*For disclaimer, see Part 1.
The Keeper's Way: Doomed Love (2/2)
GILES VOICEOVER: Previously, on Buffy, the vampire slayer.
WILLOW: You are number one in your field.
BUFFY: Ha! I knew it!
VIOLET: Oh, I'm terribly sorry. How rude of me. Let me introduce myself. My name is Violet. I'm here to help you.
VIOLET: I'm a keeper. You do know what that is...?
VIOLET: I know all your names. Xander, Willow, Anya, Tara. I know things about you, too.
ANYA: So we're like ... your bedtime reading?
VIOLET: Not at all. But first, the reason why I'm here.
WILLOW: To help.
VIOLET: Yes, to help. To help Buffy.
VIOLET: I know my duty. My duty is to instruct Buffy as best as I can, while I'm here. You have to let me help you, Buffy. Trust me. I want to be your friend.
SPIKE: You've grown a bit since I last saw you, Violet love.
VIOLET: Oh, yes, some things have changed about you since the last time we met, too.
VIOLET: I truly believe that if Buffy were to...if you and she were together...she'd be much stronger than she is now.
SPIKE: When I told you I love you.
BUFFY: When you told me you loved me.
BUFFY: She thinks that if you and I... if you and me...if we...
SPIKE: Buffy. (with emotion) Buffy.
VIOLET: Yes. I agree. *Now* you're ready to fight. You're here, all of you, one hundred percent. Everything's perfect.
EXT. OUTSIDE GILES' HOUSE - DAY
The back of a figure that looks like a disfigured, overgrown cherub peers in through the window at Violet and Buffy, laughing. On its back are glittering silver arrows in a pouch that vaguely resembles an oversized human heart. It turns and on its grotesque face is an evil grin.
TITLE SEQUENCE
INT. SPIKE'S CRYPT - NIGHT
Sound of laughter. Spike is chasing Buffy around the crypt.
BUFFY (laughing): Spike! No!
Spike lunges at her, but she pulls away, giggling.
BUFFY: Naughty, naughty!
SPIKE: I should say the same about you, pet.
He grabs her by her sweater and pulls her close.
SPIKE: Off-guard?
BUFFY: On purpose.
They kiss.
BUFFY: Ummmmm.
SPIKE: I think so, too.
He keeps on kissing her, but Buffy jokingly pushes him off.
BUFFY: I'm supposed be patrolling.
SPIKE (pouting): Well you can stake me then, doll, if it'll make you stay.
Buffy playfully swats at him.
BUFFY: It's my sacred duty.
SPIKE: Blah, blah, blah. (he embraces her) Even the slayer needs playtime.
BUFFY: Not while evil's afoot.
SPIKE: What evil? It's been pretty quiet lately, especially for Sunnydale.
BUFFY: That's when the big evil is usually brewing. I have to go.
SPIKE (sighing): All right. Wait a bit and I'll join you.
BUFFY: Better hurry, or I might get bored and leave.
Spike slaps her on the behind.
SPIKE: Don't.
She pretend-punches him as he runs off.
EXT. THE UNIVERSITY - SAME NIGHT
Willow and Violet are walking back to Buffy and Willow's dorm.
WILLOW: I can't believe Spike and Buffy are a couple.
VIOLET: It's doing wonderful for Buffy's performance. (pause) In combat.
WILLOW: Who ever thought? Buffy and William the Bloody.
VIOLET: I admit, when I first thought of it, it seemed farfetched. But, then, I thought about it more, and it just clicked.
WILLOW: I just can't get over the shock.
VIOLET: It'll take awhile. I'd like to stay around and talk you through it, but my work here is done.
WILLOW (stopping): No, really? You're actually going back to Peru?
VIOLET: I have to. That cloaking spell isn't going to last much longer, and I don't think there's anything left to teach Buffy that Giles can't handle. I can't let the archives fall prey to any wandering miscreant.
WILLOW: We'll miss you. Really, you're like this really great friend now. And a matchmaker, too.
VIOLET: I don't think that latter is in my job description.
A girl's scream pierces the night. Violet and Willow make eye contact, then run towards the sound.
GIRL: You sick, two-timing pig!
BOY: You airheaded, pea-brained...yutz!
GIRL: Yutz? Yeah, for dating *you*, you sleaze!
She hits him over the head with a textbook. A small group of students stand watching them fight.
GIRL: I wish I'd never met you! I wish you'd never been born!
BOY: Ditto to you!
GIRL: UGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHH!
BOY: OOOOOOOOOOIIIIIIIIIIIII!
They stomp off in opposite directions.
VIOLET: What happened? What's the matter?
GIRL IN CROWD: They just started going at it. It was so weird.
WILLOW: What were they fighting about?
GIRL IN CROWD: That's just it. They just started. I mean, one minute, all lovey-dovey, the next, it's bloody murder.
VIOLET: They just started fighting - no reason?
GIRL IN CROWD: Yeah. I mean, usually Toby and Darren are the sweetest couple you'd ever see.They were all over each other, all the time. Then, boom!
Violet contemplates this.
WILLOW: But no one was hurt?
Girl in crowd shakes her head.
VIOLET: Think carefully. Before they began arguing, did either one touch the back of their ear? Like it was in pain?
GIRL IN CROWD: Yeah, Toby said something had pricked her behind her left ear. She asked Darren to look at it. He said he felt a small knick behind his left ear, too, but no one paid attention until Toby kicked Darren.
WILLOW: Violet?
VIOLET: Thank you. Lover's tiff. Sure it'll be resolved tommorrow. Tonight, even.
GIRL IN CROWD: Hope so. Hate to see a great couple like them break up over nothing.
Violet pulls Willow away.
VIOLET: I may not be leaving so soon. I think we have a problem.
EXT. GRAVEYARD - NIGHT
Buffy and Spike are patrolling, but still playing tag.
BUFFY (singsong): Catch me if you can...
SPIKE: Oh, you're wicked. No respect for the dead.
BUFFY: Don't you just love that in a woman?
SPIKE (mischievious grin): Yes.
Buffy sprints away.
CUT TO: INT. GILES' LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Willow, Tara, Anya, Giles, and Xander are listening to Violet read from a large book.
VIOLET: For lack of a better name, he is known as the 'Anti-Cupid'. He is a warped version of Cupid - disfigured, where Cupid is perfect, ugly where Cupid is beautiful. In place of love, he sows hate. He accomplishes this through silver arrows bathed in a poison that replaces love in the heart with hate. They are shot into the back of the ear, where the mixture causes voices to whisper misgivings about one's beloved.
CUT TO: EXT. GRAVEYARD - NIGHT
SPIKE: Come out, come out wherever you are!
BUFFY: Like it's that easy!
She flips backward and away.
SPIKE: I love it when you do that!
CUT TO: INT. GILES' LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
VIOLET: He targets at random, but he especially seeks out 'doomed love' - love where there is already a foundation of doubt. It is upon this foundation that he builds, drawing on the lovers' uncertainties.
CUT TO: EXT. GRAVEYARD - NIGHT
A shadowy figure is lurking behind the gravestones, watching Spike and Buffy.
SPIKE: Caught you!
BUFFY: You cheated!
SPIKE (mock-indignant): How?
BUFFY: All right. (she wriggles out his arms) I did!
She runs off giggling.
BUFFY: Come and get me, lover!
Spike laughs.
SPIKE: When I catch you again...
BUFFY: Less talk, more chase!
CUT TO: INT. GILES' LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
VIOLET: If left unchecked, hate can build to the point where the only option the lovers feel is valid...is to murder the other. At all cost.
They all stare at each other, thinking the same thing.
CUT TO: EXT. GRAVEYARD - NIGHT
The figure steps out of shadow. It is the Anti-Cupid.
BUFFY: Spike? (looks around) Where are you?
She walks out from behind a gravestone. Spike jumps her from behind, and they both fall to the ground.
SPIKE: Got the slayer pinned, have I?
BUFFY (twisting to look up at him): Not for long, I assure you.
The Anti-Cupid steps forward and shoots an arrow. It pricks Spike behind the right ear and vanishes.
Spike: Ouch. (grabs his ear) Are there mosquitoes in Sunnydale?
BUFFY: Are you all right? Can I kiss it better?
The Anti-Cupid shoots a second arrow, which amazingly hits Buffy behind the left ear and disappears.
BUFFY: Ow. Something bit me.
Momentary silence.
DREAM-LIKE BUFFY VOICE: What are you doing? Spike's straddling you! You're exactly where he wants you, exactly the way he wants you. Vulnerable. He's going to kill you. Look in his eyes!
DREAM-LIKE SPIKE VOICE: You bloody idiot! The slayer's been playing with you, literally. This was all a ploy to stick a stake through your chest. She's tried every other plan. This is her final one. And it worked. Or did it? You still have a chance. You're on top! Kill her before it's too late!
Spike growls. Buffy kicks him off her.
SPIKE: You!
BUFFY: You!
She takes out a stake.
SPIKE: You abhorrable tramp!
BUFFY: You murdering bloodsucker!
SPIKE: I gave you my heart and you ripped it out!
BUFFY: Not yet, Spike. And on second thought, no thanks! I'll just drive a piece of wood through it!
She lunges at him, but he ducks out of the way.
SPIKE: You thieving hussy!
BUFFY: Thieving? You're the one who steals all my stuff, you obsessive-compulsive...loser!
SPIKE: Stole my heart! My good intentions!
He slaps her across the face. She kicks him in the chest.
BUFFY: Well, what about you? Every other minute you're thinking up a way to kill me. Think *that's* nice?
SPIKE: I stopped thinking that months ago!
BUFFY: Sure!
She punches him in the face, and he shoves her away.
SPIKE: I thought if I was nice, like a good, well-behaved dog, maybe...
He narrowly misses the stake. Buffy screams in frustration.
SPIKE: But then I realized, this was your new plan. The best way to get rid of this big bad...was to shag him first!
He jumps out of the stake's way and pounds Buffy on the back.
BUFFY: *My* new plan? This was your plan, from the beginning! How did you do it? How did you convince Violet to help? Enchant her? And me, I fell for it!
They exchange punches.
SPIKE: Tell me one thing, Buffy. Was this to make my death all that more painful?
BUFFY: I have no idea what you're talking about, but you, death and pain in the same sentence is good enough for me!
This time, she runs screaming to stake him, but then the Scooby gang and Violet appear.
VIOLET: Buffy, no!
Buffy is momentarily distracted. Spike slaps the stake out of her hand and pulls her to him, facing the others. He has morphed into his game face.
SPIKE: It's time to die, baby.
WILLOW: Spike, please, no!
XANDER: You couldn't kill her, could you? You...you... (the words get caught in his throat)
ANYA: You love her!
TARA: Think of that! You love her! You love Buffy!
Spike pauses, looking at Buffy, long enough for Violet to raise her hand.
VIOLET: Get away!
Spike falls backward, as if pushed by some invisible force. Giles and Willow run to help Buffy.
GILES: Someone get the rope!
Xander, Anya and Tara quickly tie up Spike, who growls.
SPIKE: Damn you, slayer! You've ruined it again! (looks at Violet) I forgot your telekinesis, keeper.
The others all look at her.
VIOLET: We have to get them somewhere safe.
INT. SPIKE'S CRYPT - NIGHT
Spike is tied up. Everyone, except Xander and Anya, is standing around, Giles restraining Buffy.
BUFFY: This is my chance! Let me at him!
Spike snaps at her with his teeth.
SPIKE: Come and get me, goldilocks.
VIOLET: Enough, both of you!
They fall silent.
VIOLET: Can't you see this for what it is? A spell. No more, no less.
SPIKE: I was under a spell, when I thought she loved me. Sickening.
BUFFY: My sentiments exactly.
WILLOW: Buffy, I hate to say this, but...you and Spike were perfectly happy before this. You were happier than I've seen you lately. What you and Spike have, I think is real.
TARA: And Spike still knows he has feelings for Buffy. It's just that there's so much doubt clouding his mind right now. Artificially exaggerated, by the way.
VIOLET: I know how to reverse this.
Xander and Anya appear, dragging the fighting couple from before in.
VIOLET: You have to be willing. What happened to you - the doing of the Anti-Cupid - it replaces love with hate, but not all at once. Spike, back there in the cemetery, when we said you loved Buffy, you paused. Inside of all that confusion, that truth remains.
Spike is silent.
VIOLET: Now watch.
She takes a small brown pouch from her pocket.
VIOLET (to the boy and girl): Come here.
They walk towards her, scowling at each other. She shakes a little of the contents of the pouch, a gold powder, into her hand, then blows it into each of their faces.
VIOLET: Let the doubt subside. Look, and truly see.
The boy and girl look at each other.
GIRL: Darren.
BOY: Toby.
They hug. Violet smiles, snaps her fingers. They collapse, still holding each other.
VIOLET: Xander, Anya, can you put them back exactly as they were? That way, they'll only vaguely remember. Tara, Willow, could you help them?
Xander, Anya, Willow and Tara do as they're told. They exit with the sleeping couple.
VIOLET: Now, you two.
BUFFY (shaking her head violently): No way. That thing's gonna knock me out cold so that he can drain me dry. Forget it.
SPIKE: She wouldn't hesitate to stake me the moment I closed my eyes!
BUFFY: Grrrrrr!
SPIKE: Roarrrrrr!
VIOLET (sighing): You have to take that first step. You saw them. They approached me. It showed that they had an interest in salvaging their relationship.
BUFFY: What relationship? He's an undead, swaggering, arrogant, serial killer-cum-kleptomaniac!
SPIKE: And she's a whiny, uptight, holier-than-thou tart!
BUFFY: Vampire!
SPIKE: Slayer!
Silence. Giles lets go of Buffy. She doesn't make a move towards Spike.
SPIKE (in a whisper): What would my life be without you?
BUFFY (gently): I think I need you.
Buffy walks toward Spike. When she reaches him, she traces the side of his face with one finger. Violet walks up behind her.
VIOLET: Buffy.
When she turns, Violet blows some powder in her face, then Spike's.
VIOLET: Let the doubt subside. Look, and truly see.
Buffy looks at Spike. A small smile creeps up on her face.
BUFFY (breathlessly): Spike.
SPIKE: My honey love.
They kiss. Giles groans.
BUFFY: You're all tied up? Giles, why is Spike all tied up?
She begins to undo the rope.
BUFFY: On second thought...
She and Spike make eye contact. Violet smiles knowingly.
VIOLET: I think my work here is done. Giles, a late night snack?
GILES: Well, I...
Violet is ushering him out.
BUFFY: Violet.
Violet turns.
SPIKE: Thank you.
BUFFY: Really, thank you.
VIOLET: Don't mention it. Thank *you*, for finally being more than words on a page. Being a keeper is lonely sometimes, you know. I'm glad we met, at last. (winks) Don't stay up too late.
Buffy and Spike laugh.
EXT. OUTSIDE SPIKE'S CRYPT - CONTINOUS
Violet stands a moment, looking up at the stars.
VIOLET: I'm glad it all worked out for the best. I might even be back.
THE END
The Keeper's Way: Doomed Love (2/2)
GILES VOICEOVER: Previously, on Buffy, the vampire slayer.
WILLOW: You are number one in your field.
BUFFY: Ha! I knew it!
VIOLET: Oh, I'm terribly sorry. How rude of me. Let me introduce myself. My name is Violet. I'm here to help you.
VIOLET: I'm a keeper. You do know what that is...?
VIOLET: I know all your names. Xander, Willow, Anya, Tara. I know things about you, too.
ANYA: So we're like ... your bedtime reading?
VIOLET: Not at all. But first, the reason why I'm here.
WILLOW: To help.
VIOLET: Yes, to help. To help Buffy.
VIOLET: I know my duty. My duty is to instruct Buffy as best as I can, while I'm here. You have to let me help you, Buffy. Trust me. I want to be your friend.
SPIKE: You've grown a bit since I last saw you, Violet love.
VIOLET: Oh, yes, some things have changed about you since the last time we met, too.
VIOLET: I truly believe that if Buffy were to...if you and she were together...she'd be much stronger than she is now.
SPIKE: When I told you I love you.
BUFFY: When you told me you loved me.
BUFFY: She thinks that if you and I... if you and me...if we...
SPIKE: Buffy. (with emotion) Buffy.
VIOLET: Yes. I agree. *Now* you're ready to fight. You're here, all of you, one hundred percent. Everything's perfect.
EXT. OUTSIDE GILES' HOUSE - DAY
The back of a figure that looks like a disfigured, overgrown cherub peers in through the window at Violet and Buffy, laughing. On its back are glittering silver arrows in a pouch that vaguely resembles an oversized human heart. It turns and on its grotesque face is an evil grin.
TITLE SEQUENCE
INT. SPIKE'S CRYPT - NIGHT
Sound of laughter. Spike is chasing Buffy around the crypt.
BUFFY (laughing): Spike! No!
Spike lunges at her, but she pulls away, giggling.
BUFFY: Naughty, naughty!
SPIKE: I should say the same about you, pet.
He grabs her by her sweater and pulls her close.
SPIKE: Off-guard?
BUFFY: On purpose.
They kiss.
BUFFY: Ummmmm.
SPIKE: I think so, too.
He keeps on kissing her, but Buffy jokingly pushes him off.
BUFFY: I'm supposed be patrolling.
SPIKE (pouting): Well you can stake me then, doll, if it'll make you stay.
Buffy playfully swats at him.
BUFFY: It's my sacred duty.
SPIKE: Blah, blah, blah. (he embraces her) Even the slayer needs playtime.
BUFFY: Not while evil's afoot.
SPIKE: What evil? It's been pretty quiet lately, especially for Sunnydale.
BUFFY: That's when the big evil is usually brewing. I have to go.
SPIKE (sighing): All right. Wait a bit and I'll join you.
BUFFY: Better hurry, or I might get bored and leave.
Spike slaps her on the behind.
SPIKE: Don't.
She pretend-punches him as he runs off.
EXT. THE UNIVERSITY - SAME NIGHT
Willow and Violet are walking back to Buffy and Willow's dorm.
WILLOW: I can't believe Spike and Buffy are a couple.
VIOLET: It's doing wonderful for Buffy's performance. (pause) In combat.
WILLOW: Who ever thought? Buffy and William the Bloody.
VIOLET: I admit, when I first thought of it, it seemed farfetched. But, then, I thought about it more, and it just clicked.
WILLOW: I just can't get over the shock.
VIOLET: It'll take awhile. I'd like to stay around and talk you through it, but my work here is done.
WILLOW (stopping): No, really? You're actually going back to Peru?
VIOLET: I have to. That cloaking spell isn't going to last much longer, and I don't think there's anything left to teach Buffy that Giles can't handle. I can't let the archives fall prey to any wandering miscreant.
WILLOW: We'll miss you. Really, you're like this really great friend now. And a matchmaker, too.
VIOLET: I don't think that latter is in my job description.
A girl's scream pierces the night. Violet and Willow make eye contact, then run towards the sound.
GIRL: You sick, two-timing pig!
BOY: You airheaded, pea-brained...yutz!
GIRL: Yutz? Yeah, for dating *you*, you sleaze!
She hits him over the head with a textbook. A small group of students stand watching them fight.
GIRL: I wish I'd never met you! I wish you'd never been born!
BOY: Ditto to you!
GIRL: UGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHH!
BOY: OOOOOOOOOOIIIIIIIIIIIII!
They stomp off in opposite directions.
VIOLET: What happened? What's the matter?
GIRL IN CROWD: They just started going at it. It was so weird.
WILLOW: What were they fighting about?
GIRL IN CROWD: That's just it. They just started. I mean, one minute, all lovey-dovey, the next, it's bloody murder.
VIOLET: They just started fighting - no reason?
GIRL IN CROWD: Yeah. I mean, usually Toby and Darren are the sweetest couple you'd ever see.They were all over each other, all the time. Then, boom!
Violet contemplates this.
WILLOW: But no one was hurt?
Girl in crowd shakes her head.
VIOLET: Think carefully. Before they began arguing, did either one touch the back of their ear? Like it was in pain?
GIRL IN CROWD: Yeah, Toby said something had pricked her behind her left ear. She asked Darren to look at it. He said he felt a small knick behind his left ear, too, but no one paid attention until Toby kicked Darren.
WILLOW: Violet?
VIOLET: Thank you. Lover's tiff. Sure it'll be resolved tommorrow. Tonight, even.
GIRL IN CROWD: Hope so. Hate to see a great couple like them break up over nothing.
Violet pulls Willow away.
VIOLET: I may not be leaving so soon. I think we have a problem.
EXT. GRAVEYARD - NIGHT
Buffy and Spike are patrolling, but still playing tag.
BUFFY (singsong): Catch me if you can...
SPIKE: Oh, you're wicked. No respect for the dead.
BUFFY: Don't you just love that in a woman?
SPIKE (mischievious grin): Yes.
Buffy sprints away.
CUT TO: INT. GILES' LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Willow, Tara, Anya, Giles, and Xander are listening to Violet read from a large book.
VIOLET: For lack of a better name, he is known as the 'Anti-Cupid'. He is a warped version of Cupid - disfigured, where Cupid is perfect, ugly where Cupid is beautiful. In place of love, he sows hate. He accomplishes this through silver arrows bathed in a poison that replaces love in the heart with hate. They are shot into the back of the ear, where the mixture causes voices to whisper misgivings about one's beloved.
CUT TO: EXT. GRAVEYARD - NIGHT
SPIKE: Come out, come out wherever you are!
BUFFY: Like it's that easy!
She flips backward and away.
SPIKE: I love it when you do that!
CUT TO: INT. GILES' LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
VIOLET: He targets at random, but he especially seeks out 'doomed love' - love where there is already a foundation of doubt. It is upon this foundation that he builds, drawing on the lovers' uncertainties.
CUT TO: EXT. GRAVEYARD - NIGHT
A shadowy figure is lurking behind the gravestones, watching Spike and Buffy.
SPIKE: Caught you!
BUFFY: You cheated!
SPIKE (mock-indignant): How?
BUFFY: All right. (she wriggles out his arms) I did!
She runs off giggling.
BUFFY: Come and get me, lover!
Spike laughs.
SPIKE: When I catch you again...
BUFFY: Less talk, more chase!
CUT TO: INT. GILES' LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
VIOLET: If left unchecked, hate can build to the point where the only option the lovers feel is valid...is to murder the other. At all cost.
They all stare at each other, thinking the same thing.
CUT TO: EXT. GRAVEYARD - NIGHT
The figure steps out of shadow. It is the Anti-Cupid.
BUFFY: Spike? (looks around) Where are you?
She walks out from behind a gravestone. Spike jumps her from behind, and they both fall to the ground.
SPIKE: Got the slayer pinned, have I?
BUFFY (twisting to look up at him): Not for long, I assure you.
The Anti-Cupid steps forward and shoots an arrow. It pricks Spike behind the right ear and vanishes.
Spike: Ouch. (grabs his ear) Are there mosquitoes in Sunnydale?
BUFFY: Are you all right? Can I kiss it better?
The Anti-Cupid shoots a second arrow, which amazingly hits Buffy behind the left ear and disappears.
BUFFY: Ow. Something bit me.
Momentary silence.
DREAM-LIKE BUFFY VOICE: What are you doing? Spike's straddling you! You're exactly where he wants you, exactly the way he wants you. Vulnerable. He's going to kill you. Look in his eyes!
DREAM-LIKE SPIKE VOICE: You bloody idiot! The slayer's been playing with you, literally. This was all a ploy to stick a stake through your chest. She's tried every other plan. This is her final one. And it worked. Or did it? You still have a chance. You're on top! Kill her before it's too late!
Spike growls. Buffy kicks him off her.
SPIKE: You!
BUFFY: You!
She takes out a stake.
SPIKE: You abhorrable tramp!
BUFFY: You murdering bloodsucker!
SPIKE: I gave you my heart and you ripped it out!
BUFFY: Not yet, Spike. And on second thought, no thanks! I'll just drive a piece of wood through it!
She lunges at him, but he ducks out of the way.
SPIKE: You thieving hussy!
BUFFY: Thieving? You're the one who steals all my stuff, you obsessive-compulsive...loser!
SPIKE: Stole my heart! My good intentions!
He slaps her across the face. She kicks him in the chest.
BUFFY: Well, what about you? Every other minute you're thinking up a way to kill me. Think *that's* nice?
SPIKE: I stopped thinking that months ago!
BUFFY: Sure!
She punches him in the face, and he shoves her away.
SPIKE: I thought if I was nice, like a good, well-behaved dog, maybe...
He narrowly misses the stake. Buffy screams in frustration.
SPIKE: But then I realized, this was your new plan. The best way to get rid of this big bad...was to shag him first!
He jumps out of the stake's way and pounds Buffy on the back.
BUFFY: *My* new plan? This was your plan, from the beginning! How did you do it? How did you convince Violet to help? Enchant her? And me, I fell for it!
They exchange punches.
SPIKE: Tell me one thing, Buffy. Was this to make my death all that more painful?
BUFFY: I have no idea what you're talking about, but you, death and pain in the same sentence is good enough for me!
This time, she runs screaming to stake him, but then the Scooby gang and Violet appear.
VIOLET: Buffy, no!
Buffy is momentarily distracted. Spike slaps the stake out of her hand and pulls her to him, facing the others. He has morphed into his game face.
SPIKE: It's time to die, baby.
WILLOW: Spike, please, no!
XANDER: You couldn't kill her, could you? You...you... (the words get caught in his throat)
ANYA: You love her!
TARA: Think of that! You love her! You love Buffy!
Spike pauses, looking at Buffy, long enough for Violet to raise her hand.
VIOLET: Get away!
Spike falls backward, as if pushed by some invisible force. Giles and Willow run to help Buffy.
GILES: Someone get the rope!
Xander, Anya and Tara quickly tie up Spike, who growls.
SPIKE: Damn you, slayer! You've ruined it again! (looks at Violet) I forgot your telekinesis, keeper.
The others all look at her.
VIOLET: We have to get them somewhere safe.
INT. SPIKE'S CRYPT - NIGHT
Spike is tied up. Everyone, except Xander and Anya, is standing around, Giles restraining Buffy.
BUFFY: This is my chance! Let me at him!
Spike snaps at her with his teeth.
SPIKE: Come and get me, goldilocks.
VIOLET: Enough, both of you!
They fall silent.
VIOLET: Can't you see this for what it is? A spell. No more, no less.
SPIKE: I was under a spell, when I thought she loved me. Sickening.
BUFFY: My sentiments exactly.
WILLOW: Buffy, I hate to say this, but...you and Spike were perfectly happy before this. You were happier than I've seen you lately. What you and Spike have, I think is real.
TARA: And Spike still knows he has feelings for Buffy. It's just that there's so much doubt clouding his mind right now. Artificially exaggerated, by the way.
VIOLET: I know how to reverse this.
Xander and Anya appear, dragging the fighting couple from before in.
VIOLET: You have to be willing. What happened to you - the doing of the Anti-Cupid - it replaces love with hate, but not all at once. Spike, back there in the cemetery, when we said you loved Buffy, you paused. Inside of all that confusion, that truth remains.
Spike is silent.
VIOLET: Now watch.
She takes a small brown pouch from her pocket.
VIOLET (to the boy and girl): Come here.
They walk towards her, scowling at each other. She shakes a little of the contents of the pouch, a gold powder, into her hand, then blows it into each of their faces.
VIOLET: Let the doubt subside. Look, and truly see.
The boy and girl look at each other.
GIRL: Darren.
BOY: Toby.
They hug. Violet smiles, snaps her fingers. They collapse, still holding each other.
VIOLET: Xander, Anya, can you put them back exactly as they were? That way, they'll only vaguely remember. Tara, Willow, could you help them?
Xander, Anya, Willow and Tara do as they're told. They exit with the sleeping couple.
VIOLET: Now, you two.
BUFFY (shaking her head violently): No way. That thing's gonna knock me out cold so that he can drain me dry. Forget it.
SPIKE: She wouldn't hesitate to stake me the moment I closed my eyes!
BUFFY: Grrrrrr!
SPIKE: Roarrrrrr!
VIOLET (sighing): You have to take that first step. You saw them. They approached me. It showed that they had an interest in salvaging their relationship.
BUFFY: What relationship? He's an undead, swaggering, arrogant, serial killer-cum-kleptomaniac!
SPIKE: And she's a whiny, uptight, holier-than-thou tart!
BUFFY: Vampire!
SPIKE: Slayer!
Silence. Giles lets go of Buffy. She doesn't make a move towards Spike.
SPIKE (in a whisper): What would my life be without you?
BUFFY (gently): I think I need you.
Buffy walks toward Spike. When she reaches him, she traces the side of his face with one finger. Violet walks up behind her.
VIOLET: Buffy.
When she turns, Violet blows some powder in her face, then Spike's.
VIOLET: Let the doubt subside. Look, and truly see.
Buffy looks at Spike. A small smile creeps up on her face.
BUFFY (breathlessly): Spike.
SPIKE: My honey love.
They kiss. Giles groans.
BUFFY: You're all tied up? Giles, why is Spike all tied up?
She begins to undo the rope.
BUFFY: On second thought...
She and Spike make eye contact. Violet smiles knowingly.
VIOLET: I think my work here is done. Giles, a late night snack?
GILES: Well, I...
Violet is ushering him out.
BUFFY: Violet.
Violet turns.
SPIKE: Thank you.
BUFFY: Really, thank you.
VIOLET: Don't mention it. Thank *you*, for finally being more than words on a page. Being a keeper is lonely sometimes, you know. I'm glad we met, at last. (winks) Don't stay up too late.
Buffy and Spike laugh.
EXT. OUTSIDE SPIKE'S CRYPT - CONTINOUS
Violet stands a moment, looking up at the stars.
VIOLET: I'm glad it all worked out for the best. I might even be back.
THE END