[KingofCretins]

Angel: After the Fall, Issue #11

Start of Chapter 11

The opening image is of the rooftop of Gunn’s building, just as we saw it in Issue #10. From behind Angel, Illyria, and Nina, we see Gunn, George, and Gunn’s henchmen standing and watching them land. Gunn has shifted back into human face, and while Angel recognized him, he seems not to have noticed.

(NARRATION) ANGEL: *It’s hell*. That’s what I keep telling myself. I can’t believe anything I see at any time. Hell aside, it’s Los Angeless. People and demons alike go out of their way to be something they’re not.

In a close view, we see Gunn staring back at Angel, looking relatively calm. His henchmen are starting to move, though, unhappy to have company.

(NARRATION) ANGEL: But I’ve been friends with Gunn for a long time. I know that look. He’s trying to put on a brave face, but he’s worried. He’s surprised. He’s scared. That isn’t someone masquerading as Gunn.

HENCHMAN #1: (quietly) It wasn’t supposed to be now.

(NARRATION) ANGEL: That *is* Gunn.

The view reverses, and Angel and Nina look to their left to see that Illyria has changed – she’s Fred now, looking surprised and happy to see Gunn.

FRED: Charles! Oh, Angel, isn’t it wonderful? It’s beginning to feel more and more like home every day! I mean, more recent home, not “demon run/humans are cows” home. Although it’s kind of like that, too.

ANGEL: Fred –

The vampires react more quickly. Clearly to Gunn’s surprise, his henchmen turn to attack. One of them raises a crossbow, and another raises a handgun and fires. George turns his attention on Gunn.

HENCHMEN #2: I’ve got it!

GUNN: What are you doing? I didn’t say to make a move!

GEORGE: Wait a minute, that guy’s from your head, Gunn! And he’s got Spike in his head! And why the heck is the dragon named *that*?!

HENCHMEN #2: You didn’t say *he* was coming, either!

Angel leaps into action, giving out orders as he moves to “rescue” Gunn.

ANGEL: Nina, take the dragon and Fred as far away from this as possible –

FRED: What are you going to do?

ANGEL: He’s surrounded by vamps, I’m not going to leave him.

We see Angel from behind as he leaps from the dragon down to the roof. Gunn just looks up at him.

NINA: (from out of the view) And I’m not going to leave you!

ANGEL: Nina, *please*, just get her to safety! Dragon, I need you to get back to Wesley! But first, break them in a bit for me –

The dragon obliges as it begins to life off, turning its head and blasting fire across the rooftop. Gunn’s three henchmen all scream in pain as they burn.

ANGEL: – That’s a good boy!

HENCHMEN: *AAAAAAAAAGH* –

As the fire clears, Angel is quick to strike. Gunn’s henchmen are burned, and we see one of their heads fly off his shoulders as Angel cuts it off.

(NARRATION) ANGEL: Good, Fred’s safe.

In a closer view, one of Gunn’s henchmen grabs Angel by the throat, and he grabs at the vampire’s forearm.

(NARRATION) ANGEL: My safety, simultaneously not as important and more in question.

Before the henchmen can strangle him, a stake pierces through its chest, driven in from behind. Angel drops free of its grip.

The next image we see as Angel looks up from the floor. The henchmen has dusted, and Gunn is standing over him, stake in hand. What Angel can see clearest is Gunn’s vampire face.

GUNN: Wow. That coulda been ugly.

We see the two in close-up as Angel gets to his feet. His eyes are disbelieving. Gunn looks back over his shoulder at Angel, studying his face.

ANGEL: *No*. Not possible, not Gunn.

Gunn’s face takes on a wan expression as he realizes Angel’s slow to adjust to Gunn being a vampire.

GUNN: Yeah. It was disconcerting the first time I saw it, too. And you know, I could be fooling myself, but I think the bald head makes it work. Not saying you should shave your head, just saying as far as soulless creatures of the night go, I’s a 10 bordering on 11.

In a wider view, Angel rests his hands on his knees, as if he’s physically ill to see Gunn as a vampire. Gunn stands by indifferently.

ANGEL: I, um – was it… was it Wolfram & Hart?

GUNN: Nah. I mean, yeah, sure, in the sense that Wolfram & Hart was partially responsible for the big bang that the vamps in question used as a distraction, but no, not directly.

ANGEL: Gunn, I’m so sorry.

As Angel looks at him from his crouched position, Gunn turns to walk away. He wants to lead Angel into the building.

GUNN: Figured you’d say that. Let’s table that for now – come on. Let me give you the grand tour.

(NARRATION) ANGEL: He’s trying to remain calm. Changed into the very thing he hates the most and he’s brushing it off. I shouldn’t go in there. Certainly not in my current condition, I can’t take him if he gets angry. And if he sees past the glamour and figures out what my current condition is, “angry” won’t begin to cover it.

Angel stands up straight and turns to follow Gunn.

(NARRATION) ANGEL: No, I shouldn’t go.

ANGEL: Alright.

LOCATION: THE HYPERION HOTEL

The scene moves to the hotel, and we see Gunn smoking again, his feet up on a desk. Around the room, others are arriving back from the patrol, including Connor and Gwen.

SPIKE: So are you going to tell me what Poppa Bear said to make you all riled up?

CONNOR: I can’t talk about it, Spike.

SPIKE: Well, the door is always open. But if it’s closed and has a red handkerchief on the knob, don’t knock. Don’t even go near it. Won’t like what you hear. Might learn something, but at what price?

We see Connor in close-up as Gwen walks over to him.

CONNOR: I’m going back. I’m being a baby, and he needs me.

GWEN: You’re not going anywhere. You’re not at your best when you’re pouting.

CONNOR: I’m not pouting, I’ve never pouted.

Connor smiles at Gwen as he walks away from the weapon cabinet. Spike stands behind him, watching him closely, still smoking.

CONNOR: Plus, you should talk. The day we met, you were whining like there was no tomorrow.

GWEN: I was being attacked by what looked to be sewer octopi.

CONNOR: Yeah, if I couldn’t handle sewer octopi, I’d whine too. Thank God Nina and I were there to save you. Well, mostly me. Truth be told, I asked Nina to hang back so I could impress you.

We see an extreme close-up of Connor and Gwen’s hands as he gently takes her gloved hand in his fingers.

NINA: It sorta worked.

CONNOR: Can we figure out a way to touch, please? Because –

GWEN: I know. I made a list. It’s long and sordid.

Outside the Hyperion in the courtyard, Nina bursts through the double doors, shouting for the others. The dragon is squatting in the courtyard, waiting for her.

NINA: Guys, you need to come with me! Dragon leaves in two minutes!

CONNOR: (from inside the hotel) What is it, Nina? Where’s Angel?

In the hotel, Nina is frowning as she explains. Fred looks unhappy, as well. Connor and Gwen listen, ready to get into action.

NINA: We found some vamps. Angel took off after them.

CONNOR: Say no more, we’ll handle it. Does the dragon know where to –

NINA: *Ooooh*, but I really *have* to say more, Connor.

The view reverses, and Gunn, Gwen, Fred, and Spike watch Nina. The dragon raises its head behind her, ready to move.

NINA: How do I put this… it was *Gunn*. Angel saw Gunn.

GWEN: We did, too.

Spike steps forward to face Nina. Fred looks down sadly.

SPIKE: No, you didn’t.

NINA: I’m telling you –

SPIKE: We’ve encountered it before. Everywhere we go, all sorts of creatures claim to be… hell, there was a stretch in Sunnydale where all sorts of living dead were popping up, but none of them were – well, some of them were. It can’t be him, can it?

As Spike continues to think about it, we see Wesley begin to materialize next to him in the room.

SPIKE: (quietly) It bloody well could, I guess. Almost half the people in this room sang their swan song only to come back for an encore.

WES: What’s the commotion?

SPIKE: (quietly) Now exactly half. (to Wes) She-wolf says she saw Gunn.

In extreme close-up, Wesley looks very worried and disbelieving.

WES: What? We… we can’t be certain…

CONNOR: (from out of the view) One thing’s for sure…

We see from behind Wes and Spike’s boots as Connor strides off toward the dragon. Gwen follows him.

CONNOR: – My father is out there alone. If it’s Gunn I’ll go save him. If it’s not, I’ll cut ‘em down.

GWEN: Wait a minute –

CONNOR: You can’t talk me out of this Gwen.

The view reverses, and we see Gwen stepping quickly to keep up with Connor.

GWEN: I probably could, I’m very convincing. But I won’t. Let’s go.

We see Connor, Gwen, and Spike have mounted the dragon’s back, Connor in front.

SPIKE: You heard the lass, let’s get this show on the road. I want to see if Charlie’s Charlie or an incredible simulation.

CONNOR: You’re not going –

SPIKE: That’s bleeding adorable when you act like I’m whipped, too, but we don’t have time for it now.

As the dragon leaps into the night, we see from behind Wesley as he stands between Nina and Fred. They watch the others go.

FRED: Isn’t it exciting? Everyone’s coming back.

WES: It would appear so. Only problem is…

The scene returns to Gunn’s headquarters, and he leads Angel down a hallway as Wes’ voice carries us into the scene. Two of Gunn’s other henchmen follow behind them.

WES: (voiceover) “… nobody’s coming back right.”

GUNN: You probably have so many questions. Head must be spinning. I mean, mine is, and I *knew* I was alive.

As Gunn turns to face Angel, the henchmen encircle him. Angel holds his nose with his fingers as he asks Gunn to explain.

(NARRATION) ANGEL: I’m going to be sick, and it’s not the horrifying smell wafting through the hotel hallway, it’s instant realization of how this can only end one of two ways.

ANGEL: Gunn, who did this? When?

Gunn turns again and walks down the hall besides Angel.

GUNN: Man, see, that’s why you wore the captain’s stripes for so long, you ask the good questions. “When” is easy, it was whil you were trading up for the dragon.

ANGEL: Pardon?

Gunn stops again to face Angel.

GUNN: Wasn’t a riddle, Angel. In the alleyway. You were otherwise engaged.

Gunn and Angel step into a room, where several of Gunn’s other henchmen are waiting around.

GUNN: “Who” was just another square jaw with delusions of grandeur. You know the type. This is what’s left of his gang. One minute…

Gunn turns to one of his henchmen, giving orders.

GUNN: Rod! Go and secure the guests in the basement. Truck! Keep an eye on the fish. Dave! Secure the perimeter.

DAVE: “Secure the perimeter”? Are you trying to impress the white dude?

The view shifts to the side, and Gunn grabs Dave by the collar of his jacket and gets in his face. Angel’s eyes widen at the suddenness of Gunn’s action, and probably his mood changes.

GUNN: You wanna go out like Vic, man? Or Todd, Pat, and Derick?

DAVE: Wait, they’re dead, too? *They were just on the roof with you*. Was it Angel?

GUNN: More or less. Go secure the damn perimeter. Bring your best.

We see Gunn in close-up as he again leads Angel through his hotel base.

GUNN: I think they hate me almost as much as the old boss. And they just *can’t* be happy I haven’t dusted you. Not to make you feel bad, but *man*, do they *hate* you.

Gunn and Angel stop in front of a photo on the wall. Angel crosses his arms and considers it – it’s a picture of Angel, Cordy, Wes, and Fred, with Wes holding baby Connor. But Angel’s head has been taped over with Gunn’s.

ANGEL: And how are you feeling about me?

GUNN: I have anger issues, not gonna lie.

The two face each other in extreme close-up. Gunn’s stare is intense, but he is still keeping calm.

GUNN: But it’s not entirely your fault. They were always planning on turning me, you just helped expedite matters. I’m the one who motivates how it all goes down.

ANGEL: According to who?

GUNN: Who usually drives what we do, man?

The close-up goes to Gunn, and he smiles slightly at what he’s telling Angel.

GUNN: *According to the visions*.

The view widens, and we see Angel from behind as he looks at a closed door. A multi-legged demon’s body is nailed to the wall, splayed around the door.

(NARRATION) ANGEL: So this is the source of the smell. That answers that question. And raises so many more.

GUNN: This poor sack was the recipient of the Powers-That-Used-To-Be’s special deliveries. A demon could handle it. And seeing as this particular breed of freak could conjure images –

The next image is a memory, a flashback of sorts, and the image is a hazy blue. We see the demon when it was alive, bound and being beaten by a group of vampires. Behind the vampires, though, the demon is projecting an image of Wolfram & Hart’s army.

GUNN: (voiceover) “– He could project the visions for anyone to see. Unfortunately for him, the gang found him.”

We see Angel in close-up, closing his eyes as he realizes what happened next. Gunn watches him from behind.

ANGEL: The gang started used the visions to get ahead.

GUNN: Yeah. Extra credit if you can guess who starred in them.

We see another flashback image, and now it’s Gunn being projected by the demon for the gang to see. Gunn with a missing eye, his face covered in blood.

GUNN: (voiceover) “They saw the entire fight before it happened.”

The next flashback image is of the gang dragging Gunn away from the fight in the alley.

GUNN: (voiceover) “They knew the exact moment to strike.”

The next flashback image is from “First Night”, when Gunn jams a stake into the chin of the gang’s former leader.

GUNN: (voiceover) “Of course… the visions didn’t tell them everything. There were a couple things they didn’t see coming.”

We see Gunn’s face as he glares at Angel from behind.

GUNN: I took down their leader. I assumed control of the gang. First order of business –

In another flashback image, we see Gunn nailing the vision demon to the door, revealing that the explanation he’s giving Angel is completely false.

GUNN: (voiceover) “… was to free their prisoner. Exactly like you would have done.”

We see Angel and Gunn from behind, looking at the body of the vision demon.

GUNN: I was too late. He was dying when I found him.

In another flashback image, we see another of Gunn’s lies – he isn’t helping the demon, but instead he’s grinning as he feeds on it.

GUNN: (voiceover) “I tried my best, but… he didn’t make it.”

The next image is of Gunn standing in the corridor, the demon’s body visible behind him. However, surrounding Gunn, there are other images of memories. Betta George. The orb he took from Kr’ph. A woman screaming. Wesley. A demon holding a table full of the artifacts Gunn has been stealing.

GUNN: (voiceover) “But before he left… he gave me a gift.”

The view shifts, and we see Gunn in profile as Angel watches his old friend with a sad expression.

GUNN: Many gifts, actually. Then he passed on. I keep ‘im up there for tribute.

ANGEL: Maybe you could bury him.

GUNN: It’s an idea. Or maybe just a drape over him.

We see from over Gunn’s shoulder as Angel leans over again.

GUNN: So that’s pretty much what I’ve been up to. Had to kill a few non-essentials here and there, but that won’t matter in the long run. Oh, and I got myself one of those telepathic fish. He’s a lot to handle but he’ll pay off. There are a few Slayers in the basement. Took one down earlier today but she should be fine by now.

The view shifts and we see Gunn in close-up. He’s smiling as he looks at Angel.

GUNN: I have a way out of this. It’s all going to be how it was.

We see from over Angel’s shoulder as Gunn’s expression changes.

GUNN: (quietly) Can’t believe I’m about to say this…

The view again shifts and we see from behind Gunn. Angel’s face brightens for a moment at what Gunn asks him.

GUNN: Angel. Help me.

ANGEL: I will, Gunn. I –

Before Angel can be too happy, we see Gunn grin at him in close-up.

GUNN: Help me to carry out what the visions want. *Help me to save Los Angeles*.

Gunn looks away from Angel, as though he’s embarrassed to be asking.

GUNN: I mean, huh. This is *not* how I expected this to go down. I was leaning more towards you dying. And by leaning, I mean, you know, orchestrating. But who’s to say we can’t make things right together? You gotta let take this lead this time out, but you have a say –

ANGEL: Gunn –

GUNN: Probably going to have to duest the entire crew. No way they’re going for a change of play like this.

ANGEL: *Gunn*.

Angel keeps talking as we see Gunn open a door and look into a room.

ANGEL: First thing’s first. We have to get out of here. I’ll do what I can, I promise you, but –

GUNN: *Wait*.

And in an instant, Gunn turns on Angel, back in vampire face. He holds Angel by the shirt and shoves him against the wall.

GUNN: You’re not. You’re going along with it. Why can’t you just go along with it? Despite everything you’ve thrown at me, I’m still a hero! *I’m being tested but I’m winning*!

(NARRATION) ANGEL: He’s all over the place. This rant is going to attract the attention of his gang. Like I said…

The next image if of Gunn viciously punching Angel. Angel’s head whips back and blood flies from his mouth.

GUNN: *I’m still the hero*!

(NARRATION) ANGEL: … only one of two ways this can end.

We see Gunn shove Angel away.

GUNN: Moment of weakness, thinking you’d get it.

Gunn doesn’t let up, and we see him drive a kick into Angel’s stomach that doubles him over in pain.

GUNN: The Powers-That-Be know it –

As Angel drops to the ground, we look up at Gunn standing over him, his face full of rage.

GUNN: – what’s it gonna take for you to see?

In close-up, Angel gets back to his knees at Gunn’s feet.

(NARRATION) ANGEL: He wants me dead.

ANGEL: I – I –

(NARRATION) ANGEL: But he also wants me to pat him on the back for a job well done.

Angel’s bleeding badly as he replies to Gunn.

ANGEL: – I don’t think the Powers-That-Be have anything to do with this.

Gunn frowns as he stares down at Angel.

(NARRATION) ANGEL: So I use it.

We see them from behind as Angel gets back to his feet and points at the vision demon nailed in front of the door.

ANGEL: They would have cut this thing off from the visions the minute he feel into the wrong hands. This town is home to thousands of creatures who hear voices, who see things – there was a hobo outside the Hyperion who claimed that Neil Diamond was mentally sending him daily affirmations. Fairly certain that wasn’t the case.

We see Gunn in close-up, scowling as he listens to Angel questioning his plan.

The next image is of Angel facing Gunn like gun men at a duel. We see Angel from behind, reaching under his coat to his broadsword. Gunn stares back at him, his face angrier than it’s ever seemed before.

ANGEL: I remember what it’s like, Gunn. You don’t think you’ve changed. You don’t even try to fight it, because you honestly think for the first time ever, your eyes are open. But the truth is, you’re not in control. You’ve got a front-row seat for a demon destroying everything that meant anything to you. And all you can do is watch.

(NARRATION) ANGEL: Using the truth to plant seeds of doubt. Angelus would be proud, but I hate myself for it.

We see a close-up of Angel’s other hand as he pulls a stake. Gunn’s heard enough, and charges him.

ANGEL: You’re a big, ugly problem who’s fooled himself into thinking he’s the solution.

GUNN: *Quiet*!

As Gunn charges, though, Angel stabs him in the side with his sword.

GUNN: *Nnnnn* –

(NARRATION) ANGEL: I’ll just add it to the list.

The sword doesn’t slow Gunn down – it sticks out of his side as he punches Angel, sending him backwards. Some of Gunn’s henchmen have arrived.

GUNN: The demon isn’t in control, Angel! You couldn’t overcome yours because you’re weak! The demon does what I want! *This is on my terms*! You have no idea what I’ve created! The visions wanted me! *They wanted me*!

The view shifts, and we see Angel regain his balance. He throws his stake at one of Gunn’s henchmen and it finds its target.

ANGEL: Wow, Chuck. You really are gone.

(NARRATION) ANGEL: Have to make this quick.

As the vampire dust, Angel rips his sword out of Gunn’s side and attacks him again.

(NARRATION) ANGEL: Beat him senseless. Take him home. And figure out what to do with him.

Angel’s thoughts are interrupted as a fist shoots out and punches him.

(NARRATION) ANGEL: Then it’s a matter of putting off the inevitable for as long as I ca –

ANGEL: *Oooof*

We see that Gunn’s henchman, Dave, is jumping on Angel. Angel tries to defend himself even as Gunn calls out to stop Dave. The damage is done, though. Angel has lost the advantage.

GUNN: (from out of the view) Don’t kill him.

A foot lashes out and kicks Angel in the face.

GUNN: (from out of the view) Not yet.

We see Gunn as he grabs Angel’s broadsword.

GUNN: Relying on a lot of tools lately, Angel. Swords, Axes, Spike. Your action figure is overflowing with accessories.

The next image is of Gunn holding Angel back with one hand and thrusting the sword into Angel’s stomach, and through him. Angel screams in pain.

GUNN: I’ve seen you running around all sorts of bigger, faster, stronger. You’ve been pimped out. Rummaging through W&H’s finest stock. Until I blew it all to hell. But hey, I waited for you leave, so there’s that.

Angel slumps against the wall, reaching for the sword weakly. Gunn drove it almost all the way to the hilt. In front of him, we see Gunn’s hand holding a glowing red object between his fingers.

GUNN: So I thought this could level the playing field. I’m supposed to save it for the bigger piecture, part of something I’ve been cooking up –

We see Gunn’s hand in extreme close-up as the objects glows brightly.

GUNN: – But I don’t see any harm in trying it out today.

We see Angel in close-up. His eyes are open, but he is bleeding heavily.

GUNN: I will it to work, and it counters all sorts of magic and spells. Whatever cosmic red bull you’ve got flowing through your veins, let’s take that away.

As the magic works on Angel, he raises his head and screams again.

GUNN: Every wound that’s been supernaturally healed, let’s open ‘em up again.

(NARRATION) ANGEL: I want to try and talk him out of it, but my throat fills with blood.

We see Angel laying on the floor, still reaching for the sword. Now his legs are at an odd angle below him, though. Gunn stands over him.

(NARRATION) ANGEL: Spine shatters. Both hands, both arms fractured. Legs snapped.

In an extreme close-up, Gunn’s eyes almost glow red as he realizes the biggest change in Angel.

(NARRATION) ANGEL: The glamour that masks my humanity. Gone.

We see Gunn from behind as he looks down at Angel.

GUNN: When?

In close-up, Gunn shouts at him.

GUNN: *When*?!

One of Gunn’s henchmen is silhouetted behind him as Gunn tries to reject what he’s seeing.

HENCHMEN: Is he –?

GUNN: Don’t say it.

The view shifts and we see Gunn in profile, talking to Angel calmly again.

GUNN: One of these things is not like the other. Should I turn you? Feed on you? Bet you wish you could tell me what to do now, huh, old man? I kinda do, too.

We see Gunn in close-up again, his henchmen watching behind him.

GUNN: You know what?

Gunn ****s his head as he makes up his mind.

GUNN: Gonna let you die. But you should shuffle off knowing one thing.

Gunn leans down and whispers to Angel.

GUNN: (whispering) I found her first.

The scene shifts, and we see Gwen, Spike, and Connor as they approach on the dragon. Gwen looks sad, though, not ready for a fight.

CONNOR: Dragon’s slowing down. I think we’re here.

From the same view, Connor checks on his team.

CONNOR: You ready?

SPIKE: To see a friend I thought was long dead but is instead up and at ‘em and maybe evil? No, what do you think it’ll be like?

The view widens as the three of them leap from the dragon’s back toward Gunn’s rooftop. Gwen trails behind Connor and Spike, though.

CONNOR: Gwen, are you okay?

We see Connor turn around and see lightning flash across the sky.

CONNOR: Gwen…?

We see Spike turn and see the lightning as well.

SPIKE: Aw, no.

GWEN: (from out of the view) No, baby. No, I’m not.

The last image is a close-up of Gwen. She is spreading her hands and unleashing lightning all over the roof. In the sky behind her, lightning strikes the dragon. Tears run down Gwen’s face.

GWEN: I’m so sorry.

To be continued.

End of Chapter 11