Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Summer Script Challenge
The Powers that Be Pro Temporae
Episode 6.11: Liberation
By AminalLuv and Noggins
GILES (V.O)
Previously on Buffy the Vampire Slayer…
From Incarceration (voiceover from The Dark Age): Giles meeting Ethan and the others and creating the golem.
GILES (V.O.)
I was twenty-one...
Studying history at Oxford and of
course the occult by night. I went
to London; fell in with the worst
crowd that would have me. We
practiced magicks.
CUT TO: Giles holding Ethan in a throat hold.
GILES
Who are you?
ETHAN
(struggled because his throat is being held)
What? You've forgotten me
already Ripper?
CUT TO: Ethan tied up in Giles' house explaining how he escaped from the government.
ETHAN
I managed to get a few little
Items smuggled to my room…
nothing big, or conspicuous.
…
A mixture here, a chant there
and boom! I was out of the
complex before they even
realised half the wall had been
disintegrated.
Cut to: Giles kicking Ethan out onto the street.
Cut to: The military bursting into Giles' house.
TEASER
INTERIOR: GILES' HOUSE - night
Continuation of the last scene of the teaser the military has just stormed into Giles' house. The leader, Colonel Hicks starts barking out orders to the Scoobies while the rest of the soldiers swing there guns around trying to look menacing.
HICKS
Nobody move. We know he's
here so you better tell us where
or there'll be hell to pay.
Anya raises her hand as though asking permission to speak but doesn't wait for said permission.
ANYA
Excuse me mister commando
guy. Um which "he" do you
want? Cause there's Giles and
there's also Xander. You can't
have Xander, he's my fiancé.
HICKS
Don't play games with us girl.
You know who we mean. Ethan
Rayne is a fugitive and by hiding
him you are all committing a very
serious crime.
XANDER
And by Ethan Rayne you mean
the chaos worshiper that turned
us into our Halloween costumes,
made all the adults act like children
and turned Giles into a demon.
That's the guy you think we're
aiding and abetting?
HICKS
You've got some nerve boy. All
these guns pointed right at you
and you still have it in you to be
insolent.
XANDER
I've seen a lot worse things in my
life then guns sir. Most of which
were in my own apartment.
ANYA
Hey!
XANDER
The evil demons and heart-
ripping dreams
ANYA
Oh. Right.
Giles realizes he has to take control of the situation.
GILES
Listen Sir, We hold no fondness
for the aforementioned Mr. Rayne
we are not helping him in anyway,
and we do not know of his whereabouts.
HICKS
(ignoring Giles, to the soldiers)
Search the place.
A few men stay in the living room while the rest of them run off in various directions around the house.
Dawn starts to move towards HICKS. We get the impression that she is planning on attacking him. One of the soldiers grabs Dawn and puts her in a chokehold. Dawn starts struggling to break free. She starts screaming at the soldier.
DAWN
You can't do this. Do you
have any idea who you're
dealing with? You think Ethan
is dangerous wait till you see
what I can do to you. Let me
go or I'll kick your sorry ass
from here to Katmandu.
Dawn prepares to kick the soldier in the shin but Giles steps in.
GILES
It's all right Dawn please calm
down. These men are just
trying…
(under his breath)
…unsuccessfully…
(normal tone)
…to do their jobs. Were not
hiding anything or anyone so
we have no reason to be
disobliging.
Dawn gets the point and stops struggling and shuts up. After a few moments the soldier releases her and she shoves away from him with a disgusted look on her face.
SOLDIER #1
If I were you little girl I wouldn't
try anything so stupid again.
Dawn just glares at him and then goes to sit down on the couch. Willow and Tara join her and start talking to her and trying to calm her down, it's nothing secretive just unimportant to the plot.
HICKS
We know conclusively that Rayne
has been here and you people
have a crazy history of collaborating
with this guy despite the numerous
attempts he's made at ruining your
lives. So unless you tell us where
he is, we better all get cozy in this
here house cause nobody's leaving
until we've apprehended the fugitive.
The soldiers who went to search the house come back.
SOLDIER #2
He's not here Colonel.
We've searched the house
top to bottom.
HICKS
Then they've taken him
somewhere else and we're
not leaving until we find out
where. Rayne is a very
dangerous man and these
creeps are helping him out.
(to the Scoobies)
Tell us where he is, you go
free, if not you'll just have
to take his place.
We pan across the nervous faces of all the Scoobies.
ACT ONE
EXTERIOR: CEMETERY - morning
Establishing shot of the cemetery until we settle on one particular crypt.
INTERIOR: SPIKE'S CRYPT - morning
Buffy walks into the crypt holding a greasy fast food bag. Spike is just waking up and the sound of the door slamming is enough to wake him up the rest of the way but he doesn't sit up.
BUFFY
Sorry, didn't mean to wake
you.
SPIKE
You didn't.
BUFFY
So how's the hangover?
SPIKE
What hangover? Why would
I have a hangover?
BUFFY
That's generally what happens
after a night of seducing the
whiskey bottle.
SPIKE
(with feigned lack of knowledge)
Whiskey why would you think
that? I wasn't drinking.
BUFFY
I saw you Spike you were
drunk off your ass. You forget
to breath for god sake. I had
to stay here all night to make
sure you didn't stop breathing
again.
SPIKE
(he finally sits up and we see a smug look on his face.)
You stayed all night? Just to
watch over me?
As Spike is finally fully seated the blanket that was covering him falls down to reveal his bare chest.
SPIKE
(C'tnd)
Where's my shirt? And my
trousers for that matter?
Why am I naked?
An even smugger look develops on Spike's face as he imagines the possible answers to that question.
BUFFY
Oh get over yourself. You threw
up all over yourself it was vile.
And everything else you owned
was just as gross. Have you ever
heard of laundry? I did some for
you last night. You know maybe
you should consider getting a
washing machine in here or at
least some, you know, running
water. Anyhow don't worry I didn't
look.
SPIKE
Why would that worry me?
BUFFY
It's amazing how someone over
a century old can act like such
a child.
SPIKE
(changing the subject he points to the bag Buffy is carrying)
What's that?
BUFFY
Breakfast burritos, breakfast
of champions.
Buffy reaches into the bag to get one out for Spike.
SPIKE
What no Wheatabix?
BUFFY
You're human now, time to
savor the many flavors your
taste buds have to offer.
These are much better then
that awful cereal you always eat.
SPIKE
Hey do I go around insulting
your choice of food?
BUFFY
Just eat.
Buffy hands him the burrito and he takes a bite of it.
SPIKE
It's no Wheatabix but it'll do.
They eat for a few moments in silence until Buffy realizes something.
BUFFY
I haven't checked in with Giles
he's probably worried. I'm
going to go call him. Meanwhile,
put these on…
Buffy tosses Spike a pair of his black jeans and t-shirt that were hanging to dry.
BUFFY
(C'tnd)
They're still a little damp but
they'll have to do.
INTERIOR: GILES' HOUSE - morning
The soldiers are still there. All the Scoobies have taken seats. Tara, Dawn and Willow on the couch, Xander and Anya on a love seat and Giles in a chair. They're all looking pretty tired after having to spend the night up.
WILLOW
Listen, sir, we really don't
know where Ethan is. If we
did we would tell you. I mean
the reason he was arrested in
the first place was because he
turned Giles into a demon. I
mean really how often do the
victims help out the criminal?
We want to see him behind bars
just as much as you do.
DAWN
(softly so that only Tara and Willow can hear her)
Can I please just beat this guy
up so that we can get out of
here? I'm supposed to meet
Lydia so that we can train.
WILLOW
Train? You know you have
school. You can't skip school
for slaying.
TARA
Well maybe if there's an apocalypse.
Hicks is getting pretty annoyed now. He interrupts their conversation.
HICKS
Enough! You are the most
brazen group of people I
have ever met. You're being
held hostage by the military
and here you are having side
conversations and speaking
back to us. What the hell is
wrong with you people?
(calms down a little)
Now tell us where Ethan
Rayne is. I don't want us
to have to fire any of these
weapons but since we've
been given the authority if
push comes to shove we will.
XANDER
Like I said before, you're
guns don't frighten us.
Unless you've got something
along the lines of a hellgoddess
bent on going home even if
it means causing the apocolypse
or even something like an
unkillable mayor who wants
to turn into a giant demon
snake you're not scaring us.
ANYA
Shh, Xander! He could hurt
you and then we wouldn't
be able to get married and
have a big wedding. Let
the others do the talking back.
HICKS
Don't worry. If he's trying to
convince me that he's mad it
isn't working. I know all about
the happenings in this town.
We may be forced to deny the
existence of the Initiative but
we all know it existed.
(Turning to Giles)
You've been awfully quite.
What do you know?
GILES
I know a lot of things. But the
only thing I know about Ethan's
whereabouts is that he's not here.
The phone rings and Hicks picks up. There's someone talking on the other end who stops when Hicks begins speaking.
HICKS
I take this to be the slayer…
(pause)
Well this is Colonel Hicks of
the United States military and
you're slayer groupies here are
aiding and abetting a fugitive,
one Mr. Ethane Rayne…
(pause)
Yes I've heard that story
before Miss Summers...
(pause)
Deny all you want but you
won't be seeing your friends
again until we see Rayne.
Hicks slams the phone down.
INTERIOR: PHONE BOX - SUNNYDALE STREET - morning
On the other end of the line we see Buffy hang up the phone
BUFFY
(mumbling to herself)
He hung up on me. Spike's
really gonna want to know
about this.
She leaves the phone box and runs off down the street.
INTERIOR: SPIKE'S CRYPT - morning
Buffy comes running through the door to find a now dressed Spike and Lydia as well.
BUFFY
(to Spike)
What's she doing here?
LYDIA
I arrived at the Magic Box
for Dawn's training session
and the store was looked up
tight. I'm afraid something
bad might have happened.
BUFFY
Gee what gave you that idea?
It couldn't possibly have anything
to do with the fact that we're on
the Hellmouth now could it?
LYDIA
Yes well be that as it may we
still have to find them.
BUFFY
Well you must not have looked
very hard because I found them,
without trying. Not that that
makes this any less of a problem.
SPIKE
Well then where are they?
BUFFY
They're in Giles' house being
held hostage by the military.
LYDIA
Oh dear that's not good.
BUFFY/SPIKE
(in unison)
Ya think?
They look at each other - their faces now very serious.
SPIKE
What does the military want
with them?
BUFFY
They think Giles is hiding
Ethan Rayne.
SPIKE
(scoffs)
You mean that bloody poof that
turned Giles into the Faral? That
was quite the sight, you should
have seen Giles go after that
professor of yours.
BUFFY
We have to break them out.
SPIKE
Not bloody likely. See those
military people like to carry
guns and now that I'm not a
vampire anymore a gunshot
is going to do a little more
than hurt like hell. And if we
go storming in there there's
likely to be the use of said
guns. And anyone of our
friends or us could get hurt.
Buffy reacts. She's desperate. She tries to calm down a little.
BUFFY
So you got a better idea?
SPIKE
I say if they want Ethan Rayne
we bring them Ethan Rayne
and I'm thinking we better start
looking.
LYDIA
Yes indeed. But he must be
hard to find if the military
hasn't succeeded yet. Maybe
I should contact the council.
I'm sure they could pull a
few strings with your military
men and get them to withdraw
from Mr. Giles' home.
BUFFY
Right and while you do that
Spike and I will go check all
the places a fugitive is likely
to go, like say the…
CUT QUICKLY TO:
EXTERIOR: SUNNYDALE STATION - morning
Ethan trying to convince a stranger to give him his ticket out of town.
ETHAN
Listen this important.
STRANGER
I'm sure it is but…
ETHAN
(interrupting)
You have to give me your
ticket. I must get on this
train immediately and I
have no money on me.
STRANGER
Look, I've had…
INTERIOR: ETHAN'S FLAT - PAST - day
We cut to a flashback where Young Giles is finishing off the sentence. The room is more of a mess than before with furniture tipped all over the place. DEIRDRE and PHILIP sit in the background silently.
YOUNG GILES
… enough of this! Randall's dead…
we only just managed to get rid
of Eyghon… this is all your fault!
YOUNG ETHAN
(smugly, trying to shift the blame)
Hardly, mate. Last I remember
you were the one out for the
big rush as well. Don't you go
putting all the blame in one
place. You're just as bad as
me.
YOUNG GILES
(shouting)
There's a difference between
bad and bloody evil, Ethan! I
don't want a part in this anymore!
YOUNG ETHAN
And where are you planning on going,
Ripper? We're the only friends
you've got… this is your only
home…
YOUNG GILES
Not my only home…
Giles turns away from Ethan. The others look up showing a mild interest but we can see they are utterly drained.
YOUNG ETHAN
What the hell does that mean?
YOUNG GILES
I going back… back to Oxford.
DEIRDRE
(looks up suddenly)
What?!
YOUNG GILES
I've been in contact with the
college. They say I can start
again in the next term… I
should be able to make up for
wasted time.
YOUNG ETHAN
(angry)
Wasted time? Is that all you think
our friendship has amounted to?
Giles goes to leave but Ethan gets in his way.
YOUNG ETHAN
(C'tnd)
Well? Is it?
YOUNG GILES
Do you really want me to
answer that, Ethan?
YOUNG ETHAN
Yeah… yeah I do. Answer
the bloody question!
YOUNG GILES
Yes. That's all it has been. A
sad attempt to avoid my
destiny…
YOUNG ETHAN
Destiny? What the hell are you
talking about?
YOUNG GILES
(nervously, hiding something)
Nothing…
Ethan storms off into a back room. Philip looks solemnly up at Giles.
PHILIP
You're really going?
Giles just nods. Ethan comes back with a handful of letters.
YOUNG ETHAN
Or maybe something to do
with these?
YOUNG GILES
(real anger building up)
Those are private.
YOUNG ETHAN
Really? How private exactly?
Let's see?
(reads one)
Watcher's Council? University?
This isn't Oxford! What the hell
is this?
YOUNG GILES
A heritage I can't shun.
YOUNG ETHAN
(waving the letters around)
Heritage, Ripper? You're mad!
You'd give all the power we
have up for this?
YOUNG GILES
The only power is in your
deluded head!
YOUNG ETHAN
(stepping closer to Giles, aggressively)
Really?
YOUNG GILES
You want to fight? What do
you think that'll achieve?
YOUNG ETHAN
A hell of a lot.
Ethan throws a punch at Giles who easily moves away and brings his knee up into Ethan's stomach. Giles pushes him forcefully into the wall.
YOUNG GILES
You try that again boy, and I'll
rip your bloody throat out. I'm
not afraid to.
Giles slowly lets go of Ethan and backs away slowly knowing that Giles is telling the truth. He turns to leave.
YOUNG ETHAN
You've betrayed the group, Ripper.
Maybe you should have gone in
Randall's place. Things would be
a lot easier for the rest of us if you
had.
Giles spins around suddenly and his fist collides with Ethan's jaw. Ethan is knock backwards. Deirdre and Philip say nothing as Giles silently walks towards the door. Ethan looks up at him.
YOUNG ETHAN
This'll all come back one day,
Ripper. When you least expect
it. You can't turn your back on
us! Not ever!
EXTERIOR: SUNNYDALE STATION - PRESENT - day
We come back to the present where the man Ethan is hassling for tickets is about to get violent and hit him. Buffy suddenly comes in between them and stops the fight.
BUFFY
So Ethan long time no see.
Of course I was kinda hoping
it'd be a little longer, like maybe
an eternity or two but still
you've managed to stay away
for two years this time.
STRANGER
(to Buffy)
You're friend here wanted
to take my ticket.
BUFFY
Friend. You hear that Ethan.
This guy thinks you're my
friend. Funny thing is he's
not the only one. You see
there are some guys all dressed
up in camouflage brandishing
shiny new guns over at Giles
who also seem think we're friends.
(to the guy with the ticket)
Maybe you should go. My friend
and I have a lot of catching up
to do so he won't be needing
your ticket.
(back to Ethan)
So how about you start talking.
ACT TWO
EXTERIOR: SUNNYDALE STATION - morning
ETHAN
(nervously)
Oh um Hello Buffy. How have
you been? And how's dear old
Giles? I'd really love to stay
and catch up on old times but
I really must catch this train.
Ethan starts to back away from Buffy but he bumps into somebody. He turns around to face Spike.
SPIKE
Going so soon? But we haven't
even been properly introduced.
I'm Spike and that must make
you…a dead man if you don't
help us fix all the trouble you've
caused.
ETHAN
(proud)
Trouble? Really? Well I guess
trouble does come pretty easily
to me what with my being a
chaos worshipper and all. So
what kind of trouble have I
caused today? Does it have
something to do with Giles?
Both Buffy and Spike nod their heads.
CUT TO:
INTERIOR: GILES' HOUSE - day
Willow has gotten Giles aside and is talking with him.
WILLOW
You don't where Ethan is right?
You'd say something if you knew
where he was?
GILES
I don't know where he is Willow
I promise.
WILLOW
You're lying. I can tell. I know
you well enough Giles. Tell me
the truth.
GILES
I'm telling you the truth.
WILLOW
Well there's one way to prove it.
Truth spell. If you're not lying you
won't mind. Of course if you're
hiding something you might want
to just tell me now because the
truth spell lasts a couple hours
and so those army guys might
hear what you have to say.
GILES
Since when did you turn into
the one in charge?
(Willow glares at him)
Alright, alright. Ethan was here.
He wanted me to hide him from
them. I sent him packing. He's
gone and I really don't know
where he went.
WILLOW
So what's the problem? Why
didn't you just tell them that?
Maybe then they'll leave us alone.
GILES
We can't. They won't believe us
and even if they did if they knew
I just let him back out onto the
streets we'd still be in hot water.
WILLOW
Are you sure that's why you're
not saying anything? It doesn't
really have anything to do with
you still wanting to help him does
it?
INTERIOR: WATCHER'S UNIVERSITY - LIBRARY - PAST - day
We flash back to the past and Young Giles (now in his late 20s) is in the Watcher's University. He's in the library making notes from a large textbook on demons.
He finishes and gets up to put a book back on the shelf. He stops for a moment as if he senses something but shakes his head and slides the book back into place.
He returns to his table to pack up his stuff a hand comes down on the notebooks. Giles look up to see Young Ethan standing in front of him.
YOUNG ETHAN
You're a hard man to find, I
have to say, Ripper.
YOUNG GILES
(not amused)
What are you doing here?
YOUNG ETHAN
It's been six years… I thought
you'd be glad to see me.
INTERIOR: GILES HOUSE- PRESENT
There's a knock at the door.
HICKS
(pointing at a soldier)
Answer that. Probably the
slayer. She just got an
invitation to our little party.
The soldier leaves and a moment later the soldier returns with Lydia.
LYDIA
By order of the Watchers Council
you are to withdraw from this
home immediately and everyone
here is to be set free.
All the Scoobies roll there eyes understanding the stupidity of what Lydia just said.
HICKS
(under his breath)
Stupid woman.
(Aloud)
We have no obligations to your
"Watcher's Council". We're the
United States Military. We answer
only to our commanding officers
not a bunch of worthless Limeys.
LYDIA
I don't think you understand
the authority I hold…
HICKS
And I don't think you're listening
to a word I say.
Giles is about to tell Hicks off but decides it's better not to cause more trouble. Instead he just rolls his eyes and "does a Spike"
GILES
(under his breath)
Stupid bint.
EXTERIOR: TRAIN STATION - day
Ethan can't believe what Buffy has just suggested.
ETHAN
Turn myself in? Are you daft?
I wouldn't go back to that
prison for the life of me.
BUFFY
I think you seem to have
forgotten who you're talking
to. See I'm a slayer and this
here is an ex vampire with
vampire speed and strength.
And even if you weren't up
against super powers the two
to one odds aren't in your favor.
So I suggest you come with us
unless you want to spend the
rest of your life in a full body
cast.
ETHAN
We've been through this
before. I'm human. Slayers
can't kill humans.
BUFFY
Never said I was gonna kill
you, just said I was gonna
hurt you. Spike on the other
hand, well I can't speak for
him but I can tell you he
went a long while as a
vampire not being able to
kill anybody and despite his
newly human state I think
that may be an itch he's still
trying to scratch.
ETHAN
Nevertheless all the physical
violence in the world couldn't
compare to what I faced in that
prison. I'm not going back
there to be some ones man bitch.
Buffy and Spike raise their eyebrows at that comment.
SPIKE
Listen, forget the violence for
a moment. If living for over a
century has taught me anything
it's people. I did a lot of horrible
things to a lot of good people.
I've seen the way people either
protect themselves above the
next person or are willing to
sacrifice themselves for those
they care about. You go around
acting all "I'm a chaos worshipper,
I don't need anybody" but you
keep coming back and it's not
because this is the Hellmouth.
You and Rupert have a history
and despite what you say I think
you still care for him. So if you
have any respect for him at all,
you'll go back to his house and
turn yourself in.
Buffy turns to Spike with one of those looks that says "this is the craziest idea you've ever had."
BUFFY
That'll never work. You don't reason with
chaos worshippers. Hecare about anyone
but himself.
ETHAN
(after thinking for a few moments)
Alright I'll go.
SPIKE
(throws an "I told you so" glance at Buffy)
Good…Let's go…
BLACK OUT
ACT THREE
INTERIOR: WATCHER'S UNIVERSITY - LIBRARY - PAST - day
We open up with another flashback. Young Giles and Young Ethan are talking. They are in the same positions as before.
YOUNG GILES
What are you doing here?
YOUNG ETHAN
Came to see an old mate. Why
else would I be here?
YOUNG GILES
(threateningly)
I get the impression that not
many people know you're in here.
I don't think they'd have any
reason not to throw you back out.
YOUNG ETHAN
(sarcastically)
You really have become a pleasant
bugger, haven't you?
Giles stares at him for a moment. He finally relents.
YOUNG GILES
Why are you here?
YOUNG ETHAN
Want the long or the short
version?
YOUNG GILES
Short if you don't mind. I'm
not too keen on seeing you
around for too long.
YOUNG ETHAN
Okay, okay… A few months back
I got in trouble with this really
powerful warlock. Sod wouldn't
give me this spell I was looking
for… said he sensed a "dark
presence" around me.
YOUNG GILES
(quietly)
What a bloody surprise.
YOUNG ETHAN
Yeah, well, I pinched the book
I thought it was in… turned out
to be some family heirloom of his.
Would've given it back but the
sodding thing got stolen from
my flat. Now this guy's after
my blood… probably literally.
YOUNG GILES
(eyebrow raised!)
That was the short version? I've read full length
novels that were shorter. You could have just said
"all powerful warlock wants my blood."
(Sighs)
You want my help… how?
YOUNG ETHAN
You're this big Watcher guy. I've
read up on it after you buggered
off. I know this council of yours
has some influence. Maybe you
could get them to, you know,
make a deal with this warlock.
YOUNG GILES
(Mockingly)
Hmmm… let me think…
(bluntly)
No.
YOUNG ETHAN
No? What do you mean "no?"
YOUNG GILES
What do you think I mean?
YOUNG ETHAN
Seriously… mate… please…
Giles looks at Ethan as if he's dirt.
INTERIOR: GILES' HOUSE - PRESENT - days
We look at all of the group as the engage in various nervous activities.
ANGLE ON: LYDIA AND DAWN. They are engaged in a heated debate.
DAWN
If I just got the space I needed…
LYDIA
That isn't the point. There's
Still the risk of people getting
hurt.
DAWN
I don't know… I could incapacitate
them all with as few fatalities as
possible.
LYDIA
As the Slayer you're sworn to
protect not ignore the lives of
others while it's convenient for
you.
Dawn looks over the whole group again.
DAWN
It'd be better for the group
as a whole… even if one or
two are injured.
LYDIA
Just wait a little longer…
DAWN
Then can I actually do
something instead of sitting
around?
LYDIA
Your sister should come looking
for us soon. I'm sure she'll be
able to solve the situation with
very little bloodshed.
DAWN
(not very confidently)
If you say so.
(two beats)
It's just Buffy… I don't think
she'll be able to do anything.
LYDIA
You should have more
confidence in her.
DAWN
Should I?
We PAN ACROSS to show that Xander is listening in on the conversation. He's clearly worried. He looks around to see if anyone else is listening but realizes they're not.
EXTERIOR: NEAR GILES' HOUSE - day
Buffy, Spike and Ethan get around the corner. Giles' house is visible and two jeeps are parked outside it. They move back around the corner.
BUFFY
Two of them? That can't be
good.
SPIKE
I'd say there were ten soldier
boys in there.
BUFFY
How would you know that?
SPIKE
Those things carry six people
not including the heavy weaponry.
I reckon they'd bring that with
them so… ten people.
ETHAN
The bloke's clever. I'll give
him that.
Buffy half smiles at Spike who just shrugs.
ETHAN
(C'tnd)
But at those odds I'd rather
risk dukeing it out with you
two. At least then I'll come
out a bloody pulp instead of
a bullet-ridden body.
SPIKE
Shut up.
BUFFY
Good idea. Both of you.
(looks at the house again)
We need to work out what
we're doing quickly.
ETHAN
Yes you should. Well, good
luck. Bye.
Spike grabs Ethan to stop him leaving.
BUFFY
I'm sure Dawn's gonna do
something stupid. She'll try
and get them out and…
SPIKE
Nah, the nibblet wouldn't do
that. She was brought up with
more sense than both of us
would like to think.
BUFFY
I don't know, Spike… I just
have a bad feeling about this.
(to Ethan)
What do you want to do?
He says nothing but instead just glares at Spike.
BUFFY
Let him go.
(Spike does)
Now… I'll ask you again. What
do you want to do?
ETHAN
I think I'll stick to buggering
off. Just beat me up and have
done with it.
He begins to walk off. Spike is about to go after him but Buffy stops him in his tracks. Buffy calls after Ethan.
BUFFY
Not even for old time's sake?
Ethan stops and turns around slowly as we go back into the past.
INTERIOR: WATCHER'S UNIVERSITY - LIBRARY - PAST - day
Young Giles and Young Ethan are in the same positions as before.
YOUNG ETHAN
Look… you've got to.
YOUNG GILES
And why have I got to? For
some reason I don't seem to
recall…
YOUNG ETHAN
We were mates… I helped you
out back in London…
YOUNG GILES
And almost got me and the others
killed in the process… you killed
Randall!
YOUNG ETHAN
(tired of this)
Does it have to keep coming back
to this?
Giles slams his hand down hard on the table.
YOUNG GILES
Of course it bloody well does! If
you hadn't dabbled in the black
arts none of this…
YOUNG ETHAN
Remember who else thought it
would be such a good idea to
summon Eyghon? We've been
through this before! Just because
you've got yourself a nice little
career here doesn't change what
you were…
YOUNG GILES
What I was is irrelevant. What
you still are isn't!
YOUNG ETHAN
Look… it's not long before this
warlock curses my name! You
know what that results in! You've
seen someone who's been cursed
before! It could happen to me.
YOUNG GILES
(snidely)
Couldn't wish it on a better person.
YOUNG ETHAN
(sarcastically)
Ha-bloody-ha!
(suddenly serious, desperate)
Please… help…
A group of SECURITY GUARDS appear at the door. They are dressed just like regular watchers but are both extremely well built.
SECURITY GUARD
We heard shouting up here. Is
this man bothering you, Mr.
Giles?
YOUNG ETHAN
"Mr. Giles?" These people really
don't have a clue do they, Ripper?
YOUNG GILES
(ignoring Ethan)
Yeah, he's bothering me. He's
been bothering me for the last seven
years… and he shouldn't be here.
SECURITY GUARD
We'll take him away immediately.
The guards grab Ethan and begin to drag him out.
YOUNG ETHAN
Ripper… please…
CLOSE UP on Giles as he watches Ethan being pulled away. His stony exterior quickly drains away to show guilt spreading over his face as he observes silently.
EXTERIOR: NEAR GILES' HOUSE - PRESENT - day
Ethan slowly comes back to Buffy and Spike. He's nervous and takes a deep breath.
ETHAN
I suppose it's the least the
old sod deserves…
Buffy and Spike smile at each other - a job well done!
BUFFY
Let's go. There's people who
want to have words with you.
ETHAN
Good way to make me more
confident about all this.
SPIKE
Move.
They make their way towards Giles' house.
INTERIOR: GILES' HOUSE - day
Dawn continues to scope the place out. From her POV we look across the whole of the room. The soldiers, the Scoobies…
DAWN
If I make a move now…
it's the best chance I've
had so far.
LYDIA
No. Buffy is on her way. I
met her this morning before
I…
DAWN
Walked into an obvious trap?
LYDIA
Well, yes but…
DAWN
If I…
LYDIA
Wait.
Dawn reluctantly does as she's told but she isn't happy about it. She realizes Xander is listening in to her conversation with Lydia and glares at him.
ANGLE ON: ANYA AND TARA. They are idly conversing with a few soldiers to ease the tension.
ANYA
So, uh, how much do you
get paid?
TARA
I-It must be a lot. A-All that
danger you get into.
SOLDIER #1
Well, it is a pretty damn
dangerous job I do…
ANYA
You're so brave. My fiancée
was a soldier once. But only
for a day then he forgot
everything.
The Soldier seems to sink a little when it becomes clear Anya isn't available.
SOLDIER #1
Um yeah…sure thing…whatever you say.
ANYA
That was before I met him
though. But I've been told
he was very brave.
The Soldier notices Tara watching Willow talking to Giles.
SOLDIER #1
She your friend, right?
TARA
M-my girlfriend.
SOLDIER #1
(disappointed)
Oh.
(beat)
Are they any women around
here who aren't attached, gay,
too young or too English?
ANYA
Well, Buffy's on her way here
but she'll probably kick your ass
rather than boink you.
SOLDIER #1
(a little disappointed)
Wonderful!
ANGLE ON: WILLOW AND GILES. She is still trying to convince him to tell them what happened with Ethan.
WILLOW
The two of you are bitter
enemies!
GILES
But there's still…
WILLOW
You use the word honor and
I'll do something I might regret.
GILES
Willow, I really don't think
you understand the whole
situation. I can tell them all
I want but unless Ethan
appears at the door they'll
be staying here!
There's a knock at the door. Giles looks pretty stupid. Hicks points out two Soldiers.
HICKS
You two. See who it is.
They leave and Hicks turns to Giles.
HICKS
(C'tnd)
Let's hope this is our man…
It'll save you a hell of a lot
of hassle.
GILES
(bitterly)
I'm sure.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, Dawn launches into an attack on Hicks.
INTERIOR: GILES'S HOUSE - DOORWAY - day
By the door the soldiers are handcuffing Ethan. It's done a little tight.
ETHAN
Ow! Watch what you're
doing with those things!
They chaff.
SPIKE
That's the least of your
worries, mate.
ETHAN
How about remembering
I gave myself in. So don't
give me the hero spee… ow!
Several gunshots go off. Buffy and Spike look up suddenly.
ACT FOUR
EXTERIOR: WATCHER'S UNIVERSITY - MAIN GATES - PAST - day
We flash into the past for the last time. Young Ethan and Young Giles are standing at the gates to the Watcher's University.
YOUNG ETHAN
Thanks mate… you know I
really appreciate this…
despite everything that's…
YOUNG GILES
Just go. And don't plan on
coming back. I don't want to
see you again. I hope you
realize that.
YOUNG ETHAN
(tries to make a joke)
Well, unless I'm up to my neck
in trouble again or plan on
world domination that you and
your watchers have to stop.
(notices the look on Giles' face and nods reluctantly)
Yeah, I know. I'm off.
He extends his hand to shake. Giles doesn't even react.
YOUNG ETHAN
Okay… I get the message.
Ethan turns and begins to walk away. Giles watches then is about to return to the university building.
YOUNG ETHAN (O.S.)
Why exactly did you help me
out back there? I've almost
ruined your life and no doubt
I'd do it again given half the
chance.
YOUNG GILES
(not turning around)
For old time's sake.
Giles walks off. Ethan watches him go then shrugs and does the same.
INTERIOR: GILES' HOUSE - DOORWAY - PRESENT - day
Buffy and Spike run into the house having heard the shots, pushing passed the soldiers.
INTERIOR: GILES' HOUSE - day
Dawn is standing over an unconscious Hicks and bullet holes can be traced around the room… to a trail of blood that goes down the wall… to where Willow is sitting having been shot in the shoulder. Buffy looks angrily at Dawn who just shrugs nonchalantly. Buffy doesn't have time to worry about Dawns unconcerned attitude.
BLACK OUT
INTERIOR: GILES' HOUSE - LATER - day
Ethan is taken away once more by soldiers and Hicks who has had his head bandaged up.
HICKS
By the authority of the US
military, you are once more
being taken into custody
pending a determination of
your status.
(pause)
Think you can stay there this
time?
ETHAN
Just keep Big John away from
me.
HICKS
What? He's been feeling so bad
since he's lost his boy. I wouldn't
be that mean to him.
ETHAN
Git!
Hicks pushes Ethan towards the door.
GILES
Stop a minute.
Hicks does as Giles tells him.
GILES
First of all I would like an
apology…
HICKS
The US government doesn't
do apologies.
GILES
I've noticed.
Giles glares at Hicks who finally relents.
HICKS
Okay. I'm sorry for the
inconvenience.
GILES
Not very sincere but it'll
do.
(to Ethan)
So, Ethan… why did you
give yourself up? I half
expected you to bugger
off first chance you got.
ETHAN
Almost did, probably
should have
(just stares at him)
but…I think you know why…
ANGLE ON TARA AND WILLOW. Tara is helping Willow cast a healing spell on her shoulder.
TARA
Is that feeling any better?
WILLOW
A little… as in no, not really.
Ow!
TARA
Aw, honey. Sorry.
WILLOW
(smiles)
More healing please. Ow!
Ow!
XANDER
(to Tara)
Not that I object to you working your
healing mojo on Will, I thought you were
against those kind of spells
TARA
(Glances up at Xander)
I'm against messing with matters of
life or death. This shot isn't even close
to being fatal (looks down at Willow with a look
letting her know how she would feel if it had
been a potentially fatal wound. Then she turns
back to Xander)
WILLOW
(sadly)
So if it was something fatal?
TARA
Oww honey. I don't think I could. You
know I would want to more than anything
but you know what could happen. And
If I messed with the life or death stuff…
I couldn't deal if you were different somehow
for it.
WILLOW
Buffy came back OK.
TARA
Buffy wasn't really dead. Baby, I love you so much
But you know I can't go through that again.
WILLOW
I know.
Buffy is taking to Dawn and she is non too happy with her little sister.
BUFFY
I can't believe you were so
reckless! Surely you knew
someone was going to get
hurt.
(Dawn shrugs)
Don't you even think of acting
like that! Look at Willow! That
was because of you! I'd brought
Ethan here! Everything had been
fixed! What made you think
jumping into action all of a sudden
was the right thing to do?
Dawn says nothing. She just walks to the door, straight passed Lydia.
DAWN
You coming?
LYDIA
I… Well…
The young Watcher gives a nervous look at all of the Scoobies.
LYDIA
…Right away.
Lydia quickly skips out of the door. Xander watches them go nervously.
Buffy walks over to Willow and Tara.
BUFFY
Look… I'm really sorry about…
WILLOW
It's not your fault.
BUFFY
Really, it…
WILLOW
(shrugs)
Nothing a little magical
healing can't solve. And
they said witchcraft was
bad for your health.
TARA
They said that?
WILLOW
Well, no but if they did
they shouldn't have.
She smiles at Tara. Buffy notices Spike standing alone in a corner of the room.
BUFFY
Excuse me a minute…
Buffy walks to Spike. He doesn't notice her at first then looks up.
SPIKE
Oh, hi. Thought you'd forgot
I was here.
BUFFY
(a little distracted)
Of course not. I just wanted
to thank you.
SPIKE
(sarcasm ahoy!)
You sound so sincere.
BUFFY
Sorry. It's just… I'm distracted.
SPIKE
Is it Dawn?
Buffy nods. She doesn't say anything.
SPIKE
(C'tnd)
Well?
BUFFY
It's so frustrating the way
she's acting! Like she doesn't
understand what being a Slayer
is meant to be. I saw how
SPIKE
She is new to the gig.
BUFFY
But I never put my friends at
risk. I mean, I made sure most
of that gym was empty before
I burnt it down…
And she doesn't even care.
She got Willow hurt and she
doesn't even care. That's so
dangerous. That's how Faith
started. Being reckless with
the lives of others. I can't see
anything like that happen to Dawn.
I gave up everything for her and
I just… I just want to see her get
The most out of the life she
was given not spend it all on death
and distruction. I learned the hard
way that being the slayer is more
then just being a killer.
SPIKE
Just give the gal a chance.
I'm sure with your guidance
you'll make a great team…
kinda like the two of us I
suppose.
BUFFY
(smiles)
Yeah. I guess we did.
There's an uncomfortable silence.
SPIKE
Buffy…
BUFFY
Yeah…?
Silence again. Spike looks down. So does Buffy. He looks up again a little more hopefully.
SPIKE
You know…
BUFFY
Mm-hm?
SPIKE
Well… I know I've been…
different in the past.
BUFFY
Uh, yeah?
SPIKE
Well… I've changed a lot.
BUFFY
I've noticed.
SPIKE
And maybe you see me
differently now.
BUFFY
You've suddenly become a
lot more likable.
SPIKE
Exactly. Well, maybe, you
know… you'd like to come
out on… y'know a date or
something?
BLACK OUT
BUFFY (V.O)
Huh?
END
Summer Script Challenge
The Powers that Be Pro Temporae
Episode 6.11: Liberation
By AminalLuv and Noggins
GILES (V.O)
Previously on Buffy the Vampire Slayer…
From Incarceration (voiceover from The Dark Age): Giles meeting Ethan and the others and creating the golem.
GILES (V.O.)
I was twenty-one...
Studying history at Oxford and of
course the occult by night. I went
to London; fell in with the worst
crowd that would have me. We
practiced magicks.
CUT TO: Giles holding Ethan in a throat hold.
GILES
Who are you?
ETHAN
(struggled because his throat is being held)
What? You've forgotten me
already Ripper?
CUT TO: Ethan tied up in Giles' house explaining how he escaped from the government.
ETHAN
I managed to get a few little
Items smuggled to my room…
nothing big, or conspicuous.
…
A mixture here, a chant there
and boom! I was out of the
complex before they even
realised half the wall had been
disintegrated.
Cut to: Giles kicking Ethan out onto the street.
Cut to: The military bursting into Giles' house.
TEASER
INTERIOR: GILES' HOUSE - night
Continuation of the last scene of the teaser the military has just stormed into Giles' house. The leader, Colonel Hicks starts barking out orders to the Scoobies while the rest of the soldiers swing there guns around trying to look menacing.
HICKS
Nobody move. We know he's
here so you better tell us where
or there'll be hell to pay.
Anya raises her hand as though asking permission to speak but doesn't wait for said permission.
ANYA
Excuse me mister commando
guy. Um which "he" do you
want? Cause there's Giles and
there's also Xander. You can't
have Xander, he's my fiancé.
HICKS
Don't play games with us girl.
You know who we mean. Ethan
Rayne is a fugitive and by hiding
him you are all committing a very
serious crime.
XANDER
And by Ethan Rayne you mean
the chaos worshiper that turned
us into our Halloween costumes,
made all the adults act like children
and turned Giles into a demon.
That's the guy you think we're
aiding and abetting?
HICKS
You've got some nerve boy. All
these guns pointed right at you
and you still have it in you to be
insolent.
XANDER
I've seen a lot worse things in my
life then guns sir. Most of which
were in my own apartment.
ANYA
Hey!
XANDER
The evil demons and heart-
ripping dreams
ANYA
Oh. Right.
Giles realizes he has to take control of the situation.
GILES
Listen Sir, We hold no fondness
for the aforementioned Mr. Rayne
we are not helping him in anyway,
and we do not know of his whereabouts.
HICKS
(ignoring Giles, to the soldiers)
Search the place.
A few men stay in the living room while the rest of them run off in various directions around the house.
Dawn starts to move towards HICKS. We get the impression that she is planning on attacking him. One of the soldiers grabs Dawn and puts her in a chokehold. Dawn starts struggling to break free. She starts screaming at the soldier.
DAWN
You can't do this. Do you
have any idea who you're
dealing with? You think Ethan
is dangerous wait till you see
what I can do to you. Let me
go or I'll kick your sorry ass
from here to Katmandu.
Dawn prepares to kick the soldier in the shin but Giles steps in.
GILES
It's all right Dawn please calm
down. These men are just
trying…
(under his breath)
…unsuccessfully…
(normal tone)
…to do their jobs. Were not
hiding anything or anyone so
we have no reason to be
disobliging.
Dawn gets the point and stops struggling and shuts up. After a few moments the soldier releases her and she shoves away from him with a disgusted look on her face.
SOLDIER #1
If I were you little girl I wouldn't
try anything so stupid again.
Dawn just glares at him and then goes to sit down on the couch. Willow and Tara join her and start talking to her and trying to calm her down, it's nothing secretive just unimportant to the plot.
HICKS
We know conclusively that Rayne
has been here and you people
have a crazy history of collaborating
with this guy despite the numerous
attempts he's made at ruining your
lives. So unless you tell us where
he is, we better all get cozy in this
here house cause nobody's leaving
until we've apprehended the fugitive.
The soldiers who went to search the house come back.
SOLDIER #2
He's not here Colonel.
We've searched the house
top to bottom.
HICKS
Then they've taken him
somewhere else and we're
not leaving until we find out
where. Rayne is a very
dangerous man and these
creeps are helping him out.
(to the Scoobies)
Tell us where he is, you go
free, if not you'll just have
to take his place.
We pan across the nervous faces of all the Scoobies.
ACT ONE
EXTERIOR: CEMETERY - morning
Establishing shot of the cemetery until we settle on one particular crypt.
INTERIOR: SPIKE'S CRYPT - morning
Buffy walks into the crypt holding a greasy fast food bag. Spike is just waking up and the sound of the door slamming is enough to wake him up the rest of the way but he doesn't sit up.
BUFFY
Sorry, didn't mean to wake
you.
SPIKE
You didn't.
BUFFY
So how's the hangover?
SPIKE
What hangover? Why would
I have a hangover?
BUFFY
That's generally what happens
after a night of seducing the
whiskey bottle.
SPIKE
(with feigned lack of knowledge)
Whiskey why would you think
that? I wasn't drinking.
BUFFY
I saw you Spike you were
drunk off your ass. You forget
to breath for god sake. I had
to stay here all night to make
sure you didn't stop breathing
again.
SPIKE
(he finally sits up and we see a smug look on his face.)
You stayed all night? Just to
watch over me?
As Spike is finally fully seated the blanket that was covering him falls down to reveal his bare chest.
SPIKE
(C'tnd)
Where's my shirt? And my
trousers for that matter?
Why am I naked?
An even smugger look develops on Spike's face as he imagines the possible answers to that question.
BUFFY
Oh get over yourself. You threw
up all over yourself it was vile.
And everything else you owned
was just as gross. Have you ever
heard of laundry? I did some for
you last night. You know maybe
you should consider getting a
washing machine in here or at
least some, you know, running
water. Anyhow don't worry I didn't
look.
SPIKE
Why would that worry me?
BUFFY
It's amazing how someone over
a century old can act like such
a child.
SPIKE
(changing the subject he points to the bag Buffy is carrying)
What's that?
BUFFY
Breakfast burritos, breakfast
of champions.
Buffy reaches into the bag to get one out for Spike.
SPIKE
What no Wheatabix?
BUFFY
You're human now, time to
savor the many flavors your
taste buds have to offer.
These are much better then
that awful cereal you always eat.
SPIKE
Hey do I go around insulting
your choice of food?
BUFFY
Just eat.
Buffy hands him the burrito and he takes a bite of it.
SPIKE
It's no Wheatabix but it'll do.
They eat for a few moments in silence until Buffy realizes something.
BUFFY
I haven't checked in with Giles
he's probably worried. I'm
going to go call him. Meanwhile,
put these on…
Buffy tosses Spike a pair of his black jeans and t-shirt that were hanging to dry.
BUFFY
(C'tnd)
They're still a little damp but
they'll have to do.
INTERIOR: GILES' HOUSE - morning
The soldiers are still there. All the Scoobies have taken seats. Tara, Dawn and Willow on the couch, Xander and Anya on a love seat and Giles in a chair. They're all looking pretty tired after having to spend the night up.
WILLOW
Listen, sir, we really don't
know where Ethan is. If we
did we would tell you. I mean
the reason he was arrested in
the first place was because he
turned Giles into a demon. I
mean really how often do the
victims help out the criminal?
We want to see him behind bars
just as much as you do.
DAWN
(softly so that only Tara and Willow can hear her)
Can I please just beat this guy
up so that we can get out of
here? I'm supposed to meet
Lydia so that we can train.
WILLOW
Train? You know you have
school. You can't skip school
for slaying.
TARA
Well maybe if there's an apocalypse.
Hicks is getting pretty annoyed now. He interrupts their conversation.
HICKS
Enough! You are the most
brazen group of people I
have ever met. You're being
held hostage by the military
and here you are having side
conversations and speaking
back to us. What the hell is
wrong with you people?
(calms down a little)
Now tell us where Ethan
Rayne is. I don't want us
to have to fire any of these
weapons but since we've
been given the authority if
push comes to shove we will.
XANDER
Like I said before, you're
guns don't frighten us.
Unless you've got something
along the lines of a hellgoddess
bent on going home even if
it means causing the apocolypse
or even something like an
unkillable mayor who wants
to turn into a giant demon
snake you're not scaring us.
ANYA
Shh, Xander! He could hurt
you and then we wouldn't
be able to get married and
have a big wedding. Let
the others do the talking back.
HICKS
Don't worry. If he's trying to
convince me that he's mad it
isn't working. I know all about
the happenings in this town.
We may be forced to deny the
existence of the Initiative but
we all know it existed.
(Turning to Giles)
You've been awfully quite.
What do you know?
GILES
I know a lot of things. But the
only thing I know about Ethan's
whereabouts is that he's not here.
The phone rings and Hicks picks up. There's someone talking on the other end who stops when Hicks begins speaking.
HICKS
I take this to be the slayer…
(pause)
Well this is Colonel Hicks of
the United States military and
you're slayer groupies here are
aiding and abetting a fugitive,
one Mr. Ethane Rayne…
(pause)
Yes I've heard that story
before Miss Summers...
(pause)
Deny all you want but you
won't be seeing your friends
again until we see Rayne.
Hicks slams the phone down.
INTERIOR: PHONE BOX - SUNNYDALE STREET - morning
On the other end of the line we see Buffy hang up the phone
BUFFY
(mumbling to herself)
He hung up on me. Spike's
really gonna want to know
about this.
She leaves the phone box and runs off down the street.
INTERIOR: SPIKE'S CRYPT - morning
Buffy comes running through the door to find a now dressed Spike and Lydia as well.
BUFFY
(to Spike)
What's she doing here?
LYDIA
I arrived at the Magic Box
for Dawn's training session
and the store was looked up
tight. I'm afraid something
bad might have happened.
BUFFY
Gee what gave you that idea?
It couldn't possibly have anything
to do with the fact that we're on
the Hellmouth now could it?
LYDIA
Yes well be that as it may we
still have to find them.
BUFFY
Well you must not have looked
very hard because I found them,
without trying. Not that that
makes this any less of a problem.
SPIKE
Well then where are they?
BUFFY
They're in Giles' house being
held hostage by the military.
LYDIA
Oh dear that's not good.
BUFFY/SPIKE
(in unison)
Ya think?
They look at each other - their faces now very serious.
SPIKE
What does the military want
with them?
BUFFY
They think Giles is hiding
Ethan Rayne.
SPIKE
(scoffs)
You mean that bloody poof that
turned Giles into the Faral? That
was quite the sight, you should
have seen Giles go after that
professor of yours.
BUFFY
We have to break them out.
SPIKE
Not bloody likely. See those
military people like to carry
guns and now that I'm not a
vampire anymore a gunshot
is going to do a little more
than hurt like hell. And if we
go storming in there there's
likely to be the use of said
guns. And anyone of our
friends or us could get hurt.
Buffy reacts. She's desperate. She tries to calm down a little.
BUFFY
So you got a better idea?
SPIKE
I say if they want Ethan Rayne
we bring them Ethan Rayne
and I'm thinking we better start
looking.
LYDIA
Yes indeed. But he must be
hard to find if the military
hasn't succeeded yet. Maybe
I should contact the council.
I'm sure they could pull a
few strings with your military
men and get them to withdraw
from Mr. Giles' home.
BUFFY
Right and while you do that
Spike and I will go check all
the places a fugitive is likely
to go, like say the…
CUT QUICKLY TO:
EXTERIOR: SUNNYDALE STATION - morning
Ethan trying to convince a stranger to give him his ticket out of town.
ETHAN
Listen this important.
STRANGER
I'm sure it is but…
ETHAN
(interrupting)
You have to give me your
ticket. I must get on this
train immediately and I
have no money on me.
STRANGER
Look, I've had…
INTERIOR: ETHAN'S FLAT - PAST - day
We cut to a flashback where Young Giles is finishing off the sentence. The room is more of a mess than before with furniture tipped all over the place. DEIRDRE and PHILIP sit in the background silently.
YOUNG GILES
… enough of this! Randall's dead…
we only just managed to get rid
of Eyghon… this is all your fault!
YOUNG ETHAN
(smugly, trying to shift the blame)
Hardly, mate. Last I remember
you were the one out for the
big rush as well. Don't you go
putting all the blame in one
place. You're just as bad as
me.
YOUNG GILES
(shouting)
There's a difference between
bad and bloody evil, Ethan! I
don't want a part in this anymore!
YOUNG ETHAN
And where are you planning on going,
Ripper? We're the only friends
you've got… this is your only
home…
YOUNG GILES
Not my only home…
Giles turns away from Ethan. The others look up showing a mild interest but we can see they are utterly drained.
YOUNG ETHAN
What the hell does that mean?
YOUNG GILES
I going back… back to Oxford.
DEIRDRE
(looks up suddenly)
What?!
YOUNG GILES
I've been in contact with the
college. They say I can start
again in the next term… I
should be able to make up for
wasted time.
YOUNG ETHAN
(angry)
Wasted time? Is that all you think
our friendship has amounted to?
Giles goes to leave but Ethan gets in his way.
YOUNG ETHAN
(C'tnd)
Well? Is it?
YOUNG GILES
Do you really want me to
answer that, Ethan?
YOUNG ETHAN
Yeah… yeah I do. Answer
the bloody question!
YOUNG GILES
Yes. That's all it has been. A
sad attempt to avoid my
destiny…
YOUNG ETHAN
Destiny? What the hell are you
talking about?
YOUNG GILES
(nervously, hiding something)
Nothing…
Ethan storms off into a back room. Philip looks solemnly up at Giles.
PHILIP
You're really going?
Giles just nods. Ethan comes back with a handful of letters.
YOUNG ETHAN
Or maybe something to do
with these?
YOUNG GILES
(real anger building up)
Those are private.
YOUNG ETHAN
Really? How private exactly?
Let's see?
(reads one)
Watcher's Council? University?
This isn't Oxford! What the hell
is this?
YOUNG GILES
A heritage I can't shun.
YOUNG ETHAN
(waving the letters around)
Heritage, Ripper? You're mad!
You'd give all the power we
have up for this?
YOUNG GILES
The only power is in your
deluded head!
YOUNG ETHAN
(stepping closer to Giles, aggressively)
Really?
YOUNG GILES
You want to fight? What do
you think that'll achieve?
YOUNG ETHAN
A hell of a lot.
Ethan throws a punch at Giles who easily moves away and brings his knee up into Ethan's stomach. Giles pushes him forcefully into the wall.
YOUNG GILES
You try that again boy, and I'll
rip your bloody throat out. I'm
not afraid to.
Giles slowly lets go of Ethan and backs away slowly knowing that Giles is telling the truth. He turns to leave.
YOUNG ETHAN
You've betrayed the group, Ripper.
Maybe you should have gone in
Randall's place. Things would be
a lot easier for the rest of us if you
had.
Giles spins around suddenly and his fist collides with Ethan's jaw. Ethan is knock backwards. Deirdre and Philip say nothing as Giles silently walks towards the door. Ethan looks up at him.
YOUNG ETHAN
This'll all come back one day,
Ripper. When you least expect
it. You can't turn your back on
us! Not ever!
EXTERIOR: SUNNYDALE STATION - PRESENT - day
We come back to the present where the man Ethan is hassling for tickets is about to get violent and hit him. Buffy suddenly comes in between them and stops the fight.
BUFFY
So Ethan long time no see.
Of course I was kinda hoping
it'd be a little longer, like maybe
an eternity or two but still
you've managed to stay away
for two years this time.
STRANGER
(to Buffy)
You're friend here wanted
to take my ticket.
BUFFY
Friend. You hear that Ethan.
This guy thinks you're my
friend. Funny thing is he's
not the only one. You see
there are some guys all dressed
up in camouflage brandishing
shiny new guns over at Giles
who also seem think we're friends.
(to the guy with the ticket)
Maybe you should go. My friend
and I have a lot of catching up
to do so he won't be needing
your ticket.
(back to Ethan)
So how about you start talking.
ACT TWO
EXTERIOR: SUNNYDALE STATION - morning
ETHAN
(nervously)
Oh um Hello Buffy. How have
you been? And how's dear old
Giles? I'd really love to stay
and catch up on old times but
I really must catch this train.
Ethan starts to back away from Buffy but he bumps into somebody. He turns around to face Spike.
SPIKE
Going so soon? But we haven't
even been properly introduced.
I'm Spike and that must make
you…a dead man if you don't
help us fix all the trouble you've
caused.
ETHAN
(proud)
Trouble? Really? Well I guess
trouble does come pretty easily
to me what with my being a
chaos worshipper and all. So
what kind of trouble have I
caused today? Does it have
something to do with Giles?
Both Buffy and Spike nod their heads.
CUT TO:
INTERIOR: GILES' HOUSE - day
Willow has gotten Giles aside and is talking with him.
WILLOW
You don't where Ethan is right?
You'd say something if you knew
where he was?
GILES
I don't know where he is Willow
I promise.
WILLOW
You're lying. I can tell. I know
you well enough Giles. Tell me
the truth.
GILES
I'm telling you the truth.
WILLOW
Well there's one way to prove it.
Truth spell. If you're not lying you
won't mind. Of course if you're
hiding something you might want
to just tell me now because the
truth spell lasts a couple hours
and so those army guys might
hear what you have to say.
GILES
Since when did you turn into
the one in charge?
(Willow glares at him)
Alright, alright. Ethan was here.
He wanted me to hide him from
them. I sent him packing. He's
gone and I really don't know
where he went.
WILLOW
So what's the problem? Why
didn't you just tell them that?
Maybe then they'll leave us alone.
GILES
We can't. They won't believe us
and even if they did if they knew
I just let him back out onto the
streets we'd still be in hot water.
WILLOW
Are you sure that's why you're
not saying anything? It doesn't
really have anything to do with
you still wanting to help him does
it?
INTERIOR: WATCHER'S UNIVERSITY - LIBRARY - PAST - day
We flash back to the past and Young Giles (now in his late 20s) is in the Watcher's University. He's in the library making notes from a large textbook on demons.
He finishes and gets up to put a book back on the shelf. He stops for a moment as if he senses something but shakes his head and slides the book back into place.
He returns to his table to pack up his stuff a hand comes down on the notebooks. Giles look up to see Young Ethan standing in front of him.
YOUNG ETHAN
You're a hard man to find, I
have to say, Ripper.
YOUNG GILES
(not amused)
What are you doing here?
YOUNG ETHAN
It's been six years… I thought
you'd be glad to see me.
INTERIOR: GILES HOUSE- PRESENT
There's a knock at the door.
HICKS
(pointing at a soldier)
Answer that. Probably the
slayer. She just got an
invitation to our little party.
The soldier leaves and a moment later the soldier returns with Lydia.
LYDIA
By order of the Watchers Council
you are to withdraw from this
home immediately and everyone
here is to be set free.
All the Scoobies roll there eyes understanding the stupidity of what Lydia just said.
HICKS
(under his breath)
Stupid woman.
(Aloud)
We have no obligations to your
"Watcher's Council". We're the
United States Military. We answer
only to our commanding officers
not a bunch of worthless Limeys.
LYDIA
I don't think you understand
the authority I hold…
HICKS
And I don't think you're listening
to a word I say.
Giles is about to tell Hicks off but decides it's better not to cause more trouble. Instead he just rolls his eyes and "does a Spike"
GILES
(under his breath)
Stupid bint.
EXTERIOR: TRAIN STATION - day
Ethan can't believe what Buffy has just suggested.
ETHAN
Turn myself in? Are you daft?
I wouldn't go back to that
prison for the life of me.
BUFFY
I think you seem to have
forgotten who you're talking
to. See I'm a slayer and this
here is an ex vampire with
vampire speed and strength.
And even if you weren't up
against super powers the two
to one odds aren't in your favor.
So I suggest you come with us
unless you want to spend the
rest of your life in a full body
cast.
ETHAN
We've been through this
before. I'm human. Slayers
can't kill humans.
BUFFY
Never said I was gonna kill
you, just said I was gonna
hurt you. Spike on the other
hand, well I can't speak for
him but I can tell you he
went a long while as a
vampire not being able to
kill anybody and despite his
newly human state I think
that may be an itch he's still
trying to scratch.
ETHAN
Nevertheless all the physical
violence in the world couldn't
compare to what I faced in that
prison. I'm not going back
there to be some ones man bitch.
Buffy and Spike raise their eyebrows at that comment.
SPIKE
Listen, forget the violence for
a moment. If living for over a
century has taught me anything
it's people. I did a lot of horrible
things to a lot of good people.
I've seen the way people either
protect themselves above the
next person or are willing to
sacrifice themselves for those
they care about. You go around
acting all "I'm a chaos worshipper,
I don't need anybody" but you
keep coming back and it's not
because this is the Hellmouth.
You and Rupert have a history
and despite what you say I think
you still care for him. So if you
have any respect for him at all,
you'll go back to his house and
turn yourself in.
Buffy turns to Spike with one of those looks that says "this is the craziest idea you've ever had."
BUFFY
That'll never work. You don't reason with
chaos worshippers. Hecare about anyone
but himself.
ETHAN
(after thinking for a few moments)
Alright I'll go.
SPIKE
(throws an "I told you so" glance at Buffy)
Good…Let's go…
BLACK OUT
ACT THREE
INTERIOR: WATCHER'S UNIVERSITY - LIBRARY - PAST - day
We open up with another flashback. Young Giles and Young Ethan are talking. They are in the same positions as before.
YOUNG GILES
What are you doing here?
YOUNG ETHAN
Came to see an old mate. Why
else would I be here?
YOUNG GILES
(threateningly)
I get the impression that not
many people know you're in here.
I don't think they'd have any
reason not to throw you back out.
YOUNG ETHAN
(sarcastically)
You really have become a pleasant
bugger, haven't you?
Giles stares at him for a moment. He finally relents.
YOUNG GILES
Why are you here?
YOUNG ETHAN
Want the long or the short
version?
YOUNG GILES
Short if you don't mind. I'm
not too keen on seeing you
around for too long.
YOUNG ETHAN
Okay, okay… A few months back
I got in trouble with this really
powerful warlock. Sod wouldn't
give me this spell I was looking
for… said he sensed a "dark
presence" around me.
YOUNG GILES
(quietly)
What a bloody surprise.
YOUNG ETHAN
Yeah, well, I pinched the book
I thought it was in… turned out
to be some family heirloom of his.
Would've given it back but the
sodding thing got stolen from
my flat. Now this guy's after
my blood… probably literally.
YOUNG GILES
(eyebrow raised!)
That was the short version? I've read full length
novels that were shorter. You could have just said
"all powerful warlock wants my blood."
(Sighs)
You want my help… how?
YOUNG ETHAN
You're this big Watcher guy. I've
read up on it after you buggered
off. I know this council of yours
has some influence. Maybe you
could get them to, you know,
make a deal with this warlock.
YOUNG GILES
(Mockingly)
Hmmm… let me think…
(bluntly)
No.
YOUNG ETHAN
No? What do you mean "no?"
YOUNG GILES
What do you think I mean?
YOUNG ETHAN
Seriously… mate… please…
Giles looks at Ethan as if he's dirt.
INTERIOR: GILES' HOUSE - PRESENT - days
We look at all of the group as the engage in various nervous activities.
ANGLE ON: LYDIA AND DAWN. They are engaged in a heated debate.
DAWN
If I just got the space I needed…
LYDIA
That isn't the point. There's
Still the risk of people getting
hurt.
DAWN
I don't know… I could incapacitate
them all with as few fatalities as
possible.
LYDIA
As the Slayer you're sworn to
protect not ignore the lives of
others while it's convenient for
you.
Dawn looks over the whole group again.
DAWN
It'd be better for the group
as a whole… even if one or
two are injured.
LYDIA
Just wait a little longer…
DAWN
Then can I actually do
something instead of sitting
around?
LYDIA
Your sister should come looking
for us soon. I'm sure she'll be
able to solve the situation with
very little bloodshed.
DAWN
(not very confidently)
If you say so.
(two beats)
It's just Buffy… I don't think
she'll be able to do anything.
LYDIA
You should have more
confidence in her.
DAWN
Should I?
We PAN ACROSS to show that Xander is listening in on the conversation. He's clearly worried. He looks around to see if anyone else is listening but realizes they're not.
EXTERIOR: NEAR GILES' HOUSE - day
Buffy, Spike and Ethan get around the corner. Giles' house is visible and two jeeps are parked outside it. They move back around the corner.
BUFFY
Two of them? That can't be
good.
SPIKE
I'd say there were ten soldier
boys in there.
BUFFY
How would you know that?
SPIKE
Those things carry six people
not including the heavy weaponry.
I reckon they'd bring that with
them so… ten people.
ETHAN
The bloke's clever. I'll give
him that.
Buffy half smiles at Spike who just shrugs.
ETHAN
(C'tnd)
But at those odds I'd rather
risk dukeing it out with you
two. At least then I'll come
out a bloody pulp instead of
a bullet-ridden body.
SPIKE
Shut up.
BUFFY
Good idea. Both of you.
(looks at the house again)
We need to work out what
we're doing quickly.
ETHAN
Yes you should. Well, good
luck. Bye.
Spike grabs Ethan to stop him leaving.
BUFFY
I'm sure Dawn's gonna do
something stupid. She'll try
and get them out and…
SPIKE
Nah, the nibblet wouldn't do
that. She was brought up with
more sense than both of us
would like to think.
BUFFY
I don't know, Spike… I just
have a bad feeling about this.
(to Ethan)
What do you want to do?
He says nothing but instead just glares at Spike.
BUFFY
Let him go.
(Spike does)
Now… I'll ask you again. What
do you want to do?
ETHAN
I think I'll stick to buggering
off. Just beat me up and have
done with it.
He begins to walk off. Spike is about to go after him but Buffy stops him in his tracks. Buffy calls after Ethan.
BUFFY
Not even for old time's sake?
Ethan stops and turns around slowly as we go back into the past.
INTERIOR: WATCHER'S UNIVERSITY - LIBRARY - PAST - day
Young Giles and Young Ethan are in the same positions as before.
YOUNG ETHAN
Look… you've got to.
YOUNG GILES
And why have I got to? For
some reason I don't seem to
recall…
YOUNG ETHAN
We were mates… I helped you
out back in London…
YOUNG GILES
And almost got me and the others
killed in the process… you killed
Randall!
YOUNG ETHAN
(tired of this)
Does it have to keep coming back
to this?
Giles slams his hand down hard on the table.
YOUNG GILES
Of course it bloody well does! If
you hadn't dabbled in the black
arts none of this…
YOUNG ETHAN
Remember who else thought it
would be such a good idea to
summon Eyghon? We've been
through this before! Just because
you've got yourself a nice little
career here doesn't change what
you were…
YOUNG GILES
What I was is irrelevant. What
you still are isn't!
YOUNG ETHAN
Look… it's not long before this
warlock curses my name! You
know what that results in! You've
seen someone who's been cursed
before! It could happen to me.
YOUNG GILES
(snidely)
Couldn't wish it on a better person.
YOUNG ETHAN
(sarcastically)
Ha-bloody-ha!
(suddenly serious, desperate)
Please… help…
A group of SECURITY GUARDS appear at the door. They are dressed just like regular watchers but are both extremely well built.
SECURITY GUARD
We heard shouting up here. Is
this man bothering you, Mr.
Giles?
YOUNG ETHAN
"Mr. Giles?" These people really
don't have a clue do they, Ripper?
YOUNG GILES
(ignoring Ethan)
Yeah, he's bothering me. He's
been bothering me for the last seven
years… and he shouldn't be here.
SECURITY GUARD
We'll take him away immediately.
The guards grab Ethan and begin to drag him out.
YOUNG ETHAN
Ripper… please…
CLOSE UP on Giles as he watches Ethan being pulled away. His stony exterior quickly drains away to show guilt spreading over his face as he observes silently.
EXTERIOR: NEAR GILES' HOUSE - PRESENT - day
Ethan slowly comes back to Buffy and Spike. He's nervous and takes a deep breath.
ETHAN
I suppose it's the least the
old sod deserves…
Buffy and Spike smile at each other - a job well done!
BUFFY
Let's go. There's people who
want to have words with you.
ETHAN
Good way to make me more
confident about all this.
SPIKE
Move.
They make their way towards Giles' house.
INTERIOR: GILES' HOUSE - day
Dawn continues to scope the place out. From her POV we look across the whole of the room. The soldiers, the Scoobies…
DAWN
If I make a move now…
it's the best chance I've
had so far.
LYDIA
No. Buffy is on her way. I
met her this morning before
I…
DAWN
Walked into an obvious trap?
LYDIA
Well, yes but…
DAWN
If I…
LYDIA
Wait.
Dawn reluctantly does as she's told but she isn't happy about it. She realizes Xander is listening in to her conversation with Lydia and glares at him.
ANGLE ON: ANYA AND TARA. They are idly conversing with a few soldiers to ease the tension.
ANYA
So, uh, how much do you
get paid?
TARA
I-It must be a lot. A-All that
danger you get into.
SOLDIER #1
Well, it is a pretty damn
dangerous job I do…
ANYA
You're so brave. My fiancée
was a soldier once. But only
for a day then he forgot
everything.
The Soldier seems to sink a little when it becomes clear Anya isn't available.
SOLDIER #1
Um yeah…sure thing…whatever you say.
ANYA
That was before I met him
though. But I've been told
he was very brave.
The Soldier notices Tara watching Willow talking to Giles.
SOLDIER #1
She your friend, right?
TARA
M-my girlfriend.
SOLDIER #1
(disappointed)
Oh.
(beat)
Are they any women around
here who aren't attached, gay,
too young or too English?
ANYA
Well, Buffy's on her way here
but she'll probably kick your ass
rather than boink you.
SOLDIER #1
(a little disappointed)
Wonderful!
ANGLE ON: WILLOW AND GILES. She is still trying to convince him to tell them what happened with Ethan.
WILLOW
The two of you are bitter
enemies!
GILES
But there's still…
WILLOW
You use the word honor and
I'll do something I might regret.
GILES
Willow, I really don't think
you understand the whole
situation. I can tell them all
I want but unless Ethan
appears at the door they'll
be staying here!
There's a knock at the door. Giles looks pretty stupid. Hicks points out two Soldiers.
HICKS
You two. See who it is.
They leave and Hicks turns to Giles.
HICKS
(C'tnd)
Let's hope this is our man…
It'll save you a hell of a lot
of hassle.
GILES
(bitterly)
I'm sure.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, Dawn launches into an attack on Hicks.
INTERIOR: GILES'S HOUSE - DOORWAY - day
By the door the soldiers are handcuffing Ethan. It's done a little tight.
ETHAN
Ow! Watch what you're
doing with those things!
They chaff.
SPIKE
That's the least of your
worries, mate.
ETHAN
How about remembering
I gave myself in. So don't
give me the hero spee… ow!
Several gunshots go off. Buffy and Spike look up suddenly.
ACT FOUR
EXTERIOR: WATCHER'S UNIVERSITY - MAIN GATES - PAST - day
We flash into the past for the last time. Young Ethan and Young Giles are standing at the gates to the Watcher's University.
YOUNG ETHAN
Thanks mate… you know I
really appreciate this…
despite everything that's…
YOUNG GILES
Just go. And don't plan on
coming back. I don't want to
see you again. I hope you
realize that.
YOUNG ETHAN
(tries to make a joke)
Well, unless I'm up to my neck
in trouble again or plan on
world domination that you and
your watchers have to stop.
(notices the look on Giles' face and nods reluctantly)
Yeah, I know. I'm off.
He extends his hand to shake. Giles doesn't even react.
YOUNG ETHAN
Okay… I get the message.
Ethan turns and begins to walk away. Giles watches then is about to return to the university building.
YOUNG ETHAN (O.S.)
Why exactly did you help me
out back there? I've almost
ruined your life and no doubt
I'd do it again given half the
chance.
YOUNG GILES
(not turning around)
For old time's sake.
Giles walks off. Ethan watches him go then shrugs and does the same.
INTERIOR: GILES' HOUSE - DOORWAY - PRESENT - day
Buffy and Spike run into the house having heard the shots, pushing passed the soldiers.
INTERIOR: GILES' HOUSE - day
Dawn is standing over an unconscious Hicks and bullet holes can be traced around the room… to a trail of blood that goes down the wall… to where Willow is sitting having been shot in the shoulder. Buffy looks angrily at Dawn who just shrugs nonchalantly. Buffy doesn't have time to worry about Dawns unconcerned attitude.
BLACK OUT
INTERIOR: GILES' HOUSE - LATER - day
Ethan is taken away once more by soldiers and Hicks who has had his head bandaged up.
HICKS
By the authority of the US
military, you are once more
being taken into custody
pending a determination of
your status.
(pause)
Think you can stay there this
time?
ETHAN
Just keep Big John away from
me.
HICKS
What? He's been feeling so bad
since he's lost his boy. I wouldn't
be that mean to him.
ETHAN
Git!
Hicks pushes Ethan towards the door.
GILES
Stop a minute.
Hicks does as Giles tells him.
GILES
First of all I would like an
apology…
HICKS
The US government doesn't
do apologies.
GILES
I've noticed.
Giles glares at Hicks who finally relents.
HICKS
Okay. I'm sorry for the
inconvenience.
GILES
Not very sincere but it'll
do.
(to Ethan)
So, Ethan… why did you
give yourself up? I half
expected you to bugger
off first chance you got.
ETHAN
Almost did, probably
should have
(just stares at him)
but…I think you know why…
ANGLE ON TARA AND WILLOW. Tara is helping Willow cast a healing spell on her shoulder.
TARA
Is that feeling any better?
WILLOW
A little… as in no, not really.
Ow!
TARA
Aw, honey. Sorry.
WILLOW
(smiles)
More healing please. Ow!
Ow!
XANDER
(to Tara)
Not that I object to you working your
healing mojo on Will, I thought you were
against those kind of spells
TARA
(Glances up at Xander)
I'm against messing with matters of
life or death. This shot isn't even close
to being fatal (looks down at Willow with a look
letting her know how she would feel if it had
been a potentially fatal wound. Then she turns
back to Xander)
WILLOW
(sadly)
So if it was something fatal?
TARA
Oww honey. I don't think I could. You
know I would want to more than anything
but you know what could happen. And
If I messed with the life or death stuff…
I couldn't deal if you were different somehow
for it.
WILLOW
Buffy came back OK.
TARA
Buffy wasn't really dead. Baby, I love you so much
But you know I can't go through that again.
WILLOW
I know.
Buffy is taking to Dawn and she is non too happy with her little sister.
BUFFY
I can't believe you were so
reckless! Surely you knew
someone was going to get
hurt.
(Dawn shrugs)
Don't you even think of acting
like that! Look at Willow! That
was because of you! I'd brought
Ethan here! Everything had been
fixed! What made you think
jumping into action all of a sudden
was the right thing to do?
Dawn says nothing. She just walks to the door, straight passed Lydia.
DAWN
You coming?
LYDIA
I… Well…
The young Watcher gives a nervous look at all of the Scoobies.
LYDIA
…Right away.
Lydia quickly skips out of the door. Xander watches them go nervously.
Buffy walks over to Willow and Tara.
BUFFY
Look… I'm really sorry about…
WILLOW
It's not your fault.
BUFFY
Really, it…
WILLOW
(shrugs)
Nothing a little magical
healing can't solve. And
they said witchcraft was
bad for your health.
TARA
They said that?
WILLOW
Well, no but if they did
they shouldn't have.
She smiles at Tara. Buffy notices Spike standing alone in a corner of the room.
BUFFY
Excuse me a minute…
Buffy walks to Spike. He doesn't notice her at first then looks up.
SPIKE
Oh, hi. Thought you'd forgot
I was here.
BUFFY
(a little distracted)
Of course not. I just wanted
to thank you.
SPIKE
(sarcasm ahoy!)
You sound so sincere.
BUFFY
Sorry. It's just… I'm distracted.
SPIKE
Is it Dawn?
Buffy nods. She doesn't say anything.
SPIKE
(C'tnd)
Well?
BUFFY
It's so frustrating the way
she's acting! Like she doesn't
understand what being a Slayer
is meant to be. I saw how
SPIKE
She is new to the gig.
BUFFY
But I never put my friends at
risk. I mean, I made sure most
of that gym was empty before
I burnt it down…
And she doesn't even care.
She got Willow hurt and she
doesn't even care. That's so
dangerous. That's how Faith
started. Being reckless with
the lives of others. I can't see
anything like that happen to Dawn.
I gave up everything for her and
I just… I just want to see her get
The most out of the life she
was given not spend it all on death
and distruction. I learned the hard
way that being the slayer is more
then just being a killer.
SPIKE
Just give the gal a chance.
I'm sure with your guidance
you'll make a great team…
kinda like the two of us I
suppose.
BUFFY
(smiles)
Yeah. I guess we did.
There's an uncomfortable silence.
SPIKE
Buffy…
BUFFY
Yeah…?
Silence again. Spike looks down. So does Buffy. He looks up again a little more hopefully.
SPIKE
You know…
BUFFY
Mm-hm?
SPIKE
Well… I know I've been…
different in the past.
BUFFY
Uh, yeah?
SPIKE
Well… I've changed a lot.
BUFFY
I've noticed.
SPIKE
And maybe you see me
differently now.
BUFFY
You've suddenly become a
lot more likable.
SPIKE
Exactly. Well, maybe, you
know… you'd like to come
out on… y'know a date or
something?
BLACK OUT
BUFFY (V.O)
Huh?
END