04x11 - Soulless

[bunniefuu]

Previously on Angel:

1 INT. LAB OUTSIDE PROFESSOR SEIDEL'S OFFICE - NIGHT

Fred still has a crossbow pointed at Professor Seidel, who's now standing against one of the lab desks. A portal has opened in the floor in front of the Professor, and it's sucking him in. He's clinging to the lab desk as Charles Gunn bursts into the lab.

GUNN

If you k*ll him, I'm gonna lose you.

Gunn breaks the Professor's neck, and pushes him into the portal. It closes behind the Professor. Fred and Gunn stare at each other, trying to absorb what just happened.

Cut to:

2 EXT. HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS - DAY

Fred and Gunn come in through the garden on their way back from the client's house. They go up the stairs, Fred first, to the front door.

GUNN

We haven't even touched each other since—

FRED

(they both look down, avoid eye contact) Since we m*rder*d Professor Seidel.

Cut to:

3 INT. WESLEY'S APARTMENT - DAY

Wesley is walking into the living room.

FRED

You've been keeping track of me?

WESLEY

Yes.

Cut to:

4 INT. OFFICE AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS - NIGHT

Gunn and Wesley are having a confrontation.

GUNN

You move on Fred, and I'm gonna put you down hard.

Cut to:

5 EXT. SKY TEMPLE CLUB ON KIMBALL BUILDING ROOF - NIGHT

The beast kneels on one knee, punching the floor at the center of his human square, sending a trail of fire out along the floor in the shape of the Eye of Fire symbol. A shock wave emanates from the area, knocking everyone back a few feet. The fire is tall now, taller than the beast. The Beast leaps straight up into the sky, riding the fire that he created.

Cut to:

6 INT. CONNOR'S PLACE - NIGHT

Connor and Cordelia are standing next to each other, looking out the window at a shaft of fire that's sh**ting straight up into a red circular cloud in the sky right over downtown. The column of fire is sucked up into the cloud where it disappears and the clouds close. Still glowing, the clouds now rain tiny fireballs all over the city. They stare in disbelief.

CORDELIA

It's coming, and no one can stop it. Connor, you never had a childhood, or anything that's real, and if this is the end, I want you to have something that is.

Cut to:

7 INT. CONNOR'S PLACE - NIGHT

Connor and Cordelia are in bed together, making love. Lying on top of Cordelia, Connor kisses her tenderly amid gentle undulations under the sheets.

Cut to:

8 EXT. CONNOR'S PLACE - NIGHT

Zoom outside through the window. Fire rain is falling down all around, and Angel's there, on the roof of a nearby building, looking into the attic, where he can see Connor and Cordelia in bed together making love.

Cut to:

9 INT. CONNOR'S PLACE - DAY

Standing, holding the assembled artifact in front of him, the Beast breathes out black smoke into the orb which rests on two metal wings.

WESLEY (V.O.)

The Beast is planning to block out the sun permanently.

Cut to:

10 EXT. STREET BEHIND CONNOR'S PLACE - DAY

The sun becomes blocked out by blackness.

Cut to:

11 INT. CONNOR'S PLACE - DAY

The Beast walks up to Angel.

BEAST

Angelus.

Cut to:

12 EXT. STREET BEHIND CONNOR'S PLACE - DAY

Cordelia and Connor are waiting anxiously by the car. Angel and crew come out of the building, and Cordelia runs to them.

ANGEL

The Beast knows me.

CORDELIA

No, it doesn't. It knows Angelus.

ANGEL

I'm telling ya, I don't know this beast.

WESLEY

We need Angelus.

Cut to:

13 INT. LOBBY AT HOTEL/ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

The g*ng is sitting around in the lobby of the hotel.

FRED

I'd much prefer we had a plan.

WESLEY

(walks in the front door with a man dressed in purple robes) Wo-Pang. He can deliver Angelus to us.

Cut to:

14 INT. BASEMENT AT HOTEL/ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Wesley and Gunn are strapping Angel to a table inside the cage. The shaman places a jar on a table, and Cordelia is curious about it.

CORDELIA

What is that?

WO-PANG

It's the receptacle that will house his soul.

The shaman goes inside the cage with Angel, shutting the door behind him. Angel is lying on the table in the cage. Connor, Cordy, Gunn and Wesley look on. The shaman puts his hand on Angel's head, closes his eyes, and when the shaman's eyes open again, they're red.

WO-PANG

It is done.

Angelus turns his head to look at Angel's g*ng as they watch him.

CORDELIA

Angelus.

Fade to black.

The Start Of EpisodePrologue:

TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE: Since the sun is blotted out in metro Los Angeles, I will not describe the setting in terms of day or night as it's irrelevant until the plot point is resolved. Scenes that take place outside the affected area will be described appropriately.

15 EXT. STREET IN LOS ANGELES

A stack of newspapers, bundled for delivery reads "Crime Wave Shuts Down City." Connor grabs the bundle and swings it at a vampire's head. Connor's fighting several vampires at once. They're jumping out from every direction, each time he knocks one down, another shows up to take its place.

One of the vampires pushes Connor into a metal canister. Connor twists the wheel at the top, releasing gasses from within. The vampires shriek, disoriented. Connor manages to knock a couple of them down now, but two more vampires grab him by each arm, holding him for a third vampire.

CONNOR

Lemme guess. Out-of-towners?

VAMPIRE

Yeah, Tucson.

The vampire comes toward Connor, but Connor kicks him in the chin, knocking him down. Then he gets free of the two vampires that were holding him and engages them in a fist fight. Connor triggers the release of a concealed stake from a device attached to his wrist. He dusts one of the vampires, dodges another who was coming at him, sending him through a window, then stakes him. He punches the last vampire, throwing him into a billboard. When he falls to the ground, Connor picks up a stake from the ground.

CONNOR

Welcome to L.A. (hurls the stake at the vampire, dusting him) Tourists.

When he looks around, Connor sees a dozen or more vampires walking toward him from either end of the alley.

Cut to:

16 INT. OFFICE AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Close-up of a drawing depicting the aerial view of of a park. Wesley walks up to the picture and opens it like a door, revealing a safe behind it. He twists the dial on the safe door to the right combination. Cordelia's standing behind him, holding the receptacle that's contains Angel's soul. Fred, Gunn, and Lorne are also in the room.

FRED

Seeing Angel's soul all floaty like that kinda makes me crazy.

LORNE

Yeah, it's not forever, sugar plum. We're just borrowing it.

WESLEY

(opens the safe door, holds his hands out to Cordelia) Cordelia. (she hands him the receptacle)

FRED

Don't drop it.

Wesley puts the receptacle in the safe, closes the safe door, then closes the picture over it, concealing the safe.

WESLEY

(turns to face everyone) Angel is gone.

CORDELIA

I can't believe...it's done.

GUNN

Taking out Angel's soul. Putting it in a jar. I hope we know what we're doing.

WESLEY

If Angelus knows how to destroy the Beast, it's all we've got.

LORNE

Yeah, otherwise, permanent midnight.

CORDELIA

He's dangerous. I know. I've seen it. But we're doing the right thing.

WESLEY

As long as we're very careful. Before Angelus was ensouled, his viciousness was mythic. You all know his history.

FRED

k*lling, maiming, t*rture...

LORNE

Puppies nailed to walls. Thank you, Cordelia, for that lovely image. But, uh, I think that brings us up to speed.

WESLEY

There's only one thing Angelus will be focused on: getting free so that he can slaughter us.

CORDELIA

We're Angel's only link to humanity. Angelus will hate us for that. He'll want to make us suffer.

WESLEY

Watch the monitor when I go down. Pay attention to everything he does, everything he says. He'll try to confuse you, to play on your emotions so you drop your guard. If he succeeds—even for an instant—we're all dead. (stands, paces) I spent my life training for this, and I'm still not ready. (pan out, viewing them from outside the room) He's smarter than I am, and a great deal more focused. (pan over to the front desk where there's a monitor showing Angelus in the cage) He'll exploit everything Angel knows about me and go for the jugular.

Cut to:

17 INT. BASEMENT AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Enter the dark and creepy basement where the cell that holds Angelus is cloaked mostly in shadow.

WESLEY (O.S.)

Whatever he's got, I'm not gonna see it coming.

Zoom in on the darkest back corner of the cell. Angelus is sitting on the floor, singing "Teddy Bear Picnic" to himself.

ANGELUS

(singing) If you go into the woods tonight, you won't believe your eyes. If you go into the woods tonight, you're in for a big surprise...

Fade to black.

Opening credits.

ACT I:

18 INT. BASEMENT AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Wesley walks downstairs into the basement and stands a few feet away from the cage. Angelus is lurking in the shadows.

WESLEY

Angelus.

ANGELUS

Wes. Why the long face? Aren't you happy to see me?

WESLEY

Should I be?

ANGELUS

Well, if it wasn't for you and your shaman friend, I wouldn't be here. I'm feeling the love.

WESLEY

The choice was Angel's.

ANGELUS

Angel, schmangel. You're the man with the brain.

WESLEY

You're comfortable?

ANGELUS

Nice acoustics. Wouldn't hate a chair.

WESLEY

(rearranges the g*n he's holding, paces) You'll have to forgive the accommodations. The last time you were free, you terrorized Sunnydale.

ANGELUS

That slayer—she's a p*stol.

WESLEY

I've imagined this moment many times. Years of study, research... I've read everything ever written about you...

ANGELUS

Stop, I'm blushing.

WESLEY

To be one-on-one with the legendary Angelus. (sits in a chair a few feet away from the cage) As a former watcher, it's a high point.

ANGELUS

(walks toward Wes) Buttering me up. Getting me all relaxed, hm? Not the most innovative interrogation technique, but... OK, I'll play.

WESLEY

Is it a game?

ANGELUS

Hey, open book. Anything you want to know. How sweet that virgin gypsy tasted. The special smell of a newborn's neck. My first nun—now that's a great story.

WESLEY

We could start there.

ANGELUS

(shakes his head) Don't be coy, Wes. You're just dying to know about the big Beastie. Fire away.

WESLEY

All right. Did you know the beast?

ANGELUS

(staring at Wesley) Well, now that's a question. Not a great question. Not even an insightful question. Not a Wyndham-Pryce-worthy question—

WESLEY

If you knew the Beast, why wouldn't Angel remember?

ANGELUS

I don't know. Maybe he doesn't remember the good times. Maybe he won't let himself. (rolls his eyes) So like him. (looks at Wes) Here's one for you: what's he deal with Angel and the Raiders of the Lost Ark?

WESLEY

The movie?

ANGELUS

The "perfect day" fantasy he came up with. Caves, booby traps, the requisite phallic sword.

WESLEY

He fought the Beast in the fantasy?

ANGELUS

Real candy-ass.

WESLEY

The Beast?

ANGELUS

Angel. Not enough to be the hero—couldn't be happy unless the whole g*ng's pitching in.

WESLEY

So, he k*lled the Beast in this fantasy.

ANGELUS

Had to. To get what he wanted. We all want something, Wes. It's the way of the world. Everybody's got an agenda.

WESLEY

(leans back in his chair) And you want to tell me mine.

ANGELUS

You want to come down here, get your vital stats on lava boy, play the big hero—

WESLEY

I want to know how to k*ll the Beast. It has nothing to do with being a hero.

ANGELUS

Sure it does, but why now? Can't be because there's an apocalypse coming—always one of those around the corner.

WESLEY

Enlighten me.

ANGELUS

(walks up to the cage bars) "Foul rag-and-bone shop of the heart." That's where you live.

WESLEY

Meaning?

ANGELUS

You want to impress the girl. Move in, get her to love you, and after a couple days of flowers and chocolate covered cherries, (bangs his hands on the bars) you'll bend her over the kitchen counter—

WESLEY

That supposed to rattle me?

ANGELUS

Kinda bony for my taste, but different strokes...

WESLEY

The Beast called you an adversary.

ANGELUS

(leaning against the bars, fondling them with his hands) Bet he loves to rub that shiny bald head against her soft, milky skin. Mmmm...good...

Cut to:

19 INT. LOBBY AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Lorne, Gunn, Fred, and Cordelia are watching Wesley and Angelus on the monitor set up on the front desk.

ANGELUS

(through the monitor) Come on, Wes. Not like your schoolgirl crush is a secret.

FRED

Charles, remember, we can't believe anything Angelus says.

GUNN

(his arms crossed) How 'bout the stuff that's true? (looks at Fred) Can we believe that?

CORDELIA

He distorts everything. He lies with the truth. It's part of what makes him so dangerous.

LORNE

Yeah, don't let him get to you, kiwi.

GUNN

He's not the only one that's gettin'.

FRED

Charles...

GUNN

I know. I know.

FRED

It's just words.

WESLEY

(through the monitor) You've found a vulnerability, exploited it. Well done.

Cut to:

20 INT. BASEMENT AT HOTEL/ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Wesley is still interviewing Angelus.

WESLEY

Can we move on now?

ANGELUS

I'm just getting started. Tell you this— (lets go of the bars) all that digging you've been doing on the horny giant—wrong place. (paces)

WESLEY

(stands) And the right place?

ANGELUS

I could tell you. (smirks) Wouldn't be sporting.

WESLEY

(paces) But you were adversaries—you and the Beast.

ANGELUS

Guy like me... friends, enemies...hard to keep track.

WESLEY

(stops, looks at Angelus) If he was an enemy, I'd be doing you a favor in destroying him.

ANGELUS

You know, you're not fooling anyone. Get some new clothes, cool haircut, hit the gym—you're still the same loser none of the other kids wanted to sit with at lunch.

WESLEY

Yet you're locked in that cage, and I'm out here.

ANGELUS

So? (walks up to the bars) You've got no leverage. What are you going to do? k*ll me?

WESLEY

If I have to.

ANGELUS

(chuckles) Wait 'til they drop, Wes, then try that line again.

WESLEY

I'll put your soul back. You won't talk, no problem—we'll bring Angel back and be no worse off than we were.

ANGELUS

Making you a failure again.

WESLEY

You want to waste my time, you can rot down here. (walks away)

ANGELUS

Nice stamina, Wes. No wonder Fred's not interested. (Wes stops)

WESLEY

Whatever your connection to the Beast, clearly you don't know anything that can help us. (starts walking upstairs)

ANGELUS

Is this the part where I'm supposed to get defensive, start talking to prove you wrong? What else you got? (walks to the back wall, leans against it)

WESLEY

(stops) You must hate it—that Angel fights evil.

ANGELUS

Eats you up inside, doesn't it. Seeing all those idiots flock around him, calling him a champion. Anyone ever call you a champion?

WESLEY

(turns to face Angelus) I do my part.

ANGELUS

Right. Like letting Lilah suck Lorne's brain. Or, here's an oldie but a goodie: Faith. Good job being her watcher. She turned out to be a peach.

WESLEY

(walks up to Angelus) And you managed to get your soul back, not once, but twice, saving the world several times in the process. Nobody's perfect.

ANGELUS

Then there's kidnapping the fruit of my loins. Smooth.

WESLEY

He survived.

ANGELUS

I guess you just can't understand that special bond between dad and son, given that your own father's ashamed of you—

WESLEY

And Connor's ashamed of you. The universe's way of maintaining order, I guess.

ANGELUS

(chuckles) Twerp really gives me the creeps. You?

WESLEY

In Cordelia's vision, you and the Beast were standing on a field—

ANGELUS

Oh, God, yeah. (walks up to the bars) Let's talk about Cordy, shall we? Now, there's a rack to write home about. Too bad about the personality, though. (bobbing his head) "Yap, yap, yap, yap, yap!" (mocking Cordelia) "Oh, God. Oh, Angel. Angel, we can't. I love you, but you were so bad. You ate babies." (scoffs) Chicks.

Cut to:

21 INT. LOBBY AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Lorne, Gunn, Fred, and Cordelia are watching Wesley and Angelus on the monitor set up on the front desk.

LORNE

Sticks and stones, sweet potato.

GUNN

We don't have to l—

CORDELIA

No, I'm OK.

FRED

Like you said—just little bitty bits of truth twisted all up into lies.

ANGELUS

(through the monitor) Which do you think is worse, Wes? Stealing my kid like you did, or banging him, like Cordelia. (Fred looks at Cordelia then at Gunn, Lorne shakes his head, Cordelia just stares at the monitor deadpan) All that bumping and grinding. Fire raining in the sky. Quite a picture. Well, more of a snapshot, 'cause Connor— (chuckles)

FRED

Now, that's just ridiculous. Connor's Angel's son. It'd be like sleeping with your own— (Lorne gestures that she stop) Oh.

ANGELUS

(through the monitor) At least you thought you were doing the right thing. Hey, who's a guy gotta k*ll to get a drink around here?

Connor walks through the front door, beaten and exhausted.

CORDELIA

Connor, what happened? Are you all right?

CONNOR

They're coming from all over. Too many to fight. (realizes everyone's staring at him) What?

WESLEY

(enters the lobby) He wants blood.

FRED

I'll get it.

GUNN

Me too.

Fred and g*n walk out of the lobby.

Cut to:

22 INT. BASEMENT AT HOTEL/ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Fred and Gunn walk down the stairs with blood for Angelus. Gunn's carrying a crossbow.

ANGELUS

Othello and Desdemona. My favorite couple. Oh, wait, Desdemona wasn't in love with the other guy. So much for stand by your man. (Gunn points the crossbow at Angelus) Then again, you probably like her on her knees.

GUNN

Keep talking. I'll sweep out the cage when I'm done.

ANGELUS

Oh. Provocative. Get me all riled up. You think that's what your boss would want?

GUNN

Don't have a boss.

ANGELUS

You might want to tell Wesley that. Ah, Fred. You look all fresh and sweet, but I hear you at night in your room with Gunn. (Fred walks forward tentatively) The things you say. I'm lying there, listening, hands under the covers... I can't help myself. It's so... gripping.

GUNN

This coming from a guy who can't get any. Ever.

FRED

(pushing a cart upon which she's paced a glass of blood) You're a pig.

GUNN

(aims the crossbow at Angelus) Step back.

Angelus steps back, and Fred pushes the cart up to the bars. She stands there, holding the cart, waiting for Angelus to take the glass of blood. He picks up the glass, eyeing Fred who won't even look at him. When she finally meets his gaze, he kicks the cart forward, causing Fred to fall forward on it where he can reach her. He pulls her up, her back toward him, and puts his arm around her neck.

ANGELUS

Might get some now.

Fade to black.

ACT II:

23 INT. BASEMENT AT HOTEL/ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Resume. Angelus has his arm wrapped around Fred's throat, holding her up to the bars of his cage. Gunn's pointing the crossbow at Angelus.

ANGELUS

(Fred struggles against him) I like the way you move, Fred. Do it just a little to the left.

FRED

(faintly) Charles...

GUNN

(drops the crossbow and charges toward them) Get off her!

ANGELUS

Come on, Charles, save her! Come on! Save, her Charles!—

Angelus is interrupted when he's hit in the arm with a tranquilizer dart sh*t by Wesley, who's standing on the stairs. Angelus's grip loosens and Fred steps away from the bars into Gunn's waiting arms. Wesley sh**t Angelus again, in the chest this time. Angelus looks at the dart, then collapses backwards.

GUNN

Are you OK? Did he hurt you?

FRED

No. I'm sorry. That was so stupid, I—I should've—

WESLEY

(walks past Fred and Gunn to look at Angelus) It's not your fault. Angelus is unpredictable. He'll take any opening, no matter how small. (to Gunn) It's understandable, but you played right into his hands. Never drop your w*apon. (walks back upstairs)

FRED

Thanks.

GUNN

So you're OK?

FRED

Yeah. I'm just glad you're here. (hugs Gunn)

Wesley looks back over his shoulder to see Fred and Gunn embrace.

Cut to:

24 INT. ROOM AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Cordelia comes into the room where Connor has been washing up. She hands him a black button-up shirt.

CORDELIA

Hope you, uh, like black.

CONNOR

Thanks. (puts on the shirt, looks at the fit) This is his.

CORDELIA

Well, if you don't like it, I could ask Lorne. (grins)

CONNOR

It's fine. (puts on his weapons)

CORDELIA

You're not going back out.

CONNOR

Somebody has to.

CORDELIA

Connor, you're exhausted. You said yourself there were too many—

CONNOR

I want to get out of here, OK? Everybody still looks at me like I'm the one who's connected to the Beast.

CORDELIA

No. The looking earlier—that wasn't about the Beast. (Connor looks at her) It was because of us. Angelus said some things about the night we—you know. The weirdness is because everyone knows.

CONNOR

Good.

CORDELIA

Connor...

CONNOR

Angel doesn't care if everyone knows. Why should I?

CORDELIA

It's not Angel. Anyway, you should get some rest. (walks to the door)

CONNOR

You don't want to be with me—fine, you're not, but don't tell me what to do.

Cordelia walks out of the room.

Cut to:

25 INT. OFFICE AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Wesley's doing research in the office when Fred walks into the room.

FRED

Hey.

WESLEY

Hey. Angelus mentioned something about a sword in Angel's fantasy. I thought...

FRED

I wanted to thank you. If you hadn't've come in when you did...

WESLEY

(looks into the lobby, then to Fred) He's not there.

FRED

(awkwardly) It's— Charles heard what Angelus said. The stuff about—

WESLEY

Me.

FRED

Yeah, and—

WESLEY

How I feel about you.

FRED

(smiles nervously) Yes, which is very sweet. There's nothing wrong with i—

WESLEY

Yes there is.

Walks up to Fred, puts his hand on her neck and kisses her passionately. She puts her hand on his neck, but then slides it down to his chest and pushes away.

GUNN

Hey, (Wes and Fred turn away from each other as Gunn walks into the room) who's watching the monitor? (looks suspiciously at Wes, then at Fred) What's going on?

FRED

Nothing.

GUNN

Did he just—?

FRED

Of course not. (tries to push him out of the room) Charles, you're right—the monitor.

GUNN

(to Fred) You better tell me what the hell I just walked in on.

FRED

We were just— (looks at Wes)

GUNN

What? (look at Wes) Researching?

WESLEY

You want to do this, deal with me. Leave Fred out of it.

GUNN

(walks up to Wes) You ought to be leaving Fred out of it!

FRED

(from behind Gunn) Hello, I'm here.

GUNN

You think I don't see the way you look at her?

FRED

Charles, please.

GUNN

(turns to Fred) And you, running off to him every time you need help, like I'm not good enough.

FRED

No, that's not— This isn't the time.

GUNN

(to Wes) I'm telling you—stay away from her.

Cut to:

26 INT. BASEMENT AT HOTEL/ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Angelus starts to wake up from the tranquilizer darts and hears the squabbling upstairs. He smiles and laces his hands behind his head, grinning.

ANGELUS

That was fast. (chuckles)

Cut to:

27 INT. LOBBY AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Connor sneaks through the lobby while Gunn and Wes are still arguing in the office.

GUNN

—long time since you were out for anyone but yourself.

WESLEY

I owe you nothing. Not anymore.

GUNN

You just take what you want, huh—

FRED

(pushes Gunn out of the office into the lobby) Come on.

GUNN

—no matter who it belongs to.

WESLEY

I didn't realize Fred came with a deed.

FRED

Stop it! What's wrong with you?

GUNN

You don't realize a lot of things, like the fact that nobody wants you here.

WESLEY

'Cause you do such a bang-up job without me.

Lorne and Cordelia come into the lobby.

LORNE

Hey, hey, come on, guys. Let's not say anything that—

GUNN

Shut up, Lorne! (to Wes) Great idea, Wes, stealing Angel's kid. Oh, was losing him a part of your plan, too?

WESLEY

Go ahead. Throw some more blame around. It's what you're best at.

GUNN

(steps closer to Wes, yelling) You want to say that again?

FRED

Oh, God.

WESLEY

(steps up to Gunn, softly) Face it, Gunn, you can't give her what she needs.

Gunn punches Wesley in the face. He stumbles back, but stays standing.

FRED

Charles!

Wesley punches Gunn twice in the torso.

FRED

Stop it!

Gunn grabs Wesley and pushes him against the front desk.

FRED

(to Charles) This is insane! You're doing exactly what Angelus wants.

Gunn ignores her as he and Wes continue to fight.

LORNE

Oh, for the love of Mike Tyson—

Gunn hits Fred in the face with his elbow inadvertently as he rears back for another punch at Wesley. Fred screams and falls to the floor, covering her busted lip.

GUNN

(looks at Fred and realizes what he's done) Fred...

Cordelia goes to Fred's aid and looks up at Gunn, then notices the monitor on the desk behind him. Connor's in the basement talking to Angelus.

Cut to:

28 INT. BASEMENT AT HOTEL/ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Connor walks up to the cage where Angelus is sitting on the floor in a dark corner. Connor just glares at Angelus.

CONNOR

Everyone's afraid of you.

ANGELUS

Is that my shirt?

CONNOR

Not anymore. (paces in front of the bars)

ANGELUS

Looks good on you, son.

CONNOR

(smirks) So did Cordy.

ANGELUS

She looks good on everybody.

CONNOR

Angel warned me about you. Said I should remember you're not my real father.

ANGELUS

Yeah, (stands) that was a nice speech. Touching. I think it ended with you promising to k*ll me.

CONNOR

I remember.

ANGELUS

(walks toward Connor) Kind of unnecessary, don't you think? I mean, with your track-record, I'll be staking myself by the end of the day.

CONNOR

It's fine by me. (walks away)

ANGELUS

(leans on the bars) Darla felt the same way. It made her sick, you squirming inside her. So, she jammed a stake in her own heart, just so she wouldn't have to hear your first whiny breath.

CONNOR

(scoffs) You don't know anything.

ANGELUS

Then there was Holtz. It disappointed him so much that he stabbed himself in the neck.

CONNOR

(angry) My fa— (catches himself) Holtz was a good man. All he ever wanted was for you to get the punishment you deserve. And you will.

ANGELUS

And now my boy's in love. All hearts and flowers. (shakes his head) But, doesn't it freak you out that she used to change your diapers? I mean, when you think about it, the first woman you boned is the closest thing you've ever had to a mother. Doing your mom and trying to k*ll your dad. Hm. There should be a play.

CONNOR

(paces) You think I care what you say? Angel told me how you'd try to hurt me, how you aren't my real dad, just some animal in a cage. Angel's my dad.

ANGELUS

(flutters his eyelashes) I'm gonna cry.

CONNOR

That's what he told me. And he thought I believed him. (turns away) The truth is, Angel's just something that you're forced to wear. (looks at Angelus) You're my real father.

ANGELUS

(glares at Connor) I'm right here. All you have to do is come and get me.

CONNOR

You'd like that.

ANGELUS

(shrugs) You couldn't take me anyway. (walks away)

CONNOR

We'll see.

ANGELUS

Promises, promises. Don't make 'em, if you can't keep 'em.

CONNOR

I wouldn't think of it. (walks closer to the cage)

ANGELUS

It might be your best chance. (turns to Connor) Don't disappoint daddy.

Cordelia comes down the stairs.

CORDELIA

Connor. Go upstairs.

CONNOR

(glaring at Angelus) No.

CORDELIA

Please, go upstairs.

CONNOR

(turns, walks away) It's your lucky day.

ANGELUS

Yeah. Go to your room, mama's boy. (Connor goes upstairs) Cordy. Cordy, Cordy. Just couldn't stay away.

CORDELIA

(walks toward the cage) It's been a long day, and I think you've done enough damage.

ANGELUS

So, no hug?

CORDELIA

You and I are gonna make a deal.

ANGELUS

Tough. Did you practice that in front of the mirror a few times? Lemme guess. You want to know about the Beast.

CORDELIA

Everything you know.

ANGELUS

(nods) Oh. And in return, I get what? (paces) Wouldn't mind a car. I hear the new Mustang is nice.

CORDELIA

(paces) Something better.

ANGELUS

What's a better ride than a Mustang?

CORDELIA

(looks at Angelus) Me.

Fade to black.

ACT III:

29 INT. BASEMENT AT HOTEL/ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Resume. Cordelia's making a deal with Angelus.

ANGELUS

You?

CORDELIA

That's the offer. No more stalling, no more games. You tell us what you know, you get me.

ANGELUS

Must be some confusion. You took out the soul. Still have the brain.

CORDELIA

Then use it. The Beast, the darkness—the world is falling apart. We're out of time, we're out of ideas. You're the end of the line.

ANGELUS

(smirks) Wes was better at buttering me up. (walks away)

CORDELIA

You know what it means to be a champion.

ANGELUS

I'm trying so hard to forget.

CORDELIA

Sometimes a sacrifice needs to be made.

ANGELUS

(faces her) And you're the little lamb. Not that there aren't a few things I wouldn't mind doing to that body—other than the obvious. (walks forward)

CORDELIA

Tell us about the Beast, and you can do whatever you want.

ANGELUS

You're lying.

CORDELIA

Look in my eyes. Angel knows me. You know me. Better than anyone. So, when you look at me, you know I'm not lying.

Cut to:

30 INT. OFFICE AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Wes, Lorne, Fred, Gunn and Connor are all staring at Cordelia. Connor's seated behind the desk, Lorne in front of it. Wes is leaning on one side of the desk and Fred and Gunn are on the opposite end of the desk.

FRED

I don't understand.

GUNN

Why is Sid Vicious suddenly Mr. Show-and-Tell?

LORNE

Well, honey buns here must have a secret stash of higher-power dust.

CORDELIA

Something like that. He's ready, Wes, whenever—

CONNOR

Why don't you want to tell us what you did?

CORDELIA

I did what I had to.

GUNN

Which means what?

FRED

Cordelia...

WESLEY

Connor's right. We're all painfully aware of Angelus's ability to manipulate—

CORDELIA

I'm not being manipulated.

WESLEY

It would be better if I knew.

CORDELIA

It's better if you don't.

Wes sighs.

Cut to:

31 INT. BASEMENT AT HOTEL/ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Wesley is interviewing Angelus, who's standing beside the bars inside his cage.

WESLEY

All right. Shall we start from the beginning?

ANGELUS

Why not?

WESLEY

The year.

ANGELUS

1789.

WESLEY

So, you were in Prussia.

ANGELUS

(raises his eyebrows) You have been doing your homework. (smiles) Hmm... those Prussian girls. Must be the pastries. Worth the trip—all that sweetness gets into their blood.

Connor, Lorne, Cordelia, Fred and Gunn are watching from the monitor in the lobby.

WESLEY

Very interesting. At some point, the Beast would appear?

ANGELUS

Patience, Wes. I was taking a shortcut on my way to Vienna. Started feeling like someone was watching me. There were troops around.

Cut to:

31a EXT. FIELD IN PRUSSIA - NIGHT

FLASHBACK: A long-haired Angelus walks around through a field littered with bloody bodies.

ANGELUS (V.O.)

I'd run into them now and then. Not as sweet as the girls, by the way. But, the little m*ssacre I ran into—seriously lacking in m*llitary precision. Bodies, bodies everywhere, and not a drop to drink.

Cut to:

ANGELUS

So, I followed the trail, and there was your friend. The one you so cleverly call "The Beast."

Cut to:

31b EXT. FIELD IN PRUSSIA - NIGHT

FLASHBACK: The Beast is k*lling people in the field. Angelus rips the arm off of a dead girl. The Beast stares at Angelus.

ANGELUS (V.O.)

We had a lot in common, but he already knew that.

Cut to:

ANGELUS

He'd been watching me. He staged the carnage to impress me.

WESLEY

So, he sought you out. Why?

ANGELUS

Girl trouble. Thought I might be able to help him with a situation.

WESLEY

How?

ANGELUS

You've heard of the Svea Priestesses? Very powerful, big into banishing.

Cut to:

31c INT. LOBBY AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

While watching the Wes/Angelus interview over the monitor, Lorne mumbles in confusion to Fred.

LORNE

Vanishing?

FRED

(leans to Lorne, whispers) Banishing.

Cut to:

ANGELUS

The Beast was next on their list. He couldn't touch them—some kind of mojo—but a vampire could.

WESLEY

So, he wanted you to k*ll them?

ANGELUS

We had it all worked out. I'd scratch his priestesses, and he'd scratch my back somewhere down the line. A limited partnership.

Cut to:

31d EXT. FIELD IN PRUSSIA - NIGHT

FLASHBACK: The Beast is talking to Angelus.

BEAST

You need not be my enemy. Join with me, Angelus.

Cut to:

WESLEY

And?

ANGELUS

I declined.

Cut to:

31e EXT. FIELD IN PRUSSIA - NIGHT

FLASHBACK: The Beast punches Angelus in the face.

Cut to:

ANGELUS

And he didn't ask twice. I probably could have been more diplomatic with my refusal, but I'm not big with teamwork.

Cut to:

31f EXT. FIELD IN PRUSSIA - NIGHT

FLASHBACK: While the Beast bends down to Angelus who is lying on the ground, a group of Svea priestesses surrounds them. The priestesses are wearing long, blue, hooded robes and carrying staves.

ANGELUS (V.O.)

I thought that was going to be the end of me. But, like I said—girl trouble—

Cut to:

ANGELUS

So, they just started up the whammy, and there you have it.

WESLEY

The Beast was banished. How?

ANGELUS

Don't know.

Cut to:

31g EXT. FIELD IN PRUSSIA - NIGHT

FLASHBACK: Angelus passes out on the ground.

ANGELUS (V.O.)

I was busy with the passing out.

Cut to:

32 INT. OFFICE AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

While sitting in front of the desk, Cordelia's looking through a book. Connor's sitting behind the desk. Wesley's looking through a book while pacing. Fred is looking through another book across the room. Gunn and Lorne are also in the room.

CORDELIA

Slarf demons, spell mantras, Srail'gong technique, but nothing on—

FRED

(reading from her book) The Svea priestesses. Also known as the Svear, a mystical order all descendents of a powerful Nordic priestess, Svea.

GUNN

They've been busy.

CONNOR

Anything about the Beast?

FRED

Nothing definitive, but this one looks like it could match up. (hands the book to Wesley)

Gunn walks away.

WESLEY

Same region, approximately the same time period.

FRED

I'm shaky on Freyan runes, but kinda seems like it's only a general I.D. of who or what got banished.

WESLEY

Translation, something like, uh, big...hard thing.

CORDELIA

Sounds like our guy.

LORNE

Fantastico! So where do we find these banishing babes, and, uh, how fast can they get to L.A.?

GUNN

(throws an open phone book on the desk) 'Bout 25 minutes, depending on traffic. They're in Pacoima.

Cut to:

33 EXT. SVEAR HOUSE

Wesley, Cordelia and Connor walk up to the house. The small sign near the door reads as follows:

SVEAR

MON. - FRI.

10 A.M. - 4 P.M.

Wesley rings the doorbell.

CONNOR

Looks like no one's home.

Wesley bangs loudly on the door.

Cut to:

34 INT. SVEAR HOUSE

Wesley opens the door, and walks into the house. Cordelia and Connor follow.

WESLEY

(walking around) It's open. Hello? Anyone home? Hello?

CORDELIA

(walking around) Hello? Nordic priestesses?

CONNOR

(looking at pictures in the foyer) So, the mom's a priestess?

CORDELIA

I think all the women in the family are. (smells something) What is that?

Cordelia looks up to see several bloody, dead bodies on the floor.

Fade to black.

ACT IV:

35 INT. SVEAR HOUSE

Everyone in the household has been slaughtered in the kitchen.

WESLEY

We're too late. Again. (walks in to the kitchen to look around at the bodies)

CORDELIA

How does the Beast know exactly what we're gonna do? It's like he's psychic.

WESLEY

Maybe he is.

CONNOR

Or he's been watching us at the hotel.

CORDELIA

Angelus could have sent him a message, some kind of demon Morse code.

WESLEY

(checking the bodies) No, these people have been dead for a few days. Angelus had nothing to do with this.

CORDELIA

Which means, by the time the shaman was going all chanty on Angel, it was already too late.

CONNOR

(sees the bloody children, with their bloody toys) You mean, they've been here like this...for days?

WESLEY

With the chaos outside, probably no one even noticed they were gone.

CORDELIA

We should have seen this coming.

WESLEY

(stands) Of course the Beast would go after the priestesses. Let's have a look around. Then we should call the police. (finds a paper on the desk) Banishment incantation. At least, I think it is.

CORDELIA

Then they were trying to get rid of the Beast.

WESLEY

Seems so.

Connor sees a calendar on the refrigerator door. One of the days is marked "Daddy's Birthday" and circled with a red heart. He runs out of the house. Cordelia calls after him.

CORDELIA

Connor!

Cut to:

36 EXT. SVEAR HOUSE

Connor runs out to vomit in the front yard. Cordelia follows him. Connor sits down on the front sidewalk. Cordelia goes to sit beside him.

CORDELIA

Connor... (sighs) The sun should be up. It's different, isn't it? (looks at Connor) Dead demons are just a big blob of oozing mess. Vampires turn into dust like they were never anything at all. But humans— (sighs) it's different.

CONNOR

It's not—

CORDELIA

What?

CONNOR

Family.

A vampire jumps out of the bushes behind them. Connor punches him, but another vampire comes out and att*cks Cordelia, pushing her to the ground. Connor grabs a stake from his side and dusts one vampire. Then the other one comes at him. They fight, and Connor throws him across the street into some garbage cans. Wesley pulls up in the jeep; Cordelia and Connor climb in. A vampire is holding on to the bottom of the door, preventing Connor from closing it. A group of vampires are headed down the street toward them.

CORDELIA

Come on!

CONNOR

(kicks the vampire out of the door) Let's go. (closes the car door)

Wes speeds away.

Cut to:

37 INT. LOBBY AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Lorne, Fred and Gunn are sitting in the lobby, watching Angelus on the monitor.

ANGELUS

(through the monitor, singing) If you go into the woods tonight, you won't believe your eyes...

FRED

He's so relaxed.

GUNN

It's like, he's not even in a cage.

LORNE

In his mind, he's not. (stands, goes to turn off the monitor)

GUNN

You get anything off him?

LORNE

Let me put it this way, moon pie, you don't want to know.

FRED

I don't. I definitely don't.

Wesley, Connor and Cordelia come through the front door. Gunn, Fred, and Lorne turn to them anxiously.

GUNN

What happened?

CONNOR

Vamps.

FRED

You didn't get the Svear.

WESLEY

No, the Beast did. Slaughtered the entire family.

FRED

Guess he found a way to k*ll them after all.

GUNN

So much for our big priestess rescue.

FRED

Are we sure Angelus doesn't know anything more? I mean, maybe we should talk to—

WESLEY

No. I think he's told us everything he's going to.

GUNN

Which means our last-ditch plan, turning Angel into a soulless monster, it's a bust. If Angelus can't help us—

CORDELIA

It's time to bring back Angel.

Connor frowns and walks out of the lobby.

LORNE

Oh, and he's usually so chatty.

CORDELIA

(looks at Connor, then back at Lorne) Rough night.

WESLEY

We'll need the shaman.

Cut to:

38 INT. BASEMENT AT HOTEL/ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Cordelia walks down into the basement to talk to Angelus, who is sitting in the dark corner again.

ANGELUS

Here I thought you'd be halfway to Georgia by now.

CORDELIA

I told you I'd be back. I'm back.

ANGELUS

How'd the little field trip turn out? Priestesses still feisty?

CORDELIA

We found a little boy, his sister, mom, dad, grandma—all dead.

ANGELUS

(sighs) Oh, God. I'm always missing the fun stuff.

CORDELIA

The Beast butchered them.

ANGELUS

So? Did you bring me back a souvenir? Maybe a stray baby toe? (chuckles, stands) Come on, Cordy. Where's your sense of humor?

CORDELIA

Guess I lost it.

ANGELUS

(walks up to Cordy) Well, don't blame me for our little debacle. I told you everything I know.

CORDELIA

Too late.

ANGELUS

And who's fault is that? Doesn't matter. I showed you mine. Now it's time to show me yours.

CORDELIA

The deal was: you give us information, we save the world, you get me. Well, world not saved.

Cut to:

39 INT. OFFICE AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Wesley opens the picture that conceals the safe, and turns the dial on the safe door to the right combination as Lorne, Fred, and Gunn look on nervously. Wes presses the lever to open the safe door.

Cut to:

40 INT. BASEMENT AT HOTEL/ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Cordelia and Angelus are talking.

ANGELUS

You're not thinking I'm just gonna let this go.

CORDELIA

Not seeing a whole lot of other options. With the big steel cage and all.

ANGELUS

Won't be in here forever.

CORDELIA

(looks at her watch) 'Bout another hour. Forgot to tell you the best part. We're putting your soul back. (grins)

ANGELUS

(chuckles) Not gonna happen.

CORDELIA

Oh, but it is. Just in time for the primo apocalypse that's coming. Too bad. I know how you love those.

ANGELUS

Been looking forward to it all day. Still am.

CORDELIA

Thing is, you're never coming back. Angel's going to make sure of that.

ANGELUS

(whispers) We'll see.

CORDELIA

What you don't get, Angelus, is that you're nobody. Just a disease. And Angel can't wait to be rid of you.

ANGELUS

(walks up to the bars, leers at Cordy) I think I'll start with the twins. I just love a woman with nice ripe thighs. (suddenly reaches out to grab Cordy, but misses her by less than an inch)

CORDELIA

(smirks, walks away) Not even close.

ANGELUS

The more you piss me off, the longer I'll keep you alive. Oh, something tells me she's a screamer.

Cordelia walks back upstairs.

Cut to:

41 INT. OFFICE AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Cordelia walks into the office where Lorne, Fred, and Gunn are staring at the safe.

CORDELIA

OK, let's— (notices the look of shock on everyone's face) What?

FRED

Angel's soul. It's gone.

Pan over to show the empty safe.

Cut to:

Closing credits.