[KingofCretins]

Angel: After the Fall, Issue #13

Start of Chapter 13

The opening image looks down on Spike, who is laying on a pile of garbage in a dumpster. He’s relaxed, smoking a cigarette, his sword laying next to him.

SPIKE: So. Come to this.

Spike climbs out of the dumpster, which has “Burge” written on it in graffiti.

SPIKE: “Spike, abandon your harem of you-worshippers to come play Punjab to good ol’ Johnny Bore. I’ll watch out for Illyria by taking her on all sorts of excursions that involve fisticuffs and even more resurrected pals. Don’t touch the dragon, though, that’s my new best mate.”

In close-up, Spike runs his hand back through his hair as if tired while he takes a drag from his cigarette.

SPIKE: “Weensy chance of being fried.” Brilliant, but only if you promise I’ll also get thrown off a skyscraper into crap.

From over Spike’s shoulder, we see him look back toward Gunn’s hotel, where the dragon, “Cordelia”, still hovers to fight Gwen with Connor.

SPIKE: And that’s still going on.

We see Spike blow out smoke as he looks toward the rooftop.

SPIKE: Kid could kill her in a heartbeat, with or without the dragon.

We see Spike from behind, sword in hand again, as he walks back toward the service entrance of Gunn’s building.

SPIKE: Connor’s the second best brawler in hell – but he’s leading with his heart.

Spike walks down the outside steps to the door.

SPIKE: Typical rookie mistake. We’ll work on it.

We see the building door splinter as Spike kicks through it, vamped out. A bare-chested henchman is inside, and turns with surprise as Spike enters.

SPIKE: What now –?

HENCHMAN: The Brit!

Spike flicks his cigarette at the henchman, grinning through his fangs.

SPIKE: “The Brit.” Right. Mind pointing me in the direction of the elevator? Got business on the roof after one of us is dusted.

We see a close-up of Spike’s hands as he raises his sword. The other vampire comes toward him with a stake in each hand, ready for a battle.

HENCHMAN: *This is gonna be quick and painful*!

SPIKE: Probably.

Spike slices through the vampire’s left arm and cuts off his hand.

HENCHMAN: *Gaaaaah* –

The view reverses, and we see Spike catch the henchman’s detached hand, which still holds a stake, from the air. The vampire swings his good arm at Spike.

HENCHMAN: You think this will stop me? *I survived Slayers*!

Spike ducks under the larger vampire’s attack and stakes him from behind – using the vampire’s own forearm.

SPIKE: I didn’t. Yet here we are.

As the vampire dusts, Spike takes a moment to joke with himself. Behind him, we see a metal door with “BEWARE” painted on it. A *KNOK KNOK* comes from behind the door.

SPIKE: Heh, “I didn’t.” No one’s ever around for the really pithy – hmmmm?

Spike turns to lean against the door, listening. The door has two slide-locks. The entire painted message is “BEWARE OF THE DOGS”.

SPIKE: Hello? Are you a prisoner or an off-your-rocker deity kept in there for the safety of yourselves and others?

Spike doesn’t wait for an answer, and begins to pull the doors open with his hands, bending the metal.

SPIKE: Eh, fun either way. Never fear, love and/or git –

We see from inside the darkened room as Spike opens his arms and smiles.

SPIKE: *Uncle Spike to the* –

The next image is of the three captive Slayers charging forward to escape. They are led by the Slayer we saw Gunn stab to death… although she is now clearly fine.

SLAYER #1: *Aim for the pleather*!

SLAYER #2: Now’s our chance!

Spike’s smile turns to confusion.

SPIKE: – Rescue? (to himself) Pleather?

The scene changes and we see Angel and Cordy as they were at the end of Chapter 12. He stares in horror while she grabs his shoulders.

CORDY: Angel, *what*? What did you see?

The view widens, but they don’t move. We see Gunn and Wes still crouching near Angel’s body.

ANGEL: Something that will be prevented if I leave with you right now.

CORDY: How do you know it was real?

(NARRATION) ANGEL: Cordy has a point.

The view doesn’t change, but Gunn and Angel’s body both blur – the building is shaking.

(NARRATION) ANGEL: Could have been a lie. But on that note –

ANGEL: How do I know *you’re* real? Is the room spinning or is that just pre-death/post-disastrous-news dizziness?

GUNN: What *is that*?

The view shifts to wear Gunn and Wesley are crouching. Gunn starts to stand up.

WES: As I said earlier, this is all about Angel. You’ve harmed him. They want him.

GUNN: Sending an army, huh? Been there, done that.

WES: No, you really haven’t.

GUNN: Oh, yeah? What do you call the army in the alley?

In a closer view, Wes doesn’t look up as he answers, but Gunn looks alarmed by the example Wes gives.

WES: Comparatively? The company softball team.

The next image reveals the scope of what Wesley is saying. We see a quick series of images of fire falling from the sky as Connor reaches out and Gwen runs to him. On the street, a rain of fire hits the buildings and cars and people go running.

The view widens and we see the entire skyline. The tentacles around the buildings are all attacking, and the sky is full of more dragons – some “normal” dragons, and others hybrids of dragons and fighter jets. These hybrid dragons are also dropping ordnance. In the sky, we see the silhouette of Groo and his Pegasus flying into action.

On the roof, Gwen and Connor stop fighting and turn to see the force of dragons in the sky.

CONNOR: Awesome. Hell just went to eleven.

GWEN: *Those* dragons aren’t with you, are they?

CONNOR: No. And I think they’re just the first heat.

We see dragons in the sky and Connor and Gwen very small on Gunn’s roof.

CONNOR: Everything’s coming here. *It’s all coming right for us*.

Before the dragons can attack, though, “Cordy” the dragon flies up to protect the roof. He blasts fire at the other dragons, pushing them back.

Unfortunately, they outnumber him too greatly, and before he can press his attack, the other dragons have him in their grip, biting into him.

CONNOR: *Cordelia*!

In a close-up, we see the dragon’s neck in green against a black background. And in red, we see the bleeding wounds where they other dragon’s rip him apart.

On the roof, Connor and Gwen watch as the dragon is attacked by the others. Connor readies himself.

CONNOR: Gwen… *run*.

The view reverses, and we see Gwen holding a hand toward Connor gently – not touching him, though.

GWEN: You have a sword.

CONNOR: And they have eyes. I can make this work. Just get out of here.

GWEN: Weren’t we just *fighting*?!

Connor looks at Gwen as she charges electricity into her hands. In the sky, “Cordelia” the dragon is ripped into pieces.

GWEN: I know you’re the leader, and in no mood to listen to me – so I’m gonna make this simple – find your father, find Gunn, I don’t care, just get off this roof.

CONNOR: No.

Gwen doesn’t give Connor a vote. Her entire body glows blue-white with electricity, enough to force Connor away from her.

GWEN: Yes, sweetie. *Go*.

We see Connor racing toward the door on the roof.

From behind, we see Gwen, still glowing, raise her hands and summon the dragons to her.

GWEN: That’s right, boys. Come towards the light!

We see Gwen in close-up, as the dragons’ teeth come into view around her.

GWEN: Oh, Charles. You’d better be right.

From above, the dragons dive in and bite at Gwen.

We see Gwen caught in the jaws of two of the dragons. She’s still glowing intensely.

In extreme close-up, we see blood trickle from Gwen’s blue-white lips as her mouth contorts in pain.

GWEN: Love you so much.

From a wider view, we see all of Gwen’s energy release and rip through the dragons that have her.

Inside the building, Connor runs down the stairs. “Cordelia” the dragon’s remains fall outside the window.

We see Connor in close-up against a black background as he looks back toward the roof, realizing what’s happening. In voiceover, Angel is talking to Cordy again.

ANGEL: (voiceover) “And I’m not being overdramatic. Same thing, year in, year out. I try to do good. I fail at doing good.

On the roof, we see Gwen laying on the ground. She isn’t glowing now, and blood runs out of her mouth. She appears to have bleeding bite marks on her torso – she’s almost certainly dead. Around her, we see dragons, though – burned and dead or dying.

ANGEL: (voiceover) “Everyone else pays the price.

On the street, we see the dragon’s dead body where it hit the ground.

ANGEL: (voiceover0 “It happens too often. But two things always eased the pain, ever so slightly.

In the basement of the building, the three Slayers have Spike surrounded, easily dodging his attacks. One of them kicks him in the back of the head.

ANGEL: (voiceover0 “The first was the belief that it’s all building towards something.

Two of the Slayers punch Spike at the same time.

ANGEL: (voiceover) “I always thought it had to be. *It had to be*.

In close-up, we see Spike look down in amazement as one of the Slayers drives a stake into his chest with a *CHUK*.

ANGEL: (voiceover) We suffer. We hurt.

The Slayer pulls out her stake as Spike turns to dust.

ANGEL: (voiceover) “We die.

Upstairs, Wes and Gunn are still crouched over Angel’s body. Gunn stares ahead, full of doubt.

ANGEL: (voiceover0 “But at the end of the day, it was going to be worth it. *Because we were going to win*.

The view moves back to Angel and Cordy as he turns to look at her. Cordy’s stunned as she listens.

ANGEL: Even when we went to hell, it was going to be okay. Wesley believed it. Gunn, far gone as he is, still believes it. And I did. Deep down, I truly did.

We see Angel in close-up as he admits what he thinks.

ANGEL: I was wrong.

As Angel keeps talking, his face looks rather relaxed, comfortable. Behind him, Gunn is up and moving, sending his henchmen out to investigate what’s going on outside.

ANGEL: What they made Wesley show me. What I saw, what I felt. I am the one who is going to tip the scales in the battle between good and evil. *I’m going to help evil win*. I want to believe it’s a trick. They made me human, they can certainly implant false images and emotions into my head.

Angel stares at Cordy intensely, needing her to agree with him Behind him, Gunn is drawing his crossbow. Wes steps backwards.

ANGEL: But that’s why you’re here, isn’t it? I wasn’t sure if you were another lie. But you want me to die. If killing me was Wolfram & Hart’s plan, they could have done me in the alleyway. No, the Powers-That-Be send you *to make sure I go with you*. They know what I’ll become. I felt it. It’s going to happen.

Cordelia looks pained as she reaches up again to caress Angel’s cheek. He lowers his eyes, unable to meet hers anymore.

ANGEL: I tried so hard to help, Cordelia. But the best thing I could do for this world and everyone I love would be to leave. This is how it should be.

The view shifts, and we see Gunn train his crossbow on Angel’s head where his body sits against the wall.

In extreme close-up, we see Cordy taking Angel’s hand.

ANGEL: Please. Let’s go.

We see Wesley raise his hands and step in front of Gunn to protect Angel.

GUNN: Wes, you can stand in front of me all you want but at the end of the day, we both know this arrow is –

Before Gunn can finish, or fire, we see the blade of a sword come to rest on his shoulder.

GUNN: – going right through you.

The view reverses as Gunn looks back with his eyes. He keeps his crossbow aimed at Angel. Connor holds the sword up to Gunn’s head.

GUNN: Hey, baby Angel. So, Gwen failed.

CONNOR: Pretty sure Gwen’s dead.

Before Gunn can answer, Connor punches him with a *KRAK*. “Spirit” Angel and Cordy watch.

GUNN: That’s not how it’s supposed to*ooooph*!

ANGEL: Connor can’t take Gunn. He can’t –

CORDY: I don’t know, he looks pretty good. (quietly, to herself) Not like that, come on. I’m a higher being.

In extreme close-up, Gunn vamps out as he faces Connor.

Gunn charges Connor, still holding his crossbow.

GUNN: Always with the swinging and the brooding. Haven’t changed –

CONNOR: Not true.

From above, we see Connor throw a punch with his left fist into Gunn’s stomach, driving him back and knocking the crossbow from his hands.

CONNOR: I made some friends. I met a girl. *I fell in love*.

Gunn counter-attacks by elbowing Connor in the head.

GUNN: Sorry about that. Had to make sure *he* was led down the right path. Wasn’t about you.

In close-up, we see Angel moan in pain. Wes crouches beside him on the floor.

ANGEL: Nnnnnnn –

WES: It’s alright, Angel… that was said somewhat convincingly, yes?

From behind Gunn, we see Connor wipe blood from his lip.

GUNN: Admittedly, I didn’t think of your feelings but in the grand scheme of things – who the hell are you, anyway?

We see Connor charge in response.

CONNOR: *Raaaaaaaaaaa* –

From behind, we see Connor ram into Gunn full speed, driving him toward a window.

CONNOR: I’m Angel’s son.

The view shifts to the side, and we see Connor jump kick Gunn. The vampire breaks through the window with a *KRISH*.

CONNOR: I’m Gwen’s boyfriend.

GUNN: *Oooooooph*!

The next image is a close-up of Connor as he looks down out of the broken window.

CONNOR: I’m also the guy who just did *that*.

We see Connor and Wesley from behind as they look out the window. In the sky, there are countless flying warriors of some kind.

CONNOR: Not much time, Wesley. Get Angel up.

WES: He… we just found out that he’s… he’s destined to bring about the fall of all that is good. I think the only way out… is to let Angel go.

Connor looks back over his shoulder at his father’s bruised body.

He turns back to Wes and scowls.

CONNOR: What? Screw that.

The view shifts and we see Connor kneeling in front of Angel. Wes stands behind him.

CONNOR: I came in late so I’m unclear as to what’s going on. But a friend of a friend once said something that might help you now. I’m paraphrasing because we’re short on time and the dude was a blowhard. It doesn’t matter what you were. Doesn’t matter what people think you’re going to be.

As Connor talks, we see “spirit” Angel smile. Cordy smiles, too, watching Angel. It’s unclear if Angel realizes how Connor learned this, but he might recognize the thoughts. They’re his.

Connor reaches around Angel’s waist, pulling him up.

CONNOR: It’s not all building to something. So we should stop pliving like it is. All that counts – is what you do now. So if you die, I’m gonna keep fighting. But I’d really like to have my dad onmy side.

In close-up, Angel turns back to Cordy.

ANGEL: Cordy –

CORDY: You have to help Connor.

ANGEL: – yep.

From behind Cordy’s shoulder, we see Angel smiling the smile that first made a Slayer notice him when he showed up with “friendly” advice. Cordy is already becoming transparent as they talk.

CORDY: Oh, yeah, you’re running away from the light. Getting harder to stay. Question… you said *one thing* that made losing loved ones easier was the hope that all this was leading to something.

ANGEL: Yeah, well, I guess we can scratch that, considering.

Cordy smiles warmly even as she fades.

CORDY: But what was the other thing?

ANGEL: The fact that the loved ones I lost – usually come back to help me when I need it most.

CORDY: See? Are those the words of the vampire destined to bring about the fall of civilization? No way!

Connor is still kneeling in front of his father, and Wesley crouches beside him. Cordy has almost completely faded away.

CORDY: Be good, big guy.

WES: He can’t stand up! He’s *dying*, Connor –

CONNOR: He’s been through worse! I need him up and I need him fighting!

As Wes demands a plan, Connor turns to look at the door.

WES: Well, how do you expect *that* to happen?

The view reverses, and we see Spike, not dusted, standing in the room. On either side of them, the three Slayers are armed and ready for a fight. One of them even rests her hand on Spike’s shoulder.

SPIKE: Ain’t that hard. Bringing people back from the great beyond is child’s play here in Hotel de Chuck. Trust me. I’m not just the President, I’m also a bloody client.

Out on the street, we look down at Gunn. He landed on a convertible, crushing it.

GUNN: So. Come to this.

Gunn climbs off the car, holding his head.

GUNN: Visions never told me I’d be getting my ass handed to me by the kid. Probably trying to spare me an indignity for once.

In close-up, we see Gunn holding his head in both hands, staring at the ground. Blood or saliva drips from his lip.

GUNN: How do they expect me to win if it’s all so stacked against me? There are tests and then there are tests… please, help me. I don’t understand, I don’t –

We see Gunn raise his head, looking between his fingers. He’s crying.

GUNN: – get it.

We see with Gunn’s eyes as he lowers his hands. Illyria is walking toward him.

GUNN: (to himself) I knew it.

The view shifts and we see Gunn and Illyria standing face to face.

GUNN: Fred.

ILLYRIA: No. Are we expected to fight?

GUNN: Probably.

In a closer view, Illyria looks at Gunn with genuine curiousity. In the background, the army of warriors in the air come closer to Gunn’s building.

ILLYRIA: You’re not the same. Is it better?

GUNN: Not in the least. I want it gone.

ILLYRIA: Why? You were broken.

Gunn drops to his knees in front of Illyria. His crossbow lays on the street beside him.

GUNN: I’m *broken now* Ain’t no way around it. Thought I found a way to fix it.

We see Illyria in close-up as she looks down at Gunn.

GUNN: (from out of the view) *It was you*.

ILLYRIA: It still is. I can find a way. I can restore order and make it right.

GUNN: (from out of the view) No, you can’t. No offense, but you’re a mess.

We see Gunn in close-up, tears running down his cheeks.

GUNN: I really believed you were the eky. They told me you were. But I think I was wrong about who “they” were. I was wrong. (quietly) Goddamn it, I was wrong about a lot.

Gunn raises his fists in frustration. He is weeping.

GUNN: I’m not going to save anyone, am I? I can’t save myself, can’t save anyone.

Illyria places a hand on Gunn’s shoulder.

ILLYRIA: Don’t cry.

The next image shows Illyria is Fred again. Gunn hugs her around the waist, kneeling in front of her. She gently rubs his shoulder.

GUNN: Fred…

FRED: What can I do to help?

Still hugging her waist, Gunn smiles up at her. Fred rubs his head.

GUNN: Just seeing that face, it’s a start.

FRED: Oh, good.

We see Gunn reaching out to pick up his crossbow.

GUNN: You have no idea.

In close-up, Gunn is standing again, aiming his crossbow directly into our view.

GUNN: *This* is what was supposed to happen. I was right.

The next image is of Fred in profile as the crossbow bolt sends her flying. Blood spurts from her chest as the bolt hits her with a *THUK*.

GUNN: (from out of the view) *I was right*.

We see Fred in close-up, blood coming from her mouth and her chest as she lays on the ground. She’s staring straight up, dying.

FRED: Cha… Charles –

The last image is of Gunn putting his hand on her chest, as if comforting her. He is crying as he looks at her.

GUNN: Thank you, baby. Thank you so much. Let’s get to work.

To be continued.

End of Chapter 13