ANGEL

"FIVE BY FIVE"

Transcribed by Joseph B

Written by Jim Kouf

Directed by James A. Contner

Originally aired: April 25, 2000

Disclaimer: This is a transcript intended for anyone who cannot watch "Angel" for whatever reason, to enjoy, as well as those who think transcripts are just cool, and as reference material for fanfic writers. Angel and all copyrighted characters are the product of Joss Whedon and David Greenwalt and I have nothing but respect for them and those whose hard work is put into bringing us a great show. I did this of my own free time and will never make a dime from it.

Now let me add. If you are looking at this transcript, save it, copy it, send it to your friends. Unlike other transcribers, who I have nothing but respect for, if you see any mistakes that might be in this transcript, feel free to correct them, or if you just want to personalize it to suit yourself, by all means. Hell I do it.

~~~~~~~~~~ Prologue ~~~~~~~~~~

Fade in. Los Angeles. Camera pans down from a black night sky to an expressway bridge. Pan to ground level and we see a Hispanic gangbanger, Marquez, strolling along a chainlink, barbwired fence in a BMF strut. He's heading towards a group of three figures sitting in ragged easychairs around a fire burning in a steel drum. The three are wearing coats and hoods, hiding their faces.

Marquez: Yo, ese! What the hell you burning there, man? Stinks like--

He's close enough to see they're not part of his gang.

Marquez: (angrily) Yo, you hanging in the wrong place, man! My boys ain't gonna be too happy when they get here and see what kind of mess you--

One of the hoods stands up and we see a gun in his hand. Actually, the gun is in the hand of the severed arm he's holding, taken from a gangbanger. Marguez just looks on, speechless, as the hood raises the arm over the burning barrel and drops it into the fire. Then the other two stand up and they all face Marquez. They are demons! The flesh on their faces looks stretched back over grotesque, inhuman features.

They growl and Marquez turns and flees. The demons give chase. Marquez pulls out a gun as he rounds a corner and doesn't slow down as he fires several shots at his pursuers. Whether he hit them or not, the demons are not fazed and keep after him.

Behind all of them, Angel's black Ford convertible comes fishtailing from around the corner, tires screaming over pavement. The demons look over their shoulders as the headlights target them. Wesley is behind the wheel and as he catches up to them, Angel, in the back seat, leans out the right side raising a long broadsword. Close up of Angel as he swings the sword. One of the demons' head hits the pavement and before its body can join it, we hear the sword strike again and the second demon falls.

Wesley is now aiming for Marquez, who is still running for his life. He pulls out in front of the gangbanger and brings the car into a 180 degree stop in his path. Marquez stops in the headlights as Angel hops out and approaches him.

Angel: Your name Marquez? (Marquez just nods in shock) Good. I hate saving the wrong guy.

Angel hears running footsteps and the growl of the third demon behind him and turns swinging the sword. We hear it strike something and we cut to Wesley as chunky light purple gore sprays half the windshield and Wesley's face.

Angel spares a glance at Wesley who's reaching into his pocket for a handkerchief. There is a displeased look on his face. Angel turns to Marquez and walks up to him.

Angel: Never know who you're gonna meet in this part of town. (Marquez is still recovering) You want a ride?

FLASHCUT.

A bus is pulling into a terminal and comes to a stop with a hiss of the brakes. The door swings open and passengers start to offload.

Bus Driver: Careful.

Passenger #1: Thanks.

Camera pulls in close on the steps as the passengers climb off the bus. When the fifth passenger steps down, camera tracks the legs as they walk around the front of the bus. The person is wearing dark pants and heavy boots with thick soles and platform heels. They stop and cut to a shot of the person's back, a young woman, as she looks at her surroundings, deciding where to go.

Cut to closeup of a match striking and a cigarette being lit. An unshaven guy in a leather jacket exhales the smoke. The young woman's boots turn in his direction and start walking again. Leather Jacket is leaning against the corner of the building as he watches her near him.

We see the young woman step out of the shadows. It's Faith. She's wearing a worn-looking, short sleeve jersey with the number 62 on it and carrying a shoulder bag. Her long brown hair looks unkempt and unclean as it frames her somber face and there are dark circles around her eyes.

Despite her appearance, Leather Jacket smiles at what he sees and appraises her as if he's seen this a hundred times.

Leather Jacket: New in town, right?

Faith passes him around the corner and he falls into step with her. She doesn't seem to pay him any attention as they are now walking down a passage made narrow by the row of parked buses and the side of the building. They are alone.

Leather Jacket: You got that "new in town" look. It's a dangerous part of town this time of night for a young lady. You know? A lot of people down here try to take advantage of a situation like that. Especially if you don't have any money. No place to stay. I might be able to help.

Faith has stopped walking and faces him. Her expression is pleading. She hugs her arms around herself.

Faith: (small voice) I'm cold.

He starts slipping his jacket off his shoulders.

Leather jacket: Oh, yeah. Warm is my middle name.

He has his jacket down to his elbows when Faith suddenly punches him in the stomach, taking him by surprise. She punches him in the face, with the same fist, then brings it back in a backhand and he drops to one knee. He manages to get back up but with his arms pinned by his own jacket he's unable to defend himself and Faith snaps quick one-two jabs into his midsection, following with an open palm strike to the face. She slams a knee into his middle and, when he bends forward, takes the opportunity to smash the same knee into his face. He drops to his knees and Faith hops into the air in a spinning backhand that sends him face down on the pavement, hard. Faith immediately searches his jacket and finds his wallet and keys. As she inspects the wallet, several dollar bills can be seen.

Faith: Now I got money. And a place to stay.

She reaches down and frees him of his jacket.

Faith: (putting it on) I think I'm gonna like it here.

Faith turns and walks away.

Angel theme begins. Opening credits roll.

~~~~~~~~~~ Part One ~~~~~~~~~~

Fade in. Borsa, Romania 1898. Night. Exterior shot of a town street. A few people are out strolling on the wide sidewalk in front of a large white house. Cut to interior of the house. A blindfolded Angelus stumbles into the house followed by Darla. They are both having fun.

Angelus: Can I take off this blindfold yet?

Darla: No.

She walks up to him and Angelus pulls her in close.

Angelus: (mischievous) Can I take off something else?

Darla: After I give you your present.

They kiss.

Darla: You can never have enough of those. Come on.

She takes his hand and leads him into the den. She faces him towards the lit fireplace but he turns around trying to find her. Giggling, she makes him face the right way and removes his blindfold. From his POV the blindfold falls away from his eyes and we see a young girl tied and gagged on the floor before the fire. She is struggling weakly against her bonds.

Darla: Happy birthday, Angelus.

Angelus: She's a gypsy.

Darla: I looked everywhere.

Angelus: What would I do without you?

He pulls her close again.

Darla: Wither and die. (they hold each other as they kiss again) But she's not just for you. I get to watch.

She steps back to watch as he approaches the girl. The gypsy looks up at him afraid as he smiles down at her. He kneels down by her legs and her struggles increase as he lifts her dress to expose her thigh. Angelus' face turns vampiric and the girl starts screaming behind her gag. He leans down and sinks his fangs into the inside of her thigh.

Darla smiles as she watches him feed.

FLASHCUT

Present day Los Angeles. Interior of Angel's office. He's shoving Marquez into a chair in front of his desk and it nearly tilts back. Angel glowers down at him.

Angel: The only way you're going to keep from getting killed is to do the right thing.

Marquez: The right thing for who?

He tries to stand up but Angel shoves him back down and grabs the front of his shirt as he gets in his face.

Angel: The next time they come after you, I'm not going to be there. And you're friends aren't going to be there either. Not after being cut up and incinerated.

Marquez doesn't say anything.

In the outer office area, Cordelia is leaning against the doorway of Angel's closed door.

Cordelia: This guy's never gonna do it. What a waste of a good vision.

She walks over towards Wesley who is laying on the sofa, using his white suit jacket as a blanket, his back to her.

Wesley: It's going that badly?

Cordelia: I knew it when you brought him in last night that someone with that much body art is gonna have a different definition of civic duty.

Wesley: (looking over his shoulder) After we saved his life?

Cordelia: When was the last time you wrote a thank you card?

Wesley: (sitting up, rubbing his eye) Well, I have faith in Angel. If anyone can convince him to testify . . .

Cordelia: (insistent) Wesley, you don't change a guy like that. In fact, generally speaking, you don't change a guy. What you see is what you get. Scratch the surface and what do you find? More surface.

Wesley: (putting on his glasses) One could have said that about Angel.

He stands up, stretching his back, and crosses the room to the coffee maker as she talks.

Cordelia: Oh, please! He was cursed by gypsies. What's Angel gonna do? Drag a bunch of them in here to shove a soul down this guy's throat?

Wesley: He may be a ruffian but he's already got a soul, and therefore somewhere deep down inside an urge to do what's right.

He starts to pour himself a cup of coffee when Angel's door is thrown open and Marquez storms out.

Marquez: No way, I'm gone!

They watch as Angel's arm snakes out and grabs Marquez by the collar and yanks him back into the office. The door slams shut.

Angel: (inside) Shut up and sit down.

Cordelia: I guess you're right, Wesley. He's just like the Dalai Lama.

Inside, Angel has Marquez in the chair again and holding him by the shirt.

Angel: You don't even know what you're up against, do you? You're gonna have to face your demons sometime.

Marquez: What if I don't want to face my demons?

Angel: Then you'll have to face mine.

Trying to keep up the tough gangbanger act, it's obvious Marquez is scared.

FLASHCUT

That night. Exterior shot of a nightclub in a tall white building with thick pillars. There is a large banner with HELL on it hanging above the doors and a crowd of people are on the wide steps waiting to get in. Inside it's dimly lit with strobing lights on the dance floor and the music is blaring. Amidst the many dancers we see Faith cutting loose. She looks cleaned up and is wearing black leather halter and pants. She's dancing with no one and anyone, looking like she's having a good time. She slithers in between a couple and presses her back into the guy. The young woman stops dancing as her partner continues to dance with Faith, putting his hands on her. Smiling, Faith faces him and puts her arms around his neck. Now the young woman is getting angry.

Young Woman: Excuse me!

Faith looks over her shoulder at her.

Faith: Okay. You're excused.

She turns back to the guy. The young woman grabs Faith's shoulder and turns her around.

Young Woman: That's my boyfriend!

Faith: Really? (she grabs the guy and looks down his shirt) Does he have your name on him because I don't see it? Anywhere!

The guys seems to be enjoying this as Faith starts dancing with him again and she puts a hand on his ass.

Young Woman: Billy, do something!

Faith: Yeah, Billy. Do something! Like this!

Faith slams her elbow into the young woman's face and she drops to the floor. Billy takes a step back as Faith continues to dance. He throws a punch at her and Faith deflects his fist with little effort and he stumbles into the back of a man nearby who in turn stumbles into another girl. Billy turns to Faith again and she kicks him in the stomach then puts a hand on his face to shove him away. As Faith continues dancing, behind her, the girl slaps the man who bumped into her and he takes a swing at her. She ducks and shoves him back where he falls on Billy. The man grabs Billy and throws him into the girl.

Faith is still dancing and the camera starts circling her as more people are getting into the fight. She doesn't lose the rhythm as Billy stands up in front of her and front kicks him again and knocks him down with a right hook to the face. His girlfriend hurries over to him.

When another guy comes up behind her, Faith doesn't even look as she snaps a backhand fist in his face and keeps dancing. The brawl continues to escalate and it seems as if Faith is the only one who's really dancing.

Cut to a courtroom, the next day. Panning shot from the prosecutor's table to the defense table, where we see Lee Mercer sitting with Wolfram & Hart's client, a smug-faced wealthy man.

Lindsey: (OS) While the arguments that the District Attorney here has presented are somewhat entertaining, this case hinges on testimony of witnesses they have been unable to produce.

District Attorney: (OS) You Honor, we can produce them if Wolfram and Hart would stop tampering with the witness--

Shot from behind the judge's shoulder. We see the DA and Lindsey McDonald in front of the bench.

Lindsey: Witness tampering is a serious allegation, councilor. (to DA) And I will be filing a grievance for that remark with the A.B.A. this afternoon. (to judge) They have no witness. They have no case. I request a dismissal of all charges against my client--

In the back of the courtroom, Angel walks in through the doors with Marquez. The DA sees this.

Lindsey: --whose reputation has been irreparably damaged by these proceedings. He's a law-abiding and upstanding-- (looks over his shoulder and sees Angel with Marquez) citizen.

He falls silent as he looks at Angel and Lee looks over his shoulder.

Angel: Your client really is. Except for that pesky drug-dealing and murder stuff.

District Attorney: (happy) Your Honor, the state calls Mr. Marquez.

The bailiff escorts Marquez to the witness stand as Angel and Lindsey continue to glare at each other.

Bailiff: (OS) Raise your right hand. You swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth so help you God?

Angel turns and walks out.

Cut to the Wolfram and Hart office building. Interior of Lindsey's office. He is pacing behind his desk speaking into a small cordless headphone hooked to his ear.

Lindsey: No, sir. I accept full responsibility. I thought-- I thought we had done everything possible. However, I had not foreseen the intervention-- (he sees Lee open the door and motions him inside) Yes, sir. Angel. I don't disagree. He's proven to be a costly liability. I can-- absolutely. I can do that. Yes, sir. Good-bye.

Lee is standing next to him looking at the file he's carrying as Lindsey drops the headphone on his desk.

Lindsey: (sighs) I hate failure when there's no one else to blame it on.

Lee: I think I've found the solution to our problem.

Lee hands him the file and Lindsey looks at it.

Cut to moments later. Lee is stepping off an elevator and Lilah Morgan appears from around the corner behind him, talking to a man with her.

Lilah: Lee! I've been looking for you. (to the man) You call them back and tell them that's our drop-dead offer. And you make sure they understand we mean literally not figuratively.

Man: Hm-hmm. All right.

The man heads off and Lilah walks with Lee. She is carrying a folder in her arm.

Lilah: How you doing?

Lee: Good. You?

Lilah: Great. I hear you came up with a good idea. How to deal with our friendly neighborhood vampire.

Lee: (blase') No. I came up with a *great* idea. How do you find out these things so fast?

Lilah: Part of my job. How did you find out there was a rogue Slayer in town?

Lee: Part of *my* job. I've been, uh, reading the police reports. (stops to face her) She's been a busy little beaver.

Lilah: But you don't know where she is?

Lee: I will soon enough.

Lilah: I already do.

She opens her folder to let him have a look, then quickly closes it again.

Lilah: I'll make the contact.

Lee: I don't think so. It's my deal. I'll make the contact.

Lilah: (thoughtfully) Let me think about i--No.

Lee: Why not?

Lilah: It's your people skills. You don't have any.

Lee: (pleasantly) You bitch.

Lilah: (smug) See? If you behave, I'll let you ride in the limo.

She walks away.

FLASHCUT

Angel Investigations. Cordelia is sitting behind her desk talking on the phone.

Cordelia: Unfortunately, we don't really do divorce cases. No. It's-it's not about the money. (perks up) Oh. It's about that much money! How soon can we meet?

As she writes the information down, camera pans to Angel's office door. Inside, Wesley and Angel are getting out of the elevator.

Cordelia: Yeah, I know where that is. Okay. We'll see you there tomorrow. Thanks for calling. Bye!

She hangs up as Wesley steps out of the office and drops his briefcase on the sofa. Angel stands by the door.

Cordelia: How'd it go?

Wesley: (smiling) We won.

Cordelia: Gang-guy testified?

Angel: (stoic) Stood up and told the truth.

Cordelia: (grinning at Wesley) What did I tell you?

Wesley: That he never would.

Cordelia: Well, (to Angel) more good news. I may have landed a new client and --here's a twist-- he can afford to pay.

Wesley: (interested) What's the case?

Cordelia: (evasively) I'm still in information gathering phase. But, uh, we're meeting him for lunch tomorrow. (to Angel) So, are you happy with the way things turned out?

Angel is just scowling.

Cordelia: (whispers to Wesley) You can always tell when he's happy. His scowl is slightly less scowly.

Wesley: (steps closer to Angel) That young man is very lucky he ran into you.

Angel: He just needed a little guidance. A push in the right direction.

Wesley: I wonder how Wolfram and Hart are going to push back?

Cut to another nightclub, that night. Camera pans from the entrance, as music thrums inside, and we see Faith and Lilah walking together away from the club. They round the corner into a street alley.

Faith: I guess we can go somewhere and talk. But I'm not much of a talker, I'm more of a doer.

Lilah: I think you might have misunderstood my intentions.

Faith: (faces her) No. I think you misunderstood mine.

Faith takes a couple of threatening steps to Lilah and the lawyer backs up against a chain link fence, suddenly scared. Faith grabs her wrist.

Faith: I like that watch. Diamonds, right?

Lilah: Faith--

Faith: (alarmed) How do you know my name? I don't think I told you?

Lilah: (trying to stay calm) We are well aware of who you are. And what you do. We know you've been experiencing some difficulties. We think we can help bring some order back to your life.

Faith slams a hand on the fence by Lilah's head, making her flinch.

Faith: *We* do, do we? Who is "we" and why do they know about me when I don't know jack about you?

Lilah: Green is my favorite color. I look good in diamonds. And I love riding in limousines.

She looks over Faith's shoulder as a long stretch black limousine pulls to a stop behind her. Faith has a look as the backdoor opens and we see Lee sitting inside.

Lee: Faith. Can we talk?

Faith turns to Lilah again.

Faith: I like black.

She pushes away from the fence and walks to the limousine. Lilah breathes a sigh of relief and composes herself before getting into the limo as well. She closes the door and the limousine drives off.

~~~~~~~~~~ Part Two ~~~~~~~~~~

Borsa, Romania 1898. Darla walks into the house taking off her gloves and puts them and her purse on the small table in the foyer.

Darla: Angelus? Are you here? Angelus?

She walks into the den. Fireplace is going.

Angelus: (OS) Not everyone screams.

Shot of Angelus hunkered down in the corner beside the fireplace, facing the wall.

Darla: (a beat) What?

Angelus: (shaky voice) When you kill them. Some just stand there. Frozen. While others . . .

Darla: (smiles, removing her hat) What are you doing? Are we playing a game?

Angelus stands up but is still facing the wall.

Angelus: And children. They usually scream.

Darla: Hmmm. Yes. They sound just like little pigs. Have you brought me some? (he doesn't respond) What? You don't think I'll share? I can't believe you think I'm that insensitive.

He turns to her stepping away from the wall. He looks haggard, his long hair a mess. His eyes have a haunted, faraway look as if seeing something not in the room. Something horrible.

Angelus: (tears in his eyes) We've drunk and killed for how long, now? A hundred and forty-odd years. We drunk them all up (voices cracks) and they're all dead!

Concerned, Darla steps forward and reaches for him.

Darla: Where have you been?

Angelus: (pulling away) Don't!

Darla: What is this? Have you met someone else?

Angelus can't say anything. He approaches her and holds her, resting his head on her shoulder. Darla becomes uncomfortable with this.

Darla: No. No. Let go. (shoves him back) Let go of me!

She looks at him knowing something is different about him.

Darla: What happened to you? Angelus, what happened?

Angelus: That gypsy girl you brought me. Her people found out. They did something to me.

Darla: A spell.

Angelus: Funny. (growing dread) You'd think with all the people I've maimed and killed I wouldn't be able to remember every single one. (weakly) Help me.

Darla reaches a hand to his face.

Darla: (softly) The spell. They gave you a soul. (rising anger) A filthy soul! NO!

She rakes her nails down the side of his face leaving trails of blood on his cheek and he backs off.

Darla: (shouting) You're disgusting!

Angelus: Darla . . .

Darla grabs a chair.

Darla: No. Get away from me!

Angelus: You brought her here.

She smashes the chair against the floor, shattering it, and arms herself with a piece. She lunges for him but he side steps her and she whirls around to face him.

Angelus: (imploring) I am like you.

Darla: (seething) You're not like anything! Get away from me. (she's about to attack him again) Get out!

Angelus turns and flees from the house.

Darla: (inside) I'll kill you!

He walks quickly across the street and looks over his shoulder to see Darla standing in the doorway and she watches him leave. He turns and continues down the street, not having anywhere to go, and shoves his hands in his pockets.

FLASHCUT.

Exterior shot of Wolfram and Hart building. Cut to Lindsey's office. Faith is looking the place over as the three lawyers watch her. Lee is sitting in a chair by the desk, Lilah is sitting on the edge of the desk, and Lindsey is standing behind his desk reviewing Faith's file.

Lindsey: A felony arrest warrant was issued from Sunnydale in your name. For murder. Physical description's quite accurate. The photograph, however, is not flattering. (rounding the desk towards her) There's a lot of personal stuff that's of no interest to me, but what they do fail to mention is that you're a Slayer.

Lilah: Which is why we find you so appealing.

Faith picks up a small wooden chest off a table and turns it over in her hands.

Lindsey: You have a problem. We have a problem. I just had a perfectly good murder case go up in smoke and you seem to have a certain expertise in that area.

Faith puts it down and, crossing her arms, faces him.

Lindsey: So, to make a long story . . less long, I think if a service is rendered we can get you off.

Faith: (slight grin) You don't know how many men have promised me that.

Lilah: I'm certain you won't be disappointed in our performance.

Faith: (shrugs) Who am I supposed to kill?

Lindsey moves to stand next to Lilah, dropping the file on his desk.

Lindsey: Please understand that we would never advocate the killing of another human being. His name's Angel.

Faith takes a step closer with interest.

Lindsey: He's somewhat of a private--

Faith: No problem.

Lindsey and Lilah exchange a look.

Lee: Well, don't you want to know anything more?

Faith: Yeah. Besides getting me off, how much are you gonna pay?

Lee: (chuckles condescendingly) It might behoove you to know a little bit more about your intended so . . before we discuss remuneration--

Faith: Huh?

He sees her frowning at him.

Lee: Payment. (standing he steps up close to her) I want to make sure you understand this firm is in no way connected to . . anything you do. It's my ass on the line here. I don't want you to make me look bad.

Faith suddenly grabs him by the back of his neck and slams his face into the small table behind her. She lifts him back up to look into his punch-drunk face.

Faith: How do you look now?

She face-slams him again and the camera focuses on Lilah and Lindsey. Off screen we can hear Faith still bouncing Lee's face on the table every other second.

Lilah: (to Lindsey) She shows initiative.

As Faith continues to play with her new toy, Lindsey reaches to the intercom and presses a button.

Lindsey: Jesse.

Jesse: (intercom) Yes, sir?

Lindsey: I think you better make it three for dinner instead of four.

Jesse: (intercom) Very good, sir.

Cut to next day. An elevator opens and Angel, Cordelia, and Wesley step off walking towards the lobby of a spacious building downtown.

Cordelia: And he's kind of a busy man so lunch was the only time he had. It's not the kind of case I'd normally go after but we've got to consider the bottom line.

Angel: What kind of demons are we dealing with?

Cordelia: Well . . it's not exactly a demon thing.

Wesley: What kind of "thing" is it?

Cordelia: It's, uh, kind of . . . husband and wife break up thing.

Wesley: A divorce case?

Angel: You're kidding?

She stops to face them.

Cordelia: What's wrong with a divorce case?

Angel: It's not what we do.

Cordelia: According to the husband, the wife's a real witch.

Wesley: Seems a bit on the seedy side.

Cordelia: This is not seedy. He's in government. Just talk to him. Oh, and we should pick up the tab for lunch. Nothing says success less than splitting the bill.

Angel: I didn't bring any money with me.

Cordelia: Okay, Elvis. When you're a big star you can get away without carrying cash. (Wesley pulls out his wallet from his jacket) And while we're on the subject, I think one of us should apply for a small business loan. (no one notices Faith standing just a few feet behind Angel) Just to get us through the rough spot.

Faith raises a large crossbow and aims at his back.

Cordelia: (to Angel) I mean, what's a thirty year loan to you?

Faith releases and Angel instantly spins to catch the arrow in his fist before it hits him. They just look at each other for a second. Then Faith breaks into a smile, lowering the crossbow.

Faith: That was so cool!

Wesley and Cordelia realize what just happened and look worried.

Faith: This is gonna be fun.

Faith turns and runs out of the building into the daylight. Angel and the others just stare after her.

Wesley: Oh, my God. Faith.

Angel: I thought she was in a coma?

Cordelia: Pretty lively coma.

Angel glances at the arrow in his hand and we--

Cut to his office. He's sitting at his desk just hanging up the phone.

Angel: Giles said she left Sunnydale about a week ago. Described her mental state as borderline psychotic.

Cordelia is sitting in front of his desk.

Cordelia: That explains her outfit.

Wesley is leaning against the doorway of the elevator.

Wesley: This isn't right.

Cordelia: When a whacked out Slayer tries to kill your boss, it's very wrong.

Wesley: I meant Giles. (starts pacing, slightly miffed) Why didn't he give me the heads-up? I was Faith's Watcher! When she came out of her coma Giles should've contacted me immediately.

Cordelia: Maybe he was busy trying to keep her from --I don't know-- killing everybody?

Angel: He didn't know she was coming after me. He was worried about Buffy.

Cordelia: Is she okay?

Angel: Yeah.

Cordelia: What can we do?

Angel: Help me track her down. (Cordelia grabs a pen and notepad off his desk) I want you two to check police reports. Beatings, killings, anything within the last week. Possibly near bus stations and bars. And then you make yourself scarce. I don't want to give her any free targets.

Wesley: (stepping close to his desk) You've been targeted by a psychotic, I'm certainly not going to run and hide.

Cordelia: (a beat) I like the plan where I'm scarce.

Wesley: We've got to band together. Strength in numbers.

Cordelia: (standing) Two's a number.

Angel: (also standing) She's coming for me. I got a fight coming up, I don't want you getting in the way.

Wesley: I thought we were a team?

Angel: (sternly) We're not a team. I'm your boss. You go where I tell you and I tell you to lay low.

Cordelia walks to the other side of the room giving them space.

Wesley: It seems you're taking this personal--

Angel: (firmly) Well, you know, she tried to shoot my own personal back, so, yeah!

Wesley: Did she do something to Buffy?

Angel: (a beat) Giles just said it was rough.

Wesley: I'm sorry. But if you let emotion control you right now, one of you will certainly end up dead.

Angel: (softly) Well, that's what the lady wants.

Wesley: That's not good enough! She's not a demon, Angel! She's a sick, sick girl. If there's even a chance she can be reasoned with--

Angel: (sternly) There was. Last year, I had a shot at saving her. I was pulling her back from the brink when some British guy kidnapped her and made damn sure she'd never trust another living soul.

Cordelia: (behind Wesley) Angel, it's not Wesley's fault that some British guy ruined your-- Oh, wait. (to Wesley) That was you. (gives Angel a wave) Go on.

Wesley: (chastised) You don't need to.

Angel: (softly) Let's just get to work.

Fade to black. Then Angel opens the cabinet doors to his weapons cache and we see various types; battle axes, swords, throwing stars . . . . when he senses something upstairs. He closes the doors without taking any of the weapons and heads up the stairs. Stepping into his office, he searches for any hidden danger, taking a look inside the open elevator. He moves cautiously to his door. In the outer office he hears the blinds being lifted and sees sunlight shine in. He stops, knowing who it is, then slowly approaches the door. We see Faith standing in front of the window. She turns her head and sees him.

Faith: (smiling) Hey, baby! Come give us a hug!

She beckons to him as she steps away from the window standing in the sunlight.

Angel: I was hoping you'd stop by. Always good to see old friends.

Faith reaches to the back of her waistband and pulls a .38 revolver from under her jacket. She thumbs back the hammer. Angel is unimpressed.

Angel: What's this? Wooden bullets?

Faith: Ooo. Good idea, but no. This is for you. You know I'm gonna kill ya slowly and inventively. (tossing him the gun) So I'm gonna give you one chance to--

Angel catches it and immediately aims for her leg and pulls the trigger. The shot is deafening and Faith glances down at herself. Unharmed, she looks at him again and laughs.

Angel: Blanks.

Faith just gives him a knowing tilt of her head.

Angel: Nice.

He tosses the gun back to her. She catches it and shakes her head disapprovingly.

Faith: Tsk, tsk. You didn't shoot to kill. We're gonna have to up the stakes. Get you in the game a little.

Angel: What's the game, exactly, Faith? Boredom. Revenge.

Faith: Dude, I'm getting paid. They hate you almost as much as I do.

Angel: Ever occur to you this might be more fun for me?

Faith: You think? 'Cause what if you killed me and experienced that one true moment of pleasure? Oops. (smiling) I'd get off on that. Go ahead. Do me. Let's take that hellride together. Come on, Angel! I'm all yours! I'm giving you an open invitation.

Angel doesn't respond.

Faith: Jeez, you're pathetic. (walking towards the window) You and your little tortured soul. Got to think everything through. Well, think fast, lover. You don't do me you know I'm gonna do you.

She raises the gun and aims at him. Angel doesn't seem concerned. She pulls the trigger. The bullet hits him in the chest and he stumbles back against the wall.

Faith: Gosh. That one wasn't a blank.

Through his pain, Angel just watchers her.

Faith: Let the games begin.

Faith runs and as she crashes through the window--

FLASHCUT.

Nighttime. Wolfram and Hart building. An elevator opens in the lobby of the building and Lindsey steps out with another lawyer.

Lindsey: I'm telling you it's off. The situation we're handling.

Lawyer #1: I read the file. It needs to be handled. Uh, I gotta jump.

The lawyer turns down a hallway and Lindsey heads off across the busy lobby. From the front doors Angel walks in, wearing a dark suit and carrying a briefcase. He glances at the security desk where the guard has the phone to his ear and talking to a delivery man. No one notices him until--

Lawyer #1: You . . .

He sees the lawyer pointing at him with his cell phone. He was talking to a female lawyer in the hall. Now he approaches Angel giving him a stern look.

Lawyer #1: Were in the Gruber meeting.

Angel: Right.

Lawyer #1: What the hell is going on with those people!

Angel: I know, it's--

Lawyer #1: I mean, is this a negotiation or a cotillion?

Angel: That's exactly what I was trying to tell Frank.

Lawyer #1: Who's Frank?

Angel: (not missing a beat) Works with Louisa in contracts.

Lawyer #1: Contracts. The problem is not contracts!

Angel: That's what I was trying to tell--

The lawyer's phone beeps and he signals for Angel to hold on while he answers it.

Lawyer #1: (sighs) Go. Yes. Yes. N-no. Thursday! Th-- (closes the phone) We have to close Gruber now! Before the soft offer becomes hard and the stock goes--

Angel: Through the ceiling!

Lawyer #1: In the toilet!

Angel: Right!

Lawyer #1: Keep me in the loop, will ya? I want to know the instant they fold. (he's about to leave then stops) They are folding?

Angel scoffs giving him a "of course" look.

Lawyer #1: Look, uh, gotta jump. E-mail me. Good to see ya.

Angel: You too.

The lawyer hurries off and Angel walks to the elevators. Cut to closeup of Lindsey McDonald's nameplate on his office door and Angel walks inside. It's dimly lit and he sets down his briefcase on the table and walks to Lindsey's desk, sitting down. He starts looking through the files on top then opens a drawer and pulls out another one, when Lindsey enters the office.

Seeing Angel sitting at his desk, Lindsey shakes his head with a grin. He puts down his briefcase next to Angel's.

Lindsey: Don't you have any respect for the law?

Angel: Nice office. Good view. (standing) Where's Faith?

Lindsey: Should I know what you're talking about?

Angel: Your new employee.

Lindsey: It's a big firm. Tell you want I'll do. I'll give you the number to personnel, though. I'm sure they'll be glad to handle your problem.

Angel: You'd remember this one. Pretty. Dark hair. Kills things.

Lindsey: I assure you we have strict hiring practices.

Angel: So how's it work for a guy like you? (stepping towards the long row of windows looking out over the city) Successful lawyer in a big law firm. Company car. (faces him) Nice office. Bonus. Can hire a killing whenever you want. Kind of got it made, right?

Lindsey: Well, we'll just add slander to breaking and entering. While we're on the subject, I remember you throwing one of my clients through a window. Killed him, if I'm not mistaken.

Angel: Yes. I seem to remember. (turns to the window again) The window was just about that size. Hm. (walks up to Lindsey) Too bad the body burned up before it hit the ground. I might've needed a good lawyer.

Lindsey: (unconcerned) I'm sorry, we only handle a certain class of clientele.

Angel: I'm sure I killed enough people to qualify. Where is she?

Lindsey: You know, a vampire can't walk in here without us knowing it. He have a highly sophisticated security system. Spent a fortune on mystical barriers and such. Nice knowing our investment paid off.

A security guard armed with a gun suddenly comes up behind Angel who easily grabs him by the gun hand and slams his head into the small table that has already seen a lot of head bouncing. The guard drops to the floor.

Angel: I think it was a waste of money, myself.

Lindsey: Well, one down. More on the way. And the police have been called. And this whole encounter has been digitally recorded on Hi-Def, so . . . Despite the fact that I'm sure it'll make an entertaining evening watching you fight for your life, not to mention the fortune I can make off the video. I do have a dinner.

Angel picks up his briefcase and stands in front of him.

Angel: Good to see you again Lindsey. (pats him on the shoulder) We'll do this real soon.

Angel walks past him and opens the door. Lindsey turns to face him.

Lindsey: You know, just when I think I got you figured out, you show up in a suit.

He smiles but Angel doesn't even look back as he leaves.

Cut to Cordelia's apartment building. Cordelia and Wesley are rounding the corner in the hall to her front door. Wesley is carrying an open folder, reading the contents.

Wesley: There's another assault just two blocks away. Fight in a bar, several arrests made, and a woman fitting Faith's description was involved. However, not arrested.

Cordelia: She charmed her way out?

Wesley: No. Apparently she managed to break a policeman's jaw with his own handcuffs before she disappeared into the night.

Cordelia: (unlocking her door) Huh. For Faith, that is charming.

She starts to open the door but it's slammed shut by an unseen force. Surprised, Cordelia scoffs and exchanges a look with Wesley. She tries to open it again, but it's slammed shut once more.

Cordelia: (exasperated) Phantom Dennis, let us in! It's all right. It's only Wesley.

She turns the knob and pushes the door open and it swings all the way in this time. Shaking her head, she goes inside switching on the light. Wesley follows her and scans the apartment as she closes the door.

Wesley: Dennis, your ghost, I presume?

Cordelia: Yes, he's jealous. (to Dennis) Don't worry. Hell will freeze over before I have sex with him.

Wesley gives her a side-ways look.

Wesley: (muttering) Thank goodness for small favors. (walking over to the phone) I'm gonna try calling Angel again.

Cordelia enters the dining room heading to the hallway.

Cordelia: Okay. I'm gonna pack a bag.

Wesley: Cordelia, please, just a few things. We're not going on safari.

Cordelia gives him a look then turns to enter the hallway. Faith suddenly steps out of the doorway right in front of her. Cordelia gasps.

Faith: I got a little problem.

She regards both of them coolly.

Faith: I don't feel Angel's in the game.

She's looking at Cordelia now who is backing away as the Slayer steps closer to her .

Faith: But somehow I think you guys are the key. Now what can I do to really make him hate me? Hmmm.

Cordelia has backed up against the dining room table and Faith is standing very close.

Wesley: Faith.

Faith: Shut up, Wesley.

He enters the dining room approaching her.

Wesley: Listen to me. It's not too late.

Faith: (faces him) For cappuccino? 'Cause it just keeps me up.

Wesley: It's not too late to let me help you.

Cordelia: (scared) Yes. We want to help you.

Wesley: I realize there've been failures . . on both sides. But I also believe in my heart that you are not a bad person.

Faith seems to consider his words for a second. Then she slams her elbow into Cordelia's face who falls to the floor. Faith grins at him.

Faith: What do you believe in your heart now?

Wesley punches her in the face. He looks pissed. Faith doesn't go down but looks surprised, a hand on the side of her mouth. Then she smiles at him.

Faith: All right, Wes! My turn.

She launches a side kick that hits him in the midsection and Wesley goes sliding across the floor into the living room until he hits the wall.

FLASH FADE OUT.

~~~~~~~~~~ Part Three ~~~~~~~~~~

Fade in. Borsa, Romania 1898. Nighttime in town. A horse-drawn carriage crosses the frame down the street. Cut to Angelus walking a bit unsteadily in a dark alley. He sees a group of people walking out of a tavern. A Romanian man and woman, arms linked. There are two other men with them. They are talking and laughing.

Angelus staggers out of the alley towards them.

Angelus: Mie foame! **Translation (I'm hungry!)

Man: (waving him away) Pleaca de aici. **( Get away.)

Woman: Lasal in pace e un cersetor. **( Leave him be he's just a beggar.)

The man pulls out a coin from his pocket.

Man: Bae o bere. **(Have a pint on us.)

He tosses it to Angelus and it hits him in the chest and falls to the mud at his feet. He bends down to pick the coin up and throws it back at the man.

Angelus: Nu vreau banii rai. **(I don't want your money.)

Man: (angered) Ce ai spus! **(How dare you!)

Angelus puts on his vampire face and glares at the woman.

Angelus: O vreau pe ea. **(I want her.)

He lunges for her.

Woman: (screaming) E un monstru! **(He's a monster!)

The three men quickly grab him before he can reach her.

Angelus: (shouting) Eu sunt monstru! **(I'm a monster!)

He struggles against them as they drag him into the alley. Terrified, the woman watches as they disappear into the dark.

Angelus: (shouting) Monstru! Eu sunt monstru! Eu sunt monstru!

She listens and we hear punches landing, then the woman steps back as one of the men comes flying out of the alley and lands in the mud, not moving. Then everything is quiet and she looks into the alley again.

Woman: Rudolph? I esti bime? **(Are you all right?)

She sees a man staggering in the shadows towards her.

Woman: Rudolph?

She sees it's Angelus who starts running at her and she turns to flee, but he grabs her from behind and she screams as he drags her into the alley. He presses her up against the wall, his fangs already in her neck. Her mouth is open in a silent scream and the camera pulls away above them as he feeds.

Cut to Cordelia's apartment. The light is off again and Angel opens the door, stepping inside. He quickly sees Cordelia on the floor in the dining room and rushes to her.

Angel: Cordelia.

She's just coming to and he helps her up and into a chair.

Cordelia: Angel. Sh-she was already here! I didn't know! And (starts to sob) . . I made Wesley come with me. (sob) Just to get a couple of things! She was like an animal! She said that you weren't in the game! There was nothing . . we could do!

There is an ugly bruise on her cheek.

Angel: (softly) Take it easy.

Cordelia: (sobbing) I'm sorry.

She composes herself after a few seconds and looks around the apartment.

Cordelia: What about Wesley? Is he okay?

Angel: He's not here.

Cordelia looks at him, worried.

Cut to closeup of Wesley's feet. They are tied to the legs of a wooden chair with thick rope. The camera pans and we see his hands are tied behind the back of the chair. Faith is pacing around him regarding him thoughtfully, chewing on her thumbnail. Wesley watches her weakly. He is gagged with a white scarf, a knot shoved into his mouth. He doesn't have his glasses and there is a small cut running down the side of his cheek under the corner of his right eye and his bottom lip is split.

Faith looks a bit haggard herself. There are dark circles forming around her eyes. She suddenly jumps on Wesley's lap, straddling him, and he groans in pain. Faith slowly sticks her index and middle fingers into her mouth, wetting them, and starts rubbing them hard against his cut. He reacts to the pain.

Faith: All these little cuts and bruises, just bring out the mother in me.

She smiles at him. She sees he's about to pass out from the pain so starts slapping his face. She puts her hands on his cheeks to make him look at her.

Faith: Come on. Now, now. Don't poop out on me, dammit!

She reaches down and grabs him by the crotch, really causing him pain.

Faith: (voice a bit shaky) Otherwise this is all just going to be over too fast! And you'll be dead and I'll be . . . bored.

Her grip must have tightened for Wesley is trying not to cry out.

Faith: (raised voice) Come on, Wesley! Where's that stiff upper lip?

She finally releases him and swings her leg off to stand in front of him.

Faith: Now. . we've only done one of the five basic torture groups. We've done blunt.

She counts off with her thumb, pressing the bottom of her fist against his forehead.

Faith: But that still leaves sharp, cold, hot, and loud. Have a preference?

She's leaning her hands on his thighs as she looks at him and sees he wants to say something. She smiles at him.

Faith: Ah, that's great. (taking the knot out of his mouth) It's always better with audience participation.

She kneels down between his knees, looking up at him.

Faith: May I take your order, please?

Wesley leans to the side and spits on the floor, then looks at her.

Wesley: (hushed voice) I was your Watcher, Faith. I know the real you. And even if you kill me there's just one thing I want you to remember.

Faith: What's that, love?

Wesley: You . . are a piece of shi--

Faith stuffs the knot back in his mouth.

Faith: (pissed) You should talk! Huh!? I guess I'll just have to try a little harder!

She pushes away from him and walks across the apartment loft. She sees a picture frame, picks it up, and smashes it on the table it was on. She chooses a long, sharp piece of glass and faces him.

Faith: We'll switch to sharp for a while.

Faith feels the sharp edge with her thumb as she slowly walks to Wesley.

Cut to a closeup of a city map. Cordelia points to a location with her finger. The map is spread out on her coffee table and she and Angel are sitting on the couch. Cordelia is wrapped in a blanket but her voice is calm.

Cordelia: On Monday, a guy was beaten up here. His wallet and car were stolen. He's still in the hospital. Four blocks over is a restaurant where they had a major knockdown drag-out, on Tuesday. Then here, another guy ran into something he referred to as "the bitch from hell" who sent him home with paramedics. That was on Wednesday.

Angel points to the first spot on the map.

Angel: This was the first. Took his wallet and keys? Is he still in the hospital?

Cordelia: Yeah. We were just gonna go down and talk to him.

Angel: Where's he live?

Cordelia points out the location on the map.

FLASHCUT.

Camera pans up from the alley to the third floor of an apartment building. We see Faith sitting in an open window, staring out into the night. She raises the glass shard in her hand and looks at the blood on it. She lets it drop and it falls to the pavement below and shatters. Faith just sits there quietly. She looks inside at Wesley.

Closeup of Wesley. He looks worse than before. He's still gagged and now there are several cuts in the front of his shirt and he's bleeding from those wounds. Faith slips back inside and walks over to him.

Faith: (sighs) That's refreshing. But I'm feeling a little cold. What say we warm the place up?

Slapping him lightly on the cheek, she walks past him into the kitchen area.

Faith: Did you ever wonder if things would have been different if we never met? (she picks up a candle lighter) And what if you had Buffy and Giles had been my Watcher? Think we'd still be here right now? (giggling) Or would Giles be sitting in that chair?

She clicks the lighter on and off a couple of times. She finds an aerosol can.

Faith: (facing him) Or is it just like fate? Where there's no choice. You were going to be here no matter what. Ever think about that stuff? (walking to him) Fate and destiny. (grabs him by the hair to look in his eyes) I don't.

She walks out in front of him clicking on the lighter. She holds the aerosol can up and sprays into the small flame creating a make-shift blowtorch. Wesley winces at the brightness of the angry flame. Faith kills it and looks at him.

Faith: Not that any of this is your own fault.

She releases another gout of flame just for a few seconds.

Faith: Since this may be the last chance we have to unload on each other, (stands besides him) I feel it's kind of my duty to tell you that if you'd been a better Watcher . . I might have been a more positive role model!

She raises the can and lighter in front of him, pointing them away, and sprays another volley of fire. Sustaining it, she moves it closer to him and he pulls back. But before it can burn him, she shuts it off.

Faith: Face it, Wesley. You really were a jerk. Always walking around like you had some great big stake rammed up your English Channel!

She clicks the lighter a couple of times then gets frustrated and yanks his gag down.

Faith: (angrily) You know, I think I want to hear you scream.

Wesley: (weak but determined) You never will.

She releases two quick bursts of flames in front of him. She raises her eyebrows at him. She steps even closer standing over his leg looking down at him.

Faith: Admit it, Wesley. (clicking the lighter) Didn't you always kinda have the hots for me?

She raises the can again and this time the flame is closer to his face and Wesley is flinching away when--

The apartment door is kicked off its hinges and flies inside. Angel is already striding in as it hits the floor. Faith drops the lighter and aerosol can and pulls out a pocket knife, moving behind Wesley and pressing it against his throat.

Faith: About time, soul boy. Ready to play now?

Angel is looking right at her.

Angel: I'm ready.

~~~~~~~~~~ Part Four ~~~~~~~~~~

Fade in. Borsa Romania 1898. Looking into the alley. We can see two of the men lying unconscious.

Angelus: (OS) **(I can't, oh God, I can't!)

Angelus stumbles out of the alley, his vamp face gone, and hurries out into the street. Behind him, the Romanian woman leans against the wall as she walks to the corner of the building and watches him. She touches the bite wound on the side of her neck and lets her back rest against the wall.

Angelus crosses to the other side of the street and leans against the side of a building to steady himself. Then he continues on into the night.

Cut to Faith. She's holding Wesley by the hair, knife at his throat.

Faith: Okay. You showed. But how do I know if you're really in this. I mean, if I kill him, would that help? (chuckling) Or just be really funny?

Angel starts circling round them subtly moving closer.

Angel: You think I don't know what you're after? I do.

Faith: You I have to kill. Wesley's just for the hell of it.

Angel: This isn't about Wesley. It's about you and me.

Faith: No, baby. He's payback.

Angel: For what? I thought you were happy with the way you are? By the way, you never told me how much I'm worth dusted. Just out of curiosity.

She lets go of Wesley's hair but keeps the knife on him.

Faith: Fifteen-thousand plus expenses.

Angel: (scoffs) You're kidding.

Faith: Hey. I'm young. Willing to work my way up.

He stops directly in front of them and glares at her.

Angel: You feel young? Do you, Faith? You're looking pretty worn-out to me.

Faith doesn't say anything but seems to be angered by this. Wesley takes the opportunity to suddenly tilt his chair back and falls away from her knife. This takes her by surprise and Angel springs forward with a side kick to her midsection sending her to the floor. On his back, Wesley sees Faith's knife drop to the floor a few feet from him, standing on it's sharp tip.

When Faith gets back to her feet she's armed with a stake in each hand. She charges him and Angel side steps around her. She whirls to face him again and he deflects and blocks her strikes and kicks. Then she gets a side kick through hitting him in the stomach. He recovers and responds with an inward crescent kick knocking one of her stakes out of her hand. She spins into a backhand strike with the other one but Angel catches her hand and sends a left cross into her face followed by a backhand with the same fist. He swings her around and tosses her onto the sofa. He's now holding the stake and he breaks it over his knee.

Faith: (seething) That all you got, vampire? Get in the game!

She sends a kick under the coffee table and flips it up into his face. As Angel recovers, Faith springs off the couch at him wrapping her legs around his waist, the impact sending him against the wall. When they hit the wall Faith headbutts him painfully in the face and he staggers on his feet, carrying her. She hits him with another headbutt, then a left cross to the face followed by a right. He falls on his back, Faith still on top, and she starts slamming her fist into his face.

Faith: (shouting) Come on, Angel! I thought you were bad!?

She tries to hit him with a right hook but he catches her arm and tosses her off. She quickly gets to her feet and grabs a tall lamp stand. Angel's still on his hands and knees when she brings it down on his head but he moves out of the way just in time. Faith lifts it back up into his face flipping him off the floor and he lands hard on his chest. She swings the lamp down hitting him in the side and lifts him off the floor sending him tumbling through the air over the sofa where he lands in the alcove under the low ceiling of the upstairs loft. Dropping the lamp, Faith leaps over the couch as he's getting up and slams him in the back and he crashes into a dresser with an audio system stacked on it. He falls to the floor. As he's trying to get back up, she grabs a large vase and smashes it down on his back. He flops on his stomach. Faith reaches down, grabs him by the back of his coat and lifts him straight up bouncing him hard off the ceiling and bringing him back down to the floor with great force.

She pulls him to his feet and pushes him against the side of the ladder, leading to the upper floor, and throws a punch at his face. He side steps the blow but she sends a maul kick up to catch him in the face and he stumbles back under the steps. Holding the side of the ladder, she kicks out with both legs and he barely avoids her boots as they slam into the wall behind him. From the other side of the ladder, Angel takes a swing at her. Faith dodges and slams his arm with an elbow, following through with a fist across his face. She grabs him and sends him flying over the couch again and he lands on his back close to the windows.

Faith: (shouting) You can't take me! No one can take me!

She charges after him as he's getting to his knees and launches a flying kick at him. Angel grabs a chair, by the wall, and swings it at her. It shatters when Faith hits it and she falls to the floor. Wesley watches as Angel stands over her still form and rolls her onto her back. She suddenly brings her leg up to kick him in the face and he goes sliding across the living room floor. He gets to his feet just in time to take Faith's jump kick in the back slamming him against a china cabinet. He moves out of the way as she brings an axe kick down at his head and her boot crashes through the glass shelves, but her leg gets hung up. Angel steps in punching her across the face then gets his arms under her raised leg and around her back, lifting her up and slams her face-down on the floor. Immediately, he grabs the back of her shirt and waistband and sends her sliding across the floor to the other side of the apartment.

Faith picks up a sharp piece of wood, from the broken chair, as she stands up and faces him.

Faith: (shouting) Come on!

She charges him and Angel catches her, wrestling with her stake, driving her back. Wesley watches helplessly as they both crash through the window and fall three stories down. Faith hits the closed dumpster first quickly followed by Angel and they tumble into the deserted alley. Faith gets up just a little sooner than Angel and grabs the back his coat swinging him roughly to the ground.

Faith: YOU'RE GONNA DIE!

He tries to get up but Faith kicks him in the back sending him face-first into the brick wall on the other side of the alley and he stumbles back to her.

Cut to above. Wesley has reached the knife in the floor and is trying to cut through the bonds on his hands.

Faith: YOU HEAR ME?!

She snaps three quick round kicks into his face, stomach, and face again. He's completely dazed as she grabs him by the lapels.

Faith: YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT EVIL IS!!

She swings him around and throws him high through the air. He bounces off the chainlink guard covering the large windows and tumbles to the ground.

FLASHCUT.

Wesley, hearing the fight below, is still working furiously to free himself.

Below.

Faith: I'm bad!

It starts to rain as Faith hits Angel with a hard uppercut to his chin. She hits him with another punch and a backhand sending him against the building. Furious, she grabs him and swings him around to face her.

Faith: Fight back!

She batters him with more punches. Then he manages to deflect one swing and block another, but she counters with a fist to his gut.

Above. Wesley has succeeded in freeing himself and begins to untie his feet.

Faith punches Angel across the face then hits him with a roundhouse kick and he stumbles to the middle of the alley. She comes after him and he ducks under her right hook and catches her left hook under his arm. His face is close to hers.

Angel: Nice try, Faith.

He tosses her into the air and Faith tumbles on the pavement when she lands. Angel stalks after her as she gets to her feet. They are both soaked and the rain continues to come down hard.

Angel: I know what you want.

Faith punches him hard in the face. Angel retaliates with a punch of his own and she drops to the wet pavement.

Angel: And I'm not going to do it!

She's on her feet again and he blocks her next two punches and when she tries to kick him he catches her leg and slams it back down.

Above. Wesley looks down from the broken window and sees Faith slamming a knee into Angel's midsection. He hurries to the kitchen and grabs a butcher knife. There is a resolved look on his face as he heads out of the apartment.

In the alley Faith tries to kick him again but Angel catches her leg and slams it back down.

Angel: I'm not going to make it easy for you.

Faith starts throwing wild punches at him which he easily avoids. Then she's suddenly flailing her arms at him.

Faith: (screaming) I'M EVIL! I'M BAD! I'M EVIL Do you hear me? I'm bad! Angel, I'm bad! (She begins to sob, grabbing a hold of Angel's shirt and shaking him) I'm ba-ad. Do you hear me? I'm bad! I'm bad! I'm bad. Please. Angel, please, just do it."

Wesley comes running out of the house.

Faith sobbing: "Angel please, just do it. Just do it. Just kill me. Just kill me."

Angel wraps his arms around her shoulders and pulls her against him. She over balances them and they sink to their knees, Angel still holding her as she cries.

Angel: "Shh. It's all right. It's okay. I'm here. I'm right here. Shh."

The camera shows the knife dropping from Wesley's hand as he stands in the pouring rain, staring at them, while Faith cries and thunder rumbles overhead.

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