Note: This is just a basic disclaimer saying that none of these characters belong to us. Including this 'episode' there
will be 11 more episodes in this season, making it a full 22. The episodes are all written out and are being paced at
about 2 a week. Please enjoy, and we love to hear feedback. :)
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Summer Script Challenge
The Powers that Be Pro Temporae
Episode 6.12: Fish In The Sea
By David Furme (me) and JodithDoug Petrie (JodithGrace)
Rough Outline by Marti Noggston (Noggins)
GILES (V.O.)
Previously on Buffy the Vampire Slayer…
From The Breaking Point/The Point Of No Return:
Buffy is on the phone. She turns to the others.
BUFFY
It's Faith…
CUT TO:
Lydia and Giles talking.
BUFFY (V.O.)
(continued from previous scene)
The guards found her
hanging from her bunk
earlier this afternoon.
They killed her, made it look
like a suicide.
We finally hear Lydia's words to Giles.
LYDIA
The new Slayer… It's Dawn…
From Liberation:
Dawn dives at Hicks. We hear a gunshot go off.
CUT TO:
Spike and Buffy running in. Dawn is standing victorious but a bullet has hit Willow through the shoulder.
CUT TO:
Spike asking Buffy out.
TEASER
INTERIOR: WILLOW'S DORM ROOM - day
WILLOW and BUFFY are hanging out. WILLOW is sitting on the bed; BUFFY is over at the mini-refrigerator.
BUFFY
(Taking a Snapple out of the fridge and opening it)
Hey Will, you want a Snapple?
WILLOW
Sure.
BUFFY
(taking out another bottle)
Here!
BUFFY tosses the bottle to WILLOW who tries to catch it, but can't because of her shoulder. It lands on the bed.
WILLOW (Holding her shoulder)
Ow!
BUFFY
Oh Will…your arm still hurts?
WILLOW
Yeah. The wound is healed, but
my shoulder is still sore. Can't
move it too much. Tara says it
might be a week or so before it
feels really back to normal.
Buffy goes over and opens the bottle for WILLOW and hands it to her.
BUFFY
Good thing you're supposed to
shake this. I'm so sorry, Will.
Dawn is just so…
WILLOW
Look. Don't blame yourself or
Dawn. She was just trying to
help.
BUFFY
She was trying to be a hero!
And it didn't help all that much,
did it? I swear, Will, I just don't
know what to do about her. She's
like a time bomb. I never know
when she's going to go off and do
something stupid. Or worse. She's
really worrying me, Will.
WILLOW
Look, she's young. She's
inexperienced. She has all this
strength and doesn't know how
to channel it yet. She'll learn.
(Wants to change the subject)
Listen…I saw you talking to
Spike afterwards…
BUFFY
(embarrassed)
Uh…Spike?
WILLOW
You know, tall, blonde and formerly
dead? Actually…that sounds a lot
like you except for the tall part.
And he's not really all that tall, now
that I think of it.
BUFFY
(exasperated)
Spike! Yes. What about him?
WILLOW
I saw you talking to him. Is he
feeling better?
BUFFY
Yes. He seems to be dealing
with the whole human thing
much better.
WILLOW
I'm impressed. You really seem
to have helped his depression.
BUFFY
I'll say. Will…he asked me out.
WILLOW
What?
BUFFY
He asked me out.
WILLOW
On a date?
(BUFFY nods)
Wow. I thought he had gotten
over that whole Buffy mania.
What did you say? I mean, I
hope you let him down gently.
He's kinda fragile these days.
Buffy looks at her a little nervously.
BUFFY
I, uh…didn't.
WILLOW
Didn't what? Let him down gently?
BUFFY
(Looking down)
Let him down at all. I said yes.
WILLOW
Yes? As in…yes?
BUFFY
(As it seems to finally dawn on her)
My God, Willow….I'm going on
a date…with Spike!
ACT ONE
INTERIOR: WILLOW'S DORM ROOM - day
Willow and Buffy are in the same positions as before
WILLOW
Buffy! You and Spike on a
date? Why?
BUFFY
I don't know, Will. We worked
together so well...it just sort of
felt right.
WILLOW
Are you sure this is a good idea?
BUFFY
Not in the slightest.
Willow's pretty much hyped up by all of this.
WILLOW
Does Xander know?
BUFFY
(cringing at the thought)
No. And neither does Giles.
WILLOW
I can't imagine what Xander will
say. Well, yes I can. It won't be
pretty.
BUFFY
Ohhh…I don't know who will
take it worse…him or Giles! Or
Dawn! Oh God. What is Dawn
going to say?
WILLOW
Does she still have a crush
on Spike?
BUFFY
Who knows, these days? She
seems to have forgotten that
they were even friends.
WILLOW
Well, I'm sure everybody will
come around eventually.
BUFFY
What eventually? This is one
date, Will.
(Looks at WILLOW meaningfully)
It's not like we're engaged
or anything!
WILLOW
(embarrassed)
You promised never to mention
the E word again, where Spike
was concerned.
WILLOW and BUFFY giggle at the memory of WILLOW'S Engagement spell.
BUFFY
God…do you think Spike
remembers that spell?
WILLOW
I was sort of hoping that
you had forgotten it.
BUFFY
I've certainly tried.
WILLOW
Well, maybe the forgetting spell
worked on Spike.
BUFFY
We can always hope.
EXTERIOR: MAGIC BOX - day
Establishing shot.
INTERIOR: MAGIC BOX - TRAINING ROOM - day
Establishing shot. DAWN and LYDIA are training after school, while GILES looks on.
INTERIOR: MAGIC BOX - MAIN - day
ANYA is behind the counter, reading Bridal magazines. XANDER is sitting on the counter. There are no customers.
ANYA
I really wish there was a cathedral
in Sunnydale. The wedding I want
really requires a cathedral.
XANDER
A cathedral? Anya. We barely
have enough guests to fill Spike's
crypt! Think about it. You have
no family. I don't even want to
invite mine! Our friends are all
in the wedding party. Except for
my co-workers and a few regular
customers from the Magic Box…
who's even going to come to this
extravaganza?
ANYA
Well, we could put an ad in
The paper. We could charge
admission!
XANDER
(Firmly)
No. We can't. You'll just have
to think realistically, Anya.
ANYA
Realistic…hah! That's just
another word for dull and
ordinary. You just don't care
about having a beautiful wedding!
Xander leans down and kisses her. He smiles.
XANDER
Sweetheart. If I didn't care, do
you think I would be sitting here
on my day off, allowing you to
torture me with these magazines,
hour after hour? But face it…We
aren't Prince Charles and Lady
Diana….and look what happened
to them, anyway. We can have a
beautiful wedding for just us and
our friends.
ANYA
(sighs)
You're right, Xander. It's just…
They are interrupted by SPIKE arriving. He is rubbing his neck.
SPIKE
I can't believe I slept on a
bloody marble slab all those
years!
XANDER
Why good afternoon to you too, Spike.
SPIKE
Hi Harris, Anya. Sorry I forgot
my manners.
He attempts a mocking bow, but is stopped by a pain in his back
SPIKE
(C'tnd)
Ow! Bloody hell!
XANDER
I do believe that you need to
either get a bed or move out
of that crypt into an actual
place that people live.
SPIKE
And how am I supposed to afford
that, mate? I've heard there's
this thing called rent!
ANYA
Yes…we pay it every month.
SPIKE
Like a good little citizen, I'm sure.
But I don't happen to have any
money.
XANDER
Well, you could get a job. It's
a crazy idea, I know.
ANYA
Like I did! Only you can't have
my job. You have to find one of
your own. Not here.
SPIKE
A job! Hell! We're talking food,
clothing, shelter here…this being
human is bloody complicated!
I haven't had to deal with this
stuff in a century! How
do you lot manage it?
XANDER
Well, how did you manage it
back when you were human
the first time around?
SPIKE
Easy….I lived with my mum.
XANDER
Ha!
ANYA
Oh, did you live in the basement
like Xander did?
The door opens and BUFFY enters. She sees SPIKE and is startled.
BUFFY
(Uneasy)
Spike! I-I didn't expect to
see you here. Hi Xander, Anya.
SPIKE
Hi Love.
He goes over to BUFFY and kisses her on the cheek. XANDER and ANYA stare at BUFFY as if expecting her to deck SPIKE. She doesn't.
XANDER
Excuse me, Anya, am I
hallucinating? Or did Spike
just kiss Buffy, without
getting thrown through a
window?
ANYA
I saw it too. Maybe I'm
sharing your hallucination.
BUFFY
(bravely)
There is no hallucinating here.
Spike did kiss me. We-We've
decided to try…uh, going out.
SPIKE
(To XANDER, defiantly)
That's right! Got a problem
with that, carpenter boy?
XANDER
Going out? You mean dating?
ANYA
Oh…you are going to be a
couple, like Xander and me?
I think that's a wonderful idea.
It really helps the wedding lineup.
XANDER
Buffy…you agreed to this?
BUFFY
(sarcastic)
No. Spike is holding a gun
to my head.
(Seriously)
Xander…I wouldn't be doing
this if I didn't want to.
XANDER
But, Buffy…this is Spike…you
do realize this.
BUFFY
But a new and improved Spike.
He's human now, remember?
Listen guys, it's just a date.
Let's not get too worked up
about this, okay?
SPIKE
(defensively)
That's right…it's just a date.
The door opens and WILLOW and TARA come in. WILLOW is looking downcast.
TARA
Hi guys.
WILLOW (glumly)
Hello.
BUFFY
What's the matter, Will? Your
shoulder hurting you again?
WILLOW
(rubbing her shoulder and smiling at Tara)
A little, but my shoulder is
NOT the problem.
(Sighs)
It's my mom.
TARA
They were just on the phone
for an hour.
Willow is clearly exasperated. As she speaks Tara rubs her back a little.
WILLOW
Sid. An accountant named Sid!
That's who she's got me matched
up with now. What happened
to the good old days when she
didn't care what I did?
BUFFY
Sometimes a little neglect
is a good thing.
SPIKE
(huge grin)
Wait. You mean your mom
doesn't know about you and
Tara? That's a good one.
WILLOW
Until 3 months ago she thought
I was still with Oz!
XANDER
But I always thought that she
and your dad were these big
bleeding heart liberals?
WILLOW
Liberals. Yeah. When it comes
to voting, that's one thing. When
it comes to your only daughter
not having a nice Jewish wedding
with a male groom? That's a whole
different kettle of gefelte fish.
TARA
Well, we've come to a decision,
right Willow?
Willow nods defiantly.
WILLOW
That's right. No more Ms nice
guy. We're going to come right
out and tell them!
TARA
Right out!
BUFFY
Well, yay, for you two! When
are you going to do it?
WILLOW
Uh....soon. Real soon.
TARA
A-any day now. As soon as
the time is right.
XANDER
When you're fifty?
WILLOW
Before that. Definitely before that.
Anya joins them from behind the counter.
ANYA
Well, you have to tell them
before our wedding. I don't
want there to be any controversy
marring our perfect day.
SPIKE
No pressure there.
DAWN comes out of the training room, followed by LYDIA and GILES.
GILES
(looking around the store)
Hello all. What's happening?
ANYA
Well, Buffy and Spike are dating
and Willow and Tara are coming
out of the closet to Willow's
parents.
GILES
(looking dubiously at Spike and Buffy)
I see. Well, good for them… I
think. Anya, why aren't there
any customers?
ANYA
(Looking around the shop)
Customers? Why you're
right. There aren't any
customers.
GILES
Did you by any chance remember
to take down the "Closed for
Lunch" sign?
WILLOW
(Indicating door)
You mean the one on the
front door?
GILES
(wearily)
Yes…that one. It's been there
since noon.
ANYA
Ooops. Sorry, Giles. I'll take
it down right away.
Anya quickly leaves the group and goes to the door.
GILES
(To all)
I'm sorry if this business is
interfering with your private
conversations.
WILLOW
We're sorry Giles. Honestly,
we don't mind customers
coming in.
GILES
(Sarcastically)
That's extraordinarily generous
of you. Seeing as how it's my
livelihood and all.
Buffy notices Dawn looking pretty sullen and sticking close to Lydia.
BUFFY
(changing the topic)
How's training going, Dawn?
DAWN
Fine. Are you coming patrolling
with me later?
BUFFY
Sure thing, Dawn. Wouldn't
miss it for the world.
LYDIA
(To BUFFY)
Dawn is coming back to my
apartment for dinner. She
will meet you at eight.
BUFFY
(To DAWN)
This includes homework, right?
DAWN
Whatever.
BUFFY
Dawn…it's very important.
LYDIA
Don't worry. She will do
what is necessary. Come,
Dawn.
Dawn and Lydia walk to the door, barging passed Anya who's coming back fro madjusting the sign.
GILES
Buffy, can I speak to you…
(looks at SPIKE)
alone?
BUFFY
(looks at SPIKE and then at GILES)
Delighted.
BUFFY and GILES go into the training room.
A few customers come in. The start to browse, except for CUSTOMER #1, a college boy. He approaches ANYA, who is back behind the counter.
CUSTOMER #1
Excuse me, but do you have
a spell for passing midterms?
ANYA
With or without studying?
CUSTOMER#1
Without, preferably. Is that
possible?
ANYA
Well, it will cost more.
CUT TO:
EXTERIOR: GRAVEYARD - night
BUFFY and DAWN are patrolling.
DAWN
(not really interested)
So what did Giles say?
BUFFY
You know, the usual. Do I
know what I'm doing? Do
I really want to encourage
Spike? Be careful. He may
not be a vampire any more
but he's not exactly an
ordinary guy. Yada yada yada.
DAWN
Sounds like Giles, all right.
BUFFY
What about you, Dawn? What
do you think about me dating
Spike?
DAWN
What does it matter what I
think? Are you going to not
do it if I object?
BUFFY
Well…no. But you're my sister.
I want to know what you think.
You and Spike are friends, aren't
you?
Dawn doesn't really look at Buffy.
DAWN
A Slayer has no time for friends.
If you really want to know what
I think, I'll tell you. Dating Spike,
or anyone for that matter, will only
distract you and keep you from
your job. You need to keep your
mind clear and focused, and
boyfriends just get in the way.
BUFFY
(a little annoyed)
Dawn…there is more to life
than slaying. I-I'm lonely.
Spike has been good to me…
to us. He's not the monster he
was. I think he's worth a chance.
If there is one thing that my death
has taught me, Dawn, it's that I
can't be afraid to take chances.
If you don't take any chances in
life, Dawn, what are you?
DAWN
Alive?
A large ugly demon suddenly appears from nowhere behind Dawn.
BUFFY
Dawn! Behind you!
DAWN turns around and sees the DEMON.
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
Dawn sees the demon and immediately lunges for it, while Buffy takes another moment in shock, before trying to get into the fight. Dawn is wrestling the demon on the floor, pinning it down, when the demon throws her off, and gets up.
BUFFY
(panicked)
Dawn!
Buffy tries a spinning kick to the head, but he ducks.
Dawn runs back over, this time holding the weapon bag. She grabs an axe out of the bag, and hurtles it at the demon's head. The axe whistles past the demons head, and lodges itself into a nearby mausoleum.
The demon, figuring he can't fight for much longer, turns and runs. As Buffy stares at the axe, lodges in the wall. Dawn marches over, and grabs Buffy's shoulder, turning her around.
DAWN
See?!
Buffy is still a little thrown off, by the fight.
BUFFY
Wh- what?
DAWN
This is exactly what I
mean! You're letting your
entire personal life get
in the way of your slaying.
Now, it's all your fault that
that demon got away.
Buffy looks hurt.
DAWN
(mocking, spiteful)
'cause You've got a
date.
Whoop Dee.
Buffy purses her lips, bitterly.
BUFFY
(forceful)
We're going home.
CUT TO:
INTERIOR: GILES' HOUSE - LIVING AREA - night
Buffy is sitting in a chair, as Dawn paces, and Giles sits on the edge of a sofa.
GILES
So, it… got away?
DAWN
Yes. Thanks to Buffy.
Buffy looks patiently at Dawn.
BUFFY
(Calmly)
Dawn, I think you should
go get some sleep.
DAWN
Are you kidding?
It's 11pm.
BUFFY
You're going to school
tomorrow.
Dawn opens her mouth to protest, but Buffy cuts her off with a small sigh, and a pleading facial expression. Dawn smiles bitterly at Buffy, turns, and storms up the stairs.
DAWN
(O.S)
If you think I'm going
to sleep, you're wrong!!
BUFFY
(Yelling)
Fine. Just lay in your
Bed!
Buffy lets out a sigh and settles back into the chair. There's a small moment of silence before Giles leans forward.
GILES
DO you remember what
it looked like?
BUFFY
It was… Big?
Giles is silent for a minute. Is that all?
GILES
And…?
BUFFY
(Hopeful)
And slimy!
CUT TO:
EXTERIOR: ROSENBURG HOUSE - mid afternoon.
Willow and Tara are walking up to the door, holding hands, but before the reach the door, a beaming Shelia Rosenburg throws the door open.
SHELIA
Girls! Welcome!
Willow and Tara exchange glances, before walking up.
SHELIA
(Cont'd)
Come in, come in!!
I have tea, and cookies…
Shelia is unusual chipper, and Willow is looking rather Worried/upset about needing to outright tell her mother about her and Tara.
WILLOW
Um, mom…
SHELIA
No, no! Come in!
INTERIOR: ROSENBURG HOUSE - KITCHEN - afternoon
Willow and Tara are sitting at a kitchen table, each holding a mug, and a near empty plate of cookies in front of them. Suddenly Shelia comes into the view and fills the plate up.
TARA
Thank you, Ms.
Rosenburg…
SHELIA
Oh, dear, call me Shelia!
Tara smiles.
TARA
(Warmly)
Thanks, Shelia.
Shelia nods, and fetches a tea pot off a near by counter.
TARA
These Cookies—
SHELIA
Ginger Snaps. I made
them this morning…
Willow looks at her mom with "What are you on?" look.
WILLOW
Mom, you don't cook.
You've never cooked.
SHELIA
(Still very bright)
Never too late to start,
Is it?
There's an awkward silence.
WILLOW
Well, I think you know
why we're here, mom.
SHELIA
What's that, dear?
WILLOW
Well, Tara and I are…
we're very close.
Shelia nods, as if she wants Willow to expand on that.
SHELIA
(What's your point?)
Well, I know that, honey.
I mean, you haven't had
friends over since that
Bunny used to visit.
Of course she's close.
Willow clenches her teeth.
WILLOW
Buffy.
SHELIA
Yes, yes, "Buffy".
WILLOW
I mean, we've got a
very special relationship.
Shelia ignores Willow and looks to Tara.
SHELIA
Tara, honey, can I get
you something?
WILLOW
Mom, listen to me—
SHELIA
(Ignoring Willow)
Maybe a Muffin?
A bagel?
Shelia is still oblivious to Willow.
WILLOW
(persistent)
You're not listening to me—
TARA
No, Ms. Rosenburg, thanks.
SHELIA
Are you Sure? Maybe
some tea?
WILLOW
I'm trying to tell you
something and you—
SHELIA
I just brewed this pot
This morning. Fresh, with
Some mint, and a few
Herbs that I got at the
Marke—
Willow stands, and the chair she was sitting on goes flying. Her pupils go black, as the chair hits a wall. Shelia is still smiling, as she looks up at Willow.
WILLOW
Mother!! Listen!!
I'm gay!!!
There's a brief pause, as Shelia continues to smile up at Willow. We're talking seriously in denial here!
SHELIA
Honey, you know, I was
talking to Mrs. Forah yesterday
and her son, Mark - he's a bit
older than you, dear- but he's
just going into Medical
School next—
WILLOW
We're leaving.
Tara stands, and Willow takes her hand. The turn and walk towards the hall leading to the door. Shelia stands, frantic.
SHELIA
Girls- girls don't leave!
They ignore her, as the door flies open, even before the girls reach it.
SHELIA
(Holding up the cookie plate)
At least take some
Cookies—
EXTERIOR: ROSENBURG HOUSE - afternoon
The girls walk down the street, away from the house. As we follow them, in the background we can see Shelia standing in the doorway.
Finally they're out of view of the house, and Willow stops walking. Tara comes to stand right in front of her.
WILLOW
I just can't believe
how totally—
TARA
Willow, baby, it's OK. You
just gotta give her time.
WILLOW
But She's—
Tara cuts her off with a sad look, and puts her hand on Willow's shoulder. They continue to walk, but the camera stops focusing on them, and instead, it focuses on the background behind them. We see the Demon from Dawn and Buffy's patrol following them. It runs, then hides behind a tree.
EXTERIOR: XANDER'S APARTMENT - evening
Spike is examining himself in a mirror.
SPIKE
(half to himself)
I still can't get used to this
whole mirror thing. All these
years without realizing how
bloody gorgeous I am.
(to Xander)
I can't just show up in jeans,
can I?
He continues examining his clothing. Xander looks over at him, with a skeptical look.
SPIKE
(C'tnd)
What do you think? The usual
dark and mysterious? Something
a little more casual?
XANDER
Well, I…
Spike ignores Xander, carrying on with his own thoughts.
SPIKE
(interrupting)
Not one of those bloody shirts
of yours…
XANDER
You could always—
SPIKE
I suppose the usual is the
easiest. I mean, what's wrong
with jeans? And these are nice
jeans…
Xander wait a minute, almost as if he's letting Spike say whatever he wants, so he doesn't get interrupted.
XANDER
Honestly, If you're asking—
SPIKE
Yeah, I'll go with the usual.
Thanks for the advice, Harris.
XANDER
Uh, You're welcome?
Spike then turns his attention to his hair.
SPIKE
Let's see…
He walks over to Xander's kitchen sink, and uses his hands to splash water over his head. He then brushes his hair up with his fingers, so it stands on end, going everywhere. He walks back over to the mirror, and does a quick spin.
SPIKE
There, done! Ready to go!
Anya enters out of the bathroom, and walks over to the couch, taking a seat. She sits back, and looks up at Xander.
ANYA
I'm done with the bodily
functions.
SPIKE
(with a laugh)
We noticed, luv.
There's an awkward pause as Xander picks something up off the table, and starts playing with it. He walks slowly towards Spike.
XANDER
Spike, I—
He pauses, as Spike looks at him with a "Mmmm?" noise.
XANDER
(C'tnd)
What I'm trying to say
Is… I mean, you have to…
Spike is looking at him expectantly.
XANDER
(C'tnd)
You Hurt her, in any way, shape,
or form, and I kill You.
Spike is amused, but taken aback.
SPIKE
Um, alright then…
ANYA
(Don't be silly)
Oh, Xander, lighten up.
It's not like Spike is evil
anymore. He has a soul
now, and everything! And,
for all we know, this could
be like us; the real thing!
Spike looks to the ground.
SPIKE
(Whisper, to himself)
The Real thing…
Spike takes a deep breath, and looks up.
SPIKE
(Nervous laugh)
We can only hope it is, no?
INTERIOR: GILES' HOUSE - LIVING AREA - evening
Buffy walks up the stairs, to her room, she goes to the desk, and opens the first drawer.
BUFFY
(Quietly)
This isn't going to be easy…
She pulls out a box, full of makeup, and jewelry, and places it on the bed. She then goes to her closet, and sorts through the clothes, pulling out numerous pieces of clothing, and placing them on the bed too. We see that Giles has appeared at the doorway, holding a book.
GILES
Buffy, of which coloring did you
say the demon was?
Buffy is currently looking at three tops. A purple blouse, an Orange tank, and a fancy green blouse.
BUFFY
Uh, I think it was... darkish green?
GILES
Right. And any distinguishing
features?
Buffy looks down at the tops again.
BUFFY
Kinda scaly skin.
Green or Orange?
GILES
(offhandedly)
Green.
Buffy grabs the green, and throws it to the head of the bed. She then goes to the bottoms.
BUFFY
It also had this bad breath
problem going on.
She grabs a mid-length denim skirt, a pair of beige leather pants, and a baggy, mid length purple dress skirt.
GILES
Bad breath… anything else?
BUFFY
Um, you'd have to ask
Dawn… she's the one with
the suddenly photographic
demon logger memory.
I like the pants, what about
you?
GILES
Yes, they are rather nice.
I wouldn't wear them, myself…
She chuckles, throws the pants with the green blouse, and returns all the other clothes to the closet. She then moves to the makeup and jewellery box.
BUFFY
Oh, of course you wouldn't,
Mr. I was a baddass back
In "the day".
GILES
(ignoring Buffy's remarks)
Are you sure you can't
remember anything else?
Suddenly Dawn shows up behind him, and walks into Buffy's room.
DAWN
It was about 6 and a ½ feet tall.
Scaly skin, Darkish Green, and
tended to use it's strength
as it's primary weapon. It
seemed to get stronger as
we fought harder. It's face
was contorted, with a horn
on each side of the head.
It had bright yellow eyes,
and four toes. It had long
fingernails, which were an odd
Blue color.
Buffy picks through the jewellery as Dawn talks.
BUFFY
Told ya. Photographic memory
Demon logger girl.
DAWN
Excuse me? Photographic?
Being able to remember what
a demon looked like isn't anything
Special. It's common sense,
Buffy.
Buffy is oblivious, holding up a pair of earrings at Giles, who looks up, and nods. She smiles. And puts them on, brushing her hair behind her ears.
BUFFY
So, should I put my hair up?
Or should I leave it down?
Giles is busy leafing through the page.
GILES
(Slowly, still reading)
Oh, uh, I believe I may have
found something… I'm going
to go cross-reference this
with another edition…
Giles walks out, as Dawn moves over to the closet, looking through Buffy's clothes. The camera turns back to Buffy, who has changed clothes, and is currently applying make up in a mirror. She finished up and heads over to the closet, grabbing a pair of practical, but dressy shoes.
BUFFY
Dawn, You are not patrolling
tonight, Ok? Unless you find
someone to go with you… But
I want you staying home tonight,
OK?
DAWN
(with a shrug)
Whatever.
Buffy shakes her head and pulls the shoes on, grabbing her black leather coat and heading for the door.
BUFFY
(O.S)
Have a good night, Dawnie!!
INTERIOR: WILLOW'S DORM ROOM - evening
Willow and Tara are sitting on a bed, as Willow is laying on her stomach, writing something. Tara is reading a book. Willow looks kind of upset, and after a moment of silence, she throws slams her book shut, and sits up, looking at Tara
WILLOW
(Angry)
I can't believe she's acting
Like this!
TARA
What? Oh… oh, Willow… don't
Mind her. She needs time—
Willow stands, and starts pacing, ranting at Tara.
WILLOW
She's had so much time!! She's
been ignoring me ever since I
was little!! All she cares about
is… is her stupid job, and her
stupid image… I mean, she didn't
care about my magic, and she
doesn't care about who I love,
and she doesn't care about me!
TARA
Willow, honey, of course she cares
about you… she's just not very
good at… showing.. you—
Willow flops onto the bed, by Tara, and rests her head on her shoulder.
WILLOW
Tara, I know you want things to
be good between us… you're
trying really hard to fix this… but—
Tara strokes her hair, lovingly, and Willow continues.
WILLOW
(C'tnd)
I can't do this anymore. I've tried
So hard to get through to her. So
Hard. And I shouldn't have to fight
For her love. It's not fair…
CUT TO:
INTERIOR: HALLS OF RESIDENCE - evening
We see the demon from before. It pulls something over itself, and becomes invisible. We see a rippled figure, as it moves through the hall.
It suddenly stops at Willow and Tara's dorm, and approaches the door, it's head becomes uncloaked, an it pulls the entire cloak off, so it's entirely visible.
WILLOW
(O.S)
I can't stand it!!!
CUT TO:
INTERIOR: WILLOW'S DORM ROOM - evening
TARA
You have my love. And you
have Buffy's and Xander's,
and I'm sure, deep down Spike's
too… We all care for you.
WILLOW
(Increasingly upset)
I know. But, it's so frustrating
that she can't just accept my
life, and be done with it.
She stands again, and walks over towards the door, then turns to face Tara.
WILLOW
(Angrily)
I just wish she'd understand me!
CUT TO:
INTERIOR: OUTSIDE WILLOW'S DORM ROOM - evening
The demon raises its arms to strike at the door.
CUT TO:
INTERIOR: WILLOW'S DORM ROOM - evening
Willow still stands in front of the door. Tara gets up, and walks over, taking Willow's hands.
TARA
(Softly)
If she's not willing… then, she
isn't worth the… the worry you're
giving her. I know you want her
acceptance, but are you willing
to make yourself more unhappy,
because she won't give it? I
mean, we can still be happy…
You and me.
Willow visibly fights with her feelings, as the angry expression changes to one of upset. She looks at Tara sadly.
WILLOW
(Tears in her eyes)
I just want her to know me.
She rests her head on Tara's shoulder, and Tara puts her arms around her. She pats her back.
TARA
(quietly)
Willow… it's Ok…
It's gonna be Ok…
CUT TO:
INTERIOR: OUTSIDE WILLOW'S DORM ROOM - evening
The demon backs away from the dorm, and pulls the cloak over again, it starts walking away.
BLACK OUT
ACT THREE
EXTERIOR: MOVIE THEATER - night
Movie theater…not the usual one, but some small. Dinky art house theater, perhaps in the next town.
SPIKE and BUFFY are walking together out of the theater, towards SPIKE'S car. There is silence...though not the good kind.
SPIKE
So, Buffy, you're awfully
quiet. How did you like the
film?
BUFFY
Oh...it was good. Very…uh…well
actually I'm not really into the
whole subtitle thing, you know?
SPIKE
Well, I agree, pet, the subtitles
on this film were bloody awful.
Did you notice that when Rene
told Marie that he was bored
with her, the subtitle said he
was annoyed instead…I mean
really, there is a vast difference
between bored and annoyed.
BUFFY
(not really paying attention)
Bored and annoyed, yes…this
movie really brought both of
those emotions home to me,
in a brand new way.
SPIKE
Well, after that I just ignored
the subtitles all together. It
was much better that way.
Buffy slows down a little and looks at Spike, a little surprised.
BUFFY
Wait… Do you mean to tell
me that you understood the
actual French?
SPIKE
(surprised)
Well, yeah…didn't you? I thought
you studied French at school.
BUFFY
Well, if by studying it, you
mean that I sat in a classroom
next to Xander for two years,
while he threw paper airplanes
at me, well then, yeah, I studied
French.
SPIKE
(disappointed)
Oh. So you mean you don't
speak it at all?
BUFFY
Well, if I were in Paris, and I
found myself trapped without
a pen, I could probably say,
"Donnez moi le plume, s'il vous
plais." But that's about the extent
of it.
SPIKE
La plume.
BUFFY
Huh?
SPIKE
La plume, not le plume. Pen
is a feminine noun.
Buffy half smiles. She can't take this seriously.
BUFFY
I see. French lessons from an
ex-vampire. What are you going
to teach me next, Spike, Algebra?
SPIKE
Well, excuse me, pet…I keep
forgetting that you had a
modern American education!
BUFFY
Meaning, what, exactly? Are
you saying that you're better
educated than me because
you can speak French?
SPIKE
(restraining the impulse to correct her grammar)
Just that in my day, school was
a serious matter...not that I
did nothing but swot, you
understand…but I did pick up
a few things that they don't
even bother to teach you lot
these days.
BUFFY
(interested in spite of herself)
Oh yeah? Like what? What
other languages can you
speak?
SPIKE
Well, French and German, of
course. Then, living on the
continent for 70 years or so, I
picked up a decent smattering
of Italian and Spanish. Never
really got too far with the Slavic
languages, though. Then there
was your basic Latin and Greek.
Buffy is amazed and impressed, in spite of herself.
BUFFY
You speak Greek?
SPIKE
Well…no. Can't even really
read it any more. Haven't
kept it up over the last century
or so. It's easy to forget that
stuff. But Latin now, that just
keeps comin' up everywhere
you look...spells and prophesies
and so forth. Not that I'm very
good at reading those… usually
hire a professional, just in case.
BUFFY
This is so weird. Somehow I
never pictured you as this
big...uh, intellectual.
SPIKE
Intellectual…pu-leese. You
are just lookin' at the product
of a basic Victorian education.
BUFFY
Did you go to college?
SPIKE
Spent 3 years at Oxford.
Studying Literature. Was
no big shakes in mathematics
or the sciences, such as they
were in those days.
(Embarrassed)
Rather fancied myself a poet,
if you can imagine such a thing.
Buffy laughs a little. Obviously what we learnt about Spike during Fool For Love isn't exactly what he told Buffy.
BUFFY
(laughing)
You…a poet? What happened
to that tough guy from the
streets that you told me about
that night at the Bronze?
SPIKE
Well, that might have been a
slight exaggeration, love. I
had an image to protect, didn't I?
BUFFY
I see. So the Big Bad is really
just Frasier Crane, with bad
teeth?
SPIKE
That's about it, love. Now
you know the awful truth
about me.
BUFFY
Well, as truth goes, I've heard
worse.
SPIKE
Listen, Buffy, I'm sorry I
dragged you to a movie
that you hated. Next time
we'll go see something with
car chases or Julia Roberts.
BUFFY
(feeling vaguely insulted)
Thanks. But it really wasn't
so bad. I mean that part with
the clown...that was kind of...
funny.
Spike can't believe what he just heard!
SPIKE
Funny? That clown symbolized
the hopelessness of life! The way
he leapt off the cliff at the end?
BUFFY
Oh yeah…I forgot that part. Well,
I only meant funny in a hopeless
kind of way.
(Beat)
Maybe I would have liked it
better if you had, I don't know…
snuggled with me a little.
SPIKE
What? Like those bloody idiots
in front of us? Who pays $8.50
for a movie ticket and then
doesn't even watch the show?
BUFFY
(sarcastic)
Not you. That's for sure.
SPIKE
Well, that's the way I am, love.
I kind of get caught up in things.
Sorry. Want to go to the Bronze?
BUFFY
(with relief)
Sure. The gang's probably there.
SPIKE
(also with relief)
Yeah. I could use a drink.
They get into Spike's car.
EXTERIOR: BRONZE - night
Establishing shot. People going in and out.
INTERIOR: BRONZE - night
XANDER and ANYA are at a table watching the band (the same one from several previous episodes). They see SPIKE and BUFFY arrive.
XANDER
Buffy! Spike! Over here!
ANYA
Come and hear our latest
wedding plans!
BUFFY and SPIKE come over, BUFFY sits down and SPIKE remains standing.
BUFFY
Hi guys.
SPIKE
(subdued)
Harris, Anya. How about a drink?
XANDER
(indicating drinks)
We're good.
ANYA
We're very good.
BUFFY jumps up.
BUFFY
Spike, sit. You took care of
the movie...I'll get the drinks!
Bourbon, right?
SPIKE nods, and BUFFY leaves.
XANDER
So, you guys saw a movie,
huh? Which one?
ANYA
Oh...too bad that ape one isn't
playing any more….it was really
amusing, though I didn't really
understand the ending.
SPIKE
We saw La Pitre de Morte.
Over at the Waverly.
XANDER
The What de Who?
Spike just nods with a shrug.
SPIKE
Yeah...that pretty much sums
up Buffy's reaction, too, as it
turns out.
ANYA
Oh…The Clown of Death, right?
I heard that was very good.
Ebert and that new guy gave
it two rousing thumbs up.
XANDER
Wait… isn't that the one where
these giant clowns are really
space aliens?
SPIKE
(sighs)
No.
ANYA
Listen Spike; I've been planning
my bouquet toss. I obviously
can't throw it to Willow or Tara,
unless they decide to move to
Vermont, so I decided on Buffy.
SPIKE
Uh…Buffy?
ANYA
(winking slyly)
And then I figured we could
arrange it so that you can
catch my garter.
SPIKE
(worried)
Wait a minute. Does that mean
what I think it means?
XANDER
Unfortunately, yes.
(To ANYA)
Anya…I thought we agreed just
to throw the damn things and
let nature take its course.
ANYA
Yes…but look at them.
(Indicating BUFFY who returns and hands SPIKE his drink)
Aren't they the cutest couple?
BUFFY/SPIKE
(simultaneously)
ANYA!
XANDER
(noticing SPIKE'S discomfort)
Enough wedding talk. Let's dance.
He and ANYA get up and go to the dance floor, leaving BUFFY and SPIKE alone at the table.
INTERIOR: GILES' APARTMENT - DINING ROOM - night
He is reading at the table, surrounded by piles of books. He turns pages, when suddenly something catches his attention. He reads eagerly, then jumps up hastily and goes up to DAWN'S room. He stand at her door, hesitant to knock, then finally does. There is no reply. He knocks again with more confidence, still nothing.
GILES
Dawn! Dawn, Excuse me, but
I need to speak with you. It's
a matter of some urgency.
Silence. Finally, GILES opens DAWN'S door, and enters.
INTERIOR: GILES' HOUSE - DAWN'S ROOM - night
Interior DAWN'S room. It is empty. The window is open, curtains waving in the breeze. GILES looks out the window, and then rushes out of the room, and out of the house.
INTERIOR: LYDIA'S APARTMENT - night
LYDIA is there with DAWN, who is pacing.
DAWN
I just don't know how much
more of this I can take, Lydia.
All of these senseless distractions.
Willow and Tara's magic conflicts,
Xander and Anya's incessant
marriage talk, Buffy and Spike's
"big date." Blah blah blah. I try
to pretend to be interested, like
you said, but it's all so much crap!
It keeps Buffy from living up to
whatever potential she's got, and
it just gets on my nerves! Last
night was the limit…Blah, blah
blah and the demon gets away!
He gets away!
LYDIA
Dawn, you must realize that
you and Buffy are two completely
different styles of Slayer. You are
a more pure form, of course, while
Buffy…
(sudden realization)
What demon?
EXTERIOR: BRONZE - night
Two guys are walking, towards the Bronze, having a discussion. They are your typical football player, expendable extra, schmuck bait types.
SCHMUCK #1
Look you moron…Simmons
was out of bounds, I tell ya!
SCHMUCK #2
Well, the ref didn't call it, and
if he didn't call it, and I didn't
see it…then it didn't happen!
We see the DEMON in its cloaked form following them. It follows them into the Bronze.
INTERIOR: BRONZE - night
SPIKE and BUFFY are dancing, as are ANYA and XANDER. It is a fast dance and the two couples are dancing together. SPIKE is not really into it, though Buffy is. After a few minutes he stops.
SPIKE
Listen, Buffy. I'm not really
in the mood for all this
thrashing about. I think I'll
go sit down. But you go ahead
and dance, pet.
BUFFY
Are you sure? I can sit down too.
SPIKE
Nah. This soul thing gets me
down, now and then. Too many
happy people. Just want to sit
and have my drink.
BUFFY
Sure, Spike. I understand.
He leaves and sits back down at the table, staring into space.
ANYA
Look, Xander, Buffy is dancing
all alone. Why don't you go
dance with her?
XANDER
(surprised)
You want me to dance with Buffy?
ANYA
Yes. All this jogging around is
making me have to pee. I'll
meet you back at the table.
ANYA leaves, and XANDER starts to dance with BUFFY. BUFFY is really into it, releasing the tension she didn't realize that she was feeling.
The music changes to a slow song.
CUT TO: SPIKE sitting alone. ANYA returns from the bathroom and sits down with him. BUFFY and XANDER are still dancing to the new song.
ANYA
Whew! The best part about
having to pee, is that it feels
so good when you finally do!
SPIKE
(with irony)
Yes...it's a constant thrill.
ANYA
So…was the movie as good
as they say?
SPIKE
I liked it.
As Anya speaks, Spike becomes more and more uncomfortable.
ANYA
Well, despite what Xander says…
I think you and Buffy make an
adorable couple. I can picture you
in a tuxedo with the cummerbund
matching Buffy's bridesmaid's
dress. The only problem is that
Willow and Tara mess up the whole
line. We're one man short...or one
woman too many.
SPIKE
Look…maybe you shouldn't be
so quick to match Buffy and me
up.
ANYA
Why not? You are dating, now.
Your feelings for her are legendary,
and she seems to be coming
around. It just makes things all
so nice and even.
SPIKE
(sighs)
Do you realize that in all these
years, Buffy and I never really
had a conversation? Well, beyond
Grrr…I'm going to kill you. Stuff
like that. The one talk we did
have, was mostly lies on my
part and evasions on hers.
ANYA
Well, that's what's good about
dating…you finally get to talk.
When you're not having sex,
that is.
Spike gets a little defensive again
SPIKE
Hey! This is our first date, all right?
We haven't quite got that far, and
at this rate we never will.
ANYA
What's wrong, Spike? Is it being
human? It gets better, I promise.
SPIKE
No, though I'm glad to hear it…
that it gets better, because right
now, it's bloody inconvenient.
No, it's Buffy. She's been right
nice to me, helpin' me deal with
my new soul, and all. But now
that I get to actually talk to her,
I find we don't really have all that
much in common.
ANYA
Besides the whole demon
killing thing?
SPIKE
Yeah…that's just it. When we're
not slaying together, we're not
really on the same wavelength.
ANYA
Well, at first with Xander and
me it was all sex, but then
eventually we began to have
actual conversations, and we
discovered that we really like
each other. That's important.
Spike smiles a little. He has something on his mind. It takes a few times to get it out.
SPIKE
Anya…I'm goin' to be sorry for
askin' this…but do you think
Buffy is really all that… intelligent?
CUT TO: XANDER dancing with BUFFY
BUFFY
Did you have any idea that
Spike was so…intelligent? I
mean once you get beyond
the whole punk thing. And
the vampire thing. And the
evil thing. Xander…he went
to Oxford!
XANDER
You're kidding me! Maybe he
was lying. You know Spike...
all talk.
BUFFY
No…I think that the Spike we
knew was all talk. All hype
about being The Big Bad.
XANDER
What…You mean William the
Bloody was a big phony?
BUFFY
Well, no, not quite. He certainly
was a killer, and a vicious one,
for over a century. I just think
that the person inside him is
not quite the lout we thought
he was.
XANDER
Well, that's a good thing, right?
BUFFY
Well, sure. I mean not only is
he cute and sexy, but he's
smart too. Nothing wrong with
that combination. It's just a
bit of a surprise, that's all.
(Pause)
I just hope I didn't come off
as Buffy the dummy tonight.
I mean he speaks French! He
took me to a French movie
tonight thinking that I would
understand it. I mean, I could
speak French…if I tried. And
studied, and well, took a course.
XANDER
Moi aussi, mon ami.
BUFFY
(smiles)
Don't start with me, Monsieur
Let's Throw ze Paper Airplanes!
BUFFY notices that XANDER is no longer paying attention.
BUFFY
(C'tnd)
Xander?
CUT TO: XANDER'S POV: which is ANYA and SPIKE having a tete-a-tete at the table. Suddenly we see something brush past him; it's our friend the DEMON. XANDER turns to look at it, but sees nothing.
INTERIOR: LYDIA'S APARTMENT - night
DAWN and LYDIA are talking quietly, when there is a pounding on the door. LYDIA opens it to find GILES, looking agitated. He looks in and sees DAWN, and marches in before LYDIA can even invite him.
GILES
Dawn! I will not have you
sneaking out of windows like
an insolent child! If you have
no respect for my authority,
then…
(on DAWN'S look)
Well, actually, this can wait for
another, more appropriate time.
I have something rather urgent
to tell you.
DAWN
(flatly)
What?
GILES
The d-demon that evaded you
and Buffy. I have found out
some facts about it that you
should know.
DAWN
(impatient)
Well?
GILES
It is called a Plegrath Demon.
Like its smaller and basically
harmless cousin, Gachnar, it
feeds on negative emotions.
However, unlike Gachnar,
this thing is really large and
ugly and quite vicious. You
see, Gachnar fed on fear
this demon feeds on anger.
And when the emotions have
built up enough steam, it
makes its kill.
DAWN
An Anger demon, huh? So
where is it?
GILES
I really have no idea…but
presumably a place where
strong emotions come into
play.
DAWN quickly grabs her bag and heads for the door.
DAWN
Don't worry, Giles. I'll find it.
Without Buffy to distract me,
and piss me off, I'll kill it…
no problem.
She leaves before anyone can even raise an objection.
GILES
For heaven's sake, Lydia…
go after her. She thinks she
can face this alone…but she
hasn't the experience. I'm
going to find Buffy.
He leaves. Lydia grabs her bag and goes out after him.
INTERIOR: BRONZE - night
The band leaves and goes to get drinks. BUFFY and XANDER come back to the table, where SPIKE and ANYA are sitting.
BUFFY
Whew. It's hot. I have to
make a pit stop.
(To ANYA)
Want to come with?
ANYA
I've already gone recently
thank you.
(Thinks)
Oh. I forgot. Women have to
go to the bathroom in pairs.
Excuse me.
She gets up and leaves with Buffy. XANDER sits down and glares at SPIKE, who has no idea what is wrong.
SPIKE
Buy you a drink, Harris?
XANDER
Why, Spike…feeling guilty?
SPIKE
Well…yes, basically. But Buffy's
been helpin' me with it.
XANDER
And Anya…has she been
helping you too?
Suddenly we notice that the PLEGRATH DEMON is standing right behind Xander's shoulder. At that moment we hear shouting. We cut to a couple at another table, an older MAN and a much younger WOMAN are having a major blowout.
MAN
You are so stupid! I don't know
why I put up with you? How
many times have I told you not
to answer the phone in my
office? It could have been my wife!
WOMAN
Well, it wasn't!
MAN
Through no fault of yours!
(Sudden revelation)
You know what? I think you
want me to get caught!
WOMAN
What...and have you exposed
as the lying cheating piece of
scum that you are?
MAN
Maddie!
WOMAN
Don't Maddie me! I've had it!
She throws the drink in his face and storms off to the ladies room, crying hysterically. The DEMON follows her into the bathroom, as BUFFY and ANYA are exiting.
ANYA
So, as I always say, the key
to a successful relationship is
communication.
BUFFY
You always say that? I've
never heard you say that.
(As the DEMON brushes past her)
What was that?
ANYA
What?
BUFFY
I'm not sure. Oh look…there's Giles.
GILES runs up to BUFFY and ANYA who are approaching the dance floor.
GILES
(breathlessly)
Oh…thank goodness, I've found
you. The demon that got away
from you and Dawn last night…
A loud scream comes from the Ladies room. GILES, BUFFY and ANYA freeze. The WOMAN from the table runs out of the bathroom, straight into GILES.
WOMAN
(indicating bathroom)
Oh My God! T-there's a girl in
there! And-and…she's dead!
BUFFY, ANYA and GILES exchange looks. BUFFY runs into the bathroom.
ACT FOUR
INTERIOR: BRONZE - night
The band comes back on stage, and begins playing…loud. People are dancing, all over. The place is packed.
ANYA
(Shouting)
This is getting insane!
Giles looks around, searching to see Buffy again. We see from his POV as Lydia and Dawn enter the Bronze. Dawn is looking very cool and calm, as is Lydia. They stroll over, avoiding the people moving around, and reach Giles. Anya is looking around frantically, and Giles is still mildly panting
DAWN
(Sarcastic)
Looks like you have things
under control.
Lydia looks at Giles bitterly.
LYDIA
Where is Buffy?
DAWN
I'll go find her.
GILES
There's someone dead in
the washroom.
DAWN
(exasperated)
I'll find her.
Dawn turns and moves into the crowd. We follow her, as she catches up to Buffy, who is heading quickly towards the bathroom.
DAWN
Buffy!!!
Buffy turns to see Dawn and joins her.
BUFFY
What are you doing here?
DAWN
Cleaning up your mistakes.
If you hadn't been partying,
whoever's in there wouldn't
be dead!
BUFFY
Dawn! What is with you!? I'm
sorry that I'm trying to have
a Life, and you're mad at me,
or something but—
DAWN
A slayer doesn't have a life.
They have responsibility!
Both girls are yelling over the music.
BUFFY
I don't know what that watcher
chick has been feeding you,
Dawn, but it's seriously messed
Up—
DAWN
She hasn't been "feeding"
me anything. I just accepted
my duty, a lot better then you!
Buffy pauses, looking very pissed off.
BUFFY
Look, I so do not have time
to discuss slayer duties with
you, right now…
She turns and walks forward, but she's suddenly thrown backwards. She gets up quickly, as the floor around where she got thrown clears. Nothing can be seen. Suddenly, the air ripples and the Plegrath demon comes out from his invisibility cloak. Dawn is at him like wild fire, punching and kicking, and pulls a sword out of her discarded weapon bag.
Dawn is pushed to the ground, and Buffy runs in, swinging the sword. The demon tries to move, but he's slashed across the shoulder. The demon puts his hand to his shoulder, and finds blood. He lets out a roar, and flies at Buffy, hitting the sword out of her hand.
She kicks him in the stomach, and he goes flying, narrowly missing a couple on lookers. He gets up and charges at Buffy, who side steps, and then jumps on his back.
The fight is now happening in the middle of the dance floor, and the band stops playing, mid song. Dawn gets up, and goes to the weapon bag, pulling out a battle axe.
The lead singer, JAMES, looks down at Buffy and the demon.
JAMES
Hey!! You two!!
The demon flips Buffy over, and has her pinned to the floor. She looks up at him, as the demon is sitting on her, holding her hands to the floor.
JAMES
No fighting! We're in the
middle of a damn set here!
The demon suddenly looks to James, with a hungry look, and gets off Buffy. Buffy sits up and massages her wrists, which were obviously hurt when the demon held her down.
The demon is approaching the stage. It's about to go for the kill when it stops suddenly. It looks curiously at James who just frowns. The demon is a little shocked. Dawn suddenly jumps onto its back, and drags it down. It throws her off, and runs for the door. Buffy and Dawn run after it, and everyone is silent.
JAMES
Thank You!! And… go!!
On "Go" the band strikes up again, and the floor quickly fills.
The girls follow the demon onto the street, it faces them, then suddenly, the air ripples and it's not there.
DAWN
(through clenched teeth)
Damn!
BUFFY
Don't worry… we'll find it…
DAWN
(Are you crazy?!)
Don't worry? Excuse me, but
you let it get away again!! The
only thing I'm worried about
is that you've become completely
unable to carry out your duties a
Slayer!!
Buffy sighs, and gives Dawn a "not now" look.
BUFFY
Look, I'm not dealing with you right
now. Just calm down, and help
me find it… I'm sure we can…
sense it…
She takes a deep breath and closes her eyes. Dawn does the same, with a brief look of uncertainty at Buffy. She both look very calm, and then suddenly kick the same spot with extreme accuracy, at the same time. The air ripples, and we see the demon fly backwards, becoming visible again when it hits the ground.
BUFFY
I'll hold it down!!
She jumps, and pins it to the ground, as the demon struggles. Dawn grabs a knife from her ankle, and jumps at the demon, as Buffy jumps out of the way. Dawn lands, and stabs the demon in the heart. She then stands, and steps away, very calm. Buffy is staring down at the demon.
DAWN
(Directed at Buffy)
That was easy.
BUFFY
Uh, yeah.
DAWN
Wonder why we couldn't
Have done it earlier. Oh, yes,
that's right… you let your social
life get involved with your slaying!
Buffy just rolls her eyes and heads back for the bronze.
CUT TO:
INTERIOR: MAGIC BOX - day
Willow and Tara are talking to the others about what happened the night before.
ANYA
…and the demon was actually
scared of the singer!
XANDER
That's metal bands for you.
I'd rather go against a whole
horde of vamps than deal with
just the four of them!
TARA
And the body? In the bathroom…
BUFFY
We never saw it. By the time we
got back from demon slaying the
paramedics had taken her away.
Willow seems thoughtful.
WILLOW
(half amused)
If it fed on anger I'm surprised
it didn't come after me… I was
so annoyed by my mother.
BUFFY
So things didn't go well in Chez
Rosenburg?
WILLOW
No… but I'm gonna try and talk
to her again… maybe I'll get
through to her eventually.
XANDER
And maybe next time she
won't try to burn you alive.
Spike is loitering the corner. Buffy walks to him.
BUFFY
Spike… Look… I'm sorry about
the date. Not exactly the most
pleasant experience.
SPIKE
Well, we can go see a better
movie next time.
BUFFY
I meant with the demon.
(pauses, a little disappointed)
We never even got as far as the
smoochies.
SPIKE
(shrugs)
Honestly, luv, it's okay.
(looks at his watch)
But I have to go. I've got an
appointment at the employment
center. I'm actually gonna try
and find a myself a job. God
help me. Bye all…
He walks towards the door. Buffy coughs to get his attention. He turns slowly around.
BUFFY
How about the goodbye kiss.
They say it's an integral part
of quite a few relationships.
Spike doesn't really get that she was joking. He quickly goes towards her, plants a kiss on her cheek and makes his way out.
ANGLE ON: XANDER AND ANYA. Xander watches Anya as she waves Spike goodbye – he's still a little jealous.
INTERIOR: MAGIC BOX - TRAINING ROOM - day
Dawn is punching a punching bag in the corner, completely focused. Buffy walks in, standing in the doorway.
BUFFY
(quietly)
Dawn…
Dawn stops, holding the bag, and rolling her eyes. She turns around to face Buffy.
DAWN
(impatiently)
What?
Buffy bites her lip.
BUFFY
I just wanted to say well
done on that demon, earlier
you did a really good job, and—
DAWN
It was nothing.
Buffy is awkward, but looks at Dawn genuinely.
BUFFY
It was something. You were
great when it came to—
DAWN
(interrupting again)
No, I mean it was nothing.
That demon shouldn't have
taken any effort, but because
you refused to stop being
such a social girl, it turned
into a big deal. It was
supposed to be a nothing.
BUFFY
Dawn, I'm sorry I—
DAWN
Just go, Okay? Go.
Buffy looks like she wants to talk more, but she leaves, hurt. Dawn goes back to pounding the punching bag, this time putting more Umph into each punch.
END
will be 11 more episodes in this season, making it a full 22. The episodes are all written out and are being paced at
about 2 a week. Please enjoy, and we love to hear feedback. :)
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Summer Script Challenge
The Powers that Be Pro Temporae
Episode 6.12: Fish In The Sea
By David Furme (me) and JodithDoug Petrie (JodithGrace)
Rough Outline by Marti Noggston (Noggins)
GILES (V.O.)
Previously on Buffy the Vampire Slayer…
From The Breaking Point/The Point Of No Return:
Buffy is on the phone. She turns to the others.
BUFFY
It's Faith…
CUT TO:
Lydia and Giles talking.
BUFFY (V.O.)
(continued from previous scene)
The guards found her
hanging from her bunk
earlier this afternoon.
They killed her, made it look
like a suicide.
We finally hear Lydia's words to Giles.
LYDIA
The new Slayer… It's Dawn…
From Liberation:
Dawn dives at Hicks. We hear a gunshot go off.
CUT TO:
Spike and Buffy running in. Dawn is standing victorious but a bullet has hit Willow through the shoulder.
CUT TO:
Spike asking Buffy out.
TEASER
INTERIOR: WILLOW'S DORM ROOM - day
WILLOW and BUFFY are hanging out. WILLOW is sitting on the bed; BUFFY is over at the mini-refrigerator.
BUFFY
(Taking a Snapple out of the fridge and opening it)
Hey Will, you want a Snapple?
WILLOW
Sure.
BUFFY
(taking out another bottle)
Here!
BUFFY tosses the bottle to WILLOW who tries to catch it, but can't because of her shoulder. It lands on the bed.
WILLOW (Holding her shoulder)
Ow!
BUFFY
Oh Will…your arm still hurts?
WILLOW
Yeah. The wound is healed, but
my shoulder is still sore. Can't
move it too much. Tara says it
might be a week or so before it
feels really back to normal.
Buffy goes over and opens the bottle for WILLOW and hands it to her.
BUFFY
Good thing you're supposed to
shake this. I'm so sorry, Will.
Dawn is just so…
WILLOW
Look. Don't blame yourself or
Dawn. She was just trying to
help.
BUFFY
She was trying to be a hero!
And it didn't help all that much,
did it? I swear, Will, I just don't
know what to do about her. She's
like a time bomb. I never know
when she's going to go off and do
something stupid. Or worse. She's
really worrying me, Will.
WILLOW
Look, she's young. She's
inexperienced. She has all this
strength and doesn't know how
to channel it yet. She'll learn.
(Wants to change the subject)
Listen…I saw you talking to
Spike afterwards…
BUFFY
(embarrassed)
Uh…Spike?
WILLOW
You know, tall, blonde and formerly
dead? Actually…that sounds a lot
like you except for the tall part.
And he's not really all that tall, now
that I think of it.
BUFFY
(exasperated)
Spike! Yes. What about him?
WILLOW
I saw you talking to him. Is he
feeling better?
BUFFY
Yes. He seems to be dealing
with the whole human thing
much better.
WILLOW
I'm impressed. You really seem
to have helped his depression.
BUFFY
I'll say. Will…he asked me out.
WILLOW
What?
BUFFY
He asked me out.
WILLOW
On a date?
(BUFFY nods)
Wow. I thought he had gotten
over that whole Buffy mania.
What did you say? I mean, I
hope you let him down gently.
He's kinda fragile these days.
Buffy looks at her a little nervously.
BUFFY
I, uh…didn't.
WILLOW
Didn't what? Let him down gently?
BUFFY
(Looking down)
Let him down at all. I said yes.
WILLOW
Yes? As in…yes?
BUFFY
(As it seems to finally dawn on her)
My God, Willow….I'm going on
a date…with Spike!
ACT ONE
INTERIOR: WILLOW'S DORM ROOM - day
Willow and Buffy are in the same positions as before
WILLOW
Buffy! You and Spike on a
date? Why?
BUFFY
I don't know, Will. We worked
together so well...it just sort of
felt right.
WILLOW
Are you sure this is a good idea?
BUFFY
Not in the slightest.
Willow's pretty much hyped up by all of this.
WILLOW
Does Xander know?
BUFFY
(cringing at the thought)
No. And neither does Giles.
WILLOW
I can't imagine what Xander will
say. Well, yes I can. It won't be
pretty.
BUFFY
Ohhh…I don't know who will
take it worse…him or Giles! Or
Dawn! Oh God. What is Dawn
going to say?
WILLOW
Does she still have a crush
on Spike?
BUFFY
Who knows, these days? She
seems to have forgotten that
they were even friends.
WILLOW
Well, I'm sure everybody will
come around eventually.
BUFFY
What eventually? This is one
date, Will.
(Looks at WILLOW meaningfully)
It's not like we're engaged
or anything!
WILLOW
(embarrassed)
You promised never to mention
the E word again, where Spike
was concerned.
WILLOW and BUFFY giggle at the memory of WILLOW'S Engagement spell.
BUFFY
God…do you think Spike
remembers that spell?
WILLOW
I was sort of hoping that
you had forgotten it.
BUFFY
I've certainly tried.
WILLOW
Well, maybe the forgetting spell
worked on Spike.
BUFFY
We can always hope.
EXTERIOR: MAGIC BOX - day
Establishing shot.
INTERIOR: MAGIC BOX - TRAINING ROOM - day
Establishing shot. DAWN and LYDIA are training after school, while GILES looks on.
INTERIOR: MAGIC BOX - MAIN - day
ANYA is behind the counter, reading Bridal magazines. XANDER is sitting on the counter. There are no customers.
ANYA
I really wish there was a cathedral
in Sunnydale. The wedding I want
really requires a cathedral.
XANDER
A cathedral? Anya. We barely
have enough guests to fill Spike's
crypt! Think about it. You have
no family. I don't even want to
invite mine! Our friends are all
in the wedding party. Except for
my co-workers and a few regular
customers from the Magic Box…
who's even going to come to this
extravaganza?
ANYA
Well, we could put an ad in
The paper. We could charge
admission!
XANDER
(Firmly)
No. We can't. You'll just have
to think realistically, Anya.
ANYA
Realistic…hah! That's just
another word for dull and
ordinary. You just don't care
about having a beautiful wedding!
Xander leans down and kisses her. He smiles.
XANDER
Sweetheart. If I didn't care, do
you think I would be sitting here
on my day off, allowing you to
torture me with these magazines,
hour after hour? But face it…We
aren't Prince Charles and Lady
Diana….and look what happened
to them, anyway. We can have a
beautiful wedding for just us and
our friends.
ANYA
(sighs)
You're right, Xander. It's just…
They are interrupted by SPIKE arriving. He is rubbing his neck.
SPIKE
I can't believe I slept on a
bloody marble slab all those
years!
XANDER
Why good afternoon to you too, Spike.
SPIKE
Hi Harris, Anya. Sorry I forgot
my manners.
He attempts a mocking bow, but is stopped by a pain in his back
SPIKE
(C'tnd)
Ow! Bloody hell!
XANDER
I do believe that you need to
either get a bed or move out
of that crypt into an actual
place that people live.
SPIKE
And how am I supposed to afford
that, mate? I've heard there's
this thing called rent!
ANYA
Yes…we pay it every month.
SPIKE
Like a good little citizen, I'm sure.
But I don't happen to have any
money.
XANDER
Well, you could get a job. It's
a crazy idea, I know.
ANYA
Like I did! Only you can't have
my job. You have to find one of
your own. Not here.
SPIKE
A job! Hell! We're talking food,
clothing, shelter here…this being
human is bloody complicated!
I haven't had to deal with this
stuff in a century! How
do you lot manage it?
XANDER
Well, how did you manage it
back when you were human
the first time around?
SPIKE
Easy….I lived with my mum.
XANDER
Ha!
ANYA
Oh, did you live in the basement
like Xander did?
The door opens and BUFFY enters. She sees SPIKE and is startled.
BUFFY
(Uneasy)
Spike! I-I didn't expect to
see you here. Hi Xander, Anya.
SPIKE
Hi Love.
He goes over to BUFFY and kisses her on the cheek. XANDER and ANYA stare at BUFFY as if expecting her to deck SPIKE. She doesn't.
XANDER
Excuse me, Anya, am I
hallucinating? Or did Spike
just kiss Buffy, without
getting thrown through a
window?
ANYA
I saw it too. Maybe I'm
sharing your hallucination.
BUFFY
(bravely)
There is no hallucinating here.
Spike did kiss me. We-We've
decided to try…uh, going out.
SPIKE
(To XANDER, defiantly)
That's right! Got a problem
with that, carpenter boy?
XANDER
Going out? You mean dating?
ANYA
Oh…you are going to be a
couple, like Xander and me?
I think that's a wonderful idea.
It really helps the wedding lineup.
XANDER
Buffy…you agreed to this?
BUFFY
(sarcastic)
No. Spike is holding a gun
to my head.
(Seriously)
Xander…I wouldn't be doing
this if I didn't want to.
XANDER
But, Buffy…this is Spike…you
do realize this.
BUFFY
But a new and improved Spike.
He's human now, remember?
Listen guys, it's just a date.
Let's not get too worked up
about this, okay?
SPIKE
(defensively)
That's right…it's just a date.
The door opens and WILLOW and TARA come in. WILLOW is looking downcast.
TARA
Hi guys.
WILLOW (glumly)
Hello.
BUFFY
What's the matter, Will? Your
shoulder hurting you again?
WILLOW
(rubbing her shoulder and smiling at Tara)
A little, but my shoulder is
NOT the problem.
(Sighs)
It's my mom.
TARA
They were just on the phone
for an hour.
Willow is clearly exasperated. As she speaks Tara rubs her back a little.
WILLOW
Sid. An accountant named Sid!
That's who she's got me matched
up with now. What happened
to the good old days when she
didn't care what I did?
BUFFY
Sometimes a little neglect
is a good thing.
SPIKE
(huge grin)
Wait. You mean your mom
doesn't know about you and
Tara? That's a good one.
WILLOW
Until 3 months ago she thought
I was still with Oz!
XANDER
But I always thought that she
and your dad were these big
bleeding heart liberals?
WILLOW
Liberals. Yeah. When it comes
to voting, that's one thing. When
it comes to your only daughter
not having a nice Jewish wedding
with a male groom? That's a whole
different kettle of gefelte fish.
TARA
Well, we've come to a decision,
right Willow?
Willow nods defiantly.
WILLOW
That's right. No more Ms nice
guy. We're going to come right
out and tell them!
TARA
Right out!
BUFFY
Well, yay, for you two! When
are you going to do it?
WILLOW
Uh....soon. Real soon.
TARA
A-any day now. As soon as
the time is right.
XANDER
When you're fifty?
WILLOW
Before that. Definitely before that.
Anya joins them from behind the counter.
ANYA
Well, you have to tell them
before our wedding. I don't
want there to be any controversy
marring our perfect day.
SPIKE
No pressure there.
DAWN comes out of the training room, followed by LYDIA and GILES.
GILES
(looking around the store)
Hello all. What's happening?
ANYA
Well, Buffy and Spike are dating
and Willow and Tara are coming
out of the closet to Willow's
parents.
GILES
(looking dubiously at Spike and Buffy)
I see. Well, good for them… I
think. Anya, why aren't there
any customers?
ANYA
(Looking around the shop)
Customers? Why you're
right. There aren't any
customers.
GILES
Did you by any chance remember
to take down the "Closed for
Lunch" sign?
WILLOW
(Indicating door)
You mean the one on the
front door?
GILES
(wearily)
Yes…that one. It's been there
since noon.
ANYA
Ooops. Sorry, Giles. I'll take
it down right away.
Anya quickly leaves the group and goes to the door.
GILES
(To all)
I'm sorry if this business is
interfering with your private
conversations.
WILLOW
We're sorry Giles. Honestly,
we don't mind customers
coming in.
GILES
(Sarcastically)
That's extraordinarily generous
of you. Seeing as how it's my
livelihood and all.
Buffy notices Dawn looking pretty sullen and sticking close to Lydia.
BUFFY
(changing the topic)
How's training going, Dawn?
DAWN
Fine. Are you coming patrolling
with me later?
BUFFY
Sure thing, Dawn. Wouldn't
miss it for the world.
LYDIA
(To BUFFY)
Dawn is coming back to my
apartment for dinner. She
will meet you at eight.
BUFFY
(To DAWN)
This includes homework, right?
DAWN
Whatever.
BUFFY
Dawn…it's very important.
LYDIA
Don't worry. She will do
what is necessary. Come,
Dawn.
Dawn and Lydia walk to the door, barging passed Anya who's coming back fro madjusting the sign.
GILES
Buffy, can I speak to you…
(looks at SPIKE)
alone?
BUFFY
(looks at SPIKE and then at GILES)
Delighted.
BUFFY and GILES go into the training room.
A few customers come in. The start to browse, except for CUSTOMER #1, a college boy. He approaches ANYA, who is back behind the counter.
CUSTOMER #1
Excuse me, but do you have
a spell for passing midterms?
ANYA
With or without studying?
CUSTOMER#1
Without, preferably. Is that
possible?
ANYA
Well, it will cost more.
CUT TO:
EXTERIOR: GRAVEYARD - night
BUFFY and DAWN are patrolling.
DAWN
(not really interested)
So what did Giles say?
BUFFY
You know, the usual. Do I
know what I'm doing? Do
I really want to encourage
Spike? Be careful. He may
not be a vampire any more
but he's not exactly an
ordinary guy. Yada yada yada.
DAWN
Sounds like Giles, all right.
BUFFY
What about you, Dawn? What
do you think about me dating
Spike?
DAWN
What does it matter what I
think? Are you going to not
do it if I object?
BUFFY
Well…no. But you're my sister.
I want to know what you think.
You and Spike are friends, aren't
you?
Dawn doesn't really look at Buffy.
DAWN
A Slayer has no time for friends.
If you really want to know what
I think, I'll tell you. Dating Spike,
or anyone for that matter, will only
distract you and keep you from
your job. You need to keep your
mind clear and focused, and
boyfriends just get in the way.
BUFFY
(a little annoyed)
Dawn…there is more to life
than slaying. I-I'm lonely.
Spike has been good to me…
to us. He's not the monster he
was. I think he's worth a chance.
If there is one thing that my death
has taught me, Dawn, it's that I
can't be afraid to take chances.
If you don't take any chances in
life, Dawn, what are you?
DAWN
Alive?
A large ugly demon suddenly appears from nowhere behind Dawn.
BUFFY
Dawn! Behind you!
DAWN turns around and sees the DEMON.
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
Dawn sees the demon and immediately lunges for it, while Buffy takes another moment in shock, before trying to get into the fight. Dawn is wrestling the demon on the floor, pinning it down, when the demon throws her off, and gets up.
BUFFY
(panicked)
Dawn!
Buffy tries a spinning kick to the head, but he ducks.
Dawn runs back over, this time holding the weapon bag. She grabs an axe out of the bag, and hurtles it at the demon's head. The axe whistles past the demons head, and lodges itself into a nearby mausoleum.
The demon, figuring he can't fight for much longer, turns and runs. As Buffy stares at the axe, lodges in the wall. Dawn marches over, and grabs Buffy's shoulder, turning her around.
DAWN
See?!
Buffy is still a little thrown off, by the fight.
BUFFY
Wh- what?
DAWN
This is exactly what I
mean! You're letting your
entire personal life get
in the way of your slaying.
Now, it's all your fault that
that demon got away.
Buffy looks hurt.
DAWN
(mocking, spiteful)
'cause You've got a
date.
Whoop Dee.
Buffy purses her lips, bitterly.
BUFFY
(forceful)
We're going home.
CUT TO:
INTERIOR: GILES' HOUSE - LIVING AREA - night
Buffy is sitting in a chair, as Dawn paces, and Giles sits on the edge of a sofa.
GILES
So, it… got away?
DAWN
Yes. Thanks to Buffy.
Buffy looks patiently at Dawn.
BUFFY
(Calmly)
Dawn, I think you should
go get some sleep.
DAWN
Are you kidding?
It's 11pm.
BUFFY
You're going to school
tomorrow.
Dawn opens her mouth to protest, but Buffy cuts her off with a small sigh, and a pleading facial expression. Dawn smiles bitterly at Buffy, turns, and storms up the stairs.
DAWN
(O.S)
If you think I'm going
to sleep, you're wrong!!
BUFFY
(Yelling)
Fine. Just lay in your
Bed!
Buffy lets out a sigh and settles back into the chair. There's a small moment of silence before Giles leans forward.
GILES
DO you remember what
it looked like?
BUFFY
It was… Big?
Giles is silent for a minute. Is that all?
GILES
And…?
BUFFY
(Hopeful)
And slimy!
CUT TO:
EXTERIOR: ROSENBURG HOUSE - mid afternoon.
Willow and Tara are walking up to the door, holding hands, but before the reach the door, a beaming Shelia Rosenburg throws the door open.
SHELIA
Girls! Welcome!
Willow and Tara exchange glances, before walking up.
SHELIA
(Cont'd)
Come in, come in!!
I have tea, and cookies…
Shelia is unusual chipper, and Willow is looking rather Worried/upset about needing to outright tell her mother about her and Tara.
WILLOW
Um, mom…
SHELIA
No, no! Come in!
INTERIOR: ROSENBURG HOUSE - KITCHEN - afternoon
Willow and Tara are sitting at a kitchen table, each holding a mug, and a near empty plate of cookies in front of them. Suddenly Shelia comes into the view and fills the plate up.
TARA
Thank you, Ms.
Rosenburg…
SHELIA
Oh, dear, call me Shelia!
Tara smiles.
TARA
(Warmly)
Thanks, Shelia.
Shelia nods, and fetches a tea pot off a near by counter.
TARA
These Cookies—
SHELIA
Ginger Snaps. I made
them this morning…
Willow looks at her mom with "What are you on?" look.
WILLOW
Mom, you don't cook.
You've never cooked.
SHELIA
(Still very bright)
Never too late to start,
Is it?
There's an awkward silence.
WILLOW
Well, I think you know
why we're here, mom.
SHELIA
What's that, dear?
WILLOW
Well, Tara and I are…
we're very close.
Shelia nods, as if she wants Willow to expand on that.
SHELIA
(What's your point?)
Well, I know that, honey.
I mean, you haven't had
friends over since that
Bunny used to visit.
Of course she's close.
Willow clenches her teeth.
WILLOW
Buffy.
SHELIA
Yes, yes, "Buffy".
WILLOW
I mean, we've got a
very special relationship.
Shelia ignores Willow and looks to Tara.
SHELIA
Tara, honey, can I get
you something?
WILLOW
Mom, listen to me—
SHELIA
(Ignoring Willow)
Maybe a Muffin?
A bagel?
Shelia is still oblivious to Willow.
WILLOW
(persistent)
You're not listening to me—
TARA
No, Ms. Rosenburg, thanks.
SHELIA
Are you Sure? Maybe
some tea?
WILLOW
I'm trying to tell you
something and you—
SHELIA
I just brewed this pot
This morning. Fresh, with
Some mint, and a few
Herbs that I got at the
Marke—
Willow stands, and the chair she was sitting on goes flying. Her pupils go black, as the chair hits a wall. Shelia is still smiling, as she looks up at Willow.
WILLOW
Mother!! Listen!!
I'm gay!!!
There's a brief pause, as Shelia continues to smile up at Willow. We're talking seriously in denial here!
SHELIA
Honey, you know, I was
talking to Mrs. Forah yesterday
and her son, Mark - he's a bit
older than you, dear- but he's
just going into Medical
School next—
WILLOW
We're leaving.
Tara stands, and Willow takes her hand. The turn and walk towards the hall leading to the door. Shelia stands, frantic.
SHELIA
Girls- girls don't leave!
They ignore her, as the door flies open, even before the girls reach it.
SHELIA
(Holding up the cookie plate)
At least take some
Cookies—
EXTERIOR: ROSENBURG HOUSE - afternoon
The girls walk down the street, away from the house. As we follow them, in the background we can see Shelia standing in the doorway.
Finally they're out of view of the house, and Willow stops walking. Tara comes to stand right in front of her.
WILLOW
I just can't believe
how totally—
TARA
Willow, baby, it's OK. You
just gotta give her time.
WILLOW
But She's—
Tara cuts her off with a sad look, and puts her hand on Willow's shoulder. They continue to walk, but the camera stops focusing on them, and instead, it focuses on the background behind them. We see the Demon from Dawn and Buffy's patrol following them. It runs, then hides behind a tree.
EXTERIOR: XANDER'S APARTMENT - evening
Spike is examining himself in a mirror.
SPIKE
(half to himself)
I still can't get used to this
whole mirror thing. All these
years without realizing how
bloody gorgeous I am.
(to Xander)
I can't just show up in jeans,
can I?
He continues examining his clothing. Xander looks over at him, with a skeptical look.
SPIKE
(C'tnd)
What do you think? The usual
dark and mysterious? Something
a little more casual?
XANDER
Well, I…
Spike ignores Xander, carrying on with his own thoughts.
SPIKE
(interrupting)
Not one of those bloody shirts
of yours…
XANDER
You could always—
SPIKE
I suppose the usual is the
easiest. I mean, what's wrong
with jeans? And these are nice
jeans…
Xander wait a minute, almost as if he's letting Spike say whatever he wants, so he doesn't get interrupted.
XANDER
Honestly, If you're asking—
SPIKE
Yeah, I'll go with the usual.
Thanks for the advice, Harris.
XANDER
Uh, You're welcome?
Spike then turns his attention to his hair.
SPIKE
Let's see…
He walks over to Xander's kitchen sink, and uses his hands to splash water over his head. He then brushes his hair up with his fingers, so it stands on end, going everywhere. He walks back over to the mirror, and does a quick spin.
SPIKE
There, done! Ready to go!
Anya enters out of the bathroom, and walks over to the couch, taking a seat. She sits back, and looks up at Xander.
ANYA
I'm done with the bodily
functions.
SPIKE
(with a laugh)
We noticed, luv.
There's an awkward pause as Xander picks something up off the table, and starts playing with it. He walks slowly towards Spike.
XANDER
Spike, I—
He pauses, as Spike looks at him with a "Mmmm?" noise.
XANDER
(C'tnd)
What I'm trying to say
Is… I mean, you have to…
Spike is looking at him expectantly.
XANDER
(C'tnd)
You Hurt her, in any way, shape,
or form, and I kill You.
Spike is amused, but taken aback.
SPIKE
Um, alright then…
ANYA
(Don't be silly)
Oh, Xander, lighten up.
It's not like Spike is evil
anymore. He has a soul
now, and everything! And,
for all we know, this could
be like us; the real thing!
Spike looks to the ground.
SPIKE
(Whisper, to himself)
The Real thing…
Spike takes a deep breath, and looks up.
SPIKE
(Nervous laugh)
We can only hope it is, no?
INTERIOR: GILES' HOUSE - LIVING AREA - evening
Buffy walks up the stairs, to her room, she goes to the desk, and opens the first drawer.
BUFFY
(Quietly)
This isn't going to be easy…
She pulls out a box, full of makeup, and jewelry, and places it on the bed. She then goes to her closet, and sorts through the clothes, pulling out numerous pieces of clothing, and placing them on the bed too. We see that Giles has appeared at the doorway, holding a book.
GILES
Buffy, of which coloring did you
say the demon was?
Buffy is currently looking at three tops. A purple blouse, an Orange tank, and a fancy green blouse.
BUFFY
Uh, I think it was... darkish green?
GILES
Right. And any distinguishing
features?
Buffy looks down at the tops again.
BUFFY
Kinda scaly skin.
Green or Orange?
GILES
(offhandedly)
Green.
Buffy grabs the green, and throws it to the head of the bed. She then goes to the bottoms.
BUFFY
It also had this bad breath
problem going on.
She grabs a mid-length denim skirt, a pair of beige leather pants, and a baggy, mid length purple dress skirt.
GILES
Bad breath… anything else?
BUFFY
Um, you'd have to ask
Dawn… she's the one with
the suddenly photographic
demon logger memory.
I like the pants, what about
you?
GILES
Yes, they are rather nice.
I wouldn't wear them, myself…
She chuckles, throws the pants with the green blouse, and returns all the other clothes to the closet. She then moves to the makeup and jewellery box.
BUFFY
Oh, of course you wouldn't,
Mr. I was a baddass back
In "the day".
GILES
(ignoring Buffy's remarks)
Are you sure you can't
remember anything else?
Suddenly Dawn shows up behind him, and walks into Buffy's room.
DAWN
It was about 6 and a ½ feet tall.
Scaly skin, Darkish Green, and
tended to use it's strength
as it's primary weapon. It
seemed to get stronger as
we fought harder. It's face
was contorted, with a horn
on each side of the head.
It had bright yellow eyes,
and four toes. It had long
fingernails, which were an odd
Blue color.
Buffy picks through the jewellery as Dawn talks.
BUFFY
Told ya. Photographic memory
Demon logger girl.
DAWN
Excuse me? Photographic?
Being able to remember what
a demon looked like isn't anything
Special. It's common sense,
Buffy.
Buffy is oblivious, holding up a pair of earrings at Giles, who looks up, and nods. She smiles. And puts them on, brushing her hair behind her ears.
BUFFY
So, should I put my hair up?
Or should I leave it down?
Giles is busy leafing through the page.
GILES
(Slowly, still reading)
Oh, uh, I believe I may have
found something… I'm going
to go cross-reference this
with another edition…
Giles walks out, as Dawn moves over to the closet, looking through Buffy's clothes. The camera turns back to Buffy, who has changed clothes, and is currently applying make up in a mirror. She finished up and heads over to the closet, grabbing a pair of practical, but dressy shoes.
BUFFY
Dawn, You are not patrolling
tonight, Ok? Unless you find
someone to go with you… But
I want you staying home tonight,
OK?
DAWN
(with a shrug)
Whatever.
Buffy shakes her head and pulls the shoes on, grabbing her black leather coat and heading for the door.
BUFFY
(O.S)
Have a good night, Dawnie!!
INTERIOR: WILLOW'S DORM ROOM - evening
Willow and Tara are sitting on a bed, as Willow is laying on her stomach, writing something. Tara is reading a book. Willow looks kind of upset, and after a moment of silence, she throws slams her book shut, and sits up, looking at Tara
WILLOW
(Angry)
I can't believe she's acting
Like this!
TARA
What? Oh… oh, Willow… don't
Mind her. She needs time—
Willow stands, and starts pacing, ranting at Tara.
WILLOW
She's had so much time!! She's
been ignoring me ever since I
was little!! All she cares about
is… is her stupid job, and her
stupid image… I mean, she didn't
care about my magic, and she
doesn't care about who I love,
and she doesn't care about me!
TARA
Willow, honey, of course she cares
about you… she's just not very
good at… showing.. you—
Willow flops onto the bed, by Tara, and rests her head on her shoulder.
WILLOW
Tara, I know you want things to
be good between us… you're
trying really hard to fix this… but—
Tara strokes her hair, lovingly, and Willow continues.
WILLOW
(C'tnd)
I can't do this anymore. I've tried
So hard to get through to her. So
Hard. And I shouldn't have to fight
For her love. It's not fair…
CUT TO:
INTERIOR: HALLS OF RESIDENCE - evening
We see the demon from before. It pulls something over itself, and becomes invisible. We see a rippled figure, as it moves through the hall.
It suddenly stops at Willow and Tara's dorm, and approaches the door, it's head becomes uncloaked, an it pulls the entire cloak off, so it's entirely visible.
WILLOW
(O.S)
I can't stand it!!!
CUT TO:
INTERIOR: WILLOW'S DORM ROOM - evening
TARA
You have my love. And you
have Buffy's and Xander's,
and I'm sure, deep down Spike's
too… We all care for you.
WILLOW
(Increasingly upset)
I know. But, it's so frustrating
that she can't just accept my
life, and be done with it.
She stands again, and walks over towards the door, then turns to face Tara.
WILLOW
(Angrily)
I just wish she'd understand me!
CUT TO:
INTERIOR: OUTSIDE WILLOW'S DORM ROOM - evening
The demon raises its arms to strike at the door.
CUT TO:
INTERIOR: WILLOW'S DORM ROOM - evening
Willow still stands in front of the door. Tara gets up, and walks over, taking Willow's hands.
TARA
(Softly)
If she's not willing… then, she
isn't worth the… the worry you're
giving her. I know you want her
acceptance, but are you willing
to make yourself more unhappy,
because she won't give it? I
mean, we can still be happy…
You and me.
Willow visibly fights with her feelings, as the angry expression changes to one of upset. She looks at Tara sadly.
WILLOW
(Tears in her eyes)
I just want her to know me.
She rests her head on Tara's shoulder, and Tara puts her arms around her. She pats her back.
TARA
(quietly)
Willow… it's Ok…
It's gonna be Ok…
CUT TO:
INTERIOR: OUTSIDE WILLOW'S DORM ROOM - evening
The demon backs away from the dorm, and pulls the cloak over again, it starts walking away.
BLACK OUT
ACT THREE
EXTERIOR: MOVIE THEATER - night
Movie theater…not the usual one, but some small. Dinky art house theater, perhaps in the next town.
SPIKE and BUFFY are walking together out of the theater, towards SPIKE'S car. There is silence...though not the good kind.
SPIKE
So, Buffy, you're awfully
quiet. How did you like the
film?
BUFFY
Oh...it was good. Very…uh…well
actually I'm not really into the
whole subtitle thing, you know?
SPIKE
Well, I agree, pet, the subtitles
on this film were bloody awful.
Did you notice that when Rene
told Marie that he was bored
with her, the subtitle said he
was annoyed instead…I mean
really, there is a vast difference
between bored and annoyed.
BUFFY
(not really paying attention)
Bored and annoyed, yes…this
movie really brought both of
those emotions home to me,
in a brand new way.
SPIKE
Well, after that I just ignored
the subtitles all together. It
was much better that way.
Buffy slows down a little and looks at Spike, a little surprised.
BUFFY
Wait… Do you mean to tell
me that you understood the
actual French?
SPIKE
(surprised)
Well, yeah…didn't you? I thought
you studied French at school.
BUFFY
Well, if by studying it, you
mean that I sat in a classroom
next to Xander for two years,
while he threw paper airplanes
at me, well then, yeah, I studied
French.
SPIKE
(disappointed)
Oh. So you mean you don't
speak it at all?
BUFFY
Well, if I were in Paris, and I
found myself trapped without
a pen, I could probably say,
"Donnez moi le plume, s'il vous
plais." But that's about the extent
of it.
SPIKE
La plume.
BUFFY
Huh?
SPIKE
La plume, not le plume. Pen
is a feminine noun.
Buffy half smiles. She can't take this seriously.
BUFFY
I see. French lessons from an
ex-vampire. What are you going
to teach me next, Spike, Algebra?
SPIKE
Well, excuse me, pet…I keep
forgetting that you had a
modern American education!
BUFFY
Meaning, what, exactly? Are
you saying that you're better
educated than me because
you can speak French?
SPIKE
(restraining the impulse to correct her grammar)
Just that in my day, school was
a serious matter...not that I
did nothing but swot, you
understand…but I did pick up
a few things that they don't
even bother to teach you lot
these days.
BUFFY
(interested in spite of herself)
Oh yeah? Like what? What
other languages can you
speak?
SPIKE
Well, French and German, of
course. Then, living on the
continent for 70 years or so, I
picked up a decent smattering
of Italian and Spanish. Never
really got too far with the Slavic
languages, though. Then there
was your basic Latin and Greek.
Buffy is amazed and impressed, in spite of herself.
BUFFY
You speak Greek?
SPIKE
Well…no. Can't even really
read it any more. Haven't
kept it up over the last century
or so. It's easy to forget that
stuff. But Latin now, that just
keeps comin' up everywhere
you look...spells and prophesies
and so forth. Not that I'm very
good at reading those… usually
hire a professional, just in case.
BUFFY
This is so weird. Somehow I
never pictured you as this
big...uh, intellectual.
SPIKE
Intellectual…pu-leese. You
are just lookin' at the product
of a basic Victorian education.
BUFFY
Did you go to college?
SPIKE
Spent 3 years at Oxford.
Studying Literature. Was
no big shakes in mathematics
or the sciences, such as they
were in those days.
(Embarrassed)
Rather fancied myself a poet,
if you can imagine such a thing.
Buffy laughs a little. Obviously what we learnt about Spike during Fool For Love isn't exactly what he told Buffy.
BUFFY
(laughing)
You…a poet? What happened
to that tough guy from the
streets that you told me about
that night at the Bronze?
SPIKE
Well, that might have been a
slight exaggeration, love. I
had an image to protect, didn't I?
BUFFY
I see. So the Big Bad is really
just Frasier Crane, with bad
teeth?
SPIKE
That's about it, love. Now
you know the awful truth
about me.
BUFFY
Well, as truth goes, I've heard
worse.
SPIKE
Listen, Buffy, I'm sorry I
dragged you to a movie
that you hated. Next time
we'll go see something with
car chases or Julia Roberts.
BUFFY
(feeling vaguely insulted)
Thanks. But it really wasn't
so bad. I mean that part with
the clown...that was kind of...
funny.
Spike can't believe what he just heard!
SPIKE
Funny? That clown symbolized
the hopelessness of life! The way
he leapt off the cliff at the end?
BUFFY
Oh yeah…I forgot that part. Well,
I only meant funny in a hopeless
kind of way.
(Beat)
Maybe I would have liked it
better if you had, I don't know…
snuggled with me a little.
SPIKE
What? Like those bloody idiots
in front of us? Who pays $8.50
for a movie ticket and then
doesn't even watch the show?
BUFFY
(sarcastic)
Not you. That's for sure.
SPIKE
Well, that's the way I am, love.
I kind of get caught up in things.
Sorry. Want to go to the Bronze?
BUFFY
(with relief)
Sure. The gang's probably there.
SPIKE
(also with relief)
Yeah. I could use a drink.
They get into Spike's car.
EXTERIOR: BRONZE - night
Establishing shot. People going in and out.
INTERIOR: BRONZE - night
XANDER and ANYA are at a table watching the band (the same one from several previous episodes). They see SPIKE and BUFFY arrive.
XANDER
Buffy! Spike! Over here!
ANYA
Come and hear our latest
wedding plans!
BUFFY and SPIKE come over, BUFFY sits down and SPIKE remains standing.
BUFFY
Hi guys.
SPIKE
(subdued)
Harris, Anya. How about a drink?
XANDER
(indicating drinks)
We're good.
ANYA
We're very good.
BUFFY jumps up.
BUFFY
Spike, sit. You took care of
the movie...I'll get the drinks!
Bourbon, right?
SPIKE nods, and BUFFY leaves.
XANDER
So, you guys saw a movie,
huh? Which one?
ANYA
Oh...too bad that ape one isn't
playing any more….it was really
amusing, though I didn't really
understand the ending.
SPIKE
We saw La Pitre de Morte.
Over at the Waverly.
XANDER
The What de Who?
Spike just nods with a shrug.
SPIKE
Yeah...that pretty much sums
up Buffy's reaction, too, as it
turns out.
ANYA
Oh…The Clown of Death, right?
I heard that was very good.
Ebert and that new guy gave
it two rousing thumbs up.
XANDER
Wait… isn't that the one where
these giant clowns are really
space aliens?
SPIKE
(sighs)
No.
ANYA
Listen Spike; I've been planning
my bouquet toss. I obviously
can't throw it to Willow or Tara,
unless they decide to move to
Vermont, so I decided on Buffy.
SPIKE
Uh…Buffy?
ANYA
(winking slyly)
And then I figured we could
arrange it so that you can
catch my garter.
SPIKE
(worried)
Wait a minute. Does that mean
what I think it means?
XANDER
Unfortunately, yes.
(To ANYA)
Anya…I thought we agreed just
to throw the damn things and
let nature take its course.
ANYA
Yes…but look at them.
(Indicating BUFFY who returns and hands SPIKE his drink)
Aren't they the cutest couple?
BUFFY/SPIKE
(simultaneously)
ANYA!
XANDER
(noticing SPIKE'S discomfort)
Enough wedding talk. Let's dance.
He and ANYA get up and go to the dance floor, leaving BUFFY and SPIKE alone at the table.
INTERIOR: GILES' APARTMENT - DINING ROOM - night
He is reading at the table, surrounded by piles of books. He turns pages, when suddenly something catches his attention. He reads eagerly, then jumps up hastily and goes up to DAWN'S room. He stand at her door, hesitant to knock, then finally does. There is no reply. He knocks again with more confidence, still nothing.
GILES
Dawn! Dawn, Excuse me, but
I need to speak with you. It's
a matter of some urgency.
Silence. Finally, GILES opens DAWN'S door, and enters.
INTERIOR: GILES' HOUSE - DAWN'S ROOM - night
Interior DAWN'S room. It is empty. The window is open, curtains waving in the breeze. GILES looks out the window, and then rushes out of the room, and out of the house.
INTERIOR: LYDIA'S APARTMENT - night
LYDIA is there with DAWN, who is pacing.
DAWN
I just don't know how much
more of this I can take, Lydia.
All of these senseless distractions.
Willow and Tara's magic conflicts,
Xander and Anya's incessant
marriage talk, Buffy and Spike's
"big date." Blah blah blah. I try
to pretend to be interested, like
you said, but it's all so much crap!
It keeps Buffy from living up to
whatever potential she's got, and
it just gets on my nerves! Last
night was the limit…Blah, blah
blah and the demon gets away!
He gets away!
LYDIA
Dawn, you must realize that
you and Buffy are two completely
different styles of Slayer. You are
a more pure form, of course, while
Buffy…
(sudden realization)
What demon?
EXTERIOR: BRONZE - night
Two guys are walking, towards the Bronze, having a discussion. They are your typical football player, expendable extra, schmuck bait types.
SCHMUCK #1
Look you moron…Simmons
was out of bounds, I tell ya!
SCHMUCK #2
Well, the ref didn't call it, and
if he didn't call it, and I didn't
see it…then it didn't happen!
We see the DEMON in its cloaked form following them. It follows them into the Bronze.
INTERIOR: BRONZE - night
SPIKE and BUFFY are dancing, as are ANYA and XANDER. It is a fast dance and the two couples are dancing together. SPIKE is not really into it, though Buffy is. After a few minutes he stops.
SPIKE
Listen, Buffy. I'm not really
in the mood for all this
thrashing about. I think I'll
go sit down. But you go ahead
and dance, pet.
BUFFY
Are you sure? I can sit down too.
SPIKE
Nah. This soul thing gets me
down, now and then. Too many
happy people. Just want to sit
and have my drink.
BUFFY
Sure, Spike. I understand.
He leaves and sits back down at the table, staring into space.
ANYA
Look, Xander, Buffy is dancing
all alone. Why don't you go
dance with her?
XANDER
(surprised)
You want me to dance with Buffy?
ANYA
Yes. All this jogging around is
making me have to pee. I'll
meet you back at the table.
ANYA leaves, and XANDER starts to dance with BUFFY. BUFFY is really into it, releasing the tension she didn't realize that she was feeling.
The music changes to a slow song.
CUT TO: SPIKE sitting alone. ANYA returns from the bathroom and sits down with him. BUFFY and XANDER are still dancing to the new song.
ANYA
Whew! The best part about
having to pee, is that it feels
so good when you finally do!
SPIKE
(with irony)
Yes...it's a constant thrill.
ANYA
So…was the movie as good
as they say?
SPIKE
I liked it.
As Anya speaks, Spike becomes more and more uncomfortable.
ANYA
Well, despite what Xander says…
I think you and Buffy make an
adorable couple. I can picture you
in a tuxedo with the cummerbund
matching Buffy's bridesmaid's
dress. The only problem is that
Willow and Tara mess up the whole
line. We're one man short...or one
woman too many.
SPIKE
Look…maybe you shouldn't be
so quick to match Buffy and me
up.
ANYA
Why not? You are dating, now.
Your feelings for her are legendary,
and she seems to be coming
around. It just makes things all
so nice and even.
SPIKE
(sighs)
Do you realize that in all these
years, Buffy and I never really
had a conversation? Well, beyond
Grrr…I'm going to kill you. Stuff
like that. The one talk we did
have, was mostly lies on my
part and evasions on hers.
ANYA
Well, that's what's good about
dating…you finally get to talk.
When you're not having sex,
that is.
Spike gets a little defensive again
SPIKE
Hey! This is our first date, all right?
We haven't quite got that far, and
at this rate we never will.
ANYA
What's wrong, Spike? Is it being
human? It gets better, I promise.
SPIKE
No, though I'm glad to hear it…
that it gets better, because right
now, it's bloody inconvenient.
No, it's Buffy. She's been right
nice to me, helpin' me deal with
my new soul, and all. But now
that I get to actually talk to her,
I find we don't really have all that
much in common.
ANYA
Besides the whole demon
killing thing?
SPIKE
Yeah…that's just it. When we're
not slaying together, we're not
really on the same wavelength.
ANYA
Well, at first with Xander and
me it was all sex, but then
eventually we began to have
actual conversations, and we
discovered that we really like
each other. That's important.
Spike smiles a little. He has something on his mind. It takes a few times to get it out.
SPIKE
Anya…I'm goin' to be sorry for
askin' this…but do you think
Buffy is really all that… intelligent?
CUT TO: XANDER dancing with BUFFY
BUFFY
Did you have any idea that
Spike was so…intelligent? I
mean once you get beyond
the whole punk thing. And
the vampire thing. And the
evil thing. Xander…he went
to Oxford!
XANDER
You're kidding me! Maybe he
was lying. You know Spike...
all talk.
BUFFY
No…I think that the Spike we
knew was all talk. All hype
about being The Big Bad.
XANDER
What…You mean William the
Bloody was a big phony?
BUFFY
Well, no, not quite. He certainly
was a killer, and a vicious one,
for over a century. I just think
that the person inside him is
not quite the lout we thought
he was.
XANDER
Well, that's a good thing, right?
BUFFY
Well, sure. I mean not only is
he cute and sexy, but he's
smart too. Nothing wrong with
that combination. It's just a
bit of a surprise, that's all.
(Pause)
I just hope I didn't come off
as Buffy the dummy tonight.
I mean he speaks French! He
took me to a French movie
tonight thinking that I would
understand it. I mean, I could
speak French…if I tried. And
studied, and well, took a course.
XANDER
Moi aussi, mon ami.
BUFFY
(smiles)
Don't start with me, Monsieur
Let's Throw ze Paper Airplanes!
BUFFY notices that XANDER is no longer paying attention.
BUFFY
(C'tnd)
Xander?
CUT TO: XANDER'S POV: which is ANYA and SPIKE having a tete-a-tete at the table. Suddenly we see something brush past him; it's our friend the DEMON. XANDER turns to look at it, but sees nothing.
INTERIOR: LYDIA'S APARTMENT - night
DAWN and LYDIA are talking quietly, when there is a pounding on the door. LYDIA opens it to find GILES, looking agitated. He looks in and sees DAWN, and marches in before LYDIA can even invite him.
GILES
Dawn! I will not have you
sneaking out of windows like
an insolent child! If you have
no respect for my authority,
then…
(on DAWN'S look)
Well, actually, this can wait for
another, more appropriate time.
I have something rather urgent
to tell you.
DAWN
(flatly)
What?
GILES
The d-demon that evaded you
and Buffy. I have found out
some facts about it that you
should know.
DAWN
(impatient)
Well?
GILES
It is called a Plegrath Demon.
Like its smaller and basically
harmless cousin, Gachnar, it
feeds on negative emotions.
However, unlike Gachnar,
this thing is really large and
ugly and quite vicious. You
see, Gachnar fed on fear
this demon feeds on anger.
And when the emotions have
built up enough steam, it
makes its kill.
DAWN
An Anger demon, huh? So
where is it?
GILES
I really have no idea…but
presumably a place where
strong emotions come into
play.
DAWN quickly grabs her bag and heads for the door.
DAWN
Don't worry, Giles. I'll find it.
Without Buffy to distract me,
and piss me off, I'll kill it…
no problem.
She leaves before anyone can even raise an objection.
GILES
For heaven's sake, Lydia…
go after her. She thinks she
can face this alone…but she
hasn't the experience. I'm
going to find Buffy.
He leaves. Lydia grabs her bag and goes out after him.
INTERIOR: BRONZE - night
The band leaves and goes to get drinks. BUFFY and XANDER come back to the table, where SPIKE and ANYA are sitting.
BUFFY
Whew. It's hot. I have to
make a pit stop.
(To ANYA)
Want to come with?
ANYA
I've already gone recently
thank you.
(Thinks)
Oh. I forgot. Women have to
go to the bathroom in pairs.
Excuse me.
She gets up and leaves with Buffy. XANDER sits down and glares at SPIKE, who has no idea what is wrong.
SPIKE
Buy you a drink, Harris?
XANDER
Why, Spike…feeling guilty?
SPIKE
Well…yes, basically. But Buffy's
been helpin' me with it.
XANDER
And Anya…has she been
helping you too?
Suddenly we notice that the PLEGRATH DEMON is standing right behind Xander's shoulder. At that moment we hear shouting. We cut to a couple at another table, an older MAN and a much younger WOMAN are having a major blowout.
MAN
You are so stupid! I don't know
why I put up with you? How
many times have I told you not
to answer the phone in my
office? It could have been my wife!
WOMAN
Well, it wasn't!
MAN
Through no fault of yours!
(Sudden revelation)
You know what? I think you
want me to get caught!
WOMAN
What...and have you exposed
as the lying cheating piece of
scum that you are?
MAN
Maddie!
WOMAN
Don't Maddie me! I've had it!
She throws the drink in his face and storms off to the ladies room, crying hysterically. The DEMON follows her into the bathroom, as BUFFY and ANYA are exiting.
ANYA
So, as I always say, the key
to a successful relationship is
communication.
BUFFY
You always say that? I've
never heard you say that.
(As the DEMON brushes past her)
What was that?
ANYA
What?
BUFFY
I'm not sure. Oh look…there's Giles.
GILES runs up to BUFFY and ANYA who are approaching the dance floor.
GILES
(breathlessly)
Oh…thank goodness, I've found
you. The demon that got away
from you and Dawn last night…
A loud scream comes from the Ladies room. GILES, BUFFY and ANYA freeze. The WOMAN from the table runs out of the bathroom, straight into GILES.
WOMAN
(indicating bathroom)
Oh My God! T-there's a girl in
there! And-and…she's dead!
BUFFY, ANYA and GILES exchange looks. BUFFY runs into the bathroom.
ACT FOUR
INTERIOR: BRONZE - night
The band comes back on stage, and begins playing…loud. People are dancing, all over. The place is packed.
ANYA
(Shouting)
This is getting insane!
Giles looks around, searching to see Buffy again. We see from his POV as Lydia and Dawn enter the Bronze. Dawn is looking very cool and calm, as is Lydia. They stroll over, avoiding the people moving around, and reach Giles. Anya is looking around frantically, and Giles is still mildly panting
DAWN
(Sarcastic)
Looks like you have things
under control.
Lydia looks at Giles bitterly.
LYDIA
Where is Buffy?
DAWN
I'll go find her.
GILES
There's someone dead in
the washroom.
DAWN
(exasperated)
I'll find her.
Dawn turns and moves into the crowd. We follow her, as she catches up to Buffy, who is heading quickly towards the bathroom.
DAWN
Buffy!!!
Buffy turns to see Dawn and joins her.
BUFFY
What are you doing here?
DAWN
Cleaning up your mistakes.
If you hadn't been partying,
whoever's in there wouldn't
be dead!
BUFFY
Dawn! What is with you!? I'm
sorry that I'm trying to have
a Life, and you're mad at me,
or something but—
DAWN
A slayer doesn't have a life.
They have responsibility!
Both girls are yelling over the music.
BUFFY
I don't know what that watcher
chick has been feeding you,
Dawn, but it's seriously messed
Up—
DAWN
She hasn't been "feeding"
me anything. I just accepted
my duty, a lot better then you!
Buffy pauses, looking very pissed off.
BUFFY
Look, I so do not have time
to discuss slayer duties with
you, right now…
She turns and walks forward, but she's suddenly thrown backwards. She gets up quickly, as the floor around where she got thrown clears. Nothing can be seen. Suddenly, the air ripples and the Plegrath demon comes out from his invisibility cloak. Dawn is at him like wild fire, punching and kicking, and pulls a sword out of her discarded weapon bag.
Dawn is pushed to the ground, and Buffy runs in, swinging the sword. The demon tries to move, but he's slashed across the shoulder. The demon puts his hand to his shoulder, and finds blood. He lets out a roar, and flies at Buffy, hitting the sword out of her hand.
She kicks him in the stomach, and he goes flying, narrowly missing a couple on lookers. He gets up and charges at Buffy, who side steps, and then jumps on his back.
The fight is now happening in the middle of the dance floor, and the band stops playing, mid song. Dawn gets up, and goes to the weapon bag, pulling out a battle axe.
The lead singer, JAMES, looks down at Buffy and the demon.
JAMES
Hey!! You two!!
The demon flips Buffy over, and has her pinned to the floor. She looks up at him, as the demon is sitting on her, holding her hands to the floor.
JAMES
No fighting! We're in the
middle of a damn set here!
The demon suddenly looks to James, with a hungry look, and gets off Buffy. Buffy sits up and massages her wrists, which were obviously hurt when the demon held her down.
The demon is approaching the stage. It's about to go for the kill when it stops suddenly. It looks curiously at James who just frowns. The demon is a little shocked. Dawn suddenly jumps onto its back, and drags it down. It throws her off, and runs for the door. Buffy and Dawn run after it, and everyone is silent.
JAMES
Thank You!! And… go!!
On "Go" the band strikes up again, and the floor quickly fills.
The girls follow the demon onto the street, it faces them, then suddenly, the air ripples and it's not there.
DAWN
(through clenched teeth)
Damn!
BUFFY
Don't worry… we'll find it…
DAWN
(Are you crazy?!)
Don't worry? Excuse me, but
you let it get away again!! The
only thing I'm worried about
is that you've become completely
unable to carry out your duties a
Slayer!!
Buffy sighs, and gives Dawn a "not now" look.
BUFFY
Look, I'm not dealing with you right
now. Just calm down, and help
me find it… I'm sure we can…
sense it…
She takes a deep breath and closes her eyes. Dawn does the same, with a brief look of uncertainty at Buffy. She both look very calm, and then suddenly kick the same spot with extreme accuracy, at the same time. The air ripples, and we see the demon fly backwards, becoming visible again when it hits the ground.
BUFFY
I'll hold it down!!
She jumps, and pins it to the ground, as the demon struggles. Dawn grabs a knife from her ankle, and jumps at the demon, as Buffy jumps out of the way. Dawn lands, and stabs the demon in the heart. She then stands, and steps away, very calm. Buffy is staring down at the demon.
DAWN
(Directed at Buffy)
That was easy.
BUFFY
Uh, yeah.
DAWN
Wonder why we couldn't
Have done it earlier. Oh, yes,
that's right… you let your social
life get involved with your slaying!
Buffy just rolls her eyes and heads back for the bronze.
CUT TO:
INTERIOR: MAGIC BOX - day
Willow and Tara are talking to the others about what happened the night before.
ANYA
…and the demon was actually
scared of the singer!
XANDER
That's metal bands for you.
I'd rather go against a whole
horde of vamps than deal with
just the four of them!
TARA
And the body? In the bathroom…
BUFFY
We never saw it. By the time we
got back from demon slaying the
paramedics had taken her away.
Willow seems thoughtful.
WILLOW
(half amused)
If it fed on anger I'm surprised
it didn't come after me… I was
so annoyed by my mother.
BUFFY
So things didn't go well in Chez
Rosenburg?
WILLOW
No… but I'm gonna try and talk
to her again… maybe I'll get
through to her eventually.
XANDER
And maybe next time she
won't try to burn you alive.
Spike is loitering the corner. Buffy walks to him.
BUFFY
Spike… Look… I'm sorry about
the date. Not exactly the most
pleasant experience.
SPIKE
Well, we can go see a better
movie next time.
BUFFY
I meant with the demon.
(pauses, a little disappointed)
We never even got as far as the
smoochies.
SPIKE
(shrugs)
Honestly, luv, it's okay.
(looks at his watch)
But I have to go. I've got an
appointment at the employment
center. I'm actually gonna try
and find a myself a job. God
help me. Bye all…
He walks towards the door. Buffy coughs to get his attention. He turns slowly around.
BUFFY
How about the goodbye kiss.
They say it's an integral part
of quite a few relationships.
Spike doesn't really get that she was joking. He quickly goes towards her, plants a kiss on her cheek and makes his way out.
ANGLE ON: XANDER AND ANYA. Xander watches Anya as she waves Spike goodbye – he's still a little jealous.
INTERIOR: MAGIC BOX - TRAINING ROOM - day
Dawn is punching a punching bag in the corner, completely focused. Buffy walks in, standing in the doorway.
BUFFY
(quietly)
Dawn…
Dawn stops, holding the bag, and rolling her eyes. She turns around to face Buffy.
DAWN
(impatiently)
What?
Buffy bites her lip.
BUFFY
I just wanted to say well
done on that demon, earlier
you did a really good job, and—
DAWN
It was nothing.
Buffy is awkward, but looks at Dawn genuinely.
BUFFY
It was something. You were
great when it came to—
DAWN
(interrupting again)
No, I mean it was nothing.
That demon shouldn't have
taken any effort, but because
you refused to stop being
such a social girl, it turned
into a big deal. It was
supposed to be a nothing.
BUFFY
Dawn, I'm sorry I—
DAWN
Just go, Okay? Go.
Buffy looks like she wants to talk more, but she leaves, hurt. Dawn goes back to pounding the punching bag, this time putting more Umph into each punch.
END