A Fighter's Love by Cheri

Chapter 40

 

Fade in: INT.-W&H Office

Lilah:

What do you mean he just left?

Man:

I’m sorry ma’am, there was nothing I could do.

Lilah:

(yelling)

I am surrounded by idiots! The boy was wounded, he couldn’t have been able to put up much of a fight!

Wesley:

(snidely)

Once again, the queen of underestimation.

Lilah:

Shut up!

Man:

He was strong…and very angry. He cast me aside like I was nothing.

Lilah:

So you two must have bonded in my absence. He knows you well.

Man:

(drops head)

I can call the others. We will find him.

Dawn:

He’ll kill you all.

Lilah:

(shaking her by the arm)

Don’t mouth off brat! He has the undead parentage thing going for him, but I’m thinking a bullet might be a bit more permanent for you.

Wesley:

Perhaps you should give it up now Lilah and save yourself.

Lilah:

I never give up. I may have to alter my plans, but I never give up. (To man) You get everyone. We have two hours before the entire firm arrives for work. (The man exits) I expect to have bragging rights by then.

Connor:

(from doorway)

Don’t see it happening.

Dawn:

(smiles)

Connor!

Wesley:

(notices blood on shirt and bullet hole in shoulder)

Your arm.

Connor:

I’m fine.

Lilah:

(noticing his sweaty face)

Not quite looking the part of the bluffer little one.

Connor smirks briefly before Dawn stomps her foot down on Lilah’s. Lilah recovers quickly but not quick enough. The gun sways in her arm as she takes the brunt of the pain and Wesley knocks it loose. Dawn elbows her in the stomach and Connor is on top of her instantly. He knocks her to the ground and twists her arm behind her back. She cries out but its muffled as her face is pressed down in the carpet.

Connor:

You will call them off.

Lilah:

I don’t think so.

Connor pushes his knee into the back of her neck and she squirms helplessly.

Connor:

You will call them off and tell them to leave the building. (Twists her arm tighter) Any questions?

Lilah:

(exhales heavily and turns her face to talk)

Can you hand me the phone?

Cut to EXT.-LA Street

Anya:

When are you going to take the hint?

Buffy:

(leaning on Spike)

I thought I told you to shut up. Geez, no wonder Xander dumped you. Nag, nag,nag.

Anya clamps her mouth shut and begins to pout.

Sajhan:

That’s it. I’m killing the first thing I see. I can’t stand this anymore. I joined forces with the frigging goof troop.

Spike:

I still don’t know why you insist on coming here. Thanks to you and the big oaf’s extracurricular, we’ll be found any minute. And what have you got to show for it?

Buffy:

I told you, it wasn’t for me. It was for Angel. I wanted to leave a calling card. (tone changes) Just like Angelus used to do so often. Little presents to tease and torment. He taught me that.

Spike:

And now you can barely walk. Something isn’t right here Buffy.

Anya:

Ok, I just said that two minutes ago! What is the big jonesing for this stupid place where we know there’s sure to be interference?

Buffy:

(stops and spins to grab Anya by the throat)

If I hear you belly ache one more time, I swear on all that is both holy and unholy that I will personally rip out your entrails and lead you the rest of the way with them. You got it?

Sajhan:

(golf clap)

Nicely done! Now that’s a girl I want to party with.

Buffy pushes Anya back and marches onward with a burst of strength.

Cut to EXT.-LA neighborhood

Angel cruises slowly through a run down neighborhood. Signs of violence are everywhere and he stops the car when he comes upon the first body. Everyone exits.

Lorne:

Why am I thinking this is not the average seediness induced mess?

Angel:

She was here.

Cordy:

You can tell just by looking?

Angel:

(swallows)

No. I can smell her.

Cordy:

Oh.

Xander:

So can you tell us how long ago? Does your vamp-schnoz come with an expiration date?

Angel:

(gives him a look)

It hasn’t been long.

Lorne:

Why would she kill these people?

Cordy:

This is the Slayer. This is the Slayer on drugs. Any questions?

Xander:

We don’t know it was Buffy that did the killing.

Cordy:

He’s right. She wasn’t alone. So Xander, when’s the last time your ex had a good kill?

Xander:

Anya? No, this isn’t her style. She’s a muss free demon.

Lorne:

So it was Sajhan. He did the killing, Buffy did the mayhem and Spike and Anya were just the cheering section. So what next? How do we find them?

Angel:

I know where they’re headed.

Cordy:

Care to share?

Angel points to the side of the road. An art gallery’s front window has been shattered. A painting of a forest sets up alone on an easel. A large heart has been spray painted on it.

Xander:

Buffy’s taking her new pals to the woods for a heart to heart?

Angel:

(rolls eyes)

Look closer.

The three others walk forward and squint their eyes until suddenly the light hits it right. A pair of yellow eyes peers from the depth of the trees.

Cordelia:

A wolf?

Lorne:

A wolf and a heart.

Xander:

Oh. Well I would have got that…eventually. (pauses looking closer and then at Angel) How did you get that?

Angel:

Because it’s something Angelus would have done.

Lorne:

Man, the two chicks who Angelus did the most damage to all rolled into one little Slayer package. How do I always get in the middle of these things?

Angel:

Let’s go. We don’t have much time.

Cut to Hyperion

Gunn:

I tell you what, I’m about done chasing these folks back and forth. We never did this much running before the Sunnydale Welcome Wagon showed up.

Fred:

Charles!

Willow:

It’s okay. I was just thinking that earlier. It seems like years ago that I left. I’m starting to think we’re never getting out of LA. At least not like we were before.

Giles:

Nonsense. This is nothing particularly extraordinary. We know the problem, we know the casue and…(finished writing and holds up the paper) this is the solution.

Fred:

You have everything there that we’ll need?

Giles:

I hope so. Gunn, can you please round up whatever weapons haven’t already been taken? Fred, you get the volumes we discussed. Willow, are you sure you’re ready for this?

Willow:

(nods)

No problem.

Gunn:

(returns carrying a crossbow, sword and stakes for the ladies)

My trucks out back. We better get moving.

Fred:

I hope Angel and the others can find Buffy.

Willow:

Angel could find Buffy no matter what.

Giles:

The sun is almost up.

Gunn:

Yeah. So if Angel hasn’t found her yet, he might not be able to.

Fred:

And even if he does, what good can he do if she’s outside?

Willow:

We can’t second guess. He’ll find her, you’ll see. Now let’s get this stuff over there before its too late.

Gunn tosses his keys to Giles and watches he and Willow leave.

Gunn:

What is it Fred?

Fred:

I don’t think this is going to end well Charles. Mr Giles has a brilliant mind and I think he’s covered everything possible, but I have a sickening feeling that there’s something big we’re not aware of.

Gunn:

(cups her face and plants a soft kiss on her lips)

I’m not going to let anything happen to you or anyone else. You got that? So stop worrying and let’s go get our friends. Okay?

She nods and tries to smile and allows him to lead her out by the hand. But her expression remains worried.

Cut to INT.-W&H Lobby

Buffy walks in followed by Spike, Sajhan and a slow moving Anya.

Spike:

It looks like we’re early.

Anya:

Or just the guests of an honor in a not so pleasant surprise party.

Sajhan:

It’s been nice folks, but I’m done following.

Buffy:

It’s upstairs. Whatever I need is upstairs. Let’s go.

Her and Sajhan hit the elevator and Spike and Anya have no choice but to follow.

Cut to INT.-Office

Lilah:

Looks like we have company.

Connor:

(looks at monitor set up on desk to see them leaving the lobby)

It’s Buffy.

Dawn:

Buffy! She’s back? Is she normal again? Does she look normal?

Lilah:

Is that rhetorical?

Wesley pulls a handkerchief out of his pants pocket and shoves it hard into Lilah’s mouth. She struggles but the binds on her hands and feet prevent her from removing it. She glares at him and he blows her a kiss.

Connor:

She’s with the demon still.

Wesley:

Which one?

Connor:

The one who sent me to the Quortoth.

Dawn:

(defeatedly)

Then she’s not better.

Wesley:

We have to move quickly.

Connor:

It’s too late. I will face them.

Sajhan enters suddenly and puches Connor sending him across the room.

Sajhan:

That’s an interesting way to face me.

Buffy walks in smiling and sees Connor get to his feet.

Buffy:

Look, it’s him. I’ve been looking for you.

Wesley:

Buffy, you have to listen to me. You’re in danger.

Spike:

I think that’s supposed to be our line.

Dawn:

Spike.

He sees Dawn and seems to waver but Buffy steps up.

Buffy:

Hello there. Looks like you got yourself in a bit of trouble…again.

Dawn:

Buffy, you have to let me get you away from here. It’s not safe. We can go together. Connor made sure we’re alone.

Buffy:

Ssshh. We’re never alone Pet.

Sajhan ignores the conversation and finds his mark. He drags Connor by the neck out the door as Dawn calls after them.

Dawn:

Where are you taking him? Wesley! Do something!

Wesley starts to inch toward the exit when Buffy sees him. She starts to say something but he doesn’t wait to hear. He picks up a large book on the desk and backhands her with it. She falls against Spike in surprise and Wesley hollers for Dawn.

Dawn runs toward him and Buffy starts to stand to stop them. Spike grabs her and pulls her back down on him allowing their escape.

Wesley:

Dawn, this way!

Dawn:

Is this where he took Connor?

Wesley:

I swear I will die before anything happens to that boy. Now trust me!

Dawn pauses only for a second before following him through the door to the stairs.

Cut to EXT.- Outside W&H

The car screeches to a halt and Angel exits with smoke rising from his jacket. He runs into the lobby followed closely by Lorne. Xander and Cordy have just entered and look up to see Anya watching them with a hurt look on her face.

Xander:

Anya?

Anya:

Sorry to interrupt.

Angel:

(walks to her)

Where are they? What have you done?

He tries to grab her by the shoulders to force her to answer but he falls right through her.

Angel:

What the…?

Xander:

She’s not here. She’s with them.

Lorne:

So what’a with the private showing?

Anya:

(still watching Xander and Cordy)

Sajhan has Connor up on the roof. Buffy’s out of it. She’s sick and weak and fighting whatever’s happening to her.

Lorne:

It’s the Neferil.

Anya:

I have to get back. I just wanted to point the way. (looks at Xander) But it looks like you’re taken care of.

Xander shuffles his feet and glances from her to Cordelia and back.

Xander:

It’s not like…

Anya doesn’t wait for him to finish before she disappears.

Lorne:

So what now? You can’t exactly go out on the roof Angel.

Angel:

I’ll do whatever I have to.

Cordy:

Don’t be stupid. I’ll just fix Sajhan so he can’t hurt anyone again. Problem solved.

Xander:

Except if Buffy sees you, she’s likely to go all Dru-y again. Boy, Angelus couldn’t just get a vampire playmate, he had to go and make her a crazy-ass vampire playmate.

Angel:

Shut up. Cordelia, you stay out of the way and see if your new bosses offer any tips. Lorne, you wait here for Gunn and the others. Tell them where we are. Xander, you think you can focus your attention on helping rather than being the sarcastic humor relief guy?

Xander:

Dawn and Buffy are up there, otherwise I’d have a witty comeback for that. Let’s go.

Cordelia:

I’m not just standing here doing nothing!

Angel:

(calling over his shoulder)

I would hope not.

Cordy:

Ooh, can you believe that guy? Still bosses me around like I’m some…some…non-higher being!

Lorne:

Don’t let it get to you Princess. He’s just got a little more than one mind can handle right now. It’s Connor up there.

Cordy:

Yeah, and Buffy.

Cut to Rooftop

Connor is being tossed about the roof by Sajhan when Wesley and Dawn arrive. Connor is bleeding from a head wound as well as the gunshot. Wesley looks around and sees nothing of use for defending. He calls out a warcry and charges. Sajhan is distracted from Connor and waits for Wesley’s attack. Connor is breathing hard and in pain. But he struggles to stand.

Dawn watches for an instant before Anya’s voice is in her ear.

Anya:

(whispers)

Run.

Dawn takes off just as Buffy and Spike exit onto the roof.

Buffy:

Oh look, I get a workout.

Spike:

No Buffy. You can’t hurt Dawn. She’s your sister for God’s sake!

Buffy:

I don’t have a sister! She’s not real.

Spike:

Stop saying that! She’ll hear you.

Buffy laughs and rushes to the edge of the roof. Spike watches her step up on the ledge and start pacing the length.

Buffy:

(singsong)

So far down, so far down. Musn’t ever break my crown.

Dawn watches with tears in her eyes. Spike swallows against the sight. Sajhan has beaten Wesley into unconsciousness and Connor has been able to put some distance between himself and the demon. Just when Sajhan turns his attention back to Connor, the door swings open again. Xander emerges and Angel stands just in the shadow.

Angel:

Connor, get over here.

Connor:

I won’t let him kill you.

Angel:

Funny. I was going to say the same thing.

Sajhan:

No need to fight gentlemen. I’ll just kill both of you.

Cut to Lobby

Giles, Willow, Gunn and Fred rush through the doors weapons raised but only see Lorne and Cordelia standing there.

Gunn:

(looking around)

Okay, this is easier than I thought it would be.

Lorne:

Everyone’s up on the roof. Angel told me to stay back and let you know. Do you have what we need?

Willow:

Yeah. Why don’t you guys go on ahead? I have to talk to Cordelia for a second.

Cordy:

What?

Giles:

Yes. Let’s go then. We’ll see you up there.

They leave and Cordelia looks at Willow in confusion.

Cordy:

Can you tell me what is so important that we can’t help our friends?

Willow:

They can help. But you can do more.

Cordy:

Huh?

Cut to Rooftop standoff

Buffy is on ledge watching happily as Angel and Xander face off against Sajhan and Spike. Connor is behind Angel now.

Spike:

Sorry you couldn’t make it out here Angel. You really should try this sun stuff sometime, it’s like heaven!

Angel:

There’s always consequences Spike. What do you think this is?

Spike:

Shut your bloody trap. You just can’t stand that she chose me.

Angel:

Um…Buffy under the influence of a demon’s spell, yeah I’d say you’re one lucky guy. At least while it lasts.

Spike flinches and shows signs of a chip pain. Angel smiles.

Xander:

Dawn, get over here.

Buffy:

No stealing. I had her first.

Xander:

Buffy, you’ve got some serious voodoo going on right now and Dawn is no threat. If you want to revel in your dark side, have at it. But not at Dawn’s expense.

Dawn edges sideways until Xander pulls her behind him.

Sajhan:

Well, that’s it. No more Mr. Nice guy.

He rushes Angel and Xander drops to use his body to trip him. He falls face down and Angel kicks him back up against the large rotating vent fan.

Buffy:

Spikey, help our friend.

Spike:

(holding head)

I think I’ll sit this one out.

Xander pulls a taser out of his pocket and zaps Sajhan. He yells in surprise and pain and drops to the ground.

Xander:

(looking at taser)

Thanks Cordelia.

Angel:

Xander, take Connor and Dawn and get downstairs.

Xander:

I’m not leaving Buffy.

Angel:

Someone has to protect them! I can’t. She’s like this because of me. I cant leave her.

Giles:

It’s alright Xander.

Xander:

Giles!

Giles:

Get downstairs. Fred will lead the way.

Angel:

Gunn.

Gunn:

Yeah. We got the goods. Where’s Wes?

Angel:

Over there.

Giles:

Good Lord. What happened to him.

Gunn:

(looking at Sajhan)

Let me guess.

Connor:

He protected me Angel. He sacrificed himself to save me.

Angel:

I know. Just go. It will be over soon.

Xander, Fred, Connor and Dawn leave the roof.

Buffy cries out and doubles over almost losing her footing. Angel starts to go to her but he’s trapped by the sun. Spike sees this and smiles as he walks to Buffy’s side.

Giles:

(slapping Wes on the cheek)

Wesley! Wesley, wake up.

Wesley:

(startles)

What? (grunts in pain and touches his swollen lip) oh. Giles?

Giles:

Yes, it’s me. Listen I know what must be done to save Buffy.

Wesley:

What is it?

Giles:

You have to bring her back.

Wesley:

Who?

Giles:

Dru. She has to come back to reclaim what she left.

Wesley:

Giles, it’s impossible. Even if I could, I sent her to hell. She won’t be just her normal crazy self when she gets back. She will be the epitome of evil and bloodlust.

Giles:

Well if you don’t bring her back and the Neferil stops his incantation, then Buffy will become Dru. She will become a not a slayer of vampires, but a vampire who is a slayer. Do you have any idea the danger to humanity that would present?

Wesley:

I don’t think I can.

Giles:

Shut up and stand up Man! I have the text, I have the translations and you will do this spell. We have no time to waste!

Buffy:

Angel! I see you hiding in the shadows Love!

Angel:

Buffy, you need to come down from there.

Spike:

Come now Slayer, let’s get out of this place. Let me take you away from here.

Buffy:

(steps away from Spike and teeters on the edge)

whoopsy.

Gunn:

(To Angel)

Any ideas?

Angel:

Not yet.

Buffy:

Spike, I’ve mistreated you so. How do you put up with me?

Spike:

It’s alright now. I know you didn’t mean it.

Buffy:

What’s that smell?

Spike:

What?

Buffy:

(pointing)

You. You’re melting.

Spike looks down and sees his jacket smoking and beginning to melt under the heat.

Spike:

Bloody hell!

He tears the jacket off and throws it down on the ground.

Buffy:

Ugly man said it might not last.

Spike begins to cringe and looks back at Angel watching with interest. After a few seconds, he can’t take the heat and rushes back into the shadows.

Gunn:

Looks like someone’s losing their special privelage.

Wesley begins to recite the words quietly in the corner. Giles places the robes over his shoulders and steps aside to wait.

Cut to Hallway outside room

Willow:

Are you sure you’re ready?

Cordy:

If I was ready for everything that I’ve had to do lately, I’d never have done anything.

Willow:

I’m going to take that as a yes.

She opens the door and the women see the Neferil demon turn to look at them. The chant stops instantly.

Willow:

Now!

Cordy closes her eyes. The Neferil starts to charge them but stops suddenly and looks at Cordelia in surprise as she opens her eyes and smiles.

Cut to Rooftop

Wesley is chanting and Giles watches Buffy. She starts to have another attack of pain and he starts to go toward her.

Sajhan comes to and Giles is the first within reach. Gunn sees it coming and rushes past Angel to assist Giles. Wesley ignores the ruckus around him and keeps speaking forcefully. Gunn and Giles take on Sajhan and Spike gets knocked across the roof still trying to make sense of what was happening to him.

Buffy:

Angel.

Angel hears her quiet voice just as she passes out. He eyes roll back and she begins to fall backwards over the ledge.

Angel doesn’t hesitate and runs to catch her before she falls off the building. He makes it to her just in time and pulls her on top of him. She lands hard and he rolls to protect her limp form. The reaction to the sunlight is instant and his shirt catches fire.

Giles sees it as Gunn kicks Sajhan as hard as he can. Giles grabs the robes from around Wesley and throws it across Angel and Buffy. The flames are extinguished and they both are still under the material.

Spike sees this and then sees Sajhan stand to attack Gunn and Giles once again. He vamps out and growls. Sajhan hears it and sees him in the shadow. He decides to go after him and Spike readies for the advance. Just as Sajhan is about to make contact, Spike ducks and flips Sajhan over his shoulder.

Sajhan:

Oh sh…

He flies over the ledge and off the building.

Clouds appear and block the sun. Thunder and lightening begin and all eyes are on Wesley as he continues his chant. Angel lifts the blaket off him and Buffy and looks up at the darkening sky. Buffy is still out of it.

Spike:

What is this?

Gunn:

Wes?

Giles:

It’s happening.

Cordy’s voice is audible now as she stands just outside doorway. Everyone turns to see her. She is chanting the spell of the Neferil and her eyes are glowing. She sees Buffy in Angel’s arms and her face changes a bit.

Angel:

Cordelia?

Wesley and Cordelia both seem to focus on the other and an electricity passes between them. A downpour begins and Buffy comes to at the feel of the rain on her face. She calls out and writhes in Angel’s arms frantically. He tries to calm her, but its beyond her control.

Cut to Lobby

The bulding begins to shake and Xander pulls Dawn close to him. Fred and Connor look around in wonder as the windows begin to vibrate and a loud noise and strong wind blows the lobby doors open. The group of four takes cover behind the security desk.

Cut to Roof

Giles:

Angel move away from her.

Angel:

I’m not leaving her alone.

Spike:

I’ll take care of her.

Angel:

Shut up.

Giles:

Both of you shut up and get the hell away from Buffy now!

Gunn:

What’s happening?

Giles:

Cordelia has consumed the neferil and Wesley is succeeding. Dru is returning. (looks up at the sky) And she’s bringing hell with her.