TEASER
OVER BLACK:
MALE VOICE
Run!
FADE IN:
EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT
A MAN is running as fast as he possibly can through the alley.
His face is filled with pure panic.
Behind him, a WOMAN is also running, struggling to keep up
as she carries a FEMALE TODDLER in her arms. She's crying.
WOMAN
Wait! Jonas, wait for us!
The man looks back, but doesn't stop running.
MAN
It's coming. I can't!
WOMAN
Please!
MAN
We're almost there!
The woman trips and falls to the ground, dropping her child.
The little girl begins to cry.
The woman hurries to stand up and get her child before it's
too late. She looks back and sees an OMINOUS LOOKING SHADOW
on a wall behind her. Whatever is chasing her, it's getting
closer.
The woman starts to cry again as she grabs her child and
resumes her run.
WOMAN
Jonas!
Of course, he is nowhere to be seen.
The woman makes her way down the alley and finally reaches
the door to an old abandoned warehouse. She quickly opens
the door and hurries inside, closing the door behind her.
INT. ABANDONED WAREHOUSE - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT
The woman stops and looks around the warehouse. It's filled
with OTHER PEOPLE, all hiding from this beast.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.
MAN
(whispered)
Get in here. Be quiet.
Another voice whispers from the crowd.
FEMALE VOICE (O.S.)
Did it follow you?
WOMAN
I don't think so.
The toddler continues to cry. The woman tries to quiet it.
TOUGH MALE
Shut that kid up.
WOMAN
I'm trying.
(to the toddler)
Shh. It's okay. We'll be okay.
TOUGH MALE
Shut that kid up, or I'll do it
myself.
FEMALE VOICE (O.S.)
Shh! It's coming! Be quiet.
The warehouse quickly quiets, save for the sound of the crying
toddler. The woman continues to bounce the child and tries
to soothe her fears, but nothing seems to be working.
Suddenly, there's a POUNDING on the door to the warehouse.
The people inside push back. Nobody wants to be the first to
face this thing.
MAN
It's here.
The door flies off it's hinges, stirring up a cloud of dust.
Light from the alley floods into the warehouse as a SHADOWY
FIGURE enters the warehouse.
TOUGH MALE
We can't just sit here. We have to
do something.
FEMALE VOICE (O.S.)
Like what?
The shadowy figure stops walking just as it hits a convenient
ray of light, revealing it's face to us.
It is BUFFY SUMMERS. Hair pulled back. Clothes simple and
not too trendy. Her face is hardened. Tough. Determined.
Emotionless.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.
Around her neck, she wears the cross of Isabelle Acker, and
in her hands she carries the Scythe. She says nothing.
ANGLE ON : THE TOUGH MALE
He VAMPS OUT.
TOUGH MALE
Like fight.
Around him, the other people ALL VAMP OUT. Several of them
attack Buffy. She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath.
As the tough guy gets close to her, she swings the Scythe,
taking off his head. He TURNS TO DUST. Buffy opens her eyes
and continues to swing the Scythe. At first, it looks almost
random because she swings it so fast, but the number of
vampires that TURN TO DUST proves that each swing is carefully
calculated.
ANGLE ON : A WALL
Shadows move and we can HEAR A BATTLE taking place, but we
can't see it. This goes on for a few moments.
ANGLE ON : BUFFY
Now standing in a cloud of vampire dust. More dust covers
the floor around her.
She takes a few steps, getting closer to the woman, who is
still holding her crying toddler. The woman is now in vamp
face, cowering on the floor. She looks up at Buffy.
WOMAN
W--What are you?
Buffy looks down at her with that blank expression.
BUFFY
I'm the Slayer.
She quickly raises the Scythe and brings it down toward the
woman.
FADE TO BLACK:
END OF TEASER
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
EXT. SUNNYDALE HIGH SCHOOL - FRONT LAWN - DAY
The sun shines down upon the lawn of the high school, as
STUDENTS scurry about, on their way inside. As we PAN ACROSS
the lawn, we finally come across WILLOW and XANDER, standing
near the front steps of the school. Both are looking toward
the school. Willow has a much more nervous expression than
Xander.
WILLOW
Are we sure about this?
XANDER
Pretty sure.
WILLOW
But are we sure we're sure? 'Cause
I'm not so sure that I'm sure about
this and I'd rather be sure about
something before I jump into it,
y'know?
XANDER
I have no clue what you just said,
but I'm gathering that you're not so
sure about this.
WILLOW
It's just a big deal. It's a
Hellmouth, with evil and demons and
we don't have a Slayer to help us
this time.
Willow's eyes widen and she turns to Xander.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
What if the popular kids pick on me?
XANDER
Then you flunk their asses and pop
quiz them like there's no tomorrow.
(beat)
Will, you're not a student here.
You're a teacher. You have all the
power.
WILLOW
I do?
(then)
Hey, yeah. I do have power. I'm a
teacher.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5.
XANDER
Besides, if Giles can get away with
wearing tweed here for three years
without being mocked and bullied to
death, I think you'll be okay.
WILLOW
Again, true.
XANDER
So now we take the deep breath. Breath
in...
Willow takes a deep breath in.
XANDER (CONT'D)
And release.
Willow releases.
XANDER (CONT'D)
Deep in.
Willow takes a deep breath. Just then, XANDER'S CELL PHONE
RINGS.
XANDER (CONT'D)
(to Willow)
One sec.
Xander pulls out his phone and answers it.
XANDER (CONT'D)
Hello?
(beat)
Mr. Hewitt, hey.
He looks to Willow and holds up a finger, mouthing "work" to
her. She releases her breath.
XANDER (CONT'D)
(into phone)
I've been looking over those papers,
and I have some very interesting
ideas.
He takes a couple of steps away from Willow to get some
privacy. Once he's away from Willow, he lowers his voice.
XANDER (CONT'D)
Can't really talk now. She's right
here.
(beat)
Yeah, I'll call you in a bit.
Xander turns off his phone and turns back to Willow. He smiles
at her.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6.
XANDER (CONT'D)
That was Mr. Hewitt. Work, work,
work.
(then)
So, are we ready to jump into the
fray yet?
The SCHOOL BELL RINGS. Willow's eyes once again fill with
fear.
WILLOW
I'm late!
Xander gives Willow a quick kiss.
XANDER
Run.
Willow takes off.
XANDER (CONT'D)
Love you! Good luck!
(beat)
If you see any demons, call me!
Xander turns to walk away, and sees TWO MOTHERS walking along
the sidewalk, giving him a strange look. He smiles at them.
XANDER (CONT'D)
(to self)
Probably shouldn't have yelled that
last part.
INT. SUNNYDALE HIGH - COMPUTER LAB - DAY
The students are wandering the room, talking, goofing around,
and waiting for their teacher.
At one of the desks, AUDRA DANES is sitting with MIKE FOWLER.
Both about sixteen-years-old. Audra appears to be something
of a computer geek, while Mike is more the slacker type.
Audra looks up at the clock.
AUDRA
She's late.
MIKE
Relax. Have fun.
AUDRA
But, she's late. It's not a good
first impression, is all I'm saying.
MIKE
I've heard rumors about this school.
(MORE)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7.
MIKE (CONT'D)
People disappearing, and stuff like
that. Maybe she's not coming.
(beat)
Hey, do you still have those cookies
in your bag?
AUDRA
No.
(then)
She probably doesn't even know
anything about computers. Most of
these teachers couldn't tell a Mac
from a GameBoy if their lives depended
on it.
MIKE
Yeah, well, I've also heard a rumor
that this is one teacher you shouldn't
mess with. Nate says he saw her in a
coffee shop talking about how she
killed a guy once.
AUDRA
She killed a guy?
MIKE
Seriously. This chick is seriously
out of it.
AUDRA
Seriously?
The door opens and Willow rushes in. She stops short and
looks at the class, trying to catch her breath. Everyone
turns to look at her. She smiles nervously.
WILLOW
Hey. Hi.
(beat)
So, how's this for a first impression,
huh?
She waits for a laugh, but it doesn't come. She walks to the
chalk board, where her name is already clearly written, but
she doesn't notice it. She picks up a piece of chalk.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
My name is Miss Rosenberg and I'm
your new teacher.
She's about to write her name, but notices that it's already
there, so she's not quite sure what to do with the chalk
now.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
Oh.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8.
Finally, she underlines her name, turns and smiles.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
See? That'd be me.
She looks down at her desk and skims the lesson planner. She
then looks up at the class again.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
Okay, let's get to work.
Audra looks to Mike with a grin.
AUDRA
Yeah, she's scary.
INT. WATCHERS COUNCIL BUILDING - HEWITT'S OFFICE - DAY
MR. HEWITT is sitting behind his desk in this fancy, state-
of-the-art office. The place is decorated with colored lights,
glass sculptures, and flat panel TV screens. Like something
out of Alias.
The door slides open (automatic door style) and GILES walks
in, carrying a folder. Hewitt smiles at him.
MR. HEWITT
Hello, Mr. Giles. Please, have a
seat.
GILES
I'm comfortable standing, thank you.
MR. HEWITT
Ever the rebel. Have it your way. I
take it you've been looking into the
subject as I'd asked.
GILES
I have.
MR. HEWITT
And?
GILES
And frankly, there's not very much
for me to say. The subject moves
faster than we can track it.
MR. HEWITT
It?
(smiles)
No need to be so formal. You know
this subject. You love her.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9.
GILES
My personal feelings toward the Slayer
are not relevant to this conversation.
MR. HEWITT
Aren't they?
Mr. Hewitt stands and walks around his desk to look Giles in
the eye.
MR. HEWITT (CONT'D)
I've known you for quite some time,
Mr. Giles. I know your history with
this Council and the man who used to
run it. Let me assure you that I
will not be as forgiving as Quentin
Travers. This is a new day for the
Council. Our styles have changed,
and so have our methods. If I find
out that you are protecting this
girl, I will make sure that you are
punished for your insubordination.
Do I make myself clear?
GILES
Very.
MR. HEWITT
Good.
Mr. Hewitt starts to walk back to his seat.
GILES
Now let me explain something to you.
Hewitt stops and turns back to Giles.
GILES (CONT'D)
Mr. Travers didn't forgive my actions
because he chose to. He accepted
them because he had no choice. As
was clearly stated to him, this
Council is useless without the Slayer
and if anything were to happen to
me, you would have no chance of ever
seeing her again, let alone working
with her. Now, while I'm certain
that had Quentin Travers used his
vast resources to invest in very
thin televisions and blue light bulbs
the old Council never would have
been blown up, I am equally certain
that nothing has changed at the core
of this organization.
(MORE)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10.
GILES (CONT'D)
(beat)
Simply put, you need me much more
than I have ever, or will ever need
you.
Mr. Hewitt takes a moment to let these words sink in. He
takes a deep breath and nods ever so slightly before taking
his seat.
MR. HEWITT
I assume that's the file.
GILES
It is.
MR. HEWITT
And am I to believe that you've
included all of the information that
you've gathered, or have you chosen
to leave out the details?
GILES
As long as I work with the Council,
I will do my job. I've included
everything that I thought was needed.
MR. HEWITT
Interesting choice of words.
GILES
Buffy has been working for well over
two years now. In that time, she has
traveled to a number of countries,
and killed an indeterminate number
of demons. If you'd rather have the
complete rundown of every demon known
to be dead by her hand, I would be
willing to include it.
MR. HEWITT
I'm sure you've provided what I need.
Mr. Hewitt extends a hand. Giles gives him the folder. Mr.
Hewitt looks over the information within.
MR. HEWITT (CONT'D)
Italy now? My, that girl can travel.
GILES
Reports have been coming in from
around the world. Demonic activity
has declined drastically in most
regions.
MR. HEWITT
Good to hear.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11.
GILES
Actually, I tend to believe it's
not.
Hewitt puts the folder down, giving Giles all of his
attention.
MR. HEWITT
Explain.
GILES
I believe that the demons are scared.
MR. HEWITT
As well they should be.
GILES
Scared enough to band together.
MR. HEWITT
Oh.
GILES
Demons that would normally keep to
themselves, killing without a second
thought are now on the defensive.
They're scared and willing to do
whatever it takes to stay alive.
MR. HEWITT
So to speak.
GILES
(obviously annoyed)
These demons will still need to feed.
While the number of demonic attacks
may be falling in some areas, in
others it's rising at an alarming
rate. These packs of demons are
attacking all at once, devastating
entire towns. Afterward, they return
to hiding.
Mr. Hewitt thinks this over for a few moments.
MR. HEWITT
Interesting theory.
(beat)
I want you to investigate this, Mr.
Giles. Find out whatever you can
about these "packs". I want them
destroyed.
GILES
Our resources aren't quite what they
used to be.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12.
MR. HEWITT
We're nearly completely rebuilt. I'm
sure you can manage.
Giles isn't sure about this, but he doesn't feel like arguing
anymore.
GILES
Of course.
MR. HEWITT
That will be all. I'll expect a report
on my desk by next Thursday.
Giles nods and turns to walk out of the office.
GILES
(under his breath)
Prat.
INT. WILLOW AND XANDER'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY
This is Buffy's old Sunnydale house. The same place we know
and love, but the furniture and art reflect the personalities
of Willow and Xander more than Joyce and Buffy.
Xander walks into the house and heads for the living room as
he pulls out his cell phone. He pushes a button and puts the
phone to his ear. After a few moments, the person on the
other end answers.
XANDER
Hey, it's me.
INTERCUT WITH:
INT. SUMMERS APARTMENT - DAWN'S ROOM - DAY
DAWN walks into her room as she speaks, closing the door
behind her. She drops a backpack on the floor.
DAWN
Hey.
XANDER
Sorry about before. I couldn't talk
with her right there.
DAWN
Yeah. I don't think you had to pull
the whole fake name thing though. We
talk all the time.
XANDER
Right. Good point. I think I'm just
a little paranoid.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13.
DAWN
Did you get it?
XANDER
Yeah. I think it's the right one. I
found it in an antique shop just
outside of town. The guy was asking
fifteen hundred for it, but I got
him to sell it for fifteen-fifty.
DAWN
Uhm... Xand?
XANDER
Yeah, my haggling ranks right up
there with my classical piano skills.
(beat)
Dawn, are we sure this is the right
thing to do?
DAWN
From what you've been saying over
the past few weeks, I don't think
you have much choice.
XANDER
Maybe you could do it for me?
DAWN
Could be awkward.
XANDER
Right. You're like, a thousand miles
away.
DAWN
More or less. But I'll be there as
soon as I can. I already have my
ticket ordered.
XANDER
Should I wait?
DAWN
Xander, relax. We both know that
this is the best thing for everyone
involved.
XANDER
I know.
(beat)
It's just that I don't have the best
of luck with these things. In case
you've forgotten, they tend to go
very, very wrong for me. People have
gotten hurt. I don't want that to
happen with Willow.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14.
DAWN
It won't. You're older now. Wiser.
(beat)
A little.
XANDER
I hope you're right.
DAWN
I am the all knowing, all seeing
Key. Trust me.
XANDER
Haven't you been known to open a
vortex to multiple hell dimensions,
killing your sister and releasing
horrible monsters into our world?
DAWN
Okay, that was so not my fault.
Xander doesn't reply.
DAWN (CONT'D)
It wasn't!
INT. SEWER - NIGHT
Buffy walks through the dark, damp, very old sewer tunnel.
She's on alert, as always.
Behind her, there is a SPLASH. She stops walking, but doesn't
turn around. She listens, but doesn't hear the sound again.
She once again begins to walk.
Behind her, a big, drippy, dirty demon rises from the sewer
water without making a sound. This is DARQUE. All of his
features are deep black, as are his clothes. The dirt that
drips off of him looks like oil. His sharp teeth and claws
are also deep black.
Buffy keeps walking along as Darque follows close behind,
still without a sound.
In the distance, a CLANG can be heard. Buffy stops walking
and listens again. Darque smiles, taking a deep whiff of her
hair. He raises a claw, preparing to attack. He quickly
brings the claw down, taking his best shot at ripping her
scalp off.
Buffy easily avoids the swipe and spins around, jamming the
stake end of the Scythe into Darque's chest and pinning him
to the wall.
BUFFY
The part where you tried to attack
me was the mistake.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15.
Darque smiles again, still without a sound. He's obviously
not in pain.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
The smarter demons run.
Darque attempts to swing at Buffy again, but she grabs his
arm without much effort.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
The stake won't kill you. I know
that.
She SNAPS his arm. Still, Darque grins. Buffy remains
expressionless.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
Do you feel pain? Do you hurt?
Darque doesn't respond.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
Do you speak English?
Darque holds onto that goofy grin. Obviously, he doesn't
understand Buffy.
Buffy sighs. She pulls the Scythe out of Darque's chest, and
then swings the axe side of the Scythe around, cutting Darque
in half across his belly. Before he falls apart, she swings
the blade in the other direction and cuts him into quarters.
All four pieces of Darque fall to the ground. Buffy walks
away. No quips, or puns.
FADE TO BLACK:
END OF ACT ONE
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
INT. SUMMERS APARTMENT - DAWN'S ROOM - DAY
Dawn is looking through her room for some lost object. She
checks her desk, her bed, her closet and still no luck finding
it. She walks out of the room.
INT. SUMMERS APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
It's only now that we see the apartment in it's full glory.
This place ain't cheap. A good view, and quality furnishings.
HANK SUMMERS is sitting in a chair, staring at his laptop
when Dawn walks out of her room.
DAWN
Dad?
HANK
Hmm?
DAWN
I lost my necklace. Have you seen
it?
HANK
Which one?
Dawn pauses. It's a slightly awkward topic.
DAWN
The- uh- The locket. I had it last
night and now... Well, not so much.
Dawn starts searching the room.
DAWN (CONT'D)
We really need to get a cat so I can
start blaming it for things like
this.
HANK
Look in the kitchen.
DAWN
You've seen it?
HANK
No, but you do spend a lot of time
in the kitchen. I'm still amazed
that you haven't gotten fat yet.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17.
DAWN
High metabolism. I'm just a big ball
of energy.
Dawn stops as she realizes what she just said. She didn't
mean it in any mystical way, but she still has to look back
at Hank to make sure that it didn't strike any wrong notes.
Hank's eyes don't move in any new direction, but he seems to
be staring past the computer screen now. Thinking of something
else completely. Dawn notices this, but doesn't say anything
about it.
DAWN (CONT'D)
Kitchen.
Dawn walks through the room, into the kitchen.
INT. SUMMERS APARTMENT - KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
Dawn starts searching the room for her locket. She scans the
counters and the table, but sees nothing. She then stops and
tries to focus.
DAWN
Okay, this isn't hard. Just think.
She closes her eyes for a moment, walking through the last
time she was in the kitchen. She turns toward the
refrigerator.
DAWN (CONT'D)
I got the milk and walked to the
counter.
(turns toward the
counter)
Walked over to the counter. Put the
milk down and grabbed the pickles.
Put them on the counter.
(opening eyes)
Ah-ha!
She opens a cabinet and grabs a box of cereal. She opens it
and sticks her hand inside. After a moment of fishing around,
she pulls out the locket that Buffy gave her on the Night of
Morel Divineh (which Buffy had gotten from Hank on her
birthday). She smiles as she holds it up.
DAWN (CONT'D)
Gotcha.
She puts the cereal back in the cabinet and starts to walk
out of the room.
INT. SUMMERS APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Dawn is looking at the locket, smiling.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18.
DAWN
You're not going to believe where
I...
She notices that Hank is no longer in the room where she
left him. She looks toward his bedroom door, which is closed.
She stops for a moment, knowing why he wants to be alone.
She feels bad for him, but still doesn't want to push the
subject. She can't discuss it, so it's better for her to
just let it go. She walks into her room.
INT. SUMMERS APARTMENT - DAWN'S ROOM - DAY
The curtains are closed now, and candles are lit around the
room. Dawn is sitting on the floor in front of a circle made
of colorful sand. Inside of the circle is a map of the world.
Dawn closes her eyes and holds a closed hand over the map.
DAWN
(in a quiet voice)
Custoa, guardian of the land and
sea, protector of the lost, hear me.
Help me find the one I seek. Help me
find my sister.
Dawn opens her eyes and then opens her hand. The locket drops
from her hand, onto the map. The MAP GLOWS as the locket
slides off of the paper. Soon, the LIGHT AROUND THE MAP IS
PULLED TOGETHER, into one bright point of light. It is focused
over France.
Dawn takes in this information and smiles slightly. At least
Buffy is alive.
DAWN (CONT'D)
Custoa, watch her. Guide and protect
her in her mission.
(beat, holding back
tears)
Bring her back to me. Please.
EXT. CITY STREET - NIGHT
Buffy is making her way down the street, Scythe in hand. As
she walks, a strange feeling comes over her. She stops and
looks up at the sky for a moment.
A gentle breeze blows over her, and she turns back to the
street. She continues on her way.
INT. SUMMERS APARTMENT - DAWN'S ROOM - DAY
Dawn stares at the map, trying to picture Buffy out there.
After a moment, she takes a deep breath and starts to clean
up.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
19.
INT. SUMMERS APARTMENT - HANKS ROOM - DAY
Hank is sitting on his bed, holding a small box in his hand.
The box is wrapped in birthday wrapping paper. He sits for a
moment, staring down at the box. Finally, he stands and walks
to his closet. He opens the door and lifts a blanket off of
the shelf. He places the box on the shelf next to two another
(older) wrapped packages and puts the blanket back on top of
them.
He closes the closet door.
EXT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Willow and Xander are sitting at an outside table, eating
their dinner. Willow is glowing... in a smilie way, not an
actual "holy crap, that woman is glowing!" kind of way.
Xander is just watching her be happy and taking in the smiles.
WILLOW
It was unbelievable. I mean, there
was some rocky start, and a little
bump or two in the middle, and the
end was somewhat awkward, but it was
just so... I can't even describe it.
(beat)
It's like being back in high school,
only people notice I'm there and
they respect me, and there's no gum
in my hair, and hardly anyone even
died today.
Confusion comes over Xander's face.
XANDER
Someone died?
WILLOW
Well, yeah. Kinda.
(beat)
It was only Mr. Henderson. Not that
he had it coming, but it was natural.
No demons or anything. He was old.
(beat)
Kept teaching history in the first
person. It was kinda weird.
XANDER
Oh. Well in that case, I guess we'll
call it a good day.
WILLOW
Are you mocking me?
XANDER
A little.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20.
Willow smiles.
WILLOW
Okay, mocker. What was your day like?
XANDER
Me? Y'know, the usual. Didn't build
anything from about eleven to noon.
Then I ate lunch, and then didn't
build anything from one until quitting
time. Hard day. Hard, hard day.
WILLOW
C'mon. You do stuff. You have that
job with the Council, right? How did
that go?
XANDER
Not far. I'm supposed to be writing
all of these reports about the demons
we've dealt with, but Mr. Hewitt
wants me to write a synopsis of all
the reports before I write the
reports.
WILLOW
Why?
XANDER
Senility? I don't know. So now I'm
stuck writing all of these
synopsises...sees.
(beat)
Whatever. I guess it was just too
easy to do it the other way.
WILLOW
Sorry. But at least you're getting
more money for it, right?
XANDER
That part's true. Which means that
dinner is on me... As long as they
accept English money here.
Willow smiles.
WILLOW
I dare you to talk with an English
accent when the waitor comes back.
XANDER
My English accent always sounds like
a weird not-quite-Indian accent
though.
(MORE)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
21.
XANDER (CONT'D)
(beat)
I could do my Albert voice and act
all important and stuff.
Willow scrunches her nose.
WILLOW
Albert voice kinda freaks me out
these days.
XANDER
Okay, consider Albert dead.
WILLOW
And a good riddance to him.
They fall silent for a moment, just picking at what's left
of their food. Xander checks his watch.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
Getting late?
XANDER
Only 8:30.
(beat)
Wanna get out of here?
WILLOW
Sure. But don't expect me to be all
easy just because you're paying for
dinner.
XANDER
Have a little more faith in my
feminism, Will. I expect you to be
easy for entirely different reasons.
Willow throws her napkin at him.
EXT. PARK - NIGHT
Willow and Xander slowly walk through the park. Willow's
looking up at the sky, smiling.
WILLOW
And then we could play ping-pong
with the smaller stars.
XANDER
And I didn't even notice you drinking
tonight.
WILLOW
That's the last time I share one of
my crazy imaginary games with you.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
22.
Xander smiles as Willow rests her head on his arm.
XANDER
Hey.
WILLOW
Hmm?
XANDER
Nothing. Just hey.
WILLOW
Hey back.
Xander stops walking, looking ahead.
XANDER
(more serious)
Hey.
WILLOW
I think we're playing this one out,
sweetie.
XANDER
No. Look.
Xander motions for Willow to look ahead of them. When she
does, her eyes widen.
WILLOW
Oh. Hey.
WILLOW'S POV
A dead body, hidden in the bushes. Only one arm and a foot
are hanging out.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
I don't suppose he's just a guy taking
a nap?
EXT. PARK - LATER
POLICE have taped off the area and the body is being removed
now. Willow and Xander are just finishing up with the police
and start to walk away.
WILLOW
That was fun.
XANDER
Just like the good old days.
Xander checks his watch again.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
23.
XANDER (CONT'D)
And now would be getting late.
WILLOW
And just like those good old days,
we have work to do.
XANDER
Work?
WILLOW
Well, yeah. You saw the bites on
that guy. There's a vampire somewhere
around here.
(beat, then looking
around, creeped out)
I don't suppose you have a stake
hidden in that jacket?
XANDER
Can't we just go home and deal with
this one tomorrow?
WILLOW
Sure. Hey, maybe the extra bodies
will give us more clues.
XANDER
That was sarcastic, right?
WILLOW
Umm, yeah. What's wrong with you
tonight? You seem weird.
Xander hesitates a little.
XANDER
I don't know.
WILLOW
It was the salmon mousse, right? I
told you it smelled funky.
XANDER
No, not the mousse. I just... I don't
know. I just thought we'd have some
hanging out time. Between my traveling
and your school, we haven't seen
much of each other for a while.
WILLOW
Oh. Well, we can still spend time
together. Slaying things can be
romantic, right? Just look at Buffy
and Angel.
(MORE)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
24.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
(beat)
And Buffy and Riley.
(beat)
And Buffy and Spi--
XANDER
I get it.
(beat)
It's not exactly what I was planning,
but I guess we have a job to do.
WILLOW
There's the spirit. Can we get weapons
now? I'm really getting a little
nervous here.
INT. WATCHERS COUNCIL BUILDING - GILES' OFFICE - NIGHT
Giles is sitting in his office, hunched over a desk. His
office is very different than the office of Mr. Hewitt.
Giles' office has simple desk lamps, and bookcases that are
filled with old books.
Giles has a stack of books opened on his desk and he is
skimming through several of them, taking notes. He turns to
the wall behind him where there is a corkboard. On the board
is a map of England, and several newspaper articles with
headlines like "HUNDREDS OF CHICKENS STOLEN" and "SCHOOLYARD
IN TERROR".
Giles stares at the board, trying to put together the pieces
of a puzzle.
His door opens and a woman, MARGE SWEITZER walks into the
office. She is English, in her mid-40's and very conservative
looking.
MARGE
Somehow I knew you'd be here. Do you
even have a home?
GILES
I think so.
Giles turns to her.
GILES (CONT'D)
This isn't right. Something is
terribly wrong with this picture.
MARGE
Which picture is that?
GILES
All of it.
(MORE)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
25.
GILES (CONT'D)
I mean, I knew that these demon packs
were gathering all over the world,
but I was hoping that they wouldn't
be quite as close as I think they
might be.
MARGE
You think there's a pack here? There
haven't been any major attacks.
GILES
That's what scares me. So far they've
been taking small animals and
scurrying about the woods. These
demons can't possibly survive like
that.
Giles shows her one of the books.
GILES (CONT'D)
Taw-min. A demon that's accustomed
to a diet of newborns and blond
virgins.
MARGE
(snickers)
Good luck.
GILES
He's been stalking these parts for
over two centuries, ever since
immigrating here from Asia.
MARGE
Big fellow with the blue spikes,
right? I think I remember that one.
Real hard to pin down.
GILES
Which is why it hasn't been killed.
His normal feeding cycle should have
had him taking victims for the last
three months, but there's been
nothing.
Giles shows Marge two more books.
GILES (CONT'D)
Egrias, a wrath demon. Saquil, a
yeti. Angus Lass, a vampire with at
least twenty followers and a penchant
for some rather grizzly attacks,
even by vampire standards.
Marge studies the books in front of her.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
26.
GILES (CONT'D)
In the last several months, death
rates have dropped substantially.
Murder rates specifically are lower
than they've been since I can
remember.
MARGE
They're waiting.
GILES
They're starving.
Giles picks up the phone and starts to dial while still
talking with Marge.
GILES (CONT'D)
We need to fix this before it's too
late. Get on the phone with Archer
Jenkins. Tell him to assemble his
team and wait for my call.
Marge nods and heads out of the room. Giles waits for whoever
he is calling to pick up the phone. Finally, someone picks
up.
GILES (CONT'D)
Miss Hartness, please.
(beat)
Thank you.
Giles waits another few moments as he flips through another
book, skimming what it says. A moment later her perks up as
someone's voice comes over the phone.
GILES (CONT'D)
This is Rupert Giles. I need your
help.
EXT. CITY STREET - MORNING
The sky is just beginning to show signs of dawn. The street
is beginning to come alive with PEOPLE scrambling to get to
their jobs.
Buffy walks down the sidewalk, paying attention to nobody as
she walks. The Scythe is still in her hand, and her clothes
and hair are slightly less than spring-time fresh.
As she walks, some of the people on the street look in her
direction. I guess they're not used to seeing a small young
woman carrying a fancy weapon, dirty and expressionless. She
doesn't look angry or threatening. She looks tired.
Buffy turns down an alley.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
27.
EXT. ALLEY - CONTINUOUS
Buffy walks until she vanishes into the shadows.
INT. BASEMENT - DAY
Buffy climbs through a window, into the basement. It's quiet
and full of clutter. Lots of hidden corners and spaces.
Buffy looks around and moves to one small corner, behind a
stack of dusty boxes. She sits down, leaning against one of
the walls. She puts the Scythe down next to her and for a
moment just sits there, staring off into space.
Finally, she lies down on the floor and closes her eyes.
INT. WILLOW AND XANDER'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Willow and Xander rush into the house and head for a weapon
chest that is in the living room, covered by a nice throw
and a couple of pillows. Willow brushes all of those things
off as she opens the chest and looks inside.
WILLOW
What'll it be tonight?
XANDER
I don't know. I was thinking "axe",
but now that I'm here I think I might
be in the mood for something less
heavy.
(beat)
I think I'll start off with the stake.
Oh, and could I get a bottle of holy
water with that?
WILLOW
Coming right up.
Willow hands Xander a stake and some holy water. She grabs a
small axe and a wooden cross for herself. She stands.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
Shall we?
They head for the door until Xander stops short.
XANDER
Hold on. Just thought of something.
WILLOW
Hmm?
XANDER
We have no idea where to find this
guy.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28.
WILLOW
Oh. That's... Okay.
XANDER
I guess we're in for a night of random
patrol. I'll get the thermos.
Xander starts to walk toward the kitchen, but Willow thinks
of something.
WILLOW
Hold on a sec.
Xander turns around.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
Maybe there's another way of doing
this.
INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Willow is sitting in front of her computer. Xander stands
behind her, reading over her shoulder.
WILLOW
I heard one of those cops saying
that this was the second death in
two days where the victim was hidden
in the bushes like that.
XANDER
Wasn't hidden well.
WILLOW
Still, it's a pattern.
She pulls up the Sunnydale Press website and looks through
headlines, clicking on a couple of links. Finally she stops
and skims the page.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
The one last night was Wallace Marsh.
Found on Copper Street, near Temple.
Willow types a little and clicks a little more. She skims
again.
XANDER
Any other recent deaths? Possibly
our vamp?
WILLOW
Didn't see any murders listed. Obits
had a few listing, but nothing
specific.
(MORE)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
29.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
(beat)
Holly Hills. That's the nearest
cemetery to the first victim.
XANDER
So if this vamp is fresh from the
casket, that'd probably be the place.
Willow reads on a little more.
WILLOW
Two listings talk about services in
that cemetery. One's a car wreck.
Lots of blood and injuries. Not hard
to miss fang marks.
XANDER
That our guy?
WILLOW
Maybe.
(beat)
The other's an animal attack in the
woods.
XANDER
Animal attack sounds about right.
Willow stands up and grabs a piece of paper that's just coming
out of the printer.
WILLOW
Then let's check it out.
They grab their weapons and head for the door.
XANDER
(to himself)
This better not take all night.
EXT. EMBRY HOUSE - NIGHT
Willow and Xander walk up to the house and look at it. It's
a simple little house in a nice neighborhood. A few of the
lights are on.
WILLOW
This should be it. We ready?
Xander holds up his stake.
XANDER
If by "ready" you mean "prepared",
then yeah.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30.
WILLOW
Good.
(beat)
Wait. What else would "ready" mean?
XANDER
I don't know. I was just doing that
thing where I speak all funny.
WILLOW
Oh. 'Kay.
They start to walk toward the door.
XANDER
When we get up there, you ring the
bell and I'll attack.
(beat)
No, I'll ring the bell and you attack.
That way I'm up front.
(beat)
Or you could ring the bell and then
hide, and--
WILLOW
We're hunting vampires, not playing
ding-dong-ditch, honey. We both
attack. It's why I have the shiny
axe.
XANDER
Fine, but if you get killed I'm so
breaking up with you. I'm done with
dating demons and dead chicks.
They get to the door and Willow takes a deep breath.
WILLOW
Okay, here we go.
She rings the doorbell and then they both ready for battle.
They raise their weapons and put on their game faces.
XANDER
Show yourself evil demon. Let's make
this snappy.
They can hear the DOOR UNLOCKING. They further prep for
battle.
Finally, the door swings open. Xander and Willow raise their
weapons and are just about to let out a battle cry or two
before they see who is at the door.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
31.
ANGLE ON:
PATTI WHEELER. A nice looking young woman wearing frilly
pink pajamas and a big smile on her face, right under the
slightly confused eye parts.
PATTI
Uh... Hi?
FADE TO BLACK:
END OF ACT TWO
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
32.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
EXT. EMBRY HOUSE - NIGHT
Patti continues to smile as Willow and Xander awkwardly lower
their weapons.
PATTI
Can I help you with something?
WILLOW
Uhm... We...
(beat)
Is Bruce here?
Patti's smile fades.
PATTI
Oh. Sorry, I guess you haven't heard.
(beat)
Bruce died.
WILLOW
Oh.
XANDER
But he's not here, right?
Willow shoots Xander a look. Xander just shrugs.
WILLOW
He must be the man we were told about.
PATTI
And who are you?
WILLOW
I'm... Dawn. Dawn Summers. This is
my partner, Steve. We work for the
local branch of... People For The
Elimination Of Threatening Animals.
It's a watchdog group for the victims
of violent animal attacks and the
like. We were told about Mr. Embry.
Patti is more confused now.
PATTI
Okay.
(beat)
It was just a wolf attack. He was in
the woods at night and he came between
a mother and her pup. That's what
they told me.
(MORE)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
33.
PATTI (CONT'D)
(beat)
You're not gonna kill the babies,
are you?
EXT. EMBRY HOUSE - LATER
Willow and Xander walk away from the house.
XANDER
Okay, what was that? People For The
Elimination Of Threatening Animals?
WILLOW
I was on the spot.
XANDER
Whatever you say, Dawn.
WILLOW
Well...
XANDER
We have to get this finished. I have
better things to be doing tonight.
WILLOW
Well, next time we'll ask the demons
to check with us before attacking.
Make sure we're free that night.
XANDER
It'd be nice, is all I'm saying.
(beat)
Where now?
WILLOW
Now the next victim's house.
(beat)
Victim's house by way of Espresso
Pump.
INT. SUMMERS APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Dawn walks out of her bedroom and finds Hank sitting on the
couch, watching TV. She sits next to him.
DAWN
Hey.
HANK
Finished for the night?
DAWN
Yeah. Just needed to read a few
chapters and make a few notes to
make it look like I'm making notes.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
34.
HANK
What's the subject.
DAWN
Medieval History.
HANK
Lots of the old stuff these days.
DAWN
Yup.
(then, switching
subjects)
So, what's on the telly?
HANK
Just an old movie. I'm not really
watching.
DAWN
I do that a lot too. Mind's always
wandering off in some weird direction.
Usually during class, which is kinda
bad.
Hank doesn't respond. Dawn knows that something is bothering
him.
DAWN (CONT'D)
Lots of work to think about?
HANK
Some.
DAWN
Anything I can help with?
HANK
Not really.
DAWN
Yeah, I kinda realized how lame that
offer was after I asked.
HANK
You hungry? There's some popcorn in
the kitchen.
DAWN
Maybe in a few minutes.
They sit in silence for a few moments, just staring at the
TV. It's a little awkward, since Dawn knows what's bothering
Hank but doesn't want to get into it. Finally, she stands
up.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
35.
DAWN (CONT'D)
Now's good too. I'll be right back.
She walks to the kitchen.
INT. SUMMERS APARTMENT - KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
Dawn closes the kitchen door behind her and leans against
the counter. She takes a deep breath.
It's obvious that this is hard for her. There's a lot that
she'd like to say to Hank but can't.
EXT. WOODS/BAKER TRAILER - NIGHT
Willow and Xander walk through the woods, searching. They
are in the middle of nowhere, with plenty of trees and not
many people around.
WILLOW
It's supposed to be around here
somewhere.
XANDER
Who parks their trailer in the middle
of the woods? You might as well ask
to be killed by a demon.
WILLOW
Most people probably don't know that.
XANDER
The "I don't know" excuse didn't fly
for me back in math class and it
doesn't fly in big evil woods.
WILLOW
(smiles)
Check out the grouchy grownup guy.
XANDER
(also smiles)
I am. I'm a growed-up now.
Willow and Xander cautiously approach the trailer. The trailer
is a very retro style trailer. Very shiny.
Around the windows of the trailer we can see bloody
handprints, as though someone tried to escape through the
window but got pulled back in.
The door to the trailer is wide open, and the light inside
is flickering.
XANDER (CONT'D)
My grownup instincts are telling me
that this just might be the place.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
36.
They slowly walk up to the door. When they get there, Willow
sticks her head inside. She quickly pulls it back out.
WILLOW
Eew. The place smells like our
refrigerator.
XANDER
Which I will fix.
Xander walks inside.
XANDER (O.S.) (CONT'D)
I just haven't gotten around to it
yet.
Willow rolls her eyes and follows Xander.
INT. BAKER TRAILER - CONTINUOUS
They look around the cramped trailer. Blood covers several
surfaces in there, which Willow and Xander are very careful
to avoid.
Xander goes to the refrigerator and looks inside. In there,
he sees a bloody hand.
XANDER
I think this guy had to be creepy
before the whole vampire thing.
WILLOW
But he's not here.
Willow sighs.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
This really isn't going well.
XANDER
Remember the good ol' days when we'd
go out with Buffy and she'd just
happen to stumble upon these things?
WILLOW
Slayer instincts. I always took them
for granted.
Xander looks Willow in the eyes with a certain amount of
mope in his eyes.
XANDER
Past tense rule.
WILLOW
Let's go.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
37.
INT. SUMMERS APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Hank is still looking in the general direction of the TV,
not paying much attention to it. Dawn is sitting nearby,
also not watching.
She looks down at her hand where she is holding the locket.
She then looks to Hank.
DAWN
So, how 'bout that big pink elephant?
HANK
Hmm?
DAWN
You know. The one that's sitting
right between us and neither of us
wants to talk about. I believe it
answers to the name, Buffy. Has a
birthday coming up, if I'm not
mistaken.
HANK
Oh.
Hank shifts in his seat.
HANK (CONT'D)
I guess I'm not as subtle as I thought
I was.
DAWN
I can't tell you why she left.
HANK
I know.
(beat)
Just... Tell her that I miss her.
DAWN
What? What are you...? Dad, I'm not
going to see Buffy.
Hank doesn't respond.
DAWN (CONT'D)
Is that what you thought? That I was
sneaking off to see her without
telling you? Why would I do that?
HANK
I don't know. I just assumed... Her
birthday's coming up. I thought you
might.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
38.
DAWN
Yeah, I might. If I knew where she
was.
HANK
Then why go back? Why now?
DAWN
Because I... Xander and Willow are
going through a thing right now. I
wanted to go see them.
Hank looks at Dawn, feeling stupid.
HANK
Oh.
DAWN
If I were going to see Buffy, I would
tell you. I'd never keep that kind
of thing from you.
HANK
I know. I'm sorry that I... I just
wanted... I don't know.
DAWN
I know.
INT. WATCHERS COUNCIL BUILDING - GILES' OFFICE - MORNING
The sun has not yet shown itself. Giles is still in his
office, talking into the phone.
GILES
Then get him out of bed. This is an
emergency.
(beat)
Yes.
He picks up a book and flips through it, reading as he talks
on the phone.
GILES (CONT'D)
Tell him it's Rupert Giles.
(beat)
No. I really don't care.
(beat)
Young lady, listen very carefully. I
have seen more apocalypses than most
people can count on one hand. I
have seen the dead rise, and the
risen dead perform musical dance
numbers. I think it's fair to say
that not many things in this world
can scare me at this point.
(MORE)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
39.
GILES (CONT'D)
Now, I don't care if Mr. Hewitt is
sleeping. I don't care if he's
recieving last rights. Get him on
the telephone right now.
(long beat)
Yes, I'll hold.
Marge walks into the office with a folder in hand. She puts
it on the desk.
MARGE
Any progress?
GILES
I never thought it'd be possible for
me to dislike someone less than the
last man who ran this place. Did
you know that he plays Garth Brooks
when he puts you on hold?
(into the phone)
For Heaven's sake, man. You're
supposed to be British. Have some
standards.
MARGE
I take it that's a "no" then.
GILES
What did you find out?
MARGE
The coven has been working on locator
spells for the last several hours.
So far, they have three possible
locations.
GILES
Possible?
Marge shrugs.
MARGE
They're working on it. The energy
surrounding these demons isn't...
well, normal.
GILES
Of course not. Why should it be?
That would be too easy.
Giles hears a voice come over the phone. He perks up.
GILES (CONT'D)
Hello?
(MORE)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
40.
GILES (CONT'D)
(beat)
Well, when he's through primping,
could you tell him that there is a
massive convergence of demonic
activity in the area and we all may
very well be dead before noon?
(beat, then annoyed)
C-O-N-V-- Yes, that's it.
Giles hangs up the phone.
EXT. BAKER TRAILER - NIGHT
Willow and Xander exit the trailer. Their guard is down.
XANDER
I don't mean to sound unoriginal,
but where do we go from here?
WILLOW
Maybe we can track down someone who
knew him when he was alive. Find out
where he might go for fun.
Xander looks back to the bloody handprint.
XANDER
If any of his old friends are still
alive.
WILLOW
We suck. We can't even track down
one stupid vampire.
XANDER
We don't suck. We're just having an
off night. We tracked that flesh
eating demon last week, right? And
that nest of vampires.
WILLOW
Two vampires, six months ago.
(beat)
And that freaky girl demon with the
long head things.
XANDER
There you go. We're badass demon
hunters on occasion.
As soon as he says that, Xander is knocked over the head by
a tree branch. He falls to the ground. Willow looks over and
sees BAKER holding the branch. He's a vamped out, grungy
type of guy. Long hair, held back by a bandana, Axle Rose
style.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
41.
When Willow sees him, she frowns.
WILLOW
We suck.
FADE TO BLACK:
END OF ACT THREE
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
42.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
EXT. BAKER TRAILER - NIGHT
Willow raises her axe and backs up to put some space between
herself and Baker. Baker smiles at her.
BAKER
You looking for me?
WILLOW
I was just out for a walk. You know
how it is. Love me that fresh air.
BAKER
Walking with weapons? Looks like
you're hunting.
Willow looks at her axe and straightens up. She looks Baker
in the eyes.
WILLOW
Fine. Yes. You got me. I am hunting
you, evil vampire. Surrender and
this won't be painful.
BAKER
Likely.
Baker walks toward Willow as Willow continues to back up.
She readies her axe.
WILLOW
Then you'll just have to prepare to
die.
(beat)
Again.
BAKER
I'm preparing for a lot of things,
little one. Leaving this world ain't
one of them. Now, kissin' all up and
down that sweet neck of yours as the
blood pours out is a whole 'nother
story.
Baker gets a little too close and Willow raises the axe.
Before she can swing, Baker knocks it from her hand and grabs
her arm. He pulls her close.
BAKER (CONT'D)
You look all kinds of pure. I like
that in a victim.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
43.
XANDER (O.S.)
Gotta tell you...
Baker turns and sees Xander standing right next to him.
XANDER (CONT'D)
You're just a bad judge of character.
Xander punches Baker as hard as he can, which causes Baker
to blink slightly. Baker lets go of Willow. She steps back.
She starts looking around for the axe.
XANDER (CONT'D)
(to Baker)
Can I just ask you something? Why do
you bad guys always forget about the
guy you hit first? I mean, you hit
me and just assume I'm dead? What
kind of logic is that?
Baker swings at Xander, but Xander ducks out of the way. He
raises the bottle of holy water, which has a cross on it's
label. Baker steps back.
Xander pulls the cork out of the bottle with his teeth and
spits it to the ground.
BAKER
What is this?
XANDER
This is me getting the upper hand.
He shakes the bottle in Baker's direction, splashing several
drops onto Baker, which SIZZLE.
As Baker reacts to this, Willow buries her axe in his back.
It stays there as Baker drops to the ground, waving his arms,
but not moving his legs.
WILLOW
Stake!
Xander pulls his stake and rushes toward Baker. As Xander
attempts to stake Baker, Baker uses his arms to keep Xander
away. They end up wrestling with each other on the ground as
Willow watches, waiting for a moment to jump in.
BAKER
I'm stronger than you.
XANDER
I have better shoes and a winning
personality.
Xander rolls Baker onto his back, where the axe is still
stuck. Baker screams in pain.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
44.
Willow rushes up and kicks Baker in the head before quickly
stepping back again.
BAKER
Stop it!
Baker reaches behind his back and pulls out the axe. He raises
it in the air, meaning to swing at Xander.
Willow's eyes widen when she sees this.
WILLOW
Xander!
Willow rushes in once again and grabs Baker's arm. She too
winds up on the ground, struggling with Baker's axe hand as
Xander attempts to get at him with a stake.
Baker snaps at Xander's hand with his fangs, but Xander pulls
back avoiding him.
XANDER
Sissy biter.
BAKER
I'm a vampire!
Willow manages to twist the axe and pull it away from Baker.
She stumbles back with it and smiles.
WILLOW
I got it.
Baker uses his now-free second hand to grab Xander around
the neck and begins choking him.
XANDER
(choking)
Churking! Churking!
WILLOW
Churking?
Xander motions toward his neck.
XANDER
Churking!
WILLOW
(getting it)
Choking!
She rushes toward Baker and swings the axe at his neck. She
hits her target and Baker lets go of Xander, going limp.
Xander moves away from Baker, rubbing his neck. Willow goes
to him.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
45.
XANDER
Let's hear it for the lamest fight
ever.
WILLOW
At least we won.
XANDER
I think this whole "distract and
attack from behind" technique really
works for us.
Willow helps Xander to stand up.
WILLOW
Did you make a crack about my purity?
XANDER
Please don't hurt me.
They start to walk away.
WILLOW
We'll discuss this at home.
(extended beat)
He is going to go poof, right?
They stop walking and turn around. They look at Baker who is
still on the ground with the axe in his neck, not moving.
XANDER
Maybe we didn't decapitate him enough.
INT. WILLOW AND XANDER'S HOUSE - FOYER - NIGHT
The front door opens. Willow and Xander walk in. Xander is
still rubbing his neck.
WILLOW
I'm sure you'll feel better in the
morning. Can I get you anything?
XANDER
Tea, maybe? Some popcorn?
WILLOW
This time of night?
XANDER
Fighting makes me hungry.
WILLOW
Fine. Go lie down. I'll bring it up.
He smiles.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
46.
XANDER
Thanks.
Xander kisses Willow on the head as she walks toward the
kitchen. Once she's gone, his look changes. His smile fades
and a somewhat sinister look fills his eyes. He walks up the
stairs.
INT. WILLOW AND XANDER'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT
Willow fills a kettle with water.
INTERCUT WITH:
INT. WILLOW AND XANDER'S HOUSE - MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT
Xander places several black candles on the dresser and lights
them.
Willow grabs two mugs and puts tea bags in them. She opens a
cabinet and searches for popcorn.
Xander turns off the lights, allowing the eerie glow of the
candles to light the room. He looks at his watch and takes a
deep breath.
Willow grabs the fully popped bag of popcorn from the
microwave and pours it's contents into a bowl.
Xander uses a very old looking dagger to cut into a bag of
dried flower petals. He grabs a handful of the petals and
places them in an old clay bowl that rests on the dresser,
surrounded by the candles.
Willow puts the mugs on a tray, next to the bowl of popcorn.
She pours hot water into them and then picks up the tray.
INT. WILLOW AND XANDER'S HOUSE - UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - NIGHT
Willow walks up the stairs with the tray and finds Xander
waiting for her in the hallway. She can tell that something
is up with him by the very serious, kinda nervous look on
his face.
WILLOW
Are you okay?
XANDER
Put the tray down.
WILLOW
Xander, what's wrong?
XANDER
Just put the tray down.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
47.
WILLOW
Okay.
Willow puts the tray down on the hall table.
XANDER
Come with me.
He opens the door to the bedroom and walks in.
WILLOW
Are you okay?
She follows him into the bedroom.
INT. WILLOW AND XANDER'S HOUSE - MASTER BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
Xander closes the bedroom door behind Willow. Willow looks
around the room, not knowing what's going on.
WILLOW
What's happening? What is this?
XANDER
You know I love you, right?
WILLOW
I guess.
XANDER
You know that I'd never want to hurt
you, right?
WILLOW
Sure.
(beat)
Are you gonna hurt me now?
Xander looks down.
XANDER
I hope not.
(beat)
Willow, there's something inside
you. Some strange energy--
WILLOW
No there's not. No energy.
XANDER
Just listen.
(beat)
There's this strange energy inside
of you that I don't think you can
even control. It's powerful. It's
all-consuming.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
48.
Willow looks to the bed and sees the dagger on it. Her eyes
widen.
WILLOW
What's that for?
Xander gives her a slightly annoyed look.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
Sorry. Quiet now. You were saying
something about an all-consuming
power that doesn't really exist.
XANDER
It does exist. I've tried ignoring
it. I've tried denying it. I've tried
to find some way around all of this,
but there just isn't one.
(beat)
Will, I love you. Just try to remember
that, okay?
WILLOW
Sure. I guess.
(beat)
Maybe.
Xander steps closer to Willow and takes her hand.
XANDER
I've known you forever. You're the
one person that I could always count
on. Without you, I don't think I'd
have survived any of this demon stuff.
More than that though, I don't think
I'd have survived any of the normal
stuff either. I couldn't have done
it without you. That's why I have to
do this.
Xander reaches into his pocket. Willow steps back.
WILLOW
Is this the part where you kill me?
Xander shakes his head and pulls out a small wooden box. He
opens it and shows Willow the contents.
XANDER
This is the part where I propose.
(beat)
I couldn't have gotten this far
without you, and I want to make sure
you're there for the rest of it.
Marry me.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
49.
Willow's eyes widen even more as her jaw drops. She looks at
the ring in the box.
WILLOW
No.
XANDER
No?
WILLOW
No!
Willow looks Xander in the eyes, still in shock.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
No way.
XANDER
Oh.
Willow suddenly realizes what words have come out of her
mouth. She hadn't heard them before.
WILLOW
No, I mean yes. Yes! I'll marry you.
XANDER
You will? Seriously?
WILLOW
I will seriously marry you, Xander
Harris.
Willow rushes in and kisses Xander.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
You had me at "hey, stop eating that
crayon."
XANDER
I was worried there for a sec.
WILLOW
That was shocked "no", not response
"no".
She kisses him again and then holds up her hand.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
Okay, ring time!
Xander takes the ring out of the box and slips it onto her
finger. Willow looks at it closely.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
It's pretty.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
50.
XANDER
It's an antique.
WILLOW
Which I'm sure will have no mystical
repercussions down the road.
Willow kisses Xander again.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
I love it.
(beat)
Quick question?
XANDER
Sure.
WILLOW
What's the dagger for?
XANDER
I don't take rejection very well.
INT. BASEMENT - DUSK
The orange light of the setting sun casts sharp shadows across
Buffy's face as she sleeps. Her face has a strange peaceful
look on it as she rests.
We SLOWLY PUSH IN on her face. Once we're close on her eyes,
they open. She grabs her Scythe and stands.
WIDE ON : BUFFY
She is a silhouette against the bright setting sun.
INT. WATCHERS COUNCIL BUILDING - GILES' OFFICE - DAY
Giles is sitting behind his desk as THREE YOUNG WATCHERS
stand by, listening to him speak.
GILES
So far, we've narrowed the search
for this group down to two possible
locations. While we wait for
confirmation of their location, we
must prepare ourselves for the battle
ahead.
One of the young Watchers, SAMPSON TREVOR, raises his hand
slightly.
SAMPSON
I'm sorry, sir. I don't understand.
What can we do until these demons
are located?
(MORE)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
51.
SAMPSON (CONT'D)
We've researched the methods by which
the suspected demons can be killed.
We've readied our teams and assembled
the proper equipment. I would say
that we're ready.
GILES
Then you will be the first to die.
Giles stands up and walks around his desk. The young Watchers
follow him with their eyes as he cleans his glasses.
GILES (CONT'D)
The first thing that you must realize
before going into battle is that you
are never fully prepared for what
you are about to face. The moment
that you allow yourselves to believe
that you are ready, you begin to let
your guard down.
SAMPSON
But my father said that once you've
done the research, you know your
enemy. Once you know your enemy,
you're ready to face them.
GILES
Your father?
Giles turns to Sampson and looks him in the eyes as he tries
to place the name. Finally, it comes to him.
GILES (CONT'D)
Wallace Trevor?
SAMPSON
Yessir.
GILES
Of course. A good man.
(beat)
I was sorry to hear about his death.
One of the other Watchers attempts to repress a chuckle.
Giles walks to him and looks him in the eyes.
GILES (CONT'D)
Leave.
YOUNG WATCHER
I'm sorry, sir. It won't happen again.
GILES
You're right. That was the idea behind
your leaving.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
52.
The young Watcher nods and walks out of the room. Giles turns
to Sampson, but before he can say anything, Marge runs into
the room. Giles' attention turns to her.
MARGE
We've located them.
GILES
Notify the team.
EXT. WOODS - NIGHT
Buffy walks through the woods slowly. She is not in any
particular rush.
She looks ahead, noticing a slight glow coming from the
distance. Someone has a fire burning.
A RUSTLING SOUND catches her attention next. Something is
moving to her side. She takes note of this, and continues
walking.
ANOTHER NOISE is heard. This time, the leaves of a tree coming
from above her. Buffy looks up.
ANGLE ON : THE TREETOPS
A SHADOW moves along the treetops, toward the fire.
Buffy sees this, and continues to walk.
ANGLE ON : THE CAMPGROUND
Several demons gather around the fire. A vampire who once
fancied designer clothes and fine restaurateurs is now dirty
and hungry. His name is ANGUS LASS and he paces back and
forth nervously.
Sitting by the fire is TAW-MIN. As described earlier, he is
a big demon with blue spikes. His mouth looks as though it
could easily widen to fit a baby. At the moment, he is using
his unusually long tongue to lick the half-skinned body of a
small rodent.
Next to him is FRENG, a mousy demon with big black eyes that
are focused on Taw-min's food. Next to Freng is DIGGER, a
once-furry demon who is losing his hair due to malnutrition.
His eyes are sunken and his ribs are very visible.
Sitting to one side of the camp, with his back to the rest
of the demons is AIS. He is a small, frail demon. Always
frail, not newly frail. He looks like an old man, covered by
a heavy hood. His white, blind eyes are aimed toward the
woods. He pulls his hood, trying to keep warm.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
53.
From high above, SAQUIL drops from the treetops. He is a
very bigfoot-y looking demon with long, wiry hair covering
his body and large arms and legs. He is alarmed.
SAQUIL
It's coming!
The demons around the fire get to their feet. Ais remains
seated, ignoring the rest of them.
ANGUS
I knew that fire would get us killed.
TAW-MIN
Some of us need the warmth.
FRENG
What do we do? What happens now?
ANGUS
Now we run.
FRENG
Where? Where do we go?
ANGUS
I couldn't care less where you go.
Angus takes off toward the woods. Digger runs in the opposite
direction, vanishing into the darkness.
SAQUIL
Vampire's right. Every demon for
himself.
TAW-MIN
We signed into this group together.
We're stronger together.
SAQUIL
We're dead if we stay together. Even
the Slayer can't run in more than
one direction at a time.
From the darkness of the woods, Angus flies through the air.
He lands on the fire and BURSTS INTO FLAMES. Within moments,
he is REDUCED TO ASH.
The other demons watch this.
SAQUIL (CONT'D)
That was effective.
The Scythe flies through the air, and the axe end of it takes
off Taw-min's head before being buried in one of the nearby
trees.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
54.
Saquil looks in the direction from which the Scythe came. He
then looks back to Freng.
SAQUIL (CONT'D)
Good luck.
Saquil jumps into the trees, leaving Freng, and Ais.
Freng attempts to run, but is very weak. He drops to the
ground within seconds.
As Freng attempts to pull himself up, Buffy emerges from the
woods and stands over him. He looks up, scared.
FRENG
P--Please. I only eat the weaker
children. I promise.
Buffy tilts her head, genuinely curious.
BUFFY
This is how you plead for life?
FRENG
I have nothing to offer.
BUFFY
But everything to take.
Buffy squats down and looks Freng in the eyes.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
This is why.
She grabs his head with one hand and twists it until his
NECK SNAPS. He drops, dead.
Buffy stands up and walks to her Scythe. She pulls it from
the tree and looks upward. She can feel Sequil.
She throws the Scythe into the blackness of night. A moment
later, we can hear a MOAN and the RUSTLING OF LEAVES as Saquil
falls to the ground O.S.
Buffy turns toward Ais and walks toward him. Ais remains
seated with his back facing Buffy.
AIS
You kill, but do you wonder?
Buffy doesn't answer. She stands behind him.
AIS (CONT'D)
Of course you do. You're a curious
girl, seeking answers for the purpose.
(MORE)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
55.
AIS (CONT'D)
You know what you must do, but you
don't understand why evil exists to
begin with.
BUFFY
It's a balance. Evil exists because
of good. Good makes people free,
which means that they're able to
think for themselves. Evil spawns
from free will.
AIS
Evil, yes. Demons, no.
BUFFY
You didn't ask about demons.
AIS
No, I didn't. But you do wonder,
don't you?
Buffy says nothing.
AIS (CONT'D)
Demons aren't the question, Slayer.
We are the answer. We are why you
exist. Without us, you have no
purpose.
BUFFY
Maybe I'm the answer then.
Ais smiles.
AIS
A paradox.
BUFFY
I ask questions. I ask what demons
think. I ask if they feel.
AIS
You seek purpose in the chaos.
BUFFY
No.
AIS
Then you seek to understand your
enemy so that you may kill them.
BUFFY
Wrong again.
AIS
Then what is it that you seek?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
56.
BUFFY
(shrugs)
Conversation.
AIS
Interesting girl.
BUFFY
The others run. Why don't you?
AIS
Because I see what they don't. I see
the way things must be. I see those
like me in the fire, and that like
you in the flood. There is no stopping
what must be done. I die tonight
because that is the way it has to
be.
Buffy looks down at Ais, taking in what he says.
BUFFY
Finally, someone gets it.
EXT. WOODS - DAY
Giles and his team of TACTICAL WATCHERS move through the
woods. The tactical guys are dressed in dark clothes, carrying
heavy weapons and moving all stealthy. Like the Initiative,
but with tea and scones.
Giles looks up at the sky, and then to his watch. He wants
to do this before sunset.
TACTICAL WATCHER (O.S.)
Over here!
Giles looks in the direction of the voice and moves that