Disclaimer: I do not in anyway shape or form own Angel, Buffy or any other
works by Joss Whedon. I am a poor student trying to get by in the world; I
can't deal with a lawsuit. The character Holly Marston is solely my
possession, and anyone who uses this character without my EXPLICIT
permission will be dealt with harshly.
This is an AU version of Angel: Season 5 and will eventually include the present plotlines in the whole Illyria debacle. This features Spike and will include Cordelia (No, she will not be killed in this. Stupid Joss) and Connor. Allrighty then, on to the fic!!
Angel Episode 5.01 "Serpent Covis" Writer: ShadowWren
ANGEL (V.O):
Previously on Angel and Buffy
Season 2- Disharmony
CORDELIA:
Imagine what could have happened if you'd gone nuts, and slept with Darla!
Season 2- Reprise
ANGEL throws DARLA out of the window.
ANGEL and DARLA ripping each others clothes off, grinding against each other, moaning.
Season 2-Disharmony
ANGEL: You know I would never do that
Season 3-Offspring
ANGEL spins around and sees DARLA, heavily pregnant standing on the top landing leading to the lobby from outside.
DARLA:
Hello, lover.
Season 3- Dad
DARLA:
This child, it's the one good thing we ever did together. You be sure to tell him that.
DARLA stakes herself, exploding into a cloud of dust leaving behind a crying, living human baby boy.
Season 3- Sleep Tight
JUSTINE pulls out a knife and slices it across WESLEY'S neck. WESLEY falls to the ground holding his throat as Justine pulls CONNOR out of his grasp.
Season 3- The Price
FRED:
The Destroyer! I remember... the Destroyer's coming...
A dimensional tear opens and a huge, slimy horned beast comes through. GROO pulls CORDELIA back, and raises his axe. Everyone instinctively falls back.
Something else emerges from the tear, somersaulting once, twice- -at which a glistening blade swipes at the demon's head cleaving it from his body- - and a third time, and lands on his feet as the demon falls dead out of frame.
Camera pans up to see- a teenage boy roughly age 16, adorned with jewelry made from the teeth, bones and other trophies of the various demons that have fallen at his hand. The boy raises his weapon and aims it directly at ANGEL'S heart.
CONNOR:
Hi dad.
Season 3- Tomorrow
SKIP:
You're a great warrior Cordelia. The battle that we're all apart of is fought on many different planes and dimensions. You've outgrown this one. You've become, a Higher Being.
CORDELIA rises up in a cone of light, sparkles around her.
Season 4- Home
LILAH:
What we're offering you is a turn-key, state of the art, multitasking operation. What you do with it...well that's up to you
Season 4-Home
ANGEL:
I really do love you.
CONNOR :
So what are you going to do about it?
Raises the knife for a killing blow.
ANGEL:
Prove it.
The knife descends.
Season 4- Home
LILAH:
I'm sorry Angel, but that wasn't part of the deal.
ANGEL:
Value of compromise. Remember, Lilah? I need to see him.
FRED:
Who's Connor?
SPIKE (V.O):
And on Buffy...
Season 7- Chosen
BUFFY:
I love you.
SPIKE looks at BUFFY, a flood of emotions covering him. He smiles at her ironically.
SPIKE:
No you don't. But thanks for saying it.
Hellmouth collapses. Buffy and the gang look out at the aftermath of the battle.
GILES:
I don't understand. What did this?
BUFFY:
Spike
Season 7- Chosen
WILLOW:
We changed the world. I can feel them Buffy. All over. Slayers are awakening everywhere.
DAWN:
We'll have to find them.
WILLOW:
We will.
DAWN:
Yeah, Buffy. What are we going to do now?
Pans over to Buffy smiling, looking afar off.
TEASER:
SCENE- INT. WOLFRAM & HART, ANGEL'S OFFICE, EVENING
Shot of the L.A. skyline. Slowly pans down towards the glowing lights and tall buildings of the city. Pans over to a tall tower with the name WOLFRAM & HART on the front. Pans over into the interior of the building. We see people, lawyers, and various demons milling around the lobby of the building. Pans up to an office with a plague reading: ANGEL, CEO. Camera pans into the office and we see ANGEL talking urgently on the phone.
ANGEL:
Well what do you mean you can't fix surveillance? My god, have you forgotten this is an apocalypse they're facing ? Can't you, I don't know... Get one of your men to replace the damn camera ?
Listens to whoever's on the phone. Cam focuses on his face which has a dark expression. As he continues to listen to the other person, ANGEL'S face grows even more furious.
ANGEL:
The main cam is broken? Then fix it you moron! If she dies, I swear your head will be on a platter waiting for the Senior Partners!
Slams the phone back on the hook. Turns around swiftly to his desk and pulls out a folder. Camera focuses on the folder which has the name BUFFY on it. Pans over to ANGEL who wears a worried expression on his face.
ANGEL (Softly):
They have to be alright. They have to be. I can't lose anyone else.
He turns his face to the left, and camera follows his face over to a picture of CORDELIA. Silently he begins to brood, holding the folder in his right hand. A knock on the door startles him, and he drops the folder.
Camera pans over to front door where GUNN steps in looking worried.
GUNN:
Angel...
ANGEL looks at GUNN wordlessly for a moment, then gets up from his desk and walks over towards the African American man.
ANGEL:
What's up ?
GUNN stares back looking apprehensive. He clears his throat and holds up a thin manila folder.
GUNN:
This just came back from Intel. I hate to say this man, but...
Pans over to Angel looking annoyed.
ANGEL:
Spit it out already, would ya ?
GUNN hands the folder to ANGEL
GUNN:
Intel report says that exactly two hours ago, the town of Sunnydale just collapsed. It's decimated man. Local reports say that an earthquake triggered the collapse. Intel says that an immense concentration of magic caused it. Talked to the psychics and they sense death. A lot of death. That and some gibberish about a shift in the balance.
Cut to ANGEL looking devastated.
ANGEL:
What about Buffy and the others?
GUNN:
Nothing.
ANGEL'S expression looks grave. Silently he brushes past GUNN and heads to the door. As he opens it, he turns around and looks at GUNN.
ANGEL:
Did you tell the others ?
Cut to GUNN:
GUNN:
No. I figured you could break the news to Wesley and Fred.
Pans over to ANGEL'S face
ANGEL:
Yeah.
He turns and walks out the door. GUNN looks on helplessly, and the camera pans over to-
WOLFRAM & HART, WESLEY'S OFFICE:
Cam pans down to Wesley, wearing a serious expression, hands clasped on his desk. Camera pans over too- HOLLY MARSTON, a twenty-five year old, Caucasian woman about 5'6'', wearing a brown, sleeveless top and brown silk pants with long dark brown hair. HOLLY looks at WESLEY expectantly.
HOLLY:
Anything else you want to know Mr. Pryce ?
WESLEY:
Just one more thing.
Pans over to a drawer from which he produces a glowing , quartz orb. When HOLLY sees it, her eyes widen.
HOLLY:
Is that what I think it is...
WESLEY smirks.
WESLEY:
When you walked in for your interview, I noticed that this Pentoura Orb began glowing rather brightly, far more than usual. It only does so when a powerful magical avatar enters within it's immediate proximity. Let's cut the child's play shall we ? I know your strong magically, and I want to know what you are. Now.
HOLLY looks amused while she listens to WESLEY speak. When he finishes, she leans back into her chair and holds up her palm. Golden sparkles spring into existence and gather around her hand.
Cut to WESLEY looking intrigued
Cuts back to HOLLY who extinguishes the light show with a flick of a wrist.
HOLLY:
I think you should know by now what I am.
WESLEY:
A witch ?
HOLLY:
Not just any kind of witch. I'm a warrior of sorts, who wields the innate magick held within to aid in battle. Part of the Order of the Phoenix. You heard of it ?
WESLEY looks on impressed.
WESLEY:
I've heard rumors. It's said to be an order of witches who actively battle the forces of evil. Celtic in origin. You worship the goddess Morrigan right?
HOLLY smiles.
HOLLY:
Not really. We honor her more than anything. She's our patron goddess of destruction and we invoke her in our rites to help us rid the world of the darkness.
WESLEY:
Demons ?
HOLLY:
Any participant who willingly serve the forces of evil.
WESLEY:
Is that why you're here ? To destroy us?
HOLLY looks confused.
HOLLY:
Are you evil ?
WESLEY:
No.
HOLLY:
Then I don't have a problem.
Cut to WESLEY looking thoughtful. He clears his throat and pushes a paper at HOLLY who picks it up.
HOLLY:
What's this?
WESLEY:
Well, you wanted to have this job, didn't you ?
HOLLY:
Of course.
WESLEY:
Then sign the paper and it's yours.
Camera pans to HOLLY'S face looking suspicious.
HOLLY:
What's the catch ?
WESLEY:
Only that you agree to a reading with Lorne. He has empathy.
HOLLY:
Oh. Okay.
WESLEY:
Alright then. Let's get you to...
His voice trails off. Camera trails over to the door where we see ANGEL, GUNN, and FRED standing there, looking upset. He gets up and walks up to the side of his desk and sits down.
WESLEY:
What's the matter?
ANGEL:
We need to talk. In private.
ANGEL nods his head towards HOLLY who raises her eyebrows and stands up. Before she can leave however, WESLEY takes her hand, and halts her. She turns around looks quizzically at WESLEY. His actions do not go unnoticed by the gang, especially FRED.
WESLEY:
There's no need to send her away. She's one of us, a warrior of light. The pentoura orb confirmed it.
Pans over to ANGEL who looks at HOLLY suspiciously.
ANGEL:
Fine. Gunn got the report from Intel. Seems Sunnydale was destroyed by an unusual concentration of mystical energy.
Pans to WESLEY who looks shocked, and a little dismayed.
WESLEY:
What about, about Buffy? And Willow, and Dawn. What about Faith ?
Cuts to FRED who walks over to him and places her hand on his shoulder as a sign of sympathy.
FRED:
We don't know. Surveillance lost the main camera, and can't get a visual on the Sunnydale situation so we can find out what exactly happened. Lorne has his contacts searching for them, and we have the psychics on it, but we won't get anything until later.
LORNE (V.O):
Which may be too late.
Camera pans up to see Lorne wearing a bright yellow suit and checkered shoes entering WESLEY'S office. Switches to HOLLY who studies LORNE quietly. LORNE looks at HOLLY and smiles.
LORNE:
Well aren't you a golden ball of sunshine? What's your name cupcake?
HOLLY:
It's Holly. I assume your Lorne? Lorne the empath?
LORNE:
One and the same sweetie. Do you want a reading done?
Cut to HOLLY shaking her head playfully
HOLLY:
Not right now. It seems that whatever your dealing with here is important.
Cuts to FRED who looks curious.
FRED:
Do you know what's been going on here?
Cut to HOLLY shaking her head, serious now.
HOLLY:
No, not really. I wasn't even aware that there was an apocalypse going on right now. Who's the baddie?
ANGEL studies HOLLY carefully.
ANGEL:
The First. The first evil to ever exist. It is, well it was was trying to open the hellmouth in Sunnydale, CA. You ever heard of it ?
HOLLY:
The first? I've heard rumors along the East Coast, but I thought it was just that. A rumor to scare witches at night when they think of doing naughty things. As for Sunnydale? I've been there about 10 years ago. I was around 15,16 then.
The gang looks thoughtfully at her. Angel frowns momentarily then relaxes.
ANGEL:
Well, the First isn't a rumor. It's real, very real. I just hope Buffy and the others managed to- -
BUFFY(V.O):
Kick it's ass? Oh, we did that all right.
ANGEL and the others pause, then turn and run out to the Lobby where they find...
SCENE: INT. LOBBY:
...Buffy standing there looking worse for wear. Camera view shifts to include view of XANDER, FAITH, DAWN, ANDREW, GILES, ROBIN, WILLOW and about twenty something girls looking frightfully at the various creatures mulling around.
BUFFY:
What? No hug?
TEASER ENDS
Credits roll
ACT I
SCENE: INT. LOBBY, NIGHT
ANGEL and the gang watch shocked as BUFFY and the scoobies stand there, waiting for a reaction. The silence is broken when FRED runs to WILLOW and hugs her, much to KENNEDY'S displeasure. GUNN goes to help FAITH support ROBIN, and WESLEY, and HOLLY run towards the girls when one of them collapses. ANGEL stands frozen for a minute just watching his ex-girlfriend stand there, patiently waiting for a reaction. He then looks through the crowd looking for his Childe, his heart beating in terror when he doesn't find him.
ANGEL (Slowly):
Where is Spike?
BUFFY stiffens in pain, and ANGEL grabs her and holds her close as she starts sobbing, uncaring if the entire firm could see him comforting the Slayer. FRED lets go of WILLOW and starts directing the girls to Medical, to get checked up on. HOLLY looks on helplessly, a girl in her arms as she watches the scene. Lifting the girl into her arms fully, HOLLY goes towards XANDER and GILES and leads them to Medical. As she goes back, she runs into WESLEY and LORNE who are directing DAWN into a chair. As they go back, she sits down next to DAWN.
HOLLY:
Sweetheart, are you alright? Do you need anything? An icepack? Food? Water?
Camera pans down to see her brushing DAWN'S hair with her hand. Cuts over to DAWN who silently begins to cry as HOLLY holds her. Cut to WILLOW watching silently as HOLLY gives DAWN the comfort she just couldn't give, ignoring KENNEDY as she tries to gain her attention. She silently turns and walks off to the infirmry leaving KENNEDY to fume.
SCENE: INT. WOLFRAM & HART, ANGEL'S OFFICE, LATE MORNING
ANGEL,BUFFY,FAITH,GILES, and XANDER are in the office sitting around. All four of them are silent, reliving the events that led to this moment. The camera pans over to the door which opens revealing WESLEY, FRED, and GUNN. FRED moves over to the leather couch where BUFFY is sitting, silently offering herself as a support system which BUFFY takes gratefully. WESLEY and GUNN stand near ANGEL.
GUNN:
Uh, I don't want to be the harbringer of pain and all, but I think it's time to you know get the facts of what went down in the hellmouth.
ANGEL:
Gunn this has to wait until later. Can't you see how much pain their in right now? They need time to rest, get themselves together, and they can't do that with you breathing down their necks, looking for facts!
GUNN grows irritated. Pans down to his clenched and shaking fist.
GUNN:
Look Angel, as much as I feel for their situation, we have to get the facts. For all we know, the First is getting ready for round two and we can't take it on, not after what happened.
GILES:
Angel, I appreciate your concern with our will being, but Mr. Gunn is right. The First could make a second appearance, and it might strike here next. You need the facts.
WESLEY:
What exactly happened?
FAITH hops off ANGEL'S desk and sits down next to FRED and BUFFY
FAITH:
Pretty much what you already know. B here came up with the idea to make every potential a real slayer, we went to the hellmouth, got our asses kicked by the Turok-Han, Spike saved us, Willow empowered us, and we got the hell outta dodge. B went all Matrixy on us, got on the bus before the hellmouth collapsed, and here we are.
ANGEL and GUNN look at BUFFY who watches them with red, steely eyes.
WESLEY:
How did Spike do it?
ANGEL looks down in shame
ANGEL:
Me.
GUNN:
What?
WESLEY (Shocked):
How?
ANGEL (cont.):
I went down to Sunnydale to help Buffy fight the big bad. Got knocked on my ass by this punk priest who worked for the First. Buffy slayed him, and I gave her the amulet.
WESLEY:
What amulet?
ANGEL:
The one Lilah gave me with the file in the lobby.
WESLEY tips his head back and pinches his nose in fustration. GUNN bows his head.
ANGEL:
I was meant to wear it but...Buffy chose the better man.
Silence surrounds the room. GILES gets up and begins polishing his glasses.
GILES:
Regardless of how Spike did it, he died a hero and saved us all. If it wasn't for his sacrifice, I don't think anyone of us would of made it out there alive.
XANDER (Thoughtfully):
Giles' is right.
BUFFY opens her mouth to say something, but then the door opens, and WILLOW and HOLLY walk in.
WILLOW:
Guys, we just got a big problem. A really big problem.
Pans on to BUFFY'S face looking apprehensive.
Fades to Black
Act II
SCENE: INT. LOMA BANK, LOBBY, AFTERNOON
Outside of the bank, myriads of police cars are parked near it with hundreds of police officers running to and fro, shouting orders at each other, cocking their guns against the bank. Pans into the bank. Four Edethroi demons, each being serpentine in nature with opaque eyes and yellowish-brownish complexion prowl around the bank lobby. About 34 people are huddled together in a small corner, one little boy crying as his mother tries to hush him. Camera cuts to the lead demon who has in is grip a male teenager. Cuts to the teen's face. It's Connor.
DEMON 1:
Speak up boy! Don't try to play stupid with me. I know what you are, you stink of the light. Tell me where the Carbodanian sickle is. I sense it's presence.
CONNOR (weakly):
I don't know what your talking about, I swear. I don't even know what a Carbodian sickle is. I swear on my life, just don't hurt the others.
The DEMON, enraged throws CONNOR into a nearby cubicle. He shatters it upon entry, and a woman screams in terror.
DEMON 2:
Shut up woman! Shut up or I'll tear your tongue out, and feed it to the gods.
ANGEL (V.O.):
That wouldn't be a nice treat for the gods then would it?
The DEMONS turn around and see ANGEL standing 10 feet away from them. ANGEL smirks, and the second DEMON realizes who this is.
DEMON 2 (whispering):
Angelus...
ANGEL (cont.):
When will you figure out that you can't get what you want, if your choking people to death! You need finesse, a little torture maybe?
DEMON 1:
This is no concern of yours vampire. Desist from your interfering or my fist ripping out your heart will the last thing you ever see!
ANGEL frowns and moves closer to the DEMONS. Cut to CONNOR as he slowly comes to conciousness. He blinks as his vision clears, then begins to stand up, wincing as he's pricked by glass and jostles sore muscles. Pans over to ANGEL'S right hand which is behind his back concealing a stake.
ANGEL:
Awww, are you trying to arouse me? Now, now none of that...
In a flash, the stake is thrown at DEMON 1 and hits it straight in the eye. It screams in pain and collapses, spurting purple blood. Cuts over to CONNOR releasing the prisoners and directing them to the doors.
ANGEL (cont.):
Really need to work on your death threats.
Pans over to the remaining DEMONS rushing at ANGEL, trying to overtake him. ANGEL rushes towards them, feints, does a back somersault and landing on his feet, grabs DEMON 4 and throws him into the remains of the first DEMON. He's punched in the gut, but grabs DEMON 2 's fist as it aims for his head. ANGEL twists, and flips the DEMON on his back. DEMON 3 grabs ANGEL and throws him into the wall. ANGEL gets up in time to see CONNOR throw a small pen knife at DEMON 3. It hits DEMON 3 in its neck, causing it to screech in rage until ANGEL throws a mini axe and kills it. DEMON 2 gets up and throws a punch at CONNOR which the boy ducks, then is punched in the gut, and tripped over. ANGEL picks up the fallen mini axe and chops off DEMON 2's head. ANGEL drops the axe and bends over, catching his weight while watching CONNOR carefully. CONNOR'S eyes glaze over for a minute then refocuses as CONNOR turns towards ANGEL.
CONNOR:
What were those things?
ANGEL looks longingly at CONNOR.
ANGEL:
Things you can't, shouldn't have to worry about.
CONNOR:
You seem familiar.
ANGEL (surprised):
I do?
CONNOR:
Yeah.
ANGEL (awkwardly):
You should leave before the police go in and find you.
CONNOR:
What about you?
ANGEL:
I'll be alright.
CONNOR nods slowly and turns away. As he reaches the emergency doors, he turns around and looks at his mysterious protector.
CONNOR:
Thanks.
ANGEL smiles as CONNOR leaves. He ignores the shout of officers as he watches the spot where his son once stood.
ANGEL:
Goodbye...son.
ANGEL leaves. Camera pans through the bank over to the L.A. skyline.
Fade To Black
SCENE: INT. WOLFRAM & HART, LOBBY, NIGHT
ANGEL, FRED, GUNN, and WESLEY accompany the SOOBIES to the lobby. Everyone is packed and ready to leave. ANGEL turns to face BUFFY.
ANGEL:
So...
BUFFY:
So...
The two smile at each other awkwardly, BUFFY goes to ANGEL and gives him a hug. ANGEL kisses the top of her forehead.
ANGEL:
Going to England, huh?
BUFFY:
Yeah. Giles wants to restart the Council, and start training the new Slayers.
ANGEL:
Wish you could of stayed.
BUFFY smiles sadly.
BUFFY:
You know I can't
ANGEL:
I know.
BUFFY:
It's just, its too hard to be here and know that Spike died just a couple hours away. I, I can't.
ANGEL:
I know...I miss him too.
WILLOW separates from the group and heads over to ANGEL. BUFFY waves at him and moves out the way.
WILLOW:
Hey Angel.
ANGEL:
Hey.
WILLOW:
I just wanted to give you this...
WILLOW produces the amulet to ANGEL who takes it with a quizzical expression.
WILLOW:
I know you probably don't want it, but I can't give it to Buffy. Besides that, you are the only one with the resources to investigate this thing. See if it still has some power. Could you do that? For me? For Spike?
ANGEL looks at WILLOW for a long moment, then hugs her.
ANGEL:
Ok.
WILLOW:
Bye.
ANGEL:
See you around.
WILLOW:
See you.
WILLOW heads for the exit then turns around.
WILLOW:
Cordelia and Connor will be okay.
Camera pans to ANGEL'S face which has a shocked expression
ANGEL:
How?
WILLOW smirks
WILLOW:
I'm the most powerful witch on the planet. Did you think a spell like that could effect me?
WILLOW smiles again and exits.
The camera pans outside of WOLFRAM & HART, then slowly fades to black.
END
This is an AU version of Angel: Season 5 and will eventually include the present plotlines in the whole Illyria debacle. This features Spike and will include Cordelia (No, she will not be killed in this. Stupid Joss) and Connor. Allrighty then, on to the fic!!
Angel Episode 5.01 "Serpent Covis" Writer: ShadowWren
ANGEL (V.O):
Previously on Angel and Buffy
Season 2- Disharmony
CORDELIA:
Imagine what could have happened if you'd gone nuts, and slept with Darla!
Season 2- Reprise
ANGEL throws DARLA out of the window.
ANGEL and DARLA ripping each others clothes off, grinding against each other, moaning.
Season 2-Disharmony
ANGEL: You know I would never do that
Season 3-Offspring
ANGEL spins around and sees DARLA, heavily pregnant standing on the top landing leading to the lobby from outside.
DARLA:
Hello, lover.
Season 3- Dad
DARLA:
This child, it's the one good thing we ever did together. You be sure to tell him that.
DARLA stakes herself, exploding into a cloud of dust leaving behind a crying, living human baby boy.
Season 3- Sleep Tight
JUSTINE pulls out a knife and slices it across WESLEY'S neck. WESLEY falls to the ground holding his throat as Justine pulls CONNOR out of his grasp.
Season 3- The Price
FRED:
The Destroyer! I remember... the Destroyer's coming...
A dimensional tear opens and a huge, slimy horned beast comes through. GROO pulls CORDELIA back, and raises his axe. Everyone instinctively falls back.
Something else emerges from the tear, somersaulting once, twice- -at which a glistening blade swipes at the demon's head cleaving it from his body- - and a third time, and lands on his feet as the demon falls dead out of frame.
Camera pans up to see- a teenage boy roughly age 16, adorned with jewelry made from the teeth, bones and other trophies of the various demons that have fallen at his hand. The boy raises his weapon and aims it directly at ANGEL'S heart.
CONNOR:
Hi dad.
Season 3- Tomorrow
SKIP:
You're a great warrior Cordelia. The battle that we're all apart of is fought on many different planes and dimensions. You've outgrown this one. You've become, a Higher Being.
CORDELIA rises up in a cone of light, sparkles around her.
Season 4- Home
LILAH:
What we're offering you is a turn-key, state of the art, multitasking operation. What you do with it...well that's up to you
Season 4-Home
ANGEL:
I really do love you.
CONNOR :
So what are you going to do about it?
Raises the knife for a killing blow.
ANGEL:
Prove it.
The knife descends.
Season 4- Home
LILAH:
I'm sorry Angel, but that wasn't part of the deal.
ANGEL:
Value of compromise. Remember, Lilah? I need to see him.
FRED:
Who's Connor?
SPIKE (V.O):
And on Buffy...
Season 7- Chosen
BUFFY:
I love you.
SPIKE looks at BUFFY, a flood of emotions covering him. He smiles at her ironically.
SPIKE:
No you don't. But thanks for saying it.
Hellmouth collapses. Buffy and the gang look out at the aftermath of the battle.
GILES:
I don't understand. What did this?
BUFFY:
Spike
Season 7- Chosen
WILLOW:
We changed the world. I can feel them Buffy. All over. Slayers are awakening everywhere.
DAWN:
We'll have to find them.
WILLOW:
We will.
DAWN:
Yeah, Buffy. What are we going to do now?
Pans over to Buffy smiling, looking afar off.
TEASER:
SCENE- INT. WOLFRAM & HART, ANGEL'S OFFICE, EVENING
Shot of the L.A. skyline. Slowly pans down towards the glowing lights and tall buildings of the city. Pans over to a tall tower with the name WOLFRAM & HART on the front. Pans over into the interior of the building. We see people, lawyers, and various demons milling around the lobby of the building. Pans up to an office with a plague reading: ANGEL, CEO. Camera pans into the office and we see ANGEL talking urgently on the phone.
ANGEL:
Well what do you mean you can't fix surveillance? My god, have you forgotten this is an apocalypse they're facing ? Can't you, I don't know... Get one of your men to replace the damn camera ?
Listens to whoever's on the phone. Cam focuses on his face which has a dark expression. As he continues to listen to the other person, ANGEL'S face grows even more furious.
ANGEL:
The main cam is broken? Then fix it you moron! If she dies, I swear your head will be on a platter waiting for the Senior Partners!
Slams the phone back on the hook. Turns around swiftly to his desk and pulls out a folder. Camera focuses on the folder which has the name BUFFY on it. Pans over to ANGEL who wears a worried expression on his face.
ANGEL (Softly):
They have to be alright. They have to be. I can't lose anyone else.
He turns his face to the left, and camera follows his face over to a picture of CORDELIA. Silently he begins to brood, holding the folder in his right hand. A knock on the door startles him, and he drops the folder.
Camera pans over to front door where GUNN steps in looking worried.
GUNN:
Angel...
ANGEL looks at GUNN wordlessly for a moment, then gets up from his desk and walks over towards the African American man.
ANGEL:
What's up ?
GUNN stares back looking apprehensive. He clears his throat and holds up a thin manila folder.
GUNN:
This just came back from Intel. I hate to say this man, but...
Pans over to Angel looking annoyed.
ANGEL:
Spit it out already, would ya ?
GUNN hands the folder to ANGEL
GUNN:
Intel report says that exactly two hours ago, the town of Sunnydale just collapsed. It's decimated man. Local reports say that an earthquake triggered the collapse. Intel says that an immense concentration of magic caused it. Talked to the psychics and they sense death. A lot of death. That and some gibberish about a shift in the balance.
Cut to ANGEL looking devastated.
ANGEL:
What about Buffy and the others?
GUNN:
Nothing.
ANGEL'S expression looks grave. Silently he brushes past GUNN and heads to the door. As he opens it, he turns around and looks at GUNN.
ANGEL:
Did you tell the others ?
Cut to GUNN:
GUNN:
No. I figured you could break the news to Wesley and Fred.
Pans over to ANGEL'S face
ANGEL:
Yeah.
He turns and walks out the door. GUNN looks on helplessly, and the camera pans over to-
WOLFRAM & HART, WESLEY'S OFFICE:
Cam pans down to Wesley, wearing a serious expression, hands clasped on his desk. Camera pans over too- HOLLY MARSTON, a twenty-five year old, Caucasian woman about 5'6'', wearing a brown, sleeveless top and brown silk pants with long dark brown hair. HOLLY looks at WESLEY expectantly.
HOLLY:
Anything else you want to know Mr. Pryce ?
WESLEY:
Just one more thing.
Pans over to a drawer from which he produces a glowing , quartz orb. When HOLLY sees it, her eyes widen.
HOLLY:
Is that what I think it is...
WESLEY smirks.
WESLEY:
When you walked in for your interview, I noticed that this Pentoura Orb began glowing rather brightly, far more than usual. It only does so when a powerful magical avatar enters within it's immediate proximity. Let's cut the child's play shall we ? I know your strong magically, and I want to know what you are. Now.
HOLLY looks amused while she listens to WESLEY speak. When he finishes, she leans back into her chair and holds up her palm. Golden sparkles spring into existence and gather around her hand.
Cut to WESLEY looking intrigued
Cuts back to HOLLY who extinguishes the light show with a flick of a wrist.
HOLLY:
I think you should know by now what I am.
WESLEY:
A witch ?
HOLLY:
Not just any kind of witch. I'm a warrior of sorts, who wields the innate magick held within to aid in battle. Part of the Order of the Phoenix. You heard of it ?
WESLEY looks on impressed.
WESLEY:
I've heard rumors. It's said to be an order of witches who actively battle the forces of evil. Celtic in origin. You worship the goddess Morrigan right?
HOLLY smiles.
HOLLY:
Not really. We honor her more than anything. She's our patron goddess of destruction and we invoke her in our rites to help us rid the world of the darkness.
WESLEY:
Demons ?
HOLLY:
Any participant who willingly serve the forces of evil.
WESLEY:
Is that why you're here ? To destroy us?
HOLLY looks confused.
HOLLY:
Are you evil ?
WESLEY:
No.
HOLLY:
Then I don't have a problem.
Cut to WESLEY looking thoughtful. He clears his throat and pushes a paper at HOLLY who picks it up.
HOLLY:
What's this?
WESLEY:
Well, you wanted to have this job, didn't you ?
HOLLY:
Of course.
WESLEY:
Then sign the paper and it's yours.
Camera pans to HOLLY'S face looking suspicious.
HOLLY:
What's the catch ?
WESLEY:
Only that you agree to a reading with Lorne. He has empathy.
HOLLY:
Oh. Okay.
WESLEY:
Alright then. Let's get you to...
His voice trails off. Camera trails over to the door where we see ANGEL, GUNN, and FRED standing there, looking upset. He gets up and walks up to the side of his desk and sits down.
WESLEY:
What's the matter?
ANGEL:
We need to talk. In private.
ANGEL nods his head towards HOLLY who raises her eyebrows and stands up. Before she can leave however, WESLEY takes her hand, and halts her. She turns around looks quizzically at WESLEY. His actions do not go unnoticed by the gang, especially FRED.
WESLEY:
There's no need to send her away. She's one of us, a warrior of light. The pentoura orb confirmed it.
Pans over to ANGEL who looks at HOLLY suspiciously.
ANGEL:
Fine. Gunn got the report from Intel. Seems Sunnydale was destroyed by an unusual concentration of mystical energy.
Pans to WESLEY who looks shocked, and a little dismayed.
WESLEY:
What about, about Buffy? And Willow, and Dawn. What about Faith ?
Cuts to FRED who walks over to him and places her hand on his shoulder as a sign of sympathy.
FRED:
We don't know. Surveillance lost the main camera, and can't get a visual on the Sunnydale situation so we can find out what exactly happened. Lorne has his contacts searching for them, and we have the psychics on it, but we won't get anything until later.
LORNE (V.O):
Which may be too late.
Camera pans up to see Lorne wearing a bright yellow suit and checkered shoes entering WESLEY'S office. Switches to HOLLY who studies LORNE quietly. LORNE looks at HOLLY and smiles.
LORNE:
Well aren't you a golden ball of sunshine? What's your name cupcake?
HOLLY:
It's Holly. I assume your Lorne? Lorne the empath?
LORNE:
One and the same sweetie. Do you want a reading done?
Cut to HOLLY shaking her head playfully
HOLLY:
Not right now. It seems that whatever your dealing with here is important.
Cuts to FRED who looks curious.
FRED:
Do you know what's been going on here?
Cut to HOLLY shaking her head, serious now.
HOLLY:
No, not really. I wasn't even aware that there was an apocalypse going on right now. Who's the baddie?
ANGEL studies HOLLY carefully.
ANGEL:
The First. The first evil to ever exist. It is, well it was was trying to open the hellmouth in Sunnydale, CA. You ever heard of it ?
HOLLY:
The first? I've heard rumors along the East Coast, but I thought it was just that. A rumor to scare witches at night when they think of doing naughty things. As for Sunnydale? I've been there about 10 years ago. I was around 15,16 then.
The gang looks thoughtfully at her. Angel frowns momentarily then relaxes.
ANGEL:
Well, the First isn't a rumor. It's real, very real. I just hope Buffy and the others managed to- -
BUFFY(V.O):
Kick it's ass? Oh, we did that all right.
ANGEL and the others pause, then turn and run out to the Lobby where they find...
SCENE: INT. LOBBY:
...Buffy standing there looking worse for wear. Camera view shifts to include view of XANDER, FAITH, DAWN, ANDREW, GILES, ROBIN, WILLOW and about twenty something girls looking frightfully at the various creatures mulling around.
BUFFY:
What? No hug?
TEASER ENDS
Credits roll
ACT I
SCENE: INT. LOBBY, NIGHT
ANGEL and the gang watch shocked as BUFFY and the scoobies stand there, waiting for a reaction. The silence is broken when FRED runs to WILLOW and hugs her, much to KENNEDY'S displeasure. GUNN goes to help FAITH support ROBIN, and WESLEY, and HOLLY run towards the girls when one of them collapses. ANGEL stands frozen for a minute just watching his ex-girlfriend stand there, patiently waiting for a reaction. He then looks through the crowd looking for his Childe, his heart beating in terror when he doesn't find him.
ANGEL (Slowly):
Where is Spike?
BUFFY stiffens in pain, and ANGEL grabs her and holds her close as she starts sobbing, uncaring if the entire firm could see him comforting the Slayer. FRED lets go of WILLOW and starts directing the girls to Medical, to get checked up on. HOLLY looks on helplessly, a girl in her arms as she watches the scene. Lifting the girl into her arms fully, HOLLY goes towards XANDER and GILES and leads them to Medical. As she goes back, she runs into WESLEY and LORNE who are directing DAWN into a chair. As they go back, she sits down next to DAWN.
HOLLY:
Sweetheart, are you alright? Do you need anything? An icepack? Food? Water?
Camera pans down to see her brushing DAWN'S hair with her hand. Cuts over to DAWN who silently begins to cry as HOLLY holds her. Cut to WILLOW watching silently as HOLLY gives DAWN the comfort she just couldn't give, ignoring KENNEDY as she tries to gain her attention. She silently turns and walks off to the infirmry leaving KENNEDY to fume.
SCENE: INT. WOLFRAM & HART, ANGEL'S OFFICE, LATE MORNING
ANGEL,BUFFY,FAITH,GILES, and XANDER are in the office sitting around. All four of them are silent, reliving the events that led to this moment. The camera pans over to the door which opens revealing WESLEY, FRED, and GUNN. FRED moves over to the leather couch where BUFFY is sitting, silently offering herself as a support system which BUFFY takes gratefully. WESLEY and GUNN stand near ANGEL.
GUNN:
Uh, I don't want to be the harbringer of pain and all, but I think it's time to you know get the facts of what went down in the hellmouth.
ANGEL:
Gunn this has to wait until later. Can't you see how much pain their in right now? They need time to rest, get themselves together, and they can't do that with you breathing down their necks, looking for facts!
GUNN grows irritated. Pans down to his clenched and shaking fist.
GUNN:
Look Angel, as much as I feel for their situation, we have to get the facts. For all we know, the First is getting ready for round two and we can't take it on, not after what happened.
GILES:
Angel, I appreciate your concern with our will being, but Mr. Gunn is right. The First could make a second appearance, and it might strike here next. You need the facts.
WESLEY:
What exactly happened?
FAITH hops off ANGEL'S desk and sits down next to FRED and BUFFY
FAITH:
Pretty much what you already know. B here came up with the idea to make every potential a real slayer, we went to the hellmouth, got our asses kicked by the Turok-Han, Spike saved us, Willow empowered us, and we got the hell outta dodge. B went all Matrixy on us, got on the bus before the hellmouth collapsed, and here we are.
ANGEL and GUNN look at BUFFY who watches them with red, steely eyes.
WESLEY:
How did Spike do it?
ANGEL looks down in shame
ANGEL:
Me.
GUNN:
What?
WESLEY (Shocked):
How?
ANGEL (cont.):
I went down to Sunnydale to help Buffy fight the big bad. Got knocked on my ass by this punk priest who worked for the First. Buffy slayed him, and I gave her the amulet.
WESLEY:
What amulet?
ANGEL:
The one Lilah gave me with the file in the lobby.
WESLEY tips his head back and pinches his nose in fustration. GUNN bows his head.
ANGEL:
I was meant to wear it but...Buffy chose the better man.
Silence surrounds the room. GILES gets up and begins polishing his glasses.
GILES:
Regardless of how Spike did it, he died a hero and saved us all. If it wasn't for his sacrifice, I don't think anyone of us would of made it out there alive.
XANDER (Thoughtfully):
Giles' is right.
BUFFY opens her mouth to say something, but then the door opens, and WILLOW and HOLLY walk in.
WILLOW:
Guys, we just got a big problem. A really big problem.
Pans on to BUFFY'S face looking apprehensive.
Fades to Black
Act II
SCENE: INT. LOMA BANK, LOBBY, AFTERNOON
Outside of the bank, myriads of police cars are parked near it with hundreds of police officers running to and fro, shouting orders at each other, cocking their guns against the bank. Pans into the bank. Four Edethroi demons, each being serpentine in nature with opaque eyes and yellowish-brownish complexion prowl around the bank lobby. About 34 people are huddled together in a small corner, one little boy crying as his mother tries to hush him. Camera cuts to the lead demon who has in is grip a male teenager. Cuts to the teen's face. It's Connor.
DEMON 1:
Speak up boy! Don't try to play stupid with me. I know what you are, you stink of the light. Tell me where the Carbodanian sickle is. I sense it's presence.
CONNOR (weakly):
I don't know what your talking about, I swear. I don't even know what a Carbodian sickle is. I swear on my life, just don't hurt the others.
The DEMON, enraged throws CONNOR into a nearby cubicle. He shatters it upon entry, and a woman screams in terror.
DEMON 2:
Shut up woman! Shut up or I'll tear your tongue out, and feed it to the gods.
ANGEL (V.O.):
That wouldn't be a nice treat for the gods then would it?
The DEMONS turn around and see ANGEL standing 10 feet away from them. ANGEL smirks, and the second DEMON realizes who this is.
DEMON 2 (whispering):
Angelus...
ANGEL (cont.):
When will you figure out that you can't get what you want, if your choking people to death! You need finesse, a little torture maybe?
DEMON 1:
This is no concern of yours vampire. Desist from your interfering or my fist ripping out your heart will the last thing you ever see!
ANGEL frowns and moves closer to the DEMONS. Cut to CONNOR as he slowly comes to conciousness. He blinks as his vision clears, then begins to stand up, wincing as he's pricked by glass and jostles sore muscles. Pans over to ANGEL'S right hand which is behind his back concealing a stake.
ANGEL:
Awww, are you trying to arouse me? Now, now none of that...
In a flash, the stake is thrown at DEMON 1 and hits it straight in the eye. It screams in pain and collapses, spurting purple blood. Cuts over to CONNOR releasing the prisoners and directing them to the doors.
ANGEL (cont.):
Really need to work on your death threats.
Pans over to the remaining DEMONS rushing at ANGEL, trying to overtake him. ANGEL rushes towards them, feints, does a back somersault and landing on his feet, grabs DEMON 4 and throws him into the remains of the first DEMON. He's punched in the gut, but grabs DEMON 2 's fist as it aims for his head. ANGEL twists, and flips the DEMON on his back. DEMON 3 grabs ANGEL and throws him into the wall. ANGEL gets up in time to see CONNOR throw a small pen knife at DEMON 3. It hits DEMON 3 in its neck, causing it to screech in rage until ANGEL throws a mini axe and kills it. DEMON 2 gets up and throws a punch at CONNOR which the boy ducks, then is punched in the gut, and tripped over. ANGEL picks up the fallen mini axe and chops off DEMON 2's head. ANGEL drops the axe and bends over, catching his weight while watching CONNOR carefully. CONNOR'S eyes glaze over for a minute then refocuses as CONNOR turns towards ANGEL.
CONNOR:
What were those things?
ANGEL looks longingly at CONNOR.
ANGEL:
Things you can't, shouldn't have to worry about.
CONNOR:
You seem familiar.
ANGEL (surprised):
I do?
CONNOR:
Yeah.
ANGEL (awkwardly):
You should leave before the police go in and find you.
CONNOR:
What about you?
ANGEL:
I'll be alright.
CONNOR nods slowly and turns away. As he reaches the emergency doors, he turns around and looks at his mysterious protector.
CONNOR:
Thanks.
ANGEL smiles as CONNOR leaves. He ignores the shout of officers as he watches the spot where his son once stood.
ANGEL:
Goodbye...son.
ANGEL leaves. Camera pans through the bank over to the L.A. skyline.
Fade To Black
SCENE: INT. WOLFRAM & HART, LOBBY, NIGHT
ANGEL, FRED, GUNN, and WESLEY accompany the SOOBIES to the lobby. Everyone is packed and ready to leave. ANGEL turns to face BUFFY.
ANGEL:
So...
BUFFY:
So...
The two smile at each other awkwardly, BUFFY goes to ANGEL and gives him a hug. ANGEL kisses the top of her forehead.
ANGEL:
Going to England, huh?
BUFFY:
Yeah. Giles wants to restart the Council, and start training the new Slayers.
ANGEL:
Wish you could of stayed.
BUFFY smiles sadly.
BUFFY:
You know I can't
ANGEL:
I know.
BUFFY:
It's just, its too hard to be here and know that Spike died just a couple hours away. I, I can't.
ANGEL:
I know...I miss him too.
WILLOW separates from the group and heads over to ANGEL. BUFFY waves at him and moves out the way.
WILLOW:
Hey Angel.
ANGEL:
Hey.
WILLOW:
I just wanted to give you this...
WILLOW produces the amulet to ANGEL who takes it with a quizzical expression.
WILLOW:
I know you probably don't want it, but I can't give it to Buffy. Besides that, you are the only one with the resources to investigate this thing. See if it still has some power. Could you do that? For me? For Spike?
ANGEL looks at WILLOW for a long moment, then hugs her.
ANGEL:
Ok.
WILLOW:
Bye.
ANGEL:
See you around.
WILLOW:
See you.
WILLOW heads for the exit then turns around.
WILLOW:
Cordelia and Connor will be okay.
Camera pans to ANGEL'S face which has a shocked expression
ANGEL:
How?
WILLOW smirks
WILLOW:
I'm the most powerful witch on the planet. Did you think a spell like that could effect me?
WILLOW smiles again and exits.
The camera pans outside of WOLFRAM & HART, then slowly fades to black.
END