JJeeves
I think you know, sir.
[Angel, breathing hard, is staring at the stakes. Darla, breathing hard, closes her eyes.]
Stakes? You call this (starts coughing) a test? The only way this can work is you kill me, huh?
JJeeves
Exactly. You do understand, this third test has no catch, as you will find out it. Death is the final challenge. We can't restore one life without taking another. You see? In order for Darla to live, you must die.
JJeeves
I apologize for any discomfort this may be causing. I really - can't imagine the pain.
How about we switch places and we won't have to, huh?
JJeeves
Oh, my death wouldn't balance a thing, sir. Yours on the other hand...
JJeeves
Yes. I'm unaware of any deities the vampire worships, but if you'd like to pray... [pulls a lever and the stakes pull back, spring-loaded into place] ...now would be the time.
[Angel stares at the stakes.]
What are you waiting for?
JJeeves
For you, sir. I can't proceed without your permission. You've earned a choice. Accept your death so she may live or...
JJeeves
Leave. Refuse the challenge and walk away. No one will stop you. Our doors are all open to you. You've done that yourself.
JJeeves
I expected as much. A pity. I'm beginning to like you.
JJeeves
I'd very much like to. [Steps closer.] Do you mind if I ask you a question? Isn't the world a better place with you in it? You can save so many people. It seems she can barely save herself.
[Angel doesn't answer. Darla has a tear in her eye.]
JJeeves
You know better than anyone the world can be a very bad place. Take yourself out, put her in - how long will it be before she stumbles, before she falls?
JJeeves
No, you don't. Are you still ready to give her life when she can promise you - nothing?
[Darla licks her lips and swallows.]
[Angel takes a deep breath.]
[Jeeves releases the stakes and they hurtle towards Angel.]
[She squirms, her eyes closed. She opens them to see Angel in front of her, once again fully dressed but panting, hunched over, barely able to stand.]
JJeeves
Congratulations. You've passed the third test by accepting death. I'm told no one's ever gone that far before in terms of sacrifice. Kudos.
JJeeves
Of course. [To Darla] You're a lucky woman, and soon you'll have your whole life ahead. Use it wisely.
Hey, Jeeves, unless this fortune cookie crap is some new kind of torture, what you say we get on with it, huh?"
[He puts his hands on the sides of her head and they both close their eyes as Angel tries to straighten up so he can get a better view. Jeeves opens his eyes and lets his hands drop.]
JJeeves
This is very embarrassing.
JJeeves
Not to mention unprecedented. She's...she's been given new life once before by supernatural means, yes?"
JJeeves
I can't help you.
We had a bargain. She's earned a second chance.
JJeeves
She's living her second chance. [The wall shivers and a set of stairs leading up appears.] But you played the game magnificently. [Angel gives him a dark look and Jeeves adjusts his cuffs.] Perhaps you should have told us that she was brought to life before this all started. I truly am sorry, sir. The fact of the matter is... [Steps back and dissolves ...there is nothing I can do.
[Angel doesn't move.]
[Angel reacts angrily.]