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INT. HYPERION MEETING ROOM - CONTINUOUS Gurgitor reaches Gunn first and BRINGS HIS KNIFE DOWN towards Gunn's chest. Gunn deflects the strike by grabbing the demon's arm. He brings his sword around and SLAPS the flat of the blade HARD against the Grox'lar's side. Gurgitor YOWLS in pain. Gunn brings the sword flat about and SLAPS THE KNIFE OUT of Gurgitor's hand. Birot attacks next, feinting with his own knife. As Gunn ducks, Birot BODY-SLAMS Gunn back HARD against the wall behind him, then pulls back his arm for a punch. Gunn grunts loudly, the wind knocked out of him, but manages to dodge Birot's fist as it sails towards his solar plexus. It CRASHES instead through the hard plaster wall and into an iron drain pipe. Birot CRIES OUT and staggers back, holding his injured appendage. Pordal LEAPS at Gunn and TACKLES HIM to the ground. CUT TO - Kirowak pulls Adair out from under the table and he, Adair, and Zora make a dash towards the kitchen. Fannie and Franklin, staring out at the commotion, quickly SLAM the kitchen doors shut, trapping Kirowak and the others in the meeting room. Gunn struggles under Pordal's considerable weight. He finally levers him off, then rolls away and stuns the demon with a SHARP KICK to the side of the head. Gunn fumbles for the sword, then hops to his feet just in time to head-butt an attacking Birot. Birot staggers back, and so does Gunn. Gunn dizzily raises a hand to his forehead. A trickle of blood runs down from the point of impact. Gurgitor is readying himself for a second go when Gunn raises his sword, swaying slightly, and points it at him. Then he TOSSES it over to Kirowak, who, amazingly, catches it. (defiantly) Damn it all, Gurg. You still wanna do this? In front of Larett's daughter? Gurgitor stops short, ENRAGED by the implication. How dare you further taint my Larett's name! Gurgitor rushes Gunn once again, this time weaponless. He throws three or four punches wildly. Gunn ducks the blows badly, still dizzy and starting to tire. Finally, however, he manages to uppercut Gurgitor. The demon falls back again. (gasping) I don't...need a DNA...test to prove it, Gurg. (he throws out a hand) Look at her. You think Adair is full-blooded Ly'chymni? Lorne looks over at the green yet horned Adair, who looks up at her father. What are they talking about, Daa? Kirowak, with a mix of emotions warring on his face--fear, shame, humiliation, remorse, love--looks down at Adair. (sadly) You know you've always looked different, Adair. It's because Gurgitor's Larett is your mother. Adair looks hurt and baffled and just stares at her father. Gurgitor's eyes bug out. Filthy liar! KIROWAK (to Adair) I told you your mother died right after you were born, but that was a lie. All of this is my fault--I was weak and stupid. But you've got nothing to be ashamed of. Gurgitor takes a sudden, hard swing at Gunn. Gunn staggers under the force of it, then PUSHES Gurgitor back HARD against the wall with a GRUNT. The demon's head HITS the wall and he slumps down, groggy. Birot steps forward. We obviously don't want to fight you, Mr. Gunn, or your injuries would be worse. This is between Gurgitor and Kirowak. Stop trying to interfere. GUNN You kinda forced me to. And besides, there's a funny thing about demon laws--they're a lot like human laws. (he pauses) They nearly always have unexpected loopholes. GURGITOR (struggling to get up) Unexpected? You mean.... LORNE Your mate had a daughter you never knew about. GUNN You were bound by official Blood Decree to kill he who slept with your mate. But is that really what you want, to leave her daughter without anyone? Is that honorable? Gunn walks slowly over to Gurgitor and extends a hand to assist the Grox'lar to his feet. Gurgitor glares uneasily at him. That sword Kirowak is holding? Adair made that. She is but a child, yet crafts like a master blacksmith. KIROWAK (nodding) Adair certainly didn't inherit that skill from me. GUNN She carries Larett's gift. Part of Larett lives on! Honor that life by sparing Kirowak. As the Third, the Neutral Arbiter of the Blood Decree, I can annul the Decree and restore the peace to everyone here. I can draw up the papers anytime you want. (beat) I can do it right now. Gurgitor gazes down at the ground--in defeat, but also in sadness. Then he slowly stands up with an expression of desperation. But, but--the scrolls state that the Third shall be a demon, not of either clan bound by the Decree. GUNN It doesn't state that it can't be a human. It never occurred to the ancient Grox'lar that one might ever get involved! PORDAL Humph--there were no humans when the Grox'lar first roamed this world! BIROT (looking over at Gurgitor) It is true. Nothing expressly forbids what he suggests. It is completely your decision, M'Shono. Gurgitor grimaces, shifting his gaze between the Half-L'chymni child, Kirowak, and Gunn. Adair, who still looks quite frightened, is clutching Kirowak's arm tightly. Finally Gurgitor looks at Pordal and Birot, who are awaiting his decision. M'Shono? GURGITOR (glaring coldly at Kirowak) Very well...but know that I do this for her, not for you. Gurgitor turns, walks over to the table, and takes a seat in the chair with the gavel in front of it. Prepare the documents. I will put my blood to them. An uncomfortable silence hangs in the room. Lorne quickly turns to the rest of the assembled group, clapping his hands together. Then he walks over to the kitchen doors and knocks. All right! Our own little United Nations! (beat) Anyone for dessert? Kirowak and clan all brighten and nod affirmatively. Birot and Pordal look confused. Gurgitor cradles his head in his hands. EXT. THE ALLEY - APPROX. THREE A.M. An unconscious Illyria lies on the pavement beside a utility pole. The Haotik demon DROPS to the ground from above, staring at her. The demon is now nearly six feet tall and its horn GLOWS with a blue-green radiance, much brighter than before. Illyria moans and stirs slightly. Her eyes flutter open, then close again. She tries to form words, but only a choking sound escapes her lips. That, and a dark red liquid. The Haotik grins and closes in on her. CUT TO a FLASHBACK - INT. MONASTERY BASEMENT - EARLY THE PREVIOUS MORNING (Just before the sanctuary scene in the Teaser/Act One.) LONG SHOT down the hallway outside the basement sleeping quarters. Angel exits a door near the end of the hall and walks down to the workshop/sitting room door. He disappears. We HOLD on that LONG SHOT, then start forward at a walking pace towards the doorway Angel emerged from. CUT TO - INT. ILLYRIA'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS Looking at the door from inside the room. There is a brief, soft knocking on the half-opened door. Hobbes' face and upper torso appear in the doorway. He knocks once more and enters the room, carrying a half-empty glass of juice. REVERSE ANGLE - the god-king sits silently brooding, looking very Angel-like, in fact. Hobbes eyes Illyria warily as he raises the juice to his lips and sips from it. Illyria glares at him, then notices - There is not the slightest hint of anger or recrimination in his face. She bristles, flummoxed. Then, after a beat - (baffled) You are not angry. A faint but kindly smile curls at the edges of Hobbes' lips. Illyria tilts her head in her bird-like way and meets his gaze directly. How is this possible? A mere few days ago I caused you injury without provocation. I should think you'd wish me great harm in return for my betrayal. Hobbes carefully places the glass of juice down on the small table next to where Illyria is seated, then begins to SIGN a response. (subtitled) You were not yourself. And I have forgiven far greater trespasses during my lifetime. ILLYRIA (slightly angry, then more so) I am still not myself. I have not been "myself" since I have.... (long silence) ...and now apparently I am not even.... Illyria says nothing more, her eyes wandering in thought. The moment stretches on, until finally she looks back up at Hobbes. (signing) Things change. ILLYRIA (glaring again) Are you waiting for an apology? HOBBES (signing) No. ILLYRIA (lost) Then what, holy man? HOBBES (signing) As I said, you are already forgiven. But.... A strange look appears in Hobbes' eyes, as if momentarily someone more powerful and dangerous than the frail-looking old man is standing there. Illyria twitches, genuinely taken aback. But she meets his gaze as he continues - (signing) ... Don't do that again. Hobbes reaches down as if to pick up the juice glass. He touches it, then leaves it in place. He raises his hands one remaining time - (signing) You know where to find me. He turns and quietly leaves. Illyria gazes after him, stunned. Slowly, she shakes it off and rises to her feet, looking uneasy. STEADYCAM - she walks to the doorway, crosses through the workshop/sitting room and heads upstairs. CUT TO Illyria cresting the top of the stairway and walking up to the door of the sanctuary. She stops. We hear someone speaking, their voice passing through the open door and into the hallway. How could you say that, Angel? That--that vile THING invaded me, body and my soul! It nearly destroyed me! EXT. THE ALLEY - JUST AFTER THREE A.M. Illyria OPENS HER EYES and sits up. The Haotik startles. She turns to face the creature, quickly rising to her feet. She winces and grips at her chest, then reaches out to grab the creature. You have stolen enough of my power. Time to die. EXT. THE CLOTHING SHOP IN THE BATTLEGROUND - THREE A.M. Angel and Spike walk down the dark main street. The bodies that littered the area earlier in the day have been removed and the fires extinguished, leaving only the husks of burned-out cars and other leftovers of the rampage. The building that earlier looked like it might crumble has done just that, with bricks and wooden beams spilling out over the pavement and halfway into the street. The streetlights are all out; there is no illumination from any of the shops or houses. The only light is from the nearly-full moon. Spike takes out a cigarette and lights up. Angel casts an irritated look in his direction. Put that out, will you? How am I supposed to track anything with all that smoke? Spike ignores him, takes a deep drag, holds it, and then grandly exhales. We've spent the last couple hours searching, Angel. No chaos-sucking maroon fiend, no gangs, no Blue. I think your sniffer's hallucinating. I haven't picked up anything for the last two hours. ANGEL What I don't understand is, where was Illyria going to go? If you really want to leave, you usually have some destination in mind. SPIKE Don' think she knows. All that spare time at Big Evil Central, and she just hung around us. Didn't know better, I'd think she'd gone walkabout--like the Aussies, y'know? No real destination in particular, just wander and see where it takes you. Spike exhales another long cascade of smoke. I kinda doubt our resident Caesar is looking for a spiritual shift in perspective. SPIKE (contemplating the ember on his cigarette) Yeah, well...me neither, as a rule. But.... He tokes one last time and flings the stub over towards the gutter. ...sometime shift happens. VOICE (o.s.) Well...ain't that somethin'. Angel and Spike both turn around calmly to face the source of the voice. Four MUSCULAR-LOOKING FIGURES move out of the shadows from behind a pile of bricks and twisted metal that once was the crumbling house. As they do, the moonlight stipples them, showing that they are human. They all sport similar clothing--khaki army cast-offs of various sorts. We were wondering when you'd finally show your faces. One of the gang members pulls out a military-issue PDA. He flips open the cover and stares down at the glowing display inside. Spike throws an odd look at Angel. That thing look familiar to you? Sure as hell does to me. GANG MEMBER Huh. Vamps. I told'ja it'd be vamps. SECOND GANG MEMBER So, let's get some wood on, boys. All four men reach down and PULL OUT STAKES from back pockets and sheaths. You goons ex-military, or did you cop that gear in a raid? FIRST GANG MEMBER (walking closer) Ex. All of us. Got tired of our guys dying and seeing nothing for it. THIRD GANG MEMBER Decided we wouldn't be next. So we split from the losers running things and took matters into our own hands. FOURTH GANG MEMBER And we've been busy taking back the town. (he gestures around him) As you can see. ANGEL (angrily) Do the words "collateral damage" mean anything to you? FIRST GANG MEMBER How come you give a crap? I'd think you'd be on their side. He nods towards the northern end of the street. Angel and Spike both look over in that direction. LONG SHOT - we see three SUVOLTE CLAN MEMBERS approaching. Angel turns back to the human gang members. I know you all think this is worth killing each other over, but how about leaving the civilians out of the crossfire? Is that too much to ask? SECOND GANG MEMBER (defensively) We told 'em to leave! If they wanted to stay, whatever happens... (vascillating) ...it's not our fault. THIRD GANG MEMBER (jerking his thumb to the left) Road outa town's thataway. Just get in your car and ride. ANGEL And if they don't have a car? SECOND GANG MEMBER (incredulous) Dude--this is L.A. Are you mental? One of the approaching demons GROWLS loudly and quickens its pace, HEADING RIGHT FOR ANGEL. It pulls a nasty-looking, long-bladed KNIFE from a leather holder. Suddenly, two of the humans JUMP ON SPIKE, while another human faces off with two of the demons. Angel stares down the third demon. The demon LUNGES at Angel. Angel sidesteps at the last second and GRABS THE DEMON'S ARM, twisting it violently around its back. We hear a CRACK as the bone snaps. The demon roars with the pain. Angel grabs the falling knife and swings it back around, STABBING the demon in the the chest. The demon snorts, makes a gurgling sound, and drops to the ground. The fourth gang member holsters his PDA and pulls out another gadget. He glances up at Angel. Nice move there, bloodsucker. You have some skills, no doubt about it. Let's see how they work against this. CUT TO Spike, who throws off one of the men, punches the remaining one, and spins around, one foot flying outward. It SMASHES an approaching demon on the chin. The demon drops like a rock, groaning. Then Spike sees what the fourth gang member is holding. His eyes widen. (shouting) Angel...taser! The teched-out gang member FIRES THE TASER AT ANGEL. Angel flips his leather coat open just in time to BLOCK THE BARBS from the arcing wires. Another demon tries to attack him from behind. Angel grabs at the wires and whirls around. He wraps the taser wires around the demon's throat and jumps away. The demon JERKS ABOUT SPASTICALLY as a paralyzing current shoots through its head and upper body. It too drops to the ground, twitching madly. The remaining two demons have stopped in their tracks, staring in disbelief. Spike leaps towards them, his arms raised and outstretched like a ghoul from a bad horror movie. He morphs into vampface, baring his fangs. Boo!! The demons turn and run like hell. The humans don't, but they don't look very confident any more either. Angel turns to the techie gang member and slowly walks towards him. (good cop) Look--lemme make this as plain and simple as I can. We came down here to stop the bloodshed, not create more. You idiots stop fighting in the streets, and we have no problem with you. SPIKE (bad cop) Actually, we do have a problem with you, since you'll still be really lame wankers. But we won't kick your ass again. FIRST GANG MEMBER (pissed) Over my dead-- He charges at Angel, who trips him. The man falls to the ground, hard. He forces himself back up to standing, moaning loudly and clutching the back of his head. He staggers towards his associates. Later. Let's get 'em later, O.K.? Owwww, jeezus.... THIRD GANG MEMBER (frowing) You win this one, bat man. But we'll be back. They turn and head back down the street, disappearing into the shadows. (shaking his head) Bloody hell. ANGEL (staring at the departing gang) For once I agree. EXT. THE ALLEY - THREE TWENTY A.M. Illyria LEAPS AT THE DEMON. Despite its larger size, it steps aside deftly and Illyria CRASHES into the wall behind it. She returns to her feet painfully and stares at the Haotik with a look of controlled but burning rage. I do not know how you have invaded my mind, but it will cease. Your attempts to escape my wrath will fail. The Haotik finally speaks, squeaks and chirps peppering its short sentences. You be now w-eak. I be strong. You not ki-iill me, strange humanz. ILLYRIA (indignantly) Human? You read my mind, creature, yet you think me human? HAOTIK (chirping) Not re-ead mind. Fe-ed on energy. You look demon, but chaos like in human. (bleating) Fin-esst I ever taste. Del-icouszzs.... Illyria GASPS, clutching at her breastbone again. She doubles over in agony. The Haotik's horn starts to glow. It closes its eyes and revels in its feast. Illyria staggers forward, barely remaining standing, and finally falls to her knees and curls over forward. (gasping) Cease.... I will...end this.... A faint POPPING sound, followed by a CLANK, comes from behind Illyria and the Haotik. Illyria brings her head up slowly to see what it is. CLOSE-UP on the Haotik, who ignores the sounds, lost in its feeding ritual. Suddenly, a THICK METAL PIPE SWINGS DOWN and KNOCKS the demon hard on the head. It staggers and snaps out of its trance, then turns to stare at the new attacker. MEDIUM CLOSE-UP ON - (to the Haotik) Didn't see me coming, did you? ILLYRIA (weakly, gaping at Michael) Sorcerer! What are you doing...? MICHAEL Following him, actually. Now that I know what he is. (beat, looking at Illyria) And above all, who he would want to feed upon. ILLYRIA (defensively) I do not require...your parlor tricks to assist me in defeating this animal. I.... MICHAEL (mock-offended) Parlor trick? I thought it was a pipe. (he glances down at his make-shift weapon) Felt strangely good to do that, too. Fascinating. Recovered, the Haotik GLOWERS at Michael. Its horn begins to glow again. Michael turns to face it. Sorry there, chief. Won't work on me. (he grins at Illyria) Parlor trick. Handy, eh? The demon's horn fades. It glares at Michael in frustration. Suddenly, Illyria LUNGES and grabs the creature's horn. She wrenches it back hard and SNAPS IT OFF. The Haotik emits its loud, shrill screech. Michael winces. The Haotik shudders and STARTS TO SHRINK. (gasping, but smug) As you see, sorcerer, I do not need.... But Michael is backing away from the creature, wide-eyed. Oh, that was a bad idea. Now it's really pissed. And indeed it is. After shrinking only about a foot in stature, the demon turns and LEAPS on Illyria, bear-hugging her from behind and placing its interlocked fingers over her sternum. It presses in hard. Ahhhh! Why do you not wither and die, vile-- (she screams) Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!! MICHAEL (shouting) De-horning a Haotik doesn't kill it! It only loses the ability to feed at a distance! Michael frantically scrambles open his leather satchel and reaches inside. He brings up an object enclosed in his fist. Hang on! He holds his fist up six inches from his eyes and closes them, then begins chanting rapidly. A RED GLOW seeps out from between his clenched fingers, lighting up his face. Domina spatemporus illuminati...Pandragus nulleta conformitia.... A tiny SWIRL of pulsating light appears in the air behind the Haotik and expands rapidly. Michael's eyes open again. He looks at Illyria. She is still struggling in the Haotik's grip, but fading quickly. Illryia! Remember who you are! This pathetic creature is nothing to you-- free yourself now! HAOTIK (angrily) Was not kill you, strange del-iciousz be-iing, but now.... Illyria screams again, this time a scream of WILD, ANGRY RAGE, and violently levers the Haotik's arms off of her. She yanks herself away from it. Michael closes his eyes once more and continues to incant. Nulla conformitia...avantus vicisti.... (he shouts) Extracte!! The swirls of light FLARE UP and ENVELOP THE HAOTIK in a writhing VORTEX. The creatures caterwauls painfully as it is sucked inside. The portal collapses and vanishes, taking the demon with it. Slowly, Illyria struggles to her feet. She stares at Michael, her expression a mixture of rage and bewilderment. What...what did you do? Michael quickly slips the object in his hand back into the leather satchel. He regards Illyria cooly. No need to thank me. All in a night's work. ILLYRIA (persisting) Where did you send it? MICHAEL To what might best be termed a "null dimension." A void that is the remnant of a burned-out universe, where there is almost no energy, just end-points of space and time. (beat, off her cautious look) The energy it stole from you will dissipate there, and it will die. ILLYRIA Such advanced abilities are beyond you, mage. What means did you draw upon to source such an action? Michael only smiles wryly and turns away from Illyria. People are always underestimating me. (he sighs) It's the story of my life. He glances back over his shoulder at the god-king and waves a hand blithely. See you later. The soft popping sound resonates again in the air, and Michael vanishes. Illyria stares at the space Michael just occupied, an uncharacteristic look of concern furrowing her features. INT. HYPERION MEETING ROOM - ABOUT FOUR A.M. Gunn is seated at the head of the table. He watches as Gurgitor signs the last of three documents placed in front of him. Kirowak and the rest of the Ly'chymni look on with a mixture of anticipation and nervousness. Gurgitor hesitates for several moments after completing the signature, staring at the document. INSERT - a standard-looking legal contract, save for the signatures in orange-red blood next to the signatures in green-yellow blood. Gurgitor hands the three papers over to Gunn with a look of defeated reluctance. Gunn takes the papers and looks them over. Then he picks up a crystal ceremonial knife from the table and cuts a small knick on the tip of one finger on his left hand. He drips a few drops of blood into a tiny crystal chalice, one of three placed on the table, and then dips his pen into the blood. He signs each of the three documents in turn, then sits back to gaze at them for a moment, a soft smile on his face. He looks up at Kirowak and then at Gurgitor. All right, it's done. This absolves you both of the Hold of the Decree. Gunn takes one copy of the document and places it carefully into his briefcase, then hands one each of the other copies to Gurgitor and Kirowak. Kirowak is barely able to conceal his glee. A muted glare from Gurgitor dampens his enthusiasm. (carefully and sincerely) Larett would be grateful, Gurgitor. Gurgitor looks coldly at Kirowak. Don't presume to speak for her. I did this not for you. Your crime is never forgiven. Gurgitor glances at Kirowak's daughter. Adair looks up at Kirowak. Is everything O.K. now, Daa? KIROWAK Yes, Adair. Gunn clears his throat. I brought you two together in the first place because with all of the chaos and destruction in our city, there is an obvious need to re-establish order. And what is also obvious is that we can't rely on others to do it for us. We need to do it ourselves, by helping each other. He pauses and lets his words sink in, and indeed all present regard Gunn with great interest and focus. I've been working on this cooperative plan for some time now, and have been in contact with some other groups. But the addition of your clans would create a model of exactly how this kind of cooperation could work. Let me lay it out for you, and then both of you can decide. (he pauses) One of the services that we would provide Kirowak and his people is protection. In order to do this, we need to provide them with weapons. Gunn gestures at the Grox'lars. Gurgitor has the raw materials available, but no one left in his clan who can craft them into finished products. (he then gestures at Kirowak) Kirowak's daughter has the skill to make fine weaponry. Now understand, I'm suggesting a barter system here. That means, Gurgitor, that we have free access to what materials you have. Gunn looks over at the Ly'chymni side of the table. Kirowak, your daughter and anyone she wishes to train will need to make weapons for the Grox'lars. And for yourselves. There's a long pause where no one says a word. Then, Kirowak stands up. You know, many see the Ly'chymni as the lowest of the low among demonkind. We don't have special powers, and we don't do anything that could be considered brave and warrior-like.. (he shrugs) Truth is, we mostly hide. But, on the bright side, that makes us not very much of a threat to anyone, and frankly, all we want is to live our lives as peacefully as possible. He pauses, places a hand on his daughter's shoulder, and looks admiringly at Gunn. So, Mr. Gunn, rest that assured we are in this with you, no matter what, and the Ly'chymni will gladly offer all that we have to your fine organization. I will readily put everything of the past aside.... (he looks at Gurgitor) ...for peace. As Kirowak sits back down, the other Ly'chymni slap their hands repeatedly on the table top in eager agreement. Gurgitor allows them to complete their "applause," then slowly stands. I, too, think that this is an admirable cause. I have felt--we all have felt--the brunt of this recent chaos. I would like nothing more than to become part of the solution. But, this document... He points at the signed Blood Decree papers still lying on the table. ...while binding, flies in the face of what I truly believe in. He turns to Kirowak, whose face shows great dismay. You took something from me, Kirowak, which I will never get back. Larett would no doubt approve of this arrangement, but my hearts are still broken, and no Decree will ever change that. He looks at Adair, and then back over at Gunn, his face wracked with sadness. As much as I admire your courage and sense of honor, Charles Gunn, I cannot help the man who ruined my life. He turns to face the other Grox'lars, and gestures at them to stand. Pordal, Birot. Let us go. They all stand and leave the room quietly. The Ly'chymni look stunned. Gunn looks devastated. CLOSE-UP and HOLD on his expression. INT. SPIKE'S CAR - JUST BEFORE DAWN Spike is behind the wheel, Angel in the passenger seat. Out the passenger window, we can see a very faint light glowing over the eastern hills. Looks like we're just gonna make it. Sure would hate to have to ditch the Beamer here and make for the tunnels after the night we've had. ANGEL (tiredly) Not that this isn't a nice car, Spike, but couldn't you have stolen something a little less conspicuous? SPIKE Could've. (beat) Didn't. He smirks. There is a long silence. Finally, Angel speaks, sounding even more tired. What am I doing, Spike? SPIKE You're sitting in this very posh vehicle I'm driving back to the monastery. Unless I misunderstood your "Let's head back" remark a short while ago. ANGEL Am I really too obsessed with what I can't see? SPIKE (taken off-guard) I dunno. But don't let our local Gandalf get your knickers in a knot. He has some sense to him, I don't deny it, but he really doesn't know the Senior Partners, and he sure as anything doesn't know Dru. ANGEL It's hard to convince people you really can see the forest for the trees. The problem is, the forest is disappearing. SPIKE And you can't expect everyone to see it the way you do. That's what got Charley all rogue-ish. ANGEL (with a sad look) I lost Gunn a long time ago. Angel sighs, reaches into his pocket, and pulls out his cell phone. INSERT - the PHONE DISPLAY. It scrolls down to Nina's phone number - NINA (310)555-9653 We see Angel's fingertip press the "call" button, then hear a faint ringing. So what about Dru? Angel waves him to be quiet. The voicemail intro starts. Angel disconnects with a frown and repockets the phone. We'll find her. We have to. Maybe convince Michael to do a locator spell. (beat) He's really good with those, I've noticed. EXT. SOUTHSIDE L.A. STREET - JUST BEFORE DAWN The ex-military human gang members pass under some gently blooming trees and out into the center of an empty street, talking amongst themselves, obviously sullen and angry. As they pass by the front of abandoned store, we hear a faint but distinct POPPING noise. The men glance around for a second, then pay it no mind. CUT TO the shadowed store front. Michael stands there. He reaches into his leather satchel and extracts something that GLOWS faintly red. (murmuring) Angel and Company let you off much too easily. You can't be the end of chaos if you're the cause of it. But you won't learn that if you don't face the consequences of your actions yourselves. Michael holds the DRAGON'S STONE out openly on his palm. So I'm thinking a three-week, all-expenses-paid trip to a hell dimension might do it. Avoid getting caught in the cross-fire, and you'll be fine. Michael starts to whisper over the Stone. The Stone's soft red glow BRIGHTENS. As it does, the air behind the gang members SHIMMERS AND RIPPLES. A single LARGE DIMENSIONAL PORTAL appears there. It FLARES BRIGHTLY, swirling and drawing stray trash into its vortex. The gang members stumble and resist as they feel its pull. Then, suddenly, they are DRAWN UP INTO IT. They flail and scream as its unrelenting energy envelopes them. When the last one is gone, the portal contracts and disappears. Michael gazes out at the spot where they vanished with discomfort and exhales raggedly. Then he turns and starts down the street, past the decaying buildings, the burnt-out cars, and the leafless trees of the neighborhood. BLACK OUT. |
Comments?
| Written by El Linchador and OnM | |
| Director | OnM |
| Executive Producer | Masquerade |
| Senior Script Editor | Anom |
| Main Credits photo credit | LittleBit |
| Angel | David Boreanaz |
| Gunn | J. August Richards |
| Illyria | Amy Acker |
| Spike | James Marsters |
"Angel the Series" is the property of
Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy.
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