TEASER
FADE IN:
EXT. PETERSON FRONT YARD - NIGHT
We don't know the house, or the MAN that is walking across
the yard. He stops to pick up some toys that have been
scattered around the yard.
MAN
Kids. How many times do I have to
tell them to put their toys away?
DEMON POV
We're now seeing the man from a distance, from behind a bush.
We can hear HEAVY BREATHING from the demon.
The man puts the toys near the front steps and starts to
head toward the door.
The demon moves a little closer. It must step on a twig,
because we can hear a SNAPPING sound. The demon pauses for a
moment.
The man stops and turns around. He scans his front yard.
MAN (CONT'D)
Hello?
Just as the man turns around to go into his house, the demon
rushes toward him. It's no longer trying to hide the fact
that it's there.
The man turns around again, and sees the demon coming toward
him. He yells, and tries to run into the house, but he isn't
fast enough.
We see the demon run him down.
ANGLE ON : THE FRONT DOOR
A splatter of blood shoots across the door, as we hear
STRUGGLING in the background.
Finally, the struggle stops. For a moment, there is no sound
at all.
Then, the man's corpse crashes through the front door, with
such force that the door is knocked off it's hinges.
We can hear a WOMAN'S VOICE inside of the house. She's
startled by what she sees. Then she's just scared as hell.
2.
WOMAN (O.S.)
Mike? Oh, God! Mike! Kyle, call the
police!
For the first time, we see the demon, HAH'REE. It's an ugly
sucker too. He has the skin of a snake, but has a line of
hair that runs from his head (mohawk style), down his back,
and finally ends up as a tail.
Hah'Ree walks up the front porch, and into the house. He
walks past the man's corpse on the ground, and heads off to
the side, toward the woman.
We hear a SCREAM. Some GLASS BREAKING. And then, silence.
INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - FOYER - NIGHT
The same night as the end of the last episode. The same scene
playing out. The DOORBELL RINGS.
BUFFY (O.S.)
I'll get it.
Moments later, BUFFY walks into the foyer from the dining
room.
She walks to the front door. She opens it. When she sees who
is on the other side, her face drops.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
Oh my god.
REVEAL HANK SUMMERS standing on the other side of the door.
A nervous smile on his face.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
Dad.
They just look at each other for a moment. Finally, he speaks.
HANK
Hi.
Buffy looks back toward the dining room and then decides to
take this outside where she won't be heard. She pushes Hank
out of the doorway, and walks out of the house, closing the
door behind her.
EXT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - FRONT PORCH - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT
She's not happy to see him.
BUFFY
What are you doing here?
HANK
I know I should have called.
3.
BUFFY
I'd have also accepted you not coming.
HANK
You're mad.
BUFFY
Congratulations. You figured it out
through all my subtlety. Now, please
leave.
HANK
I want to see you and Dawn. I want
to talk to you.
BUFFY
We don't want to talk to you.
HANK
I'm your father. I have a right to
see my daughters.
Buffy chuckles.
BUFFY
Our father? Is what what you think
you are? We haven't even heard...
You know what? I'm not getting into
this. Just leave.
HANK
Buf--
BUFFY
I said, leave.
Buffy walks back into the house, closing the door in Hank's
face.
He stands there for a moment, trying to figure out what to
do next. This didn't go as he'd hoped it would.
Finally, he turns around and walks away.
INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - FOYER - NIGHT
Buffy is leaning against the door, trying to deal with what
just happened. She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath.
INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - DINING ROOM - NIGHT
WILLOW and XANDER are still sitting, talking. They're smiling.
XANDER
I was thinking I'd carve mine into a
horribly disfigured priest, but then
(MORE)
4.
XANDER (CONT'D)
I decided that there probably weren't
a lot of people around here who'd
get that. In the end, I decided
against insulting a large chunk of
the population.
WILLOW
Probably a good idea.
Buffy walks back into the room. Willow and Xander look up at
her, still smiling.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
Who was at the door.
Buffy doesn't want to tell them. She just want to forget it
ever happened. She thinks for a second, then replies.
BUFFY
Oh, that was... Wrong number.
She sits back down. Willow and Xander know something's not
right, but they decide not to push. Willow tries to get past
it.
WILLOW
So, Buffy, we were just talking about
our jack-o-lanterns for the front
porch. Whatcha gonna carve yours
like.
Buffy's mind is on other things. She looks up at Willow,
still a little distant.
BUFFY
I'll think of something.
FADE TO BLACK:
END OF TEASER
5.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
INT. MOVIE STORE - NIGHT
DAWN and RYAN are closing up the store. Dawn is just finishing
vacuuming. She turns it off and starts to wrap up the cord.
Ryan is just finishing counting the money in the register.
RYAN
I swear, the store must do all of
it's business during the day. I hardly
see anyone come in here all night,
and there's still a pretty nice amount
of cash in the register.
DAWN
It's a conspiracy.
RYAN
With a sister like mine, I've learned
not to joke about those things. She'd
probably think it was "big" video,
out to make a quick buck by seeding
the store.
DAWN
I'm not sure that makes sense.
RYAN
I never claimed to be logical.
Ryan writes down his numbers and heads into the back room.
Dawn straightens some movie covers along the wall. A moment
later, Ryan comes back out.
RYAN (CONT'D)
So, you going to the Halloween bash
at the Bait-N-Breakfast?
DAWN
I was thinking about it. My friend,
Willow, managed to rope me into
pairing up with her as far as costumes
go.
RYAN
What are you going as?
DAWN
Well, she's planning on going--
Before Dawn can finish her sentence, POLICE CARS SCREAM PAST
the store. Dawn and Ryan both go to the window to see if
they can tell what's going on.
6.
DAWN (CONT'D)
What was that?
RYAN
Police.
DAWN
Yeah, I mean, what are they doing?
RYAN
Don't know.
(then)
Wanna find out?
Dawn thinks about it for a second.
DAWN
Yeah.
Ryan races to the back room. He comes back a second later
with Dawn's jacket and his keys.
RYAN
Let's go.
They rush out of the store.
EXT. MAIN STREET - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT
Ryan stops to lock up. Dawn looks down the street to see
where the police cars sped off to.
ANGLE ON : A MYSTERIOUS MAN
The same MAN from the last episode. Watching Dawn from the
shadows. Still wearing his long coat.
He watches as Dawn and Ryan run off in the direction of the
police cars.
EXT. PETERSON FRONT YARD - NIGHT
The front yard from the teaser. POLICE are swarming all
around, as are ONLOOKERS.
PARAMEDICS carry out a sheet-covered body, and put it into
an ambulance.
Dawn and Ryan rush up to the scene. They're shocked at seeing
the body being taken away.
RYAN
Man.
DAWN
Do you know them?
7.
RYAN
The Petersons. I don't know them too
well, but they come into the store
once in a while.
Ryan notices the front door situation. There are more broken
windows by now too.
RYAN (CONT'D)
Looks like a tornado hit here.
Dawn looks around. She notices something on the ground.
DAWN'S POV
A demon footprint on the ground.
Dawn takes in the sight.
DAWN
Something sure did.
INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Willow and Xander have gone to bed. Buffy is sitting alone
now.
We hear the FRONT DOOR OPEN AND CLOSE. Dawn comes into the
dining room and sees Buffy.
Buffy looks up at her.
BUFFY
You're late.
DAWN
I know. I'm sorry. You won't believe
what happened.
Buffy thinks that Dawn knows about Hank.
BUFFY
Da--
DAWN
Demon attack.
BUFFY
What?
DAWN
Yeah. At one of the houses around
here. The house was ripped apart,
and the two parents were killed.
There was a little boy who managed
to call 9-11, but he's not talking.
(MORE)
8.
DAWN (CONT'D)
Something bad happened and it messed
him up something wicked.
Dawn sits in a chair near Buffy.
DAWN (CONT'D)
I tried to see if I could get close
enough to the scene to find some
clues, but all I saw was a demon
footprint in the dirt.
BUFFY
What'd it look like?
DAWN
Pretty much, a foot.
BUFFY
Do you have anything else to go by?
DAWN
(shaking head)
Sorry. The place was swarming with
uniforms.
BUFFY
"Uniforms"?
DAWN
Sorry. I've been hanging around the
store too long. Ryan likes to play
the old gangster movies. You're lucky
I didn't call them "the fuzz".
Buffy thinks about it for a second.
BUFFY
Okay, we'll check it out tomorrow.
DAWN
Tomorrow? Halloween?
BUFFY
Don't worry. We'll be done in time
for you to go to the party.
DAWN
Aren't you going?
BUFFY
I think I'm just gonna stay here and
help Xander pass out candy.
DAWN
He really needs to get out of the
house more.
9.
Buffy nods. She already knows that.
BUFFY
You should go to bed.
DAWN
'Kay.
Dawn gets up and starts to walk out of the room. Just before
she's gone, she stops and turns around.
DAWN (CONT'D)
Buffy?
BUFFY
Hmm?
DAWN
Why were you just sitting here by
yourself?
Buffy doesn't know exactly what to tell Dawn. She doesn't
want to get into it right now.
BUFFY
Just thinking.
Dawn knows something's up, but doesn't push it.
DAWN
Don't stay up to late.
BUFFY
I'll be up in a bit.
Dawn doesn't have anything else to say. She walks out of the
room. Buffy stays, thinking.
INT. ALFRED P. VANCE HIGH SCHOOL - CLASSROOM - DAY
The STUDENTS are just settling into their seats. The TEACHER
is writing something history-ish on the blackboard.
Dawn sits next to SHELLY. Shelly leans over.
SHELLY
You going to the party this afternoon?
DAWN
Depends.
SHELLY
On what?
DAWN
My sister's checking out some stuff.
(MORE)
10.
DAWN (CONT'D)
I might have to help her when I get
home.
SHELLY
Oh, c'mon. You have to go. Ryan will
be there.
DAWN
So?
SHELLY
What do you mean, "so?"
DAWN
I mean, what do I care if Ryan's
there?
SHELLY
Like you didn't know. He totally
likes you.
DAWN
He does not. We're just friends.
SHELLY
Right.
(beat)
So, do you like him?
DAWN
I just told you, we're friends. That's
it.
EMILY walks into the classroom, and sits near Dawn. Not
because she wants to, but because it's the only empty seat
left. She doesn't even look in Dawn's direction.
Dawn and Shelly don't pay any attention to her.
SHELLY
You're telling me that you don't
like Ryan at all?
DAWN
Not in that way.
SHELLY
Are you blind?
DAWN
No. I just... I don't know. I don't
think of him like that.
The teacher finishes writing and turns around.
11.
TEACHER
Class, settle down.
Shelly and Dawn cut off their conversation and look ahead at
the teacher.
The teacher picks up a stack of papers from her desk and
starts handing them out.
TEACHER (CONT'D)
Yesterday, we took a test. I was
very surprised to see that only two
of you seemed to have a clue what
they were talking about in that test.
The teacher finally gets close to Dawn. She hands Dawn her
test, then hands Emily hers.
TEACHER (CONT'D)
Dawn and Emily. Congratulations, you
too. You seem to be the only two in
the entire class that are capable of
reading.
Emily looks at her test. She got an A.
Dawn sets her test down on her desk. Emily looks over and
sees Dawn's grade. An A+.
Emily can't believe that she got a slightly lower score than
Dawn. She'd probably huff out of the room if she thought she
could get away with it.
Dawn looks at her with a smartass grin. Obviously, these two
never got along.
TEACHER (CONT'D)
As for the rest of the class. Well,
let's face facts. You're all pretty
much doomed to live out your lives
earning minimum wage at the ice cream
shop.
Shelly leans in to Dawn.
SHELLY
(whispers)
Can she talk to us like that?
Dawn shrugs.
TEACHER
Nevertheless, my job requires that I
attempt to teach you anyway, so turn
your books to page 152.
The students all open their books.
12.
EXT. ALFRED P. VANCE HIGH SCHOOL - DAY
The school looks quiet. All of the students are inside,
learning (more or less).
Our mysterious stranger in the long coat stands across the
street, looking at the school. All we can see is his back.
INT. PETERSON HOUSE - FOYER/LIVING ROOM - DAY
Buffy and Willow walk through the front doorway, which has
been covered with plastic and police tape. They look at the
mess inside of the house.
Things are broken all over the place. Blood stains are still
on the floor and walls.
WILLOW
Yikes. Look at this place. The blood
and the... other stuff. It couldn't
have been fun to be these people.
BUFFY
Also, the horrible death could have
been a clue to that fact.
WILLOW
Oh. Right. I forgot about that.
BUFFY
I guess we should just CSI the place,
and get out of here before someone
finds us.
They start looking around.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
I wouldn't be surprised if Mrs. Gimly
walked in right now. Instead of asking
what we were doing here, she'd
probably ask us if we could do her a
favor.
Willow smiles at the joke. Then she gets a puzzled look on
her face.
WILLOW
So, what are we looking for? I mean...
She points down at the hardwood floor.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
Does that count as a clue?
13.
ANGLE ON : THE FLOOR
Deep scratches in the floor where claws were dragged across
it.
Buffy looks at the scratches.
BUFFY
I don't think so. Not a worthwhile
one, anyway.
She starts looking around again.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
We need to find something to help us
research this demon. We have to figure
out what did this and stop it before
it happens again.
WILLOW
Right. Hey, wouldn't it be neat if
the demon left us a little note that
had all of it's information on it?
Like a little demon resume or
something.
BUFFY
Somehow, I don't think it'll be that
easy.
Buffy stands back and looks at the room.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
Whatever this thing is, I want to
kill it. Look at this. It just comes
into this house and rips it apart.
What gives it the right to ruin a
family's perfectly happy existence
like that?
WILLOW
Well, it doesn't have the right.
That's why we usually kill them.
BUFFY
I know. I'm just saying.
WILLOW
Are you okay?
BUFFY
Yeah, I'm fine. I guess I'm just a
little tired.
14.
WILLOW
Tired because you went to bed late,
or tired because of the wrong number
at the door last night?
Buffy sits on the couch.
BUFFY
You mean, you saw through my clever
web of lies?
WILLOW
Just call me Lady Einstein. So what's
going on?
BUFFY
Dad.
WILLOW
Your father? He was at the door?
BUFFY
Yup. He actually expected me to
welcome him in for a cup of coffee
and a meaningful chat.
WILLOW
But you didn't want to?
BUFFY
What is there to say? Are we gonna
remember the fond memories of the
time he abandoned his family and
didn't come back for three years?
WILLOW
Good point.
Buffy takes a deep breath.
BUFFY
I really didn't need this right now.
Granted, I've had busier times in my
life, but this is just too much.
WILLOW
Sorry.
(beat)
Hey, you could take your mind off of
it, and go to the Halloween party
today.
BUFFY
No. I'm not in a dress-up kind of
mood.
(MORE)
15.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
I'll just stay home with Xander and
hope that there aren't many kids
coming around, so I can eat all the
chocolate myself.
She starts to get up. As she's pushing herself off of the
couch, she stops and winces, feeling something.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
Great.
WILLOW
What?
BUFFY
I think I just found our clue.
Buffy lifts her hand. A piece of Hah-Ree's skin is stuck to
it by a strange green goo.
Willow winces too.
WILLOW
Eew.
FADE TO BLACK:
END OF ACT ONE
16.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Buffy, Willow and Xander are sitting at the table. Willow is
looking at the skin sample under a microscope.
WILLOW
Okay, yeah.
She goes back to her computer and reads a little. Then looks
back to the skin sample.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
That works too.
XANDER
Do we know what we're dealing with?
WILLOW
Hold on a sec.
Willow types something into her computer and waits a second.
Then she reads a little.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
See, that's what I suspected.
BUFFY
What?
WILLOW
Well, I looked at the skin sample,
which looks reptilian.
XANDER
Which is unlike a million other
demons?
WILLOW
I'm not finished. See, the goo was
another clue for me to follow up on.
What I found was a demon species
called the Hu'Mak. They're one
species, but each member has a
slightly different M.O.
BUFFY
Will, cut to the chase. Do we know
our baddie?
WILLOW
We do. His name is Hah'Ree.
17.
XANDER
Harry?
WILLOW
No. Hah'Ree. See this?
Willow points to the skin sample. Buffy and Xander look close.
XANDER
That little strandy thing of fur?
WILLOW
Yeah. Hah'Ree has a line of fur
running down his back.
BUFFY
So what's his deal and how do I kill
him?
WILLOW
His deal is, he attacks families in
their homes and feeds off of their
screams. Something about the sound
vibrations, I think. When he's full,
he secretes this goo and his skin
starts to come off.
BUFFY
So this goo is like demon poop? I
had demon poop on my hands?
Willow shrugs and nods.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
I have to shower like I've never
showered before.
XANDER
How does he find his victims? If we
can tell that, maybe we can stop him
from attacking someone else.
Willow reads some more on her computer.
WILLOW
Not sure. I think he follows someone
home when he picks up a family vibe.
BUFFY
He could track down pretty much anyone
who has a family?
WILLOW
Pretty much. He'll lock onto a victim
and then follow them back home.
18.
BUFFY
I guess we just have to go out and
keep our eyes peeled.
XANDER
My eyes are already peeled enough. I
think I'll stay here.
BUFFY
Nope. Sorry Xand, but you're coming
with me. Maybe your eye will pick up
his scent or something.
Buffy thinks about that sentence for a second.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
You know what I mean.
Xander doesn't want to leave the house, but he gives in.
XANDER
Fine. But if I start freaking out in
public, you can't do that thing where
you pretend you don't know me.
BUFFY
I promise.
WILLOW
I'll go out too, I guess.
BUFFY
To the Halloween party.
WILLOW
Huh?
BUFFY
It's like family central there. You
and Dawn go, like you planned, and
keep an eye out for this demon.
WILLOW
Okay. I'll make sure I check all
shadowy corners and alleys.
EXT. RESIDENTIAL STREET - DAY
Buffy and Xander are walking down the street. Around them,
COSTUMED KIDS are running around in their pre-trick-or-
treating frenzy. Buffy is watching them play. Xander is
keeping his eyes on the road ahead, not watching the kids.
Buffy looks over and sees Xander not watching the people.
19.
BUFFY
Y'know, I think "keeping an eye out"
actually requires that one- I don't
know- keeps an eye out.
XANDER
Hey, my eye's out. It's just out on
the road ahead, as opposed to out on
the kids playing.
BUFFY
Relax a little.
XANDER
Easy for you to say, ye of the non-
demonic eye. I really don't feel
like risking some freaky x-ray felony
at the moment.
BUFFY
Oh. That's actually a good call then.
I thought you were worried about the
cloud-o-vision. Back to the not
watching people.
Buffy continues to watch the kids playing around. Her mind
drifts.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
Halloween is depressing.
XANDER
Because it's the glorification of
everything we risk our lives to put
an end to?
BUFFY
No. Because all of this reminds me
of when I was a kid. Free candy.
Playing dressup. Going out at night,
which was exciting for me back then.
It was all so innocent, wasn't it?
XANDER
I'm the wrong guy to ask. Most of my
Halloween outings ended with my dad
taking my candy bag to make sure it
was all clear of razors, and returning
it in the morning, empty.
BUFFY
Ouch.
XANDER
It wasn't a total loss though.
(MORE)
20.
XANDER (CONT'D)
When I got a little older, I'd give
Willow a chunk of my stash and she'd
hold onto it for me.
BUFFY
She's a pal.
Buffy turns around and takes a look back, then turns back to
face forward.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
I wish this thing would just show
itself already, so I could beat the
crap out of it and get home to my
Jerry Springer version of a life.
XANDER
Yikes.
BUFFY
How else should I describe it? My
dad, who ran off with his slutty
secretary a couple years ago, comes
back into my life now and wants to
play like it's all good.
XANDER
I think that's a little more Montel
than Jerry.
BUFFY
You really need to get out more.
XANDER
I realize that.
BUFFY
So what happens if he decides to
fight me for Dawn?
XANDER
She's seventeen. Can't she pick where
she lives?
BUFFY
Well, there has to be some reason
for it. There has to be a catch.
XANDER
Maybe he just wants to make friendly.
BUFFY
Do I bring you down from your parental
rantings?
21.
XANDER
Sorry. Hank evil.
BUFFY
Thank you.
(then)
I just can't deal with this right
now.
XANDER
As opposed to that better time to
get into emotional war with your
dad?
BUFFY
I'd just like to have more warning.
A couple months to pencil it in and
make excuses for not being able to
see him when we're supposed to meet.
XANDER
I don't think it works like that.
There's never going to be a good day
to do lunch. You just have to kinda
go with it.
BUFFY
I'm not sure that I can. I don't
know if I'm in that place yet.
XANDER
I'm sure you'll--
Before Xander can finish his sentence, he closes his eyes
hard, in pain. He puts his hands on his head and tries to
hold back any screams of pain that he might want to let out.
Buffy tries to help him, but doesn't know what to do.
BUFFY
Are you okay?
He can't respond with words. He just shakes his head.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
Okay. We'll get you home. Don't worry.
She starts to lead him in the direction they came from. As
he tries to walk, his legs weaken. He falls to his knees.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
Xander!
She tries to help him up, but he can't stand.
XANDER
I... can't.
22.
He opens his eyes, looking down toward the street. As he
does, a RIPPLE shoots from his left eye, and RIPS A HOLE in
the street.
Buffy's eyes widen. She looks around to see if anyone's
watching. Luckily, nobody is.
BUFFY
Xander?
The pain is starting to go away now. It still hurts, but
it's getting better. Xander struggles to his feet with Buffy's
help.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
Are you okay?
XANDER
I just ripped a hole in the street,
just by looking at it.
BUFFY
Right.
XANDER
I don't think I'm okay. I think I'm
very much not okay.
Buffy helps him as they start to walk toward home.
BUFFY
Don't worry. We'll figure this out.
XANDER
And if not, I'll just get a cape and
some tights.
BUFFY
Actually, I think they'll probably
be on super cheap sale tomorrow at
the store.
(off his look)
What, I can't kid?
XANDER
Can we get back to talking about
your dad?
HAH'REE'S POV
A ways up the road, from behind a bush, we watch Buffy and
Xander walk off.
INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM/FOYER - NIGHT
Xander is resting on the couch, with a damp towel on his
head. Buffy walks in from the kitchen, with a mug of tea.
23.
She hands it to him.
BUFFY
Careful, it's hot.
XANDER
Buffy, I have a headache, I didn't
revert to being a five year old.
BUFFY
Sorry. Is it getting any better?
XANDER
A little. I should be ready for my
next brain explosion by early
tomorrow.
BUFFY
We'll figure this out. when Willow
and Dawn get home, we'll start working
on it.
XANDER
And are we also gonna stop trying to
get me to leave the house? Another
outing like today and I might kill
someone by mistake.
BUFFY
Yeah. You be the judge from here on
out.
XANDER
And you'll pay for all the pizzas we
order until the end of the year?
BUFFY
You had to push that extra foot,
didn't you?
XANDER
It was worth a shot.
Buffy grabs the remote for the tv and leans back.
BUFFY
Let's see what's on, shall we?
XANDER
We shall.
Just as Buffy's about to turn on the tv, Hah'Ree crashes
through the back window. He lets out a GROWL as he eyes
Buffy and Xander.
Buffy and Xander look up as their eyes widen. It's more shock
than fear.
24.
BUFFY
Geeze! Give a girl a heart attack,
why don't you.
Buffy gets to her feet, tossing the remote control back to
the couch.
Hah'Ree and Buffy stare each other down.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
You really made a bad call here,
pal. Two, actually. First, we're
roommates, not family. Second, I'm a
friggin' Slayer. How stupid was it
to attack me?
Hah'Ree quickly moves toward Buffy, in attack mode. Buffy
avoids him, and punches him in the face.
Hah'Ree stumbles back, but quickly recovers. He comes at
Buffy again. Buffy tries another punch, but Hah'Ree blocks
her and returns with a punch of his own, sending Buffy flying
back into a bookcase.
Xander watches from the couch.
XANDER
You 'kay, Buff?
Buffy gets back up.
BUFFY
Yeah, just getting warmed up is all.
Buffy runs and dives onto Hah'Ree, taking him to the ground.
They roll around a little, struggling for the upper hand.
Finally, Hah'Ree gets on top of Buffy and pins her arms to
the ground. He puts his face close to hers and smells her.
Grossed out, she winces.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
It's called an Altoid. Look into it.
Buffy uses her legs to flip Hah'Ree over her head, onto the
ground behind her. The then flips back on top of him, pinning
him down.
XANDER
Let me know if you need me.
BUFFY
Will do.
Xander turns on the tv, and starts flipping channels.
25.
Buffy punches Hah'Ree in the face, but this forces her to
let one of his hands go. He grabs her and throws her off of
him. Both of them get to their feet.
ANGLE ON : THE FRONT DOOR
Willow and Dawn walk in and stop short at the sight of the
demon fight going on. Willow is in a Harry Potter costume,
while Dawn is dressed as Hermione.
DAWN
Buffy!
BUFFY
Hey, guys. Hold on a sec, 'kay?
Willow and Dawn look at each other.
WILLOW
I guess she doesn't need our help.
They both shrug and join Xander on the couch.
XANDER
Hey.
WILLOW
Hi. What's up?
XANDER
Demon followed us home.
WILLOW
Stupid.
XANDER
Yeah. Guess that's what we get for
talking about family issues in public.
Willow notices Xander's damp towel.
WILLOW
You okay?
XANDER
Yeah, just a little headache that
ripped a chunk out of the street.
WILLOW
Yikes.
Buffy throws Hah'Ree across the room and looks at Dawn.
BUFFY
Dawn, can you get the scythe for me?
26.
DAWN
Yeah.
Dawn reaches under the couch and grabs the scythe. She tosses
it to Buffy.
BUFFY
Thank you.
DAWN
(to Xander and Willow)
We need a better place to keep that.
Buffy goes at Hah'Ree one more time, with scythe in hand. He
GROWLS and goes at her. When they meet, Hah'Ree is surprised
to get the stake end of the scythe through his chest. Within
a few seconds, he drops to the floor, dead.
Buffy turns back to Willow and Dawn.
BUFFY
So how'd the party go?
WILLOW
There were sixty other Harry Potters
there.
BUFFY
Ouch.
DAWN
She still won the prize for best
Harry impersonator though.
WILLOW
I was the only one who could make
things float.
XANDER
(Ricky Ricardo
impersonation)
Lucy, what have I told you about
using your powers in public?
WILLOW
Well, it was competitive out there.
XANDER
(to self)
I should have gone with Sam, or
Jeanie. Those would have made so
much more sense.
Buffy looks down at Hah'Ree's corpse.
BUFFY
I guess we should get rid of him.
27.
Before they can do anything with Hah'Ree, the DOORBELL RINGS.
Everyone looks around at each other.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
Get the corpse into the kitchen,
quick.
Willow and Xander grab the corpse and drag him off toward
the kitchen. Buffy looks down at the scythe, covered in demon
blood, and doesn't know what to do with it. Finally, she
stuffs it under the couch cushion.
Dawn goes to the door and puts her hand on the knob. She
looks back to Buffy for the all-clear. Buffy looks around
and shrugs. It's the best they're gonna get.
Dawn composes herself and opens the door.
Hank is standing outside. He smiles when he sees her.
Dawn's face just drops.
DAWN
Dad?
HANK
Hey, sweetie.
Dawn doesn't know how to react.
DAWN
Wh-- What are you doing here?
HANK
I wanted to see you.
(re: Buffy)
Both of you. Can I come in.
DAWN
Yeah.
BUFFY
No.
Dawn turns around and looks at Buffy.
DAWN
What?
BUFFY
I don't want him in here.
DAWN
But, he's our father.
28.
BUFFY
Not anymore.
DAWN
Buffy-
HANK
It's okay. I know how she must feel.
BUFFY
Do you? That's funny, considering
how much you don't even know me.
HANK
I know.
Hank walks into the house, to Buffy.
HANK (CONT'D)
And that's what I want to change.
I've made mistakes. Bad judgment
calls. I want to make it right.
BUFFY
You can't make it right. After
everything we've been through because
of you, you can't just come back
into our lives and expect us to
welcome you.
DAWN
Buffy, c'mon. At least give him a
chance to explain.
BUFFY
Explain what? Why he hasn't even
cared enough to call us since mom
died?
HANK
Wha--?
BUFFY
No. Stop right there. Before the
excuses and backpeddling starts,
just stop. I don't want to hear it.
DAWN
Well, I do.
BUFFY
(to Hank)
I want you out of my house. Forever.
Dawn walks between Buffy and Hank and looks Buffy in the
eyes.
29.
DAWN
It's my house too. I pay more around
here than you do now. I say he stays.
Buffy looks at Dawn, not wanting to hear this. She doesn't
know how to react.
BUFFY
You want to talk to him? You wanna
catch up on old times? Fine. Do it.
(beat)
But do it without me.
Buffy pushes her way past Dawn and Hank and walks out the
door.
Dawn looks to Hank.
DAWN
She's just...
HANK
I know. She has every right to hate
me forever. So do you.
DAWN
I don't want to. I just want to know
why. I need to know why you never
came back.
HANK
Then I'll try to explain it to you.
It's not going to make sense, and
it's not going to make anything
better, but it's all I can tell.
(beat)
Can we sit down?
Hank moves toward the couch to sit down. Dawn suddenly
remembers that the scythe is under the cushion. She throws
her hands up.
DAWN
Wait!
Hank stops. He looks at Dawn, confused.
DAWN (CONT'D)
The couch is old. Lumpy. You'd be
more comfortable in the chair.
HANK
Oh.
He moves over to the chair. Dawn sits on the couch very
carefully. She finds it very uncomfortable, but tries to
hide it.
30.
Hank looks around the room. He sees the broken window and
the mess from the bookcase.
HANK (CONT'D)
Is everything okay here? The place
looks like a battlefield.
DAWN
So now you're gonna question our
housekeeping skills?
Hank doesn't know how to respond.
DAWN (CONT'D)
Sorry. Trying to break ice. I do
that when things are awkward.
(beat)
Bird flew through the window. Big
mess. So, what brings you here?
INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT
Willow and Xander are sitting on the counter, eating Halloween
candy. Hah'Ree is on the floor under their feet.
XANDER
Sounded pretty bad out there. Think
we should go see what's up?
WILLOW
And get in the middle of their family
fun time?
XANDER
Right. Staying in the kitchen.
WILLOW
I just hope Buffy's okay. She sounded
pretty angry.
XANDER
She'll cool off.
WILLOW
Too bad Hah'Ree didn't attack after
Hank showed up. At least then, she'd
have someone to pummel.
EXT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Buffy is sitting on the front steps, thinking. She is
considering going back inside, but she can't bring herself
to do it.
Finally, she gets up and walks across the front yard. She
heads down the street and out of view.
31.
Seconds after she leaves, the mystery man steps into view.
He watches her go for a moment, and then follows her.
FADE TO BLACK:
END OF ACT TWO
32.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
EXT. MAIN STREET - NIGHT
Buffy makes her way down the street slowly. She watches the
TICK-OR-TREATERS as they run through town on their way to
the next group of houses.
A strange feeling comes over her. She stops walking and just
listens. When she doesn't hear anything out of place, she
starts to walk again, but the feeling isn't gone.
She turns around and looks behind her. There, almost face to
face with her, is our mystery man. Wearing his long coat. We
see his face clearly for the first time. He is in his late
40's, but in good shape. He's tired and dirty. Kinda creepy
looking.
Buffy doesn't skip a beat when she sees him.
BUFFY
Who are you?
When he speaks, it's with a strong Italian accent.
MYSTERY MAN
My name is Luka. I didn't mean to
frighten you.
BUFFY
Who said I was frightened?
Luka doesn't respond.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
Okay, Luka, what's your deal? Vampire?
Demon?
LUKA
Monk.
BUFFY
My next guess. So are you a good
monk, or the kind of monk that works
for the First, and will cause my
friends a lot of pain?
LUKA
I am not evil. I am a follower of
the light.
BUFFY
So what do you want with me?
33.
LUKA
It is not you that I have come to
see. It is your sister.
Buffy steps back and gets a very serious look on her face.
BUFFY
You stay the hell away from my sister.
LUKA
You don't understand. She has a great
force inside of her. You sister is
the Key.
Buffy is surprised to hear him say that. Nobody's used that
term in a very long time.
INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM/FOYER - NIGHT
Dawn and Hank are still sitting. They've been talking for a
while now. Dawn's processing some information. She looks up
at him.
DAWN
It still doesn't make sense. It
doesn't explain why you could act
the way you did.
HANK
I know. I'm not trying to sound like
the good guy here. I just wanted to
tell you my side of the situation,
and hoped that you might forgive me.
Dawn stands up. She walks around the room, trying to think.
DAWN
I want to.
She's about to say something else when the DOORBELL RINGS.
She wonders who it could be, and how they could have such
bad timing.
She walks to the door and opens it. On the other side, a
GROUP OF KIDS is standing, in costume, holding their candy
bags.
KIDS
Trick or treat!
Dawn just stares at them for a second, not responding.
Finally, she snaps back to reality.
DAWN
Oh. Right. Candy.
(beat)
Hold on a sec.
34.
She leaves them at the door and walks into the kitchen. Hank
looks at the kids and smiles.
INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT
Dawn rushes into the kitchen and looks at Willow and Xander,
eating the Halloween candy.
DAWN
Please tell me you didn't eat all of
the candy.
Willow looks down at the bowl. She pushes some wrappers out
of the way.
WILLOW
There are still a few pieces left.
DAWN
Great.
Dawn grabs the bowl.
DAWN (CONT'D)
You do realize that there are kids
that expect candy, right?
XANDER
Sorry.
WILLOW
We won't do it again.
DAWN
You can't do it again. We don't have
enough candy.
WILLOW
You want me to get more?
DAWN
No. Just stay here and deal with the
smelly demon body.
XANDER
'Kay.
WILLOW
How's it going with your dad?
Dawn looks at her, trying to figure out the answer for
herself.
DAWN
I'll let you know when I've figured
it out.
35.
Dawn rushes back out of the kitchen. Willow and Xander look
at each other.
WILLOW
We shouldn't have eaten the candy.
XANDER
We're very bad people.
INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM/FOYER - NIGHT
Dawn gets back to the door and hands out the candy to the
kids.
DAWN
Here you go.
KIDS
Thank you.
DAWN
Happy Halloween.
With a fake smile, Dawn closes the door and turns back to
Hank. Her smile drops.
DAWN (CONT'D)
What were we saying?
HANK
I was asking if you'd forgive me.
DAWN
Right.
Dawn goes back to the living room, but doesn't sit down.
DAWN (CONT'D)
I was saying that I want to, but I
don't know if it's possible to just
make that kind of decision on the
spot. I'm mad at you. You haven't
earned my trust or my forgiveness. I
can't just say that it's all better
now.
HANK
I know.
DAWN
And I wouldn't even try talking to
Buffy for a while if I were you.
HANK
She always knew how to stay mad.
36.
DAWN
But I do know one thing. I don't
want it to be like before. I don't
want you to leave and never come
back. I want to be able to take you
to meet my friends and say "This is
my dad".
HANK
I want that too.
DAWN
But it'll take time. Lots of time.
She thinks about it for a second.
DAWN (CONT'D)
And possibly several expensive gifts.
HANK
Okay.
DAWN
Okay.
There's a silent moment. Hank moves to give Dawn a hug. She
backs away.
DAWN (CONT'D)
We're not at hugging yet.
It's a little awkward. Hank wants to say something, but he
isn't sure how. Finally, he just says it.
HANK
Do you smell something?
Dawn knows it's the demon in the kitchen, but doesn't want
to say anything.
DAWN
Smell? No.
Hank tries to let it go, but he can't. He starts sniffing
the air.
HANK
I'm pretty sure I smell something.
He starts to move toward the kitchen.
HANK (CONT'D)
It's like... dead rat.
Dawn steps in front of him.
37.
DAWN
Isn't it rude to say someone's home
is smelly when you're trying to make
up with them?
He stops.
HANK
You're right. Sorry.
DAWN
Good.
(loudly)
Besides, you really don't want to
see the kitchen.
INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT
Willow and Xander hear Dawn, and jump to their feet.
WILLOW
We're in the kitchen.
XANDER
I noticed!
WILLOW
We have to get rid of the body.
INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Hank wanders into the dining room, looking around. Dawn is
following, trying to keep him out of the kitchen.
HANK
This really is a nice house though.
I'd love a tour.
DAWN
Tour? Umm... Oh--Kay.
(beat)
Well, this is the dining room.
HANK
Nice. You're computer?
DAWN
Willow's. She's into computers and
stuff.
Dawn notices that Willow's computer has a demon database
website displayed on it. She quickly shuts it, so Hank can't
see.
38.
INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT
Willow and Xander are dragging the corpse toward the basement
when they hear Dawn and Hank in the dining room.
WILLOW
They're in the dining room.
XANDER
Which means they're coming in here.
WILLOW
No time for basement.
Willow looks around.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
Window!
XANDER
Window?
WILLOW
Y'know. We can push him out the
window quicker than we can get him
into the basement, and there's less
chance of being seen.
XANDER
But, is it really quicker?
WILLOW
Well, if you'd help me it would be!
XANDER
Right.
They start dragging Hah'Ree toward the window. When they get
to the window, Willow opens it and starts to push Hah'Ree
through it.
WILLOW
Push.
They push as hard as they can, but this sucker is heavy.
Xander is pondering something as he pushes.
XANDER
Will?
WILLOW
Hmm?
XANDER
Why not just use the back door?
Willow stops pushing for a sec. She looks at the back door.
39.
WILLOW
Oh.
INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Hank is looking at the moulding around the doorways. Dawn is
standing in his path to the kitchen.
HANK
This all looks authentic. Is it
original to the house?
DAWN
I'm actually not sure. You might
wanna talk to Xander about that kind
of stuff.
HANK
Xander?
Hank thinks for a second.
HANK (CONT'D)
Right. He's Buffy's friend?
DAWN
Yeah.
HANK
He... lives here?
DAWN
Yeah.
HANK
So you have a man living in the same
house as the three of you girls?
DAWN
Yeah.
HANK
I can't say that I like that.
DAWN
It's fine. We're not having orgies
or anything.
(beat)
We take turns.
Hank looks at Dawn, shocked. Dawn's eyes widen as she tries
to figure out what evil force made her say such a stupid
thing.
DAWN (CONT'D)
That was so not the joke to be making
at a time like this.
40.
EXT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - SIDE OF HOUSE - NIGHT
Willow and Xander are on the ground, each pulling on one of
Hah'Ree's arms.
Hah'Ree finally drops to the ground.
WILLOW
I need to start working out more.
(re: the smell)
And breathing less.
XANDER
Can't you just- y'know- zap him
somewhere?
WILLOW
Zap? No.
(beat)
I could float him though. You want
me to do that?
Xander looks at Willow. Obviously, the answer is yes.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
Right.
Willow looks at Hah'Ree and focuses. Soon, Hah'Ree BEGINS TO
FLOAT.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
Where are we going with him?
A SCREAM comes from nearby. Willow and Xander look toward
the front of the house to see a CHILD, dressed as a fairy,
watching them and screaming at the sight of the floating
demon corpse.
CHILD
Mommy! Mommy!
The child keeps screaming. Willow looks to Xander and then
back to Hah'Ree. HAH'REE DROPS back to the ground.
WILLOW
We have to do something with him.
Xander looks around.
XANDER
I think I have an idea.
EXT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - FRONT PORCH - NIGHT
Willow and Xander pull Hah'Ree up the front steps.
41.
WILLOW
Are you sure about this?
XANDER
As sure as I ever am about one of my
plans.
WILLOW
That's not comforting.
They sit him in a chair on the porch, and pose him.
XANDER
This is Halloween. The one day a
year where we can put a demon on the
front porch without having to worry
about people being around.
Willow is about to respond when she sees more KIDS walking
up the yard in costume.
WILLOW
We have trick-or-treaters.
Xander looks.
XANDER
Just be cool.
The kids get to the front porch.
KIDS
Trick-or...
They stop. The smell is getting to them. They can't take it
anymore. Some start to cry. One or two look like they might
throw up.
WILLOW
Not good.
The kids run off, screaming.
XANDER
On the other hand, they didn't take
any of our candy.
Willow sees the kids talking to their PARENTS and the parents
looking over at the porch.
WILLOW
We have to move him before we get
too many people over here.
Xander thinks for a second.
42.
XANDER
Okay, new plan. Basement.
Willow's confused.
WILLOW
But, how...?
Xander points to the basement window.
INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Hank is ready to move on with the tour. He steps toward the
kitchen.
HANK
What's in here? The kitchen?
DAWN
Yeah. You don't want to see that
though. It's a mess.
HANK
Don't worry about it.
Hank walks into the kitchen. Dawn closes her eyes and gets
ready for hell to break loose. A moment later, Hank pops
his head back into the dining room.
HANK (CONT'D)
This isn't too messy. You should see
my place.
(beat)
You coming?
Dawn opens her eyes and wonders why all hell didn't break
loose.
DAWN
Yeah. Coming.
She walks into the kitchen. The dining room is empty now. We
keep watching the kitchen doorway.
HANK (O.S.)
Hey, do you hear screaming?
INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - BASEMENT - NIGHT
Willow crawls through the window and into the basement. After
she dusts herself off, she looks back to the window.
WILLOW
(whispered)
Okay, pass him down.
43.
XANDER (O.S.)
(whispered)
Can't you float him?
WILLOW
The window's too narrow. He'd bump
into things. Just pass him down here.
XANDER (O.S.)
Fine.
Soon, Hah'Ree's legs are pushed through the window. Willow
grabs on to them and pulls.
WILLOW
Keep pushing.
XANDER (O.S.)
I am pushing.
(then, not whispered)
It's a dummy. Halloween decoration.
Willow's confused.
WILLOW
Huh?
XANDER (O.S.)
(back to whispering)
The kid's mom showed up.
WILLOW
Did she buy it?
XANDER (O.S.)
Think so
Willow managed to get Hah'Ree through the window, about to
his arms and then he stops. She tugs a little more, but he
won't budge.
WILLOW
Keep pushing.
XANDER (O.S.)
I am pushing. You keep pulling.
WILLOW
I am pulling.
(beat)
I think he's stuck.
EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT
Buffy leads the way into an alley. It's dark and out of the
way.
44.
BUFFY
Get in here. The last thing I need
is for the town to hear this
conversation.
Luka follows her until she stops. Once they're sure that
nobody's around, Buffy pushes him against a wall.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
Okay, you're gonna tell me exactly
what the hell you want with my sister,
and how you know that she's--
Buffy looks around again, just to make sure they're still
alone. She turns back to Luka.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
--The Key.
LUKA
You have nothing to worry about,
Miss Summers. As I've told you, I
mean you and your sister no harm. I
simply wish to teach her to harness
her power.
BUFFY
We're doing fine on our own. What
makes you think we need you?
LUKA
Because I know what you don't.
BUFFY
And what's that?
LUKA
I've spent the last three years
studying her.
BUFFY
You've been watching us?
LUKA
No. I've been studying what I learned
about her, from my brethren. Those
who created her. After they were
attacked, one of your sister's
creators managed to escape. He told
me what they'd done.
BUFFY
Stop talking about my sister as though
she was an object.
45.
LUKA
I'm sorry.
(beat)
All I mean is to help you.
BUFFY
How?
LUKA
I will teach her. The Key's power
has always been unstable. Nobody has
been able to harness it. However, it
has never been in human form before.
I believe that your sister would act
like a lense. She could focus the
energy.
BUFFY
Which means?
LUKA
It means that your sister is special.
Exactly how, I will need to figure
out once I've gotten to know her.
The energy's focus would depend on
your sister. Only through
understanding her will I understand
how she might utilize the Key's power.
BUFFY
And how would you do that?
LUKA
I would need to spend time with her.
Guide her.
BUFFY
I do that.
LUKA
You aren't able to help her with
this.
BUFFY
I can help her. We don't need you or
anyone else coming into our home and
trying to take over.
(beat)
Leave.
He's about to respond, but she stops him. She looks into his
eyes, very serious.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
Leave.
46.
Once she's sure he gets the message, she turns around and
walks out of the alley.
EXT. MAIN STREET - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT
Buffy walks down the street a little before stopping. She
can't take this anymore. It's too much for her to handle in
one day.
She leans against a bench, trying to gather herself. She
looks up the street and sees a pay phone.
EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT
Luka knows that the meeting could have gone better. He thinks
about going after Buffy, but figures that he'll give it time.
He turns around and walks away.
FADE TO BLACK :
END OF ACT THREE
47.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
EXT. MAIN STREET - NIGHT
Buffy walks toward the phone. She's out of energy. She seems
as though she could fall over at any second. Things seem to
be falling apart all around her.
Finally, she reaches the phone. She picks up the receiver
and dials.
She puts the phone to her ear and waits. A second later, the
person on the other end of the phone answers. Buffy responds
to this person simply and weakly.
BUFFY
I need you.
INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT
Dawn and Hank are still looking around.
DAWN
There's really not much to be said
about this one. It's a kitchen.
HANK
A lot of antiques though.
DAWN
I guess. Wanna see another room?
HANK
Sure.
Hank motions toward the basement door.
HANK (CONT'D)
What's that one?
DAWN
That's just the basement. Nothing
special there.
HANK
Is it a dirt floor?
DAWN
Yeah.
HANK
I hear that people find things buried
in those all the time. Mind if I
take a look?
48.
DAWN
You wanna dig in our basement?
Hank laughs.
HANK
No. I just want to see it. I think
old houses are interesting. Always
have.
DAWN
I never knew that.
HANK
Yeah, I wanted to buy an old house
when your mother and I first got
married, but she thought a newer
house would be safer for when we had
kids.
His mood changes to a much less happy one.
HANK (CONT'D)
I guess she decided that she liked
older houses when she moved out of
LA.
Dawn notices that he is less happy. She doesn't really know
what to say.
DAWN
You can look at the basement.
Hank looks back at her. He knows she's trying her best.
INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - BASEMENT - NIGHT
Willow and Xander are still working on the demon situation.
WILLOW
Okay, on the count of three, I'll
pull really hard. You push really
hard.
XANDER (O.S.)
Haven't we been doing that?
WILLOW
I thought we were stopping to think
about this.
(beat)
Anyway, get ready.
Willow grabs Hah'Ree's legs again.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
One. Two. Three.
49.
She pulls as hard as she can. Suddenly, Hah'Ree is free. He
comes through the window and drops to the ground. Willow
falls too. She looks at the body on the ground and smiles.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
That wasn't so hard.
Then she notices something. Hah'Ree's arms are both missing.
She winces as Xander tosses them through the window.
He pokes his head in.
XANDER
I think we broke him.
WILLOW
He must be decomposing faster than
most things do.
Xander crawls through the window.
XANDER
Came in handy though.
He picks up one of the arms and holds the hand up.
XANDER (CONT'D)
See?
Willow laughs.
WILLOW
Quit it. That's gross.
XANDER
No grosser than the smell. We're
gonna have to buy out the gas
station's supply of little cardboard
pine trees when this is over.
The basement door opens.
HANK (O.S.)
How do you manage to afford a place
like this?
DAWN (O.S.)
It's cheaper than you'd think.
Nobody's lived in the place for years.
It's been used for all kinds of other
purposes for the city, but they
couldn't get anyone to move in.
HANK (O.S.)
That's strange. Did you have it
checked out by a carpenter?
50.
Dawn starts down the stairs.
DAWN
Actually, Xander's a--
She sees Willow and Xander with the demon body down there.
Her eyes widen and she stops walking, blocking Hanks path.
DAWN (CONT'D)
--Carpenter. You can see the basement
from there. No need to come all the
way down the stairs.
Hank starts down the stairs. He doesn't come far enough to
see Willow and Xander because Dawn is in his way.
Willow starts thinking hard.
ANGLE ON : HANK
He looks at Dawn, questioningly.
HANK
Are you okay?
DAWN
I'm fine.
Hank stops and smells the air again.
HANK
The smell is stronger down here. I
think you might have a dead animal
somewhere down here. Let me have a
look.
DAWN
We can handle it, really.
HANK
As long as I'm here, I might as well.
It's no problem.
Hank moves past Dawn and down into the basement. Dawn knows
that he'll see Willow, Xander and Hah'Ree, so she closes her
eyes and waits for it.
Seconds pass and she hears nothing. Finally she opens her
eyes and walks down to join her father. He's looking around,
but not seeing anything, except for Xander. Xander is holding
the demon arm behind his back.
HANK (CONT'D)
You must be Xander.
XANDER
That's me.
51.
Hank looks back at Dawn as he talks.
HANK
Dawn's told me about you.
When Hank's not looking, Xander tries to toss the arm out of
sight, but it hits one of the ceiling boards and drops to
the ground. Xander quickly picks it up.
HANK (CONT'D)
You sound like a very handy man to
have around.
Dawn is watching Xander, trying to figure out where Willow
is, and freaking as Xander fumbles around with the arm.
Hank turns back around and sees Xander holding the arm. Xander
doesn't know how to react. He holds up the arm.
XANDER
(nervously laughing)
Handy.
Hank extends a hand.
HANK
I'm glad the girls have someone to
watch out for them.
Xander moves Hah'Ree's arm to the other hand so he can shake
hands with Hank. As they shake hands, Xander realizes that
he has a huge glob of Hah'Ree slime on his hand. Now on Hanks.
When they're done shaking, Hank stands back and winces.
HANK (CONT'D)
Whoa. That's what smells.
XANDER
Yeah. Still perfecting my recipe.
Sorry.
Dawn looks around, and then finally looks up. Near the
ceiling, Willow is FLOATING with the demon corpse (and one
arm) next to her. Willow waves at Dawn.
HANK
I could smell it all the way upstairs.
I thought something died.
Xander nervously laughs again.
XANDER
Died? Here?
Dawn is panicking.
52.
DAWN
Dad!
Hank stops and looks back at her.
HANK
Hmm?
DAWN
I can't do this. It's too weird.
(beat)
I think you have to go now.
HANK
What? Did I...?
DAWN
No. It's not like that. It's just
too much for me. I mean, I haven't
seen you in years, and suddenly you're
looking for dead things in my
basement. It's too weird.
Hank looks down.
HANK
You're right. I shouldn't try to act
like things are okay.
DAWN
We just need to do this slower. I
promise, you can come back in a couple
days and, who knows? You could be
looking for dead things again by the
end of the month. I just need to
think about this. I need to figure
out where we stand.
Hank takes this in. Finally, he turns around.
HANK
I'll go.
He starts to walk out.
DAWN
Dad.
Hank stops and turns around.
DAWN (CONT'D)
I mean it when I say that you should
come back in a couple days.
Hank nods and gives her a halfhearted smile. He continues to
walk out of the basement.
53.
Once he's gone, Dawn goes to the stairs and sits. She tries
to work this all out in her head.
ANGLE ON : WILLOW
Still up on the ceiling, feeling Dawn's pain.
WILLOW
You okay, Dawnie?
DAWN
Yeah. I'm good.
Dawn gets up and walks out of the basement. Willow looks to
Xander.
WILLOW
See, this is why I shouldn't dress
up for Halloween. It's hard to comfort
a friend when you're dressed as an
adolescent boy, floating on the
ceiling.
XANDER
Speaking of which, I think it's safe
to get down now.
WILLOW
Right.
INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM/FOYER - DAY
Xander is working on fixing the back window. Buffy is sitting
on the couch, thinking.
XANDER
This should be patched up in no time.
Buffy doesn't respond. Xander looks back at her.
XANDER (CONT'D)
Sometimes it can be tricky to fix a
broken window like this. Sometimes
it takes a lot of time to heal. It
can't just go back to being a whole
window in one day.
Buffy doesn't respond. She's too caught up in her thoughts.
XANDER (CONT'D)
Buffy?
Buffy finally looks up at him.
BUFFY
Hmm? I'm sorry. What were you saying?
54.
Xander goes to the couch and sits next to her.
XANDER
I'm trying to be all deep and helpful.
I even used a metaphor.
BUFFY
I guess I'm not all here today.
XANDER
You have a lot to take in. Wanna
talk about it?
BUFFY
I don't think so.
XANDER
You need anything?
Buffy is about to respond with a "no thanks" when the DOORBELL
RINGS.
BUFFY
That's never good.
(then)
I'll get it.
She gets up and goes to the door. Xander gets back to work.
Buffy opens the front door. Her eyes light up when she sees
who is on the other side.
REVEAL GILES standing outside, holding a suitcase. He smiles
when he sees her.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
Giles.
FADE TO BLACK:
End Of Show
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