Title: Dancing With the Demons, Ep. 1 (Part 4)
Author: redsrule1
Fandoms: Buffy, Angel, Dancing With the Stars
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I did not make up the characters, shows, the Waltz, or the Cha Cha. I just borrow them. However, I can teach you any of the moves portrayed in the show.
Pairings: Gen
Characters: Just about everyone
Author's Notes: Thanks as always to yourlibrarian for beta-ing above and beyond the call
Summary: Nine couples, ONE winner, and you decide who will be the champion!

And now, back to

Dancing With The Demons
Episode One, Part Four

Short, four-bar version of the show's theme music plays as we return from the break.

LORNE
Welcome back once more to Dancing With The Demons! Only two more dancers remain, but first, just before the break, the judges gave Clem and Buffy lofty praise for their Cha Cha! Will their scores be just as pleasing? Let's find out right now!

ANNOUNCER
The judges have their scores. Drusilla?

DRUSILLA
Nine. CROWD cheers.

ANNOUNCER
Wesley Wyndam-Price?

WESLEY
Nine. CROWD cheers, some whistles.

ANNOUNCER
Daniel Osbourne?

OZ
Nine. CROWD cheers and whistles wildly.

Cut to backstage. In the background, WILLOW sits nervously on the couch, next to the ARCHDUKE SEBASSIS. In front, ILLYRIA stands beside CLEM and BUFFY. CLEM is bouncing excitedly. BUFFY is smiling, as much from pride as from amusement at CLEM's reaction. CLEM throws his arms around BUFFY, and she reciprocates happily, but somewhat less excitedly. WILLOW smiles, and there is a brief, almost imperceptible upturn in one corner of ILLYRIA's mouth.

ILLYRIA
Three nines, giving you a score of twenty-seven. I am not displeased.

CLEM
Thank you. Thank you.

ILLYRIA
This score puts you into the lead. Do you think you deserve this honor?

CLEM
What? No, I just-- I just, wow, did I really do it?

ILLYRIA
Eyes narrowing, examining CLEM closely. Have you suffered damage? Can you not remember dancing just moments ago?

CLEM
Looking at BUFFY. I did it! We did it!

ILLYRIA
Of course you did it. That is why I'm talking with you n--

CLEM turns and rushes back to WILLOW and SEBASSIS, shaking their hands vigorously. WILLOW is amused, SEBASSIS endures this with quiet indulgence.

CLEM
Good luck, you two, good luck. Don't worry, it's fun!

CLEM bounds off-camera. BUFFY looks at ILLYRIA, smiles, and shrugs her shoulders.

ILLYRIA
Nods. I give you leave. BUFFY turns and leaves. ILLYRIA looks at the camera. I give you leave as well.

Cut to LORNE.

LORNE
Was that a smile I almost saw on her face? Chuckles. Okay, next up, can a Wicca work a magic dance spell on demon royalty? Let's meet the Archduke Sebassis and his partner, Willow Rosenberg!

Cut to montage of clips.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WILLOW
Interview
I was... a little... nervous when I saw who my partner was. When they said "Dancing With The Demons," I was expecting, like, Angel-- or Spike-- you know, the good kind-- or, well notalways good, but kind of you know, not entirely evil demons. But then Sebassis shows up and he's all -- real demony with the horns and everything. And minions.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rehearsal Clip
WILLOW enters a dance studio with wooden floors and mirrored walls. The Archduke SEBASSIS is seated at a small table to one side of the dance floor. He wears a cape with a hood over his head, and his back is to WILLOW. ARTODE stands imposingly beside him, and a SLAVE is tethered to SEBASSIS by a leash.

WILLOW
Hello? Are you my partner?

SEBASSIS
Rises from chair, removes the hood, and turns to face WILLOW. Miss Rosenberg. How very nice to meet you.

WILLOW
Audibly gasps. She tentatively reaches a hand out to take the hand that SEBASSIS offers. Do-- do I know you?

SEBASSIS
Bends at the waist to kiss WILLOW's hand, but stops short and actually just "air kisses" it.
We have never met, but I have had my eye on you for some time. You are a powerful Wicca.

WILLOW
Eyes wide. Heh. That's both flattering and creepy.

SEBASSIS
I understand. You have nothing to fear, my child. Now, where shall we begin?

WILLOW
Smiling uneasily Meep!
-------------------------------------------------------------------

SEBASSIS
interview
Ah, yes, the witch child. Do not let her oddly colorful appearance fool you. There is much power there. I respect that power, even if she does not.
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Rehearsal Clip
SEBASSIS and WILLOW stand at the far end of the dance floor from the camera with their backs to it. Their conversation is barely audible, as they speak in a conspiratorial tone.

WILLOW
Um, no, I don't think I can.

SEBASSIS
Are we not supposed to try to win?

WILLOW
Well, of course we are, but--

SEBASSIS
Are you not supposed to use all the means at your disposal?

WILLOW
Well, yeah, I mean, within reason, you know.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

WILLOW
Interview
But he's very respectful, and he works hard. He's actually a perfect gentleman. I think I'd like him except for-- you know-- evil. He does kinda give me the willies though, 'cause he doesn't say a lot, just kinda stands there and stares at me, waiting for me to teach him something like a good little student. I could see having a whole classroom full of little five year old Sebasses-es -- Sebassi?-- and teaching them math.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rehearsal Clip
SEBASSIS and WILLOW stand on the dance floor. ARTODE and the SLAVE stand nearby. SEBASSIS' gaze is unwavering as WILLOW speaks.

WILLOW
Okay, so you know this Cha Cha is supposed to be, you know, um…

WILLOW smiles uncomfortably. SEBASSIS continues to stare at her, unblinking.

WILLOW cont.
Um, you know.

SEBASSIS continues to stare.

ARTODE
Leaning in toward SEBASSIS She's trying to tell you that the dance is supposed to be sexy.

SEBASSIS
I know that. I'm just waiting for her to continue.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SEBASSIS
interview
I have complete faith in her. I put myself entirely in her hands. I have seen what she is capable of. And one thing that she is capable of is enabling me to do the Cha Cha. If I can only convince her to use her abilities, we shall rule this competition.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rehearsal Clip.
Another clip from the earlier scene in which SEBASSIS and WILLOW are speaking quietly with their backs to the camera.

SEBASSIS
It will be all right, my dear.

WILLOW
I don't think I should.

SEBASSIS
Do you suppose-- Turns toward the camera and addresses the camera crew.
Must we have our every move and conversation filmed? Are we not entitled to some privacy? Artode!

ARTODE appears from the side of the dance floor and walks directly to the camera to stand in front of it, completely blocking our view.
We can still hear voices, however.

SEBASSIS cont.
As I was saying, do you suppose that the other couples are not using every means at their disposal to win? If we are going to win, we will have to use all of our powers. All of your powers.

WILLOW
Sighs. Fine. I'll use my "feminine powers." I'll wear the skimpy costume.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WILLOW
Interview
I'd feel more comfortable teaching math. Or witchcraft. But then, I guess, not a good idea teaching the evil dead guy witchcraft. So math. I'd feel more comfortable teaching math. 'Cause the Dance Instructor Spell from Dance Camp? They could'a added a couplet to the chant about the whole performing in front of everybody thing!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

montage ends

ANNOUNCER
Dancing the Cha Cha: The Archduke Sebassis and Willow Rosenberg!

SEBASSIS and WILLOW take their opening poses. SEBASSIS wears a long, flowing silvery-black cloak, and stands with his head down, arms extended and crossed low in front of him. In his left hand he holds one end of a long chain, the opposite end of which is attached to a thick black collar WILLOW wears around her neck. WILLOW stands also with arms crossed and head bowed, but her pose is a submissive one. She stands a couple of feet behind and to the left of SEBASSIS. WILLOW wears black bikini pants and bra, with gold trim, her hair pulled up and back in a bun, and sparkly gold high heel dance shoes. The effect is simutaneously reminiscent of SEBASSIS' slaves and Princess Leia.

"I'm Too Sexy" by Right Said Fred plays

SEBASSIS looks up and starts to walk forward, pulling on the chain as he does. WILLOW follows lethargically, still looking down. SEBASSIS stops walking, and, using the chain, pulls WILLOW around to stop in front of him. She holds her left arm out to her side, as if offering to let him drink from her. SEBASSIS frowns disapprovingly, shakes his head "no," and smacks her arm away with his right hand. This causes WILLOW to spin, and she does three turns until she has completely wound the chain around her body and faces SEBASSIS. SEBASSIS turns his left cheek to her and points at it. WILLOW gives him a peck on the cheek and SEBASSIS smiles and tugs at the chain. While WILLOW spins out of the chain, SEBASSIS rips off his cloak and throws it aside. He is wearing a pair of black briefs with gold trim to match WILLOW's outfit, a low-cut black leather vest, and a large gold medallion on a heavy gold chain. Looking down his nose at WILLOW with the sexiest look he can muster, SEBASSIS reels in the chain until he and WILLOW are in dance position, and the collar chain is removed and dropped.

SEBASSIS and WILLOW break into some standard Cha Cha moves

As the music nears its end, SEBASSIS twirls WILLOW into a sit spin on the floor, but withdraws him hand suddenly, leaving WILLOW to crumple to the floor. He turns his back to her and begins to walk away. WILLOW crawls plaintively after him, finally clutching his leg as he stops, stares at the judges, licks his right thumb and, in a preening motion, uses it to "smooth back" his right horn as the music ends.

The CROWD cheers wildly as SEBASSIS breaks his pose and gallantly helps WILLOW to her feet. He picks up his discarded robe and drapes it around WILLOW's shoulders, then puts her on his right arm and escorts her to LORNE and the judges' table.

LORNE
Laughing Whee-ooh! How fun was that! And you had the crowd eating out of your hand!

SEBASSIS
An opportunity for them to learn how it feels.

CROWD laughs.

LORNE
Ha! Well, let's see if the judges are eating out of your hand. Drusilla?

DRUSILLA
Still singing the song to herself You're too sexy, aren't you? It was delightful. CROWD cheers. But it was a chocolate bunny, all hollow in the middle. CROWD boos. Your body wants to move. Let it go! But not in the way that Daddy has.

ANGEL
From offstage Hey!

LORNE
All right, Wesley?

WESLEY
Very entertaining, Archduke. You were a great sport and you played along with it. I enjoyed that. CROWD cheers However, I agree that the routine was somewhat lacking in the middle. CROWD boos. WESLEY turns and addresses the CROWD Well, it was! You captured the attitude well, and you moved rather well, but it was too "safe." To paraphrase Drusilla, you have some ability, and you shouldn't be afraid to show it. I want more out of your routines. That said, the overall theme, the beginning and ending, were most clever! CROWD applauds.

WILLOW nods, accepting the critique of her choreography. SEBASSIS continues to eye the judges, head held high, unflinching.

LORNE
And finally, Oz?

OZ
Staring at WILLOW Whoa.

CROWD cheers, some wolf whistles. WILLOW is snapped out of her stage presence and now begins to shift uncomfortably. She tries to put her hands in her non-existent pockets, and finally just pulls the cloak tighter.

LORNE
For once, Oz, you don't have to say anything more! You two crazy kids head on backstage and chat with Illyria.

SEBASSIS escorts WILLOW backstage to ILLYRIA.

ILLYRIA
Your performance amused me. I am pleased.

SEBASSIS
Coming from you, Eminent One, that is indeed a compliment. Nods his head in a token bow.

WILLOW is staring wide-eyed at ILLYRIA, not quite sure what to make of her.

ILLYRIA
And the chain and collar has made me nostalgic.

WILLOW takes a tiny step away from ILLYRIA. SEBASSIS just smiles.

SEBASSIS
So glad you enjoyed it, Eminence.

ILLYRIA
Nods. This one knows respect. Looks at SEBASSIS' costume. If not shame. I trust that will not now be lost on the judges.
Looks pointedly at camera.

Cut to Judges' Table.

ANNOUNCER
The judges are ready with their scores. Drusilla?

DRUSILLA
Seven. CROWD groans.

ANNOUNCER
Wesley Wyndam-Price?

WESLEY
Seven. CROWD boos.

ANNOUNCER
Daniel Osbourne?

OZ
Eight. CROWD cheers

ILLYRIA
The judges have scored you twenty-two out of thirty. There is room for improvement. I trust you will try harder next week.

SEBASSIS
Nods in acknowledgement. Eminence. Takes WILLOW's arm and escorts her off camera.

ILLYRIA
Looks at camera/teleprompter for a moment. I do not wish to read that. Your manner of writing gives me headaches.

Cut to LORNE.

LORNE
Looks toward the DIRECTOR and points to his ear. Maybe we could get her an earpiece for next week to suggest what to say for the toss. To camera Our final couple were once bitter enemies. Can they put that aside and work togther for the good of... the Waltz?
It's Lilah Morgan and Angel!

Cut to montage of clips.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANGEL
Interview. In all of the following interview clips, ANGEL wears a bandage on his right cheek.
Well, when I first saw that Lilah was gonna be my partner, I was kind of relieved. I mean, at least this way I know I don't have to go up against her. It's better to have her workin' for me instead of against me for once.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rehearsal Clip

LILAH and ANGEL practicing Waltz moves. Something goes wrong and they stop.

ANGEL
No, no, no. It's turn, stop, forward with the left foot.

LILAH
No, it should be the right foot.

ANGEL
I'm the teacher. It's the left.

LILAH
I'm doing the right. Get over it.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LILAH
Interview
Angel. Hmm. On the one hand, I was glad to see that he was my partner, and not somebody-- less capable. On the other hand, that pesky soul could get in the way. I'm not sure he's got the blood lust-- he won't go in for the kill. But I do know he'll go in for the pain, so that's a start. Maybe I can bring out a little Angelus... if I can get him to stop looking in the mirror for five seconds.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rehearsal Clip

LILAH and ANGEL practicing Waltz. As the couple circles the floor, ANGEL's eyes don't leave the mirror.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANGEL
Interview
I think we work okay together. She even came up with the idea for the theme of our routine and our costumes, once we found out what dance we'd be doing, so she's into it. She's thinkin' and plottin' and schemin'.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rehearsal Clip

ANGEL standing alone in dance studio. LILAH enters sporting braids with glittery ball bands on either side of her head.

LILAH
Here it is, big boy. What do you think?

ANGEL
That's-- that's how your wearing your hair?

LILAH
Like it?

ANGEL
Uh... uh... yeah.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANGEL
Interview
If she puts half the effort into this that she put into trying to destroy Angel Investigations, I don't see how anybody could beat us.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rehearsal Clip

LILAH and ANGEL dancing. ANGEL leads LILAH into a series of spins. Her braids windmill out, hitting ANGEL in the face with each revolution.

ANGEL
Ow. Ow. Ow.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANGEL
Interview
That's why I don't mind letting her come up with ideas, I can see her mind workin'. Just... there's not gonna be any more braids. Rubs bandage.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

montage ends

ANNOUNCER
Dancing the Waltz, Lilah Morgan and Angel!

LILAH and ANGEL stike their starting poses on the dance floor. LILAH sits on the stairs to the stage. She is dressed like a schoolgirl, with short navy skirt and blue button-down collared blouse with a navy sweater over top. She is wearing glasses with brown plastic frames and has her hair braided in a pigtail on either side, tied at the bottom with a short blue ribbon. Her shoes look more like Mary Janes than the standard high-heeled dance shoe. She sits with her knees drawn tightly together and her hands placed primly on top of them.

ANGEL stands on the stage dressed in a tuxedo with tailcoat, white tie, vest, and tux shirt, with shiny black, patent leather dance shoes. He stands tall and authoritatively with his hands holding the flaps of his tailcoat, much as a proud father at a wedding reception might.

"Daddy's Little Girl" by Eddy Arnold plays.

ANGEL descends the steps, still holding his tailcoat, until he reaches the bottom, chest still puffed out in a haughty manner. He extends his left hand to LILAH, as if asking for a dance. She grins shyly, then puts her right hand in ANGEL's extended hand, and stands up. ANGEL rolls LILAH into a cuddle position, then rolls her back out, then back in again into dance position. They begin dancing Waltz moves.

ANGEL twirls LILAH into a backward dip supported by his left arm, his face hovering just above hers. ANGEL's right hand caresses the back of her head, changing the tone of the routine from father-daughter dance to suitor romancing the proper schoolgirl.

After a few more Waltz moves, they repeat the dip. ANGEL repeats his caress of LILAH's head, and this time LILAH reaches up to return the gesture. ANGEL catches LILAH's wrist before she can touch his hair, and wags a finger "no". LILAH then starts to remove her glasses but ANGEL stops this move as well, returning the glasses to her face, changing the tone yet again and revealing that this routine was actually about acting out the schoolgirl kink.

As the music reaches its climax, ANGEL leads LILAH back to the stairs, where she sits down again while he climbs the stairs and resumes his starting pose. LILAH's seated pose this time, however, is more fitting with the kink fantasy, as she sits "sidesaddle" on the bottom of the three stairs, one leg extended behind her. She stretches seductively as she lays herself up the stairs and licks her lips in a seductive invitation to ANGEL as the music ends.

The CROWD cheers. ANGEL descends the stairs, takes LILAH by the hand and helps her up, and they walk over to LORNE, who takes them to stand in front of the JUDGES' table.

LORNE
Well, that was a sexy little number! And aren't you just a cutie in that outfit? Let's see what the judges have to say. Drusilla?

DRUSILLA
Still seducing innocent girls, aren't you, naughty Daddy? Slyly I like it. CROWD cheers
There's about to be a problem, but you'll be here next week. CROWD cheers

LORNE
Heh. Dru, honey, shh. You can't give it away. How about you, Wes?

WESLEY
Takes off his glasses, and looks at them rather than the dancers. Your dancing was strong and fluid, and you moved well across the floor. It was well done. CROWD cheers. WESLEY puts his glasses back on and looks sternly at LILAH. However, if you invoke Fred again, I'll see to it that you're out of the competition.

A hush falls over the CROWD. ANGEL looks sharply at LILAH at the mention of Fred's name.
LILAH stares at WESLEY defiantly, with a knowing smirk on her face.

LORNE
Um, okay. Oz?

OZ
Huh. Well, Angel, your arms were stiff but the dancing was smooth. You guys work out whatever these other issues are and keep us out of it.
The CROWD remains silent, still stunned.

LORNE
All right, uh, Angelcakes, take Lilah backstage while we wait for the judges' scores.

Still glaring at LILAH, ANGEL walks her backstage where they meet ILLYRIA.

ILLYRIA
Very well. Come to me. The half-breed appears angered.

ANGEL does not speak, just continues to glare.

LILAH
Keep that up, Angel. If you work on it, I think that broody look could be a trademark for you.

ILLYRIA
He does not deign to speak with you. Do you not fear the half-breed's reprisals?

LILAH
He can't hurt me. He's noble.

ILLYRIA
Nobility is for those afraid to use their power. The triumvirate of judges is not noble, and will use their power now.

Cut to judges' table.

ANNOUNCER
Ladies and gentlemen, the judges' scores: Drusilla?

DRUSILLA
Nine. CROWD cheers.

ANNOUNCER
Wesley Wyndam-Price?

WESLEY
Eight. CROWD groans.

ANNOUNCER
Daniel Osbourne?

OZ
Eight. CROWD claps politely.

ILLYRIA
The judges have given you twenty-five out of thirty. But more importantly, I have a sword in my dressing room. If you wait here, I shall retrieve it.

ANGEL turns and walks off-camera. LILAH grins a guilty, knowing grin and follows him.

ILLYRIA
To the camera, disappointedly. There will be no need for the sword. I am therefore finished for this evening.
Walks off camera.

Cut to LORNE.

LORNE
There you have it, folks! Nine couples have danced and now it's time to take a quick look at the Leader Board!

Cut to graphic listing the names of the couples and their scores as follows:

Clem & Buffy...27
Spike & Faith...25
Lilah & Angel...25
Darla & Lindsey...22
Sebassis & Willow...22
Gunn & Cordelia...21
Xander & Anya...21
Harmony & Giles...19
Glory & Ben...16

Cut back to LORNE

LORNE cont.
And now it's time for you to vote! Voting begins immediately following this episode, and will continue for almost two weeks! There will be no episode next week, as we're being pre-empted for Spring Training Baseball. But we'll return in two weeks with our Results Show, when we'll combine the results of the voting with the judges' scores to find out which couple will be eliminated from the competition! The rules for voting are next, and we'll see you in two weeks on Dancing With The Demons!

Theme music plays, credits roll.

For voting, visit my LJ at http://redsrule1.