04x15 - Orpheus

[bunniefuu]

Previously on Angel:

1 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.

CORDELIA (V.O.)

The rain of fire, even blotting out the sun—those were only the first steps to something bigger.

Cut to:

2 EXT. STREET BEHIND CONNOR'S PLACE

The sun becomes blocked out by black magic.

Cut to:

3 EXT. STREET BEHIND CONNOR'S PLACE

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

WESLEY

We need Angelus.

Cut to:

4 INT. BASEMENT AT HOTEL/ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

The shaman puts his hand on Angel's head, closes his eyes, and when the shaman's eyes open again, they're red.

Cut to:

5 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:

6 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.

Cut to:

7 INT. BASEMENT AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Angelus is sitting inside the cage.

CORDELIA (V.O.)

Angelus.

Cut to:

8 INT. BASEMENT AT HOTEL/ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Cordelia unlocks his cage, opens the door, letting Angelus out.

Cut to:

9 INT. CORRIDOR IN HOTEL/ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Wes and Gunn stop in their tracks when they come upon the hallway where Angelus is.

ANGELUS

(looks up, his mouth bloody) Catch ya later.

Angelus runs away from Gunn and Wes down the hallway and out the window.

Cut to:

10 INT. SEEDY DEMON BAR

Vampires and demons are smoking and drinking in a country-western bar. Angelus walks in.

ANGELUS

The rumors are true. Angel has left the building, and I am back.

Cut to:

11 INT. LOBBY AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Wesley's talking to the AI g*ng.

WESLEY

We're gonna save Angel, and I know who we need to help us do it.

Cut to:

12 EXT. PRISON EXERCISE YARD

The gate buzzes, and Faith walks out into the yard.

Cut to:

13 INT. LOBBY AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Wesley and Faith walk in through the front doors.

WESLEY

This is Faith, the vampire slayer.

FAITH

(in Connor's face) If Angelus needs putting down, I'll be the one to do it, not you.

Cut to:

14 INT. CORDELIA'S ROOM AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Cordelia shows her very pregnant belly to Connor.

CORDELIA

We're having a baby.

Cut to:

15 INT. BACK ROOM AT DEMON BAR - NIGHT

Faith goes to the side of a woman who's nearly passed out on a couch. Wes picks up a hypodermic syringe from the floor.

FAITH

(to the girl) Can you walk? (looks at the girl's arm covered in track marks)

DRUGGED GIRL

No, but I can fly.

FAITH

(to Wes) What did they do to her?

WESLEY

She did it to herself. They sh**t up, the vampires feed... I've read the effects can be quite intoxicating...for both of them.

Cut to:

16 INT. OCCULT BOOKSTORE - NIGHT

Wearing reading glasses, Angelus sits by the fire, reading through the papers and book he took from Fred.

BEASTMASTER (O.S.)

Angelus!

Angelus is startled, stands, holds his hands to his ears.

Cut to:

17 INT. DEMON BAR - NIGHT

Angelus is talking to the mysterious voice he heard.

BEASTMASTER (O.S.)

(flash to show white-eyed Cordelia in her room at the hotel saying what Angelus is hearing) I have wonderful plans for you, my sweet boy.

Cut to:

18 INT. MAURY'S OCCULT BOOKSTORE- NIGHT

Faith and Wesley turn to face Angelus. Wesley cocks the shotgun and fires a round at Angelus who ducks.

ANGELUS

Gotta do better than that, Wes. (throws Wes through a window and over a ledge; he lands 20 feet down; Faith and Angelus fight) Nothing will ever change who you are, Faith. You're just like me.

Enraged, Faith stands and goes after Angelus. She punches and kicks him until he's on the ground. Then she goes over to him, straddling him, and beats him in the face again and again.

FAITH

No! (jumps back, stops hitting him) You're wrong. I'm different now. I'm not like you.

Angelus kicks Faith's ankles, pulling her feet out from under her, sending her to the ground where he is. He goes around behind her, grabs her, and vamps out.

ANGELUS

You will be.

Angelus bites into Faith's neck, and she whimpers.

Fade to black.

The Start Of EpisodePrologue:

19 INT. MAURY'S OCCULT BOOKSTORE- NIGHT

Resume. Angelus has just bitten into Faith's neck, and he's greedily feeding on her. Suddenly, he drops her and recoils.

ANGELUS

(wipes his mouth, then looks at Faith) What... did you do?

Cut to:

19a INT. MAURY'S OCCULT BOOKSTORE- NIGHT

FLASHBACK: Moments earlier, while Angelus and Wes are facing off, Faith is planning ahead.

ANGELUS (O.S.)

You got to do better than that, Wes.

Faith grabs a hypodermic syringe from her boot.

ANGELUS (O.S.)

Come on, I'll give you one more.

A close-up of the syringe shows it's one like the drugged girl from the bar was using. Faith's syringe still has dr*gs in it. She sticks the needle into her arm and presses the plunger until she has injected all of the drug in the syringe.

ANGELUS (O.S.)

Strike three.

Cut to:

ANGELUS

(staggering, trying to stand) You—you sp— You spiked... (passes out)

WESLEY

(regaining consciousness, to Faith) You all right?

FAITH

(panting, slurring) Kicked his ass. (passes out)

Fade to black.

Opening credits.

ACT I:

20 INT. LOBBY AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Fred is researching at the Front desk when Gunn comes in through the front door carrying a passed-out Angelus.

GUNN

Connor!

FRED

(looks up from her book) Oh, my God! Angelus.

GUNN

(carrying Angelus down the stairs) Pick up your tranq g*n. I don't know how much time we have. Connor!

FRED

(goes to Gunn's side) What happened?

GUNN

Wes called, I went.

FRED

Where is he? Where's Faith?

LORNE

(walks into the lobby) Well, what is all the—-Aah! Angelus! He's in the hotel.

GUNN

(to Fred) Gimme steel shackles. (Fred grabs the shackles)

LORNE

Oh, uh, but maybe we're already aware of that.

GUNN

All I had was rope in the truck.

CONNOR

(walks out to the balcony) What's going on?

GUNN

(to Connor) Get down here now. (to Fred) Leg irons too.

CONNOR

(hustles down the stairs) She found him.

LORNE

Wesley and Faith. Where are they?

WESLEY

Get him downstairs.

CONNOR

What happened to Faith?

WESLEY

(walks through the front door carrying unconscious Faith in his arms) She captured Angelus.

FRED

God, what did he do to her?

WESLEY

Gunn?

GUNN

We got it.

LORNE

She looks not well.

CONNOR

She gonna be—

GUNN

(to Connor) Wake up, kid. I need you here.

WESLEY

Help me with her.

Cut to:

21 INT. HALLWAY AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Wesley carries Faith down the hall to a room. Fred and Lorne accompany her. Faith's neck is covered with a bloody bandage.

Cut to:

22 INT. BASEMENT AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Connor opens the cage door for Gunn, who carries Angelus into it, laying him down on the floor.

Cut to:

23 INT. ROOM AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Wesley lays Faith's limp body down on the bed.

Cut to:

24 INT. BASEMENT AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Gunn unties Angelus's hands, and Connor places steel shackles on Angelus's hands.

Cut to:

25 INT. ROOM AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Lorne goes to look at Faith—he looks in her eyes, then sees her arm—it's discolored where she injected the drug into it. Taken aback, Lorne turns to look at Wesley, who just stares straight ahead at Faith.

Cut to:

26 INT. BASEMENT AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Connor and Gunn continue to secure Angelus in the cage.

Cut to:

27 INT. ROOM AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Fred brings in a bowl of water and a towel and sits beside Faith. Fred removes Faith's bandage and seems disturbed when she sees the bloody gash left on Faith's neck by Angelus, but Fred remains calm and continues.

Cut to:

28 INT. BASEMENT AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Connor and Gunn continue securing Angelus in the cage.

Cut to:

29 INT. ROOM AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Sitting beside Faith, Fred starts to clean Faith's wounded neck.

Cut to:

30 INT. BASEMENT AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Connor and Gunn finish securing Angelus in the cage.

Cut to:

31 INT. ROOM AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Sitting beside Faith, Fred starts to clean Faith's wounded neck.

Cut to:

32 INT. BASEMENT AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Connor glares at unconscious Angelus.

CONNOR

He fed from her. There's blood on his breath.

Angelus twitches.

ANGELUS

(mumbling) k*ll you...k*ll...you...

Gunn and Connor jump to their feet and stand back. Gunn points a tranq g*n at Angelus.

Cut to:

33 INT. ROOM AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

While Fred's cleaning Faith's neck, Faith twitches and mumbles similar to Angelus.

FAITH

(mumbling) Scratch you out...

FRED

She's not making any sense.

LORNE

(goes up to Wesley, whispering) And speaking of sense, have you gone on permanent sabbatical from yours? Tell me you did not sh**t that girl full of junk, and then feed her to Angelus.

WESLEY

It was her choice. Faith knew the risks.

LORNE

(louder) Aw, she couldn't! (Fred glares at them, then quieter) Wesley, I know what that drug does to people. Especially when they super-size the doses to make sure they really get the job done. And you damn well know it too.

Cut to:

34 INT. CORDELIA'S ROOM AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Cordelia's talking to Connor.

CORDELIA

A coma?

CONNOR

Yeah, that's what it looked like when Wesley brought her in.

CORDELIA

(chuckles, crosses her arms) Like she hasn't pulled that one before.

CONNOR

I don't think she was faking.

CORDELIA

So the slayer snagged Angelus? He's in the hotel? Is he locked up tight in the cage?

CONNOR

Don't worry, Cordy. I'll always protect you. And our family.

CORDELIA

That's sweet. Is he guarded?

CONNOR

Faith really did a number on him.

CORDELIA

(punches Connor, pushing him down) What the hell is it with you and Faith! As if I didn't see the way you looked at her. She cracked her whip, and you liked it. You were practically in her leather-clad lap!

CONNOR

(stands) No, I wasn't? And how'd you do that, anyway? What about the anti-demon spell?

CORDELIA

I told you, Connor, we're different. (turns away) Me and your baby. But I guess you can't even be loyal to our bed, let alone our little family. I thought you were gonna be a better father than Angel was to you.

CONNOR

I will be. I would do anything for us. (Cordelia's eyes flash wider) For you.

CORDELIA

(turns around, calmer, laughing it off) Wow. Are my hormones out of whack, or what? Hello, crazy pregnant lady, out of line! Whoo! (walks up to Connor) Why don't you go see how Faith is doing? Go on. I'm concerned. I want to know—

Cut to:

35 INT. ROOM AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Connor stares at Faith. Wesley's in the corner holding an ice pack to his bruised head. Fred and Lorne are standing near the bed where Faith's resting.

CONNOR

What's going to happen to her?

FRED

(crosses her arms) Actually, I'd like to start with exactly was it, Wesley?

LORNE

Orpheus.

CONNOR

Orpheus?

FRED

Some kind of opiate?

LORNE

Mystical variety. Humans inject it. Vampires feed off the humans. Folks tried to deal it at Caritas—only folks I ever banned from my club.

FAITH

(mumbling) The 'vention.

FRED

So, if ordinary humans do this junk, slayers are all super, right?

LORNE

That's what makes it so dangerous. Orpheus isn't entirely physical. It's an enchanted drug.

CONNOR

Magic. This is what it gets you.

LORNE

That, plus the biting, makes for some serious psychic psychedelia. And the more you take, the deeper you sink.

WESLEY

It leads you down to hell.

Cut to:

36 INT. BASEMENT AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Angelus is still unconscious in the cage.

WESLEY (V.O.)

And leaves you there.

Cut to:

37 EXT. NEW YORK HARBOR - NIGHT

A ship pulls into the harbor, past the Statue of Liberty. A sign reads: "United States Immigration, Ellis Island, N.Y."

TITLE: New York, 1902

Huddled masses of men, women, and children are pouring off the ship. A long-haired Angel walks through the crowd which parts for him, leaving him plenty of space. Except Angelus—Angelus just stands there, facing Angel, not intending to move for him, but Angel walks right through him.

ANGELUS

Hey! (turns to watch Angel walk away) What is that about?

FAITH

You tell me. It's your flashback. (charges Faith, but goes right through her; Faith chuckles) You know what the definition of insanity is, baby? Performing the same task over and over and expecting different results. Learned that in m*rder rehab.

ANGELUS

All right, Miss Blow-It-All. This is my flashback. Why are you in it? (walks away)

FAITH

Don't know. Must be the magic side-effects of my incredibly simple ruse.

ANGELUS

(looks around) All right. So, what is this, huh? Puff-the-Magic-Dragon City? Fairyland?

FAITH

You'd think? Me, I'm guessing it's more like "Angelus, this is your life," because (waves her hand in front of her nose) lack-of-hygiene world sure ain't mine. (looks at Angel) Seriously, man, did you miss the invention of the bath?

ANGELUS

The whole way over here, he crouched in the filth of animals just to avoid human temptation. This isn't my life—it's his!

FAITH

Angel's?

ANGELUS

It annoyed the crap out of me the first time around. This sucks. Why do you get to be Marley's ghost?

FAITH

(sits) 'Cause I'm dying, dumbass.

ANGELUS

Not soon enough.

FAITH

Way I figure, I've got one last job: baby-sit the psycho 'til they shove a soul up your—

ANGELUS

Not gonna happen.

FAITH

(stands) Then, I'm whatever... dust in the wind. Candle in the wind. There'll be a general wind theme.

ANGELUS

Thought those suicidal tendencies got squashed in the big enlightenment.

FAITH

(shrugs) I rolled the dice. Paid even odds.

Cut to:

38 EXT. BUSY STREET - NIGHT

Jazz music plays and old-timey cars drive through the street. Angelus and Faith find themselves outside the "Blue Mood Lounge". A small group nearby is playing Craps (dice game) on the street. A couple walks down the sidewalk hand in hand. Angelus and Faith look around.

FAITH

Trippy.

ANGELUS

Early 20's by the cars. What is this—Chicago? (sees Angel standing on the other side of the street) Oh, no. I remember this. I remember this place. I gotta get out of here.

FAITH

Why? You freaking out?

ANGELUS

It's coming. (a car speeds around the corner down the street in front of them) Again.

FAITH

What's coming?

ANGELUS

I can't do it again. I won't!

Angel runs into the street right in front of the car.

FAITH

Angel, get out of the road.

Angel continues until he's completely across the street. A small squeaking sound can be heard. Angel turns around to reveal that he's holding a tiny Pomeranian puppy.

ANGELUS

(throwing a fit) Doh!

FAITH

(giggling) Dude, you just rescued a puppy.

A woman comes up to Angel and takes the puppy out of his arms.

WOMAN

Oh, my stars! You saved her, Mister.

Angel just stares at the woman, dumbfounded.

ANGELUS

I'm in hell. This is hell, and I'm in it.

WOMAN

(stroking the puppy) Oh, gee, big fella. How can I thank you?

ANGELUS

We haven't fed on a human in decades. She's begging for it, you moron!

ANGEL

Get lost.

WOMAN

Beg pardon?

ANGEL

Take a hike, Betty. Scram.

WOMAN

(frowns) Well, pound snow, you mook! (storms back into the club)

FAITH

We're reliving Angel's good deeds—you are in hell! Wicked! (laughs)

Cut to:

39 INT. ROOM AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Lorne's sitting on the bed beside Faith.

WESLEY (V.O.)

There's only one thing we can do for Faith, now—

40 INT. LOBBY AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Wesley is talking to Fred and Connor at the front desk.

WESLEY

Finish what she started.

FRED

You mean, re-ensoul Angel?

CONNOR

Impossible. We've been over this: no jar, no soul. No soul, no Angel.

FRED

It's not that simple, Connor. I've been doing some research—

CONNOR

It is simple. Angelus is all that's left. First he slaughtered Lilah, now he's k*lled Faith.

WESLEY

She's not dead yet.

CONNOR

You're lying to yourselves. You all think that I'm taking this personally so that you don't have to, but inside you know I'm right. We need to put Angelus down.

Willow enters the lobby through the front door, unnoticed by the g*ng at the front desk.

WILLOW

I don't think so. (everyone turns to look at Willow) I think you need a witch.

Wesley, Fred, and Connor stare at Willow.

Fade to black.

ACT II:

41 INT. LOBBY AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Resume. Willow walks up to the front desk where Wesley, Fred, and Connor are standing.

WILLOW

Did I come at a bad time?

WESLEY

Willow.

CONNOR

She's a witch?

WILLOW

Yes. Hi. You must be Angel's handsome, yet androgynous, son.

CONNOR

It's Connor.

WILLOW

(nods) And the sneer's genetic. Who knew?

FRED

Hi Willow.

WILLOW

(walks up to Fred) Hey Fred. It's good to see you. (looks at Wesley) Oh, and it's the Marlboro Man. Or at least his extra stubbly, mentally unstable, insomniac, first cousin of—for the love of Hecate, somebody stop me.

FRED

It's OK. I'm a yammerer from way back.

WESLEY

Are there forces gathering? Did the call of magic draw you here?

WILLOW

Oh, no. More like the call of Fred. (Willow and Fred chuckle)

WESLEY

Of course. Bring in the only living person to ever re-ensoul Angel.

FRED

She has a fresh brain. I thought she might see some things we missed.

WILLOW

Oh, hearing the thoroughness of your research methodology, (smiles at Fred) I don't think that's possible.

FRED

Aw. Go on. (giggles)

WILLOW

We should probably start the debriefing. Where's Cordy?

CONNOR

Unfortunately, the guy you're all trying to magically re-ensoul sh*t her with a crossbow. She's not up for visitors.

WESLEY

I think she'll want to see Willow. After all, she's traveled a long way, and they have a history together.

Cut to:

42 INT. CORDELIA'S ROOM AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Cordelia's sitting in her bed when Connor escorts Willow into her room.

WILLOW

Hi there.

CORDELIA

Long time, no see. (to Connor) It's OK, Connor. I'm fine. (Connor leaves the room)

WILLOW

(sits on the bed beside Cordy) How've you been?

CORDELIA

Higher power. You?

WILLOW

Ultimate evil. But I got better.

CORDELIA

You heard about Faith?

WILLOW

(nods) Coma again.

CORDELIA

What about Angelus? Did you go down to see him yet?

WILLOW

I'm way avoidy. Too many memories. I'm just glad I don't have to be in the same room with him when I re-ensoul him.

CORDELIA

Oh, you really think you can pull it off? (feels around under her blanket)

WILLOW

Putting his soul back? It's the first spell I ever learned. I'm not gonna forget that.

CORDELIA

(grabs a Kn*fe under the blanket) What about the Muo-Ping?

WILLOW

The jar holding Angel's soul? Therein lies our boneage.

CORDELIA

Stolen right from our safe. And if we can't get the soul out of the jar, we can't put it back in Angel.

WILLOW

Yeah, question is: how do we get the soul out if we don't know where the jar is?

CORDELIA

And apparently, the thing's impervious to magic.

WILLOW

Yeah, I know already tried a standard locator spell, but zero joy.

CORDELIA

(puts down the Kn*fe) Right. Plus, Wesley's shaman says there's no way to extract the soul from a distance.

WILLOW

Soul trapped in a glass jar, impervious to magic. It is complicated.

CORDELIA

(nods) Tough nut to cr*ck.

WILLOW

(gets an idea) Are you thinking what I'm thinking?

CORDELIA

(grabs the Kn*fe again) I doubt it.

WILLOW

(stands) We just break the jar.

CORDELIA

(gestures to her nightstand) Can you hand me that drink?

WILLOW

(backs to the door, excited) That way we don't have to magic the soul out. We just break the glass around it!

CORDELIA

(impatiently) Great idea. I'm really thirsty.

WILLOW

And then Angel's soul is still released into the ether, and—and there's something called Delothrian's Arrow. We don't even need to know where the target is. (opens the door) Cordy, this is fantastic! We're gonna get him back. (leaves the room)

Cordelia throws the Kn*fe just as Willow leaves the room. The Kn*fe lands in the door at head level.

Cut to:

43 INT. ROOM AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Lorne's looking after Faith, who's still unconscious on the bed.

LORNE

Don't you worry, princess. It'll all be over soon. I—I've seen lots of girls go through just what you're going through now. (sings softly) There'll be another song for me, and I will sing it. Oh, there'll be another dream for me, someone will bring it.

Cut to:

44 INT. DONUT SHOP - NIGHT

1970's disco music plays as a long-haired Angel walks into the donut shop past Angelus.

ANGELUS

(rolling his eyes) Bring on the pain!

Angel saunters up to the jukebox and selects a song. He stands there grooving as it starts to play.

FAITH

Mandy, huh? (Angelus sits down in a booth across from Faith) Must k*ll you he's got a jones for the power-ballads.

Angelus swats as he hears buzzing sound.

ANGELUS

Worse were the concerts. (a couple walks out past Angel, who looks at them longingly) You know what that's like? (Angel sits at the counter) Every time he gets close, I feel it. Wanting to tear their flesh apart. The hunger. It's like a blade in my gut.

FAITH

Only, it's not your gut, princess. Angel's the one that belongs on the outside, not you.

The clerk pours Angel a cup of coffee as Angel tries to recover from his temptation.

ANGELUS

You think it's that cut and dry, don't you? That if Angel gets his soul back—

FAITH

When he gets it.

ANGELUS

You'll just hang up your spurs and ride off into the sunset knowing you put the monster back in his cage. But, (disappears and reappears next to Faith) I'm always here, Faithy. Deep in.

A man walks into the shop.

CASHIER

Hi. Can I help you?

ROBBER

Gimme your money. (sh**t into the ceiling) Gimme the cash in the drawer.

CASHIER

(nervous) Oh. OK.

ROBBER

Open it!

CASHIER

Oh, all right. I, uh—

ROBBER

Come on!

CASHIER

I, uh, I just need to...

ROBBER

Now! (sh**t the clerk, then runs out of the shop)

ANGEL

(goes to the clerk's side) It's gonna be OK. I'll get you to a hospital. You're—you're gonna be OK. All right? It's—everything's gonna be—

CASHIER

It hurts.

ANGEL

Yeah, I know.

ANGELUS

(mockingly) Doc, I think we're losing him. God, I love this episode! (the buzzing sound occurs again; Angelus swats at the air like there's a fly) What is that buzzing?

Cut to:

45 INT. CORDELIA'S ROOM AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Cordelia's holding the crystal in her hand, trying to contact Angelus.

CORDELIA

Hear me, Angelus. Heed my warning. Awaken at once. Return from the darkness. Or just lay there and let that red-headed meddler put your soul back. Whichever!

Cut to:

46 INT. LOBBY AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Wesley and Willow are preparing a spell. There's a bubbling jar in front of Willow.

WILLOW

Look, it's working.

WESLEY

I thought Delothrian's Arrow was used to protect good magicks.

WILLOW

It is.

WESLEY

So, how can you use it to break the jar? The Muo-Ping is a sacred object. It's holy.

WILLOW

It's glass, therefore crunchable. The sacred's what's inside. "All life a container..."

WESLEY

"...For the heart of all life." You've studied the Daharim.

WILLOW

It had to be something specific. There's lots of jars in the world—can't shatter them all. I mean, you could, but good things come in jars. Peanut butter, jelly, those two-headed fetal pigs at the natural history museum. (Wes doesn't respond) Come on, everybody loves fetal pigs.

WESLEY

(leans forward) Sorry. I think my sense of humor's trapped in a jar somewhere.

WILLOW

Does seem like you've given in to the grumpy side of the force.

WESLEY

A lot's happened. Not just Angelus. I've been—I've changed. I've seen a darkness in myself. I'm not sure you'd even begin to understand—

WILLOW

I flayed a guy alive and tried to destroy the world.

WESLEY

Oh. So... (stands, doesn't make eye-contact)

WILLOW

Darkness. Been there.

WESLEY

Yeah. Well, I never flayed... (seems sickened) I had a woman chained in a closet.

WILLOW

Hey.

WESLEY

That doesn't compare.

WILLOW

No, dark. That's dark. You've been to a place.

WESLEY

You seem exactly the same as when I left. No other major changes I'm not up on?

WILLOW

(shrugs) Just little things. So, uh, Fred. What's her story?

Cut to:

47 INT. DONUT SHOP - NIGHT

Angel is squatting next to the clerk.

ANGEL

God, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.

The clerk dies. Angel stands and backs away, staring at the clerk.

ANGELUS

So, who's your big hero now?

FAITH

Wasn't even his fault. God, does the guy gotta pay for everything?

ANGELUS

Choices, little girl. The ones you make with your heart of hearts. (Angel goes to the door, but stops and locks the door) Uh-oh. What's gonna happen?

FAITH

He won't.

Angel walks back to the clerk.

ANGELUS

I'm deep in, Faith. Soul or no soul.

Angel vamps out and lifts the clerk.

FAITH

Angel! (Angel bites the clerk) Ugh.

Faith's neck starts to bleed.

FAITH

He was gonna save him.

ANGELUS

Or did he choose to be a little slow on the draw? Whoops! Dinner by armed robbery. Look at him, Faith. You're a m*rder*r. You know just how good that blurry line tastes. You didn't think my hell was private, did ya?

Angel screams.

Fade to black.

ACT III:

48 INT. ROOM AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Lorne dabs away tears from Faith's face. Connor's sitting in a chair in the corner of the room, watching her.

LORNE

She's in the barrens now. They cry for a while. Quiet mostly. Like they're letting go of everything that meant something.

CONNOR

How long...'til...?

LORNE

Not long. You can hold her hand.

Connor stands, but Wesley walks into the room.

CONNOR

Wesley, you did the right thing. She was brave, and she d*ed in battle.

WESLEY

(staring at Faith) It's time.

Cut to:

49 INT. LOBBY AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Fred walks around the lobby in a circle carrying a lit white candle and ringing a bell.

WILLOW

(touches Fred's chin, lifting it higher, smiling) You're good. Good bells. (walks up to the front desk; to Gunn) OK, now all I gotta do is contact the spirit world, harness the Delothrian ebb, and focus it through my little marble of doom here. (holds out a small metal ball) And we'll restore the Muo-Ping's entropic equilibrium.

GUNN

The jar goes smash?

WILLOW

Smash-o-crash.

GUNN

All I need to know. I'll be downstairs in case the Prince of Darkness wakes up. (leaves the room)

WILLOW

OK.

WESLEY

(walks up to Willow) You ready?

WILLOW

(nods) Should be a snap.

A bolt of orange energy hits Willow and sends her sliding across the floor.

BEASTMASTER (V.O.)

Stay your hand, witch! (show Cordelia is holding the crystal again, saying the words of the Beastmaster) You will not interfere with what must come to pass.

WILLOW

(stands, covers her head with her hands and weakly mumbles) Invadoria disparu!

BEASTMASTER (V.O.)

You think to banish me?

WILLOW

(to Wesley) There's somebody in my head.

CORDELIA

(as Beastmaster) As long as the soul is under my protection, it will never be freed.

WILLOW

(to the sky) Vetsche invadoria disparu!

CORDELIA

(as Beastmaster) I'th bid my thongue.

WESLEY

He's enormously powerful. It's the dead Beast's master. He contacted Angelus the same way.

FRED

He wants to stop us from getting the soul.

WILLOW

(black-eyed, holding her hand out, the marble in it floats and starts to glow) Open the window. Fill this stone. Inside, outside. Two made one.

CORDELIA

(as Beastmaster) You wanna go, Glinda? We'll go.

Willow's knocked down by another bolt of energy from the Beastmaster.

CONNOR

Are you sure she can handle it?

WILLOW

(black-eyed, focused on the glowing ball in front of her) Alesh ashtoreth!

The ground starts shaking.

WESLEY

I think she can hold her own.

Cut to:

50 INT. ROOM AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Lorne's talking to Faith while the building shakes around them.

LORNE

It's OK, Faith. It's OK. You just wait. They'll get Angel back, and... (trying to convince himself) it'll all be worth it. It'll all— (Faith gasps and sits up)

Cut to:

51 EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT

Faith finds herself in a dark alley full of trash.

ANGELUS (O.S.)

It'll all be worth it. Is that what you try to tell yourself, Faithy? Is that the nastly little lie that kept those thighs nice and warm in your prison bunk?

FAITH

(looks around, trying to find Angelus) You kiss your mama with that mouth?

ANGELUS

(shows up behind her, lying on the ground) No, but I ate her with it. (stands without bending his body) And now for a poem. "Faith goes gently into that good night." You're fading fast, baby. I can feel it.

FAITH

All the same, I hear this holler in the distance.

Cut to:

51a INT. LOBBY AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Still casting the spell, defying the Beastmaster.

WILLOW

Semsa nahl eresh a'lahm!

Cut to:

FAITH

Tells me you're about to get what's coming to you.

ANGELUS

Or not. I've got friends in high places. (further down the alley, Angel stumbles around, knocking over garbage cans) Him, not being one of 'em.

Angel grabs a rat and eats it.

FAITH

Ugh. When is this?

ANGELUS

When isn't it? Twenty years after that stupid donut shop, and his fingers never smelled of anything but rat! "I'm so sorry. I give up. I'm gonna live in a sewer!"

FAITH

He's paying for what he did.

ANGELUS

He's hiding from what he is—which may be a big Psych 101 revelation for you, cupcake, but I already know this crap, so why do I have to go through it again?

ANGEL

Maybe 'cause it's not about you, (stands) jackass.

Cut to:

52 INT. LOBBY AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

The ground is shaking in the hotel. Wesley, Connor, Fred, and Willow are in the lobby.

WESLEY

Do you feel that?

CONNOR

There's something evil rising in the hotel.

Cut to:

52a INT. CORDELIA'S ROOM AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

White-eyed Cordelia is chanting in front of the Muo-Ping.

CORDELIA

Seiza jai n'hast engai... Seiza jai n'hast engai...

Cut to:

52b INT. BASEMENT AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Gunn feels the ground shake as he guards Angelus in the cage.

Cut to:

An apparition of a huge demonic head floats above the g*ng in the lobby, growling and shrieking.

CONNOR

What the hell is that?

WILLOW

(to Connor) Ignore it. (to the glowing ball in front of her) Find your target. Leave my side.

Cut to:

52a INT. CORDELIA'S ROOM AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Cordelia is sitting in front of the muo-ping, talking to herself.

CORDELIA

OK, then. Huge floaty head not enough to scare you? Then why don't we try— (the glowing ball Willow sent comes straight toward the Muo-Ping; Cordelia puts up a hand to stop it, concentrating hard) And now she is on my last nerve!

Cut to:

WILLOW

Geth na haroth castellum tol.

Cut to:

52a INT. CORDELIA'S ROOM AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Cordelia's concentrating hard on keeping Willow's magic marble from getting to the jar.

CORDELIA

If only this were a few weeks later.

Cut to:

WILLOW

Break the glass

FRED

(looks around) Where's Connor?

WILLOW

Let loose the soul!

Cut to:

52a INT. CORDELIA'S ROOM AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Connor tries to burst into Cordelia's room, but it's barricaded.

CONNOR

(banging into the door) Cordy! Are you OK?

CORDELIA

(startled, breaks her concentration) Ah! (the marble breaks the Muo-Ping, releasing Angel's soul into the ether, Cordelia turns to look) Oh sh—

Cut to:

53 EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT

Angel, Angelus and Faith are talking in the alley. Angel is filthy, covered in dirt and grime, wearing a longish hair style.

ANGELUS

I don't believe this! You're the one behind this whole true-Hollywood sob-story?

FAITH

Angel, it's good to see you. (Angelus chuckles) Hate the hair.

ANGEL

Faith, why are you still here?

FAITH

Just waiting to see this pervert get stuffed back into the deep, crazy ground he came from.

ANGEL

Then what? After that, what happens?

Angelus kicks Faith, knocking her down.

ANGELUS

Probably something like that. I had a feeling the rules have changed.

ANGEL

She's not who you're after.

ANGELUS

No kidding, rat boy. The slayer will just be gravy once I finish you off.

BOTH (ANGEL & ANGELUS)

I've been waiting a long time for this.

Angel and Angelus start fighting.

Fade to black.

ACT IV:

54 EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT

Angel and Angelus are fighting.

ANGEL

Faith, get up! Are you listening?

FAITH

(weakly) Angel, I'm dying.

ANGEL

Yeah. It's a lot easier than redemption, huh? (kicks Angelus)

ANGELUS

(grabs Angel by the neck) Always so concerned with the human condition. (throws Angel down the alley) It's no big mystery, man. They suffer, they die. That's what they're there for.

ANGEL

(lunges at Angelus) I'm not perfect, Faith. Even with a soul, I've done things I wished a thousand times I could take back.

ANGELUS

Yeah, like those Manilow concerts. (throws Angel across the alley) Son of a bitch!

Cut to:

55 INT. CORDELIA'S ROOM AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Connor bursts into Cordelia's room, pushing the barricade of furniture away from the door.

CONNOR

Cordy! I'm coming in.

Cordelia bangs Connor over the head with a ceramic vase that shatters.

CORDELIA

Oh, Connor, I'm so sorry. I thought it came back. (cries) That horrible floaty head.

CONNOR

Did it hurt you? Is the baby...?

CORDELIA

(high-pitched voice) We nearly got k*lled.

CONNOR

Willow's spell must've opened a gateway to something.

CORDELIA

Evil. If she keeps at it, there's no telling what will happen. She's already let hell itself into this hotel.

CONNOR

I know. I've seen it. It's not safe for you here. I'm gonna make her stop.

CORDELIA

Connor, you can't! She's too powerful. But you can stop it. The reason for all of this. (whispers) You have to k*ll Angelus.

Cut to:

56 INT. LOBBY AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Fred, Wesley and Willow are lighting candles and incense in the lobby.

FRED

(looking around) So... now Angel's soul is just floating around out there?

WILLOW

Yeah, until I can channel it into the Orb of Thessulah.

FRED

Connor shouldn't have run off like that.

WESLEY

I'm sure he's just worried about Cordelia.

FRED

Do you ever think their relationship is maybe a little bit...icky?

Cut to:

57 INT. CORDELIA'S ROOM AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Cordelia's talking to Connor.

CORDELIA

You have to k*ll your father. You have to. Now, before anything else goes wrong.

Cut to:

58 INT. LOBBY AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Willow and Fred are holding books.

WILLOW

(to Fred) Ready when you are.

FRED

(reading) Quod perditum est invenietur...

WILLOW

(reading) Nisi mort. Nisi al finitei. Te invoc, spirit al trecerii...

Cut to:

59 INT. CORDELIA'S ROOM AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Cordelia's talking to Connor.

CORDELIA

You know I have fought harder than anyone to save Angel's life, but there comes a time when you have to weigh risk versus reward. And as much as I love Angel...as a friend... k*lling Angelus now is the only way to guarantee our family's safety.

Cut to:

60 INT. CORDELIA'S ROOM AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Gunn's still guarding the unconscious Angelus.

CORDELIA (V.O.)

I know it in my heart now. You're not just protecting me. You're protecting the world.

Cut to:

61 INT. CORDELIA'S ROOM AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Lorne's looking after the unconscious Faith.

CORDELIA (V.O.)

Sometimes one death can spare infinite pain.

Cut to:

62 EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT

While Angel and Angelus are fighting, Faith's lying unconscious against the alley wall.

ANGEL

Faith, wake up!

FAITH

(wakes) I've rolled the bones. You for me.

ANGEL

(walks away from the fight with Angelus to talk to Faith) I used to think that. That there'd be a point when I'd paid my dues.

ANGELUS

(knocks out Angel from behind) Anybody notice a battle with your alter-ego going on here?

Cut to:

63 INT. HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Connor's walking purposefully down the hallway.

CONNOR (V.O.)

What will I tell the others?

CORDELIA (V.O.)

They can't stop you if they don't know?

CONNOR (V.O.)

What about the sanctuary spell?

CORDELIA (V.O.)

I can fix it. We're special, Connor.

Willow's still working on the spell to re-ensoul Angel in the lobby. She's chanting, facing the Orb of Thessulah. Connor looks over at them.

WILLOW

Te implor doamne. Nu ignora accasta rugaminte lasa orbita sa fie vasul care-i va transporta sufletul la el.

CORDELIA (V.O.)

Special.

Cut to:

64 EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT

Angel and Angelus are fighting in the alley again. Angel leaves the fight and goes over to Faith's side, holding her up in his arms.

ANGEL

Faith, listen to me. You saw me drink. It doesn't get much lower than that. And I thought I could make up for it by disappearing.

FAITH

I did my time.

ANGEL

Our time is never up, Faith. We pay for everything.

FAITH

It hurts.

ANGEL

I know. I know.

Cut to:

65 INT. LOBBY AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Willow's still working on the spell to re-ensoul Angel in the lobby. She's chanting, facing the Orb of Thessulah.

WILLOW

Este scris aceasta putere este dreptul poporuil meu de a conduce.

Cut to:

66 INT. BASEMENT AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Connor walks down the stairs into the basement.

CONNOR

Hey, Gunn, you should know...(punches Gunn, knocking him out) they haven't finished the spell yet.

Cut to:

67 EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT

Angel's talking to a weakened Faith.

ANGEL

Get up! You have to get up now. Faith, you have to fight. I need you to fight. Do you understand what I'm saying?

Angelus sneaks up behind Angel and knocks him out with a metal pipe.

ANGELUS

What won't I miss? The moralizing. Soul's already in the ether, boyo. I can smell it. How 'bout I send it off to that big puppy rescue in the sky.

FAITH

(from behind) Arf arf, psycho.

ANGELUS

Faith. Getting back into the game.

FAITH

I guess I am.

ANGELUS

(swings the pipe at Faith, but she disappears) Hey!

Cut to:

68 INT. ROOM AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Faith wakes with a start, and without missing a b*at, she runs out of the room.

Cut to:

69 INT. LOBBY AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Willow's still working on the spell to re-ensoul Angel in the lobby. She's chanting, facing the Orb of Thessulah.

WILLOW

Asa sa fie, acum.

Cut to:

70 EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT

Angelus and Angel start to glow and combine into one being.

Cut to:

71 INT. BASEMENT AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Chained Angel is mumbling to himself with Connor kneeling over him.

ANGEL

(mumbling) I need you to fight.

CONNOR

I'm pretty clear about what you need. (rears his hand back, revealing that he's got a stake in it)

FAITH

(grabs Connor's wrist, stopping him from staking Angel) Break me off a switch, son. (throws Connor against the cage wall) There's about to be a whoppin'.

Faith and Connor fight.

LORNE

(runs into the basement, followed by Fred and Wesley) She's alive. It's a miracle!

Faith continues to kick Connor's butt across the room. When he lands near the cage, Angel grabs his neck through the bars.

ANGEL

Connor, it's over. It's me. Really.

Cut to:

72 INT. GARDEN AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Faith comes outside to talk to Angel.

FAITH

Hey. (leans forward on the rail)

ANGEL

How're you feeling?

FAITH

Like I did mushrooms and got eaten by a bear.

ANGEL

That about sums it up.

FAITH

Yep.

ANGEL

And now you're going to Sunnydale.

FAITH

I think I prefer the bear, but the way Willow talks it up, that's where I'm needed.

ANGEL

Never stop fighting. (leans on the rail beside Faith)

FAITH

Hey, I was gonna, but someone got all pep-talky on me.

ANGEL

Yeah. I'm sorry I didn't get to see you. Our little brain tour notwithstanding.

FAITH

(smiles) Another time.

ANGEL

(stands) I have a lot to thank you for.

FAITH

Well, that vice is plenty versa. I even start, it's only gonna lead to hugging, and... (shrugs, smiles)

ANGEL

Right. We can't have that.

FAITH

No.

They walk inside.

Cut to:

73 INT. LOBBY AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Faith and Angel walk inside to see Connor sitting on a couch with Gunn standing in front of him with his arms crossed.

CONNOR

All right. I get it. I messed up.

FAITH

Hey, cheer up, punk. That just makes you one of us.

GUNN

You headed out?

FAITH

Yeah, no tears, big guy. (gives Gunn a high-five)

GUNN

Nah, I'm good. I just wish I could've seen you kicking the crap out of junior, here.

FAITH

It was pretty funny. Wes.

WESLEY

Faith.

FAITH

See. Brits know how to say goodbye. Angel here wanted a hug.

ANGEL

No, I didn't.

FAITH

Been a good show.

GUNN

Yeah, sit back and let the girl do all the heavy lifting.

WESLEY

That's pretty much it.

FRED

(walks out of the office with Willow, who's holding a book) I think that volume's outdated. You'd know better than me, but there's some interesting stuff about hellmouth. Might help.

WILLOW

This is great.

FRED

(extra smiley) I have to say, someday I'd love to bend your ear about the Pergamum Codex. I—I think some of the really obscure passages are actually Latin translated from a demonic tongue, and they're kind of a hoot. (giggles) All this stuff about Bacchanals and spells and—actually, I think it's probably funnier in Latin. You know how that is sometimes.

WILLOW

I'm seeing someone.

FAITH

Time goes by, Will.

WILLOW

OK. Good. Wagons west. See you guys.

ANGEL

Willow...

FAITH

He's going to tell you how much he owes you.

WILLOW

Aw, don't mention it. I got a slayer out of the deal, so we're even-steven. (hugs Angel) I'll tell Buffy you said hi.

ANGEL

Good. Thanks.

WILLOW

(starts to walk out, but stops, turn to them) Oh, um, next time you guys resurrect Angelus, call me first, OK?

Willow and Faith walk out the front door. Angel turns to face the g*ng.

ANGEL

So, we're back.

WESLEY

It would seem.

ANGEL

Look, I know things have been—

CORDELIA

(walks down the stairs) Sorry, Angel. But if this is the speech about how the worst is behind us, you may want to save it for later.

Cordelia's wearing a trampy outfit that reveals her pregnancy to the g*ng.

Cut to:

Closing credits.