TEASER
FADE IN:
EXT. MAIN STREET - NIGHT
BUFFY is strolling down the street, stake in hand. It's calm
and peaceful. Nobody is on the streets.
From the video store, DAWN walks out. She sees Buffy and
goes to her, looking back to see if anyone is watching.
DAWN
What are you doing here?
BUFFY
What am I always doing when I lurk
around the dark streets in the middle
of the night?
DAWN
Middle of the night? It's 10:15.
BUFFY
I know, but the reply sounded much
cooler my way.
DAWN
What if someone saw you?
BUFFY
I don't know. I'd probably say
something along the lines of "Hi."
DAWN
You know what I mean. You're carrying
around a wooden stake. What if Ryan
or Kirsty saw you?
BUFFY
I've been doing this for a while
now. I know how to play it cool.
RYAN walks out of the movie store. He sees the girls talking
and walks over, smiling.
RYAN
Hey.
BUFFY
I'm a Slayer of vampires, out on
patrol, guarding the world from the
evil that lurks amongst us.
Dawn's eyes widen. Ryan looks very confused.
2.
RYAN
Am I missing something here?
BUFFY
Sisterly sarcasm.
RYAN
Ah. Yeah, I have a sister too.
BUFFY
Really? Does she fight evil?
RYAN
No. She is evil.
Buffy smiles.
BUFFY
I'm Buffy, by the way.
She extends a hand, keeping the stake behind her back. Ryan
shakes the hand.
RYAN
Ryan. But, I think we've met.
BUFFY
Right. You rented us some movies.
DAWN
(still freaking)
Buffy was just out for a walk. She
likes to walk at night.
RYAN
Okay.
BUFFY
My plans also included intruding on
my sister's social life and
embarrassing her as much as humanly
possible in front of her friends,
which I think I can safely assume is
a mission complete. So I will now
go. It was nice seeing you, Ryan.
(to Dawn)
See you at home?
Dawn can't muster words. She just smiles uncomfortably. Buffy
walks off.
DAWN
(to Ryan)
Sorry about that.
RYAN
About what?
3.
DAWN
My sister. She's strange. We tried
getting her help once, but she managed
to convince the doctors that she was
sane.
Ryan laughs. Dawn laughs as well.
DAWN (CONT'D)
Right. Laughing. 'Cause of the joking.
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
Buffy continues to walk. She's not on main street anymore,
but she's not far from it. The area is dark and has less
buildings on it.
She closes her eyes as she walks, taking in the silence. The
gentle breeze.
Suddenly, a hand slaps her upside the head. It's Dawn.
DAWN
What the hell was that?
BUFFY
That was me being fun and amusing.
DAWN
By telling him our secret.
BUFFY
You'd be amazed by how many people
still think of that stuff as fun
sarcasm.
DAWN
You'd be amazed by how many people
think of it as sloppy. We have a job
to do here. We shouldn't go around,
blowing our cover.
BUFFY
Fine. I won't tell anyone my secret
anymore. I promise.
DAWN
Good.
They continue to stroll.
BUFFY
So, is he your new love interest?
DAWN
Ryan?
4.
BUFFY
No, the other "he" that we're talking
about.
DAWN
He's my new boss interest.
BUFFY
And that's it?
DAWN
Isn't that enough?
BUFFY
I guess. I'm just saying that if I
had a studly older boss man, I'd be
thinking about the options.
DAWN
You did have a studly older boss
man. Does the name "Principal Wood"
ring a bell?
BUFFY
It really would have been easier if
his mother just named him "Principal",
wouldn't it?
DAWN
Me and Ryan are just friends. That's
it.
BUFFY
Fine.
Buffy tucks her stake away. Subject is changing.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
Don't know why I bother carrying
stakes with me. It's not like there
are any vampires in this town.
EXT. OTHER STREET - NIGHT
We see a GROUP OF VAMPIRES surrounding a YOUNG WOMAN.
YOUNG WOMAN
Please, don't hurt me.
The leader of the group of men, CRAINE (woodsy vampire),
smiles at her.
CRAINE
Now where would the fun be in that?
The young woman notices Craine's face.
5.
YOUNG WOMAN
W--What are you?
CRAINE
I'm your future, short as it may be.
Craine goes to her and grabs her roughly. He smells her and
comes close to biting her, then stops.
CRAINE (CONT'D)
Say, you wouldn't happen to know of
a good hotel in town, would you?
FADE TO BLACK:
END OF TEASER
6.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY
XANDER is sitting on the couch, watching TV. He's eating a
bowl of cereal.
Buffy walks in and sits next to him.
BUFFY
Xander?
XANDER
Hmm?
BUFFY
Have you left this couch at all in
the past two weeks?
XANDER
Sure I have.
BUFFY
When?
XANDER
There was the time I...
He thinks, then holds up the cereal.
XANDER (CONT'D)
I got cereal. Plus, many countless
bathroom trips.
BUFFY
Please don't elaborate.
(then)
But you haven't actually done anything
in the last couple of weeks.
The subject is touchy for him. He looks at her, then quickly
looks away. He closes his eyes, not that it helps.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
Are you okay?
XANDER
Yeah, just give me a sec, okay?
She can tell he's annoyed. She wants to help, but doesn't
know how.
After a few seconds, he opens his eyes. He looks at her.
7.
XANDER (CONT'D)
Sometimes I don't know what's worse.
Having an eye that changes modes at
random, or having no eye at all.
BUFFY
It'll get better.
XANDER
That's the rumor. So far unconfirmed,
and highly questionable.
BUFFY
But you can't let this keep you down.
You can't just waste away.
XANDER
What else is there for me to do? We
don't know why we're in town- except
that there's some mystical weirdness-
and there's not much chance of me
holding down a worthwhile job at the
moment, seeing as how I tend to freak
out at times.
BUFFY
There has to be something. I don't
like seeing you like this.
He looks her in the eyes, seeing that she's worried. He tries
to force a smile.
XANDER
I'll find something. There's always
the land of the weed demons that we
call our backyard.
Buffy smiles. She sits back and looks at the TV.
BUFFY
So what's on?
XANDER
I've been meaning to talk to you
about that. I'm worried, Buff. You
don't seem to have anything to do
with your time.
She's just about to respond when WILLOW rushes into the room.
She has a huge smile on her face.
WILLOW
I'm giddy. Can you tell I'm giddy?
XANDER
Well, let's see.
8.
He looks at her huge smile, pondering.
XANDER (CONT'D)
There is something about you that
seems happy. I can't quite put my
finger on it though.
BUFFY
What's up?
WILLOW
The internet. Finally, my computer
is more than just a plastic box that
sits on top of the dining room table.
I got e-mail and everything. Okay,
yeah, it's mostly dirty junk mail,
but this spam is somehow comforting.
BUFFY
Spam?
WILLOW
Junk mail.
XANDER
And here I always thought it was a
mysterious meat product.
WILLOW
It also means that I might be able
to access some of my files that I
stored on a server, a couple years
ago. Something Giles had me working
on.
XANDER
Recipes for various blends of stuffy
English teas?
WILLOW
No.
(then)
Well, yeah, but something better
too. Scans from a bunch of our old
books. Giles had me working on it
the summer after we killed Adam.
When he was thinking of moving back
to England.
BUFFY
Giles was thinking of moving back to
England? Before I died?
XANDER
So we can actually research some
stuff again?
9.
WILLOW
Yup.
BUFFY
So then the whole "you need to grow
up" thing after I came back could
have been an excuse?
XANDER
Looks like I might be getting up off
the couch after all then.
WILLOW
Well, if you learn how to use the
computer.
XANDER
I know how to use the computer.
WILLOW
I mean, for more than looking up
smutty websites.
(beat)
Hey, did you happen to put my e-mail
address on any of those sites?
Xander gives her a guilty look.
BUFFY
Remind me to talk to Giles about
this whole thing.
WILLOW
Anyway, I'm gonna head downtown to
see if there's a store that might
sell computery stuff. I need a cable,
and some ink for my printer.
BUFFY
I'll go with. I have to drop Dawn's
name tag off at the video store.
Buffy looks at Xander.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
You wanna come?
XANDER
As much fun as computer shopping and
name tag dropping sounds, I think
I'll pass. I have things to do here.
Very important things.
BUFFY
You know I can see right through
your excuses, right?
10.
XANDER
Hey, and I can see right through
that outfit. We have so much in
common.
Buffy takes the comment lightly until she starts to wonder
if he's really joking. Then she uncomfortably stands up.
BUFFY
We'll be back.
Buffy and Willow walk out.
EXT. MAIN STREET - NIGHT
Buffy and Willow make their way down the street. They're
just strolling and talking.
BUFFY
So how's it going?
WILLOW
Good. Except for the whole e-mail
junk pile I have to sort through
when we get home.
BUFFY
I meant the other thing.
Willow finally gets it.
WILLOW
Oh. Y'mean, where I went mental and
almost got my past self killed. Which
really wouldn't have gotten me very
far, when you think about it.
BUFFY
You dealing okay?
WILLOW
I'm dealing. I've gotten pretty good
at it the last couple years.
BUFFY
You know I never meant to--
WILLOW
Yeah. I know. I always knew in an
outie way, but the innie way wasn't
listening.
(beat)
I guess I've needed a good sit-down
talk with myself for a while.
11.
BUFFY
Or a "we're about to die" stand-up
talk.
WILLOW
That worked too. I never realized
all of these things that I've been
thinking. It's like looking in the
mirror and seeing yourself for the
first time.
BUFFY
And what did you see?
Willow thinks about it.
WILLOW
I saw a girl who wore high-heeled
boots to battle Glory. Let me tell
you, without Slayer ankles that's
just not very logical thinking.
Buffy smiles.
BUFFY
The things we do for fashion.
WILLOW
Yeah. But when did I start doing
them?
Buffy's about to respond when she sees something down the
street. She watches as she walks. Willow notices.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
Whatcha lookin' at?
Buffy motions with her head. Willow looks in the direction
that Buffy's looking.
BUFFY'S POV
A MOTHER is helping her DISABLED SON (7 or 8 years old) out
of the car, into his wheelchair.
BUFFY
Can you imagine what that must be
like?
MRS. GIMLY (O.S.)
Horrible, isn't it?
Buffy and Willow turn. They see MRS. GIMLY standing behind
them.
12.
MRS. GIMLY (CONT'D)
That's Mary Lauster and her son,
Travis. He was in an accident a few
months ago. Just got out of the
hospital not too long ago.
WILLOW
What happened?
MRS. GIMLY
He was playing with his sister, Jenna.
She's older than him. They used to
get along so well.
(beat)
Anyway, they were wrestling on the
ground, like siblings do, and suddenly
he was just screaming in pain. Doctors
can't explain it. His bones just
couldn't take the pressure anymore.
BUFFY
They broke?
MRS. GIMLY
Not just broke. They shattered.
WILLOW
Ouch.
There's a pause. Then Mrs. Gimly starts to think.
MRS. GIMLY
You have experience with counseling
young people, don't you?
Buffy looks at her, a little thrown.
BUFFY
Me? Yeah. I guess so. Why?
MRS. GIMLY
Jenna. She's taken the whole thing
pretty hard. The Lausters have tried
getting her help, but they haven't
had any luck. Poor thing blames
herself.
BUFFY
You want me to talk to her?
MRS. GIMLY
If you would.
BUFFY
I don't know. I'm not certified or
anything like that. I'm just...
13.
MRS. GIMLY
Just someone, closer to her own age,
who might be able to get her to open
up.
BUFFY
I'm not sure I could... I mean...
MRS. GIMLY
When I contacted your references,
your old boss told me about you. He
said the kids liked you.
BUFFY
I guess.
Buffy looks to Willow for help, but Willow doesn't know what
to do.
MRS. GIMLY
It would mean so much to the family
if you could just try.
Buffy finally crumbles.
BUFFY
I guess I could try.
Mrs. Gimly smiles.
MRS. GIMLY
Good. I'll set it up and get back to
you then.
Buffy forces a smile, trying to seem polite. Mrs. Gimly smiles
back, with a genuine smile.
MRS. GIMLY (CONT'D)
Okay then. I've got work to do. Town
hall needs to run an ad in the paper
and I've been elected to run it down
to the office. I'll see you two later.
Mrs. Gimly walks off.
WILLOW
Bye.
When Mrs. Gimly is gone, Buffy turns to Willow.
BUFFY
Could I get any more screwed?
INT. HOTEL ROOM - DAY
The curtains are closed, so the room has only the light that
the table lamps provide.
14.
The group of vampires from the night before now fill this
homely little room (not a chain hotel).
Craine is standing in front of the other vampires. A few of
them are on the beds, reading books and scrolls.
CRAINE
Have we located it yet?
One BOOKWORM VAMP looks up at him.
BOOKWORM VAMP
Not yet. But we're close.
CRAINE
Close doesn't do much for me. We
need to get out of this town fast.
Rumor has it, there's a Slayer in
town.
A FEMALE VAMPIRE speaks up now.
FEMALE VAMPIRE
We've dealt with Slayers before.
CRAINE
Those were children. This is
different. This is the Slayer. The
chosen one.
FEMALE VAMPIRE
Aren't they all chosen? Isn't that
how the nursery rhyme goes? "Into
each generation--"
CRAINE
Shut up! You know what I mean. This
is the one from Sunnydale.
FEMALE VAMPIRE
Weren't there a lot of Slayers--
CRAINE
Please! I'm begging you to just shut
up. Right now. For the sake of all
things right and proper in this world,
would you just not open your mouth
anymore?
The female vampire backs down.
BOOKWORM VAMP
The problem is, nobody knows where
to look. We have nothing to go on.
15.
CRAINE
Then find something. This town is
going to be swarming with demons
soon. I want to make sure that we're
out of here by the time the Slayer
is tipped off.
Craine looks around at his minions. There's a sparkle in his
eyes as he dreams about the future.
CRAINE (CONT'D)
The night is coming. I can feel it.
This world has never seen a power as
great as that which is about to be
set loose upon it.
(beat)
I don't need Slayer troubles. Once
we find what we're looking for, we
grab it and get out of here before
she gets wind of us.
FEMALE VAMPIRE
Should we maybe have- y'know- not
killed that lady last night?
Craine looks back at the female vampire.
CRAINE
Why are you talking to me? I just
told you not to talk to me, so why
are you talking to me?
Craine looks at the other vampires. He's drawing a blank.
CRAINE (CONT'D)
Anyway, what was I saying?
FADE TO BLACK:
END OF ACT ONE
16.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
INT. VIDEO STORE - DAY
Buffy and Willow walk into the video store. Willow is now
carrying a bag, filled with computer supplies.
As they walk in, there's a KNOCK on the door behind them.
They turn to see Mrs. Gimly motioning to Buffy to join her
outside.
Buffy looks to Willow, not wanting to go.
BUFFY
Do I have to?
WILLOW
I'm afraid so.
BUFFY
No fair.
Willow smiles and pats Buffy on the shoulder.
WILLOW
We want to be nice to our new
neighbors, don't we?
BUFFY
Honestly?
Buffy doesn't continue. She just sighs. Willow holds out her
hand.
WILLOW
I'll leave Dawn's tag. You go.
Buffy hands Willow the tag and walks out. She smiles happily
to Mrs. Gimly as she greets the woman outside.
Willow continues to the counter of the video store where
KIRSTY is sitting on a stool, watching her. Willow smiles.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
Hi.
Kirsty isn't in a smiling mood (if such a thing exists for
her).
KIRSTY
Can I help you?
Willow holds out the tag.
17.
WILLOW
I wanted to drop this off for Dawn.
Kirsty takes it.
KIRSTY
Oh, are you her sister?
WILLOW
No. I'm a friend. Roommate, actually.
KIRSTY
Neat.
Kirsty has nothing else to say. Willow is expecting more of
a conversation. She looks at Kirsty and notices a pin that
she's wearing. It says "EAT TOFU"
WILLOW
So, are you a vegetarian?
KIRSTY
Vegan.
WILLOW
That's cool. I always wanted to go
vegan, but I could never do it.
KIRSTY
It's not so hard after a while. You
should try it.
WILLOW
I think I'm too much of a bacon fan
at this point.
(beat)
If you ever happen to meet my dad
for some reason, please never tell
him that.
KIRSTY
You don't mind that every slice of
bacon you eat comes at the cost of
an innocent pig's life?
WILLOW
I try not to think about that part
too much.
KIRSTY
Closing your eyes won't make your
problems go away.
WILLOW
Yeah, I've been getting that message
a lot lately.
(MORE)
18.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
(beat)
It's cool that you have something to
give yourself to like that. A cause.
KIRSTY
You should. Nobody should just sit
quiet while the world goes to hell
around them. Even if you don't support
my causes, you should find something
of your own.
Willow ponders that for a second.
WILLOW
Yeah.
Buffy walks back into the store, smiling. She reaches the
counter.
BUFFY
Hey. What's up?
WILLOW
This is Dawn's boss...
Willow reads Kirsty's name tag.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
...Kirsty. Kirsty, this is Buffy.
She's Dawn's sister.
(beat)
And I'm Willow, by the way.
Kirsty gives a quick flash of a smile to Buffy. Just to be
polite.
BUFFY
Nice to meet you.
WILLOW
(to Buffy)
So, you seem happy. Did you get out
of it?
BUFFY
Nope. I'm meeting Jenna later tonight.
I'm having dinner at their house.
WILLOW
Then what?
Buffy smiles bigger.
BUFFY
Mrs. Gimly wants to talk to you.
She's waiting outside.
19.
Willow's smile drops. She looks like she just ran over a
kitten.
Buffy pats Willow's shoulder.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
We wanna be nice to our new neighbors,
don't we?
Willow shoots Buffy a dirty look and starts to walk out.
When she's gone, Buffy turns back to Kirsty. There's a pause.
Finally, Kirsty speaks.
KIRSTY
Gimly's a bitch.
Buffy smiles.
EXT. VIDEO STORE - DAY
Willow walks out of the store, and is greeted by Mrs. Gimly.
MRS. GIMLY
Hello, again.
WILLOW
Hi. Buffy said you wanted to see me?
MRS. GIMLY
Yes. She tells me you're quite the
computer whiz.
Willow tries to hide her bag behind her back.
WILLOW
I don't know if I'd say "whiz",
really. I'm much more of a tinkerer.
MRS. GIMLY
Don't be so modest. Buffy says you've
even been scouted by big computer
companies.
WILLOW
That was back in high school.
MRS. GIMLY
A prodigy.
Willow really doesn't want to get roped into something.
WILLOW
No. I mean, my computer skills have
gone down hill since then. Way, way
down hill. You wouldn't happen to
know what a megabyte is, would you?
20.
Mrs. Gimly smiles, thinking Willow is joking, instead of
trying to get out of the conversation.
MRS. GIMLY
The reason I'm asking is, the job at
city hall that I was telling you
about. We're looking for someone to
update our system.
WILLOW
What kind of system do you have?
MRS. GIMLY
Paper, mostly. Some micro-film. Which
is why we need an update. We want to
totally computerize our files. We
want to take this town into the new
millennium. What do you think?
WILLOW
Me?
MRS. GIMLY
Mm-hmm.
WILLOW
I don't know.
MRS. GIMLY
We'd pay well.
WILLOW
Okay.
MRS. GIMLY
Good.
WILLOW
But my schedule can get kind of weird
sometimes.
MRS. GIMLY
Oh, don't worry about that. We've
waited this long to update, I think
we can afford to take our time.
Mrs. Gimly looks at her watch.
MRS. GIMLY (CONT'D)
Oh! I'm late. I really do have to
get going. I'll call you later with
details, okay?
WILLOW
You bet.
21.
MRS. GIMLY
Bye now.
WILLOW
See ya.
Mrs. Gimly walks off. Soon after she's gone, Buffy walks out
of the video store.
BUFFY
Did we have a nice conversation.
WILLOW
Shut up.
INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY
Buffy and Willow walk in. Buffy looks at the couch. Xander
is nowhere to be seen.
BUFFY
Where's Xander?
WILLOW
Maybe he went out.
BUFFY
Out? He's barely gotten up since the
whole eye thing started.
WILLOW
Okay, so maybe he's upstairs.
Buffy notices something. She walks to the back of the room
and looks out the window.
BUFFY
Or he could be in the backyard. I'm
gonna go talk to him.
WILLOW
'Kay. I'll be in the dining room.
Willow heads off to set up her computer. Buffy watches Xander
for a moment, then heads toward the back door.
EXT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - BACKYARD - DAY
Buffy walks out. She finds Xander, standing in the middle of
wildly overgrown plants. He's up to his waist in a mess of
plant life.
BUFFY
We're home.
XANDER
Yeah, I heard you come in.
22.
BUFFY
Whatcha doin'? Communing with nature?
XANDER
Actually, I'm waiting for this snake
to get off my foot. I'm scared that
it might bite me if I move.
BUFFY
Oh.
Buffy moves closer with caution and takes a look.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
That's a snake alright.
XANDER
I figure it'll get off eventually
and then I can go shower like I've
never showed before.
BUFFY
Snake fear?
XANDER
Not really a fear. It just seems
dirty somehow.
BUFFY
Well, if it helps any, I don't think
it's poisonous.
XANDER
You're sure about this?
BUFFY
For some reason, it was part of my
Slayer training. Don't ask me why.
Xander shakes the snake off and turns around to face Buffy.
XANDER
Would suck to have a Slayer destroy
the forces of evil, only to be taken
down by a snake bite.
BUFFY
That's true enough.
XANDER
So anything exciting happen in town?
BUFFY
I got conned into playing counselor
to a troubled teen. Willow got sucked
into computerizing the city.
23.
XANDER
Sounds fun.
BUFFY
Yeah. We also learned a valuable
lesson. If you see Mrs. Gimly coming,
run. Run like hell, and don't look
back.
Xander smiles at her. He looks around the yard.
XANDER
Can you believe these weeds?
BUFFY
Nothing really surprises me at this
point.
XANDER
I'm gonna have to take a blowtorch
to the place if I want to make a
dent in it.
BUFFY
But it'll be fun, right. 'Cause people
say that garden work is all relaxing
and stuff.
XANDER
Personally, I've always just thought
it was back breaking barrels of non-
fun.
BUFFY
To each his own.
XANDER
Maybe I could borrow another guy's.
Then, to me, his.
BUFFY
You make no sense, but we love you
anyway.
XANDER
Well, I'm gonna go into the shed and
see what kind of gardening stuff we
have. See ya.
BUFFY
Bye.
Xander walks off. Buffy takes a deep breath of the fresh
air. She looks around her yard, and eventually back to the
ground near where Xander was standing. She squints her eyes
and tilts her head.
24.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
Or was that one poisonous?
INT. HOTEL ROOM - DAY
The vampires are still at work. Craine is pacing, going
through a book of his own.
CRAINE
What we need is a spell. Something
to locate this thing.
BOOKWORM VAMP
None of the spells we have will help
us here. Something about this place
throws off locator spells.
CRAINE
Then how can we find it?
BOOKWORM VAMP
We'll have to try to track it's
energy.
CRAINE
How?
BOOKWORM VAMP
Well, in theory, it's emitting an
energy field that would dissipate
the farther away it travels. If we
can map the field, and figure out
where it's the strongest, we might
be able to locate it.
CRAINE
Wouldn't that just be a fancy locator
spell?
The bookworm vamp thinks for a moment.
BOOKWORM VAMP
Well... In a way, I guess. But not
in the usual sense of the term.
CRAINE
Whatever. The only thing that matters
is that we have a plan.
BOOKWORM VAMP
But we have no way of going about
it. We haven't found a spell to use
yet.
CRAINE
So find one.
25.
Craine looks at his watch.
CRAINE (CONT'D)
We have four hours until sundown. We
move then. Be ready.
BOOKWORM VAMP
But it's not that simple.
CRAINE
Be. Ready.
BOOKWORM VAMP
But...
Craine holds up a finger.
CRAINE
What did I just tell you?
BOOKWORM VAMP
To be ready.
Craine nods.
CRAINE
Good. We're on the same page. Now,
do it.
The bookworm gets back to work. Crain is quite pleased with
himself. He goes to the window and peeks out. This doesn't
last long, as he soon realizes that the sunlight burns. He
lets the curtain drop back into place.
CRAINE (CONT'D)
Ow.
INT. LAUSTER HOUSE - FOYER/DINING ROOM - NIGHT
The house is nice. Small, but in a cozy way. The DOORBELL
RINGS.
From the kitchen, Mary Lauster rushes to open it.
MARY
(calling out)
Coming.
She gets to the door and opens it. She sees Buffy standing
on the other side and isn't quite sure what to think.
Buffy holds out a plate of cookies.
BUFFY
I brought cookies.
26.
MARY
I'm sorry. You are?
BUFFY
Oh.
Buffy shifts the cookies over to one hand and holds out the
other to shake with Mary.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
I'm Buffy Summers. Mrs. Gimly sent
me.
MARY
Oh! Buffy. I'm sorry. Come in.
Buffy walks in.
BUFFY
Thanks.
MARY
Sorry I didn't realize who you were.
I was expecting someone a little
older.
BUFFY
Yeah. Sorry.
MARY
Mrs. Gimly said that you worked in a
high school?
BUFFY
Yeah, back in Sunnydale. California.
(beat)
I just moved here.
Mary leads the way into the dining room. Buffy follows.
MARY
Sunnydale? Isn't that the town that--
?
BUFFY
Fell into a big hole?
Mary nods.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
That's us.
MARY
Wow. I saw that on the news, and I
couldn't believe it. You're lucky to
have gotten out of there.
27.
BUFFY
You have no idea.
MARY
A lot of people say it was an act of
God that so many people had out of
town business that week. The town
was almost empty.
BUFFY
Weird, huh?
MARY
So why were you out of town? If you
don't mind my asking.
BUFFY
Oh... I left town because of work.
(beat)
Speaking of work, I was wondering if
you could tell me a little about
Jenna.
MARY
What do you want to know?
BUFFY
Basic background stuff. What she's
like.
Mary pulls out a chair and sits down. Buffy puts the cookies
down and sits next to Mary.
MARY
Well, she's a normal girl, I guess.
She's strong willed. I was always so
proud of the fact that she could
stand up for herself.
(beat)
But that all changed after...
BUFFY
What happened?
Mary looks back toward the foyer, at the floor.
MARY
It was right over there. She was
playing with her brother. They always
used to wrestle. Playfully, I mean.
I don't know what happened, really.
Suddenly, he was screaming in pain
and he couldn't move his legs. The
doctors say they've never seen
anything like it. For some reason,
his bones just...
(MORE)
28.
MARY (CONT'D)
(beat)
Anyway, Jenna blamed herself. She
hasn't been the same since that day.
She's quiet. She keeps to herself a
lot. Too much. And she doesn't stand
up for herself anymore. The kids at
school will tease her, and she'll
just take it.
Buffy listens to Mary tell the painful story. She's taking
in all of the information.
MARY (CONT'D)
Travis has even tried telling her
that he doesn't blame her. He's really
been so strong through this whole
thing. He keeps saying that he'll
walk again soon, but the doct--
She has to stop. She can't bring herself to finish what she's
saying. Buffy puts a hand on her shoulder.
BUFFY
It's okay. You don't have to go on
anymore.
MARY
Everything is just falling apart, it
seems. Sometimes, I just feel like
running away. Is that wrong?
BUFFY
No. We all feel like that sometimes.
Sometimes, the pressure can just
build to the point where we don't
think we can handle it.
Buffy looks Mary in the eyes, reassuringly.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
But you know what? That doesn't mean
we can't. We're stronger than we
realize sometimes. You'd be surprised
by how strong you are.
There's a NOISE behind Buffy. She looks back toward the
kitchen and sees JENNA (the tough looking girl from Dawn's
school in episode 2) standing in the doorway. When Buffy
looks at her, Jenna turns and walks away.
Buffy and Mary aren't sure what to do. Just then, the front
door opens and Mary's husband, FRANK LAUSTER, walks in. He's
pushing Travis' wheelchair. Both are smiling and having fun.
Mary puts on a smile for them.
29.
TRAVIS
Hi, mom.
MARY
Hey, kiddo.
(to Buffy)
I'll get Jenna.
Mary's about to get up, but Buffy stops her.
BUFFY
Let me. Please.
Mary pauses, then she nods. She sits back down. Buffy smiles
a "thanks" and walks out of the room the way Jenna went.
FRANK
Who's that?
EXT. LAUSTER HOUSE - BACK PORCH - NIGHT
Jenna is outside, looking at the stars. Buffy walks out.
BUFFY
Hey.
Jenna doesn't respond.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
I'm Buffy. You're Jenna, right?
JENNA
Wow. You know my name. It's like
I've been touched by an angel.
BUFFY
Actually, your mom told me.
(beat)
She told me some other stuff too.
JENNA
Like how I paralyzed my little
brother?
BUFFY
She doesn't think that.
JENNA
Why not? It's true. They keep getting
all these people to talk to me and
try to convince me that I didn't do
it, but they don't understand.
BUFFY
Understand what?
Jenna finally looks at Buffy.
30.
JENNA
That I did do it.
BUFFY
Why do you say that? There are medical
conditions--
JENNA
Which the doctors can't diagnose in
my brother.
(beat)
I felt it happen. I felt his bones
break as I was on top of him. I was
holding onto one of his arms, and a
leg, and all of the sudden, it was
like he was a dry spaghetti noodle.
He just snapped.
BUFFY
Bones aren't that fragile. You can't
think that you're to blame for it.
Jenna thinks for a moment. Recalling.
JENNA
Funny. Every time I replay that day
in my head, I can't seem to see it
any other way. It happened last May.
I woke up. I brushed my teeth. I
took a shower. I went to school. I
came home. I took away my brother's
ability to walk.
BUFFY
Jenna, you...
Buffy stops herself. She's suddenly realizing something.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
May?
JENNA
Yeah. He was supposed to go to camp
over the summer. Instead, he was in
the hospital.
Buffy is thinking hard. She looks off to the side.
BUFFY
Jenna, it's not your fault.
(beat)
It's mine.
FADE TO BLACK:
END OF ACT TWO
31.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
EXT. LAUSTER HOUSE - BACK PORCH - NIGHT
Jenna looks at Buffy, a little confused. Buffy is trying to
figure things out.
JENNA
Okay, that's the first time I've
heard that one. So, how do you figure
this is all your fault.
Buffy looks back to Jenna.
BUFFY
Your mother says that you've become
withdrawn. You won't even stick up
for yourself anymore. Why?
JENNA
Because I've seen what it's like to
hurt someone.
BUFFY
And you don't want to do it again.
JENNA
Would you?
BUFFY
You're stronger now than you were
before.
Jenna is surprised to hear Buffy say that.
JENNA
What?
BUFFY
It's more than just being strong.
It's like there's a force inside of
you. You can feel it. Power. Maybe
you've even had dreams.
Jenna is freaked out. She starts to back away.
JENNA
How did you...? Who are you?
BUFFY
I'm someone like you.
JENNA
A freak?
32.
BUFFY
A Slayer.
JENNA
Oh, well, that sounds a lot better.
BUFFY
You're special. You have the chance
to become something greater than
you've ever imagined.
JENNA
And all I have to do is join your
cult and give you all my money, right?
BUFFY
You're not listening to me.
JENNA
That's because you're a freak.
Buffy tries to put a hand on Jenna's arm, but Jenna back
away. She starts to back herself down the porch steps.
BUFFY
I know this is all confusing and
weird right now. I'm not doing a
good job of explaining it, but if
you'll let me show you...
JENNA
Just stay away from me.
BUFFY
Jenna, you have potential. Don't let
it go to waste. I can help you figure
out what you are, and make sure an
accident like what happened with
your brother never happens again.
JENNA
What I am?
Not the words Jenna needed to hear. She backs away more and
more.
BUFFY
I didn't mean that the way it sounded.
JENNA
Just leave me alone.
BUFFY
Jenna--
JENNA
No. Just leave me alone.
33.
Jenna can't take it anymore. She turns and runs. Buffy watches
her go, wishing that things had gone much better.
INT. HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Craine is sitting in a chair, looking out the window. The
curtains are pulled back, so he can see out without pushing
them aside.
The other vampires are still working.
CRAINE
Do you know what I'm looking at?
The bookworm looks up.
BOOKWORM VAMP
Umm... The trees?
CRAINE
No, not the trees. I'm looking up at
the beautiful night sky, and pondering
an age-old question. Do you want to
know what that question is?
The bookworm really doesn't.
BOOKWORM VAMP
Y-Yes?
CRAINE
I'm asking myself why the hell we're
still sitting here when it's perfectly
dark outside!
(beat)
And now I'm asking you that question.
BOOKWORM VAMP
We're working as fast as we can,
sir.
CRAINE
We've had how long to prepare for
this? A couple thousand years? Why
aren't we ready?
The bookworm doesn't respond.
CRAINE (CONT'D)
I'm sorry. Did that sound rhetorical
to you?
BOOKWORM VAMP
I don't know what to say.
34.
CRAINE
Say "ah-ha, I've got it!", or
something along those lines.
One of the other vampires, a GEEKY VAMPIRE, perks up.
GEEKY VAMPIRE
Here we go. I think I found something.
CRAINE
That'll work.
The geeky vampire hands his book to the bookworm. The bookworm
reads from it.
BOOKWORM VAMP
Yes. Yes, this'll do just fine.
(to Craine)
We have a spell that might lead us.
CRAINE
Neat. Then let's get the hell out of
here.
Craine walks toward the door. The other vampires follow.
FEMALE VAMPIRE
Finally.
CRAINE
Did I say you could talk?
They leave the hotel room, closing the door behind them.
INT. LAUSTER HOUSE - DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Mary, Frank and Travis are sitting at the table. They're
waiting. Travis already has food on his plate.
TRAVIS
Mom, I'm hungry.
Mary thinks for a moment, then looks back to Travis.
MARY
Okay, baby. You can start.
Travis starts to eat. Mary looks at Frank.
MARY (CONT'D)
Do you think everything's okay?
FRANK
I don't know. Do you really think
this girl can help Jenna?
35.
MARY
We've tried everything else. What
could it hurt to let her try?
Just as she's finishing her sentence, Buffy walks into the
room, through the kitchen.
MARY (CONT'D)
(to Buffy)
Is everything okay? Where's Jenna?
BUFFY
There was a slight running off
incident. I think I might have struck
a cord.
MARY
She ran away?
BUFFY
But don't worry, I'm gonna go after
her. I just thought I'd give her a
few seconds to process things.
FRANK
What did you say to her?
BUFFY
I'm not sure I should talk about
that. Privacy issues.
FRANK
You made our daughter run away. I
think we have a right to know why.
BUFFY
Mr. Lauster, I understand what you're
thinking. I do. I'd be thinking the
same thing if someone came into my
house like this. The thing is, your
daughter is going through a lot of
changes in her life right now. She's
dealing with a lot of new things.
MARY
Is she having sex? Is that it?
BUFFY
No. I mean, I don't know-- That's
not the issue. She's just trying to
figure out how to deal with everything
and it's not making a lot of sense
to her. That said, I think I can
help.
36.
FRANK
How? My wife and I have been through
our teens. We know what it's like.
We could help her ourselves.
BUFFY
I don't doubt that you can help, but-
no offense- you're her parents.
Teenagers don't really like to get
into these things with their parents.
Now, I've been through these same
issues pretty recently. I can talk
to her on her own level, at her own
pace. I can guide her through these
things she's feeling.
Mary and Frank exchange another look. Finally, Mary nods to
Buffy.
MARY
Okay. We want to help our daughter.
Where do you start?
BUFFY
First things first, I have to find
her.
INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Willow is sitting at the table, working on her computer. Her
eyes are glued to the screen, and she's typing like crazy.
She doesn't even notice when a dirty, tired Xander walks
into the room and slumps down into a chair.
He looks at her, waiting for her to look up. She never does.
XANDER
So, how's the computer work going?
WILLOW
Mm-hmm.
XANDER
Good. Looking up anything good?
WILLOW
Mm-hmm.
XANDER
Neat. Mind if I light you on fire
and do a tribal dance around you in
the hopes of bringing forth some
much needed rain?
WILLOW
Mm-hmm.
37.
XANDER
Will?
(no reply)
Willow?
Willow finally looks up.
WILLOW
Oh. Hey. Sorry.
XANDER
What's so interesting?
WILLOW
I'm just caught up in the whole
internet thing. I didn't even realize
how much I missed it. Now I'm going
to every site I've ever been to,
seeing what's been updated since I
last saw them.
XANDER
Anything I'd be interested in?
WILLOW
Not really, just some witchy pages.
Spells and chants stuff like that. I
did manage to print up a coupon,
good for one free chocolate chip
omelet at the Bait-N-Breakfast.
XANDER
(sarcastic)
Yum.
WILLOW
How's the green thumb working out
for you?
XANDER
I think they gave me a blue thumb by
mistake. Or a flashy hot pink one.
WILLOW
Not going well?
XANDER
I worked all afternoon on the thing,
and I managed to get a small section
in the back corner cleared of weeds.
I think they're growing back as I
pull them.
WILLOW
(laughs)
They're demonic weeds.
38.
XANDER
You say that as though it weren't
possible.
WILLOW
Good point.
There's a pause in the conversation. Nothing much more to
say.
XANDER
Buffy still out?
WILLOW
Yup.
XANDER
Long dinner.
WILLOW
Yeah.
XANDER
Well, I guess I'll leave you to your
surfing. Don't use the water. I'm
gonna take a shower.
WILLOW
'Kay.
Xander walks out of the room. As he leaves, he blinks a few
times and shakes his head.
Willow goes back to work.
EXT. MAIN STREET - NIGHT
Jenna walks down the street, alone. She is deep in thought.
The rest of the street is pretty empty. The stores are still
open, but not many people feel the need to shop.
ANGLE ON : THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STREET
The group of vampires is making their way down the street,
coming from the opposite direction. The bookworm is leading
the way. Finally, they stop.
BOOKWORM VAMP
Here.
CRAINE
Here what?
BOOKWORM VAMP
I can perform the spell here. It
should lead us where we want to go.
39.
CRAINE
Then do it.
The bookworm kneels on the ground. He flips through the book.
He finally finds his spell.
BOOKWORM VAMP
Ah. Here it is.
He reads a little. Then closes his eyes.
BOOKWORM VAMP (CONT'D)
Viserous, keeper of the sight, I
summon thee. Viserous, holder of the
light, I summon thee.
The female vampire leans closer to one of her friends,
giggling.
FEMALE VAMPIRE
(whispering)
Sounds like he's saying viscer--
Craine shuts her up with an evil look before she can finish.
BOOKWORM VAMP
Come to me. Grant me vision. Give me
sight beyond sight.
The geeky vampire smirks, but is sure not to make a noise
that might upset Craine.
INT. VIDEO STORE - NIGHT
Dawn is putting movies back on the shelves. Ryan is at the
counter, doodling.
Dawn looks at a tape as she puts it on the shelf.
DAWN
Hey, we have The Two Worlds Of Jennie
Logan here?
RYAN
I guess so.
DAWN
My mom was always talking about that
movie, but we could never find it.
RYAN
You can bring it home if you want.
Dawn looks down.
DAWN
No. That's okay.
40.
Ryan realizes what he said.
RYAN
Oh! God, I'm sorry. I forgot.
DAWN
It's okay, don't worry about it.
There's a long silence. Ryan is a little uncomfortable. He
looks out the window and sees Jenna walk by.
RYAN
Check it out. Freakazoid at twelve
o'clock.
Dawn looks out the window and sees Jenna walking. She can
tell by the look on her face that Jenna isn't very happy.
RYAN (CONT'D)
I heard she went mental last summer.
Almost killed her brother.
Dawn doesn't respond. She just watches Jenna, wondering what
could be wrong.
RYAN (CONT'D)
Dawn?
Dawn snaps back to reality.
DAWN
Hmm? Oh, it's more like two-thirty.
RYAN
What?
DAWN
You said twelve o'clock. It's more
like two-thirty.
RYAN
Oh.
(beat)
It was twelve when I said it.
Dawn goes to the window and looks out. Watching Jenna walk
by.
EXT. MAIN STREET - NIGHT
Jenna continues to walk. She looks up, and sees the group of
vampires across the street. She stops walking and watches
them for a moment. Trying to figure out what their deal is.
Craine looks over and sees Jenna watching. He starts to walk
toward her.
41.
Jenna starts to back away, then turns and runs. Caine runs
after her.
INT. VIDEO STORE - NIGHT
Dawn's eyes widen. She looks back to Ryan.
DAWN
Hey, mind if I take my break? I just
remembered something that I really
have to take care of.
RYAN
Sure, go ahead.
DAWN
Thanks. I'll be back.
With that, Dawn rushes out of the store.
EXT. MAIN STREET - CONTINIOUS - NIGHT
Dawn looks around. She sees the vampires across the street
and is curious about them, but doesn't have time to think
about that.
She looks in the direction that Jenna and Craine ran off in,
and takes off after them.
ANGLE ON : JENNA
Down the street from Dawn and still running. She looks back
to see if she's still being followed. The only person she
sees is Dawn, racing toward her, yelling something that Jenna
can't make out.
DAWN
(too far away to make
out)
Run!
Jenna turns back around to keep moving, but finds herself
face to face with Craine. He is in human face at the moment.
He smiles at her.
CRAINE
Well, hey there. What's a pretty
little girl like you doing in a woodsy
little town like this?
JENNA
Who are you?
CRAINE
I am that which you'd least expect.
42.
Jenna doesn't respond. Craine VAMPS OUT. Jenna is shocked,
but doesn't jump back. She's too tough for that.
JENNA
What the hell are you?
Dawn finally catches up. She looks at Craine.
DAWN
Get away from her.
Craine looks at Dawn and laughs.
CRAINE
Or what? You gonna easy bake oven me
to death?
DAWN
Ever hear of a Slayer?
Craine's smile drop a little. He doesn't respond.
DAWN (CONT'D)
Well, guess what?
CRAINE
You?
DAWN
That's right. So why don't you just
take your little fang gang and beat
it before I put sharp pieces of wood
through you.
Craine looks Dawn up and down. He grins again.
CRAINE
I always did love a good Slayer with
my meals.
(to Jenna)
The meal being you, of course.
DAWN
Leave her out of this. You want me.
CRAINE
Actually, I want you both. I got a
lot of mouths to feed, sweetie.
DAWN
Oh. Well, in that case--
Dawn doesn't bother to finish her sentence before she kicks
Craine in the groin, and grabs Jenna's arm. She pulls Jenna
along as she runs the way she came.
43.
DAWN (CONT'D)
Run!
The two girls are gone by the time Craine recovers. He looks
down the road at his gang.
CRAINE
(calling out)
Get them!
ANGLE ON : DAWN AND JENNA
They're back near the video store. They see the vampire gang.
All except for the bookworm are moving toward them.
The girls stop short.
DAWN
Right. I forgot about them.
JENNA
Who are you?
DAWN
I'm not a Slayer, that's for damn
sure.
Jenna doesn't have a clue what to think about any of this.
Her mind is being blown.
DAWN (CONT'D)
You know how to fight, right?
Jenna hesitates.
JENNA
No. I'm not...
DAWN
You'd better.
Jenna turns around and puts a hand on her head.
JENNA
I can't do this. This isn't happening.
DAWN
Oh, good. In that case, I'll just be
moving along.
(then)
Are you kidding me?
The vampires are getting dangerously close. Craine has made
his way down the street and is also getting close.
44.
DAWN (CONT'D)
Look, you don't have a choice. You
either help me fight, or we both
die.
The vampires stop and wait for Craine's orders. Craine gets
close enough to attack and stops.
CRAINE
See, you really shouldn't have done
that whole kicking thing.
Craine walks up to Jenna and strokes her head. Jenna wants
to throw up, but does nothing.
DAWN
Leave her alone.
Craine walks over to Dawn and tries to stroke her head. Dawn
hits his hand out of her way.
CRAINE
You're a pistol, aren't you?
He leans in closer.
CRAINE (CONT'D)
(whispered)
But you're not a Slayer.
A hand comes from behind Craine and taps his shoulder. He
turns around and sees Buffy standing there.
BUFFY
I am.
She punches Craine hard. He flies through the air and crashes
to the ground.
CRAINE
Get them!
The vampire gang attacks at full force. Buffy takes on most
of them by herself, while Dawn takes on one or two.
Jenna backs away and watches. She's torn between her natural
instinct to help the fight and her fear of what happened to
her brother.
Craine gets up and goes after Buffy. The other vampires let
him have her and begin to focus on Dawn. Dawn manages to
hold her own, but she doesn't have Slayer powers. She can
only last so long.
Buffy punches Craine. As he regains his composure, Buffy
turns, grabs another vampire, and tosses him away from Dawn.
45.
DAWN
I don't have a stake!
BUFFY
Neither do I.
DAWN
What kind of Slayer are you?
Buffy and Craine get to fighting again. They exchange kicks
and punches. He's a good fighter. Eventually, Buffy kicks
him in the gut. He stumbles back.
Buffy grabs another vampire away from Dawn and throws him
into a wooden bench on the sidewalk. The bench breaks into
pieces.
BUFFY
I'm a resourceful Slayer.
Buffy dives to the wood pieces and grabs two of the sharper
ones.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
Heads up!
She tosses one to Dawn. Dawn catches it. Buffy jumps back to
her feet and stakes the female vampire right away.
Craine has managed to drop to the back of the fight. He's
not paying attention to Buffy anymore. He looks over at the
bookworm vampire.
ANGLE ON : THE BOOKWORM VAMP
An unseen force comes over him. His eyes shoot open. THEY
GLOW RED. He smiles.
BOOKWORM VAMP
I see it!
Slowly, he stands up and kicks the book out of the way. Craine
walks to him.
CRAINE
Where?
The bookworm stares into the distance and starts to walk.
Craine follows him.
ANGLE ON : BUFFY AND DAWN
They're still fighting. Dawn hasn't staked any, and she's
not having an easy time. She's managing to keep the vampires
away from her, but they're starting to get closer.
46.
Buffy is fighting two vampires of her own. She quickly stakes
them and looks at Dawn's situation.
The geeky vampire is getting close to Dawn. Buffy throws her
stake and gets him in the heart. He TURNS TO DUST.
ANGLE ON : JENNA
Still slowly backing away. She trips on the sidewalk and
falls down. She still doesn't know what to think of any of
this.
ANGLE ON : BUFFY AND DAWN
Buffy grabs one of the remaining two vampires away from Dawn.
She punches him a few times.
Dawn avoids a few swings from the other vampire that's
attacking her. She bends down to duck out of the way. As the
vampire is off balance, Dawn jams the stake into his chest.
He TURNS TO DUST.
BUFFY
Dawn, stake!
Dawn realizes that Buffy doesn't have a stake. Her own stake
just went poof with the vampire, so she goes back to the
bench wreckage and looks for another one, but she can't find
one.
DAWN
There isn't one sharp enough.
BUFFY
Oh, forget it.
Buffy trips the vampire. When he falls to the ground, she
grabs a trash basket off of the sidewalk. She slams it down
as hard as she can on his head. We don't see this, but we
hear the POOF SOUND.
Buffy and Dawn both relax a little. Dawn's out of breath.
DAWN
I almost forgot what one of those
looked like.
Dawn looks down at Jenna.
DAWN (CONT'D)
Thanks for the help.
Buffy goes to Jenna and helps her up.
JENNA
It's over?
47.
Buffy looks down the street.
BUFFY
Not yet. Two got away, and the two
of us are going after them.
Jenna doesn't like the sound of that.
FADE TO BLACK:
END OF ACT THREE
48.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
EXT. MAIN STREET - NIGHT
Buffy is looking around for sharp pieces of wood to use as
stakes. Dawn and Jenna stand nearby.
JENNA
I'm not going anywhere.
Buffy looks up at her.
BUFFY
Don't you realize what's happening
here? You're not like other people.
You have a gift. You have a purpose
in this world.
JENNA
Killing things? No thanks.
BUFFY
You're a Slayer. That's not something
to run away from.
JENNA
A Slayer? What's that supposed to
mean?
BUFFY
(to Dawn)
I can't believe I'm about to say
this.
(beat)
Into each generation, a Slayer was
born. One girl with the strength and
skill to hunt the vampires. To stop
the spread of their evil... I forget
the rest.
JENNA
Did you totally flunk out of math
class or something? 'Cause I'm
counting more than one of us "Slayers"
here.
BUFFY
That's changed. There are Slayers
all over the world now. Girls just
like you and me, who can fight these
things. We're the ones who will keep
the evil in check.
JENNA
Count me out.
49.
Jenna starts to walk away.
BUFFY
Don't you get it? Don't you understand
what this means?
JENNA
I don't care what it means. Look at
me. I'm sixteen years old. I'm not
even good at gym class. How am I
supposed to save the world?
BUFFY
You'll learn. Just like I did.
JENNA
I don't want to learn.
BUFFY
You have so much potential, Jenna.
Don't let it go to waste.
JENNA
Potential? This potential destroyed
my brother's life. This potential
could have killed him. You think of
this as some great gift or
something...
(beat)
No. I can't help you. I'm sorry, I
just can't.
Jenna walks off. Dawn is about to stop her, but Buffy puts a
hand up.
BUFFY
Let her go.
DAWN
But--
BUFFY
We have work to do. Let's go.
Buffy turns and heads down the street. Dawn follows her.
EXT. DARK STREET - NIGHT
Craine and the bookworm vamp are slowly making their way
down the street. There are office type buildings here, but
it's hard to see them. The street lights are out.
CRAINE
How much longer?
50.
BOOKWORM VAMP
We're almost there. I can almost see
it.
CRAINE
Hurry. I don't want the Slayer finding
us.
BUFFY (O.S.)
Yeah, we don't want that.
Craine and the bookworm take another step before realizing
what's going on. Craine finally turns around and comes face
to face with Buffy. The bookworm stops walking, but keeps
looking straight ahead.
CRAINE
You.
BUFFY
Yup.
Buffy and Craine start fighting. He tries to punch her in
the face, but she avoids him and returns with a punch of her
own. He is knocked to the ground.
Dawn steps in front of the bookworm.
DAWN
Think you're going somewhere?
The bookworm ignores her. He walks right past her.
DAWN (CONT'D)
Okay, that's not just un-vampy, it's
also pretty rude.
BOOKWORM VAMP
It's beautiful.
DAWN
Thanks. I like to think so.
(beat)
Are you gonna fight me at all?
The bookworm vamp still ignores her. Dawn rolls her eyes.
DAWN (CONT'D)
Buffy gets all the fun.
With that, Dawn raises her makeshift stake and stabs it into
the bookworm vamp's back. He TURNS TO DUST. As he does, a
RED ENERGY CLOUD poofs into the air around him.
DAWN (CONT'D)
That's new.
51.
Meanwhile, Buffy and Craine are still fighting. She attepts
to kick him in the face, but he blocks and grabs her leg. He
pushes her to the ground.
CRAINE
How do you like it, Slayer?
BUFFY
You rip this jacket and I'll make
sure you suffer.
Buffy flips back to her feet and punches Craine in the face.
This goes on for another few seconds. Craine smiles.
CRAINE
You're the famed Slayer? The one who
defeated the Master, and battled a
god, and this is the best you can
do?
BUFFY
Actually, no. I'm holding back a
little.
With that said, Buffy effortlessly stakes Craine and starts
to walk away.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
That's me not holding back as much.
Craine TURNS TO DUST.
Dawn joins Buffy as she walks away.
DAWN
So what do you think they were after?
BUFFY
Don't know. Whatever it is, they're
not gonna get it. Wanna get a pizza?
DAWN
Can't. I'm just on break.
BUFFY
Oh. In that case, I guess I'll see
you later.
DAWN
'Kay.
INT. VIDEO STORE - NIGHT
Dawn walks into the store, just as a CUSTOMER is leaving.
She walks to the counter where Ryan is standing.
52.
DAWN
Wow, a customer. And I missed it.
RYAN
Don't worry. I'm sure we'll have
another one in a few weeks.
(beat)
So, how was the break?
DAWN
Very productive.
RYAN
Good to know.
DAWN
Thank you very much.
Dawn gets to the counter. Ryan brushes her shoulder, which
is covered in dust.
RYAN
What happened? Sand storm?
Dawn smiles at the joke and tries to think of an excuse
quickly.
DAWN
Actually... I tripped. Big pile of
dirt.
RYAN
Ouch. You okay?
DAWN
Yeah, it's cool. Just a little dusty.
RYAN
I think the look suits you.
DAWN
Um... thanks?
Dawn gets a little more serious.
DAWN (CONT'D)
So what do you know about Jenna
Lauster.
RYAN
I know that she's a freak.
EXT. MAIN STREET - NIGHT
We're directly across the street from the video store. We
can see Dawn and Ryan talking inside.
53.
We PULL BACK to REVEAL a MYSTERIOUS MAN standing in the
shadows. He is wearing a long coat.
He continues to watch for a moment, then walks away.
INT. LAUSTER HOUSE - JENNA'S ROOM - NIGHT
Jenna walks into her bedroom. She finds a plate of food
waiting for her on her desk, and takes a moment to appreciate
the thoughtfulness of her mother.
She takes the plate and sits on her bed. He begins to pick
at the food. Her mind is very distant.
She lays down, her eyes still open. Her face is blank.
BUFFY
(prelap)
She's got a lot to deal with.
INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Buffy is sitting at the table with Willow and Xander.
BUFFY
She's a lot like me when I first
found out. I didn't want to believe
it. I didn't want to deal with it. I
just wanted it to go away.
XANDER
But it can't. She has to deal with
it, right?
BUFFY
I'm just hoping that when she finally
realizes that, she comes to me. She
has all of this power. She's gonna
need to learn how to control it.
WILLOW
I'm sure she will. She's just scared
right now. Freaking out.
BUFFY
Yeah.
(beat)
I can't even imagine what it must be
like for her. I mean, my first day
on the job, I freaked out over having
to stake a vampire. She hurt someone
she loves. It's gonna be hard for
her to see the good in that power.
XANDER
And that's where you'll come in.
54.
BUFFY
If she'll let me.
The DOORBELL RINGS. Buffy stands up, a little glad to have
something to do.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
I'll get it.
Buffy walks out of the room.
INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - FOYER - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT
Buffy walks to the front door. She opens it. When she sees
who is on the other side, her face drops.
BUFFY
Oh my God.
REVEAL HANK SUMMERS standing on the other side of the door.
A nervous smile on his face.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
Dad.
FADE TO BLACK:
End Of Show
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