Interior: Hyperion Lobby
Cordy enters smiling down at Connor.
Angel: (Furious) Cordelia!
Cordy looks up in surprise.
Cordy: Angel...you're back. Where's Fred?
Angel: (Strides to remove Connor from her arms) Yes I'm back. We're all back. Where in the hell were you?
Cordy: I'm sorry Angel. I didn't expect you to get back so soon. We were just out walking.
Angel: Walking? You went for a walk at daybreak? And you couldn't leave a note at least? You know Fred's been kidnapped and we've gone to find her. You're alone and without backup and you decide to go for a walk?
Cordy: (Looks around the room to see Gunn, Fred and Wes cowering behind the counter obviously trying to stay out of the line of fire) Angel, I said I was sorry. Connor was fussy and I was stressing so we went to watch the sunrise. That's all. He's fine see?
Angel looks from Connor to Cordy and back to Connor.
Angel: I guess he is. (Reluctantly) Can you just please never scare me like that again?
Cordy: I swear. (makes a cross over her heart) Now tell me what happened. How did you guys get Fred back here so quick? And should we be expecting company?
Lorne: I don't think that's an issue.
Gunn: How can you be so sure?
Wes: I believe that Lorne has realized the same thing I have.
Angel: And that would be?
Wes: Fred was never the intended target tonight.
Cordy: Really? Funny how the person who's NOT the target is the same person who WAS the target.
Fred: Wes is right.
Angel: What?
Fred: She only took me to make sure that you came. You were who she wanted all along.
Angel: Then why did she give up so easily?
Wes: That is a very good question.
Lorne: So who's going to come forward with the very good answer?
Gunn: Fred, what did she say to you before we got there?
Fred: (thinking) Um, she mentioned Angel being a knight in shining armor or something. She said she would only hurt me if he failed to rescue me. It was like she wanted to see him in action.
Wes: Exactly. And if my theory is correct, she wanted the others to see you in action as well.
Angel: But why? What could seeing me fight do for her?
Lorne: I don't think it was for her, I think it was for the friendly humans that attacked you.
Cordy: Humans attacked you?
Fred: Only after Angel attacked one of them.
Cordy: What? (spinning to glare at Angel) You attacked a human?
Angel: (Clutching Connor closer and holding a hand over his ear) Can you please not say things like that in front of my son? (Looks down at Connor) Your daddy doesn't attack humans...as a rule.
Cordy: As a rule? So you did?
Fred: He didn't do it on purpose Cordelia.
Cordy: And yet I don't feel any less disgusted.
Angel: (Looks up at Cordy hurt) I disgust you?
Cordy: People who attack my fellow humans disgust me...as a rule.
Lorne: Whoa! I think we're venturing into dangerous territory here. (Walks to stand between Angel and Cordy) Fred, you were there when it happened. So explain to us what it was.
Fred: She dragged that man out of some room when she heard Angel arrive. The poor thing was scared to death. When Angel came in and saw me, she threw the guy at him. Angel didn't have time to take stock, he just reacted to what he thought was another threat. I called out to him and he stopped. Unfortunately it was too late and his leg broke. At least I think it was his leg. That's when Wes and Gunn burst in and the others came running out.
Cordy: Others?
Fred: (nodding) Yeah, more humans. They came out after all of us then. We barely got out of there. Don't you see what they did to him?
Fred points at Angel and Cordy notices for the first time the burns on the side of his face. She walks closer and sees that they form a cross.
Cordy: (reaching up too touch him) Oh Angel, your face.
Angel moves away from Cordy's touch still hurt from her earlier reaction. She drops her hand and looks away in remorse and guilt.
Lorne: Now lets not let things said out of context affect our feelings. We can't afford to be sidetracked. We all need to be focused here.
Cordy and Angel glance at each other without saying anything.
Angel: So if she wanted me to attack a human, she must have wanted the others to think I did it out of natural tendencies.
Wes: Exactly. I believe you were meant to be portrayed as a common vampire. But I just can't reason why she would want this and what purpose it would serve.
Gunn: I don't believe for a second that she's running the show herself. She's got to be working for somebody.
Fred: I think you're right. I heard her in the hall before you got there talking to someone. She mentioned that 'he' wanted the vampire.
Cordy: Who's 'he'?
Wes: That's what we have to figure out.
The phone rings and Cordelia jumps to answer it. Wes takes note.
She speaks quietly ensuring no one can hear her and hangs up.
Angel: Who was that?
Cordy: Um...nobody. I mean, it was my doctor.
Angel: Your doctor? thought...
Cordy: Everything's fine. It's just a check up. I have to get to the hospital.
Angel: I'll come with you.
Cordy: No! (then calmly) You need to stay with Connor. I can take care of it.
Angel: You're not going alone. Too much is at risk right now. I can't afford to give them the opportunity to take someone else I care about.
Cordy softens at his words.
Cordy: Fine. Gunn, are you free?
Gunn: Always.
The two walk to the door. Angel reaches a hand out to stop Gunn when he passes.
Angel: (Quietly) Bring her back.
Gunn: Absolutely.
They leave.
Interior: Hospital corridor
Xander hangs up the phone and sits down next to Buffy in the hall.
Xander: She's on her way.
Buffy: Good. We need to find out if she knows anything about why Tara's here. (Absently rubs her stomach)
Xander: You still feel barfy?
Buffy: It's not barfy Xander. I told you.
Xander: Right. We cross over the city line into LA and suddenly you get all tense like and have trouble breathing. You won't eat or drink anything and keep rubbing your belly like it might do I don't know what if you stop making with the soothing circles. But my bad, it's not barfy.
Buffy: I'll be fine. I just want to see the doctor, talk to Cordy, get Tara and get out of here.
Xander: So you're not going to even admit that there's something else bothering you?
Buffy stops rubbing and looks at him.
Xander: It's me. I know its been a while and I'll admit I was never one to bond with you over the guy. But I know Angel angst when I see it.
Buffy: (looking down at her lap) I don't know what it is. I thought I was way past this. But it's like I'm back in high school and I can feel him you know? I used to sense when he was there. It's stupid and even more so now after...well everything. But I feel him Xander. How is that still possible?
Xander: I don't know Buff. You and him had something I don't think anyone will ever fully understand, not even the two of you. But you're right. A lot has happened and it's better this way. You not bringing him into this is the right thing.
Buffy: I know. (Leans back and rests her head against the wall) I know. (Starts rubbing her stomach again as Xander looks on)
Interior: Willows room
Dawn is sitting on the bed and Spike is in a chair on the other side of the room.
Dawn: I have to use the restroom. Can you stay with her?
Spike: It's daylight now Little Bit. I won't be going anywhere.
Dawn smiles nervously and glances toward the drawn shade before standing to leave.
Spike looks at Willow and straightens in his chair when he sees her frown in her sleep.
{Willow is standing in the dark place. Tara and Oz are both gone. She steps on broken glass and flashes back to her previous dream. Buffy and the others turn their back on her and she screams at them. The mirror shatters. Back to Willow bending to retrieve a piece of broken glass. She stands slowly studying the shard in her fingers.
A noise startles her and she drops the glass and turns to see Cordy.
Willow: Cordelia?
Cordy: (looking around in apparent frustration) What is this?
Willow: I thought it was my dream but why would you be here?
Cordy: I don't know. Perhaps your subconscious misses me.
Before Willow can answer there's a flash of light and suddenly Cordy is fighting Angel. She watches in silence at first and sees Cordy get the better of Angel and bring him down. Angel suddenly vamps out just as Cordelia raises her arms to strike.
Willow: Cordelia no!
Cordelia stops and turns to face Willow. Her features are distorted and it becomes obvious that she's a demon of some sort.
Willow: Oh God Cordelia...}
Willow wakes with a start and opens her eyes in fear. Spike jumps up and comes to stand over her.
Spike: You alright Red?
Willow: (Straining to move but still unable) Spike? Oh Spike we have to get Buffy. Something's wrong with Cordelia.
Spike: Cordelia?
The doorbell rings and Dawn hollers that she'll get it. Spike hesitates before leaving to make sure that Dawn is okay.
Downstairs, Dawn swings the door open and stops at the sight of the person on the porch.
Spike descends the stairs rapidly and steps up behind Dawn.
Spike: Who is it Bit?
He finally sees the visitor.
Spike: I know you.
Oz: I was about to say the same thing. Although, you're the last person I expected to find here.
Spike: I get that a lot.
Dawn: And you know each other how?
Spike: This is Oz Dawn. You've heard of him.
Dawn: Oz? Oh! Willow's Oz? I know you.
Oz: Again, I could say the same thing. You're Buffy's sister right?
Dawn: (nodding) And you're the boyfriend that turned Willow into a lesbian.
Oz: I get that a lot.
Dawn opens the door wider to let him in.
Oz: So where is everyone?
Spike: You got a while? You picked a helluva time to show up.
Ox looks on at Spike and Dawn in confusion.
Cut to Hyperion
Angel, Fred, Wes and Lorne are discussing the possible suspects.
Angel: I can only think of one person that could be using humans to fight me.
Wes: Holtz.
Angel nods.
Fred: That makes sense. He hunted you for years as a human. Maybe he's trying to forge an army of innocents because he knows with your soul, you won't want to fight them.
Angel: What better revenge than to make me kill again now that I have the soul to punish me?
Lorne: My you must have really done a number on this guy back in your heyday.
Angel: You could say that.
Wes: So how do we prevent this army from coming after you?
Fred: Can't we just set them up like she did Angel?
Wes: I'm not sure I understand.
Fred: I just mean that if they want these people to believe that Angel's an evil vampire, we just have to make sure they see he's not. We have to make sure they see him fighting the evil just like they do.
Angel: That's a good idea Fred. I just don't think there's any way they'll RSVP if we send out invitations to watch me kill...demons or not.
Wes: Yes, well we just have to find a way to trap them into seeing you in true action. We know where they meet now. That has to give us an advantage.
The phone ringing interrupts them and Angel rushes to answer it.
Angel: Hello? (Pause) No there must be some mistake. (Pause) My son is here with me. (Pause) She what? When was this? (pause) No, I'm on my way. I'll get it myself.
He hangs up the phone and stares at it in silence.
Wes: Angel? What was that?
Angel: (irritated) That was the hospital. Cordy and I took that girl we found there earlier. Apparently, Cordy took Connor for a visit while we were gone.
Fred: But she said they just went for a walk.
Angel: Well she lied. (Strides past them and grabs his leather jacket) Fred, can you keep an eye on Connor? He's still sleeping upstairs.
Fred: Sure. Where are you going?
Angel: They called because Cordy left a blanket in the girls room. They're holding it at the nurses station.
Wes: I'll go with you.
Angel: No. You stay here and keep working on this. Lorne, you check with every contact you have and find Holtz. I don't care what it takes. I'll be back.
Wes: Don't be upset with Cordelia Angel. I'm sure she has her reasons.
Angel: (under his breath) She always does.
He exits the Hyperion, his jacket almost catching on the door. Interior: Hospital Corridor
Cordelia walks through the double doors and heads for Tara's room. She slows when she sees Buffy and Xander sitting outside the room. They don't see her at first and Cordy seems to study Buffy as if she's seeing something new. Finally Buffy glances up and sees Cordelia pick up her pace.
Buffy: Cordelia. (Cordy stops in front of her as Xander stands up)
Cordelia: Buffy...Xander. Thanks for coming.
Xander: (Forcing a smile) You look well.
Cordy: (Noticing Xander's apparent awkwardness) Thanks, so do you.
Buffy: So what can you tell us?
Cordy: Not much. Angel and I were out by the beach last night and heard a girl scream. We ran to try and help but whatever happened was already over by the time we got there. She was unconscious and bleeding. Angel carried her here and we dropped her off.
Buffy: Did you say you were on the beach?
The ladies look at each other in silence for several seconds trying to read the other's meaning.
Xander: (noticing the tension) Okay, so you didn't know it was Tara?
Cordy: (Breaking her staring contest with Buffy and facing Xander) No. I've never seen her. Willow mentioned her name once so when the hospital called me and said who she was, it rang a bell. But I didn't know anything for sure until I got here and had the vision.
Xander: Vision?
Cordy: Yeah, it was really weird too. Not like most of my visions. It was almost like I was in her dream. She was there with Willow and Oz.
Buffy: Oz? Tara was dreaming about Oz? I think you got your visions crossed Cordelia.
Cordy: (Snapping) Not likely Buff.
Buffy: I'm not trying to imply that your visions are somehow unworthy Cord. (Buffy emphasizes Cordelia's shortened name in a sarcastic tone)
Xander: Hello? Issue at hand? Remember? Cordelia, did Tara's dream show you anything about what might have happened to bring her to LA?
Cordy: Not really. She told Oz that she was looking for a hotel. I think she meant Angel's hotel.
Buffy: Why would you think that?
Cordy: Because she said that she was looking for him but got attacked. Then Oz asked her who and suddenly Angel was there carrying Tara. But I wasn't with him, it was Oz. He said 'Angel" and she said yes. (Cordy frowns trying to remember anything else she can) Oh! Tara said that she didn't get to tell him!
Xander: She didn't get to tell Angel something?
Cordy nods.
Buffy: What could she possibly have to tell Angel?
Cordy: That's what I was hoping you guys would know. But I guess that was hoping too much.
Xander: We've been kind of sidetracked over in Sunnydale.
Cordy: Sidetracked? How?
Xander: Well, while Tara was getting herself unconscious here. Willow was getting herself paralyzed back home.
Cordy: Willow's paralyzed!
Buffy: SShh. Let's not get hysterical here. Willows not paralyzed, she's just...not moving at the moment.
Cordy: (Sarcastic)Oh, well that's much better. I see how Xander could have overreacted.
Xander: I'm going to have to ask that you both cease and desist with the verbal swordplay. It's not helping and my head is starting to ache.
Cordy: Don't blame us for your achy head. That happens when you do simple addition.
Buffy: I see you haven't changed much since high school.
Cordy: Don't you dare say that! You don't know me! (Loud enough that several people look up) I've changed more than your Slayer mind will ever comprehend!
A bell goes off in Tara's room and interrupts Buffy's reply. The three rush into the room to see that Tara is awake and ringing for the nurse.
Xander: Tara!
Tara: Xander? Buffy? Where am I?
Buffy: You're in a hospital in LA. They found you in an alley. Do you remember what happened?
Tara: They?
Cordy steps forward and faces Tara.
Tara: It's you. You were in my dream.
Cordy: You knew I was there?
Buffy and Xander look at each other in stunned silence.
Cut to Sunnydale
Interior: Willow's room
Spike and Dawn enter to find Willow grunting helplessly from the effort of trying to move.
Spike: Hey Red, you have a visitor.
Willow: (Looks out of the corner of her eye) A visitor? Who? Is it Tara?
Oz: (Stepping into her view) Not even close.
Willow appears speechless and Dawn and Spike watch her struggle to accept who's in front of her.
Willow: Oh God, you can't see me like this.
Oz: (Sitting down next to her) Shut-up. (Smirks) I've seen you worse.
Willow: I guess you have. (Tries to smile)
Spike: (Clears his throat) Well Little Bit, how about some chow? What do you say we go see what kind of eatery you Summers girls keep on hand?
Dawn: Um...(looks at Willow)...will you be okay for a minute?
Willow: (Smiles) Yeah, I'm fine. Go on.
Dawn nods and allows Spike to lead her out of the room.
Oz: Check that out. (Looking at where Spike just exited) He did the very human tactful exit and all. What's up with that?
Willow: Spike's a changed man, sort of. It's a long story. He can't bite anymore being the gist of it.
Oz: That's pretty gutsy. I wish we had time to fill me in, but I'm kind of hoping you know why I'm full of dreams lately. by the looks of you, I'd venture that you know the answer.
Willow: What do you mean?
Oz: Spike and Dawn told me you hadn't been able to move for almost 24 hours and that was about the time my dreams started. Then on the way here, I pulled over to rest my eyes and dreamed that you were sleeping and couldn't wake up. then Tara...
Willow: Tara?
Oz: Yeah, Tara was there, and she showed me that she was hurt.
Willow: (Obviously upset and getting very excitable) Tara's hurt!
Oz: I don't know. I mean I wasn't sure until I saw you. I thought maybe this was all meaningless, but now I'm not so positive. Tara was hurt and she told me that she was trying to find Angel.
Willow: Angel?
Oz: Yeah, I saw Angel carrying her with Cordelia beside him. Then it was me beside him and I asked Tara if Angel was who she was looking for and she said yes, but she never got a chance to tell him.
Willow: Tell him what?
Oz: That's why I'm here. I don't know anything else. It's all pretty bizarre. Though typical Sunnydale stuff.
Willow: (Hollers)Spike! Dawnie!
She doesn't say anything else until the two have raced into the room.
Spike: What is it?
Willow: Dawn, call Anya. Tell her she's doing the spell...now.
Dawn: But Buffy...
Willow: Listen to me Dawn, I don't have time to wait on Buffy. She's trying to help, but Oz knows more than she does. If we have any hope of figuring this out, then I have to be upright and mobile. Now call her.
Dawn leaves the room to make the call.
Willow: Spike, where's Buffy?
Spike: I don't think...
Willow: I already know you're hiding something. Is it about her dream?
Oz: Buffy had a dream too?
Willow: Yeah and so did I. Something tells me this isn't accidental. I think we're all seeing each other's dreams for a purpose. We have to find out what it is. And we have to know if Angel is experiencing it too.
Spike: (Shocked)Angel? So Buffy's dream was about Angel? She told me it was Tara.
Willow: It was both.
Spike: Splendid.
Oz: (Taking note of Spike's obvious emotion) Am I wrong for getting the feeling that you're jealous?
Willow: Not important right now. Where is Buffy Spike?
Dawn runs back in the room.
Dawn: Anya's on her way. But she's not happy about closing the shop.
Willow: She'll get over it. So can you call Buffy and tell her to get home?
Dawn looks at Spike uncomfortably.
Spike: I'm afraid we can't do that Red.
Willow: Why not?
Oz: Let me guess. Buffy went to LA to find Tara.
Willow: What? No, she wouldn't' have done that without telling me. Right?
Dawn: (Looks away from Willow) Um...
Willow: Oh God. Buffy knew what was happening and she didn't tell me?
Dawn: She got a call from that Cordelia girl.
Willow: Cordelia!
Spike: Settle down. She got the call and went to get the scoop. She planned on filling you in when she got back with Tara.
Willow: So Tara is there?
Dawn: Yeah. I'm sorry Will.
Willow: Never mind. We have to call Angel.
Spike: Can't we do this without him?
Willow: No! Dawn, the numbers in my book. You hold the phone and I'll talk. Go now...
Cut to LA-Hospital
Cordy, Xander and Buffy are surrounding Tara's bed.
Tara: I don't understand why you got dragged into this.
Cordy: Maybe we could figure it out if you told us why you came to LA in the first place. Was it Angel?
Tara glances at Buffy and looks down.
Buffy: Tara, you have to tell us the truth. We can't help Willow if you don't. So far, we know that Willow, you, me, Cordy and possibly Oz are having the same dreams. There has to be reason for this. If you came to LA before the dreams started, then maybe that's the key. So why did you come to LA? Why would you try and find Angel?
Xander: It doesn't make sense. You never knew Angel. What could he possibly have to offer?
Cordy: I don't think like the implication there.
Xander: I don't think I like the implication of your implication.
Cordy: What?
Buffy: Would you two shut up?
Cordy: Speaking of not changing...
Buffy glares at Cordy before turning back to Tara.
Buffy: Tara, please. You left Willow weeks ago. Why would you end up here of all places?
Tara: I never really left Willow.
Xander: Okay help me out here. Are we talking newfound stalker status or just hypothetically?
Tara: I'm talking about mystically. I did a spell a couple weeks ago to try and find the source of Willow's addiction.
Cordy: Addiction? Willow's on drugs?
Xander and Buffy roll their eyes but don't reply.
Tara: Not that kind of addiction. I went back to before we met. Back to high school. It was like I was watching a movie. I could pause and rewind and fast forward and zoom in.
Xander: Can't really zoom in on movie playback. (The others all look at him like he fell out of a tree) Sorry. Go on.
Tara: Willow found the dark magic there. She studied them, practiced occasionally, but it was Angel and his curse. That's where she got her first taste of how powerful it was.
Buffy: When she restored his soul.
Tara: Yes. I watched everything after that. There were other occasions that she used dark forces to save innocents or protect them. But I always came back to Angel. See, Willow thought that she had crossed a line with that curse. She believed that even though she gave Angel his soul, she hadn't saved him. He still went to the hell dimension and even worse he went with a soul.
Buffy: Oh God.
Cordy: I never thought of it like that.
Xander: Lets not get carried away by the memories ladies. Angel's back, he's fine, he's good. Move on.
Tara: Right. I know that. But I believe that Willow couldn't let it go. She never admitted her worst fears, not even to herself. She just used the pain as an excuse to continue down the path of Black Magic. She had to atone for what had happened to Angel and to you Buffy. She knew the guilt you felt over having to do what you did.
Buffy: But this was all worked out along time ago.
Tara: For everyone else it was. but Willow never worked through it. She just worked over it. She continued her studies and found more and more reasons that the dark forces could be used to do good. She wanted to prove to herself that it hadn't been a mistake.
Buffy: Okay I get what you're saying and maybe even agree that the possibility is there that you're right. but I have to ask what this has to do with now. Why would seeing this in retrospect give you the idea to come search for Angel?
Tara: Because I believe that there's a chance Willow's original spell isn't everything she expected it to be. That any of you expected it to be. Not even him.
Cordy: So you think Angel didn't get the right curse?
Xander: What?
Tara doesn't answer and the others look at each other in confusion.
Buffy: I spent all that time with him after. Until prom, we were together. If there was any problem with the curse, we would have known about it believe me.
Xander: Now I'm getting a visual.
Cordy: (Not getting it at first and then realization) Ewwww.
Tara: That's not the kind of problem I'm talking about.
Cordy: Wait! If this really is about Angel and his curse, then he has a right to know.
Buffy: No! We don't know what we're sure of yet. I don't want to get Angel involved right now. I can't.
From the doorway Angel speaks.
Angel: And I guess what you want is all that matters...
Cordy enters smiling down at Connor.
Angel: (Furious) Cordelia!
Cordy looks up in surprise.
Cordy: Angel...you're back. Where's Fred?
Angel: (Strides to remove Connor from her arms) Yes I'm back. We're all back. Where in the hell were you?
Cordy: I'm sorry Angel. I didn't expect you to get back so soon. We were just out walking.
Angel: Walking? You went for a walk at daybreak? And you couldn't leave a note at least? You know Fred's been kidnapped and we've gone to find her. You're alone and without backup and you decide to go for a walk?
Cordy: (Looks around the room to see Gunn, Fred and Wes cowering behind the counter obviously trying to stay out of the line of fire) Angel, I said I was sorry. Connor was fussy and I was stressing so we went to watch the sunrise. That's all. He's fine see?
Angel looks from Connor to Cordy and back to Connor.
Angel: I guess he is. (Reluctantly) Can you just please never scare me like that again?
Cordy: I swear. (makes a cross over her heart) Now tell me what happened. How did you guys get Fred back here so quick? And should we be expecting company?
Lorne: I don't think that's an issue.
Gunn: How can you be so sure?
Wes: I believe that Lorne has realized the same thing I have.
Angel: And that would be?
Wes: Fred was never the intended target tonight.
Cordy: Really? Funny how the person who's NOT the target is the same person who WAS the target.
Fred: Wes is right.
Angel: What?
Fred: She only took me to make sure that you came. You were who she wanted all along.
Angel: Then why did she give up so easily?
Wes: That is a very good question.
Lorne: So who's going to come forward with the very good answer?
Gunn: Fred, what did she say to you before we got there?
Fred: (thinking) Um, she mentioned Angel being a knight in shining armor or something. She said she would only hurt me if he failed to rescue me. It was like she wanted to see him in action.
Wes: Exactly. And if my theory is correct, she wanted the others to see you in action as well.
Angel: But why? What could seeing me fight do for her?
Lorne: I don't think it was for her, I think it was for the friendly humans that attacked you.
Cordy: Humans attacked you?
Fred: Only after Angel attacked one of them.
Cordy: What? (spinning to glare at Angel) You attacked a human?
Angel: (Clutching Connor closer and holding a hand over his ear) Can you please not say things like that in front of my son? (Looks down at Connor) Your daddy doesn't attack humans...as a rule.
Cordy: As a rule? So you did?
Fred: He didn't do it on purpose Cordelia.
Cordy: And yet I don't feel any less disgusted.
Angel: (Looks up at Cordy hurt) I disgust you?
Cordy: People who attack my fellow humans disgust me...as a rule.
Lorne: Whoa! I think we're venturing into dangerous territory here. (Walks to stand between Angel and Cordy) Fred, you were there when it happened. So explain to us what it was.
Fred: She dragged that man out of some room when she heard Angel arrive. The poor thing was scared to death. When Angel came in and saw me, she threw the guy at him. Angel didn't have time to take stock, he just reacted to what he thought was another threat. I called out to him and he stopped. Unfortunately it was too late and his leg broke. At least I think it was his leg. That's when Wes and Gunn burst in and the others came running out.
Cordy: Others?
Fred: (nodding) Yeah, more humans. They came out after all of us then. We barely got out of there. Don't you see what they did to him?
Fred points at Angel and Cordy notices for the first time the burns on the side of his face. She walks closer and sees that they form a cross.
Cordy: (reaching up too touch him) Oh Angel, your face.
Angel moves away from Cordy's touch still hurt from her earlier reaction. She drops her hand and looks away in remorse and guilt.
Lorne: Now lets not let things said out of context affect our feelings. We can't afford to be sidetracked. We all need to be focused here.
Cordy and Angel glance at each other without saying anything.
Angel: So if she wanted me to attack a human, she must have wanted the others to think I did it out of natural tendencies.
Wes: Exactly. I believe you were meant to be portrayed as a common vampire. But I just can't reason why she would want this and what purpose it would serve.
Gunn: I don't believe for a second that she's running the show herself. She's got to be working for somebody.
Fred: I think you're right. I heard her in the hall before you got there talking to someone. She mentioned that 'he' wanted the vampire.
Cordy: Who's 'he'?
Wes: That's what we have to figure out.
The phone rings and Cordelia jumps to answer it. Wes takes note.
She speaks quietly ensuring no one can hear her and hangs up.
Angel: Who was that?
Cordy: Um...nobody. I mean, it was my doctor.
Angel: Your doctor? thought...
Cordy: Everything's fine. It's just a check up. I have to get to the hospital.
Angel: I'll come with you.
Cordy: No! (then calmly) You need to stay with Connor. I can take care of it.
Angel: You're not going alone. Too much is at risk right now. I can't afford to give them the opportunity to take someone else I care about.
Cordy softens at his words.
Cordy: Fine. Gunn, are you free?
Gunn: Always.
The two walk to the door. Angel reaches a hand out to stop Gunn when he passes.
Angel: (Quietly) Bring her back.
Gunn: Absolutely.
They leave.
Interior: Hospital corridor
Xander hangs up the phone and sits down next to Buffy in the hall.
Xander: She's on her way.
Buffy: Good. We need to find out if she knows anything about why Tara's here. (Absently rubs her stomach)
Xander: You still feel barfy?
Buffy: It's not barfy Xander. I told you.
Xander: Right. We cross over the city line into LA and suddenly you get all tense like and have trouble breathing. You won't eat or drink anything and keep rubbing your belly like it might do I don't know what if you stop making with the soothing circles. But my bad, it's not barfy.
Buffy: I'll be fine. I just want to see the doctor, talk to Cordy, get Tara and get out of here.
Xander: So you're not going to even admit that there's something else bothering you?
Buffy stops rubbing and looks at him.
Xander: It's me. I know its been a while and I'll admit I was never one to bond with you over the guy. But I know Angel angst when I see it.
Buffy: (looking down at her lap) I don't know what it is. I thought I was way past this. But it's like I'm back in high school and I can feel him you know? I used to sense when he was there. It's stupid and even more so now after...well everything. But I feel him Xander. How is that still possible?
Xander: I don't know Buff. You and him had something I don't think anyone will ever fully understand, not even the two of you. But you're right. A lot has happened and it's better this way. You not bringing him into this is the right thing.
Buffy: I know. (Leans back and rests her head against the wall) I know. (Starts rubbing her stomach again as Xander looks on)
Interior: Willows room
Dawn is sitting on the bed and Spike is in a chair on the other side of the room.
Dawn: I have to use the restroom. Can you stay with her?
Spike: It's daylight now Little Bit. I won't be going anywhere.
Dawn smiles nervously and glances toward the drawn shade before standing to leave.
Spike looks at Willow and straightens in his chair when he sees her frown in her sleep.
{Willow is standing in the dark place. Tara and Oz are both gone. She steps on broken glass and flashes back to her previous dream. Buffy and the others turn their back on her and she screams at them. The mirror shatters. Back to Willow bending to retrieve a piece of broken glass. She stands slowly studying the shard in her fingers.
A noise startles her and she drops the glass and turns to see Cordy.
Willow: Cordelia?
Cordy: (looking around in apparent frustration) What is this?
Willow: I thought it was my dream but why would you be here?
Cordy: I don't know. Perhaps your subconscious misses me.
Before Willow can answer there's a flash of light and suddenly Cordy is fighting Angel. She watches in silence at first and sees Cordy get the better of Angel and bring him down. Angel suddenly vamps out just as Cordelia raises her arms to strike.
Willow: Cordelia no!
Cordelia stops and turns to face Willow. Her features are distorted and it becomes obvious that she's a demon of some sort.
Willow: Oh God Cordelia...}
Willow wakes with a start and opens her eyes in fear. Spike jumps up and comes to stand over her.
Spike: You alright Red?
Willow: (Straining to move but still unable) Spike? Oh Spike we have to get Buffy. Something's wrong with Cordelia.
Spike: Cordelia?
The doorbell rings and Dawn hollers that she'll get it. Spike hesitates before leaving to make sure that Dawn is okay.
Downstairs, Dawn swings the door open and stops at the sight of the person on the porch.
Spike descends the stairs rapidly and steps up behind Dawn.
Spike: Who is it Bit?
He finally sees the visitor.
Spike: I know you.
Oz: I was about to say the same thing. Although, you're the last person I expected to find here.
Spike: I get that a lot.
Dawn: And you know each other how?
Spike: This is Oz Dawn. You've heard of him.
Dawn: Oz? Oh! Willow's Oz? I know you.
Oz: Again, I could say the same thing. You're Buffy's sister right?
Dawn: (nodding) And you're the boyfriend that turned Willow into a lesbian.
Oz: I get that a lot.
Dawn opens the door wider to let him in.
Oz: So where is everyone?
Spike: You got a while? You picked a helluva time to show up.
Ox looks on at Spike and Dawn in confusion.
Cut to Hyperion
Angel, Fred, Wes and Lorne are discussing the possible suspects.
Angel: I can only think of one person that could be using humans to fight me.
Wes: Holtz.
Angel nods.
Fred: That makes sense. He hunted you for years as a human. Maybe he's trying to forge an army of innocents because he knows with your soul, you won't want to fight them.
Angel: What better revenge than to make me kill again now that I have the soul to punish me?
Lorne: My you must have really done a number on this guy back in your heyday.
Angel: You could say that.
Wes: So how do we prevent this army from coming after you?
Fred: Can't we just set them up like she did Angel?
Wes: I'm not sure I understand.
Fred: I just mean that if they want these people to believe that Angel's an evil vampire, we just have to make sure they see he's not. We have to make sure they see him fighting the evil just like they do.
Angel: That's a good idea Fred. I just don't think there's any way they'll RSVP if we send out invitations to watch me kill...demons or not.
Wes: Yes, well we just have to find a way to trap them into seeing you in true action. We know where they meet now. That has to give us an advantage.
The phone ringing interrupts them and Angel rushes to answer it.
Angel: Hello? (Pause) No there must be some mistake. (Pause) My son is here with me. (Pause) She what? When was this? (pause) No, I'm on my way. I'll get it myself.
He hangs up the phone and stares at it in silence.
Wes: Angel? What was that?
Angel: (irritated) That was the hospital. Cordy and I took that girl we found there earlier. Apparently, Cordy took Connor for a visit while we were gone.
Fred: But she said they just went for a walk.
Angel: Well she lied. (Strides past them and grabs his leather jacket) Fred, can you keep an eye on Connor? He's still sleeping upstairs.
Fred: Sure. Where are you going?
Angel: They called because Cordy left a blanket in the girls room. They're holding it at the nurses station.
Wes: I'll go with you.
Angel: No. You stay here and keep working on this. Lorne, you check with every contact you have and find Holtz. I don't care what it takes. I'll be back.
Wes: Don't be upset with Cordelia Angel. I'm sure she has her reasons.
Angel: (under his breath) She always does.
He exits the Hyperion, his jacket almost catching on the door. Interior: Hospital Corridor
Cordelia walks through the double doors and heads for Tara's room. She slows when she sees Buffy and Xander sitting outside the room. They don't see her at first and Cordy seems to study Buffy as if she's seeing something new. Finally Buffy glances up and sees Cordelia pick up her pace.
Buffy: Cordelia. (Cordy stops in front of her as Xander stands up)
Cordelia: Buffy...Xander. Thanks for coming.
Xander: (Forcing a smile) You look well.
Cordy: (Noticing Xander's apparent awkwardness) Thanks, so do you.
Buffy: So what can you tell us?
Cordy: Not much. Angel and I were out by the beach last night and heard a girl scream. We ran to try and help but whatever happened was already over by the time we got there. She was unconscious and bleeding. Angel carried her here and we dropped her off.
Buffy: Did you say you were on the beach?
The ladies look at each other in silence for several seconds trying to read the other's meaning.
Xander: (noticing the tension) Okay, so you didn't know it was Tara?
Cordy: (Breaking her staring contest with Buffy and facing Xander) No. I've never seen her. Willow mentioned her name once so when the hospital called me and said who she was, it rang a bell. But I didn't know anything for sure until I got here and had the vision.
Xander: Vision?
Cordy: Yeah, it was really weird too. Not like most of my visions. It was almost like I was in her dream. She was there with Willow and Oz.
Buffy: Oz? Tara was dreaming about Oz? I think you got your visions crossed Cordelia.
Cordy: (Snapping) Not likely Buff.
Buffy: I'm not trying to imply that your visions are somehow unworthy Cord. (Buffy emphasizes Cordelia's shortened name in a sarcastic tone)
Xander: Hello? Issue at hand? Remember? Cordelia, did Tara's dream show you anything about what might have happened to bring her to LA?
Cordy: Not really. She told Oz that she was looking for a hotel. I think she meant Angel's hotel.
Buffy: Why would you think that?
Cordy: Because she said that she was looking for him but got attacked. Then Oz asked her who and suddenly Angel was there carrying Tara. But I wasn't with him, it was Oz. He said 'Angel" and she said yes. (Cordy frowns trying to remember anything else she can) Oh! Tara said that she didn't get to tell him!
Xander: She didn't get to tell Angel something?
Cordy nods.
Buffy: What could she possibly have to tell Angel?
Cordy: That's what I was hoping you guys would know. But I guess that was hoping too much.
Xander: We've been kind of sidetracked over in Sunnydale.
Cordy: Sidetracked? How?
Xander: Well, while Tara was getting herself unconscious here. Willow was getting herself paralyzed back home.
Cordy: Willow's paralyzed!
Buffy: SShh. Let's not get hysterical here. Willows not paralyzed, she's just...not moving at the moment.
Cordy: (Sarcastic)Oh, well that's much better. I see how Xander could have overreacted.
Xander: I'm going to have to ask that you both cease and desist with the verbal swordplay. It's not helping and my head is starting to ache.
Cordy: Don't blame us for your achy head. That happens when you do simple addition.
Buffy: I see you haven't changed much since high school.
Cordy: Don't you dare say that! You don't know me! (Loud enough that several people look up) I've changed more than your Slayer mind will ever comprehend!
A bell goes off in Tara's room and interrupts Buffy's reply. The three rush into the room to see that Tara is awake and ringing for the nurse.
Xander: Tara!
Tara: Xander? Buffy? Where am I?
Buffy: You're in a hospital in LA. They found you in an alley. Do you remember what happened?
Tara: They?
Cordy steps forward and faces Tara.
Tara: It's you. You were in my dream.
Cordy: You knew I was there?
Buffy and Xander look at each other in stunned silence.
Cut to Sunnydale
Interior: Willow's room
Spike and Dawn enter to find Willow grunting helplessly from the effort of trying to move.
Spike: Hey Red, you have a visitor.
Willow: (Looks out of the corner of her eye) A visitor? Who? Is it Tara?
Oz: (Stepping into her view) Not even close.
Willow appears speechless and Dawn and Spike watch her struggle to accept who's in front of her.
Willow: Oh God, you can't see me like this.
Oz: (Sitting down next to her) Shut-up. (Smirks) I've seen you worse.
Willow: I guess you have. (Tries to smile)
Spike: (Clears his throat) Well Little Bit, how about some chow? What do you say we go see what kind of eatery you Summers girls keep on hand?
Dawn: Um...(looks at Willow)...will you be okay for a minute?
Willow: (Smiles) Yeah, I'm fine. Go on.
Dawn nods and allows Spike to lead her out of the room.
Oz: Check that out. (Looking at where Spike just exited) He did the very human tactful exit and all. What's up with that?
Willow: Spike's a changed man, sort of. It's a long story. He can't bite anymore being the gist of it.
Oz: That's pretty gutsy. I wish we had time to fill me in, but I'm kind of hoping you know why I'm full of dreams lately. by the looks of you, I'd venture that you know the answer.
Willow: What do you mean?
Oz: Spike and Dawn told me you hadn't been able to move for almost 24 hours and that was about the time my dreams started. Then on the way here, I pulled over to rest my eyes and dreamed that you were sleeping and couldn't wake up. then Tara...
Willow: Tara?
Oz: Yeah, Tara was there, and she showed me that she was hurt.
Willow: (Obviously upset and getting very excitable) Tara's hurt!
Oz: I don't know. I mean I wasn't sure until I saw you. I thought maybe this was all meaningless, but now I'm not so positive. Tara was hurt and she told me that she was trying to find Angel.
Willow: Angel?
Oz: Yeah, I saw Angel carrying her with Cordelia beside him. Then it was me beside him and I asked Tara if Angel was who she was looking for and she said yes, but she never got a chance to tell him.
Willow: Tell him what?
Oz: That's why I'm here. I don't know anything else. It's all pretty bizarre. Though typical Sunnydale stuff.
Willow: (Hollers)Spike! Dawnie!
She doesn't say anything else until the two have raced into the room.
Spike: What is it?
Willow: Dawn, call Anya. Tell her she's doing the spell...now.
Dawn: But Buffy...
Willow: Listen to me Dawn, I don't have time to wait on Buffy. She's trying to help, but Oz knows more than she does. If we have any hope of figuring this out, then I have to be upright and mobile. Now call her.
Dawn leaves the room to make the call.
Willow: Spike, where's Buffy?
Spike: I don't think...
Willow: I already know you're hiding something. Is it about her dream?
Oz: Buffy had a dream too?
Willow: Yeah and so did I. Something tells me this isn't accidental. I think we're all seeing each other's dreams for a purpose. We have to find out what it is. And we have to know if Angel is experiencing it too.
Spike: (Shocked)Angel? So Buffy's dream was about Angel? She told me it was Tara.
Willow: It was both.
Spike: Splendid.
Oz: (Taking note of Spike's obvious emotion) Am I wrong for getting the feeling that you're jealous?
Willow: Not important right now. Where is Buffy Spike?
Dawn runs back in the room.
Dawn: Anya's on her way. But she's not happy about closing the shop.
Willow: She'll get over it. So can you call Buffy and tell her to get home?
Dawn looks at Spike uncomfortably.
Spike: I'm afraid we can't do that Red.
Willow: Why not?
Oz: Let me guess. Buffy went to LA to find Tara.
Willow: What? No, she wouldn't' have done that without telling me. Right?
Dawn: (Looks away from Willow) Um...
Willow: Oh God. Buffy knew what was happening and she didn't tell me?
Dawn: She got a call from that Cordelia girl.
Willow: Cordelia!
Spike: Settle down. She got the call and went to get the scoop. She planned on filling you in when she got back with Tara.
Willow: So Tara is there?
Dawn: Yeah. I'm sorry Will.
Willow: Never mind. We have to call Angel.
Spike: Can't we do this without him?
Willow: No! Dawn, the numbers in my book. You hold the phone and I'll talk. Go now...
Cut to LA-Hospital
Cordy, Xander and Buffy are surrounding Tara's bed.
Tara: I don't understand why you got dragged into this.
Cordy: Maybe we could figure it out if you told us why you came to LA in the first place. Was it Angel?
Tara glances at Buffy and looks down.
Buffy: Tara, you have to tell us the truth. We can't help Willow if you don't. So far, we know that Willow, you, me, Cordy and possibly Oz are having the same dreams. There has to be reason for this. If you came to LA before the dreams started, then maybe that's the key. So why did you come to LA? Why would you try and find Angel?
Xander: It doesn't make sense. You never knew Angel. What could he possibly have to offer?
Cordy: I don't think like the implication there.
Xander: I don't think I like the implication of your implication.
Cordy: What?
Buffy: Would you two shut up?
Cordy: Speaking of not changing...
Buffy glares at Cordy before turning back to Tara.
Buffy: Tara, please. You left Willow weeks ago. Why would you end up here of all places?
Tara: I never really left Willow.
Xander: Okay help me out here. Are we talking newfound stalker status or just hypothetically?
Tara: I'm talking about mystically. I did a spell a couple weeks ago to try and find the source of Willow's addiction.
Cordy: Addiction? Willow's on drugs?
Xander and Buffy roll their eyes but don't reply.
Tara: Not that kind of addiction. I went back to before we met. Back to high school. It was like I was watching a movie. I could pause and rewind and fast forward and zoom in.
Xander: Can't really zoom in on movie playback. (The others all look at him like he fell out of a tree) Sorry. Go on.
Tara: Willow found the dark magic there. She studied them, practiced occasionally, but it was Angel and his curse. That's where she got her first taste of how powerful it was.
Buffy: When she restored his soul.
Tara: Yes. I watched everything after that. There were other occasions that she used dark forces to save innocents or protect them. But I always came back to Angel. See, Willow thought that she had crossed a line with that curse. She believed that even though she gave Angel his soul, she hadn't saved him. He still went to the hell dimension and even worse he went with a soul.
Buffy: Oh God.
Cordy: I never thought of it like that.
Xander: Lets not get carried away by the memories ladies. Angel's back, he's fine, he's good. Move on.
Tara: Right. I know that. But I believe that Willow couldn't let it go. She never admitted her worst fears, not even to herself. She just used the pain as an excuse to continue down the path of Black Magic. She had to atone for what had happened to Angel and to you Buffy. She knew the guilt you felt over having to do what you did.
Buffy: But this was all worked out along time ago.
Tara: For everyone else it was. but Willow never worked through it. She just worked over it. She continued her studies and found more and more reasons that the dark forces could be used to do good. She wanted to prove to herself that it hadn't been a mistake.
Buffy: Okay I get what you're saying and maybe even agree that the possibility is there that you're right. but I have to ask what this has to do with now. Why would seeing this in retrospect give you the idea to come search for Angel?
Tara: Because I believe that there's a chance Willow's original spell isn't everything she expected it to be. That any of you expected it to be. Not even him.
Cordy: So you think Angel didn't get the right curse?
Xander: What?
Tara doesn't answer and the others look at each other in confusion.
Buffy: I spent all that time with him after. Until prom, we were together. If there was any problem with the curse, we would have known about it believe me.
Xander: Now I'm getting a visual.
Cordy: (Not getting it at first and then realization) Ewwww.
Tara: That's not the kind of problem I'm talking about.
Cordy: Wait! If this really is about Angel and his curse, then he has a right to know.
Buffy: No! We don't know what we're sure of yet. I don't want to get Angel involved right now. I can't.
From the doorway Angel speaks.
Angel: And I guess what you want is all that matters...