
Willow: It's kind of how this got started. I had this really weird dream about Oz and Tara and then I woke up. That was when I realized I couldn't move. Then just now, I dreamt that I was sleeping and someone was there but I couldn't see who.
Spike: I don't mean to interrupt, but I came to tell you that Anya has the spell. She can fix you Red.
Willow: Really? So where is she?
Spike: She's getting the ingredients. Xander and her went to the shop. They'll be right back and we can get you moving again.
Buffy: I don't know if we want to do that.
Willow: What? Why? Is it the magic thing? Cause I'm not doing it.
Buffy: It's not that Will. I just think that I better figure out my dream first.
Spike: You want to keep Willow paralyzed so you can analyze your bloody dream?
Buffy: It's not like that. (Stands up defensively) What business is it of yours anyway? (Turns to Willow) Listen, you were in my dream. And you were like this. Then Doyle...
Willow: Doyle?
Buffy: Yeah, Doyle. The half breed demon that used to work with Angel.
Spike: Angel? So you had a dream about Angel did you?
Buffy: No Spike. I had a dream about Doyle. He showed me something.
Willow: What was it?
Buffy: Willow, can you just give me a little more time to figure this out. It may be nothing and if it's not, then we'll do the spell and fix you right up. But if I don't at least try and work through this in my head, then we could hurt you.
Spike: If you don't work through your dream, you could hurt Willow? I'm not getting it.
Willow: It's okay Buffy. Do what you need to. I trust you.
Buffy: Thanks. (Bends to kiss her forehead) I'll be back.
Buffy leaves the room and Spike follows.
Cut to LA
Angel, Cordy and Lorne are standing in the lobby when Gunn and Wesley burst through the doors.
Gunn: Did you find her? Wesley: Is she okay?
Lorne: Slow down boys! We haven't found her. I thought we should wait on you.
Gunn: Fine, lets go. Lorne, take us to her.
Angel: I admire your sense of urgency Gunn, but we have to do this carefully.
Wes: I agree. I say we very carefully go to that house and very carefully destroy every living or non living thing standing between us and Fred.
Cordy: Way to ask for serious bodily harm Wes. I thought you were the voice of reason for our little group.
Wes: (Snaps)I don't think reason is an option in this instance Cordelia.
Gunn: Wes is right. Fred can't handle this. She's not ready to be a kidnap victim. You've been there done that Cordy, we could take the time if it was you, but not Fred.
Cordy: I don't know if I like what you're implying Gunn. Are you saying that if I were kidnapped, you wouldn't be in a rush to do the saving?
Lorne: I don't think that's what he meant Cordy.
Cordy: So correct me Gunn. What did you mean?
Angel: Enough! Cordelia, I'm sure he only meant that you've proven yourself to be a strong, exceptionally skilled fighter who could easily withstand what a kidnapper might throw at you. However, none of us would want you to be in Fred's place, right guys? If it was you I wouldn't even be here. I would have gone after them without even thinking.
Cordy: It's good to know that someone here still cares enough to protect me. (She glares at the men) But how many times have I told you Angel that I can take care of myself?
Wes: See? This is why...
Cordy: (Interrupts) What? This is why what?
Lorne: People! Can we get back to the matter at hand? This guy has Fred and he's waiting for you Angel. I heard the woman say that they wanted the righteous vampire. Last I checked, you were that man.
Angel: So they want me, they'll get me. Take me to them.
Gunn: What about us?
Angel: Are you a righteous vampire?
Cordy: You should all go.
Wes: Cordelia's right. Angel, you can't go in there alone.
Lorne: He has too. At least that's what they have to think.
Angel: Is that a plan I hear Lorne?
Lorne: Don't get too excited. I'm just thinking of the best way to keep myself and my horns in one piece. If you go in there, Wes and Gunn should be there to launch a surprise attack should anything go wrong. While at the same time, ensuring my safety in the interim.
Wes: That's our Lorne. Always thinking of the best way to not be involved.
Lorne: Hey, I'm taking you there aren't I? Not to mention, I went there by myself in the first place! Can I get some brownie points for that at least?
Gunn: Okay, let's do this. I'll get the weapons.
Angel: Cordy...
Cordy: Yes, I'll stay with Connor. Just go get Fred.
Wes, Gunn and Lorne are heading out the door when Angel grabs his weapon and starts after them.
Cordy: Angel!
He stops and looks back at her.
Cordy: When I say go get Fred, I mean in the sense that you come back with her.
Angel looks at her for a second and then grins slightly before heading out the door. The phone rings and Cordy jumps in surprise. She is laughing at herself when she picks it up.
Cordy: Hello?
Voice: Is this Cordelia Chase?
Cordy: Yes, and this would be?
Voice: I'm calling from Long Beach community hospital. You brought a mugging victim in here tonight.
Cordy: (Thinking for a sec) Oh yeah, the girl from the alley. How is she?
Voice: She's stable. I was wondering if you might be able to help us.
Cordy: I doubt it. We didn't know her.
Voice: That's what I thought you said, but I was under the impression I heard you call the gentleman that you were with Angel.
Cordy: Yes...Yes I did. But he's not responsible or anything. He carried her in. I told the nurse my name because he's from out of town.
She didn't know why she felt the need to protect Angel, but it was hard to explain some guy that didn't exist on paper and didn't even have a last name.
Voice: He's from out of town? Well, then she must have known.
Cordy: Known what? Why are you calling me?
Voice: The girl was awake for a short time when she first came in. She's since lapsed into a coma. However, before she lost consciousness, she told us her name was Tara.
Cordy: (Thoughtful) Tara?
Voice: Yes, and when we asked her if she was from here, she said no. Before I could ask her where she was from, she began to lose consciousness. but right before she did, she called out one word.
Cordy: And?
Voice: She called out the name Angel.
Cordy froze trying to fathom what this might mean.
Voice: Miss Chase? Are you there?
Cordy: Um...yes I'm still here. But I have to go.
Voice: But...
Cordy: I'll be right there.
She hangs up the phone and begins to climb the stairs to get Connor. Suddenly she stops and begins to remember something.
Cordy: Tara...Tara. I know that name. How do I know that name?
Cut to Buffy's house.
Spike and Buffy are in the kitchen when Xander and Anya come in the back door.
Xander: How is she?
Buffy: She's the same.
Anya: Well not for long. I've found the perfect spell.
Buffy: We won't be needing that.
Xander: What?
Spike: Buffy here has asked that Willow stay as is because she had a dream.
Xander: One more time, what?
Buffy: I know it sounds crazy, but there's something more to this than some random mystical goof. Tara is in the hospital. At least I think she is.
Anya: When did you see Tara?
Spike: That would be in her dream.
Xander: You had a dream Tara was in the hospital and now you want Willow to stay paralyzed. If Tara's hurt, then she'll want to be with her. It's all the more reason to do the spell.
Buffy: No! I think Willow's like she is because Tara's in the hospital. If we use magic to fix Willow, it might have serious repercussions on Tara.
Xander: So we go to Sunnydale General and see what's up with Tara. I can handle that, but we have to go now. I'm not going to let Willow suffer like this for much longer.
Spike: Don't think you have a choice in that friend.
Anya: What does that mean?
Buffy: It means, we just called Sunnydale G. and Tara's not there. I don't know where to find her.
Xander: So why are we sitting here? It was just a dream Buffy. Let's not punish Willow because you're still hanging onto the prophecy girl thing of the past. That was high school. It hasn't happened for years.
Buffy: I know. I'm not saying I understand what's happening Xander. But Willow trusts me, why cant you?
Xander: It's not that Buffy.
Spike: Enough with the vows of friendship and love. Let's get on with finding this girl so Red can walk. It's seems pretty obvious to me what we need to do.
Xander: By all means Spike, bestow your vast knowledge on us.
Spike: Buffy needs a nap. Interior: Hospital
Cordy walks through the halls carrying Connor. Finally stopping at a nurses station.
Cordy: Hi. I'm looking for the woman that was brought in here earlier tonight. I think she said her name was Tara.
Nurse: And you are?
Cordy: Cordelia Chase. I brought her in. My friend and I found her.
Nurse: Oh yes. The Doctor said he had called you. Your friend's name was Angel?
Cordy: Yes. But he's not with me. I came to see if maybe I could recognize her.
Nurse: Well, I'm afraid we don't allow infants in the ICU.
Cordy looks down at Connor in her arms.
Nurse: Would you like me to take him for a moment so you can see her?
Cordy: No! (Harshly and then backtracking) I mean, he's really attached and all. Can't you just bend the rules for a minute?
Nurse: I don't know. (She looks around nervously as Cordy gives her a silent pleading look) Um...okay. But just for a minute.
Cordy: That's all I need. Thank you.
She goes in the direction the nurse points out and enters the room to see Tara lying on the bed. Besides a bruise, she looks almost serene.
Cordy: Okay Connor, I'm going to test these newfound visions. See, before I would have had to put you down so as not to drop you during my violent convulsions. But now because your Aunt Cordy has a bit o' demon in her, she doesn't have convulsions anymore. So, you just relax and I'm just going to walk over here and...
Her voice fades as she scans Tara's face to see if she recognizes her. When nothing looks familiar, she reaches her free hand out to place it on Tara's forehead. The vision comes quickly and Cordy begins to see flashes of what Tara's dreaming in her coma.
{Tara is walking slowly through a dark room. Without warning, Willow appears before her, floating in mid air and apparently asleep. Tara reaches out to her but a flash blinds her and Willow is gone. But in her place is Oz.
Oz: What happened to Willow?
Tara: I don't know. She was fine and then I had to leave. I just got back, what did you see?
Oz: Nothing. One minute I'm talking to you both and the next I'm alone here. Then Willow comes back all Copperfield like and she wont wake up. Now you're back and what's that on your face?
Tara: (reaching up to feel the bruise on her forehead) Oh. I can't remember. (She frowns trying to make sense of it) Wait. It was him.
Oz: Gonna need more than that.
Tara: I was in the alley looking for a hotel. Something came at me from behind. Then I was here.
Oz: Here?
Tara turns around and sees herself lying in the hospital bed.
Oz: So you're out too.
Tara: I guess. But he was there. I found him, but I couldn't tell him.
Oz: Found who? Tell him what?
Tara opens her mouth and there's another flash. Angel is carrying Tara and instead of Cordy beside him, it's Oz. Oz watches without saying a word.
Tara: That's him.
Oz: Angel. That's Angel. You were looking for Angel?
Tara nods. Another flash and Cordy is standing in front of Oz and Tara. They see her but before she can say anything, another flash.}
Cordy opens her eyes and removes her hand from Tara's head. Connor stirs and then seems to fall asleep. Cordy looks back at Tara.
Cordy: You came for Angel. But why? And what does Oz have to do with anything?
Exterior: East LA house
Gunn, Wes and Lorne are crouched behind a car in the street.
Gunn: I don't like this.
Lorne: What's not to like? You're here, Angel's going in. You get the signal and rush in all commando like. It's a good plan.
Gunn: No, a good plan would involve me getting Fred myself.
Wes: I don't think you rescuing Fred is much of a plan Gunn. It's a good ending to a plan, but not a plan.
Gunn: And I suppose if you rescued her, that would be a great plan?
Wes: Well... Lorne: Hey boys. Can we make with the silence so as not to miss my previously mentioned signal? If we do this right, then you can both rescue Fred and prove your devotion.
Gunn: Devotion? This isn't about devotion.
Wes: I don't remember mentioning any thing close to devotion.
Lorne: uh-huh. My miss. (Rolls his eyes) Now SShh!
Interior: House
A vampire is standing in front of the door with his back to it. Suddenly a knock causes him to turn to face it.
He looks back over his shoulder to see another vamp nodding at him to open it. He opens it slowly and sees nothing there. He steps on the porch and a stake emerges with lightening speed from the side. He is still turning to dust when Angel walks through the cloud vamped out.
With a loud growl, the second vamp rushes forward.
Interior: Room
Justine hears a commotion and smiles looking at Fred.
Justine: Your Sir Vampsalot has finally arrived. You must be breathing a sigh of relief right now.
Justine goes to a door and opens it to pull a frightened homeless person out.
Another door opens from the opposite side of the room but no one comes out.
Interior: Living room
The second vamp gets in a good punch before Angel kicks him backwards and into a wall. He walks calmly to the vamp as he struggles to get back to his feet.
Angel waits until he is face to face before charging. The vamp sidesteps and Angel crashes headfirst into the wall. Before he can recover, the vamp grabs a stake from his back pocket and raises it above his head. Angel sees it and bends down while at the same time raising his leg up. The vamp doesn't see it coming and the stake is knocked from his hand.
Before it even hits the ground Angel has reached a hand out to catch it and in one swipe he pushes it up and into the heart of the vamp. Dust falls over his head and back.
He stands up shaking himself off and looks around. There's a strangled noise from another room and he walks that way. He enters and sees Fred sitting handcuffed to the chair in the middle. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees another coming at him and he doesn't look before ducking low to miss the charge. He rolls forward in a tuck position and into the legs of the aggressor.
Fred: Angel No! She's screaming because Angel is unaware that this is the homeless person that Justine has thrown at him. He's not realizing that it's an innocent in the confusion.
Angel hears Fred's scream and stops just as a bone breaks in the man's leg. He cries out and falls to the floor. Angel looks unsurprised at what he's done.
Before he can understand, Justine comes running towards him ready to attack. He scoots out of her path and presses himself against the wall as she misses her mark and falls past him.
In a flurry of movement, Gunn and Wesley having heard Fred's scream rush in the room. Wes trips over Justine and falls on top of her. Gunn hurdles the pair and rushes to Fred's side.
Angel begins to move but balks at the sight of several more humans rushing from the open door that had been standing empty until now. They are hollering combat cries and two head for Wesley as the other three come for Angel.
Gunn hacks the handcuffs loose from the chair with an axe and helps Fred stand. She watches the people attacking Wes and Angel and screams at Gunn to help.
Gunn starts grabbing bodies as fast as he can off Wes and gets in a few good punches while taking some of his own.
Wes climbs off Justine and the floor and rushes to pull Fred by the arm.
Wes: Gunn, Angel let's go!
Angel: Kind of busy here. (busy deflecting blows from the humans when one pulls out a cross and presses it to the side of Angel's face) AArrghh!
Smoke rises from his skin as the cross burns his flesh. He collapses and just as the three move in for the kill, Lorne charges in screaming like a madman.
Lorne: Hey over here! Look at the green demon guy!
All movement stops as the humans turn to look at him and then look at Justine in confusion. Gunn grabs Angel off the floor and drags him out pushing past the people.
Wes and Fred rush past Lorne and he turns tail and runs away behind them.
The group is left behind in stunned silence. Justine stands to face them and smiles.
Justine: That is why we need you. We've all seen what vampires can do. We've all lost people we love. But never before have we seen one with this power. He has convinced these humans that his intentions are honorable. but we know better don't we?
She points at the homeless man still lying on the floor moaning in pain. The group looks from him to Justine and begins to nod in agreement and anger.
Interior: Kitchen
Buffy, Spike, Anya and Xander are sitting at the table. Buffy: I don't think a naps going to do it this time Spike.
Spike: So what do you suggest love?
Xander: Ahem. (He clears his throat to acknowledge his disdain for Spike's use of the word) If Tara's not in Sunnydale G. then where could she be?
Anya: Did you tell Willow what you saw in your dream?
Buffy: No. I don't think she could handle this right now. She needs to concentrate on maintaining her own sanity. We have to figure this out without her.
The phone rings and Xander picks it up.
Xander: Summer's.(pause) Cordelia?
Buffy, Anya and Spike all look up in surprise.
Buffy: Let me see that. (She takes the phone) Cordelia?(Pause) Yes, she's Willow's girlfriend. How did you...(pause) Oh God. What happened?(pause) She didn't say why? (pause) I don't know. We just now realized she might be hurt. (pause) I had a dream.(pause) Yeah whatever. What's that in the background? Is that a baby? (Pause) No, don't worry. I'll come there. (pause) No Willow isn't available. (pause) Oz? What does he have...? (pause) Yet me having a dream is not believable? (pause) You're right. We don't have time. (Pause) No, don't say anything to anyone. Just tell me where Tara is. (Pause) Got it. Oh and Cordelia...thanks.
Buffy hangs up and the others start shouting questions at her.
Buffy: Hold up! Slow down! Let me think. (She sits down and puts her face in her hands for a moment) Tara's in Long Beach Community Hospital. She was mugged or something and is currently unconscious. Cordelia said that before she went out, she asked for Angel.
Xander: Angel? Tara doesn't even know Angel.
Spike: Well she knows of him. I'm sure of that.
Buffy: Spike's right. Willow's filled her in, but that still doesn't tell us what would make her go to LA to find him.
Anya: Maybe she's not gay anymore. Maybe after hearing all those romantic stories about Angel she decided he was the one for her.
Xander: Anya. (Exasperated)
Anya: What? It makes about as much since as anything else.
Spike: I don't think Tara would choose Angel to test the straight waters with.
Buffy: What does that mean?
Spike: Are you actually asking me that?
Buffy: I just don't know what you meant by...
Xander: Are you people insane? Am I really hearing this conversation?
Buffy: Sorry.
Spike: You should be.
Buffy: (opens her mouth and Xander puts his hand over it)
Xander: So when are we going?
Anya: Going?
Xander: To LA? Someone has to go get Tara. If we leave now, we can be there just after sunrise. Oh I guess that means Spike has to stay here with Willow and Dawn.
Spike: I'm not letting you go to LA by yourself.
Xander: That's funny. I could have sworn I said 'we' but you still think Buffy will be going by herself? That's odd.
Spike: you know what I meant.
Buffy: Both of you stop it. I'm going to LA to bring Tara home. That is it. Xander you come with me, Anya you stay with the shop. Spike, you have to watch over Dawn and Willow. The less people that go, the faster we get back.
Spike wants to argue but decided against it. Xander smiles in self- satisfaction. spike gives him a dirty look.
Buffy: Xander let's go. Anya, can you stay until its time to open the shop?
Anya: Yes. I'll go explain to Dawn.
Buffy: Good. But don't tell Willow yet. She doesn't need to worry about this too. Just tell her that we're close to figuring everything out. Xander, now.
The two leave the house and Spike and Anya exchange a look before heading upstairs.