Disclaimer: I do not in any way own any of the Angel and Buffy characters.
They all belong to Joss. The only thing I own is Holly Marston, and I'll be
very, very angry if anyone dares to steal her and her character from me.
I'm a very busy boy, and I can't deal with thieves. I really can't deal
with thieves.
This episode is basically a knockoff of the Angel episode "Life of the Party". The only things different will be Holly, no Eve, a Lilah appearance, and a cameo of Oz. He's back. Yay!!! In about five episodes, Lindsey will be back with his normal hand in place and a bunch of mystical power in tow. Will he be a threat to Angel? He will, but not in the way people will expect of him. He will have a large role to play in coming events, including the awakening of Cordelia. Connor will be back in two more episodes, closer to his true past than anyone will ever expect. In about nine or ten episodes, Holly will be facing her own apocalypse of sorts, and her past will be revealed.
Now, on to the fic!
ANGEL Episode 5.03 "Life of the Party" Writer: Shadow Wren
ANGEL (V.O.):
Previously on Angel...
Season 4 – Home
FRED:
Who's Connor?
LILAH:
What you do with it...it's your choice.
Season 5- Serpent Covis
ANGEL:
Goodbye...son
Watches the spot where his son stood.
HOLLY:
Anything else you want to know Mr. Pryce?
WESLEY:
Let's cut the child's play, shall we?
Season 2-Revamp
HOLLY:
In the order, there were legends about an amulet that absorbed the essence of the wearer. It bestowed great magical power on the wielder, but there was a terrible price.
Cut to a cloud of black particles swirling around. As it solidifies, a loud primal scream rends the air.
Pans to Spike as he collapses on the ground, panting and groaning.
ANGEL (shocked):
Spike?
TEASER
SCENE: INT. WOLFRAM & HART, MAIN LAB, EVENING
Camera shows shot of the Wolfram & Hart tower, then pans into the lobby where a mix of demons, and humans are walking around, doing their business. It goes up the stairs to the main lab. Pans over to FRED, who is interviewing a young man with reddish hair. Cuts to FRED reading the man's credentials.
FRED:
Not a bad resume. I see you have a lot of experience with the supernatural, a lot according to these files. Your references are superb; your legal record is, well spotless. Everything seems to be in order, however I do have just this one question.
MAN:
Feel free to ask whatever you want. I have nothing to hide.
FRED:
You repeated your senior year twice?
MAN (quietly):
It was a girl, my ex-girlfriend actually. Um, she was a junior and I wanted to be with her. At the time, I was completely taken with her, still am. It's kind of why I wanted to repeat the senior year, so I could be with her, you know?
FRED (wistfully):
I know what you mean. I just broke up with my boyfriend a few months ago. I miss him a lot, and I still love him. It's hard, but at least we're still friends.
MAN (sadly):
I wish I could have gotten a chance to restart my original friendship with my ex. Anyway, that's why I repeated. It won't affect my chances at getting this job right?
FRED:
Of course not. In fact, I was so impressed by your trial experiments that I think it would only be fair if you got the position. Congratulations Mr. Osborne. Welcome to the Wolfram & Hart lab.
MAN (smiling):
Thank you Miss Burkle.
Camera pans over to reveal the man's face, the face of OZ. He smiles again and shakes FRED'S hand.
OZ (cont.):
I'll do my best to make you proud.
FRED smiles and begins to show him around the different aspects of the lab. The camera slowly pans away from them and cuts to:
SCENE: INT. DESERTED STREET, NIGHT
A deserted street with the only sounds being that of a wailing cat, and the ambulance, as it roars down the street adjacent to it. After the sound of the ambulance dies down, all becomes quiet until a loud crash is heard, and a body clad in black leather is sent hurtling across the street into an abandoned building. As he curses and tries to get up, the camera closes in on his platinum blond hair. He lifts his head up and we see it's SPIKE.
SPIKE (muttering):
Piece of worthless - -
Another crash is heard, and soon another body crashes down next to SPIKE. Cuts to the body, which is revealed to be ANGEL. He curses as well, and moves to his feet clearly pissed off. Pans over to SPIKE who shifts into his game face.
SPIKE (game face):
You wanna try that again?
A roar is heard and a large creature clad in organic type armor steps into view. It is revealed to be six feet, seven inches; dark brown, with a pair of two foot, sharp horns. Humanoid in appearance, it roars in rage as it views SPIKE in game face. It eyes ANGEL and SPIKE with contempt.
DEMON (angrily):
You dare to face me vampires! It is like offal in my mouth to see half- breeds be so bold, so vain in your petty strength.
ANGEL (spitefully):
We dare alright! Whatcha gonna about it, huh? Gonna what? Whine at me all day- -
SPIKE (interrupting):
Will you get a move on Angelus? We don't have time for your quirks!
ANGEL (looks at SPIKE, annoyed):
Will you shut it Spike? What's really quirky is your, uurgh!!!
The DEMON smacks ANGEL about fifteen feet away from itself, and SPIKE. As ANGEL painfully stumbles to his feet, SPIKE smirks then hurriedly ducks as the DEMON swings his fist at him. He flips over the DEMON'S head and grabs his neck. The demon roars again in desperation and fails wildly, trying to buck SPIKE off of him. SPIKE desperately grabs on to DEMON'S neck, desperately trying to hold on. ANGEL finally gets up and grits his teeth in fury as he sees the DEMON trying to smash SPIKE against the wall.
SPIKE (desperately):
Hurry the hell up, Peaches! I can't hold on any longer!
Cuts to ANGEL lifting a small dagger from his jacket. Wordlessly he throws the dagger at the DEMON, which strikes it in its heart. It roars in pain and visibly weakens, giving SPIKE the opportunity to drag it to the ground. It growls in pain, half-heartedly trying to throw SPIKE from his back. SPIKE grabs the DEMON'S neck tightly with both hands and twists it, breaking it smoothly. The DEMON convulses into its death throes, moaning pitifully until SPIKE chops its head off with a sharp piece of broken pipe. Purple slime erupts from the neck, covering SPIKE and ANGEL who approaches during the death of the DEMON. SPIKE jumps up and swears fervently as the slime drips onto his duster. Pans over to ANGEL looking at SPIKE'S antics and smiles to himself despite the slime dripping on him.
ANGEL (quietly):
It's good to have you back childe.
SPIKE stops his cursing, and cocks his eyebrow at ANGEL
SPIKE (subdued):
It's good to be back
Cut to ANGEL nodding, and then pans out to view the two vampires walking off into the distance. Pans up to the adjacent rooftop where a figure shrouded in black watch them.
FIGURE (furiously):
Soon vampires, soon.
In a flash, the figure disappears, and the camera pans up to the night sky.
Fade To Black
Credits Roll
ACT I
SCENE: INT. WOLFRAM & HART, LOBBY, MIDNIGHT
Close up on LORNE'S feet as he walks down the hallway towards the lobby talking on his cell phone. LORNE is wearing silver alligator boots and the camera pans up to show him wearing a blue suit with a purple shirt. He walks along the hallway with his assistant scurrying after him holding a notepad and second phone.
LORNE:
It'll be fabulous. Believe me, Jerry. Yes, it's Grapes of Wrath meets outer space. Uh huh. Oh it's got heart. Yes, it has laser battles. (Takes off sunglasses) It's got an untimely message of interstellar poverty. Uh huh. Listen, have your assistant call my assistant, we'll have a blast. Uh huh. Later baby.
He hangs up the cell phone and tosses it at his assistant, who hands him another phone which he picks up and starts talking in it.
LORNE:
J.C., listen, just got off the Nextel with big "B". Yeah, intriqued, but wants to know who plays Tom Joad. Uh huh. Well I'm sure Henry Forda's dead sweetie. Yeah. Bring him back to life? Let me talk to my science people. Ok, no promises. (hangs up the phone)
LORNE (to assistant):
Directors. I swear every day they get even more, hey Holly baby!
Cut to HOLLY walking over to LORNE and giving him a hug.
HOLLY:
Lorney tunes. How's it hanging?
LORNE:
Pretty good all things considering. Hey, have you seen Fred around?
HOLLY (shakes her head):
No. I think she's still in the lab with that new lab assistant.
LORNE:
Alrighty then. Where's Angelcakes?
HOLLY:
Just called. He's on his way back from a field mission, but I wouldn't talk to him for awhile if I were you. He sounds like he's in a mood.
LORNE (chuckling):
Oh don't worry sweetheart, I've pulled that yummy vampire from many a mood. Why the last time I had to...eww!
Camera follows his gaze to show ANGEL and SPIKE standing in the lobby, their clothes dirty and stained with the slime of the demon they slayed.
WESLEY (V.O.):
Angel! How did the neural-intercept grenade work out?
ANGEL (crossily):
It didn't.
SPIKE (spitefully):
Stupid scrap of metal conked out on us just when we got the demon right where we bloody wanted it! Bloody techno crap. I say, kill demons the old fashioned way, leave that crap to wankers like Captain Cardboard and his band of merry men.
ANGEL (smiling wryly):
Here, here.
WESLEY (ignoring them):
That's strange. I thought that we finally found a way to make a technological weapon powered by a mystical energy core. I suppose I'll have to clear this up with Fred. Where is Fred? And Gunn for that matter?
HOLLY (nonchalant):
Gunn's researching the Conduit. Fred's giving a tour to her new assistant. Lilah stopped by for a chat, and might I say, what a bitch she is.
ANGEL, SPIKE, WESLEY, and LORNE all turn and look at HOLLY who returns their questioning gaze with a innocent expression.
HOLLY (coyly):
What? A woman can't be upset when she meets the competition?
ANGEL:
What did the bitch- - I mean Lilah want?
HOLLY:
Well, she wanted me to say hi to Wes for some strange reason, um she said something about a liason, something about the Senior Partners changing an agreement of some kind.
ANGEL (agitated):
What?
HOLLY (defensively):
Hey, don't kill the messenger alright? I just relayed what she told me.
WESLEY (after glaring at ANGEL):
Don't worry about it Holly. Uh, is Lilah here?
LILAH (V.O.):
Did you miss me lover?
Cut to Lilah in a yellow summer dress and white sandals coming down the stairwell. As she comes down, WESLEY visibly stiffens which no one except HOLLY notices, who gives him a questioning stare. Pans over to ANGEL setting his jaw and stepping over towards LILAH.
ANGEL (suspiciously):
What do you want Lilah?
LILAH:
Just wanted to say hi to some old friends.
WESLEY (calmly):
We were never friends Lilah.
LILAH looks amusedly at WESLEY and stepping closer to him, slips her hand down WESLEY'S cheek. Laughing when he recoils.
LILAH:
Your right Wes, we never were friends were we? Either enemies, or (traces her hand down to WESLEY'S chest) something else. We always were so much more.
ANGEL (snapping):
Get your hands off of Wesley now!
LILAH (letting go):
Oh come on dear Angel? Are you jealous? I don't see why you're acting so manly and protective of him. You had the same thing with Cordelia- - oh wait. You never got any did you, hey!
Cut to ANGEL rushing at LILAH, picking her up by the throat, and slamming her against the nearest wall. LILAH smirks at ANGEL and calmly extracts herself from ANGEL'S grip. She steps to a side table and perches on it, leering at ANGEL.
LILAH:
Keep those reins on cowboy. Wouldn't want Angelus to have a little peek now would we?
SPIKE (annoyed):
He asked you a simple, bleeding question you ninny! What the bloody hell do you want?
LILAH looks over at SPIKE surprised. Understanding, and a little fear crosses her face when she realizes who this person is.
LILAH (snottily):
Well, if it isn't the Bleached Wonder. How did hell treat you? Excellent service I hope.
SPIKE:
Would ya like a first hand tour?
LILAH (smirks):
No need, Spikey wikey. Hell and I have always been...partners.
Pans over to show ANGEL with his hands crossed over his chest, WESLEY standing there looking shocked, HOLLY looking murderous, and LORNE looking wary. Cut to LILAH smiling slowly as she gets the reaction she was looking for.
LILAH:
Ready to listen now children? Good. Now where is macho man, and nerd girl?
FRED (V.O.):
Ready to slice you open any moment now.
LILAH turns around quickly to see FRED and GUNN standing there looking at her steadily. Focuses on LILAH'S shocked expression, which quickly turns predatory as she slinks towards the pair.
LILAH:
Well, what a wonder. Like obedient dogs...I speak, and you come. Enjoying your life at Wolfram & Hart?
GUNN (crossly):
Would enjoy it more if you just dropped dead and died. Then, we could dance on your grave while you roast to eternal damnation.
LILAH:
Touche. All I wanted to say is that the Senior Partners are getting uneasy with the way you've been using their facilities.
FRED:
It's our firm now, or didn't you read the memo? Senior Partners gave up any right they had to this place a long time ago. Too bad for them.
LILAH (smirking):
Agreed. However they seem to be of the opinion that they still have the right to add anyone they want to your staff, at anyplace, and any time. That's what they're about to do.
ANGEL (warily):
What do you mean?
LILAH:
Congratulations Angel. You officially have a liaison to the Senior Partners.
WESLEY:
You?
LILAH:
As if. I'm tainted by both sides which makes me useless to both the Senior Partners, and the Powers in any position other than that of messenger.
With that, LILAH turns away from FRED and the others and walks back up the stairwell. When she reaches the top, she waves at them mockingly.
LILAH:
Buh-bye Team Angel. Hope your bitch seer wakes up in time for the fireworks.
LILAH blinks out of existence. Cut to ANGEL narrowing his eyes, and WESLEY looking saddened.
Fade To Black
ACT II
SCENE: INT. UNKNOWN CAVERN, UNKNOWN TIME
Pans across a cave illuminated by burning torches. Pans down a crevice into a small part of the cave where a group of MANTICORE DEMONS feed hungrily on dead bodies. Loud crunching, growling, and slurping noises are heard as the MANTICORES feed. Cuts to one MANTICORE who feeds near a baby who is sleeping. Cuts to a dark hidden corner of a cave where a MAN fades into existence. His eyes light up as he sees the baby. Silently he creeps slowly towards the feeding demons then suddenly stops as one of them lifts its head and sniffs at the air. It starts growling which alerts the others who stop feeding and start shrieking in rage. Cuts to the MAN'S hand which holds a dark green bottle in his hand. Pans over to the baby, who starts wailing in fear due to the noise. The cries infuriate the MANTICORES who turn towards the baby. The MAN'S eyes widen, and he jumps up from his hiding spot which alerts the demons. Howling, they leave the baby and come towards him. Quickly, the MAN throws the bottle at two of the demons who stop and roar as they're consumed by mystical flames. The other MANTICORES stop their rampage, and look confused when he fades away. As they look for him, the MAN fades back in place and takes the crying baby in his arms. As he does so, the baby stops crying, and drifts off to sleep, a serpentine tongue slithering out of the mouth as the baby yawns in content. The MAN smiles and fades again, but not before the MANTICORES spot him. They rush over to the spot where he was and scream in fury when they discover he isn't there. Camera cuts to MAN who is running in the sewers, the baby in his arms. Cut to the MAN'S face which has a expression of love on it as he gazes at the child.
MAN (to baby):
Don't worry little man. Daddy's gonna get some help to keep those bad demons from you ok? It'll all be over soon.
SCENE: INT. WOLFRAM & HART, ANGEL'S OFFICE, MORNING
Pans to the interior of ANGEL'S OFFICE where the gang are, lounging around, watching ANGEL pace back and forth. He stops and stalks towards SPIKE who sits in his chair with his legs perched on the tables. Cut's to ANGEL looking annoyed.
ANGEL (angry):
Get out of my chair Spike.
SPIKE (saucily):
Nope.
ANGEL growls and stalks over to the leather couch near the windows and slumps on it. Cut to WESLEY looking worried.
WESLEY:
This is strange. Why would the Senior Partners want to have any influence over this firm now when they offered complete control to us? It was a liability to them. They weren't producing results, and then the Beast slaughtered them. Why would they be interested in a firm that isn't evil then?
HOLLY:
They might have secret rooms in here that contain information they don't want you to find. They might want to find a way to control you. You can't forget that your still a Champion of the Powers. A powerful champion. Didn't you say that they wanted to turn you to the dark side? They might still have those hopes. You know, corrupt you from within the belly of the beast?
ANGEL:
Makes sense. I don't like it though. Especially since we have no links to the Powers That Be. Without Cordelia we're vulnerable. At a disadvantage. We can't go on like this.
SPIKE:
Well we have too don't we Peaches?
ANGEL:
As much as I hate to agree with the Bleached Wonder here.
SPIKE (annoyed):
Hey!
ANGEL (ignoring Spike):
We have to find a way to fend off the Senior Partners and their 'liaison' and still maintain a connection to our humanity.
FRED (confused):
Angel?
ANGEL (cont.):
They'll test us. Harder than we've ever been tested before. Sacrifices will be made. People will die in the crossfire, hell we could die. We cannot however, even think about turning over to the Senior Partners will. We have to fight, to help ourselves, help the innocent who need us.
MAN (V.O.):
I couldn't have put it any better myself.
The gang turn around but see nothing. FRED starts when a distortion appears in the air, and slowly a figure appears. Camera pans closer to the MAN who looks about twenty-two, about six feet one, Caucasian, with dark brown hair and blue eyes wearing worn denim jeans and a black t-shirt.
MAN (cont.):
I need your help. Help me. Help my baby.
A shimmer appears in his arms, and a baby fades into view. Cut to the gang looking astonished, and HOLLY'S eyes widening in shock as she looks into his eyes.
HOLLY (shocked):
Chris?
CHRIS' eyes widen too as he recognizes the woman in front of him.
CHRIS:
Holly?
Cut to ANGEL gawking at HOLLY, CHRIS, and the BABY.
Fade to Black
ACT III
SCENE: INT. WOLFRAM & HART, INFIRMARY, LATE MORNING
Camera shows the door leading to the infirmary. Pans into the room where CHRIS is found, sitting in a chair, caressing his baby's hair. Pans over to show ANGEL, HOLLY, and WESLEY watching CHRIS with his son. HOLLY looks bewildered, but happy. ANGEL, and WESLEY turns towards her.
ANGEL (softly):
Holly, who is he?
WESLEY (whispering):
More to the question, what is he? Why should trust him? Why does he have a baby with him?
HOLLY:
His name is Chris. He's...my half-brother.
Pans to ANGEL and WESLEY'S shocked expression.
WESLEY:
Your brother? How?
HOLLY:
When I was three, my father died. A month later, my mom met a man, a fellow witch. Thing is however, my grams has this little trust issue with witches from the outside of our clan. She forbade mom from being with him, but mom didn't listen. She fell in love and Chris was the result. Grams forced them apart in the end, but she had to let Chris stay with us because he was part of the order, by blood. She never did like him though. We used to have a close relationship, but time and distance split us apart. I haven't seen him in two years. I had no idea he was a father.
CHRIS (turning his head to look at her):
And you never would of. I had no intention of letting anyone find out about Duncan.
WESLEY (curiously):
He's a boy then?
CHRIS:
Yeah.
Camera pans over to HOLLY walking over to CHRIS, and sitting down next to him. Silently he burrows his head into her arms and they sit there in companionable silence. A few moments pass, then ANGEL walks towards HOLLY and CHRIS.
ANGEL:
If you want us to help you Chris, you have to tell us what's wrong. I can't help you with your problems if you don't trust me and my firm.
CHRIS (turning towards Holly):
Can they be trusted?
HOLLY (smiling):
Yes. They can be trusted. What's wrong baby?
CHRIS:
Are you sure? You swear that you won't say anything to the order?
HOLLY (worried):
I swear on Morrigan. Sweetie, what's wrong?
CHRIS (sighs, looks at his son):
It's about Duncan.
WESLEY:
What about Duncan?
CHRIS:
He's different. He's not like other children.
HOLLY touches his arm gently.
HOLLY:
We know that Chris. He's a witch, I'm a witch. Angel's a vampire. We're the epitome of abnormal here.
CHRIS (surprised):
He's a vampire?
ANGEL:
Is that a problem?
CHRIS smiles for the first time now. Camera follows his gaze to his son.
CHRIS:
That's good. It makes this easier then.
HOLLY:
What easier?
CHRIS:
The baby. Well the baby's mother. She's...she's a demon.
Cut to HOLLY'S shocked expression. Pans over to WESLEY looking at the baby with growing trepidition.
WESLEY (warily):
What kind of demon?
CHRIS:
Manticore.
ANGEL looks up sharply when he hears this. He looks at CHRIS with renewed respect.
ANGEL:
Your lucky to still be alive. It's a good thing you're a witch.
Cut to HOLLY looking more and more frightened as ANGEL speaks.
HOLLY:
What do you mean? Why is he lucky?
CHRIS looks at HOLLY, and holds her hands. He hugs her to him and whispers in her ear.
CHRIS:
I was on a misson for the coven about five months ago, I had to retrieve a solar amulet from a demon nest for a healing ritual for Maggie. The demon I was after had already been attacked by the Manticores. They ripped him and his mates to bits, then they sensed me. I tried to escape, but they captured me, knocked me unconscious. When I came to, they were in the middle of some fertility ritual. I tried again to get past the guards, but they were too strong. They held while the female, why she- -
CHRIS' voice breaks while he recounts his tale to his horrified audience. When he finishes, he breaks down, crying in HOLLY'S arms while she holds him tightly. When he stops, he wipes his eyes with ANGEL'S handkerchief, and looks at ANGEL and WESLEY desperately.
CHRIS (sniffling):
I need, I need to destroy the mother's pack before they figure out that the baby's here. If I don't, they'll sense the baby, and they'll turn him to darkness and manipulate him to be their eyes and ears in the mortal world.
ANGEL nods sympathetically, remembering his son, and the forces that were after him. Hardening his gaze he kneels down and looks CHRIS straight in the eye.
ANGEL (resolutely):
We will get rid of the Manticores. I swear it.
Cut to WESLEY and HOLLY nodding in agreement. Pans out slowly to show the exterior of Wolfram & Hart tower.
Fade To Black
ACT IV
SCENE: INT. MANTICORE FEEDING GROUND, NIGHT
Shot of the MANTICORES sleeping. Pans over to a dark corner of the cavern where CHRIS, ANGEL, HOLLY, FRED, and GUNN are crouching. Pans over to CHRIS giving them some last minute tips.
CHRIS (whispering):
Remember, the Manticores have super-strength, enhanced hearing, and a lot of speed. Holly, do you have the potions?
HOLLY:
Right here.
CHRIS (nodding):
Good. When they wake up, start throwing the potions immediately. There's enough that only a few should be left standing. Angel, and the others can help me with that okay? By the way, did you master that explosion technique of yours?
HOLLY:
Charged and ready.
CHRIS:
Alright. Remember, go straight for the kill, ok? (off peoples nods) Let's move.
CHRIS starts yelling at the top of his lungs, which wake the MANTICORES up immediately. Their growls quickly turn into shrieks of pain when HOLLY starts throwing the potions as fast as she can. As more and more MANTICORES burst into flames, the remaining few rush ANGEL and the others. Cuts to CHRIS getting into combat with the mother. She throws a punch, which CHRIS ducks, then stumbles as ANGEL kicks her in the back. CHRIS grabs her left arm and twists it, flipping her to the ground. She tries to trip him, but CHRIS does a back flip and lands on a nearby ledge. In a flash, he produces a last potion which he tosses at her, striking her right in the heart. As she starts to burn, she wails and staggers under the power of the potion. CHRIS gestures with his right arm, and throws her into the wall. As she burns to ashes, CHRIS looks at her with a venomous hatred in his eyes.
CHRIS (spitefully):
Later, bitch.
He waves his hand, and she utters a final scream as she burns away to nothing. Cut to HOLLY watching her death, then gasping as one more MANTICORE breaks away from ANGEL'S grasp and runs towards CHRIS with a dagger.
HOLLY (screaming):
Chris! Get down!
CHRIS looks behind him and ducks as the MANTICORE leaps over his head. It growls and throws a right hook at CHRIS, striking him in the face. The force of the blow sends CHRIS flying into the opposite side of the cavern where he falls, unconscious. The MANTICORE heads towards him only to sidetracked by a side kick by HOLLY. It stumbles, but rights itself and heads back at HOLLY with left hook. HOLLY ducks and punches it in the face with a right, then left hook. It falls to the ground where it is skewered by ANGEL'S long-sword. It screeches in pain, but manages to knock ANGEL to the ground. It gets up and rips the sword out of its guts and emits a high pitched wail of torment. Cut to GUNN and FRED covering their ears in pain. Pans over to ANGEL writhing on the ground, blood streaming from his ears. Cuts to CHRIS regaining consciousness and HOLLY surrounded by a blue bubble of energy which expands to surround ANGEL, GUNN, FRED, and CHRIS. Pans to the MANTICORE in its death throes. As it emits a final cry, it slowly crumbles into dust. Cut to HOLLY looking shocked.
Fade To Black
ACT V
SCENE: INT. WOLFRAM & HART, LOBBY, NIGHT
ANGEL, HOLLY, and WESLEY are standing in the lobby as they watch LORNE singing a lullaby to DUNCAN. Pans over to show FRED and CHRIS wheeling a stroller with a bag of diapers and baby lotion in it. HOLLY walks up to CHRIS and looks at him for a long while. Finally she hugs CHRIS, then lets him go and smiles at DUNCAN.
HOLLY:
You have a beautiful son. I am so proud of you.
CHRIS (grinning):
Thanks sis. I'm just glad one of my sisters will accept me.
HOLLY:
The others will come around in time. You just have to have faith.
CHRIS:
I guess so. We'll just have to wait and see won't we?
HOLLY (grins faintly):
I guess so.
CHRIS nods at her and picks up the stroller from FRED. He looks at DUNCAN who begins laughing and shimmers into the stroller. He directs the stroller out of the front door, with a nod to ANGEL. As ANGEL watches CHRIS head out to the distance, he looks sideways at HOLLY.
ANGEL:
Quite an interesting family you got there.
HOLLY:
What can I say? We're kooky like that.
LORNE:
Gonna tell us more about that clan of yours sweetie?
HOLLY looks thoughtful for a moment, then grins and walks towards WESLEY'S office. Then she stops and turns around.
HOLLY (coyly):
When Angel tells me all about his sordid past as the vagabond Liam.
She grins at ANGEL'S startled expression.
HOLLY:
Thought so.
She walks into WESLEY'S office. ANGEL looks at LORNE who claps his hand on ANGEL'S back and moves towards the stairwell. ANGEL turns around and begins to head to the elevators. He stops though at FRED'S voice.
FRED (V.O.):
Hey, wait up!
She jogs up to ANGEL with OZ at her heels. She stops to catch her breath, missing the startled glance OZ gives ANGEL.
FRED:
I want you to meet my assistant, Mr. Os- -
ANGEL:
Oz?
OZ:
Angel?
Fade to black
END
Author's Note:
People, I need reviews! I can't continue if no one wants me too. I don't do this solely for my entertainment. I do for the readers. Please review!
This episode is basically a knockoff of the Angel episode "Life of the Party". The only things different will be Holly, no Eve, a Lilah appearance, and a cameo of Oz. He's back. Yay!!! In about five episodes, Lindsey will be back with his normal hand in place and a bunch of mystical power in tow. Will he be a threat to Angel? He will, but not in the way people will expect of him. He will have a large role to play in coming events, including the awakening of Cordelia. Connor will be back in two more episodes, closer to his true past than anyone will ever expect. In about nine or ten episodes, Holly will be facing her own apocalypse of sorts, and her past will be revealed.
Now, on to the fic!
ANGEL Episode 5.03 "Life of the Party" Writer: Shadow Wren
ANGEL (V.O.):
Previously on Angel...
Season 4 – Home
FRED:
Who's Connor?
LILAH:
What you do with it...it's your choice.
Season 5- Serpent Covis
ANGEL:
Goodbye...son
Watches the spot where his son stood.
HOLLY:
Anything else you want to know Mr. Pryce?
WESLEY:
Let's cut the child's play, shall we?
Season 2-Revamp
HOLLY:
In the order, there were legends about an amulet that absorbed the essence of the wearer. It bestowed great magical power on the wielder, but there was a terrible price.
Cut to a cloud of black particles swirling around. As it solidifies, a loud primal scream rends the air.
Pans to Spike as he collapses on the ground, panting and groaning.
ANGEL (shocked):
Spike?
TEASER
SCENE: INT. WOLFRAM & HART, MAIN LAB, EVENING
Camera shows shot of the Wolfram & Hart tower, then pans into the lobby where a mix of demons, and humans are walking around, doing their business. It goes up the stairs to the main lab. Pans over to FRED, who is interviewing a young man with reddish hair. Cuts to FRED reading the man's credentials.
FRED:
Not a bad resume. I see you have a lot of experience with the supernatural, a lot according to these files. Your references are superb; your legal record is, well spotless. Everything seems to be in order, however I do have just this one question.
MAN:
Feel free to ask whatever you want. I have nothing to hide.
FRED:
You repeated your senior year twice?
MAN (quietly):
It was a girl, my ex-girlfriend actually. Um, she was a junior and I wanted to be with her. At the time, I was completely taken with her, still am. It's kind of why I wanted to repeat the senior year, so I could be with her, you know?
FRED (wistfully):
I know what you mean. I just broke up with my boyfriend a few months ago. I miss him a lot, and I still love him. It's hard, but at least we're still friends.
MAN (sadly):
I wish I could have gotten a chance to restart my original friendship with my ex. Anyway, that's why I repeated. It won't affect my chances at getting this job right?
FRED:
Of course not. In fact, I was so impressed by your trial experiments that I think it would only be fair if you got the position. Congratulations Mr. Osborne. Welcome to the Wolfram & Hart lab.
MAN (smiling):
Thank you Miss Burkle.
Camera pans over to reveal the man's face, the face of OZ. He smiles again and shakes FRED'S hand.
OZ (cont.):
I'll do my best to make you proud.
FRED smiles and begins to show him around the different aspects of the lab. The camera slowly pans away from them and cuts to:
SCENE: INT. DESERTED STREET, NIGHT
A deserted street with the only sounds being that of a wailing cat, and the ambulance, as it roars down the street adjacent to it. After the sound of the ambulance dies down, all becomes quiet until a loud crash is heard, and a body clad in black leather is sent hurtling across the street into an abandoned building. As he curses and tries to get up, the camera closes in on his platinum blond hair. He lifts his head up and we see it's SPIKE.
SPIKE (muttering):
Piece of worthless - -
Another crash is heard, and soon another body crashes down next to SPIKE. Cuts to the body, which is revealed to be ANGEL. He curses as well, and moves to his feet clearly pissed off. Pans over to SPIKE who shifts into his game face.
SPIKE (game face):
You wanna try that again?
A roar is heard and a large creature clad in organic type armor steps into view. It is revealed to be six feet, seven inches; dark brown, with a pair of two foot, sharp horns. Humanoid in appearance, it roars in rage as it views SPIKE in game face. It eyes ANGEL and SPIKE with contempt.
DEMON (angrily):
You dare to face me vampires! It is like offal in my mouth to see half- breeds be so bold, so vain in your petty strength.
ANGEL (spitefully):
We dare alright! Whatcha gonna about it, huh? Gonna what? Whine at me all day- -
SPIKE (interrupting):
Will you get a move on Angelus? We don't have time for your quirks!
ANGEL (looks at SPIKE, annoyed):
Will you shut it Spike? What's really quirky is your, uurgh!!!
The DEMON smacks ANGEL about fifteen feet away from itself, and SPIKE. As ANGEL painfully stumbles to his feet, SPIKE smirks then hurriedly ducks as the DEMON swings his fist at him. He flips over the DEMON'S head and grabs his neck. The demon roars again in desperation and fails wildly, trying to buck SPIKE off of him. SPIKE desperately grabs on to DEMON'S neck, desperately trying to hold on. ANGEL finally gets up and grits his teeth in fury as he sees the DEMON trying to smash SPIKE against the wall.
SPIKE (desperately):
Hurry the hell up, Peaches! I can't hold on any longer!
Cuts to ANGEL lifting a small dagger from his jacket. Wordlessly he throws the dagger at the DEMON, which strikes it in its heart. It roars in pain and visibly weakens, giving SPIKE the opportunity to drag it to the ground. It growls in pain, half-heartedly trying to throw SPIKE from his back. SPIKE grabs the DEMON'S neck tightly with both hands and twists it, breaking it smoothly. The DEMON convulses into its death throes, moaning pitifully until SPIKE chops its head off with a sharp piece of broken pipe. Purple slime erupts from the neck, covering SPIKE and ANGEL who approaches during the death of the DEMON. SPIKE jumps up and swears fervently as the slime drips onto his duster. Pans over to ANGEL looking at SPIKE'S antics and smiles to himself despite the slime dripping on him.
ANGEL (quietly):
It's good to have you back childe.
SPIKE stops his cursing, and cocks his eyebrow at ANGEL
SPIKE (subdued):
It's good to be back
Cut to ANGEL nodding, and then pans out to view the two vampires walking off into the distance. Pans up to the adjacent rooftop where a figure shrouded in black watch them.
FIGURE (furiously):
Soon vampires, soon.
In a flash, the figure disappears, and the camera pans up to the night sky.
Fade To Black
Credits Roll
ACT I
SCENE: INT. WOLFRAM & HART, LOBBY, MIDNIGHT
Close up on LORNE'S feet as he walks down the hallway towards the lobby talking on his cell phone. LORNE is wearing silver alligator boots and the camera pans up to show him wearing a blue suit with a purple shirt. He walks along the hallway with his assistant scurrying after him holding a notepad and second phone.
LORNE:
It'll be fabulous. Believe me, Jerry. Yes, it's Grapes of Wrath meets outer space. Uh huh. Oh it's got heart. Yes, it has laser battles. (Takes off sunglasses) It's got an untimely message of interstellar poverty. Uh huh. Listen, have your assistant call my assistant, we'll have a blast. Uh huh. Later baby.
He hangs up the cell phone and tosses it at his assistant, who hands him another phone which he picks up and starts talking in it.
LORNE:
J.C., listen, just got off the Nextel with big "B". Yeah, intriqued, but wants to know who plays Tom Joad. Uh huh. Well I'm sure Henry Forda's dead sweetie. Yeah. Bring him back to life? Let me talk to my science people. Ok, no promises. (hangs up the phone)
LORNE (to assistant):
Directors. I swear every day they get even more, hey Holly baby!
Cut to HOLLY walking over to LORNE and giving him a hug.
HOLLY:
Lorney tunes. How's it hanging?
LORNE:
Pretty good all things considering. Hey, have you seen Fred around?
HOLLY (shakes her head):
No. I think she's still in the lab with that new lab assistant.
LORNE:
Alrighty then. Where's Angelcakes?
HOLLY:
Just called. He's on his way back from a field mission, but I wouldn't talk to him for awhile if I were you. He sounds like he's in a mood.
LORNE (chuckling):
Oh don't worry sweetheart, I've pulled that yummy vampire from many a mood. Why the last time I had to...eww!
Camera follows his gaze to show ANGEL and SPIKE standing in the lobby, their clothes dirty and stained with the slime of the demon they slayed.
WESLEY (V.O.):
Angel! How did the neural-intercept grenade work out?
ANGEL (crossily):
It didn't.
SPIKE (spitefully):
Stupid scrap of metal conked out on us just when we got the demon right where we bloody wanted it! Bloody techno crap. I say, kill demons the old fashioned way, leave that crap to wankers like Captain Cardboard and his band of merry men.
ANGEL (smiling wryly):
Here, here.
WESLEY (ignoring them):
That's strange. I thought that we finally found a way to make a technological weapon powered by a mystical energy core. I suppose I'll have to clear this up with Fred. Where is Fred? And Gunn for that matter?
HOLLY (nonchalant):
Gunn's researching the Conduit. Fred's giving a tour to her new assistant. Lilah stopped by for a chat, and might I say, what a bitch she is.
ANGEL, SPIKE, WESLEY, and LORNE all turn and look at HOLLY who returns their questioning gaze with a innocent expression.
HOLLY (coyly):
What? A woman can't be upset when she meets the competition?
ANGEL:
What did the bitch- - I mean Lilah want?
HOLLY:
Well, she wanted me to say hi to Wes for some strange reason, um she said something about a liason, something about the Senior Partners changing an agreement of some kind.
ANGEL (agitated):
What?
HOLLY (defensively):
Hey, don't kill the messenger alright? I just relayed what she told me.
WESLEY (after glaring at ANGEL):
Don't worry about it Holly. Uh, is Lilah here?
LILAH (V.O.):
Did you miss me lover?
Cut to Lilah in a yellow summer dress and white sandals coming down the stairwell. As she comes down, WESLEY visibly stiffens which no one except HOLLY notices, who gives him a questioning stare. Pans over to ANGEL setting his jaw and stepping over towards LILAH.
ANGEL (suspiciously):
What do you want Lilah?
LILAH:
Just wanted to say hi to some old friends.
WESLEY (calmly):
We were never friends Lilah.
LILAH looks amusedly at WESLEY and stepping closer to him, slips her hand down WESLEY'S cheek. Laughing when he recoils.
LILAH:
Your right Wes, we never were friends were we? Either enemies, or (traces her hand down to WESLEY'S chest) something else. We always were so much more.
ANGEL (snapping):
Get your hands off of Wesley now!
LILAH (letting go):
Oh come on dear Angel? Are you jealous? I don't see why you're acting so manly and protective of him. You had the same thing with Cordelia- - oh wait. You never got any did you, hey!
Cut to ANGEL rushing at LILAH, picking her up by the throat, and slamming her against the nearest wall. LILAH smirks at ANGEL and calmly extracts herself from ANGEL'S grip. She steps to a side table and perches on it, leering at ANGEL.
LILAH:
Keep those reins on cowboy. Wouldn't want Angelus to have a little peek now would we?
SPIKE (annoyed):
He asked you a simple, bleeding question you ninny! What the bloody hell do you want?
LILAH looks over at SPIKE surprised. Understanding, and a little fear crosses her face when she realizes who this person is.
LILAH (snottily):
Well, if it isn't the Bleached Wonder. How did hell treat you? Excellent service I hope.
SPIKE:
Would ya like a first hand tour?
LILAH (smirks):
No need, Spikey wikey. Hell and I have always been...partners.
Pans over to show ANGEL with his hands crossed over his chest, WESLEY standing there looking shocked, HOLLY looking murderous, and LORNE looking wary. Cut to LILAH smiling slowly as she gets the reaction she was looking for.
LILAH:
Ready to listen now children? Good. Now where is macho man, and nerd girl?
FRED (V.O.):
Ready to slice you open any moment now.
LILAH turns around quickly to see FRED and GUNN standing there looking at her steadily. Focuses on LILAH'S shocked expression, which quickly turns predatory as she slinks towards the pair.
LILAH:
Well, what a wonder. Like obedient dogs...I speak, and you come. Enjoying your life at Wolfram & Hart?
GUNN (crossly):
Would enjoy it more if you just dropped dead and died. Then, we could dance on your grave while you roast to eternal damnation.
LILAH:
Touche. All I wanted to say is that the Senior Partners are getting uneasy with the way you've been using their facilities.
FRED:
It's our firm now, or didn't you read the memo? Senior Partners gave up any right they had to this place a long time ago. Too bad for them.
LILAH (smirking):
Agreed. However they seem to be of the opinion that they still have the right to add anyone they want to your staff, at anyplace, and any time. That's what they're about to do.
ANGEL (warily):
What do you mean?
LILAH:
Congratulations Angel. You officially have a liaison to the Senior Partners.
WESLEY:
You?
LILAH:
As if. I'm tainted by both sides which makes me useless to both the Senior Partners, and the Powers in any position other than that of messenger.
With that, LILAH turns away from FRED and the others and walks back up the stairwell. When she reaches the top, she waves at them mockingly.
LILAH:
Buh-bye Team Angel. Hope your bitch seer wakes up in time for the fireworks.
LILAH blinks out of existence. Cut to ANGEL narrowing his eyes, and WESLEY looking saddened.
Fade To Black
ACT II
SCENE: INT. UNKNOWN CAVERN, UNKNOWN TIME
Pans across a cave illuminated by burning torches. Pans down a crevice into a small part of the cave where a group of MANTICORE DEMONS feed hungrily on dead bodies. Loud crunching, growling, and slurping noises are heard as the MANTICORES feed. Cuts to one MANTICORE who feeds near a baby who is sleeping. Cuts to a dark hidden corner of a cave where a MAN fades into existence. His eyes light up as he sees the baby. Silently he creeps slowly towards the feeding demons then suddenly stops as one of them lifts its head and sniffs at the air. It starts growling which alerts the others who stop feeding and start shrieking in rage. Cuts to the MAN'S hand which holds a dark green bottle in his hand. Pans over to the baby, who starts wailing in fear due to the noise. The cries infuriate the MANTICORES who turn towards the baby. The MAN'S eyes widen, and he jumps up from his hiding spot which alerts the demons. Howling, they leave the baby and come towards him. Quickly, the MAN throws the bottle at two of the demons who stop and roar as they're consumed by mystical flames. The other MANTICORES stop their rampage, and look confused when he fades away. As they look for him, the MAN fades back in place and takes the crying baby in his arms. As he does so, the baby stops crying, and drifts off to sleep, a serpentine tongue slithering out of the mouth as the baby yawns in content. The MAN smiles and fades again, but not before the MANTICORES spot him. They rush over to the spot where he was and scream in fury when they discover he isn't there. Camera cuts to MAN who is running in the sewers, the baby in his arms. Cut to the MAN'S face which has a expression of love on it as he gazes at the child.
MAN (to baby):
Don't worry little man. Daddy's gonna get some help to keep those bad demons from you ok? It'll all be over soon.
SCENE: INT. WOLFRAM & HART, ANGEL'S OFFICE, MORNING
Pans to the interior of ANGEL'S OFFICE where the gang are, lounging around, watching ANGEL pace back and forth. He stops and stalks towards SPIKE who sits in his chair with his legs perched on the tables. Cut's to ANGEL looking annoyed.
ANGEL (angry):
Get out of my chair Spike.
SPIKE (saucily):
Nope.
ANGEL growls and stalks over to the leather couch near the windows and slumps on it. Cut to WESLEY looking worried.
WESLEY:
This is strange. Why would the Senior Partners want to have any influence over this firm now when they offered complete control to us? It was a liability to them. They weren't producing results, and then the Beast slaughtered them. Why would they be interested in a firm that isn't evil then?
HOLLY:
They might have secret rooms in here that contain information they don't want you to find. They might want to find a way to control you. You can't forget that your still a Champion of the Powers. A powerful champion. Didn't you say that they wanted to turn you to the dark side? They might still have those hopes. You know, corrupt you from within the belly of the beast?
ANGEL:
Makes sense. I don't like it though. Especially since we have no links to the Powers That Be. Without Cordelia we're vulnerable. At a disadvantage. We can't go on like this.
SPIKE:
Well we have too don't we Peaches?
ANGEL:
As much as I hate to agree with the Bleached Wonder here.
SPIKE (annoyed):
Hey!
ANGEL (ignoring Spike):
We have to find a way to fend off the Senior Partners and their 'liaison' and still maintain a connection to our humanity.
FRED (confused):
Angel?
ANGEL (cont.):
They'll test us. Harder than we've ever been tested before. Sacrifices will be made. People will die in the crossfire, hell we could die. We cannot however, even think about turning over to the Senior Partners will. We have to fight, to help ourselves, help the innocent who need us.
MAN (V.O.):
I couldn't have put it any better myself.
The gang turn around but see nothing. FRED starts when a distortion appears in the air, and slowly a figure appears. Camera pans closer to the MAN who looks about twenty-two, about six feet one, Caucasian, with dark brown hair and blue eyes wearing worn denim jeans and a black t-shirt.
MAN (cont.):
I need your help. Help me. Help my baby.
A shimmer appears in his arms, and a baby fades into view. Cut to the gang looking astonished, and HOLLY'S eyes widening in shock as she looks into his eyes.
HOLLY (shocked):
Chris?
CHRIS' eyes widen too as he recognizes the woman in front of him.
CHRIS:
Holly?
Cut to ANGEL gawking at HOLLY, CHRIS, and the BABY.
Fade to Black
ACT III
SCENE: INT. WOLFRAM & HART, INFIRMARY, LATE MORNING
Camera shows the door leading to the infirmary. Pans into the room where CHRIS is found, sitting in a chair, caressing his baby's hair. Pans over to show ANGEL, HOLLY, and WESLEY watching CHRIS with his son. HOLLY looks bewildered, but happy. ANGEL, and WESLEY turns towards her.
ANGEL (softly):
Holly, who is he?
WESLEY (whispering):
More to the question, what is he? Why should trust him? Why does he have a baby with him?
HOLLY:
His name is Chris. He's...my half-brother.
Pans to ANGEL and WESLEY'S shocked expression.
WESLEY:
Your brother? How?
HOLLY:
When I was three, my father died. A month later, my mom met a man, a fellow witch. Thing is however, my grams has this little trust issue with witches from the outside of our clan. She forbade mom from being with him, but mom didn't listen. She fell in love and Chris was the result. Grams forced them apart in the end, but she had to let Chris stay with us because he was part of the order, by blood. She never did like him though. We used to have a close relationship, but time and distance split us apart. I haven't seen him in two years. I had no idea he was a father.
CHRIS (turning his head to look at her):
And you never would of. I had no intention of letting anyone find out about Duncan.
WESLEY (curiously):
He's a boy then?
CHRIS:
Yeah.
Camera pans over to HOLLY walking over to CHRIS, and sitting down next to him. Silently he burrows his head into her arms and they sit there in companionable silence. A few moments pass, then ANGEL walks towards HOLLY and CHRIS.
ANGEL:
If you want us to help you Chris, you have to tell us what's wrong. I can't help you with your problems if you don't trust me and my firm.
CHRIS (turning towards Holly):
Can they be trusted?
HOLLY (smiling):
Yes. They can be trusted. What's wrong baby?
CHRIS:
Are you sure? You swear that you won't say anything to the order?
HOLLY (worried):
I swear on Morrigan. Sweetie, what's wrong?
CHRIS (sighs, looks at his son):
It's about Duncan.
WESLEY:
What about Duncan?
CHRIS:
He's different. He's not like other children.
HOLLY touches his arm gently.
HOLLY:
We know that Chris. He's a witch, I'm a witch. Angel's a vampire. We're the epitome of abnormal here.
CHRIS (surprised):
He's a vampire?
ANGEL:
Is that a problem?
CHRIS smiles for the first time now. Camera follows his gaze to his son.
CHRIS:
That's good. It makes this easier then.
HOLLY:
What easier?
CHRIS:
The baby. Well the baby's mother. She's...she's a demon.
Cut to HOLLY'S shocked expression. Pans over to WESLEY looking at the baby with growing trepidition.
WESLEY (warily):
What kind of demon?
CHRIS:
Manticore.
ANGEL looks up sharply when he hears this. He looks at CHRIS with renewed respect.
ANGEL:
Your lucky to still be alive. It's a good thing you're a witch.
Cut to HOLLY looking more and more frightened as ANGEL speaks.
HOLLY:
What do you mean? Why is he lucky?
CHRIS looks at HOLLY, and holds her hands. He hugs her to him and whispers in her ear.
CHRIS:
I was on a misson for the coven about five months ago, I had to retrieve a solar amulet from a demon nest for a healing ritual for Maggie. The demon I was after had already been attacked by the Manticores. They ripped him and his mates to bits, then they sensed me. I tried to escape, but they captured me, knocked me unconscious. When I came to, they were in the middle of some fertility ritual. I tried again to get past the guards, but they were too strong. They held while the female, why she- -
CHRIS' voice breaks while he recounts his tale to his horrified audience. When he finishes, he breaks down, crying in HOLLY'S arms while she holds him tightly. When he stops, he wipes his eyes with ANGEL'S handkerchief, and looks at ANGEL and WESLEY desperately.
CHRIS (sniffling):
I need, I need to destroy the mother's pack before they figure out that the baby's here. If I don't, they'll sense the baby, and they'll turn him to darkness and manipulate him to be their eyes and ears in the mortal world.
ANGEL nods sympathetically, remembering his son, and the forces that were after him. Hardening his gaze he kneels down and looks CHRIS straight in the eye.
ANGEL (resolutely):
We will get rid of the Manticores. I swear it.
Cut to WESLEY and HOLLY nodding in agreement. Pans out slowly to show the exterior of Wolfram & Hart tower.
Fade To Black
ACT IV
SCENE: INT. MANTICORE FEEDING GROUND, NIGHT
Shot of the MANTICORES sleeping. Pans over to a dark corner of the cavern where CHRIS, ANGEL, HOLLY, FRED, and GUNN are crouching. Pans over to CHRIS giving them some last minute tips.
CHRIS (whispering):
Remember, the Manticores have super-strength, enhanced hearing, and a lot of speed. Holly, do you have the potions?
HOLLY:
Right here.
CHRIS (nodding):
Good. When they wake up, start throwing the potions immediately. There's enough that only a few should be left standing. Angel, and the others can help me with that okay? By the way, did you master that explosion technique of yours?
HOLLY:
Charged and ready.
CHRIS:
Alright. Remember, go straight for the kill, ok? (off peoples nods) Let's move.
CHRIS starts yelling at the top of his lungs, which wake the MANTICORES up immediately. Their growls quickly turn into shrieks of pain when HOLLY starts throwing the potions as fast as she can. As more and more MANTICORES burst into flames, the remaining few rush ANGEL and the others. Cuts to CHRIS getting into combat with the mother. She throws a punch, which CHRIS ducks, then stumbles as ANGEL kicks her in the back. CHRIS grabs her left arm and twists it, flipping her to the ground. She tries to trip him, but CHRIS does a back flip and lands on a nearby ledge. In a flash, he produces a last potion which he tosses at her, striking her right in the heart. As she starts to burn, she wails and staggers under the power of the potion. CHRIS gestures with his right arm, and throws her into the wall. As she burns to ashes, CHRIS looks at her with a venomous hatred in his eyes.
CHRIS (spitefully):
Later, bitch.
He waves his hand, and she utters a final scream as she burns away to nothing. Cut to HOLLY watching her death, then gasping as one more MANTICORE breaks away from ANGEL'S grasp and runs towards CHRIS with a dagger.
HOLLY (screaming):
Chris! Get down!
CHRIS looks behind him and ducks as the MANTICORE leaps over his head. It growls and throws a right hook at CHRIS, striking him in the face. The force of the blow sends CHRIS flying into the opposite side of the cavern where he falls, unconscious. The MANTICORE heads towards him only to sidetracked by a side kick by HOLLY. It stumbles, but rights itself and heads back at HOLLY with left hook. HOLLY ducks and punches it in the face with a right, then left hook. It falls to the ground where it is skewered by ANGEL'S long-sword. It screeches in pain, but manages to knock ANGEL to the ground. It gets up and rips the sword out of its guts and emits a high pitched wail of torment. Cut to GUNN and FRED covering their ears in pain. Pans over to ANGEL writhing on the ground, blood streaming from his ears. Cuts to CHRIS regaining consciousness and HOLLY surrounded by a blue bubble of energy which expands to surround ANGEL, GUNN, FRED, and CHRIS. Pans to the MANTICORE in its death throes. As it emits a final cry, it slowly crumbles into dust. Cut to HOLLY looking shocked.
Fade To Black
ACT V
SCENE: INT. WOLFRAM & HART, LOBBY, NIGHT
ANGEL, HOLLY, and WESLEY are standing in the lobby as they watch LORNE singing a lullaby to DUNCAN. Pans over to show FRED and CHRIS wheeling a stroller with a bag of diapers and baby lotion in it. HOLLY walks up to CHRIS and looks at him for a long while. Finally she hugs CHRIS, then lets him go and smiles at DUNCAN.
HOLLY:
You have a beautiful son. I am so proud of you.
CHRIS (grinning):
Thanks sis. I'm just glad one of my sisters will accept me.
HOLLY:
The others will come around in time. You just have to have faith.
CHRIS:
I guess so. We'll just have to wait and see won't we?
HOLLY (grins faintly):
I guess so.
CHRIS nods at her and picks up the stroller from FRED. He looks at DUNCAN who begins laughing and shimmers into the stroller. He directs the stroller out of the front door, with a nod to ANGEL. As ANGEL watches CHRIS head out to the distance, he looks sideways at HOLLY.
ANGEL:
Quite an interesting family you got there.
HOLLY:
What can I say? We're kooky like that.
LORNE:
Gonna tell us more about that clan of yours sweetie?
HOLLY looks thoughtful for a moment, then grins and walks towards WESLEY'S office. Then she stops and turns around.
HOLLY (coyly):
When Angel tells me all about his sordid past as the vagabond Liam.
She grins at ANGEL'S startled expression.
HOLLY:
Thought so.
She walks into WESLEY'S office. ANGEL looks at LORNE who claps his hand on ANGEL'S back and moves towards the stairwell. ANGEL turns around and begins to head to the elevators. He stops though at FRED'S voice.
FRED (V.O.):
Hey, wait up!
She jogs up to ANGEL with OZ at her heels. She stops to catch her breath, missing the startled glance OZ gives ANGEL.
FRED:
I want you to meet my assistant, Mr. Os- -
ANGEL:
Oz?
OZ:
Angel?
Fade to black
END
Author's Note:
People, I need reviews! I can't continue if no one wants me too. I don't do this solely for my entertainment. I do for the readers. Please review!