Part 1
Fred is standing outside a closed door in the hotel.
Fred: How long is he going to stay in there?
Lorne: I don't think vampires are known for their concept of time.
Fred: But how can we ever hope to find Con...
Lorne: SShhh. (covers Fred's lips with his hand) Closed doors not much of
an impediment for his hearing. What say we don't use the name any more than
we have to?
Fred: (Moves away and rolls her eyes-whispers) Lorne, Connor's gone. He
went into that awful place with Holtz and Angel has been sitting in this
room for two days without a peep. He didn't even respond when Gunn and I
told him about finding Wes bleeding to death outside his apartment.
Lorne: (taking a deep breath) I'm thinking it might have something to do
with Wes kidnapping said child and allowing him to be re-kidnapped by an
even more atrocious villain than the one who came after the harmless green
guy.
Fred: (wincing) Sorry Lorne. I know Wes isn't high on your list either, but
you have to know he had the best intentions at heart.
Lorne: (shrugs) You're right. I guess I missed the obvious what with the
running for my life and all.
Fred: (turning to beat on the door loudly) Angel! You answer me right now!
You have to get hold of yourself!
They both wait for a moment to see if a response will come. When it doesn't
Fred steps away from the door.
Fred: I give up. I have to get back to the hospital and relieve Gunn. Will
you keep trying?
Lorne: I'm not going anywhere. He's got to get hungry some time. There's no
mini bar in this spare room. Wait, maybe being here when he comes out
starving...not the best idea?
Fred: (smiling uneasily) Don't be silly. Angel would never...well...he
would never. I think you've been cooped up a little too long yourself.
I'll see if Gunn can relieve you after he gets some rest.
Lorne: Thanks. I never thought I'd long for the days when the Hyperion was
LA's own Grand Central.
Fred: Yeah, it was bad enough without Cordy, but now...without...well, it's
just way too quiet around here.
Lorne: No luck finding her yet huh?
Fred: (shaking her head and looking at her feet) I thought for sure she'd
know. Is that crazy? Yeah, she's got a lot going on, she probably hasn't
had time for any visions. (starts to walk backwards) I have to go Lorne.
Please keep trying. We have to keep it together. Things are bad Lorne. And
something tells me they're going to get worse.
Lorne: I was hoping I was the only one that felt it. (nods his head
reassuringly) You go. Take care of Gunn...and Wes. Call if there's any
change.
Fred: I will. (exits) Lorne turns back to the door.
Lorne: Alright Mr. Strong and Silent, I didn't want to get ugly in front of
the lady, but if you don't acknowledge the rest of the universe really
quick-like, I'm going to have to set aside my loving nature and come get
your attention in a most unpleasant way.
(mumbles to himself) Okay, I'm not even convincing myself.
Cut to room interior The room is in shambles. Some from lack of upkeep and
the rest from Angel's complete despair and unbearable rage. Angel sits in a
corner on the floor with his head hidden in his arms which are resting on
his drawn up knees. Lorne's voice is clear from the other side of the door.
It is obvious that Angel could hear everything that he and Fred had
discussed.
Lorne: (from hallway) What are you waiting for Big Guy? I know you can't
just give up on your son. You can't give up on him Angel. Do you hear me?
We can get him back. But not without you. It will never happen without you.
(pause) What happened out there? You never told us. We had to hear about it
courtesy of W&H? What's that? (pause-then angry) Damn it Angel! Connor is
in the worst place imaginable! Are you going to hide in this room and let
him suffer? What kind of father are you? Angel doesn't lift his head but
his entire body begins to tremble uncontrollably. A low growl is heard from
deep within and slowly grows louder and scarier as Lorne continues to
attack him verbally...
Cut to Hospital Gunn is sitting next to Wes' bed as Wes weakly attempts
writing a note.
Gunn: Wes, man don't do too much. You just came around. I told you I'd tell
you everything in due time. You need to rest.
Wes finally stops writing and turns the notepad toward Gunn. He reads it
carefully.
Gunn: I know you don't need a babysitter. It's just what we decided. We're
taking shifts. (Wes begins to write again as Gunn continues) Fred and Lorne
are working on Angel. We've also been trying to get hold of Cordy. She's
gonna have to cut her romantic getaway short. That's all there is to it.
Wes stops and holds the paper up again. Gunn reads and sighs.
Gunn: It's not that we think anything. It's just precautionary. (Wes
studies Gunn's expression) I told you, Angel was pretty out of it when we
found Lorne. He was pretty upset. He's even more out of it now that
Connor's...well we just want to make sure.
Wes closes his eyes to control his emotions. The bandages around his throat
move against the pressure of him swallowing hard.
Gunn: It's not your fault Wes. You thought you were doing the right thing.
That chick is more heartless than Holtz if that's possible. What she did to
you...(clears his throat) she's no champion. She tried to kill an innocent.
I'm all for fighting the demons and vamps and whatever other evil rears
it's ugly ass head around here, but that girl crossed the line. You
couldn't have seen that coming. (Wes is writing again) Don't bother telling
me you should have. It isn't in our nature to suspect the humans. We're
fighters of unnatural evil. To take on the evil in humanity would be
suicide.
Wes stops writing and points to the top of the page.
Gunn: (squinting to read) You've seen it before? You know the signs? How?
Wes lowers his hand to reveal the bottom half of the page. Gunn looks at
the single word in large letters.
Gunn: Faith?
Cut to Hotel hallway. Lorne is resting his head against the door when a
hand reaches up to his shoulder. He jumps in surprise and spins to see
Cordelia standing in front of him in obvious pain.
Cordy: Oh God, it's true isn't it? I'm too late.
Before Lorne can answer, the door swings open and off the frame. Angel
drops the shattered lumber as Cordy rushes into his arms.
Cordy: Oh Angel I'm so sorry! Please tell me it's not true. Please don't
let it be true. (Her words are muffled against Angel's shoulder as he pulls
her tighter and tighter against him until her voice is cut off completely)
Angel: Cordy, I've been waiting. (lifts his head a bit to look at Lorne
standing in the hall) I knew they would bring you...(he stops talking
suddenly and releases Cordelia awkwardly still staring into the hall)
Cordy: Angel? (turns to see what he's looking at-Groo is standing next to
Lorne) Oh yeah, I brought back up. Figured all the warriors we could muster
right? She tries to smile but sees the expression on Angel's face and it
falters. Lorne shuffles his feet nervously at having to witness the moment.
Groo: I'm here to help Angel. Cut to nameless place Sajhan is pacing in a
darkened underground lair.
Sajhan: It wasn't supposed to happen like this. Voice: So the child did not
die. He is gone from this world is he not?
Sajhan: Yes, but he was able to escape his fate again. A prophecy must be
fulfilled. Voice: And it was. That it was not your plan is not the issue.
The boy was devoured. The earth shook, the fire came, et cetera et cetera.
Prophecies are left open to interpretation for that very reason. Sajhan:
And what of my fate? If the words of prophecy did not prove literal, then
how do I know I achieved my own destiny? Like I said, it wasn't supposed to
happen like this. The man who translated, he didn't get it right. He missed
something.
Voice: Humans always do. They're flawed. Surely you remember that.
Sajhan: Don't.
Voice: Don't forget who you are working for Lower Being.
Sajhan: (smirks) Never. How can I forget? I have heard nothing else for
centuries. Just another pawn for the Powers That Be. Have they not tired of
this game yet?
Voice: If only it were such a simple premise. All this would be
unnecessary. Sajhan: I've done everything they've asked.
Voice: And you question your own end?
Sajhan: I gave up on that long ago.
Voice: You mustn't do that. All is happening in it's preordained time.
Patience is...
Sajhan: Don't speak of patience to me! The word lost its meaning some time
ago.
Voice: What a shame. I wonder if she feels the same.
Sajhan trembles at the words and yells out in a primal call that echoes
throughout the lair.
Fred is standing outside a closed door in the hotel.
Fred: How long is he going to stay in there?
Lorne: I don't think vampires are known for their concept of time.
Fred: But how can we ever hope to find Con...
Lorne: SShhh. (covers Fred's lips with his hand) Closed doors not much of
an impediment for his hearing. What say we don't use the name any more than
we have to?
Fred: (Moves away and rolls her eyes-whispers) Lorne, Connor's gone. He
went into that awful place with Holtz and Angel has been sitting in this
room for two days without a peep. He didn't even respond when Gunn and I
told him about finding Wes bleeding to death outside his apartment.
Lorne: (taking a deep breath) I'm thinking it might have something to do
with Wes kidnapping said child and allowing him to be re-kidnapped by an
even more atrocious villain than the one who came after the harmless green
guy.
Fred: (wincing) Sorry Lorne. I know Wes isn't high on your list either, but
you have to know he had the best intentions at heart.
Lorne: (shrugs) You're right. I guess I missed the obvious what with the
running for my life and all.
Fred: (turning to beat on the door loudly) Angel! You answer me right now!
You have to get hold of yourself!
They both wait for a moment to see if a response will come. When it doesn't
Fred steps away from the door.
Fred: I give up. I have to get back to the hospital and relieve Gunn. Will
you keep trying?
Lorne: I'm not going anywhere. He's got to get hungry some time. There's no
mini bar in this spare room. Wait, maybe being here when he comes out
starving...not the best idea?
Fred: (smiling uneasily) Don't be silly. Angel would never...well...he
would never. I think you've been cooped up a little too long yourself.
I'll see if Gunn can relieve you after he gets some rest.
Lorne: Thanks. I never thought I'd long for the days when the Hyperion was
LA's own Grand Central.
Fred: Yeah, it was bad enough without Cordy, but now...without...well, it's
just way too quiet around here.
Lorne: No luck finding her yet huh?
Fred: (shaking her head and looking at her feet) I thought for sure she'd
know. Is that crazy? Yeah, she's got a lot going on, she probably hasn't
had time for any visions. (starts to walk backwards) I have to go Lorne.
Please keep trying. We have to keep it together. Things are bad Lorne. And
something tells me they're going to get worse.
Lorne: I was hoping I was the only one that felt it. (nods his head
reassuringly) You go. Take care of Gunn...and Wes. Call if there's any
change.
Fred: I will. (exits) Lorne turns back to the door.
Lorne: Alright Mr. Strong and Silent, I didn't want to get ugly in front of
the lady, but if you don't acknowledge the rest of the universe really
quick-like, I'm going to have to set aside my loving nature and come get
your attention in a most unpleasant way.
(mumbles to himself) Okay, I'm not even convincing myself.
Cut to room interior The room is in shambles. Some from lack of upkeep and
the rest from Angel's complete despair and unbearable rage. Angel sits in a
corner on the floor with his head hidden in his arms which are resting on
his drawn up knees. Lorne's voice is clear from the other side of the door.
It is obvious that Angel could hear everything that he and Fred had
discussed.
Lorne: (from hallway) What are you waiting for Big Guy? I know you can't
just give up on your son. You can't give up on him Angel. Do you hear me?
We can get him back. But not without you. It will never happen without you.
(pause) What happened out there? You never told us. We had to hear about it
courtesy of W&H? What's that? (pause-then angry) Damn it Angel! Connor is
in the worst place imaginable! Are you going to hide in this room and let
him suffer? What kind of father are you? Angel doesn't lift his head but
his entire body begins to tremble uncontrollably. A low growl is heard from
deep within and slowly grows louder and scarier as Lorne continues to
attack him verbally...
Cut to Hospital Gunn is sitting next to Wes' bed as Wes weakly attempts
writing a note.
Gunn: Wes, man don't do too much. You just came around. I told you I'd tell
you everything in due time. You need to rest.
Wes finally stops writing and turns the notepad toward Gunn. He reads it
carefully.
Gunn: I know you don't need a babysitter. It's just what we decided. We're
taking shifts. (Wes begins to write again as Gunn continues) Fred and Lorne
are working on Angel. We've also been trying to get hold of Cordy. She's
gonna have to cut her romantic getaway short. That's all there is to it.
Wes stops and holds the paper up again. Gunn reads and sighs.
Gunn: It's not that we think anything. It's just precautionary. (Wes
studies Gunn's expression) I told you, Angel was pretty out of it when we
found Lorne. He was pretty upset. He's even more out of it now that
Connor's...well we just want to make sure.
Wes closes his eyes to control his emotions. The bandages around his throat
move against the pressure of him swallowing hard.
Gunn: It's not your fault Wes. You thought you were doing the right thing.
That chick is more heartless than Holtz if that's possible. What she did to
you...(clears his throat) she's no champion. She tried to kill an innocent.
I'm all for fighting the demons and vamps and whatever other evil rears
it's ugly ass head around here, but that girl crossed the line. You
couldn't have seen that coming. (Wes is writing again) Don't bother telling
me you should have. It isn't in our nature to suspect the humans. We're
fighters of unnatural evil. To take on the evil in humanity would be
suicide.
Wes stops writing and points to the top of the page.
Gunn: (squinting to read) You've seen it before? You know the signs? How?
Wes lowers his hand to reveal the bottom half of the page. Gunn looks at
the single word in large letters.
Gunn: Faith?
Cut to Hotel hallway. Lorne is resting his head against the door when a
hand reaches up to his shoulder. He jumps in surprise and spins to see
Cordelia standing in front of him in obvious pain.
Cordy: Oh God, it's true isn't it? I'm too late.
Before Lorne can answer, the door swings open and off the frame. Angel
drops the shattered lumber as Cordy rushes into his arms.
Cordy: Oh Angel I'm so sorry! Please tell me it's not true. Please don't
let it be true. (Her words are muffled against Angel's shoulder as he pulls
her tighter and tighter against him until her voice is cut off completely)
Angel: Cordy, I've been waiting. (lifts his head a bit to look at Lorne
standing in the hall) I knew they would bring you...(he stops talking
suddenly and releases Cordelia awkwardly still staring into the hall)
Cordy: Angel? (turns to see what he's looking at-Groo is standing next to
Lorne) Oh yeah, I brought back up. Figured all the warriors we could muster
right? She tries to smile but sees the expression on Angel's face and it
falters. Lorne shuffles his feet nervously at having to witness the moment.
Groo: I'm here to help Angel. Cut to nameless place Sajhan is pacing in a
darkened underground lair.
Sajhan: It wasn't supposed to happen like this. Voice: So the child did not
die. He is gone from this world is he not?
Sajhan: Yes, but he was able to escape his fate again. A prophecy must be
fulfilled. Voice: And it was. That it was not your plan is not the issue.
The boy was devoured. The earth shook, the fire came, et cetera et cetera.
Prophecies are left open to interpretation for that very reason. Sajhan:
And what of my fate? If the words of prophecy did not prove literal, then
how do I know I achieved my own destiny? Like I said, it wasn't supposed to
happen like this. The man who translated, he didn't get it right. He missed
something.
Voice: Humans always do. They're flawed. Surely you remember that.
Sajhan: Don't.
Voice: Don't forget who you are working for Lower Being.
Sajhan: (smirks) Never. How can I forget? I have heard nothing else for
centuries. Just another pawn for the Powers That Be. Have they not tired of
this game yet?
Voice: If only it were such a simple premise. All this would be
unnecessary. Sajhan: I've done everything they've asked.
Voice: And you question your own end?
Sajhan: I gave up on that long ago.
Voice: You mustn't do that. All is happening in it's preordained time.
Patience is...
Sajhan: Don't speak of patience to me! The word lost its meaning some time
ago.
Voice: What a shame. I wonder if she feels the same.
Sajhan trembles at the words and yells out in a primal call that echoes
throughout the lair.
