Interior: Connor's room
Lorne drops down to his knees as Fred lays Connor down in his crib.
Lorne: Oh no.
Fred: (Turning to shush him but seeing his face stops short) Lorne, what is it? You look...well do you get flushed?
Lorne: (Taking a ragged breath) If ever there was a time to start, this is it. We have to call his daddy...now.
Fred: You're scaring me. What is it? What's happened? (Realization) You read me again didn't you? Oh my, am I going to be kidnapped again?
Lorne: (Clumsily getting to his feet) Don't you fret Pumpkin. This is all about Connor. I guess you singing with him in your arms allowed me to catch his frequency. And the news isn't good. Now, come with me. We have to make a call.
He pulls her out of the room.
Cut to Hospital
Buffy's hands drop from Cordy's shoulders when she begins to cry.
Buffy: Cordelia, you're crying.
Cordy: (Sniffling) Ya think?
Buffy: Cordelia, you don't cry. You haven't cried since, well let me think.
Cordy: That's great Buffy. Twist the knife.
Buffy: I'm sorry. I...I didn't mean...but why are you crying?
Cordy: (Takes a deep breath and tries to control her voice) Let's see, maybe it's the fact that I had this horrible nightmare about killing my boss, or maybe it's the impromptu reunion we're having or maybe it's finding out Xander is engaged and I'm still...well...not. Or maybe it's the killing Angel part.
Buffy: You already said that one.
Cordy: See! (Cries again) I can't even think straight anymore.
Buffy: Okay, okay. (Pats Cordy awkwardly in an attempt at soothing her) We'll get through this okay? Let's just start at the beginning. You had a dream about fighting Angel and it turned ugly. I had a dream that Doyle came to tell me that he had been watching me since his death. Thanks to you. He told me that you got his visions and he got your issues.
Cordy looks confused but Buffy continues.
Buffy: He brought me here. At least he showed me Tara in the hospital, I just didn't know where she was. He told me I had to find her. (Strains to remember) He told me that he would be here soon!
Cordy: Who's 'he'?
Buffy: I don't know. But that has to be why you got involved. You must know something about all of this.
Cordy: Buffy, I swear I don't. I had a bad dream, it happens all the time.
Buffy: So you've dreamed of killing Angel before?
Cordy: No! Of course not. This one was different that way. (Turns her back to Buffy) He's been teaching me to fight. To protect myself. I've dreamed of that before.
Buffy bristles at the visual.
Cordy: This time I was stronger than him. He didn't know how to handle it. He changed.
Buffy: How? Wait, you mean he vamped?
Cordy nods still hiding her face.
Cordy: I only did it when he changed. Something took over me, I don't know if it's real. I don't know if it was the real me.
Buffy: You lost me Cordy. Either it was you or it wasn't.
Cordy: (Turns to look at her) If I tell you something Buffy, will you swear to keep it between us?
Buffy: I swear I'll try. You know if it means harm for any of the others, I won't be able to keep that promise.
Cordy: I understand. (Deep breath) I was given a choice. If I kept the visions, they would kill me. If I got rid of them, it would mean that the last two years had never happened.
Buffy: Who could give you a choice like that?
Cordy: The Powers that Be.
Buffy: Doyle's Powers that Be?
Cordy: One and the same.
Buffy: Go on.
Cordy: I wanted to live. I chose to go back.
Buffy: Back?
Cordy: I saw how it would have been if I had never met up with Angel and went to work for him. My life was perfect, but then I found Angel. He was dying. He had been given the visions instead and it was killing him. (Begins to cry again) I couldn't see him like that. I had to fix it...fix him.
Buffy shuffles her feet under the emotion in Cordy's words.
Buffy: But you said you would have died. If you took them back, why are you here?
Cordy: They gave me a loophole.
Buffy: (Sarcastically)They always do.
Cordy: Doyle was able to withstand the visions. You know that?
Buffy: Yeah, he didn't have a problem because he was half...oh Cordy.
Cordy: I didn't have a choice Buffy. It was this or watch Angel slowly die or worse because I was too selfish to help him.
Buffy: And you chose to help him. You became...
Cordy: Yes. I'm part demon.
Cut to Waiting room
Angel: I can't do this anymore. I'm going back in.
Spike: Not without me you're not.
Willow: Guys! We have to let them finish this. Buffy knows what she's doing.
Gunn: Why is it that this girl inspires such blind devotion? Man I thought the stories about Angel were bad, but you guys take the cake.
Xander: You've heard stories? I bet I have better ones.
Angel/Willow: Xander!
Xander: What? (Points at Angel) You don't get to scold me anymore! Last time we met, I believe I was the key guy.
Angel: (Smirking) You've got to be kidding me.
Anya: I thought the last time you met was Thanksgiving when he came to rescue B...
Xander: Not much for the helping are you An?
The door opens and Buffy sticks her head out.
Buffy: Willow? Can you and Anya come in here for a sec?
Angel: What about me? I want to know what's going on in there Buffy.
Spike: Yeah! What he said!
Buffy: Almost done I promise. Willow??
Willow: Coming! (Grabs Anya by the arm and pulls her across the hall)
Anya: Why do I have to go...(the door closes and Anya's sentence is cut off) Cut to Hyperion
Lorne hangs up the phone.
Lorne: They never answer when it's an emergency. Why do they even bother with cell phones?
Fred: Maybe they had to turn them off in the hospital. Can it wait? I'm sure they'll be home soon.
Lorne: Sure Fred. It can wait, but I don't know if Connor can.
Fred: What did you see Lorne? What is going to happen to Connor?
Lorne: It's not a matter of what will happen so much as what won't happen.
Fred: You like playing the secret-reading, I-know- something-you-don't card don't you?
Lorne: Sorry pet. Tell you what, I'm going to run over to the hospital to see if I can speed things up. You stay here with the...baby.
Fred: If he's in danger, why should we stay here?
Lorne: It's not that kind of danger sweets. You'll be fine, just don't overfeed him.
Fred: Huh?
She watches dumbfounded as he scurries out the door.
Cut to Tara's room
Willow: Cordelia's a demon?
Buffy: You've already said that Will.
Willow: I think I'm allowed a repeating here.
Cordy: Yes, well as long as you don't repeat it to the wrong people. My co- workers aren't privy to this information just yet.
Anya: So what am I supposed to do?
Buffy: I thought you could help us figure out what kind of demon she is.
Anya: Well she's not a vengeance demon. I can guarantee you that, I can spot one a mile away. Although it would be kind of poetic-justicey if she were. I mean, I lost my power because of her and now she has to live as one. But it's not like that here. She's not a vengeance demon.
Cordy: (Confused) And I guess I have joy?
Buffy: Okay Anya, we know what she's not. Now how about helping us figure out what she is? Its the key to this whole thing, I'm sure of it. Doyle said...
Willow: Doyle told you Cordelia was a demon?
Cordy: Hello? I'm not a demon, I'm part demon.
Willow: Forgive me.
Buffy: Doyle didn't tell me she was a demon, he said I had to find her before 'he came.
Anya: 'He'?
Buffy: I don't know yet. But I thought he was showing me Tara because she was who I had to find. But I think now he was just showing me that she would lead me to her. Her being Cordelia. So now that I've found you, I'd say that 'He' is not far behind. So if we have any hope here, I'd say your demon part, however small, is the key to finding out who 'he' is.
Cordelia: I suddenly remember my urge to make with the hasty exit from Sunnydale those few years ago.
Willow: It doesn't sound like LA's been much better for you. At least you never turned into a demon in Sunnydale.
Buffy: Horrendously off topic guys. Anya, there has to be something you can do.
Anya: Um...well...(lunges at Cordy hysterically reaching for her throat)AARRGGHH!
Buffy and Willow both yell out in shock as Cordy's eyes widen and she begins to back up in fear. Suddenly her face changes and an eerie red glow covers her eyes. She screams and in the next second, her face is transformed into the same demon appearance that Doyle had. Before anyone can react, the door burst open practically coming off the hinges.
Angel: Cordelia!
Cordy collapses to hide her face and Buffy, Willow and Anya form a tight barrier between her and Angel.
Buffy: (Holding up a hand) Whoa there act-before-you-think guy.
Angel: (Stops and notices Cordelia cowering) Cordy? I heard you scream. I heard all of you scream. What happened?
Spike: (From behind and in the hallway) Yeah! What in the bloody hell is going on in there?
Xander: Right Spike. Like they would ever tell us.
Dawn: Buffy! Are you alright?
Buffy: I'm fine guys. Angel's just being...well Angel. Give us another minute.
Angel: I'm done waiting Buffy. What did you do?
Buffy: If I wasn't so secure in your honorable intentions, I might be tempted to think I'm your version of the villain here.
Angel: Buffy...
Buffy: You want to speak up now Cordy?
Cordy: (Softly) I'm fine Angel. Just saw a mouse. What kind of hospital has mice? We're good. Now please give us a minute.
Angels' eyes narrow as he contemplates what to do.
Cut to Waiting room
Lorne rushed in from the stairwell with a ball cap slung low over his head.
Lorne: Wes! Gunn!
Gunn: (Seeing his panic) Why are you always the over-the-top guy?
Lorne: Excuse me for being about the forewarn. How about I just go home and let you be surprised?
Wes: Stop being so dramatic. What's wrong? Is it Connor?
Lorne: Not in the sense you think.
Gunn: So he's not in crying mode still?
Lorne: No he's sleeping like a...why do I keep doing that?
Wes: (Prodding)So why are you here?
Lorne: Cause what I saw tonight is far worse than any silly crying episodes we've experienced. Where's Daddy?
Wes: Can you please stop calling him that in mixed company?
Lorne: (Whispers forcefully)Fine! Fine! (Turns to face everyone else) ANGEL!
The holler reaches the group in Tara's room and Angel hesitates.
Buffy/Cordy: Go!
He finally rushes out and the three ladies turn to stare down at the quivering, still demon appearing Cordelia... Interior: Tara's room
Cordy slowly stands up reaching up to touch her face. The others say nothing as she walks to look at herself in the mirror.
Cordy: Oh God. (Hands start to shake as she feels the texture of her new skin) It's Doyle.
Willow: What's Doyle?
Cordy: This. Me. I'm the same kind of demon Doyle was. This is how he looked.
Buffy: Interesting.
Anya: I've seen this before. Your kind aren't known for their good intentions where I'm from. You're going to have big problems I'm afraid.
Willow: What does that mean Anya? Are you saying this kind of demon is strong enough to hurt her?
Anya: No! She is this kind of demon. If there's one thing demons are it's self-preserving. No, Cordelia is safer than any of us right now.
Cordy: Are you saying I'm immortal now?
Anya: No. All demons have weaknesses. I'm just not familiar with what yours is.
Willow: But we'll help you figure it out Cordelia.
Buffy: I think that we should concentrate on the current situation first. We don't have much time. Something is coming Cordelia. And you're the one that can figure out what it is.
Cordy: (Turning from the mirror to face Buffy) How many times do I have to tell you? I don't know what you think I'm supposed to know, but I don't know anything. This all just happened and now I see my other face and you want me to worry about some mysterious guy that Doyle warned you about. How about me needing to figure out how to change back before Angel comes back in here again? Hmmmm?
Buffy: I know you're having issues right now Cordy so I'm going to ignore that insanely selfish comment.
Willow: Buffy...
Cordy: Do you really think it's a good idea to piss off the unfamiliar demon in the room?
Anya: I think I've done all I can here. (Starts heading for the door) I'm going to wait with Xander.
Cordy: (Glares at Anya stopping her in her tracks) Not so fast. You did this to me, so you are going to fix it.
Anya: I can't fix it. It's you. I just helped it become visible. It never would have worked if you had any control over your emotions. I suggest you work on that or else you'll be showing your other self at the drop of a hat and you might as well forget keeping it our little secret.
Cordy: (Begins to make noises deep in her throat)
Buffy: (Stepping forward)Alright let's not get excited here Cordelia. (Steps in front of Cordy and diverts her attention from Anya)
Cordy: Excited? (Her voice changes and becomes deeper) You want to see excited?
Without warning Cordy backhands Buffy and sends her hurling into the wall. Buffy doesn't make a sound as her head hits the hard surface with a vicious crack. Willow is beside her before she hits the floor. Buffy is unconscious.
Willow: Oh my God, what have you done? (Pats Buffy's face) Buffy, wake up. You've taken worse hits than that, come on, wake up.
Cordy: (Her face changes back to normal and she looks on in horror) It wasn't me.
Anya: It sure as hell wasn't us. (points from herself to Willow) Yep, you've got a lot of work ahead of you missy.
Cordy: This is all your fault! Why don't you shut up?
Willow: (Angrily) Both of you shut up. Help me move her into the chair.
Anya and Cordy exchange a look as they move forward to help.
Cut to waiting room.
Angel, Lorne, Wes and Gunn are whimpering heatedly in the corner.
Xander: Why is it that we never have anything secret to talk about? Buffy has her secrets in there and now Angel has his in here. And we just sit here like meaningless pawns in this good vs. evil game.
Dawn: Um Xander, I think you've been quiet for too long. Your brain's short circuiting.
Spike: He's right Little Bit. We're being treated like outsiders here. And I for one am tired of it.
Dawn: Welcome to my world. You guys do this to me all the time. Maybe now you won't be so quick to dismiss.
Xander: We never dismissed you Dawn. But I'll go on the record as saying that after this, I will make every effort to include you in everything we do.
Dawn: I hope that's not the short circuit talking.
Cut to Corner Angel is not liking what he's hearing from Lorne.
Angel: You're telling me that my son might die.
Lorne: Did I say that? (Looks at Wes and Gunn) Did either of you hear me say that?
Wes: Might I suggest you lessen up on the righteous indignation?
Lorne: (Huffs) Alright I'll try this one more time. I read Connor. He has some serious work ahead of him. I don't know what and I don't know why, but I know the when. It's soon. As in days. And let me just say, Connor will not be the same when its over.
Angel: So my infant child is about to be put to work that I can not prevent and he will not be the same when it's done. Is that it?
Lorne: You got it Big Guy. Now you have to be ready. This isn't going to be easy to watch. You can't interfere though.
Gunn: So Angel's got to stand by and watch his kid suffer?
Angel: That's not an option.
Lorne: You don't get to choose the options here.
Angel: I made a promise. Nothing will harm him.
Lorne: Angel, if you don't let it play out like it's meant to be, then you could alter his very existence. Do you get it?
Wes: What are you saying Lorne?
Lorne: (Levels his gaze on Angel) I'm saying it would appear that his daddy's not the only one with a destiny.
Gunn: Man, it just gets better and better with you people.
Spike: (Appearing behind Gunn) What gets better?
Lorne: (Jumping) I hate it when you guys do that!
Spike: Who? What?
Lorne: Vamps. With the stealth.
Gunn: He's a vamp? Why did I not know that he's a vamp?
Wes: I'm sure I mentioned it.
Gunn: No Wes, I think I would have remembered you saying that we were chillin with a vamp. (Looks at Spike) So what, you got a soul too?
Angel laughs haughtily.
Spike: I don't think I like your tone An-gelus.
Angel: (Stops laughing) It's Angel and I don't really care what you like.
Wes: Spike has no soul Gunn.
Gunn: Then why ain't he trying to have us for lunch?
Angel: That's a very good question. Something tells me I'm not going to like the answer am I Spike?
Spike: Nothing would make me happier than to tell you exactly what you've missed. But I don't like to kiss and tell.
Angel growls at the insinuation and Wes senses aggression.
Wes: I don't think this is the time or place.
Lorne: So Spike, you got pipes or what?
Gunn and the others roll their eyes just as Anya comes running in the room.
Xander and Dawn stand up and she runs to them.
Angel: What's wrong?
Anya: I'm not supposed to tell.
Gunn: Are you serious?
Xander: Anya is always serious.
Spike: What can't you tell? Where are the others?
Cordy walks in casually.
Cordy: Are you guys ready? We're done here.
She tries pushing them out the door but Angel shakes her hand off his arm.
Angel: Where's Buffy?
Cordy: She's hanging out with Willow and Tara. They can take it from here. Let's go. I'm sure you're needed at home.
Lorne: You don't know the half of it sister.
Cordy: What? Did something happen?
Wes: We'll explain it on the way home. Let's get going Angel.
Angel: (Staring at Cordy and then looking towards the room) Lorne, you said days right?
Lorne: I said within days. Maybe less.
Angel: So I have a few hours?
Wes: What are you getting at?
Angel: You all go ahead and keep watch until I get back. I have to do something first.
Cordy: Angel, I really don't think...
Angel: You finished what you had to do here Cordelia. Now let me do the same.
She starts to say something but realizes he's not talking about the day's events any longer. He wants to finish something completely irrelevant.
Gunn: Maybe we should all go back and get on this...what Lorne said.
Angel: I will be there before anything happens to him. I'll feel it if I'm not. Just go back and research. Lorne, you keep looking for Holtz. We can't ever forget him. He's waiting for us to let our guard down.
Cordy: Angel...(He glances at her)you do what you have to do and come home, okay?
He nods and Cordy looks at Anya with a pleading look. She nods slightly and the group leaves.
Spike: (Moves to stand between Angel and the door) So what is it you reckon you have left to do here?
Dawn: (Worried) Xander...
Cut to Room
Willow is holding Buffy's hand wiping her face with a cold rag.
Willow: Buffy, can you please wake up now? Everyone's gone. Cordy, Anya, they're all gone. Cordy said she'd take her team with her. Angel isn't here anymore. You don't have to worry.
{Buffy is standing in the now familiar dark room. She calls out for Doyle but he doesn't come. In the distance she hears Willow's words. She hears Angel's name and turns.
Angel stands before her seemingly unsure of his presence.
Buffy: Angel? Is it you?
Angel opens his mouth but a different voice is what she hears.
Spike: It's me pet.
Buffy: (Eyes widen at sound and can't believe she's still seeing Angel) Don't do that.
Spike/Angel: What love? What's wrong? Isn't this what you've always wanted?
Buffy: No! Why are you doing this? You're not him.
Spike/Angel: Not who Buffy? (Face changes to Spike but the voice is now Angel) Who do you want?
Buffy: (Covers her ears with her hands and closes her eyes) Stop it! Go away! You're not real!
Angel/Spike: Buffy why are you doing this? Look at me. What have you done?
Buffy: I can't hear you. I can't hear you. You're not him. It wasn't me.
Angel's voice: I always know Buffy. As long as we share the same world, I'll always know. You're killing me...
Buffy: (Opens her eyes-Spike is now Angel and she's not sure who will speak) Angel?
Doyle: He's coming Buffy. You don't have time for this. You have to warn them!
Buffy spins but can't see Doyle anywhere. She turns again and Angel/Spike is gone. She looks up and screams.
Buffy: Who's coming! Just tell me what I'm supposed to do! I can't handle this!
She waits for an answer but gets none. Suddenly there's a flash of blinding light and she sees a child wailing just before she closes her eyes against it. The wailing stops and she hears Angel crying out. She opens her eyes and sees him reaching for something in the dark. He doesn't notice her as he struggles to grasp something. Then his face changes and he appears frightened. He drops his hand and backs up shaking his head.
Angel: No. No. Stop it. It's not you.
Buffy: Angel?
Angel: (Still ignoring her) What did They do? Oh God, what did They do?
Buffy walks closer to him but before she reaches him, Cordy appears behind him in demon face. She raises a weapon high above her head.
Buffy: Aannggggeeeelllll!
Cut to waiting room
Buffy's scream echoes throughout the corridors as everyone startles at the sound.
Gunn: What the...?
Spike: No, it's not like that. (Takes a step towards the room but his foot never hits the floor before Angel grabs his collar from behind and hurls him over his shoulder as he launches himself without thinking into the room where Buffy's voice came from)
Anya: (to Xander) Why don't you ever do stuff like that for me? Interior: Tara's room
Buffy is reaching out for something in her unconscious state and Tara has woken from the scream.
Tara: (Frightened)Willow?
Willow: (Struggling with Buffy's death grip) I'm here Tara. I'm right here.
Angel crashes through the door and sees Buffy clawing at Tara and whimpering inaudibly.
Angel: Buffy, Willow what's happened?
Willow: (turning head to look at Angel) Angel, thank God. Help me with her, please. I have to take care of Tara.
Tara: Willow? (Turns head to see Willow trying to get up) What happened?
Angel covers the distance to Buffy in one step and sinks down on his knees. He takes her hands in his and pulls them loose from Willow.
Angel: Buffy? Can you hear me?
Buffy: (Still semi-conscious) Angel? I'm so sorry Angel. I didn't know...
Her voice fades as she begins to sink deeper.
Angel: Willow, how did she get like this?
Willow: (Now sitting on the bed next to Tara) Didn't Cordy tell you?
Angel: What does Cordelia have to do with this? How did Buffy get hurt? She is hurt right?
Willow: I don't know for sure. She hit her head and was out. But I know she's taken hits worse than that before, it was like she just gave up.
Angel: (Takes both Buffy's hands in one of his and reaches up to stroke her creased brow) Buffy? Open your eyes Buffy. I'm here. Look at me.
Buffy moves away from Angel's touch and her eyelids flutter as she tries to open them.
Tara: What happened Will?
Willow: SShh. Don't worry. It's fine now. Angel can fix it. Right Angel? You're gonna fix her right?
Angel: I don't even know what's wrong. Is she dreaming again?
Willow: That's it! That's got to be it. She's dreaming. You must be in her dream.
Angel: I'm really beginning to wonder how I end up in so many dreams but haven't had one single dream of my own.
Tara: I can fix that.
Willow: What?
Buffy: (Mumbling) Sp...Angel?
Angel: SShh. Buffy, it's okay. Just breathe. Listen to my voice okay. Just concentrate on my voice. What you're seeing isn't real. Do you hear me Buffy? (Grips her face in both hands) It's not real. (Looks at Tara) How can you fix this?
Tara: I can send you to her.
Willow: Tara...
Tara: It might be the quickest way.
Angel: Do it...
Lorne drops down to his knees as Fred lays Connor down in his crib.
Lorne: Oh no.
Fred: (Turning to shush him but seeing his face stops short) Lorne, what is it? You look...well do you get flushed?
Lorne: (Taking a ragged breath) If ever there was a time to start, this is it. We have to call his daddy...now.
Fred: You're scaring me. What is it? What's happened? (Realization) You read me again didn't you? Oh my, am I going to be kidnapped again?
Lorne: (Clumsily getting to his feet) Don't you fret Pumpkin. This is all about Connor. I guess you singing with him in your arms allowed me to catch his frequency. And the news isn't good. Now, come with me. We have to make a call.
He pulls her out of the room.
Cut to Hospital
Buffy's hands drop from Cordy's shoulders when she begins to cry.
Buffy: Cordelia, you're crying.
Cordy: (Sniffling) Ya think?
Buffy: Cordelia, you don't cry. You haven't cried since, well let me think.
Cordy: That's great Buffy. Twist the knife.
Buffy: I'm sorry. I...I didn't mean...but why are you crying?
Cordy: (Takes a deep breath and tries to control her voice) Let's see, maybe it's the fact that I had this horrible nightmare about killing my boss, or maybe it's the impromptu reunion we're having or maybe it's finding out Xander is engaged and I'm still...well...not. Or maybe it's the killing Angel part.
Buffy: You already said that one.
Cordy: See! (Cries again) I can't even think straight anymore.
Buffy: Okay, okay. (Pats Cordy awkwardly in an attempt at soothing her) We'll get through this okay? Let's just start at the beginning. You had a dream about fighting Angel and it turned ugly. I had a dream that Doyle came to tell me that he had been watching me since his death. Thanks to you. He told me that you got his visions and he got your issues.
Cordy looks confused but Buffy continues.
Buffy: He brought me here. At least he showed me Tara in the hospital, I just didn't know where she was. He told me I had to find her. (Strains to remember) He told me that he would be here soon!
Cordy: Who's 'he'?
Buffy: I don't know. But that has to be why you got involved. You must know something about all of this.
Cordy: Buffy, I swear I don't. I had a bad dream, it happens all the time.
Buffy: So you've dreamed of killing Angel before?
Cordy: No! Of course not. This one was different that way. (Turns her back to Buffy) He's been teaching me to fight. To protect myself. I've dreamed of that before.
Buffy bristles at the visual.
Cordy: This time I was stronger than him. He didn't know how to handle it. He changed.
Buffy: How? Wait, you mean he vamped?
Cordy nods still hiding her face.
Cordy: I only did it when he changed. Something took over me, I don't know if it's real. I don't know if it was the real me.
Buffy: You lost me Cordy. Either it was you or it wasn't.
Cordy: (Turns to look at her) If I tell you something Buffy, will you swear to keep it between us?
Buffy: I swear I'll try. You know if it means harm for any of the others, I won't be able to keep that promise.
Cordy: I understand. (Deep breath) I was given a choice. If I kept the visions, they would kill me. If I got rid of them, it would mean that the last two years had never happened.
Buffy: Who could give you a choice like that?
Cordy: The Powers that Be.
Buffy: Doyle's Powers that Be?
Cordy: One and the same.
Buffy: Go on.
Cordy: I wanted to live. I chose to go back.
Buffy: Back?
Cordy: I saw how it would have been if I had never met up with Angel and went to work for him. My life was perfect, but then I found Angel. He was dying. He had been given the visions instead and it was killing him. (Begins to cry again) I couldn't see him like that. I had to fix it...fix him.
Buffy shuffles her feet under the emotion in Cordy's words.
Buffy: But you said you would have died. If you took them back, why are you here?
Cordy: They gave me a loophole.
Buffy: (Sarcastically)They always do.
Cordy: Doyle was able to withstand the visions. You know that?
Buffy: Yeah, he didn't have a problem because he was half...oh Cordy.
Cordy: I didn't have a choice Buffy. It was this or watch Angel slowly die or worse because I was too selfish to help him.
Buffy: And you chose to help him. You became...
Cordy: Yes. I'm part demon.
Cut to Waiting room
Angel: I can't do this anymore. I'm going back in.
Spike: Not without me you're not.
Willow: Guys! We have to let them finish this. Buffy knows what she's doing.
Gunn: Why is it that this girl inspires such blind devotion? Man I thought the stories about Angel were bad, but you guys take the cake.
Xander: You've heard stories? I bet I have better ones.
Angel/Willow: Xander!
Xander: What? (Points at Angel) You don't get to scold me anymore! Last time we met, I believe I was the key guy.
Angel: (Smirking) You've got to be kidding me.
Anya: I thought the last time you met was Thanksgiving when he came to rescue B...
Xander: Not much for the helping are you An?
The door opens and Buffy sticks her head out.
Buffy: Willow? Can you and Anya come in here for a sec?
Angel: What about me? I want to know what's going on in there Buffy.
Spike: Yeah! What he said!
Buffy: Almost done I promise. Willow??
Willow: Coming! (Grabs Anya by the arm and pulls her across the hall)
Anya: Why do I have to go...(the door closes and Anya's sentence is cut off) Cut to Hyperion
Lorne hangs up the phone.
Lorne: They never answer when it's an emergency. Why do they even bother with cell phones?
Fred: Maybe they had to turn them off in the hospital. Can it wait? I'm sure they'll be home soon.
Lorne: Sure Fred. It can wait, but I don't know if Connor can.
Fred: What did you see Lorne? What is going to happen to Connor?
Lorne: It's not a matter of what will happen so much as what won't happen.
Fred: You like playing the secret-reading, I-know- something-you-don't card don't you?
Lorne: Sorry pet. Tell you what, I'm going to run over to the hospital to see if I can speed things up. You stay here with the...baby.
Fred: If he's in danger, why should we stay here?
Lorne: It's not that kind of danger sweets. You'll be fine, just don't overfeed him.
Fred: Huh?
She watches dumbfounded as he scurries out the door.
Cut to Tara's room
Willow: Cordelia's a demon?
Buffy: You've already said that Will.
Willow: I think I'm allowed a repeating here.
Cordy: Yes, well as long as you don't repeat it to the wrong people. My co- workers aren't privy to this information just yet.
Anya: So what am I supposed to do?
Buffy: I thought you could help us figure out what kind of demon she is.
Anya: Well she's not a vengeance demon. I can guarantee you that, I can spot one a mile away. Although it would be kind of poetic-justicey if she were. I mean, I lost my power because of her and now she has to live as one. But it's not like that here. She's not a vengeance demon.
Cordy: (Confused) And I guess I have joy?
Buffy: Okay Anya, we know what she's not. Now how about helping us figure out what she is? Its the key to this whole thing, I'm sure of it. Doyle said...
Willow: Doyle told you Cordelia was a demon?
Cordy: Hello? I'm not a demon, I'm part demon.
Willow: Forgive me.
Buffy: Doyle didn't tell me she was a demon, he said I had to find her before 'he came.
Anya: 'He'?
Buffy: I don't know yet. But I thought he was showing me Tara because she was who I had to find. But I think now he was just showing me that she would lead me to her. Her being Cordelia. So now that I've found you, I'd say that 'He' is not far behind. So if we have any hope here, I'd say your demon part, however small, is the key to finding out who 'he' is.
Cordelia: I suddenly remember my urge to make with the hasty exit from Sunnydale those few years ago.
Willow: It doesn't sound like LA's been much better for you. At least you never turned into a demon in Sunnydale.
Buffy: Horrendously off topic guys. Anya, there has to be something you can do.
Anya: Um...well...(lunges at Cordy hysterically reaching for her throat)AARRGGHH!
Buffy and Willow both yell out in shock as Cordy's eyes widen and she begins to back up in fear. Suddenly her face changes and an eerie red glow covers her eyes. She screams and in the next second, her face is transformed into the same demon appearance that Doyle had. Before anyone can react, the door burst open practically coming off the hinges.
Angel: Cordelia!
Cordy collapses to hide her face and Buffy, Willow and Anya form a tight barrier between her and Angel.
Buffy: (Holding up a hand) Whoa there act-before-you-think guy.
Angel: (Stops and notices Cordelia cowering) Cordy? I heard you scream. I heard all of you scream. What happened?
Spike: (From behind and in the hallway) Yeah! What in the bloody hell is going on in there?
Xander: Right Spike. Like they would ever tell us.
Dawn: Buffy! Are you alright?
Buffy: I'm fine guys. Angel's just being...well Angel. Give us another minute.
Angel: I'm done waiting Buffy. What did you do?
Buffy: If I wasn't so secure in your honorable intentions, I might be tempted to think I'm your version of the villain here.
Angel: Buffy...
Buffy: You want to speak up now Cordy?
Cordy: (Softly) I'm fine Angel. Just saw a mouse. What kind of hospital has mice? We're good. Now please give us a minute.
Angels' eyes narrow as he contemplates what to do.
Cut to Waiting room
Lorne rushed in from the stairwell with a ball cap slung low over his head.
Lorne: Wes! Gunn!
Gunn: (Seeing his panic) Why are you always the over-the-top guy?
Lorne: Excuse me for being about the forewarn. How about I just go home and let you be surprised?
Wes: Stop being so dramatic. What's wrong? Is it Connor?
Lorne: Not in the sense you think.
Gunn: So he's not in crying mode still?
Lorne: No he's sleeping like a...why do I keep doing that?
Wes: (Prodding)So why are you here?
Lorne: Cause what I saw tonight is far worse than any silly crying episodes we've experienced. Where's Daddy?
Wes: Can you please stop calling him that in mixed company?
Lorne: (Whispers forcefully)Fine! Fine! (Turns to face everyone else) ANGEL!
The holler reaches the group in Tara's room and Angel hesitates.
Buffy/Cordy: Go!
He finally rushes out and the three ladies turn to stare down at the quivering, still demon appearing Cordelia... Interior: Tara's room
Cordy slowly stands up reaching up to touch her face. The others say nothing as she walks to look at herself in the mirror.
Cordy: Oh God. (Hands start to shake as she feels the texture of her new skin) It's Doyle.
Willow: What's Doyle?
Cordy: This. Me. I'm the same kind of demon Doyle was. This is how he looked.
Buffy: Interesting.
Anya: I've seen this before. Your kind aren't known for their good intentions where I'm from. You're going to have big problems I'm afraid.
Willow: What does that mean Anya? Are you saying this kind of demon is strong enough to hurt her?
Anya: No! She is this kind of demon. If there's one thing demons are it's self-preserving. No, Cordelia is safer than any of us right now.
Cordy: Are you saying I'm immortal now?
Anya: No. All demons have weaknesses. I'm just not familiar with what yours is.
Willow: But we'll help you figure it out Cordelia.
Buffy: I think that we should concentrate on the current situation first. We don't have much time. Something is coming Cordelia. And you're the one that can figure out what it is.
Cordy: (Turning from the mirror to face Buffy) How many times do I have to tell you? I don't know what you think I'm supposed to know, but I don't know anything. This all just happened and now I see my other face and you want me to worry about some mysterious guy that Doyle warned you about. How about me needing to figure out how to change back before Angel comes back in here again? Hmmmm?
Buffy: I know you're having issues right now Cordy so I'm going to ignore that insanely selfish comment.
Willow: Buffy...
Cordy: Do you really think it's a good idea to piss off the unfamiliar demon in the room?
Anya: I think I've done all I can here. (Starts heading for the door) I'm going to wait with Xander.
Cordy: (Glares at Anya stopping her in her tracks) Not so fast. You did this to me, so you are going to fix it.
Anya: I can't fix it. It's you. I just helped it become visible. It never would have worked if you had any control over your emotions. I suggest you work on that or else you'll be showing your other self at the drop of a hat and you might as well forget keeping it our little secret.
Cordy: (Begins to make noises deep in her throat)
Buffy: (Stepping forward)Alright let's not get excited here Cordelia. (Steps in front of Cordy and diverts her attention from Anya)
Cordy: Excited? (Her voice changes and becomes deeper) You want to see excited?
Without warning Cordy backhands Buffy and sends her hurling into the wall. Buffy doesn't make a sound as her head hits the hard surface with a vicious crack. Willow is beside her before she hits the floor. Buffy is unconscious.
Willow: Oh my God, what have you done? (Pats Buffy's face) Buffy, wake up. You've taken worse hits than that, come on, wake up.
Cordy: (Her face changes back to normal and she looks on in horror) It wasn't me.
Anya: It sure as hell wasn't us. (points from herself to Willow) Yep, you've got a lot of work ahead of you missy.
Cordy: This is all your fault! Why don't you shut up?
Willow: (Angrily) Both of you shut up. Help me move her into the chair.
Anya and Cordy exchange a look as they move forward to help.
Cut to waiting room.
Angel, Lorne, Wes and Gunn are whimpering heatedly in the corner.
Xander: Why is it that we never have anything secret to talk about? Buffy has her secrets in there and now Angel has his in here. And we just sit here like meaningless pawns in this good vs. evil game.
Dawn: Um Xander, I think you've been quiet for too long. Your brain's short circuiting.
Spike: He's right Little Bit. We're being treated like outsiders here. And I for one am tired of it.
Dawn: Welcome to my world. You guys do this to me all the time. Maybe now you won't be so quick to dismiss.
Xander: We never dismissed you Dawn. But I'll go on the record as saying that after this, I will make every effort to include you in everything we do.
Dawn: I hope that's not the short circuit talking.
Cut to Corner Angel is not liking what he's hearing from Lorne.
Angel: You're telling me that my son might die.
Lorne: Did I say that? (Looks at Wes and Gunn) Did either of you hear me say that?
Wes: Might I suggest you lessen up on the righteous indignation?
Lorne: (Huffs) Alright I'll try this one more time. I read Connor. He has some serious work ahead of him. I don't know what and I don't know why, but I know the when. It's soon. As in days. And let me just say, Connor will not be the same when its over.
Angel: So my infant child is about to be put to work that I can not prevent and he will not be the same when it's done. Is that it?
Lorne: You got it Big Guy. Now you have to be ready. This isn't going to be easy to watch. You can't interfere though.
Gunn: So Angel's got to stand by and watch his kid suffer?
Angel: That's not an option.
Lorne: You don't get to choose the options here.
Angel: I made a promise. Nothing will harm him.
Lorne: Angel, if you don't let it play out like it's meant to be, then you could alter his very existence. Do you get it?
Wes: What are you saying Lorne?
Lorne: (Levels his gaze on Angel) I'm saying it would appear that his daddy's not the only one with a destiny.
Gunn: Man, it just gets better and better with you people.
Spike: (Appearing behind Gunn) What gets better?
Lorne: (Jumping) I hate it when you guys do that!
Spike: Who? What?
Lorne: Vamps. With the stealth.
Gunn: He's a vamp? Why did I not know that he's a vamp?
Wes: I'm sure I mentioned it.
Gunn: No Wes, I think I would have remembered you saying that we were chillin with a vamp. (Looks at Spike) So what, you got a soul too?
Angel laughs haughtily.
Spike: I don't think I like your tone An-gelus.
Angel: (Stops laughing) It's Angel and I don't really care what you like.
Wes: Spike has no soul Gunn.
Gunn: Then why ain't he trying to have us for lunch?
Angel: That's a very good question. Something tells me I'm not going to like the answer am I Spike?
Spike: Nothing would make me happier than to tell you exactly what you've missed. But I don't like to kiss and tell.
Angel growls at the insinuation and Wes senses aggression.
Wes: I don't think this is the time or place.
Lorne: So Spike, you got pipes or what?
Gunn and the others roll their eyes just as Anya comes running in the room.
Xander and Dawn stand up and she runs to them.
Angel: What's wrong?
Anya: I'm not supposed to tell.
Gunn: Are you serious?
Xander: Anya is always serious.
Spike: What can't you tell? Where are the others?
Cordy walks in casually.
Cordy: Are you guys ready? We're done here.
She tries pushing them out the door but Angel shakes her hand off his arm.
Angel: Where's Buffy?
Cordy: She's hanging out with Willow and Tara. They can take it from here. Let's go. I'm sure you're needed at home.
Lorne: You don't know the half of it sister.
Cordy: What? Did something happen?
Wes: We'll explain it on the way home. Let's get going Angel.
Angel: (Staring at Cordy and then looking towards the room) Lorne, you said days right?
Lorne: I said within days. Maybe less.
Angel: So I have a few hours?
Wes: What are you getting at?
Angel: You all go ahead and keep watch until I get back. I have to do something first.
Cordy: Angel, I really don't think...
Angel: You finished what you had to do here Cordelia. Now let me do the same.
She starts to say something but realizes he's not talking about the day's events any longer. He wants to finish something completely irrelevant.
Gunn: Maybe we should all go back and get on this...what Lorne said.
Angel: I will be there before anything happens to him. I'll feel it if I'm not. Just go back and research. Lorne, you keep looking for Holtz. We can't ever forget him. He's waiting for us to let our guard down.
Cordy: Angel...(He glances at her)you do what you have to do and come home, okay?
He nods and Cordy looks at Anya with a pleading look. She nods slightly and the group leaves.
Spike: (Moves to stand between Angel and the door) So what is it you reckon you have left to do here?
Dawn: (Worried) Xander...
Cut to Room
Willow is holding Buffy's hand wiping her face with a cold rag.
Willow: Buffy, can you please wake up now? Everyone's gone. Cordy, Anya, they're all gone. Cordy said she'd take her team with her. Angel isn't here anymore. You don't have to worry.
{Buffy is standing in the now familiar dark room. She calls out for Doyle but he doesn't come. In the distance she hears Willow's words. She hears Angel's name and turns.
Angel stands before her seemingly unsure of his presence.
Buffy: Angel? Is it you?
Angel opens his mouth but a different voice is what she hears.
Spike: It's me pet.
Buffy: (Eyes widen at sound and can't believe she's still seeing Angel) Don't do that.
Spike/Angel: What love? What's wrong? Isn't this what you've always wanted?
Buffy: No! Why are you doing this? You're not him.
Spike/Angel: Not who Buffy? (Face changes to Spike but the voice is now Angel) Who do you want?
Buffy: (Covers her ears with her hands and closes her eyes) Stop it! Go away! You're not real!
Angel/Spike: Buffy why are you doing this? Look at me. What have you done?
Buffy: I can't hear you. I can't hear you. You're not him. It wasn't me.
Angel's voice: I always know Buffy. As long as we share the same world, I'll always know. You're killing me...
Buffy: (Opens her eyes-Spike is now Angel and she's not sure who will speak) Angel?
Doyle: He's coming Buffy. You don't have time for this. You have to warn them!
Buffy spins but can't see Doyle anywhere. She turns again and Angel/Spike is gone. She looks up and screams.
Buffy: Who's coming! Just tell me what I'm supposed to do! I can't handle this!
She waits for an answer but gets none. Suddenly there's a flash of blinding light and she sees a child wailing just before she closes her eyes against it. The wailing stops and she hears Angel crying out. She opens her eyes and sees him reaching for something in the dark. He doesn't notice her as he struggles to grasp something. Then his face changes and he appears frightened. He drops his hand and backs up shaking his head.
Angel: No. No. Stop it. It's not you.
Buffy: Angel?
Angel: (Still ignoring her) What did They do? Oh God, what did They do?
Buffy walks closer to him but before she reaches him, Cordy appears behind him in demon face. She raises a weapon high above her head.
Buffy: Aannggggeeeelllll!
Cut to waiting room
Buffy's scream echoes throughout the corridors as everyone startles at the sound.
Gunn: What the...?
Spike: No, it's not like that. (Takes a step towards the room but his foot never hits the floor before Angel grabs his collar from behind and hurls him over his shoulder as he launches himself without thinking into the room where Buffy's voice came from)
Anya: (to Xander) Why don't you ever do stuff like that for me? Interior: Tara's room
Buffy is reaching out for something in her unconscious state and Tara has woken from the scream.
Tara: (Frightened)Willow?
Willow: (Struggling with Buffy's death grip) I'm here Tara. I'm right here.
Angel crashes through the door and sees Buffy clawing at Tara and whimpering inaudibly.
Angel: Buffy, Willow what's happened?
Willow: (turning head to look at Angel) Angel, thank God. Help me with her, please. I have to take care of Tara.
Tara: Willow? (Turns head to see Willow trying to get up) What happened?
Angel covers the distance to Buffy in one step and sinks down on his knees. He takes her hands in his and pulls them loose from Willow.
Angel: Buffy? Can you hear me?
Buffy: (Still semi-conscious) Angel? I'm so sorry Angel. I didn't know...
Her voice fades as she begins to sink deeper.
Angel: Willow, how did she get like this?
Willow: (Now sitting on the bed next to Tara) Didn't Cordy tell you?
Angel: What does Cordelia have to do with this? How did Buffy get hurt? She is hurt right?
Willow: I don't know for sure. She hit her head and was out. But I know she's taken hits worse than that before, it was like she just gave up.
Angel: (Takes both Buffy's hands in one of his and reaches up to stroke her creased brow) Buffy? Open your eyes Buffy. I'm here. Look at me.
Buffy moves away from Angel's touch and her eyelids flutter as she tries to open them.
Tara: What happened Will?
Willow: SShh. Don't worry. It's fine now. Angel can fix it. Right Angel? You're gonna fix her right?
Angel: I don't even know what's wrong. Is she dreaming again?
Willow: That's it! That's got to be it. She's dreaming. You must be in her dream.
Angel: I'm really beginning to wonder how I end up in so many dreams but haven't had one single dream of my own.
Tara: I can fix that.
Willow: What?
Buffy: (Mumbling) Sp...Angel?
Angel: SShh. Buffy, it's okay. Just breathe. Listen to my voice okay. Just concentrate on my voice. What you're seeing isn't real. Do you hear me Buffy? (Grips her face in both hands) It's not real. (Looks at Tara) How can you fix this?
Tara: I can send you to her.
Willow: Tara...
Tara: It might be the quickest way.
Angel: Do it...