04x12 - Calvary

[bunniefuu]

Previously on Angel:

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

Angel, Wesley, Gunn and Lorne walk up to the club entrance armed and ready to fight, but when they see the Beast, they stop dead in their tracks. Still hulking and intimidating even when compared to Angel and his g*ng, the Beast chuckles at the sight of them. It's standing inside a square made from human bodies that have been laid out in formation. At the center of the square, the Beast is holding a man in the air, dangling him by the foot. The way the body hangs, it forms sort of an "X" shape.

LORNE (V.O.)

Evil's coming, Angel, and it's planning on staying.

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:

2 INT. LILAH'S OFFICE AT WOLFRAM AND HART - DAY

Lilah is sitting at her desk, talking on the phone.

LILAH

(to phone) Find that beast.

Cut to:

3 INT. CONFERENCE ROOM AT WOLFRAM AND HART - DAY

The Beast plunges its forefinger into Lilah's abdomen. She screams in agony as he wiggles it around. He pulls the finger out of her and pushes her off the table; she lands on the floor. The Beast stares at Connor, who's just come into the room. Connor runs at the Beast with sword in hand, but the blade breaks on the Beast's skin. The Beast then punches Connor so hard that he flies across the room, where his body hits a pillar, causing it to crumble on top of him, burying him in debris.

WESLEY (V.O.)

That thing won't quit 'til everyone's dead.

Cut to:

4 INT. SEWER UNDER WOLFRAM AND HART - DAY

Lilah and Wesley slide down the chute and land in a sewer. Lilah moans and coughs as she lands. They sit up.

WESLEY

Go underground, change your name.

Cut to:

5 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:

6 EXT. STREET BEHIND CONNOR'S PLACE - DAY

The sun becomes blocked out by blackness.

Cut to:

7 INT. CONNOR'S PLACE - DAY

The Beast walks up to Angel.

BEAST

Join with me, Angelus.

Cut to:

8 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

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

WESLEY

We need Angelus.

Cut to:

9 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.

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.

SHAMAN

It is done.

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

CORDELIA

Angelus.

Cut to:

10 INT. OFFICE AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Close-up of a drawing depicting the aerial view 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 contains Angel's soul. Fred, Gunn, and Lorne are also in the room.

GUNN

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

Cut to:

11 INT. BASEMENT AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Wesley walks downstairs into the basement and stands a few feet away from the cage. Angelus walks up to the cage bars.

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—

Cut to:

12 INT. OFFICE AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Wesley 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 walks in, and they look away from each other.

GUNN

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

Cut to:

13 INT. LOBBY AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

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

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! Stop it!

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...

Cut to:

14 INT. BASEMENT AT HOTEL/ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Wesley is still interviewing Angelus.

ANGELUS

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

Won't be in here forever.

Cut to:

15 INT. LOBBY AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

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

WESLEY

I think he's told us everything he's going to.

Cut to:

16 INT. BASEMENT AT HOTEL/ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Cordelia and Angelus are talking.

CORDELIA

We're putting your soul back. (grins)

ANGELUS

(whispers) We'll see.

Cut to:

17 INT. OFFICE AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

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

FRED

Angel's soul. It's gone.

Pan over to show the empty safe.

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.

18 INT. WORSHIP AREA

A shaman prays in a sacred space lit by candles. Sounds come from a nearby room—sounds of people fighting, things breaking. The shaman, covered head to toe in purple cloth, except his eyes, throws dice as he chants. Someone throws a man through the curtain of beads that separates this room from the next; he lands in front of the praying man, out cold.

SHAMAN

Must acquire better guards. (looks up to see who has come to see him)

Connor, Cordelia, and Wesley enter the room.

WESLEY

Angel's soul has been stolen.

SHAMAN

I have no need for the vampire's soul.

CONNOR

Then where is it?

SHAMAN

That... (rolls dice, reads them) I cannot discern, but it is still viable within the Muo-Ping.

CONNOR

Muo-what?

WESLEY

It's still safe within the container.

CORDELIA

Angel's soul has been misplaced. I bet this sort of thing happens all the time. What do you have as a backup plan to re-ensoul somebody?

SHAMAN

There is no other way known to me. Without the Muo-Ping... (shrugs) you're screwed.

CONNOR

And what happens if the Muo—container thing breaks or gets opened?

SHAMAN

Then, like all things, the soul can be returned... or destroyed.

Cut to:

19 INT. LOBBY AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Gunn and Fred are watching Angelus over the monitor set up in the lobby. Gunn pours gasoline into a t*nk.

ANGELUS

(through the monitor) Awfully quiet up there. I've had time to think, and I've realized something important. Being evil is wrong. I want to be good. I want to be Angel again. You hear me? I'm ready!

GUNN

(tests the flamethrower he's just refueled) I'm ready too, fang boy.

FRED

(sighs) He knows, doesn't he? That his soul's missing.

GUNN

Probably knew before we did.

FRED

I hope that shaman can help us.

GUNN

That shaman should never have been brought here. Now, instead of just worrying about the big bad Rocky, we got Darth Vampire living in the basement.

FRED

Bringing Angelus was our best chance.

GUNN

That you talking, or Wes?

FRED

You were pushing for it too, Charles.

GUNN

Then maybe I did the wrong thing.

ANGELUS

(through the monitor) Like smacking your girl around? I betcha Wes would never hit her. He's all proper and English. And that accent—Oh, chicks just love a good accent. Makes 'em all buttery in their nether regions. Isn't that right, Fred? You know, I had a bit of an Irish brogue back in the day. If you'd like, I could use it on you when I r*pe you to death... or—

GUNN

(turns off the monitor) Son of a bitch.

FRED

He's just— It's just words.

GUNN

Yeah.

FRED

And that's the only way he can hurt us. He knows he's never getting out.

Cut to:

20 INT. BASEMENT AT HOTEL/ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Lilah emerges from the shadows, carrying a crowbar, and walks up to Angelus's cage. Angelus sees her and smirks.

Fade to black.

Opening credits.

ACT I:

21 INT. BASEMENT AT HOTEL/ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Resume. Crowbar-toting Lilah stands in front of Angelus's cage. She's looking ragged, dirty, and weak.

LILAH

The great Angelus.

ANGELUS

Oh, come on. You can do better than that. Try playing up the awe and the reverence a bit. "The great Angelus."

LILAH

Great—being locked in a cage.

ANGELUS

(walks toward Lilah) Yet managing to display better grooming habits than you. (puts his hands on the bars) Look at yourself, Lilah. All these years wanting to meet me. Couldn't run a comb through your hair, maybe slap on a little lipstick. (condescending) Evil doesn't have to mean sloppy.

LILAH

(calmly) Stop it.

ANGELUS

Ooh. Feeling touchy, are we?

LILAH

The Beast. I want you to stop it.

ANGELUS

Oh. (b*at) Not sure I really want to. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a big fan of the horn job, although he did bring on permanent midnight. Gotta give him props for that.

LILAH

(raising her voice) Can you do it, or not?

ANGELUS

Mmm, why is your thong in such a bunch, counselor. You're a professional.

LILAH

(chuckles) Working the sewers. Beast took everything. k*lled them all.

ANGELUS

It's all the damage. He does have a flair for it.

LILAH

Not just at the office. Everybody. Field ops. Liaisons. People out sick that day. But not me. Not yet. (exasperated) Why is he picking on us? We're the bad guys!

ANGELUS

Apparently, not bad enough. But there is a bright side—you have a devoted boyfriend who loves and cares—oh, wait. You don't. (chuckles) Your life really is crap.

LILAH

And yet, I'm not the monkey in the box. I want that thing destroyed. You're the only one who can do it.

ANGELUS

Maybe... we can work something out.

Cut to:

22 INT. LOBBY AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Gunn and Fred are standing in the lobby, facing each other and talking, while the monitor to Angelus's cage is turned down. Fred's arms are crossed as she listens to Gunn.

GUNN

What Angelus said about me—I didn't mean to hurt you. I would never do that.

FRED

I know. I just can't help but think (uncrosses her arms) if you didn't att*ck—

GUNN

att*ck? That's how you see it? I att*cked him! What do you call what he was doing in the office before I walked in?

FRED

(looks away, shakes her head) I don't know what—

GUNN

He was kissing you! (Fred looks at him) Don't lie to me. It's the one thing you're not good at.

FRED

It just happened.

GUNN

Because you let it. I've never felt so much for anyone. I would do anything for you, but it's not enough, is it?

FRED

Charles, I'm—

GUNN

I can't do this anymore, Fred. I'm tired of you looking everywhere but at me. (Wes walks through the front door, followed by Connor and Cordelia; Fred turns to look) Like that.

Gunn walks away. Wesley walks up to Fred.

WESLEY

What is it?

FRED

I just can't make heads or tails out of this banishing text. You guys have any luck?

CONNOR

Yeah, but it was all bad. Shaman didn't have the soul. Doesn't know who took it. Doesn't know how to find it.

CORDELIA

Other than that, everything's peachy. Any word from Lorne and his contacts?

GUNN

(looks at the monitor) Dammit! (grabs a g*n and runs downstairs)

Wesley looks back at where Gunn was and sees the monitor showing someone talking to Angelus. Wesley runs to join Gunn. Cordelia, Connor, and Fred follow them.

Cut to:

23 INT. BASEMENT AT HOTEL/ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Lilah hears someone coming, and turns to look. Gunn runs down the stairs with a tranquilizer g*n and sh**t it at Angelus. The dart lands in Angelus's arm as he was reaching for Lilah. Angelus winces. Lilah drops her crowbar and flees the room, back toward the dark corner from which she emerged. Angelus collapses. Gunn points the g*n at Angelus as Wesley and the others make it downstairs.

GUNN

(to Wesley) Lilah—ran off into the sewers. (Wes runs after Lilah, Connor follows) Connor, wait. You should wait here, make sure it isn't a setup. Might be others.

Cut to:

24 INT. SEWER

Lilah runs away through the sewers with Wesley in close pursuit. He follows her up a ladder

Cut to:

25 INT. BASEMENT AT HOTEL/ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Gunn's still pointing the g*n at Angelus.

GUNN

(to Connor) Check the locks.

Connor pulls on the cage door, but it's still locked. He notices the crowbar Lilah left behind and kicks it away from the cage.

GUNN

What kind of brain fart made that witch try and let Angelus out?

CORDELIA

I want to know how she even knew he was here.

CONNOR

Maybe she took Angel's soul.

GUNN

She's a muckety-muck at Wolfram and Hart. It's her job to know.

FRED

I thought the Beast k*lled everyone at Wolfram and Hart.

GUNN

Maybe she cut some kind of deal with it.

CONNOR

You really think she has a connection to the Beast?

Cut to:

26 INT. SEWER

Wesley continues his pursuit of Lilah through the sewer system. Lilah jumps out from a hiding spot and tries to hit Wesley, but she's still weak, and he catches her arm easily.

LILAH

(holding her side and walking away from him) You're a son of a bitch, you know that? (sits next to a wall and tends to her bleeding stomach wound)

WESLEY

When I said "go underground," I didn't think you'd— Is that where the Beast—?

LILAH

I can't make it stop.

WESLEY

I could take a look at it.

LILAH

Uh, I'm fine.

WESLEY

How did you know we had Angelus?

LILAH

Big magic, taking a champion's soul. Makes ripples. I still know some people that like ripples. That was your idea—to bring him? Great minds...

WESLEY

Aren't foolish enough to release him.

LILAH

I wasn't. (stands, paces)

WESLEY

So the crowbar...?

LILAH

I had to make him believe I was desperate.

WESLEY

Not much of a stretch, really, is it? And you always wanted Angelus.

LILAH

No, Wolfram and Hart did, but it doesn't matter anymore. I just—I just want my life back. All my pretty things. I'm selfish that way. That's why we wouldn't have worked out.

WESLEY

(softly) There are many reasons we wouldn't have worked out, Lilah. (she looks away, Wes looks around the area and sees a book and picks it up) Rhinehardt's Compendium.

LILAH

I need to find a way to make it pay.

WESLEY

(flips through the book) I already checked. There's nothing in here that even remotely... (notices a passage) describes... (finds an illustration of the Beast) him. It's identical to my copy except for this passage. How is that possible?

LILAH

It's not a local copy. Pulled some favors, got it on the pan-dimensional black market.

WESLEY

But still—should be the exact same text. Unless...

LILAH

Unless, what?

WESLEY

Well, we'd have to check more books from other dimensions, but what if there were other references to the Beast at one time that had somehow been removed. What would something that powerful need to hide?

Cut to:

27 INT. BASEMENT AT HOTEL/ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Gunn, Cordelia, Connor and Fred are in the basement talking, guarding Angelus in the cage.

GUNN

Lilah or not, something is doing the Beast's dirty work.

CORDELIA

It would explain how giant lava boy could tiptoe past us to take out Manny.

CONNOR

And butcher that family, those priestesses.

FRED

Even though Lilah's evil, I don't see her hacking up all those people.

GUNN

OK, maybe it's not just her. Maybe...maybe the big bad Beast had minions doing his dirty work.

ANGELUS

(wakes) Morons. The big rock doesn't have minions. (tries to sit up) It is the minion.

FRED

No, it's not. We've seen what it can do.

ANGELUS

You've just seen the warm-up act.

CORDELIA

What are you saying?

ANGELUS

I'm saying there's something bigger. Something worse. The Beast has a boss.

Fade to black.

ACT II:

28 INT. BASEMENT AT HOTEL/ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Resume. Angelus is talking to Gunn, Cordelia, Fred and Connor.

GUNN

Worse than the Beast?

CORDELIA

That's—that's not possible.

ANGELUS

How did you survive this long being so Ret*rded?

GUNN

Cut the fu-manchu. What do you know?

ANGELUS

Quite a bit, bright boy. (stands) Maybe I'll fill in the blanks sometime.

CONNOR

How do you know there's something worse than the Beast?

ANGELUS

(nastily) 'Cause I have a brain, son. The Beast I knew was big into smash and slaughter. Had the brawn to be really good at it too, but the big picture—not his strong point. But whoa! Flash forward. Now he's all rain of fire, destroying the Ra-Tet, blotting out the sun. Big moves for a guy whose head is made out of rock.

CORDELIA

Maybe he got smarter.

ANGELUS

And maybe I'll sprout some wings and flutter away. There's something else out there—more powerful, more vicious—pulling all the strings. Ooh, don't know about you, but I'm just dying to find out what it is.

Cut to:

29 INT. LOBBY AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Wesley and Lilah come in through the front doors to find Fred, Connor and Cordelia watching the monitor.

LILAH

What, no cake?

FRED

Where is it?

LILAH

Where is what?

CORDELIA

Angel's soul.

LILAH

Oh, that what.

WESLEY

She didn't take it.

CONNOR

How do you know?

WESLEY

Because she told me.

GUNN

And you believe her? Lying's her job.

LILAH

He's got a point. (opens her coat and turns around, inadvertantly revealing her wound to the others) You wanna search me?

CORDELIA

What happened?

WESLEY

She was injured in the att*ck on Wolfram and Hart.

GUNN

The place was a slaughterhouse. How'd she make it out?

LILAH

(sits) Got lucky.

CORDELIA

Ah, maybe it was more than that. (walks up to Lilah) What were you doing downstairs with Angelus?

WESLEY

She was gathering intel.

GUNN

With a crowbar? She's the only one to make it out of Wolfram and Hart alive, then she shows up right after Angel's soul goes missing.

WESLEY

I've already told you, she didn't have anything to do with that.

CONNOR

Maybe she knows who did.

FRED

(glaring at Lilah) Or who's controlling the Beast.

LILAH

Controlling?

GUNN

Angelus thinks rock-boy's just the muscle. Not that I trust him any more than you.

CORDELIA

Everything that's happened—it's part of a bigger plan with something even worse than the Beast sketching the blueprints.

WESLEY

That's what he's been trying to hide. There might be something in the text we—

CORDELIA

Text?

WESLEY

(holds up a book) Lilah found a passage in Rhinehardt's Compendium.

FRED

But we searched that already. There's nothing in there.

WESLEY

Because all references to the Beast have been erased in this dimension.

LILAH

I got my copy of Rhinehardt's... way out of town. (smirking to Fred) I'm surprised you didn't think of that.

GUNN

That's why Angel didn't remember the Beast.

WESLEY

His memory's been wiped clean, just like the book's.

CONNOR

Why does Angelus remember?

FRED

Because his mind wasn't here when the spell or whatever was cast, right?

WESLEY

(walks up to Fred) We should compare this passage with the information Wolfram and Hart extracted from Lorne. There might be—

GUNN

(grabs the flamethrower) Yeah, have fun with that.

FRED

Charles...

GUNN

(starts walking away) Somebody needs to be downstairs, make sure nobody else tries to intel our boy.

CORDELIA

(Fred starts to follow him, but Cordelia stops her) Let him go. I know this is hard. I know we're all tired and hurting, but we have to stay focused. We need to figure out what's coming, and how to get Angel back before it does, because if this is as bad as I think it is, we'll need him more than ever.

Cut to:

30 INT. BASEMENT AT HOTEL/ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Angelus is standing in the middle of the cage. The tip of the flamethrower is lit, as Gunn sits off to the side pointing the flame-thrower torch at Angelus, but not looking at him.

ANGELUS

You know what I like about you? You play to your strengths. You know what they are, and you stick to 'em. You don't find that much these days. Everybody always trying to expand their horizons, actuate their potential, and all that other touchy-feely crap. But not you. You don't try to change... because you know your place. (Gunn looks at Angelus) That'll go a long way towards keeping you alive. Well, a lot longer than the others. Man, you guys really are on a streak. You let L.A. nearly burn to the ground, lost the sun, let the creepy crawlies practically take over the city. But you know that's OK. At least you've got the love of a good woman. 'Til she dumps you for a guy with a bigger horizon.

GUNN

(looks down) It's her life.

ANGELUS

(walks up to the bars) Oh, wait—did I miss it? Did she already let you down easy? (Gunn looks at Angelus) Cheer up, buddy. Not like we didn't see it coming. Especially after what happened to her old professor. (Gunn looks at Angelus, wide-eyed) Come on, even Angel's not that stupid. The way things changed between you two... the furtive looks, all that guilt. Mm. There's nothing like your first m*rder. Don't worry, I won't tell what our little girl did.

GUNN

She didn't—

ANGELUS

Yeah! (claps once) So, it was you—stepping up and being the man!

GUNN

I did what I had to do.

ANGELUS

(paces back and forth in front of the bars) I guess Fred didn't quite see it that way, huh? Wow. You do a chick a favor, you think she'd be grateful, but no. Mm-mm. She still goes for the broody smart guy, all mysterious and tortured. I guess, when you think about it, for the first time in your life, you just weren't dark enough. (Gunn fires the flamethrower at Angelus, sending him back; Angelus chuckles) Maybe there's hope for you after all, Chuck.

Cut to:

31 INT. OFFICE AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Wesley and Fred are researching.

FRED

(holding a book) This is hopeless. The Orb of Thesulah is the only way I can find to restore Angel's soul, but that only works if it's moved on to an afterlife or something, not floating in a jar somewhere. (closes the book and places it on the desk in front of Wes)

WESLEY

(stands) We'll find a way to bring Angel back.

FRED

How?

WESLEY

The way we always do: skill, perseverance, luck.

FRED

(scoffs) Not a lot of that going around.

WESLEY

We'll be all right.

FRED

(looks at Wesley) As long as we stick together.

WESLEY

Fred. What happened between me and Gunn— I didn't mean— That's not what I wanted. Could you tell him that?

FRED

(tears welling up in her eyes) I don't think he'll listen. We're not— We're not together anymore.

WESLEY

Oh. Not because of what I did?

FRED

Things just haven't been right. Not for a while.

WESLEY

(walks up to Fred) I think this is the part where I'm supposed to say I'm sorry, and I'm really trying to be, but—

Lilah and Cordy come into the room.

LILAH

Any progress?

FRED

Not really.

LILAH

Pity.

WESLEY

I made some headway cross-referencing, but there's no telling how long it'll take to get anything definitive.

CORDELIA

But you have made some progress?

LILAH

Sure looks like he's trying.

WESLEY

I'll relieve Gunn, see if I can get anything else out of Angelus.

LILAH

So, what now? Ouija board?

FRED

(glares at Lilah, then past her into the lobby) Lorne.

Cut to:

32 INT. LOBBY AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Lorne has just come into the lobby. Fred runs out of the office to meet him.

FRED

Did you find out anything?

LORNE

Zip. Zilch. (notices Lilah) And what in the hell is succu-bitch doing here?

CORDELIA

Still trying to figure that out. So, nothing?

LORNE

I've talked to every contact that hasn't b*at it for higher ground. Nobody's heard bo-peep about Angel's soul.

LILAH

Forget about the goody-goody. You want to k*ll the Beast and give his boss a run for his evil? The answer is downstairs in a cage—sick Angelus on him.

CORDELIA

Do you know what Angelus would do if we let him out?

LILAH

k*ll you all in a bloody shower of v*olence, but hey— (puts her hands together as if in prayer) greater good.

CORDELIA

We'll find another way. I'm sure if we just all—

LILAH

What? Hold hands and sing a hymn? That might be a little hard when the Beast is ripping your guts out. (walks away, up the stairs)

CORDELIA

Lilah, I know things look grim right now.

LILAH

(without turning around) Don't go watchtower on me Saint Cordelia. I don't think I could stomach it.

CORDELIA

Man, I'd love to punch your face in.

LILAH

(turns to look at Cordy) Are you trying to turn me on?

CORDELIA

What's sad about people like you, Lilah—it all comes down to fear.

LILAH

(nods) Fascinating. Now that we've got that settled. (walks upstairs)

CORDELIA

You're too scared to believe in anything because you're too scared to hope. You won't even open your eyes to the possibility.

LILAH

(giggles, faces Cordy) You don't get it, do you, twinkie? I'm what I believe in. And you think I got this far by sticking my head in the sand? The Beast that eviscerated me has a boss, and that boss is going to end life as we know it, and nobody is coming to save us! Not Angel, not the Powers that Be, and not the forty-damn-second cavalry! (Cordelia's head snaps back) So if anybody has scales on the rise— (white-eyed Cordelia looks at Lilah) it's you.

CORDELIA

(smiling) I can bring him back. I know how to re-ensoul Angel.

Fade to black.

ACT III:

33 INT. BASEMENT AT HOTEL/ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Fred comes downstairs to get Wesley who's guarding Angel.

ANGELUS

Hey, we were just talking about you. At least I was, anyway.

WESLEY

What is it?

FRED

Cordelia had a vision. She knows how to put his soul back.

ANGELUS

(chuckles) I guess the Powers saw how bad you guys suck.

FRED

Doing better than you!

WESLEY

Fred...

ANGELUS

Ooh, she really has put on spunk, hasn't she, Wes. Not the same, shy, bitchcow we pulled out of Pylea.

FRED

(crosses her arms) There's only one bitch here, and I'm looking at him.

ANGELUS

Oh, come on, we all know it's for the best. Now you can go for the real prize. (walks toward Wes) Mm. Man, I'm telling ya... man, if I swung that way... Look at him— (whistles) all rugged and handsome and brains... man, he's damn-near perfect.

WESLEY

Thank you.

Wes and Fred head upstairs.

ANGELUS

Except the part about banging Lilah for the past six months. (Wes stops, Fred turns to look at Angelus) That kinda takes the shine off him.

Fred laughs nervously, then looks at Wesley, whose face shows guilt.

WESLEY

Fred...

FRED

No, it—it's none of my business. I should... (goes upstairs)

Angelus chuckles.

Cut to:

34 EXT. CEMETERY

Gunn and Connor are digging in the ground.

CONNOR

Are you sure this is the right spot?

GUNN

Well, the landmarks look like what Cordy described in her vision.

CONNOR

Never fought a soul-eater before.

GUNN

Hmph. And I'm not planning to. Cordy says this thing was buried by the Chumash a couple hundred years ago. Don't expect it to put up too much of a fight.

CONNOR

So, what if we can't find it?

GUNN

Then we're screwed. The skull of the soul-eater is the main piece of the spell Cordy saw. Without that— (Gunn's shovel hits something metal) Clear it off. Ooh, thank you, Powers that Be! About damn time.

Gunn climbs down into the hole to unlock the box.

CONNOR

Want me to do that?

GUNN

Uh, I got it. (something's hand reaches up out of the box and grabs Gunn's throat) Oh!

Connor stabs the creature with his sword. Connor and Gunn scramble to get out of the hole quickly.

CONNOR

You OK?

GUNN

(panting) Oh, I so don't need that kind of crap. Let's just chop its head off and get— (looks into the hole, and sees that the creature is no longer there) OK, this thing is really starting to piss me off.

The soul-eater creature is super-fast, and can appear and disappear in an instant. It appears behind Gunn, and he punches it. Connor joins in, but the soul-eater knocks him down. Every time Gunn or Connor tries to throw a punch at it or swing a sword at it, the soul-eater vanishes before they can make contact with it. When Connor engages it in a fight, the soul-eater puts its hand on his chest. Connor can't move, and just hangs there, suspended from the soul-eater's hand. Its hand starts to glow a chartreuse color on Connor's chest. Connor screams. Gunn runs up to them and cuts off the soul-eater's arm with his sword. Connor falls down and the greenish light goes back into his body. Gunn cuts off its head. Connor throws the arm away in disgust. The head starts writhing and twitching on the ground in front of Gunn. Gunn hits it several more times with his sword until the head finally stops moving.

CONNOR

(stands, walks up to Gunn) Nice.

GUNN

Yeah, sometimes you just gotta keep whacking. (picks up the head)

CONNOR

You think it'll work?

GUNN

It better. If there's really something badder than the Beast, we've got to get Angel back before it comes.

Cut to:

35 INT. CAVE

In a triangular shaped room lit dimly with two torches, the Beast prays.

BEAST

I am honored you've come. Fire, death, and darkness have I bestowed in your name. (kneeling in the corner, the Beast raises a Kn*fe) Now, this humble token I offer, forged of my unworthy bones. A tribute to your power.

Cut to:

36 INT. LOBBY AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Cordelia and Fred walk into the lobby carrying magical items. They're talking to Wes and Lorne who are sitting at the front desk preparing items of their own.

CORDELIA

Seven talismans built to spec.

FRED

Sometimes I hate this life.

CORDELIA

Dumpster diving for week-old buffalo wings, definitely not in the job description.

FRED

(holds up a magical item) Try declawing scavenged road k*ll for three sacred talons.

CORDELIA

Never do I have the happy, frolicking puppy visions. Always bones and death and...

Connor and Wes come through the front door.

CONNOR

We got the skull of the soul-eater. (sets it on the table in front of Cordelia)

CORDELIA

I'm just saying...

WESLEY

It looks rather fresh.

GUNN

Yeah, we moved up its expiration date. (snickers)

WESLEY

Cordy?

CORDELIA

(closes her eyes for a moment) I just see the skull. It doesn't have any...(sneers) you know...parts.

WESLEY

Right. Take it to the kitchen. Remove the flesh and the soft tissue. (Connor and Gunn take the skull and leave the room. Cordelia follows)

LILAH

(enters the lobby) It's just like being at work, except suits by Liberace.

LORNE

Wesley, would you please warn this walking infection that I haven't forgotten how she poked my head open like a Capri-Sun. And while my love for humanity allows me to tolerate her presence, if need be I will smack her down! Be a doll. Thanks. (stands, leaves)

WESLEY

With all the excitement, I thought you would have escaped by now.

LILAH

Well, I would have, but, um, (looks at watch) it's Thursday, which means that everyone who should be in the weekly briefing is, um, dead.

WESLEY

So you have nowhere else to go?

LILAH

Just waiting to prove that your Powers That Be are all hat and no cattle. And if they do pull it through, well then braid my hair, and call me Pollyanna. (smiles) The upside of being in it for yourself, Wes—you always end up on the winning team.

FRED

Wesley... (Wes and Lilah turn to look at Fred; Fred looks uncomfortable) Cordy had a question. (leaves quickly)

Cut to:

37 INT. BASEMENT AT HOTEL/ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Cordy and the g*ng are setting up a magical circle on the floor in front of Angelus's cage while he looks on. The skull is at the center, while twigs are arranged in the shape of a circle around it. White candles are lit on the perimeter.

ANGELUS

Have you all lost your mind? You're going to use black magic to restore my soul? People, this never goes well. Am I the only one paying attention?

LILAH

Ten-to-one, the entire hotel gets sucked into a hell dimension.

GUNN

You, two—with the shutting up.

ANGELUS

Talk about eleventh-hour desperation. Face it, you're grasping. No jar, no soul.

CONNOR

(lighting a candle) You sound pretty desperate yourself.

CORDELIA

Do you have the vial? (Wes hands her a vial)

ANGELUS

Let's be realistic. Even if your precious champion makes another guest appearance, you can't stop the apocalypse. Bottom line is you're going to lose. The last thing you smell will be each other's blood.

Cordelia pours the contents of the vial on the skull.

FRED

That's you're opinion.

LILAH

You tell him, honey.

FRED

You, shut your fat mouth.

ANGELUS

(chuckles) Look at you—heroes. So tangled up in your own crap, you can't even find the world to save it.

CORDELIA

Does everyone have their talismans?

ANGELUS

Hell, even Angel knew you never stood a chance. You want to know why he really let me out? Because he finally gave up. He knew you were all too weak and selfish to stop what's coming. He gave up his soul because he gave up on you.

CORDELIA

You're right. Buh-bye. (gestures with her hand, sending Angelus flying to the back wall)

WESLEY

In degera...

ANGELUS

(struggling to stand) Don't kid yourselves...

WESLEY

Fortis murus... (the candles' flames get suddenly larger and brighter)

ANGELUS

(growling) I'll still be around long after your corpses rot.

WESLEY

Kesta sartuum... (the building shakes, everyone looks around) Mundi ethericon...

White smoke emanates from the skull and purposefully meanders toward Angelus.

ANGELUS

(growling) I promise you. This isn't...

WESLEY

Chimera nihilo.

ANGELUS

The end.

The smoke surrounds Angleus's body, lifting him off the ground. He winces and screams in pain. The skull in the magical circle explodes. The smoke disappears and Angel falls to the ground.

CORDELIA

Angel?

ANGEL

(lying on the ground, looks at the g*ng) I'm so sorry.

LORNE

(smiles) It worked.

CONNOR

Did it?

ANGEL

(sits up) Fred.

FRED

What?

ANGEL

You came down the stairs. You had blood, and I grabbed you.

FRED

I'm fine.

CORDELIA

The spell, it worked. I feel it.

WESLEY

We have to be sure.

GUNN

Get Lorne to read him.

WESLEY

Angel, are you aware of what's happened?

ANGEL

(stands) I'm back. There's, uh, something else. Something worse—worse than the—

WESLEY

The Beast, yes. And we need your help to fight it, but first you have to sing for Lorne—

ANGEL

I, uh...

WESLEY

To prove it's really you.

ANGEL

Oh, right. (clears throat, sings) Raindrops keep falling on my head...do do do do... Just...

LORNE

(smiles) Oh yes. Yes! Sweet fancy B.J. Thomas, it's him. It's Angel.

GUNN

You sure?

LORNE

Yes, yes! The aura has totally changed, and the vibe screams soul! Ha ha! Oh, bless you and your beautiful land line to the PTB, honey! (embraces Cordelia) Mwa!

CONNOR

He's back.

FRED

Then we can let him out.

ANGEL

No. I'm staying in here. I'm doing what's best for the group.

CORDELIA

Sine when is locking up the leader what's best for the group?

ANGEL

Since when does your vision come with a guarantee? For all we know, this spell is only temporary, and God forbid... (shakes head) I can give orders from down in here. And the new ones are: no more back-biting, fist-fighting, fraternizing, or vengeance. From now on, you focus on one thing: making it out alive. 'Cause I'm only going to say this once: what Angelus told you was a lie. I haven't and will never give up on you. We'll get through this thing. Together.

LILAH

(amused) I can't believe we didn't crush you people years ago.

ANGEL

Wes, you and Fred get back to Lilah's books. We need any new information we can on this new player. Lilah, make some coffee. Earn your keep around here. (Wes, Fred, and Lilah go upstairs) Lorne, I want you out working low-pro real estate. If this thing is bigger than the Beast, it's gonna be laying down roots. And it'll need square footage.

LORNE

Good to have you back, boss. (walks upstairs)

ANGEL

In the mean time, Connor, Gunn, work damage control. Sweep the surrounding blocks for civilians. Save who you can. Connor, it's me.

CONNOR

(looks down) I know. (walks upstairs after Gunn)

ANGEL

Cordy...

CORDELIA

No.

ANGEL

I didn't say anything.

CORDELIA

True, but I thought I should tell you upfront that I don't take orders from guys too scared to step out of their cages.

ANGEL

I made the right call. This way, everybody stays safe.

CORDELIA

And you don't have to look anyone in the eyes. Bonus.

ANGEL

(sighs) I hate that you saw me like that.

CORDELIA

(looks down) Guess it's only fair. (looks at Angel) Angelus said you saw me at one of my not-most-shining moments. Besides, you're not him. You think we don't get that, but we do.

ANGEL

What if— Wh-what if the spell doesn't last?

CORDELIA

The Powers need a champion, Angel. And obviously they need one pretty bad the way things are going. Who knows, you might even be their only hope, Obi-Wan.

ANGEL

(smiles) So, how do I go up there?

CORDELIA

Easy. Leave him and what you did inside the cage. (unlocks his cage, opens the door; Angel walks out) You're not Angelus. (takes his hand)

ANGELUS

(in vamp facade, Angelus grins and pulls Cordy up to him violently) Guess again!

Fade to black.

ACT IV:

38 INT. BASEMENT AT HOTEL/ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Resume. Cordelia knees Angelus in the groin, punches him in the face, and shuts herself inside the cage, holding onto the bars.. Angelus reaches in and grabs her, pulling her head forward, knocking it on the bars. Cordelia falls to the ground unconscious.

ANGELUS

(points at her) Stay down!

Angelus trots upstairs, letting his vampire face fade away, smiling.

Cut to:

39 INT. OFFICE AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Fred's working in the office when Angelus walks up behind her, still impersonating Angel. Fred gasps.

ANGELUS

Sorry if I scared you.

FRED

Angel... I thought—

ANGELUS

Cordy let me out. Actually, I—I asked her to be let out. You know what? Never mind. (turns to go)

FRED

No, wait. I'm the one who's sorry. After everything you've been through, I...

ANGELUS

(turns back toward her) It has been a little rough.

FRED

On all of us. The stress is—

ANGELUS

I know I could use a drink. (Fred looks at him, wide-eyed and frozen) Now, you see? That's what I was afraid of. For the rest of your life, you'll only see this evil thing.

FRED

You're my friend, Angel. Past is past, and done is done.

ANGELUS

(smiles) Thanks, Fred. (shrugs) Can I get a hug?

They hear something crash in the lobby, and they both turn to look. When Fred looks back at Angel, he's gone.

Cut to:

40 INT. LOBBY AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

A pile of broken coffee mugs and napkins lies on the floor. Lilah is standing behind them, guiltily, talking to Wesley. Connor and Gunn are in the lobby too.

LILAH

It's my inner megalomaniac. I, uh, rebel at serving coffee.

WESLEY

Angel, I thought you were confined—

ANGELUS

(quickly, edging toward the door) Change in plans. Cordy actually talked me out of staying down there. Now, I've got my own mission.

CONNOR

Which is...?

ANGELUS

Too dangerous, son. I'm afraid you can't go with me. (stands by the door, pauses, then overdramatically) I have to go save the world. (leaves)

FRED

(emerges from the office) So, has anyone seen Cordy?

Pan over to show Cordelia on the monitor, passed out in Angelus's cage.

Cut to:

41 INT. LOBBY AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Gunn and Connor are doling out weapons from the weapons cabinet.

GUNN

Connor's on point. Three party follow-up. Me, Wes, and Fred in the truck. Cordy?

CORDELIA

(holding a bag of ice to her head) I don't understand how the spell didn't work.

LILAH

Dead ex machina. There's a surprise.

GUNN

Cordy.

CORDELIA.

We'll be fine. Go. He'll want to feed—a lot.

WESLEY

Our only advantage is Angelus might think we want to capture him. I think we're all agreed that's not an option anymore.

GUNN

Angelus is on the loose 'cause we brought him in this world. It's our job to take him out of it.

WESLEY

Take the sh*t, any sh*t you can get.

LILAH

Now you're playing my song. (cocks her handgun)

FRED

I don't know if I—

GUNN

You will.

CONNOR

Let's go, while his trail's still hot. (walks out)

Cut to:

42 EXT. STREETS OF LOS ANGELES

Angelus is roaming through the streets. It's like a w*r zone out there, with fires going, dead bodies littering the streets, and abandoned vehicles blocking the road. People are fighting and screaming in the streets.

ANGELUS

Like sh**ting fish in a barrel. Where's the fun in that?

Seeing a little girl running out of a building, Angelus grabs her, but she's a vampire too.

ANGELUS

(holding the girl, screaming at her) What happened to pedestrians? Human pedestrians! (puts the girl down, grumbles) Is there no fast food left in Los Angeles?

Cut to:

43 INT. LOBBY AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Cordelia and Lilah are talking.

CORDELIA

He let me think I was talking him into it.

LILAH

Those evil geniuses... they get you every time.

CORDELIA

The Beast, and then Angelus, and now there's something worse. I thought the spell was—

LILAH

Divine intervention? Trust me, you have more chances of winning the lottery six times in a row. I had the numbers done.

CORDELIA

Just makes me question—

ANGELUS

(from the balcony) What's it all for, huh? I would too, if I were about to die.

Angelus jumps down to the main floor of the lobby. Lilah sh**t him with her g*n until it's out of b*ll*ts, then she throws it down. Cordelia sh**t an arrow at him with a crossbow, but Angelus catches the arrow in the air.

ANGELUS

This time, (throws the arrow back at Cordelia, and it goes into her leg; she gasps and falls to the ground) you stay down! (to Lilah) As for you, you luscious thing. I mean, you were going to let me out of that cage, so, let's see—I'll give you, what, a ten second start. (Lilah runs away) Ten, nine... Now, there's a girl who takes advantage of her opportunities— (Cordelia sh**t an arrow at Angelus again, but misses; he turns to her) Don't be jealous, kitten. She's just the warm-up. I'll save the good stuff for you. Eight, seven... (walks out of the room)

Cut to:

44 EXT. STREETS OF LOS ANGELES

Connor's out in front of the search party, with Wes, Gunn, and Fred following him. Connor stops in the middle of the street.

CONNOR

Doesn't make sense.

WESLEY

What doesn't?

CONNOR

Angelus would want to feed, but his scent ends here, and it's not a highly populated area.

GUNN

It ends here? Somebody pick him up?

CONNOR

He would go to the place where he could wreak the most damage.

WESLEY

Which doesn't necessarily mean highly populated.

FRED

He doubled back.

They all turn and run back to the truck.

Cut to:

45 INT. STAIRWELL AT HOTEL/ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Angelus is wandering around the hotel, looking for Lilah.

ANGELUS

Lilah... Oh, Lilah...

Cut to:

46 INT. CORRIDOR IN HOTEL/ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Lilah's walking through the corridor with a battle-axe in hand. Angelus is in a room, whistling. She waits until he's gone to continue, but he jumps out of the woodwork, startling her.

ANGELUS

Boo! (knocks her to the ground) Oh, and Lilah, I had such high hopes for us. Your devious mind, my k*ller instincts. What a team we would have made.

LILAH

Could still make.

ANGELUS

Always were a closer. Unfortunately, with the new big scary in town, you're just not looking so tough anymore. And I'm a winning team kind of a guy. Couple that with the recent people shortage—you know, you're lucky I'm letting you yak this long.

Angelus lunges at Lilah, but she puts her feet up and pushes him over her into the stairwell behind her. Angelus falls down the stairs, and Lilah pushes a cart down the stairs on top of him. Lilah runs away.

Cut to:

47 INT. CORRIDOR IN HOTEL/ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Lilah's running away as fast as her wounded body will take her, but someone grabs her by the throat from one of the rooms, and pushes her into the doorjamb. It's Cordelia.

LILAH

He's gonna k*ll us.

CORDELIA

I know. (stabs Lilah in the neck with the Kn*fe from the Beast's offering; Lilah collapses, falls to the ground) Why do you think I let him out? You stupid bitch. (smiles)

Cut to:

Closing credits.