Cut to Hyperion
Wesley hangs up the phone and turns to Gunn and Lorne.
Wesley: Where's Fred?
Gunn: Connor was fussing. She went to check on him. Who was that?
Wes: That was Willow Rosenthal. A friend of the Slayers in Sunnydale.
Gunn: As in Buffy the Slayer? Angel's Buffy the Slayer?
Lorne: Angel has a slayer?
Wes: One and the same. It seems we're to expect a visit from said Slayer and now the rest of her group will be joining her. They're on their way as soon as...
Gunn: As soon as what?
Wes: (Rubbing his forehead) As soon as they perform a spell to rid Willow of a mysterious paralysis that has consumed her.
Lorne: Huh? Did you say slayer? Did you say spell? Did you say paralysis? (looks at Gunn) Can you say uh-oh? Interior: Willow's room
Anya is standing closest to Willow holding a wooden bowl above the bed. Oz is at the foot of the bed and Spike and Dawn are standing in the doorway. Spike protectively in front.
Anya begins to recite the words of the spell and as she does she waves the bowl over the length of Willow's body. She begins the incantation for the third time and slowly tips the bowl downwards. A liquid spills over the side and falls to Willow's still form. It hits her chest first and a strange light emanates from the point of impact. Anya continues chanting and moves the bowl downward spilling the contents evenly over Willow's body. Soon, the light darkens and seems to disappear into Willow's skin and clothing. Just as Anya finishes speaking and lowers the now empty bowl to her side, a sickening aroma expels itself from Willow and the others all cover their noses. Willows eyes open and she looks around the room. The smell fades and the others drop their hands to watch for any signs of success.
Willow takes a deep breath and without any effort, snaps to a sitting position. She throws her legs over the side of the bed and stands up. She and Anya exchange a smile.
Anya: Yep, I've still got it.
Spike: Congratulations. Now if we can just all jump in a vat of Lysol, we should be fine.
Oz: I don't remember magic being quite so...aromatic.
Anya: Don't be such babies. The smell is gone now, get over it.
Spike: Right then. So we're off to LA then right?
Willow: Yes, we are. But it's kind of on the sunny side out there, don't you think?
Spike: I can't believe you still think the bloody sun can stop me.
Dawn: I thought that was pretty much the rule.
Spike: Have you learned nothing since I've been around? Sure, we vamps don't look to play in the sun, but we can certainly find ways around it when necessary.
Willow: Fine, let's just go. Who's driving?
Oz: I guess I will.
Anya: We'll find Xander first right?
Dawn: No, we find Buffy first.
Willow: Guys, I'm pretty sure, we find one, we'll find the other.
Dawn/Anya: Oh. Okay.
Spike: So who's got a blanket I can use?
Cut to LA
Interior: Hospital
Buffy doesn't move as Cordy, Xander and Tara all turn to see Angel standing in the doorway.
Cordelia: Angel! I was just...
Angel: Don't. (He steps inside the room scanning the faces and noticing Buffy's back still facing him) So what was that Buffy? You don't want me to know what?
Buffy closes her eyes trying to gather her thoughts and finally moves to face him. She appears to forget everything as she meets his eyes for the first time.
Angel too seems to lose track of his anger for an instant upon looking into her eyes. None of this is missed by Xander and Tara. And more importantly, by Cordy.
Tara: (Whispers) It's you. You're him.
Angel: (Still looking at Buffy but speaking to Tara) It's me. Forgive me if I don't know you in return.
Tara: Oh, well how could you? (Smiles weakly) We've never met. Cordy: Angel, this is Tara. She's Willow's...friend. I just found out when I came up here to see my doctor, I happened by and ran into Buffy and Xander.
Angel: (Finally looking away from Buffy to face Cordelia) Do you really want to do this? Where's Gunn?
Cordy: Gunn? Oh yeah, he was with me. Right. Well, I dropped him in the waiting room. I didn't see the point in him coming into the doctors office with me.
Xander: (Confused) You went to see a doctor?
Cordy: (Smiling) Of course silly. I told you two that when I ran into you, remember?
Buff, you want to help me out here?
Buffy: (Still looking at Angel) Yeah, sure. Xander, how do you stand upright under the weight of your own stupidity?
Xander: (Shock and surprise)What?
Cordy: It's okay. Angel understands right? (Looking at Angel) I mean, he was there in high school. He saw you in action or should I say inaction.
Xander: Now wait one damn minute!
Buffy: Cordelia! (Interrupting Xander) Why don't you and Angel go find this Gunn person. We'll stay here and finish up with Tara. I appreciate you stopping by but we can take it from here.
Cordelia: (Glad to leave) Sure. It was so good seeing you guys again. I'm sorry about the mugging thing Tara. Hope you get to feeling better. Let's go Angel.
She takes Angel by the arm and tries to push him out but he doesn't budge and Cordy merely runs into his shoulder with her face. She bounces off and looks up at him.
Angel: (Deadpan face on Cordy) Why are you doing this? After the last time you lied to me and nearly got yourself killed? I thought we had an agreement.
Buffy watches the exchange noting how there was more to the words than Angel was saying.
Cordy: We did. We do. I'm not doing anything.
Angel: Really? (Reaches into his jacket to pull out the receiving blanket he had just picked up from the nurses station)
Cordy: Where did that come form?
Buffy: Is that a baby blanket?
Angel hears Buffy's question and startles a bit. he pushes the blanket back into his jacket and concentrates on Cordy.
Angel: They called to say you left it here when you came by to see her earlier.
Cordy realizes she's caught and drops her head. Xander seems lost and Tara frowns sensing the tension.
Buffy: Angel, was that a baby blanket?
Cordy: (Looking at Buffy) I was babysitting. I do it for extra cash sometimes. This fighting evil gig doesn't pay so well at times.
Buffy: (Nodding) Tell me about it.
Xander: Cordelia Chase a babysitter? That's odd, I didn't hear that hell had frozen over.
Angel: Shut up Xander.
Xander: And hello to you to Angel. My how time flies when you're not with you.
Gunn: (From doorway) What the hell is this?
Buffy: Who the hell are you?
Cordy: That's Gunn. And don't talk to him like that.
Tara: (Showing signs of exhaustion)Can I just talk to Angel please?
Buffy: Tara, I don't know...
Angel: (Annoyed) What is your problem Buffy? If she came here to see me, then I think I'd like to hear what she has to say. Last I checked, you didn't have the last word here in LA.
Buffy: (Snaps) I never said I did. I just don't think what Tara or anyone else in my life does is any of your concern any more.
Cordy: Maybe you should talk to the people in your life again Buffy. I don't think Angel asked Tara to come here.
Gunn: Buffy? This is...
Xander: Yep, it's Buffy. The slayer. The girl formerly known as Angel's midnight snack.
Angel lunges for Xander snarling at the same time but Buffy is too quick. She steps in front of Xander just as Angel has his hands extended and she raises her own to deflect his blow.
Buffy: (holding Angel's hands in her fists) I don't think so.
Angel: (Ripping his hands loose and straightening) Of course not.
Gunn: She's good.
Xander: (Still staring at Angel) The best.
Cordy: Okay then, let's just go Angel. Gunn?
Angel: I'm not leaving until I hear what she has to say. You must think it's pretty important to lie to me again.
Cordy: I wasn't lying. I was protecting.
Angel: And since when do I need your protection?
Cordy: Since you've turned into a raving lunatic these last couple months! You're so wrapped up in Connor that you...
Angel sends her a murderous look and she realizes what she said and stops suddenly.
Buffy: What? What's that? Who's Connor?
Angel: Everyone out while I talk to Tara.
Tara: Yes, thank you. I have to figure out if...
Buffy: I'm not leaving you alone with her.
Angel: What is that supposed to mean?
Xander: I only see one way to take that.
Buffy: Xander shut up. I mean that whatever Tara thinks she knows has to do with me and my friends. I don't want any surprise. Xander, you can wait outside.
Xander: But...
Buffy levels her gaze and Xander exits.
Angel: Cordelia, Gunn, you do the same.
Gunn: Sure. (Cordy doesn't move so Gunn pulls her out by the arm)
They're finally alone and Buffy and Angel turn to face Tara.
Cut to Hyperion
Interior: Lobby
Lorne: I don't know about you kids, but this waiting is killing me.
Fred: I'm with you. I feel all nervous inside like we're about to learn something huge.
Wes: We can't let this distract us from our mission. Holtz isn't going to stop because we have company form out of town. Lorne, you need to be working on his exact location. Someone in this town knows and we're counting on you to find out.
Lorne: Sure thing. I'll get on it.
He leaves and Fred looks to Lorne.
Fred: What about me?
Wes: I need you here with me and Connor. When the Sunnydale troop arrives, I'll be busy trying to ascertain why this is happening. Connor must be kept out of sight. We can't risk opening up a maylay with that information.
Fred: Got it.
The phone rings and Fred answers it. She speaks briefly and hangs up.
Fred: That was Cordelia. She's at the hospital with Gunn and Angel.
Wes: Are they okay? What's happened?
Fred: She just said that Buffy was there and Angel and her are talking to that girl Tara. Something about dreams and visions. I really didn't understand.
Wes: Dreams? So the dreams that willow mentioned may have also occurred with Cordelia. That makes sense. That must have been why she went to the hospital. Angel must have found her with Buffy.
Fred: Oh my.
Wes: My sentiment exactly Fred. I believe that whatever is going on at that hospital might very well be the key to all of this.
Cut to Hospital
Tara is getting weaker and seems to want to fall asleep.
Buffy: Tara? Please stay with us. We need to hear what you have to say.
Tara: I'm just so tired all the sudden. (Struggling to keep her eyes open) Angel...test...
Angel: What? (Bends lower to hear Tara) What did you say?
Tara: (Barely audible) Curse.
Buffy: What was that?
Angel: Tara, what about my curse? What do you know?
Tara: (Opens her eyes with great effort and looks at Angel hovering inches in front of her) Will...not strong then...didn't know.
Buffy: Did she say 'didn't know'? (Angel nods) Didn't know what Tara? Is it the black magic? She didn't know it well enough then?
Angel: (Rising to stand) You know what she's trying to say?
Buffy: No. I mean, she said something before you got here about Willow not being strong enough for the spell or the guilt about the spell. She said that she began trying to prove that black magic could be used for good. that's how she came to be in her current state. Tara said she's been studying the things that happened back then. She thinks Willow's dark forces manifested themselves then. When you were Angelus and I...
Angel: (Cuts her off)I got it. But why would she want to see me? I don't know anything about Willow's magic.
Buffy: That's why I said you didn't need to be involved.
Tara moans and tries opening her eyes again.
Tara: Test...(frowns and stirs under the sheets)...curse.
Buffy: (Eyes widen as she begins to understand what Tara came for) Oh God.
Angel: What? What is it? Did you hear her?
Buffy: (Tears well in her eyes as she nods silently) She said she thought Willow didn't do the right curse.
Angel: What? Of course she did. I'm here. Tara's obviously out of it. She's not thinking straight.
Buffy: (Tear spills) You're right. It's crazy talk. We would have known...all those months...we would have known.
Angel: (Walks around the bed to grab Buffy by the shoulders and force her to look at him) Buffy, what are you saying? What would we have known?
Buffy shuts her eyes against Angel's words and shakes her head harshly.
Cut to Hyperion
Willow, Dawn, Anya and Oz followed by a blanket covered Spike run through the doors.
Wes: Willow! And everyone?
Willow: Yeah, we all came. Where's Buffy?
Wes: She's at the hospital with your friends and Angel, Cordy and Gunn.
Anya: Xander? Is Xander there?
Wes: yes, I believe so. I was waiting for you to arrive so we could join them. I'll just call and make sure they're still there.
Wes heads for the phone as Fred descends the stairs holding Connor.
Fred: Hey Wes, you should see Connor. He's making the cutest face.
She stops when she notices the group watching her.
Wes hears her and turns to see who she's holding. He slams the phone down and rushes to her side.
Wes: Fred! I don't think this is the best time.
Lorne descends as well and Spike and the others all stare at his green face and horns. Spike steps in front of Dawn and Oz steps in front of Willow and Anya.
Spike: What in the bloody hell is that?
Lorne: (Looking at Spike) Oh like you have room to talk Mr. smoking blanket around the feet.
Spike looks down to see the smoldering material and sneers.
Wes: Lorne, I was just telling Fred that it wasn't the best time to bring Connor down.
Lorne: You gotta see this face this kid makes. (Laughing) I swear it puts his dad's vamp face to shame!
Willow and the others all gasp collectively at Lorne's words.
Oz: Did he just say...?
Wes: Lorne please take Fred and Connor upstairs. I have to go to the hospital and find the others. Keep inside okay?
Lorne: Sure. I'm waiting on a call back form a friend anyway. I think he may have a lead on Holtz or at least tell me where I can find one.
Wes: Excellent. You stay on that and we'll be back shortly.
Wes comes back to the group and ushers them out the door.
Willow: Wes, who's baby is that?
Wes: Now now, let's focus on the issue at hand shall we? Something very Sunnydale-ish is happening here and we need to concentrate on figuring it out. That Lorne is quite a character. Always making jokes and such. Come now...
He manages to push them along but Spike moves slower as he readies his blanket. He is still staring up at the stairs where the baby was when Wes grabs him and forces him into the sunlight. Interior: Hospital waiting room
Gunn, Xander and Cordelia sit in chairs far apart from one another. Cordy stands up.
Cordy: I don't understand why we had to leave. They act like we're still in Sunnydale and they call all the shots.
Xander: Well I don't know about here, but in Sunnydale we tend to let Buffy run things. It prevents a mess. We weren't as effective without her you know.
Cordy: Somehow that doesn't surprise me.
Gunn: So when she was dead, you guys tried to keep fighting.
Xander: First if all, we don't like to use the D word in reference to Buffy. But yeah, we kept fighting. Someone has to.
Gunn: I feel you. (Nodding appreciatively) I was on my own for years until I crossed paths with Angel. I never would have believed that I would be working for a vampire I'll tell you that.
Cordy: Gunn, I'm sure Xander's not interested in tales of Angel Investigations.
Xander: Angel Investigations? Man, you guys really went for the legit sound didn't you?
Gunn: We are legit.
Cordy: You don't have to explain anything to him Gunn.
Before Xander can reply, Willow, Wesley, Dawn, Oz and Spike come in.
Cordelia: My God. (Stares in amazement) Talk about the past coming back to haunt you.
Willow: Good to see you too Cord. Where's Tara?
Spike: More importantly, where's Buffy?
Cordy: Spike? Aren't you supposed to be trying to kill us all about now?
Spike: Yeah, so you better watch it or you're first.
Gunn: (Stepping in front of Cordy) I really hope that's just your twisted sense of humor guy.
Spike: You're new.
Xander: This is Gunn. He works with Cordelia and Angel. Hello Wesley.
Wes: Xander. (Wes nods then looks around) So where's the rest of our party?
Dawn: I want to see Buffy now.
Cordy: Well, she's locked herself in the room with Tara and Angel. Nobody is allowed in. But feel free to interrupt if you like.
Spike: Don't mind if I do. (Starts to head for the door that Cordy is pointing to)
Willow grabs his arm.
Willow: Spike no. We can't go rushing in there like crazies. The faster we talk this out the faster we can leave. And something tells me, that it will never be fast enough.
She exchanges a look with Wesley.
Xander: So what's the plan then Will?
Anya: (Walking to stand in front of Xander) Aren't you even going to say hello?
Xander: (puts his hands on her face and looks straight at her) Hello Anya. (Looks back at Willow) So what's the plan Will?
Anya: Thanks a lot.
Willow: (Ignoring Anya) I came here because of my dreams. Oz found me because he was having them too. Cordelia, I understand you were in on them as well?
Cordy: Well I...yes. I don't know what any of it meant though.
Willow: That's what we're here for. Wesley, you should stay out here with everyone. I say all the dream people come with me and we'll join the others.
Oz: I guess that's my cue.
Cordy: And mine. I'm ready to go.
Spike: Well I'm going too damn it.
Dawn: No. Willow's right. If Tara's hurt, she doesn't need a big crowd. They'll come out soon. Right Willow?
Willow: Right. All of you just give us a few minutes and then we can all go to our respective homes...away from here.
Wes: I concede.
Cordy: Wes! Where's Fred and...
Wes: Lorne's with her. They're fine. (He emphasizes the 'they're' and Cordy nods in understanding)
Willow: Are we ready?
Cut to Hospital room
Tara is sleeping again and Angel is still searching Buffy's pained face for an explanation.
Angel: Buffy? What is going on? What are you not telling me?
Buffy: (Stops shaking her head and takes a deep breath trying to push back the tears) She think...she wants you...I can't do this now.
Angel: (Releases Buffy and steps back) You can't do this anymore Buffy. You can't come here and lay this on me and then not explain it. What can't you do?
Buffy: (Raises her face to meet his gaze) Angel...have you thought about me? Since I saw you last?
Angel: What? I don't understand what you're asking. Of course I've thought about you.
Buffy: Well, I haven't been able to.
Angel seems a bit hurt.
Buffy: I came back from seeing you and I couldn't talk about it. I didn't want to. There was so much...
Angel: I know. I didn't want to either. It's okay.
Buffy: No it's not. See nothing's been okay since I came back. I think you sensed it. But I couldn't share it then. I wasn't ready.
Angel: Buffy, what does this have to do with now?
Buffy: Were you happy when you found out I was back?
Angel: Yes! How could you even ask?
Buffy: But not happy enough to...
Angel: Wait...are you trying to ask me why my curse didn't take effect? That's not how it works Buffy, you know that.
Buffy: Do I? Do you? I mean, you didn't know about the clause when you got cursed the first time. That was centuries ago. But that one night changed everything. So Willow was able to reinstate the curse, but did we ever really take the time to research the exactness of the curse? No, because you were all about Acathla and I had to stop you. So I told her to try and she did. She said herself that she couldn't' remember after a certain point. It was like something took over her body. Some force...some dark force. What if that dark force wasn't exactly the same as the gypsy used all those years before?
Angel: You're grasping here. If it was some other energy that she created, the curse wouldn't have worked. It's not a five and dime spell.
Buffy: So then have you tested it?
Angel: What?
Buffy: I mean has there been anything in the last two years that would have been considered a test of the curse? Other than my return.
Angel: I'm not doing this with you Buffy. (He shakes his head and backs up uncomfortably)
Buffy: (Begins to get his meaning) Oh. Well, it's not like I should be surprised. We haven't been together in years. I've had boyfriends, you know that. You beat one up.
Angel: I didn't beat him up. I defended myself.
Buffy: And you did say that I wasn't part of your life anymore. I guess I can't expect you to...but you couldn't have had sex right? I mean if you had sex and didn't go evil then there would be no reason for us to be apart anymore. (Pauses watching Angel's reaction) Unless, you're still with the person you had sex with. Is that it? Did you just find something better? Oh God, this isn't what I wanted to hear right now.
Angel: What are you doing? You're having an entire conversation with yourself and I haven't said a word. Now you've convinced yourself that I've taken a new lover and don't have the curse anymore because this girl had a dream! Do you hear yourself Buffy?
Buffy: You're right. I'm way jumping the gun. You tell me. What's happened to make you think that the curse still stands? How can you be so sure that your soul is still intact because of the curse and not because of something else? You have to know something.
The door suddenly opens and hits Angel in the back. He jumps out of the way and finds Cordelia entering first followed closely by Oz and Willow. Buffy: Willow! You're walking! And Oz?
Oz: Yep, walking as well. Thanks. (Looks at Angel) What's up man?
Angel: I have no idea.
Oz nods in agreement as Willow rushes to Tara's side.
Willow: (leaning close to Tara) Tara? Baby? Can you hear me?
Buffy: She's just sleeping Will. She was awake until just a few minutes ago.
Cordy: So did you figure out what the big was? Why did she have to see Angel?
Willow: I don't understand. My dream had nothing to do with Angel.
Oz: Mine didn't at first either. But then when you were floating about, I saw Angel with Tara...and Cordelia.
Angel: I was in your dream? Cordelia, did you know about this?
Cordy: Sort of. I saw the dream when I visited Tara earlier. I saw Oz watching you carry Tara in here.
Angel: But he wasn't there.
Willow: I think that all these dreams we're having are tied together somehow. We're meant to find out together. Buffy, you said that you dreamed about Tara being hurt?
Buffy: Yeah. She was hurt and Oz was there.
Angel: You dreamt the same thing as everyone else.
Buffy: Not exactly. It's like we were all having the same dream but each of us only got to see a portion.
Willow: Wait. Angel, are you saying that you didn't have a dream?
Angel: No. I haven't even slept in the last 24 hours. I went for a walk last night and was thinking about things when I ran into Cordy.
Buffy: That must have been the beach.
Angel seems surprised that Buffy knows this but continues.
Angel: Yeah. She said she couldn't sleep and then we heard Tara scream. I brought her here and we went home. I got kind of tied up with something else earlier and didn't see Cordy except for a minute when she first came back with...from the hospital.
Willow: I don't understand. I was sure that Angel would be having the dreams as well. Why would he be in them if he wasn't experiencing them?
Buffy: I think I can answer that.
Oz: I always like that about you. You have all the answers...most of the time.
Cordy: That's sweet. (Fake smile) Can we get back to the point please?
Willow: Buffy, what do you know?
Buffy: Willow, Tara said something to us about doing a spell on you to find the source of your problem.
Willow: So she paralyzed me?
Buffy: No! Well not on purpose at least. I think she was dream walking with you in her spell and was trying to show you something when she was attacked. Because she was never able to lift the spell, you couldn't wake up so to speak. Your eyes were open but you couldn't move.
Willow: So I wouldn't have gotten better until she woke up.
Buffy: It makes sense if you ask me. I bet if you had waited it out, you would have been awake right now and mobile all on your own. Speaking of, how did you?
Willow: I forced Anya into doing the correction spell. Is that what Xander was talking about when he said Spike was researching the sleepwalking thing?
Angel: Spike? research?
Cordy: yeah Angel. Spike is out in the hall, he's part of the Scooby Gang now.
Angel: You've got to be kidding me. (Smiles)
Buffy: Can we discuss that later? Tara came here to talk to Angel about your first foray into the black magic.
Willow: My first...? (Sudden realization) The curse?
Buffy: She seemed to think it was the beginning of your downward spiral.
Willow: But in my dream she told me it was Oz.
Oz: I can vouch for that. (Raises hand) Same dream. Although she did show me Angel as well and said that she had to tell him something.
Cordy: That's when I saw you.
Willow: I saw you too Cordelia.
Cordy: You did? When?
Willow: When you were fighting Angel.
Buffy/Angel: Fighting who?
Willow: Cordelia was fighting with you.
Cordy: That was my dream. That was before any of this started. That was before the beach.
Angel: You had a dream we fought?
Cordy: We were training.
Buffy: You two train?
Willow: But something changed Cordy. You know it. I saw you...I saw your face.
Cordy: I don't know what you're talking about. this isn't about me. Stop trying to make this about me.
Willow: Unless you want us to stay here forever, you have to be honest. Cordelia, you were going to kill him.
Angel: Huh?
Cordy looks at Angel panic-stricken and begins to shake her head backing up.
Cordy: No. It wasn't like that Angel. It wasn't me. It was...
Angel: What? It was what Cordy?
Cordy turns back to Willow.
Willow: I saw it Cordelia. You may not have yet, but I did. And you know why I did don't you?
Cut to waiting room
Spike, Wes, Gunn, Xander, and Dawn all stand abruptly when they hear a scream from the other room.
"No!"
Cordelia bursts from the room as Angel gives chase calling her name.
Buffy emerges in shock and sees the others looking at her. Spike tries to read her expression but she looks away.
Gunn: What happened to Cordy?
Buffy: I don't know. We were talking about these dreams and she freaked.
Oz: (Coming up behind her) Something tells me we're going to be here for a while folks...
Wesley hangs up the phone and turns to Gunn and Lorne.
Wesley: Where's Fred?
Gunn: Connor was fussing. She went to check on him. Who was that?
Wes: That was Willow Rosenthal. A friend of the Slayers in Sunnydale.
Gunn: As in Buffy the Slayer? Angel's Buffy the Slayer?
Lorne: Angel has a slayer?
Wes: One and the same. It seems we're to expect a visit from said Slayer and now the rest of her group will be joining her. They're on their way as soon as...
Gunn: As soon as what?
Wes: (Rubbing his forehead) As soon as they perform a spell to rid Willow of a mysterious paralysis that has consumed her.
Lorne: Huh? Did you say slayer? Did you say spell? Did you say paralysis? (looks at Gunn) Can you say uh-oh? Interior: Willow's room
Anya is standing closest to Willow holding a wooden bowl above the bed. Oz is at the foot of the bed and Spike and Dawn are standing in the doorway. Spike protectively in front.
Anya begins to recite the words of the spell and as she does she waves the bowl over the length of Willow's body. She begins the incantation for the third time and slowly tips the bowl downwards. A liquid spills over the side and falls to Willow's still form. It hits her chest first and a strange light emanates from the point of impact. Anya continues chanting and moves the bowl downward spilling the contents evenly over Willow's body. Soon, the light darkens and seems to disappear into Willow's skin and clothing. Just as Anya finishes speaking and lowers the now empty bowl to her side, a sickening aroma expels itself from Willow and the others all cover their noses. Willows eyes open and she looks around the room. The smell fades and the others drop their hands to watch for any signs of success.
Willow takes a deep breath and without any effort, snaps to a sitting position. She throws her legs over the side of the bed and stands up. She and Anya exchange a smile.
Anya: Yep, I've still got it.
Spike: Congratulations. Now if we can just all jump in a vat of Lysol, we should be fine.
Oz: I don't remember magic being quite so...aromatic.
Anya: Don't be such babies. The smell is gone now, get over it.
Spike: Right then. So we're off to LA then right?
Willow: Yes, we are. But it's kind of on the sunny side out there, don't you think?
Spike: I can't believe you still think the bloody sun can stop me.
Dawn: I thought that was pretty much the rule.
Spike: Have you learned nothing since I've been around? Sure, we vamps don't look to play in the sun, but we can certainly find ways around it when necessary.
Willow: Fine, let's just go. Who's driving?
Oz: I guess I will.
Anya: We'll find Xander first right?
Dawn: No, we find Buffy first.
Willow: Guys, I'm pretty sure, we find one, we'll find the other.
Dawn/Anya: Oh. Okay.
Spike: So who's got a blanket I can use?
Cut to LA
Interior: Hospital
Buffy doesn't move as Cordy, Xander and Tara all turn to see Angel standing in the doorway.
Cordelia: Angel! I was just...
Angel: Don't. (He steps inside the room scanning the faces and noticing Buffy's back still facing him) So what was that Buffy? You don't want me to know what?
Buffy closes her eyes trying to gather her thoughts and finally moves to face him. She appears to forget everything as she meets his eyes for the first time.
Angel too seems to lose track of his anger for an instant upon looking into her eyes. None of this is missed by Xander and Tara. And more importantly, by Cordy.
Tara: (Whispers) It's you. You're him.
Angel: (Still looking at Buffy but speaking to Tara) It's me. Forgive me if I don't know you in return.
Tara: Oh, well how could you? (Smiles weakly) We've never met. Cordy: Angel, this is Tara. She's Willow's...friend. I just found out when I came up here to see my doctor, I happened by and ran into Buffy and Xander.
Angel: (Finally looking away from Buffy to face Cordelia) Do you really want to do this? Where's Gunn?
Cordy: Gunn? Oh yeah, he was with me. Right. Well, I dropped him in the waiting room. I didn't see the point in him coming into the doctors office with me.
Xander: (Confused) You went to see a doctor?
Cordy: (Smiling) Of course silly. I told you two that when I ran into you, remember?
Buff, you want to help me out here?
Buffy: (Still looking at Angel) Yeah, sure. Xander, how do you stand upright under the weight of your own stupidity?
Xander: (Shock and surprise)What?
Cordy: It's okay. Angel understands right? (Looking at Angel) I mean, he was there in high school. He saw you in action or should I say inaction.
Xander: Now wait one damn minute!
Buffy: Cordelia! (Interrupting Xander) Why don't you and Angel go find this Gunn person. We'll stay here and finish up with Tara. I appreciate you stopping by but we can take it from here.
Cordelia: (Glad to leave) Sure. It was so good seeing you guys again. I'm sorry about the mugging thing Tara. Hope you get to feeling better. Let's go Angel.
She takes Angel by the arm and tries to push him out but he doesn't budge and Cordy merely runs into his shoulder with her face. She bounces off and looks up at him.
Angel: (Deadpan face on Cordy) Why are you doing this? After the last time you lied to me and nearly got yourself killed? I thought we had an agreement.
Buffy watches the exchange noting how there was more to the words than Angel was saying.
Cordy: We did. We do. I'm not doing anything.
Angel: Really? (Reaches into his jacket to pull out the receiving blanket he had just picked up from the nurses station)
Cordy: Where did that come form?
Buffy: Is that a baby blanket?
Angel hears Buffy's question and startles a bit. he pushes the blanket back into his jacket and concentrates on Cordy.
Angel: They called to say you left it here when you came by to see her earlier.
Cordy realizes she's caught and drops her head. Xander seems lost and Tara frowns sensing the tension.
Buffy: Angel, was that a baby blanket?
Cordy: (Looking at Buffy) I was babysitting. I do it for extra cash sometimes. This fighting evil gig doesn't pay so well at times.
Buffy: (Nodding) Tell me about it.
Xander: Cordelia Chase a babysitter? That's odd, I didn't hear that hell had frozen over.
Angel: Shut up Xander.
Xander: And hello to you to Angel. My how time flies when you're not with you.
Gunn: (From doorway) What the hell is this?
Buffy: Who the hell are you?
Cordy: That's Gunn. And don't talk to him like that.
Tara: (Showing signs of exhaustion)Can I just talk to Angel please?
Buffy: Tara, I don't know...
Angel: (Annoyed) What is your problem Buffy? If she came here to see me, then I think I'd like to hear what she has to say. Last I checked, you didn't have the last word here in LA.
Buffy: (Snaps) I never said I did. I just don't think what Tara or anyone else in my life does is any of your concern any more.
Cordy: Maybe you should talk to the people in your life again Buffy. I don't think Angel asked Tara to come here.
Gunn: Buffy? This is...
Xander: Yep, it's Buffy. The slayer. The girl formerly known as Angel's midnight snack.
Angel lunges for Xander snarling at the same time but Buffy is too quick. She steps in front of Xander just as Angel has his hands extended and she raises her own to deflect his blow.
Buffy: (holding Angel's hands in her fists) I don't think so.
Angel: (Ripping his hands loose and straightening) Of course not.
Gunn: She's good.
Xander: (Still staring at Angel) The best.
Cordy: Okay then, let's just go Angel. Gunn?
Angel: I'm not leaving until I hear what she has to say. You must think it's pretty important to lie to me again.
Cordy: I wasn't lying. I was protecting.
Angel: And since when do I need your protection?
Cordy: Since you've turned into a raving lunatic these last couple months! You're so wrapped up in Connor that you...
Angel sends her a murderous look and she realizes what she said and stops suddenly.
Buffy: What? What's that? Who's Connor?
Angel: Everyone out while I talk to Tara.
Tara: Yes, thank you. I have to figure out if...
Buffy: I'm not leaving you alone with her.
Angel: What is that supposed to mean?
Xander: I only see one way to take that.
Buffy: Xander shut up. I mean that whatever Tara thinks she knows has to do with me and my friends. I don't want any surprise. Xander, you can wait outside.
Xander: But...
Buffy levels her gaze and Xander exits.
Angel: Cordelia, Gunn, you do the same.
Gunn: Sure. (Cordy doesn't move so Gunn pulls her out by the arm)
They're finally alone and Buffy and Angel turn to face Tara.
Cut to Hyperion
Interior: Lobby
Lorne: I don't know about you kids, but this waiting is killing me.
Fred: I'm with you. I feel all nervous inside like we're about to learn something huge.
Wes: We can't let this distract us from our mission. Holtz isn't going to stop because we have company form out of town. Lorne, you need to be working on his exact location. Someone in this town knows and we're counting on you to find out.
Lorne: Sure thing. I'll get on it.
He leaves and Fred looks to Lorne.
Fred: What about me?
Wes: I need you here with me and Connor. When the Sunnydale troop arrives, I'll be busy trying to ascertain why this is happening. Connor must be kept out of sight. We can't risk opening up a maylay with that information.
Fred: Got it.
The phone rings and Fred answers it. She speaks briefly and hangs up.
Fred: That was Cordelia. She's at the hospital with Gunn and Angel.
Wes: Are they okay? What's happened?
Fred: She just said that Buffy was there and Angel and her are talking to that girl Tara. Something about dreams and visions. I really didn't understand.
Wes: Dreams? So the dreams that willow mentioned may have also occurred with Cordelia. That makes sense. That must have been why she went to the hospital. Angel must have found her with Buffy.
Fred: Oh my.
Wes: My sentiment exactly Fred. I believe that whatever is going on at that hospital might very well be the key to all of this.
Cut to Hospital
Tara is getting weaker and seems to want to fall asleep.
Buffy: Tara? Please stay with us. We need to hear what you have to say.
Tara: I'm just so tired all the sudden. (Struggling to keep her eyes open) Angel...test...
Angel: What? (Bends lower to hear Tara) What did you say?
Tara: (Barely audible) Curse.
Buffy: What was that?
Angel: Tara, what about my curse? What do you know?
Tara: (Opens her eyes with great effort and looks at Angel hovering inches in front of her) Will...not strong then...didn't know.
Buffy: Did she say 'didn't know'? (Angel nods) Didn't know what Tara? Is it the black magic? She didn't know it well enough then?
Angel: (Rising to stand) You know what she's trying to say?
Buffy: No. I mean, she said something before you got here about Willow not being strong enough for the spell or the guilt about the spell. She said that she began trying to prove that black magic could be used for good. that's how she came to be in her current state. Tara said she's been studying the things that happened back then. She thinks Willow's dark forces manifested themselves then. When you were Angelus and I...
Angel: (Cuts her off)I got it. But why would she want to see me? I don't know anything about Willow's magic.
Buffy: That's why I said you didn't need to be involved.
Tara moans and tries opening her eyes again.
Tara: Test...(frowns and stirs under the sheets)...curse.
Buffy: (Eyes widen as she begins to understand what Tara came for) Oh God.
Angel: What? What is it? Did you hear her?
Buffy: (Tears well in her eyes as she nods silently) She said she thought Willow didn't do the right curse.
Angel: What? Of course she did. I'm here. Tara's obviously out of it. She's not thinking straight.
Buffy: (Tear spills) You're right. It's crazy talk. We would have known...all those months...we would have known.
Angel: (Walks around the bed to grab Buffy by the shoulders and force her to look at him) Buffy, what are you saying? What would we have known?
Buffy shuts her eyes against Angel's words and shakes her head harshly.
Cut to Hyperion
Willow, Dawn, Anya and Oz followed by a blanket covered Spike run through the doors.
Wes: Willow! And everyone?
Willow: Yeah, we all came. Where's Buffy?
Wes: She's at the hospital with your friends and Angel, Cordy and Gunn.
Anya: Xander? Is Xander there?
Wes: yes, I believe so. I was waiting for you to arrive so we could join them. I'll just call and make sure they're still there.
Wes heads for the phone as Fred descends the stairs holding Connor.
Fred: Hey Wes, you should see Connor. He's making the cutest face.
She stops when she notices the group watching her.
Wes hears her and turns to see who she's holding. He slams the phone down and rushes to her side.
Wes: Fred! I don't think this is the best time.
Lorne descends as well and Spike and the others all stare at his green face and horns. Spike steps in front of Dawn and Oz steps in front of Willow and Anya.
Spike: What in the bloody hell is that?
Lorne: (Looking at Spike) Oh like you have room to talk Mr. smoking blanket around the feet.
Spike looks down to see the smoldering material and sneers.
Wes: Lorne, I was just telling Fred that it wasn't the best time to bring Connor down.
Lorne: You gotta see this face this kid makes. (Laughing) I swear it puts his dad's vamp face to shame!
Willow and the others all gasp collectively at Lorne's words.
Oz: Did he just say...?
Wes: Lorne please take Fred and Connor upstairs. I have to go to the hospital and find the others. Keep inside okay?
Lorne: Sure. I'm waiting on a call back form a friend anyway. I think he may have a lead on Holtz or at least tell me where I can find one.
Wes: Excellent. You stay on that and we'll be back shortly.
Wes comes back to the group and ushers them out the door.
Willow: Wes, who's baby is that?
Wes: Now now, let's focus on the issue at hand shall we? Something very Sunnydale-ish is happening here and we need to concentrate on figuring it out. That Lorne is quite a character. Always making jokes and such. Come now...
He manages to push them along but Spike moves slower as he readies his blanket. He is still staring up at the stairs where the baby was when Wes grabs him and forces him into the sunlight. Interior: Hospital waiting room
Gunn, Xander and Cordelia sit in chairs far apart from one another. Cordy stands up.
Cordy: I don't understand why we had to leave. They act like we're still in Sunnydale and they call all the shots.
Xander: Well I don't know about here, but in Sunnydale we tend to let Buffy run things. It prevents a mess. We weren't as effective without her you know.
Cordy: Somehow that doesn't surprise me.
Gunn: So when she was dead, you guys tried to keep fighting.
Xander: First if all, we don't like to use the D word in reference to Buffy. But yeah, we kept fighting. Someone has to.
Gunn: I feel you. (Nodding appreciatively) I was on my own for years until I crossed paths with Angel. I never would have believed that I would be working for a vampire I'll tell you that.
Cordy: Gunn, I'm sure Xander's not interested in tales of Angel Investigations.
Xander: Angel Investigations? Man, you guys really went for the legit sound didn't you?
Gunn: We are legit.
Cordy: You don't have to explain anything to him Gunn.
Before Xander can reply, Willow, Wesley, Dawn, Oz and Spike come in.
Cordelia: My God. (Stares in amazement) Talk about the past coming back to haunt you.
Willow: Good to see you too Cord. Where's Tara?
Spike: More importantly, where's Buffy?
Cordy: Spike? Aren't you supposed to be trying to kill us all about now?
Spike: Yeah, so you better watch it or you're first.
Gunn: (Stepping in front of Cordy) I really hope that's just your twisted sense of humor guy.
Spike: You're new.
Xander: This is Gunn. He works with Cordelia and Angel. Hello Wesley.
Wes: Xander. (Wes nods then looks around) So where's the rest of our party?
Dawn: I want to see Buffy now.
Cordy: Well, she's locked herself in the room with Tara and Angel. Nobody is allowed in. But feel free to interrupt if you like.
Spike: Don't mind if I do. (Starts to head for the door that Cordy is pointing to)
Willow grabs his arm.
Willow: Spike no. We can't go rushing in there like crazies. The faster we talk this out the faster we can leave. And something tells me, that it will never be fast enough.
She exchanges a look with Wesley.
Xander: So what's the plan then Will?
Anya: (Walking to stand in front of Xander) Aren't you even going to say hello?
Xander: (puts his hands on her face and looks straight at her) Hello Anya. (Looks back at Willow) So what's the plan Will?
Anya: Thanks a lot.
Willow: (Ignoring Anya) I came here because of my dreams. Oz found me because he was having them too. Cordelia, I understand you were in on them as well?
Cordy: Well I...yes. I don't know what any of it meant though.
Willow: That's what we're here for. Wesley, you should stay out here with everyone. I say all the dream people come with me and we'll join the others.
Oz: I guess that's my cue.
Cordy: And mine. I'm ready to go.
Spike: Well I'm going too damn it.
Dawn: No. Willow's right. If Tara's hurt, she doesn't need a big crowd. They'll come out soon. Right Willow?
Willow: Right. All of you just give us a few minutes and then we can all go to our respective homes...away from here.
Wes: I concede.
Cordy: Wes! Where's Fred and...
Wes: Lorne's with her. They're fine. (He emphasizes the 'they're' and Cordy nods in understanding)
Willow: Are we ready?
Cut to Hospital room
Tara is sleeping again and Angel is still searching Buffy's pained face for an explanation.
Angel: Buffy? What is going on? What are you not telling me?
Buffy: (Stops shaking her head and takes a deep breath trying to push back the tears) She think...she wants you...I can't do this now.
Angel: (Releases Buffy and steps back) You can't do this anymore Buffy. You can't come here and lay this on me and then not explain it. What can't you do?
Buffy: (Raises her face to meet his gaze) Angel...have you thought about me? Since I saw you last?
Angel: What? I don't understand what you're asking. Of course I've thought about you.
Buffy: Well, I haven't been able to.
Angel seems a bit hurt.
Buffy: I came back from seeing you and I couldn't talk about it. I didn't want to. There was so much...
Angel: I know. I didn't want to either. It's okay.
Buffy: No it's not. See nothing's been okay since I came back. I think you sensed it. But I couldn't share it then. I wasn't ready.
Angel: Buffy, what does this have to do with now?
Buffy: Were you happy when you found out I was back?
Angel: Yes! How could you even ask?
Buffy: But not happy enough to...
Angel: Wait...are you trying to ask me why my curse didn't take effect? That's not how it works Buffy, you know that.
Buffy: Do I? Do you? I mean, you didn't know about the clause when you got cursed the first time. That was centuries ago. But that one night changed everything. So Willow was able to reinstate the curse, but did we ever really take the time to research the exactness of the curse? No, because you were all about Acathla and I had to stop you. So I told her to try and she did. She said herself that she couldn't' remember after a certain point. It was like something took over her body. Some force...some dark force. What if that dark force wasn't exactly the same as the gypsy used all those years before?
Angel: You're grasping here. If it was some other energy that she created, the curse wouldn't have worked. It's not a five and dime spell.
Buffy: So then have you tested it?
Angel: What?
Buffy: I mean has there been anything in the last two years that would have been considered a test of the curse? Other than my return.
Angel: I'm not doing this with you Buffy. (He shakes his head and backs up uncomfortably)
Buffy: (Begins to get his meaning) Oh. Well, it's not like I should be surprised. We haven't been together in years. I've had boyfriends, you know that. You beat one up.
Angel: I didn't beat him up. I defended myself.
Buffy: And you did say that I wasn't part of your life anymore. I guess I can't expect you to...but you couldn't have had sex right? I mean if you had sex and didn't go evil then there would be no reason for us to be apart anymore. (Pauses watching Angel's reaction) Unless, you're still with the person you had sex with. Is that it? Did you just find something better? Oh God, this isn't what I wanted to hear right now.
Angel: What are you doing? You're having an entire conversation with yourself and I haven't said a word. Now you've convinced yourself that I've taken a new lover and don't have the curse anymore because this girl had a dream! Do you hear yourself Buffy?
Buffy: You're right. I'm way jumping the gun. You tell me. What's happened to make you think that the curse still stands? How can you be so sure that your soul is still intact because of the curse and not because of something else? You have to know something.
The door suddenly opens and hits Angel in the back. He jumps out of the way and finds Cordelia entering first followed closely by Oz and Willow. Buffy: Willow! You're walking! And Oz?
Oz: Yep, walking as well. Thanks. (Looks at Angel) What's up man?
Angel: I have no idea.
Oz nods in agreement as Willow rushes to Tara's side.
Willow: (leaning close to Tara) Tara? Baby? Can you hear me?
Buffy: She's just sleeping Will. She was awake until just a few minutes ago.
Cordy: So did you figure out what the big was? Why did she have to see Angel?
Willow: I don't understand. My dream had nothing to do with Angel.
Oz: Mine didn't at first either. But then when you were floating about, I saw Angel with Tara...and Cordelia.
Angel: I was in your dream? Cordelia, did you know about this?
Cordy: Sort of. I saw the dream when I visited Tara earlier. I saw Oz watching you carry Tara in here.
Angel: But he wasn't there.
Willow: I think that all these dreams we're having are tied together somehow. We're meant to find out together. Buffy, you said that you dreamed about Tara being hurt?
Buffy: Yeah. She was hurt and Oz was there.
Angel: You dreamt the same thing as everyone else.
Buffy: Not exactly. It's like we were all having the same dream but each of us only got to see a portion.
Willow: Wait. Angel, are you saying that you didn't have a dream?
Angel: No. I haven't even slept in the last 24 hours. I went for a walk last night and was thinking about things when I ran into Cordy.
Buffy: That must have been the beach.
Angel seems surprised that Buffy knows this but continues.
Angel: Yeah. She said she couldn't sleep and then we heard Tara scream. I brought her here and we went home. I got kind of tied up with something else earlier and didn't see Cordy except for a minute when she first came back with...from the hospital.
Willow: I don't understand. I was sure that Angel would be having the dreams as well. Why would he be in them if he wasn't experiencing them?
Buffy: I think I can answer that.
Oz: I always like that about you. You have all the answers...most of the time.
Cordy: That's sweet. (Fake smile) Can we get back to the point please?
Willow: Buffy, what do you know?
Buffy: Willow, Tara said something to us about doing a spell on you to find the source of your problem.
Willow: So she paralyzed me?
Buffy: No! Well not on purpose at least. I think she was dream walking with you in her spell and was trying to show you something when she was attacked. Because she was never able to lift the spell, you couldn't wake up so to speak. Your eyes were open but you couldn't move.
Willow: So I wouldn't have gotten better until she woke up.
Buffy: It makes sense if you ask me. I bet if you had waited it out, you would have been awake right now and mobile all on your own. Speaking of, how did you?
Willow: I forced Anya into doing the correction spell. Is that what Xander was talking about when he said Spike was researching the sleepwalking thing?
Angel: Spike? research?
Cordy: yeah Angel. Spike is out in the hall, he's part of the Scooby Gang now.
Angel: You've got to be kidding me. (Smiles)
Buffy: Can we discuss that later? Tara came here to talk to Angel about your first foray into the black magic.
Willow: My first...? (Sudden realization) The curse?
Buffy: She seemed to think it was the beginning of your downward spiral.
Willow: But in my dream she told me it was Oz.
Oz: I can vouch for that. (Raises hand) Same dream. Although she did show me Angel as well and said that she had to tell him something.
Cordy: That's when I saw you.
Willow: I saw you too Cordelia.
Cordy: You did? When?
Willow: When you were fighting Angel.
Buffy/Angel: Fighting who?
Willow: Cordelia was fighting with you.
Cordy: That was my dream. That was before any of this started. That was before the beach.
Angel: You had a dream we fought?
Cordy: We were training.
Buffy: You two train?
Willow: But something changed Cordy. You know it. I saw you...I saw your face.
Cordy: I don't know what you're talking about. this isn't about me. Stop trying to make this about me.
Willow: Unless you want us to stay here forever, you have to be honest. Cordelia, you were going to kill him.
Angel: Huh?
Cordy looks at Angel panic-stricken and begins to shake her head backing up.
Cordy: No. It wasn't like that Angel. It wasn't me. It was...
Angel: What? It was what Cordy?
Cordy turns back to Willow.
Willow: I saw it Cordelia. You may not have yet, but I did. And you know why I did don't you?
Cut to waiting room
Spike, Wes, Gunn, Xander, and Dawn all stand abruptly when they hear a scream from the other room.
"No!"
Cordelia bursts from the room as Angel gives chase calling her name.
Buffy emerges in shock and sees the others looking at her. Spike tries to read her expression but she looks away.
Gunn: What happened to Cordy?
Buffy: I don't know. We were talking about these dreams and she freaked.
Oz: (Coming up behind her) Something tells me we're going to be here for a while folks...