TEASER
INT. CRYPT - DAY
BUFFY is holding several sheets of paper with scribblings on
them. She's reading them over.
DOC is standing nearby. He's no longer tied to a chair or
gagged. He is now chained to the wall by each of his limbs,
with just enough room to work. There is blood splattered on
the wall behind him.
BUFFY
(reading)
This is it?
DOC
It's... What I have.
BUFFY
What does that mean?
DOC
It means, I don't have access to my
documents. I don't have the tools I
need.
BUFFY
So what you're saying is that I should
let you go back to wherever you came
from and get those documents? Is
that what you need to make this work?
Buffy puts the papers down and walks to Doc. She grabs him
by the neck and slams him against the wall.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
You've had a month. You've been over
those documents a thousand times.
DOC
(being a smart-ass)
My memory isn't what it used to be.
Buffy lets go of Doc and starts to walk away from him. Doc
is getting a little annoyed by now and SLINGS HIS TONGUE
TOWARD HER.
Buffy turns and grabs it before Doc can realize it. She slowly
starts to walk back toward Doc. He RETRACTS HIS TONGUE
accordingly, though she is still holding the end.
BUFFY
Your memory is fine. Frankly, I've
had just about enough stalling.
As Buffy reaches Doc, she pulls a knife with her free hand
and uses it to pin Doc's tongue to the wall.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
And I've had enough back-talk.
(beat)
I'm not going to tell you that I
will let you live if you help me.
I'm not going to bargain for your
life. The decision you have to make
is how slowly and how painfully you
want to die.
Buffy pulls the knife back out, allowing Doc to reclaim his
tongue.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
Are you going to cooperate?
Doc doesn't respond.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
I'll take that as a yes.
(beat)
You have one day.
Buffy turns and walks out of the crypt.
As Doc watches her go, his anger begins to boil over once
again. This soon gives way to fear.
He yanks on his chains, but no matter how he pulls at them,
he is stuck.
EXT. KINGMAN'S BLUFF - NIGHT
Kingman's Bluff is in the process of becoming the site of a
wedding. Not an overly large, super expensive wedding, but a
wedding.
Buffy walks up to the bluff, joining WILLOW, XANDER, DAWN
and GILES. There is a cooler sitting nearby.
BUFFY
I'm late. Sorry.
XANDER
No worries. It's all good.
As Buffy joins them, she looks around.
BUFFY
Should they leave this stuff here
overnight?
XANDER
As long as we're not charged, I don't
care where they leave it.
DAWN
That's the spirit!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.
WILLOW
And speaking of spirits... Giles?
GILES
Hmm?
WILLOW
Let's get this bachelor-slash-
bachelorette party started.
GILES
Oh. Right.
Giles opens the cooler and pulls out a bottle of champagne
and enough glasses for each of them. He and Xander work at
opening the bottle and pouring champagne.
BUFFY
You know, I saw this coming.
WILLOW
Us getting married?
BUFFY
Yeah. Way back when I first met you
guys. Then other stuff happened and
I stopped seeing it coming, but it
still makes sense, y'know?
(beat)
Does that make sense?
WILLOW
I get the gist.
Xander hands Buffy and Willow their glasses. Giles hands one
to Dawn.
BUFFY
Hey! Is she old enough to drink?
DAWN
I'm old enough-ish.
(beat)
It's a special occassion!
BUFFY
Fine. One sip.
DAWN
Please. Like I'm not drinking all
the time at school anyway?
Buffy and Willow look at Dawn questioningly.
DAWN (CONT'D)
Fine. I don't normally drink. But I
could if I wanted to.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.
Giles and Xander take their glasses and set the bottle down.
GILES
I'd like to make a toast if it's not
too... sappy.
BUFFY
Sap away.
GILES
Okay...
Giles reaches into his jacket and pulls out a piece of paper.
Buffy looks to Dawn.
BUFFY
Oh my God, he wrote it down.
DAWN
That's so cute!
WILLOW
Leave him alone. I want my toast.
Giles raises his glass.
GILES
When I first met the two of you, you
were sixteen years old. High school
students. Honestly, more than a little
annoying at times.
Xander and Willow smile as Xander puts his free arm around
her.
GILES (CONT'D)
You were an unexpected part of the
job that I'd been sent to perform.
Giles puts the paper away.
GILES (CONT'D)
But as I've watched the two of you
grow into the adults that you are
today, you became something more to
me. Willow and- much as I loathe to
admit- Xander, you have become my
family. So, when I watch you exchange
vows tomorrow, I won't simply be
watching another pair of friends
getting married. In my mind, and in
my heart, you are so much more. You
have been like my own children.
(beat)
So... Cheers.
BUFFY
Cheers.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5.
Everyone takes their sip of champagne. Buffy and Dawn both
wince and shake their heads.
BUFFY/DAWN
Blech!
They look at each other, and both decide to put their glasses
down.
Willow then gives Giles a big hug.
XANDER
(to Giles)
I like you so much better than my
real father.
(beat)
Can I call you Dad?
GILES
No.
BUFFY
If they're both like your children,
isn't this whole wedding thing a
little weird?
GILES
Shall we wait and see how I mock
your speech tomorrow?
BUFFY
I have to make a speech?
DAWN
It is customary.
WILLOW
Everyone huddle together, I want a
picture.
Willow pulls a digital camera out of her bag as the others
get closer together.
Willow sets the camera on a nearby box, and sets the timer.
She rushes back to the group as they pose.
The camera flashes.
FADE OUT:
END OF TEASER
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY
Dawn is sitting next to Ryan's bed, staring at his food tray.
RYAN is still in pretty bad shape. He isn't going anywhere
soon.
DAWN
Did your food tray just move?
RYAN
I don't think so.
DAWN
Seriously, I could have sworn I just
saw that little cover thing move
like an inch.
RYAN
I didn't see it.
DAWN
Okay. Just don't eat anything they
feed you here. From now on, I'm
bringing all of your meals.
RYAN
That might be hard tonight.
DAWN
Why?
RYAN
Does the word "wedding" ring any
bells?
DAWN
Oh! Yeah, but I'm still coming by to
check up on you.
RYAN
You don't have to. I'm fine.
DAWN
You're not fine. You're all broken
and stuff.
RYAN
Which is what they have nurses for.
And doctors.
DAWN
If any one of those people were good
at their job, they wouldn't let you
eat whatever's on that food tray.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7.
RYAN
I didn't see the tray move.
DAWN
It so moved.
RYAN
If you say so.
(beat)
Hey, what time is it?
Dawn looks at her watch?
DAWN
Almost ten.
She looks back to a clock which hangs on the wall.
DAWN (CONT'D)
Which is also what that clock says.
RYAN
That clock has said that it's almost
ten since I got here.
(then)
Shouldn't you be getting ready for
the wedding? Hair. Makeup. Other
girlie stuff.
DAWN
I have priorities. None of us have
ever really been girlie girls like
that.
INT. WILLOW AND XANDER'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY
Two massage tables are set up in the living room. Buffy and
Willow are laying on them as TWO MEN massage them.
Both girls have some sort of green masks on their faces,
which we can see through the holes in the massage tables.
They also have curlers in their hair.
A THIRD MAN walks into the room from the kitchen, holding a
can of soda.
THIRD MAN
I think your fridge is broken. This
soda's warm.
WILLOW
I just put some in a little while
ago. Try digging in back.
The man nods and walks off.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
(to Buffy)
This is relaxing.
BUFFY
I'm glad you like it.
WILLOW
It's also a little strange. Are you
sure you checked these guys out before
you had them come over?
(then, whispered)
They could be murderers for all we
know.
BUFFY
Okay, for starters, if I can hear
you, they can hear you. Don't worry
about them. Their website looked
very professional.
WILLOW
They're not hookers, are they? I
don't want any funny business.
BUFFY
They're not hookers. Relax.
WILLOW
Okay. Sorry. I didn't mean to call
you guys hookers.
FIRST MAN
It's cool.
WILLOW
I'm relaxing now.
(extended beat)
How did you afford this? You don't
have an income.
BUFFY
Giles lent me the money. Now, shh!
Dawn walks into the house and sees everything going on in
the living room. She freezes, taking it all in.
DAWN
What's going on in here?
BUFFY
Wedding present for Willow.
DAWN
Since when do we do stuff like this?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9.
BUFFY
It's not like Willow's ever gotten
married before.
DAWN
You could have told me about it.
BUFFY
Consider yourself told.
Buffy leans up so that she can talk to her masseuse.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
(to the masseuse)
Go get your friend. He can work on
Dawn.
As her masseuse walks toward the kitchen, Buffy sits up.
Dawn smiles and sets her bag down.
DAWN
I've never had one of these before...
They're not hookers, are they?
Buffy looks at a clock.
BUFFY
Is it really that late? We have to
go. We have hair and makeup and all
that other stuff to do.
Buffy stands up.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
Willow, get up!
DAWN
But, what about my massage?
BUFFY
No time. We need to go.
As Willow gets up, the two masseuses come in from the kitchen.
Dawn looks at hers and pouts.
Buffy walks past Dawn, on her way up the stairs. Dawn watches
her go.
DAWN
I want curlers.
INT. DINER - DAY
Xander and Giles are sitting at a table in the diner. Each
has a cup of coffee in front of them.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10.
XANDER
So, what time do you think we should
get ready?
GILES
The wedding is at five?
Xander nods.
GILES (CONT'D)
It might take a while.
(beat)
Maybe head over there around four.
XANDER
Cool.
They fall silent. Xander starts to look around.
XANDER (CONT'D)
Where are my pancakes?
(then)
Oh! We should go see a movie.
GILES
You would think there would be more
to do.
XANDER
Yeah, but there's really not. Last
time I did this, I got all dressed
and ready really early. Then I spent
the next few hours standing around.
GILES
Hmm.
INT. WILLOW AND XANDER'S HOUSE - DAWN'S ROOM - DAY
Buffy is putting on some simple sweats, getting ready to go
out. Her face has been washed by now.
Dawn walks into the room.
DAWN
You could have told me there were
massages.
BUFFY
I only called this morning. Do you
know how much it cost to get them
out here today?
(beat)
Well, how much it cost Giles. I'm
not actually paying.
DAWN
You still could have told me.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11.
BUFFY
And you would have ditched your
hospitalized boyfriend to hang around
here?
DAWN
Okay, fine. I wouldn't have.
BUFFY
And you get first dibs on hair and
makeup. I'm gonna have to meet you
guys there.
DAWN
What? Why?
BUFFY
I have a few things to take care of.
You can get Willow to the bluff,
right?
DAWN
Yeah.
BUFFY
Don't forget the dresses. And the
ring. And--
DAWN
I'm the maid of honor Buffy. I know
my job.
BUFFY
I know. I just want to make sure
this goes smoothly. Everything has
to be perfect.
DAWN
It will be.
Dawn sits down on her bed, watching Buffy get ready. She
grows concerned.
DAWN (CONT'D)
Why are you obsessing all the sudden?
BUFFY
What?
DAWN
The last few days, you've been acting
all strange. What's going on?
Buffy stops and looks at Dawn. After a moment, she goes to
the door and closes it.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12.
BUFFY
I just need this to be perfect. I
need us all to be together and happy
for one day.
DAWN
(worried)
Why?
(beat)
You can't leave. Not again.
BUFFY
Dawnie, I have to.
DAWN
But everyone's together. We're happy.
BUFFY
I know. But I still have work to do.
DAWN
We can do it together.
BUFFY
I can't drag everyone around with
me. You guys deserve a life. Willow
and Xander are getting married. Giles
has a life... I'm sure. You have
school and Dad and...
DAWN
Forget it. Forget all of it. I want
to go with you. I can't take losing
you again.
Buffy hesitates.
BUFFY
I have to take care of some things.
Can you make sure Willow's all set?
DAWN
(beat)
Yeah.
Buffy opens the door and starts to walk out.
DAWN (CONT'D)
Buffy...
Buffy turns around, but Dawn doesn't say anything.
BUFFY
I have to go. I'll see you later.
Buffy walks out of the room, leaving Dawn alone.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13.
INT. WILLOW AND XANDER'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM/FOYER - DAY
The living room has been cleaned up, and Willow stands alone
in the room.
Buffy comes down the stairs. Willow smiles when she sees
her.
WILLOW
Hey. The guys are all gone. I couldn't
remember their names, so I just kept
calling them Jim, Bob, and Joe. It
was probably really insulting to
them, but it was kinda funny to me,
and I tipped them a whole bunch
anyway, so I think it's okay.
BUFFY
I guess you had to be there.
(beat)
I have to take off for a while. I'll
meet up with you guys in a bit.
WILLOW
Where are you going? We're on a very
strict schedule here.
BUFFY
I know. Don't worry.
Buffy heads for the door.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
I'll be there in time for everything.
WILLOW
You better be.
By now, Buffy is gone. Willow's not sure what to make of it,
but she has other thoughts on her mind, so she moves on.
INT. CRYPT - DAY
Buffy walks into the crypt and to the back wall. She still
has the curlers in her hair.
BUFFY
Do you have it?
Doc looks up at her from his chair.
DOC
I've written everything you need.
Buffy sees a stack of papers on the floor and picks them up.
BUFFY
This is it?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14.
DOC
It is all that I have.
Buffy is growing annoyed as she looks over the papers.
BUFFY
There's nothing on these pages.
DOC
Really? How odd.
Doc stands up and walks to Buffy. He looks her in the eyes.
DOC (CONT'D)
Do you really think that you would
have it in you? Do you think you
would be able to kill your own sister?
BUFFY
I'll do what I have to do.
DOC
It sounds more simple than it would
be. See, this won't be a matter of
simply killing her. No.
(beat)
For this to work, you would have to
take away her ability to think for
herself. You would have to rob her
of her humanity before you bleed
her. Take away her thoughts. Her
will. Your sister would be humiliated.
She would die a blithering shell of
who she once was. In order for this
to work, you would have to torture
her.
Buffy stares Doc down without flinching. Doc raises his
chained hand.
DOC (CONT'D)
It's a lot harder when it's someone
you love.
Buffy takes a step closer to Doc. Doc smiles.
DOC (CONT'D)
Do you think I care if you kill me?
I've had no reason to live for nearly
six years now. Do you really think
that chaining me to a wall and beating
me actually hurts me? The only thing
that hurts me now is waking up each
day in a world without hope.
Buffy pulls a knife.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15.
BUFFY
Then you have nothing to worry about.
FADE TO BLACK:
END OF ACT ONE
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
INT. WILLOW'S DRESSING ROOM - DAY
The dressing room is really more of a tent, set up at
Kingman's Bluff, so Willow can get ready in private. It's
large enough to fit several people, chairs and a table for
food. It also has a makeup table with a mirror, and a full
length mirror next to it.
Willow is sitting at the makeup table, looking into the
mirror. Her hair and makeup are both done. She looks
beautiful.
Dawn walks into the room, also looking beautiful and ready
to go. She smiles at Willow.
DAWN
I still can't get over how beautiful
you look.
WILLOW
For the price I paid, I better. Is
anyone here yet?
DAWN
Some. The early, early birds.
WILLOW
My parents?
DAWN
Got here a few minutes ago. Your
mother was on her way in here, but I
think she stopped to have a cigarette.
WILLOW
My mother doesn't smoke.
DAWN
She does now. Don't worry. Me and
Buffy have everything covered.
(beat)
Do you need anything? Food? Water?
Some sort of pre-wedding jitter
suppressor?
WILLOW
Y'know, I'm actually not that nervous.
It's weird, right?
DAWN
It's just meant to be.
(beat)
I should go find your mother.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17.
WILLOW
Yeah. And don't let Xander's parents
near anything with alcohol in it.
DAWN
We're on it. See ya in a few.
Dawn turns to walk out.
WILLOW
Dawn...
Dawn stops and turns. Willow grabs her digital camera off of
the table.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
Picture with my maid of honor?
Dawn smiles and walks back to Willow. They get close together
and Willow holds her camera out and snaps a picture.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
Thanks.
DAWN
E-mail that one to me.
WILLOW
I will.
DAWN
Okay. I'll be back.
Willow nods and Dawn walks out of the tent. Willow turns
back to the mirror and looks into it.
FEMALE VOICE (O.S.)
You look beautiful.
Willow smiles and turns.
WILLOW
Thanks.
When she finishes her turn, Willow sees TARA sitting in one
of the other chairs.
INT. XANDER'S DRESSING ROOM - DAY
Xander's room is a lot like Willow's. The major difference
is that instead of a makeup table, there's a TV, which Xander
is watching.
Buffy is sitting behind Xander, dressed and ready to go for
the wedding.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18.
BUFFY
Isn't this the part where you're
supposed to be freaking out?
Xander shrugs.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
So you're not freaking out?
Xander shakes his head.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
So I'm not going to have to kick
your ass at any point today?
Xander shrugs.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
Do you still know how to speak.
XANDER
Yup.
BUFFY
Xander, look at me.
Xander turns. Buffy looks him in the eyes. She takes a moment
to read his expression. She then smiles.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
Okay. I'm going to check on other
things. Be here when I get back.
XANDER
Will do.
Buffy starts to walk out.
XANDER (CONT'D)
Buff?
She turns and looks back.
XANDER (CONT'D)
Keep my parents away from the booze.
BUFFY
I know, I know. Geez, you act like
I've never done this before.
Buffy walks out, leaving Xander alone.
Once he's alone, he turns back to the TV.
DIFFERENT FEMALE VOICE (O.S.)
Nice shoes.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
19.
Xander takes a moment, and then turns off the TV. He turns
around and finds ANYA standing behind him.
ANYA
Are you sure your feet won't get all
blistery when you run away like a
scared little Frenchman?
Xander doesn't seem at all surprised to see her.
XANDER
I'm not running.
ANYA
Really? Well, I guess there's a first
time for everything.
XANDER
It's good to see you too.
INT. WILLOW'S DRESSING ROOM - DAY
Willow looks at Tara through the mirror.
WILLOW
I'm not really sure what to say.
TARA
You love him?
WILLOW
I do.
TARA
Then there's nothing to say.
WILLOW
But I shouldn't be happy. Not after
what happened with you.
TARA
You don't believe that.
WILLOW
There's so much I want to say to
you. So many things that I want to
apologize for.
TARA
Shh... None of that matters anymore.
The only thing that matters is that
you're happy. That's all I ever wanted
for you.
Tara gets up and walks to Willow. She starts to fix a spot
on Willow's hair that isn't quite right.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20.
TARA (CONT'D)
You have so much to look forward to.
You can't keep looking back.
WILLOW
I don't know how to not look back.
TARA
Try.
WILLOW
But it's so hard. How do I let go of
everything that's happened?
TARA
If you don't, you'll have more regrets
than you do now. You don't want that,
do you?
WILLOW
No.
(beat)
Tara?
TARA
Hmm?
WILLOW
I'm scared.
TARA
I know.
WILLOW
What if it happens again?
TARA
It could.
WILLOW
I can't go through that again. I
can't lose someone else.
TARA
You're strong. The strongest person
I know.
WILLOW
I'm not anymore. I lost it.
TARA
You lost your crutch, not your
strength. Who you are is what makes
you strong. You haven't lost that.
WILLOW
I miss having you here.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
21.
TARA
I'm always here.
INT. XANDER'S DRESSING ROOM - DAY
ANYA
I mean, what the hell, Harris? What
makes her so much better than me?
Why aren't you running?
XANDER
It's just different. It has nothing
to do with you.
ANYA
Oh, so your running away from our
wedding had nothing to do with me?
XANDER
No. I mean, yes.
(beat)
Would you please stop bringing that
up?
ANYA
She doesn't have better hair than
me. It's far too red, and completely
unnatural looking.
XANDER
Anya...
ANYA
She isn't prettier. My breasts are
far more perky.
XANDER
Anya...
ANYA
She isn't smarter. I could teach her
a thing or two about--
XANDER
Anya!
ANYA
What?
XANDER
It isn't about any of that.
Anya starts to tear up.
ANYA
Then why couldn't you love me?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
22.
Xander stands and goes to Anya. He puts his hands on her
shoulders.
XANDER
I did love you. I still do.
ANYA
Obviously not enough. And I just
don't get it. I tried so hard. I
cooked and I cleaned up after you
and I brought in a somewhat impressive
amount of money. I gave you everything
that I had to give, and it wasn't
enough.
XANDER
You were perfect. And I did love
you. And you did not clean up after
me.
ANYA
Is that why?
XANDER
What? No.
(beat)
It just wasn't right.
ANYA
That's it? That's all the explaination
you have?
XANDER
What else can I say?
ANYA
I don't know, but I certainly don't
find that comforting. It'd be
different if I had a flaw of some
kind. Then I could understand why
things had to be like this. Why you
had to marry Willow and why I needed
to be sliced in half by an evil blind
monk. As it stands this just sucks
for no good reason.
Xander puts his arms around her.
XANDER
I'm sorry.
EXT. KINGMAN'S BLUFF - DAY
Buffy walks up to SHEILA ROSENBERG, who is standing near one
of the decorator's trucks.
BUFFY
Mrs. Rosenberg, hi.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
23.
Sheila looks over at Buffy and gives her polite smile.
SHEILA
Hello, Buffy.
BUFFY
Hey, you remembered.
SHEILA
Hmm?
BUFFY
Oh, it's just... my name... Nevermind.
So, how is the mother of the bride
holding up?
Sheila reaches into her purse for a pack of cigarettes, but
can only find an empty pack.
SHEILA
I'm fine. Just fine, thanks. Do you
smoke?
BUFFY
Sorry.
SHEILA
Me neither, usually. I guess it's
just stress.
BUFFY
Yeah.
(beat)
Look, I don't know if this is helpful
or not, but I know Willow pretty
well. I've known her a long time,
and I've also known Xander a long
time. If I didn't think Xander was
good enough for Willow, I wouldn't
let them get married. Seriously. I
could really really stop them if I
wanted to.
Sheila fakes another smile.
SHEILA
Thank you. I guess you just can't
know how this feels until your
daughter gets married.
BUFFY
Daughter?
SHEILA
Didn't you... I could have sworn you
had a child.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
24.
BUFFY
Sister. I have a little sister. No
babies here.
SHEILA
Oh...
BUFFY
I really should go check on things.
Buffy starts to walk away, but stops herself. She thinks for
a moment and then turns around.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
Okay, normally I wouldn't say this,
but I don't see it having much impact
on my life, so what the hell.
(beat)
I've known Willow for ten years, and
I've barely even met you. I've been
her best friend for ten years and
until today, you didn't even know my
name. You've taken zero interest in
her life up until this point, so
don't stand there and mope about the
fact that you think she's marrying
the wrong person. Because she's not.
She's marrying the one person who
has always- always- been there for
her. You're upset that she's marrying
him because you've always seen Xander
as being beneath you. Not quite up
to your standards because of where
he comes from or whatever. Well, get
over it. Because frankly, when it
comes to Willow's upbringing, I've
seen better.
Buffy now turns and walks away, leaving Sheila alone and
stunned.
As Buffy walks away, Dawn joins her. They continue to walk.
DAWN
Did I just see you yelling at Willow's
mother?
BUFFY
Am I not supposed to do that?
DAWN
Not really.
BUFFY
Oops.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
25.
DAWN
So, do you have your speech written
yet?
BUFFY
Why do I keep forgetting about that?
DAWN
Buffy!
BUFFY
Don't worry. I'm good with making
speeches on the spot. Do you not
remember my daily speeches when all
of those potential Slayers were in
the house?
DAWN
Well, I'm glad you're so comfy with
the improv. I, on the other hand, am
freaking out. I've had it written
for a week and I'm still all nervous
about it. Who gives speeches anyway?
It's weird, right?
They reach the area where the wedding is to be held and Buffy
sits in one of the guest chairs. Dawn sits near her.
BUFFY
You'll do fine. Look...
Buffy unwraps a string of beads that she has around her wrist.
She wraps them around Dawn's wrist now.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
These are supposed to help you control
your emotions. Y'know, focus your
inner energies or whatever. I got
them off a friend about a year ago.
DAWN
Because a good Slayer shouldn't be
prone to violent outbursts?
BUFFY
It was more about the friend than
the beads. Just take them and use
them. I think they really work.
Dawn looks down at the beads.
DAWN
Plus, they look cool with my fancy
dress.
(beat)
Thanks.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
26.
INT. WILLOW'S DRESSING ROOM - DAY
Tara is looking at Willow's digital camera.
TARA
They've gotten smaller.
WILLOW
A little.
Willow stands up.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
Hey, we should take a picture. Mark
the occassion.
Tara puts the camera down.
TARA
It wouldn't work. I'm not really
here, remember?
WILLOW
Oh.
(beat)
So, what's it like? The other side,
I mean.
TARA
I wish I could tell you. There's a
lot that I want to say about
everything that's happened. Everything
that's going to happen.
WILLOW
Why can't you?
TARA
It just doesn't work that way.
INT. XANDER'S DRESSING ROOM - DAY
Xander and Anya are both sitting down now.
ANYA
And there's this big light. Only
it's not a light. It's more of a
cloud. And there's this voice, but
it's not really a voice. And it's
all calm and peaceful.
(beat)
You remember that song that Buffy
sang when you summoned that musical
demon that killed a bunch of people
that we never mentioned again? It's
a lot like what she said, only with
less whining.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
27.
XANDER
Wow. It sounds... confusing.
ANYA
It's not. It's just difficult to
explain. You'll see it eventually.
XANDER
Yeah.
They fall silent for a moment.
ANYA
It'll happen, you know?
XANDER
What will?
ANYA
You'll forget me. You'll marry Willow
and she'll pop out a litter of little
fake lesbian witches and you'll forget
all about me.
XANDER
That won't happen.
ANYA
Yes, it will. It's the reason why I
very rarely exacted vengence on the
ex-boyfriend that a woman broke up
with six years earlier. It's how
these things work.
XANDER
Not this thing. I couldn't forget
you, Ahn. You're too important.
ANYA
Please. We were together for three
years and you didn't remember my
birthday once.
Xander gives her a "huh?" look.
XANDER
Anya, you were a thousand years old.
You didn't even remember your
birthday.
ANYA
Oh. Blame it on me.
XANDER
Is it just me, or have you gone insane
since you died?
Xander takes a moment, and then looks Anya in the eyes.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28.
XANDER (CONT'D)
Believe me when I tell you, I will
never forget you. You're the person
who taught me how to love.
Anya tears up again.
ANYA
I am?
Xander nods. Anya is about to say something, but stops. She
looks toward the door.
ANYA (CONT'D)
I have to go.
She looks back to Xander and stands up. He stands too.
XANDER
You can't stay for the wedding?
ANYA
I can't.
He goes to her and hugs her tightly. She takes this in as
much as she can.
XANDER
I'll always love you, Ahn.
ANYA
Me too.
Xander closes his eyes as he continues to hug her. When he
opens them again, Anya is gone.
As Xander stands, deep in thought, Giles walks in. He looks
at Xander's expression.
GILES
Are you alright?
XANDER
Yeah.
INT. WILLOW'S DRESSING ROOM - DAY
Willow and Tara are sitting, having a nice conversation.
WILLOW
Can I ask you something?
TARA
Sure. I don't know if I can answer
it, but I'll try.
WILLOW
That dolls-eye crystal you gave me...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
29.
TARA
You don't understand. There's no
reason why you should.
WILLOW
How did you get it? How did you know?
TARA
Someday, I'll tell you.
WILLOW
But not today.
Tara just smiles.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
This whole post-death visitation
thing is a little cryptic, don't you
think?
TARA
We could try talking about normal
things. That might make it easier.
WILLOW
It won't be easy. Because I know
that in a few minutes you'll have to
leave again, and you'll be gone
forever.
TARA
Not forever. We'll see each other
again. Don't worry.
WILLOW
Not until I'm dead, which isn't
usually something a person looks
forward to.
TARA
It'll be a blink of an eye. You have
so much life left to live. You have
a family to start. You have lives to
change.
WILLOW
I'm not sure I know how.
TARA
You do. I've seen the things you'll
do with your life. The things that
you and Xander will do together.
WILLOW
I'm sorry.
TARA
Don't be.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30.
WILLOW
But I am. For the spells, and the
way I treated you...
TARA
None of that is important now. What
is important is that you are getting
married to a great man.
(beat)
What also matters is that you're not
getting married to that Kennedy girl.
'Cause then I might have some issues.
Willow smiles. Tara looks back toward the door. When she
looks to Willow again, Willow's smile falls. She knows what's
coming.
WILLOW
Don't. Please don't.
TARA
I wish I didn't have to.
Willow and Tara stand up. Willow goes to Tara and gives her
a hug.
TARA (CONT'D)
It's okay.
Tara starts to tear up. Willow closes her eyes tightly, trying
to hold onto this.
Willow opens her eyes. Tara is no longer with her.
Willow sits back down, taking a moment. After a moment, Sheila
walks through the door. She sees Willow looking down at the
ground.
SHEILA
Willow?
Willow looks up at her mother. Sheila hesitates for a moment
and then walks toward Willow. When she reaches her, Willow
doesn't say anything. She just takes Sheila's hand and holds
it.
After a moment, Sheila puts her other hand over Willow's.
She doesn't say anything. She is just being there for her
daughter.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT TWO
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
31.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
EXT. KINGMAN'S BLUFF - DAY
As SOFT MUSIC plays, Willow and Xander exchange vows. We
can't hear what they're saying, but who hasn't seen enough
TV weddings to get the gist?
As the music continues, we see other images from the ceremony:
Buffy handing Willow's ring to Xander.
Xander sliding the ring onto Willow's finger.
Willow sliding Xander's ring onto his finger.
Giles watching from his seat in the crowd like a proud pappa.
Dawn standing near Willow with a silly grin on her face.
Buffy watching the ceremony with a smile, and then looking
downward as her thoughts move on to other matters.
The crowd clapping.
Willow and Xander kissing.
INT. THE BRONZE - NIGHT
The SOFT MUSIC TURNS TO ROCK as a party rages on. Though
several of the older people look a little thrown by the music
and some of the decorating choices the new owners have made,
the atmosphere is still light and fun.
The look of the Bronze is not entirely unlike the redesigned,
post-Olaf Bronze. Though there are far more decorations which
would lend themselves to a gay disco club rather than a rock-
ish club.
On the dance floor, Xander and Dawn are getting their dance
on.
Buffy, Willow and Giles are watching them from one of the
tables. Willow has her digital camera out, and she's snapping
pictures.
BUFFY
So, I'm guessing you and Xander
skipped the dance classes?
WILLOW
How can you improve upon perfection?
Buffy wants to respond, and starts to, but nothing comes
out. She looks to Giles.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
32.
BUFFY
I have no response to that. Can you
help me out here?
GILES
I think it looks quite fun.
BUFFY
Traitor.
Xander and Dawn make their way to the table, out of breath.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
Are you guys tired already?
XANDER
Old. Far, far too old for this.
BUFFY
You're 26.
XANDER
Your point?
A WAITRESS comes to the table.
WAITRESS
Can I take your orders?
BUFFY
I want coffee. And a croissant.
WILLOW
Ooh, flaky goodness. Two please.
GILES
Tea.
XANDER
Coffee. Iced preferably.
DAWN
Same, but with mocha.
The waitress looks at them as though they are from mars.
WAITRESS
You realize that we have alcohol
here, right?
BUFFY
What's your point?
The waitress walks away, still puzzled.
XANDER
Coffee at the Bronze. What could be
better?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
33.
DAWN
I think it's called The Electric
Horseman now.
BUFFY
Are they allowed to do that? Use the
name like that... isn't that some
sort of copyright infringement?
(beat)
Because of the movie.
WILLOW
I... guess so? I don't know. As long
as we're renting the place, it's the
Bronze.
Xander turns and looks around the place. He takes it all in.
XANDER
It's just like old times, isn't it?
The place even feels kinda the same,
except for the kinda scary animated
neon signs near the ceiling.
Everyone looks upward at the signs, which are off-screen and
we cannot see.
As they look, everyone tilts their head ever so slightly.
Then they all jump back at the same time. Buffy puts her
hand over Dawn's eyes. Everyone but Buffy quickly looks away.
DAWN
Buffy, I'm in my 20's.
BUFFY
Nobody should have to see that.
(beat)
And yet I can't look away.
Buffy shakes herself out of her daze and looks away.
WILLOW
Okay, Buffy and Dawn, move together.
I want a picture of the sisters.
Buffy and Dawn get closer, putting their arms around each
other and smiling for the camera.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
Say cheese.
BUFFY
No.
Willow snaps the picture. She looks at it on the camera's
screen.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
34.
WILLOW
It's a good one. Y'know what would
have made it better?
BUFFY
Hmm?
WILLOW
Sayin' cheese for the old married
lady.
Willow looks to Xander.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
How weird does that sound?
XANDER
Sounds good to me.
He kisses her on the forehead. Just as he does this ANOTHER
SONG STARTS. Willow holds a hand out to Giles.
WILLOW
Okay, I want a dance.
GILES
With me?
WILLOW
Yes, with you. C'mon.
GILES
I really...
WILLOW
You have to. It's a rule that people
have to do whatever I say today. You
can look it up in the rule book, but
it'd just be wasting time. 'Cause
it's there.
GILES
Fine. But I assure you, I will neither
bump, nor grind, not shake my "groove
thing".
Buffy and Willow exchange kinda grossed out looks.
WILLOW
Let's go.
Willow pulls Giles away from the table.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
And please never ever use any of
those terms ever again. Thanks.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
35.
As Willow and Giles walk off, Buffy grabs Willow's camera
and snaps a picture of them.
Xander watches Willow and Giles for a moment, and then turns
toward the bar.
XANDER
Oh, man. My Dad's hitting the bar
again.
BUFFY
Want me to...?
XANDER
Nah. I got this one.
Xander walks off, leaving Buffy and Dawn alone. Buffy looks
down at the digital camera, her mind wandering. Dawn notices
this.
DAWN
Whatcha thinking?
BUFFY
I'm thinking that two hundred dollars
is still a lot of money for something
so drop-able.
DAWN
Is that all?
Buffy looks at Dawn.
BUFFY
I'm thinking how nice all of this
is. Being together. Knowing that it
won't last.
DAWN
It could.
BUFFY
I think Willow and Xander might get
tired of a house full of guests.
DAWN
So we just go our separate ways?
Buffy looks down again.
BUFFY
Something like that. I guess.
(then, smiling)
But this is a party. Right now, we're
all here and it's all good.
DAWN
Yeah.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
36.
BUFFY
Wanna dance?
DAWN
I do.
Buffy takes Dawn's hand and they walk toward the dance floor
where they join Willow and Giles. The three girls are having
a fun time with their goofy dancing. Giles has absolutely no
idea what he's doing.
INT. THE BRONZE - LATER
The room is quiet now, and most of the guests are seated,
with glasses of champagne in their hands.
Dawn is on the stage, standing in front of the microphone,
looking very nervous. She smiles.
DAWN
Umm... Hi. I'm Dawn Summers and I'm
an alcoholic.
Dead silence.
DAWN (CONT'D)
Okay, bad joke. Sorry. Umm...
(beat)
You know, I have this written down.
She reaches into her shoe and pulls out a folded piece of
paper. After unfolding it, she begins to read.
DAWN (CONT'D)
I've known Willow and Xander for
almost as long as I can remember. It
seems strange, since I didn't meet
them until I was ten. I should
remember more before that. The thing
is, I can't remember a time when
they weren't in my life.
(beat)
They started out as my sister's
friends when we moved here to
Sunnydale. Back then, I would just
buzz around them and annoy them. Or
they'd babysit while my mother was
at work, and Buffy was at the library.
Studying. For school.
Dawn puts the paper down and looks into the crowd.
DAWN (CONT'D)
Anyway, after a while, they became
more than just Buffy's friends. After
a while, I realized that they weren't
annoyed to have me around.
(MORE)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
37.
DAWN (CONT'D)
I realized that as time passed, they
became my friends too. I don't think
that fully registered in my head
until my mother died. At first, I
couldn't stand how alone I felt.
Even with Buffy there, it seemed
like I didn't have any family left
in the world. And then I saw how our
friends came to support us. I saw
how they cared about us and loved
us. They took care of us, because
they are our family. That is who
Willow and Xander are. They are two
of the most caring people I know.
They would give everything they have
in this world just to make one person
a little bit better off. Whether
they're a close friend, or a complete
stranger, it doesn't even matter.
(beat)
So today when I was watching them
get married, and I saw how happy
they were, I couldn't imagine anything
more beautiful or just. You guys
deserve this. You deserve the future.
She raises her glass. Everyone does the same.
DAWN (CONT'D)
So may you have it. To tonight,
tomorrow and all of the tomorrows
that follow.
Everyone takes a sip of their drinks.
Dawn starts to walk off of the stage. As she leaves, she
passes Buffy, who is on her way up. She stops Buffy, and
whisperes in her ear.
DAWN (CONT'D)
Just fake sip. You don't have to
actually drink.
Buffy nods and continues to walk to the microphone. Dawn
sits at the table with Willow, Xander and Giles. Willow and
Xander smile to her. Giles puts his hand on her shoulder.
Buffy reaches the microphone and stands there for a moment,
looking out at the crowd. She smiles.
BUFFY
Damn. That's what I was gonna say.
(beat)
Umm...
(MORE)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
38.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
(beat)
Okay, so let's go back to when I
first moved to Sunnydale and talk
about the two kids I met at school.
One of them was this way shy computer
geek who kinda dressed like my
grandmother. The other was this
completely uncoordinated goofball
who had a crush on me and, like,
zero clue what was sitting right
under his nose. By then, they'd
already known each other for a decade.
Even though we were all pretty much
inseparable, Xander and Willow were
like bats. Communicating in this
language that none of us could hear
or understand.
(beat)
Back in LA, I was part of the popular
crowd. A cheerleader. I had a ton of
people surrounding me at all times,
hanging on my every word. Even with
all of those people, I didn't really
understand what it was to have friends
until I met you guys. I didn't know
what it was to have people that you
could always count on, and who would
always be there for you. You have
always been there for me, and for
all of your other friends. But more
than that, you have always been there
for each other. I can't even imagine
one of you in my life without the
other. You're like warm apple pie
and vanilla ice cream. It sounds
like a clash the first time you hear
about it, but once you've given it a
chance, nothing else seems as perfect
together.
Buffy looks down into the crowd, looking Willow and Xander
in the eyes.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
Like Dawn said, you guys deserve the
future. I promise you, I will kill
each and every thing that stands
between you and your 75th anniversary.
While everyone else in the crowd thinks this last part is a
little strange, Willow and Xander can't help but feel the
warmth and love.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
(raising her glass)
To you guys.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
39.
The MUSIC RISES as we are treated to a montage of photographs
from the reception...
An image of Xander and Willow cutting their cake.
An image of Xander smearing cake on Willow's face.
An image of a caked up Willow holding a the cake knife to
Xander, threatening him.
An image of the happy couple dancing together.
An image of Buffy, Giles and Dawn smiling for the camera.
An image of Buffy throwing a fake punch into Giles' hand as
they pretend to go about their Slayer training.
An image of Giles in a chair, holding an ice pack in his
hand.
An image of Buffy, Willow and Dawn, all gussied up.
An image of Xander and Giles, also gussied.
An image of Buffy, Willow and Dawn doing a Charlie's Angels
pose.
An image of Buffy and Dawn with their arms around each other.
And finally, an image of the entire Scooby Gang, posing for
a group shot.
INT. THE BRONZE - LATER
The MUSIC ENDS. Most of the guests have gone home. Buffy,
Willow, Xander, Dawn and Giles are sitting at a table, kicking
back.
BUFFY
All in all, I'd say that today went
well.
XANDER
Mission accomplished.
WILLOW
I think we should do this every year.
Y'know, wherever we are in life,
just take the one day out and party
like it's 1999.
XANDER
That would be the year of the big
giant snake shindig.
WILLOW
Okay, then we'll party like it's
2007.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
40.
XANDER
That works.
WILLOW
What do you guys say?
GILES
I'll have to check my calendar, but
I'm pretty sure I can make it.
WILLOW
(to Buffy and Dawn)
What about you guys?
Dawn looks to Buffy, waiting for her to respond first. She
doesn't.
DAWN
We wouldn't miss it for the world.
(beat)
Well, maybe for the world. Depends
on what kind of deal we can get for
the world.
WILLOW
Cool. Party at our place, one year
from today. You guys bring the chips.
DAWN
Done.
Dawn grabs Giles' arm and turns it so she can see his watch.
DAWN (CONT'D)
It's getting late.
XANDER
Is that code for "let's get the hell
out of here?"
DAWN
Yup. I wanna sneak in and see Ryan
if I can.
GILES
I'll give you a ride.
BUFFY
Yeah, I'll come.
WILLOW
I'd offer to go, but we have packing
to do.
XANDER
Sunny beaches and fruity drinks await
us. One of the perks of getting
hitched.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
41.
Everyone starts to get up and prepare to leave. Buffy walks
around to Willow and gives her a big hug.
BUFFY
I love you guys.
WILLOW
You too.
Buffy goes to Xander and hugs him.
BUFFY
Love you.
XANDER
Sorry. I'm a married man.
Dawn hugs Willow.
WILLOW
We probably won't see you guys until
tomorrow.
DAWN
Yeah. Hey...
WILLOW
Hmm?
DAWN
Congratulations.
Dawn goes to Xander.
DAWN (CONT'D)
Oh, if 14-year-old me saw this day
in a crystal ball, she'd be having a
fit right about now.
She hugs Xander.
DAWN (CONT'D)
I love you guys.
XANDER
Have fun at the hospital. You kids
don't stay out too late.
Xander puts his arm around Giles.
XANDER (CONT'D)
We grownups have to keep such a close
eye on kids these days.
GILES
Welcome to my world.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
42.
Willow walks around to Giles who gives her a kiss on the
cheek.
GILES (CONT'D)
You were beautiful today. I couldn't
be prouder.
WILLOW
That means more than you know.
Giles gives Xander a hug.
GILES
You did good.
XANDER
Thanks.
GILES
If you hurt her, I'll hurt you.
XANDER
If I hurt her, you won't have to.
As Buffy, Dawn and Giles start to head out, Willow and Xander
wave to them.
WILLOW
Bye, guys.
XANDER
See ya later.
Once Buffy, Dawn and Giles are gone, Willow and Xander are
alone. Xander holds out his hand.
XANDER (CONT'D)
One last dance?
Willow takes his hand.
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT
Dawn walks into Ryan's hospital room, and quietly walks to
his bed to see if he's awake. When he sees her, he smiles.
RYAN
Hey.
DAWN
You're up.
RYAN
Yeah. Every time I try to get
comfortable, something either pops
or cracks.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
43.
DAWN
Okay, ouch.
RYAN
How are you in here? I thought
visiting hours were over.
DAWN
We've gotten into morgues, crypts,
museums... you name it. A hospital
room is nothing.
RYAN
I'm glad you came.
DAWN
Me too. Buffy and Giles are coming
in a couple minutes. They were my
distraction.
RYAN
How did the wedding go?
DAWN
Good. No Hellmouths opened, no demons
spawned. It's actually kinda unusual
for us.
RYAN
So it all went off with a hitch then.
DAWN
Without a-- Okay, I get it now. It's
still not funny, but I get it.
RYAN
Hey. Grab onto my hand, would you?
I'd normally take your hand myself,
but that could be painful.
Dawn takes Ryan's hand.
DAWN
How's that?
RYAN
First time I haven't felt the pain
all day. You look good.
DAWN
Thanks.
(beat)
So, what did you do today?
RYAN
Watched TV. Same channel all day
since I couldn't reach the remote. I
managed to call my sister though.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
44.
DAWN
Really? What'd she say?
RYAN
She's flying out tomorrow.
DAWN
That's good.
RYAN
I told her I was attacked outside
the Army recruitment center by a
couple of war protesters. I don't
think she appreciated the irony.
DAWN
That's just a little bit mean.
RYAN
Think I should have told her the
truth? That a vampire threw me into
a tree like a rag doll?
DAWN
You could sugarcoat it.
(beat)
Somehow. I'm sure. Maybe blame it on
a car accident.
RYAN
My car's fine. Plus, this way she
gets to feel a little guilty.
INT. HOSPITAL - HALLWAY - NIGHT
Buffy and Giles are walking toward Ryan's room. Before they
reach it, Buffy grabs onto Giles arm and stops him. She looks
around to make sure nobody is listening.
GILES
Buffy?
BUFFY
I need to ask you something.
GILES
Is something wrong?
BUFFY
Not really. I just need a favor.
(beat)
After we leave here, I'm going to
take out a demon camp.
GILES
You need help?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
45.
BUFFY
Not in the way you're thinking. This
is a pretty big camp. I'm pretty
sure they know about us. They might
know where Willow and Xander live.
They might know that Ryan's in the
hospital. I'm going to take most of
them out, but if a couple of them
aren't home when I get there, they
might come after my friends. Even I
can't be everywhere at once.
GILES
What do you want me to do?
BUFFY
I think the camp is mostly vampire.
That means the house should be safe.
I want to get Dawn back there before
I go. But Ryan's still stuck here
and I need someone to watch him for
me. Someone I trust.
GILES
Of course.
BUFFY
So you'll do it?
GILES
Are you sure you don't need help?
BUFFY
It's pretty standard stuff for me
these days. I can handle it. I just
need to know that everyone I care
about is safe.
GILES
I'll stay as long as you want me to.
BUFFY
Thanks.
Giles turns and is about to walk into the hospital room, but
Buffy stops him again. She turns him around and hugs him.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
I don't know what I would do without
you.
Giles hugs her back. He knows that something is wrong, but
he doesn't say anything.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
46.
Finally, Buffy lets Giles go and he walks into the hospital
room. Buffy hesitates, taking a deep breath. After a moment,
she puts on a fake smile and follows him in.
FADE TO BLACK:
END OF ACT THREE
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
47.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT
Buffy and Giles are sitting in the hospital room by now.
Dawn is still by Ryan's side.
BUFFY
By the way, if anyone asks, Giles is
your dad and I'm Kristy.
DAWN
Kirsty.
BUFFY
Whatever. The nurses don't know that.
DAWN
Who am I?
BUFFY
You're you.
RYAN
Umm... Kirsty is coming tomorrow.
BUFFY
Oh.
(beat)
See, so it's a good thing I told
them my name was Kristy. We can say
we're twins.
DAWN
Funny.
Ryan yawns.
RYAN
Sorry... and, ouch.
DAWN
Are you tired?
RYAN
A little. I guess bone mending takes
a lot out of you.
DAWN
We should go.
RYAN
You don't have to.
DAWN
No, it's okay. You sleep.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
48.
Dawn leans down and kisses Ryan.
RYAN
Thanks for coming.
DAWN
Anytime. Call me if you need anything.
RYAN
I will.
Dawn starts to walk away. She looks back and waves one more
time. Ryan waves back.
Buffy and Giles follow.
BUFFY
Get well.
RYAN
Thanks.
INT. HOSPITAL - HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
Dawn walks out of the room. Buffy and Giles soon follow.
Once the door is closed, Buffy looks to Giles.
GILES
I'll be in the waiting area.
Giles walks in the direction opposite the direction Buffy
and Dawn are headed.
DAWN
Why is Giles going to the waiting
area?
BUFFY
I asked him to.
DAWN
Why?
BUFFY
Because you and I have other plans.
I'll explain when we get there.
Buffy starts to walk down the hallway. Dawn follows.
EXT. WOODS - NIGHT
Buffy leads the way through the woods, now carrying her Scythe
in one hand and a stake in the other. Her face is
expressionless.
Dawn is behind her, struggling to keep up.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
49.
DAWN
Y'know, I could think of about a
thousand better outfits to be wearing
if we're going to be hiking through
the woods.
BUFFY
We're almost there.
DAWN
Where? You still haven't told me
where we're going.
Buffy slows down enough to let Dawn catch up to her.
BUFFY
You said you wanted to come with me.
DAWN
I do. I just expected to be wearing
sneakers or something.
BUFFY
That can come later. Right now, I
want to show you what you'd be signing
up for. What my life really is.
DAWN
Where are we going?
BUFFY
Down.
Buffy starts walking faster again. Once again, Dawn struggles
to keep up.
DAWN
Oh.
INT. WILLOW AND XANDER'S HOUSE - MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT
Xander is packing his bag while Willow sits on the bed,
printing pictures from her digital camera. Both are in normal
clothes now.
XANDER
Your packing technique looks a lot
like your sitting technique.
WILLOW
I'll get there. I just want to print
up some picture for everyone before
we take off.
XANDER
Fine, but if you have nothing to
wear on our honeymoon, don't blame
me.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
50.
INT. DARK TUNNEL - NIGHT
Buffy and Dawn now walk down the same tunnel that Drusilla
and Hewitt once took to reach the local demon camp.
BUFFY
This is how demons do things now.
Large groups, hidden away where they
think I won't find them.
DAWN
I guess it doesn't work too well.
BUFFY
Not really.
DAWN
So, how many demons are we expecting?
They reach the end of the tunnel and stand in the flickering
glow of the fire below. Dawn looks out over all of the demons.
Her eyes widen.
DAWN (CONT'D)
Holy cow, that's a lot of demons.
You're going to fight them all?
BUFFY
That's how it usually goes.
Dawn looks at Buffy, and then back to the demons.
DAWN
I don't understand. Buffy, why did
you bring me here?
Buffy's eyes fill with tears. She looks down at the demons,
not at Dawn.
BUFFY
I needed your focus to be on the
demons.
Buffy looks up at Dawn. Dawn is very confused right now.
DAWN
What are you talking about?
BUFFY
The Key. Opening a portal. I was
going to...
(beat)
But I can't. I couldn't...
DAWN
I know. You could never do something
like--
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
51.
BUFFY
I couldn't figure out how.
DAWN
Oh.
Buffy turns and takes a few steps back into the tunnel, out
of the sight of demons. Dawn follows her.
DAWN (CONT'D)
Buffy, wait.
Dawn grabs Buffy's arm and forces Buffy to look at her.
DAWN (CONT'D)
Talk to me. What were you going to
do?
(beat)
Buffy?
BUFFY
Just before I came back, I found out
about this plan. They were going to
use you to unleash Hell on Earth. So
many demons that I couldn't even
hope of killing them all. I knew I
had to come back. I knew I had to
stop them.
(beat)
What I found out was that it could
work both ways. I could use the Key
to open a portal that would pull
demons out of this world instead of
letting them in. And I was going to
do it. I was going to kill you. I
meant to kill you.
Dawn takes a moment to let this sink in. She looks back toward
the glow of the demon camp.
DAWN
The e-mail from the monks said that
I had the power.
(beat)
They were talking about my will. You
needed me to be okay with all of
this in order to make it work.
Buffy looks to Dawn, wondering why she's telling her this
despite the fact that Buffy just threatened to kill her. She
then thinks back.
BUFFY
They were going to drug you.
(beat)
Why didn't I think of that?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
52.
Dawn takes a deep breath, not believing everything that is
happening. Buffy sits down on the ground, numb. She places
her Scythe and stake beside her.
DAWN
How many demons?
BUFFY
What?
DAWN
How many demons did you plan on taking
out?
Buffy hesitates. She's not sure she wants to answer.
BUFFY
Every demon within a hundred miles.
The Hellmouth. All of it.
Dawn takes a moment to let this sink in. She sits next to
Buffy. Both stare off into space.
INT. WILLOW AND XANDER'S HOUSE - MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT
Xander finishes packing and puts his bag on the floor.
XANDER
Done. That makes one of us. Oh, what
a long and restful night's sleep I
shall have with no more work ahead
of me.
Willow is too busy looking through printed photos to listen
to him. She's smiling at them.
WILLOW
It was a good day.
XANDER
I liked it.
WILLOW
Here's Dawn dancing with Giles.
Willow shows Xander the picture.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
I guess it would have been more fun
for her if Ryan were there.
At that thought, Willow pauses. She wants to ask a question,
but isn't sure that she should. Finally, she goes for it.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
Y'know what I've been wondering?
(MORE)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
53.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
And I don't mean to make Buffy out
to be a bad guy or anything, but...
You don't think she let her
protectiveness for Dawn get in the
way of her protecting Ryan, do you?
XANDER
Meaning?
WILLOW
Meaning three vampires attacking an
uber-Slayer shouldn't even be a big
deal, right?
Xander hasn't thought of that before. He's suddenly getting
rather curious.
INT. HOSPITAL - WAITING ROOM - NIGHT
Giles is sitting in one of the chairs, thinking. Finally, a
thought occurs to him. The same thought that Willow just
had.
He gets up and starts to walk out of the hospital.
INT. DARK TUNNEL - NIGHT
DAWN
It feels different, doesn't it?
BUFFY
What?
DAWN
The air. I don't know... Everything
just feels different on nights like
this. When big things happen. Do you
feel it?
Buffy looks up at the sky. She takes a deep breath.
BUFFY
I do.
DAWN
It gives me the creeps. I felt it on
the Night of Morel Divineh too.
(beat)
When Willow went all baddie. It's
always the big nights.
Buffy looks down.
BUFFY
I noticed it the night I killed Angel.
It was like the air was dead.
(MORE)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
54.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
Everything was so surreal. Like it
wasn't really happening.
DAWN
But it was.
BUFFY
Yeah.
(beat)
After that, I couldn't stand it. I
came back to reality and I hated
myself. I kept wondering if there
was something else that I could have
done.
DAWN
But there wasn't. You did what you
had to do.
BUFFY
It doesn't make it any easier though.
Dawn looks Buffy in the eyes. She takes a deep breath.
DAWN
You're the Slayer, Buffy. Sometimes
that means that you have to make the
decisions that nobody else could.
Sometimes you have to make the
sacrifices that nobody else could.
(beat)
You have to save the world.
BUFFY
Dawn, I--
DAWN
Do you remember when we were kids,
and Mom and Dad used to take us ice
skating? I always sucked at it, so
you'd have to hold my hand the entire
time.
BUFFY
I remember.
DAWN
You made me feel safe.
(beat)
You once told me that the hardest
thing about this world was to live
in it. I say we make it a little
easier.
Dawn stands up.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
55.
DAWN (CONT'D)
Let's do this.
BUFFY
What?
Buffy stands.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
Dawn, no. You don't have to.
DAWN
It's okay. I think this is what I
was meant to do. My whole life, I've
just wanted to have a purpose. I
just wanted to mean something to
this world. I've wanted to be like
you. I think this is my chance.
(beat)
I don't know if you're going back
after this, but if you ever see the
others, tell them I love them. Tell
them that I'm doing this for them.
(beat)
And tell Merrill to swing away.
Buffy can't help but laugh at this "Signs" reference, despite
the moment. She reaches out and takes Dawn's hand.
BUFFY
You're better than me. You've always
been better.
Dawn doesn't respond. She can't.
After a moment, she gives Buffy a nod. Buffy picks up the
Scythe and her stake.
After taking a deep breath, Buffy takes off running down the
tunnel. Dawn watches her go, swallowing hard.
INT. THE CAVERN/DARK TUNNEL - MOMENTS LATER
HUNDREDS OF DEMONS are in the cavern, same as before. Perhaps
more than before. They range from large and hairy, to small
and squirmy. There's even a rather LARGE TENTACLED DEMON
crawling up the wall in the background.
As the demons part, we see Buffy standing amongst them. They
haven't yet realized that she is there.
TWO LARGE HAIRY DEMONS see Buffy and charge toward her, one
raising an axe as he charges. Buffy throws the Scythe at the
empty-handed demon. It hits him in the chest, taking him
down. Buffy then turns her attention to the second demon,
still coming at her with the axe.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
56.
Buffy grabs his arm with her free hand and twists it. The
axe drops.
Buffy catches the axe mid-drop, swings it, and kills the
demon before he knows what is happening. He drops to the
ground.
The rest of the demons in the cavern now realize that Buffy
is there with them. They look at her and start to move toward
her. She stands before them, an axe in one hand and a stake
in the other, waiting for them to attack.
Finally, they all attack at once.
In SLOW MOTION, we see Buffy face her enemies. As they move
super slowly, Buffy actually moves at close to normal speed
for us. She weaves her way between demons, chopping, stabbing,
jumping, flipping. She throws the axe, hitting the tentacled
demon and causing it to fall to the floor. She then grabs
her Scythe and continues the battle.
ANGLE ON : DAWN
Standing at the opening to the cavern, looking down at Buffy's
battle.
Dawn looks at the ground and sees a piece of broken glass
with a sharp point to it. She picks it up and looks at it
for a moment. She looks at the wrist which has the beads
wrapped around it, and then pricks her index finger on that
hand with the glass, just enough to draw blood.
She turns her back to the battle, holds out her bleeding
hand, dropping the glass and closing her eyes. A tear rolls
down her cheek.
ANGLE ON : BUFFY
Still fighting. Killing demons left and right.
ANGLE ON : DAWN
In front of Dawn, a PORTAL BEGINS TO OPEN. It isn't what you
would expect. It isn't a bright, swirling vortex. It is merely
a black void, ripping into the air in front of Dawn.
Dawn's head shoots back.
ANGLE ON : BUFFY
As she fights the demons, they suddenly stop attacking her.
Buffy stands in the middle of this swarm of demons, waiting
for one of them to attack, but they don't move. Something is
happening to them.
Suddenly, the DEMONS TURN INTO BALLS OF LIGHT, and shoot
away from Buffy, toward Dawn.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
57.
ANGLE ON : DAWN
She turns around and opens her eyes just in time to be hit
by a RUSH OF ENERGY.
The energy shoots through her, into the void behind her.
ANGLE ON : BUFFY
Looking up, watching Dawn. Tears fill her eyes.
EXT. CALIFORNIA - OPTICAL - NIGHT
From high in the air, we can see a ring of energy surrounding
Sunnydale for about 100 miles.
Suddenly, the ring closes with a BOOM.
INT. THE CAVERN/DARK TUNNEL - NIGHT
Energy continues to rush through Dawn, into the portal behind
her. Finally, it ends. Dawn looks down to Buffy and smiles
despite the fact that she is out of breath.
DAWN
I can make it bigger.
BUFFY
Dawnie...
Dawn looks Buffy in the eyes. After a moment, Dawn's eyes
begin to crackle with GREEN ENERGY.
Suddenly, a BURST OF GREEN ENERGY shoots from Dawn, like
flash from a camera.
INT. BAR - NIGHT
The bar is full of DEMONS, with only a FEW HUMANS.
As the FLASH OF GREEN fills the bar, about A THIRD OF THE
DEMONS VANISH.
EXT. BEACH - DAY
Near a cave opening, a SMALL GROUP OF DEMONS has made their
camp. With the FLASH, THEY DISAPPEAR.
INT. ABANDONED WAREHOUSE - NIGHT
A LARGE GROUP OF DEMONS have made this warehouse their home.
The standard GREEN FLASH, and HALF OF THE DEMONS VANISH.
EXT. SNOWY MOUNTAINTOP - DAY
SEVERAL SNOW DEMONS are gathered around a campfire. The GREEN
FLASH TAKES TWO of these demons.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
58.
EXT. EARTH - OPTICAL
The green energy spreads over the entire globe like a
shockwave. After covering the globe, the energy reverses
itself and begins to move back toward Sunnydale.
INT. THE CAVERN/DARK TUNNEL - NIGHT
The cavern falls silent. You could hear a pin drop.
Buffy and Dawn lock eyes. Buffy's with tears. Dawn with a
smile.
Suddenly, a MASSIVE FLOW OF GREEN ENERGY blows a hole in the
top of the cavern, and strikes Dawn. It flows through her,
into the void behind her. It continues for several seconds,
getting stronger and stronger until finally, Dawn is hard
to see through the energy.
As the energy flows, EVERYTHING SLOWS DOWN.
Buffy watches from below as the last of the energy flows
through Dawn. As this last bit of energy rushes over her,
the VOID BEGINS TO CLOSE.
INT. WILLOW AND XANDER'S HOUSE - FOYER - NIGHT
Willow and Xander rush down the stairs, toward the front
door.
INT. THE CAVERN/DARK TUNNEL - NIGHT
As the void closes, HANDS and TENTACLES REACH FROM IT, as
though demons are trying to claw their way back from this
hell dimension. Some of these tentacles wrap themselves around
Dawn, pulling her toward the void.
EXT. HOSPITAL PARKING LOT - NIGHT
Giles runs toward his car, stopping when he realizes that he
has noplace to drive. He falls to his knees.
INT. THE CAVERN/DARK TUNNEL - NIGHT
As Dawn is pulled into the void, her BODY TURNS TO ENERGY,
and the tentacles fall away from it.
The last bit we see of Dawn is her hand as it enters the
void. THE VOID CLOSES BEHIND HER.
Buffy stands alone in the cavern. She lets her weapons drop
from her hands, causing an ECHO which fills the cavern.
She drops to her knees.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
59.
WILLOW (V.O.)
Eventally, the winds of time roll in
and our youthful passtimes are
replaced by the realities of
adulthood...
INT. WILLOW AND XANDER'S HOUSE - MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT
We PAN ACROSS the collection of photos that Willow had printed
and left on her bed. Finally, we reach the group photo from
the wedding reception. The picture now shows only Buffy,
Willow, Xander and Giles. Dawn is not in the picture. She is
no longer in any of the pictures.
WILLOW (V.O.)
It happens to all of us, whether we
wish it upon ourselves or attempt to
hold it back. Eventually the demons
that we faced growing up are replaced
by the less literal- though equally
frightening- demons of time and age...
INT. VIDEO STORE - NIGHT
Back in Bear River, Ryan is closing up the video store for
the night. As he turns the sign from "Open" to "Closed", he
looks out on the night sky.
WILLOW (V.O.)
(beat)
As we look back on our past, we fondly
remember those times and the friends
that we shared them with. We know
that no other relationships that we
forge will ever be quite the same
and whether those people have left
this world completely, or have simply
moved on to parts unknown we will
never forget them. They will forever
be a part of us.
INT. WILLOW AND XANDER'S HOUSE - DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Willow, Xander and Giles are standing in the dining room,
drinking cups of coffee and laughing. Still coming off the
buzz of the wedding.
WILLOW (V.O.)
(beat)
It's been a while since I've had to
whiddle a piece of wood into the
form of a stake. For the first time
in it's existance, the town of
Sunnydale is starting to look pretty
calm...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
60.
INT. WILLOW AND XANDER'S HOUSE - MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT
Still PANNING ACROSS the collection of photos.
WILLOW (V.O.)
As I stand on my front porch, watching
the neighborhood children play as
the sun sets behind them, I no longer
have to worry about what lurks behind
the nearby bush...
INT. WILLOW AND XANDER'S HOUSE - MASTER BEDROOM - DAY
We PAN ACROSS the room, from the door, toward the bed.
WILLOW (O.S.)
The nights are quiet here, which is
how I know that she's still out there
fighting the good fight...
Finally, we see Willow in bed, reading from a stack of papers.
She is about eight months pregnant now.
Xander stands near the open window, looking out as he listens
to Willow read.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
I'm not sure if I'll ever see her
again, but as I watch the sun set on
the horizon, my thoughts are always
on one person...
ANGLE ON : THE PAPERS
As Willow finishes reading, she puts the last page down,
typing side down, and flips the papers over.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
Buffy. The vampire slayer.
The title page is now showing on this stack of papers. It
reads : "BUFFY, THE VAMPIRE SLAYER... A NOVEL BY XANDER
HARRIS"
Xander turns around and looks at Willow to see her reaction.
She looks back at him with tears in her eyes.
FADE TO BLACK:
THE END