Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Summer Script Challenge
The Powers that Be Pro Temporae
Episode 6.04: Kindling
By JodithDoug Petrie (Jodith Grace), Carl Aminelluvsworth (AminalLuv), David Furme (Me)
Additional scenes by Marti Noggston (Noggins)
GILES (VO)
Previously on Buffy the Vampire Slayer...
From: Faith, Hope and Trick
FAITH
I'm Faith.
From: Enemies
GILES
We have a rogue Slayer on our
hands. I can't think of anything
more dangerous.
From: Angel - Sanctuary
We see Faith sitting alone in a jail cell, leaning back against the wall.
TEASER
INTERIOR: DARK ROOM - location unknown
A shot of a dark room, with a single person in it, laying on a small bunk. We recognize this as a prison cell. Outside the bars of the cell, we see other prisoners. A small group of women, dressed in jean material uniforms trudge by. The figure on the bed stirs, slightly. A clang of metal is heard, and the person on the bed jumps. A female guard at the bars is unlocking the door.
GUARD
Visitor, Faithy.
The figure, who we now recognize as Faith, sits up and lazily gets out of the bed, sending the guard a loathing look. She walks slowly over to the door and follows the guard through the hall.
As they walk, we camera pan over the many cells in the prison, getting shots of many of the other prisoners there.
They walk past three women, and one lifts an eyebrow and whistles. Faith waves, and laughs slightly. Obviously the two are friends.
The guard leads Faith into a room, with booths for conversations. She points to a far booth and Faith makes her way over. Faith is smiling brightly as she approaches the booth, but we see her expression as she catches her first glimpse of the person on the other side. She goes from being surprised to disgusted. She bites her lip, and looks half tempted to walk away. She finally sits in the chair, and we see the person on the other side. We don't recognize her, but it's obvious that Faith both knows, and dislikes her.
FAITH
(Mock happiness)
Wonderful.
WOMAN
Faith. Hi.
Long silence. Faith looks at the woman expectantly.
FAITH
Well, to what do I owe the pleasure
of this 'visit'. 'Cause Haven't seen you
in, what, six years?
WOMAN
(With a strong Boston accent)
Faith, babe, I'm only here cause I heard
som'ing.
FAITH
Oh yeah? And what would that be.
WOMAN
On the demon front…
FAITH
(Interupting)
Hello! I'm in jail! Not a slayer
anymore, don't need news from
"The demon front".
WOMAN
(Leaning in)
In Sunnydale…
This shuts Faith up. She purses her lips.
WOMAN
(Cont'd)
The Slayer. She's dead. But…
Faith looks shocked, then horrified. She slowly shakes her head, the stands up, slamming the phone down and storming out of the room. The woman begins thumping on the glass.
WOMAN
(Muffled)
Wait!
BLACKOUT
(opening credits)
ACT ONE
EXT. GRAVEYARD - night
Spike, Buffy and Pike are in the same positions as we left them at the end of 6.03. Buffy and Pike have been caught in the middle of a kiss, and Spike stand to the side with a bouquet of flowers. Buffy and Pike exchange a "Oh!" look, realizing what they were doing and break apart.
BUFFY
(Nervous)
I… I… No! You weren't interrupting
anything, Cause nothing was happening!
PIKE
(amused)
Uh, that didn't feel like nothing.
SPIKE
(Skeptically)
Didn't look like nothing either.
BUFFY
(Slightly defensive)
Well, what's it to you if it *was*
something?
Spike shrugs his shoulder and looks at the flowers.
SPIKE
I'll just be leaving these.
As he walks past Pike, Spike gives him a bitter look, and Pike looks smug.
BUFFY
(Okaaay)
Um, why are you leaving… those.
SPIKE
Well, whether or not we have
you back, there's still a You in there.
The smile is wiped off Pike's face, as he realizes this. Buffy nods solemnly, before suddenly letting out a short laugh.
BUFFY
God, I'm mourning myself.
PIKE
(Making with the charm)
Too much "mourning" is never enough.
Not for you.
Buffy blushes, one of those "Awww" moments, then turns back to the head stone. As she looks down, Spike rolls his eyes, and Pike smirks at Spike.
BUFFY
Who picked the epitaph?
SPIKE
We all did. Well, uh, mostly
me and Red. Everyone else
was still in a state after… you
know. Me and Red managed to
pull ourselves together in time to
organize… things.
Buffy looks briefly guilty, disturbed. She's still really coming to terms with the fact that people suffered so much. They had a funeral for her and everything.
PIKE
(to Buffy)
I wish I' been here to help with
everything.
Buffy ignores him, still looking down at the headstone.
SPIKE
(with a sad smile)
Don't feel bad, luv, you
saved the bloody world.
BUFFY
(biting her lip)
But you guys… you went through…
SPIKE
We did what we had to.
Buffy smiles, then turns back to the gravestone. Spike flashes his cocky grin at Pike and Pike sulks.
INTERIOR: BOOTH ROOM - Faith's prison, unknown time
Angel walks into the prison accompanied by a security guard. The security guard walks Angel to the cubicle where we see Faith sitting, separated by a sheet of bullet proof glass. Angel picks up his phone.
FAITH
(playfully)
Hey dog! Glad to see you're still of
the undead. It's good to know that
while I was sitting in prison wondering
if the only person who ever understood
me was nothing more then a big pile o'dust,
you were out and about, choosing not to
visit.
ANGEL
(not noticing that Faith wasn't really upset)
Faith, I'm sorry about my not being
around lately, I really am, but some
pretty serious stuff has been going on.
FAITH
Oh you mean like B dying and then
rejoining us here on the Planet of
the Apes?
ANGEL
(slightly surprised)
You know! Did the Watcher's Council
contact you?
FAITH
(sarcastically)
Oh Yeah! And then they invited
me to join them for some tea
and crumpets. (Seriously now)
Angel, to them I don't even exist.
They probably think they're better off
with no slayer then with me.
They're probably right.
ANGEL
(sternly and very convinced that he's right)
They're not! You're a good person
Faith; you just lost sight of the light
for a while. The mayor was like a
father to you, and you were the
perfect daughter. It's not surprising
that you followed him into the dark.
FAITH
(sentimentally, at least for Faith)
That's all I ever wanted Angel
ANGEL
(trying to lighten the mood)
I thought all you wanted was a dog
and some toys.
FAITH
Very nice! Taunt the psychopathic
vampire slayer. Ya know this bulletproof
glass isn't slayer proof.
ANGEL
Sorry couldn't help myself.
But really, I know how you feel.
I was never good enough for my
father
FAITH
That's not it. I was good enough
for my dad. There was a time when
I was the perfect daughter.
FLASHBACK:
INTERIOR: JABLONSKY APARTEMENT - afternoon.
TITLE CARD: Boston, 1988
Establishing shot of the Jablonsky apartment. It's one of those 3 Family apartments you see everywhere in Boston, Not shabby, but not rich either. Lower Middle Class.
We cut to the living room. Mom (Katie) is watching a soap opera, cigarette in hand. There is a glass of beer next to her. We hear somebody in the bedroom, humming. The front door opens and in comes Faith, age 7.
She is dressed in a Parochial School uniform, and would be cute as a button, except that her uniform is all muddy, her knees are cut up...and she has a fat lip, and what will soon be a black eye. She is also crying. Katie gets up, annoyed at missing her program, and confronts the little girl.
KATIE
Faith, for God's sake, look at you!
You're a mess! Look at that uniform...
what did you do...roll in the mud?
Do you know what a pain in the ass
it is to get that uniform clean?
YOUNG FAITH
S-sorry Mom. That idiot Billy O'Brien
and his dumb ass friends…
KATIE
Faith! Watch your language! And how
many times have I told you to stay away
from those boys? They are trouble makers,
and your dad and I aren't paying good
money to send you to that school to get
into trouble.
YOUNG FAITH
But, Mom…t-they were beating up the first
graders and taking their lunch money.
KATIE
I don't want to hear about it!
The bedroom door opens and in comes Dad (Frank) He is older than Katie by several years (he is about 40) He isn't handsome, but has a rugged face, as though he has seen a lot in his life. He is wearing navy blue slacks and an undershirt. He has a blue shirt in his hand, which he hangs on the doorknob as he squats down to look at Faith.
FRANK
Katie, I'll handle this.
KATIE
Fine. You can wash the uniform too!
Katie shrugs and goes back to her TV show, taking a big drink of beer.
FRANK
Faith, my girl. What's all this noise
I hear out here? Sounds like Saigon
on Saturday night! Whoa...look at you.
(He lifts her chin gently and inspects her face)
Did somebody get the license of
that truck that hit ya?
FAITH
(giggling)
It wasn't a truck Daddy...it was Billy O'Brien.
FRANK
That wimp? Bullying the little kids again, huh?
Well what did you do to him?
FAITH
(looking down)
N-nothing much. H-he was too big for me.
Frank walks over to his easy chair and sits down. Faith follows him and climbs on his lap.
FRANK
Whoa..You're getting too big for
this my girl. How old are you now, 26?
FAITH
(giggling)
I'm almost 7, Daddy...my birthday's
next week!
FRANK
Ah...that's right. Are you the one
who wanted the bicycle? Or was that
some other almost 7 year old I know?
YOUNG FAITH
(smiles)
That's me.
FRANK
Good. I'd sure hate to deliver that
Bike to the wrong little girl.
(Faith smiles up at him, her tears long forgotten)
Well, I'll tell you about people like Billy
O'Brien. They're big, but they're scared.
They can only pick on the little and weak.
Most of the criminals I see everyday are
just like him. Now listen to me Faith… you're
little, but you're tough! And you're one of the
good guys. You tried to protect the little kids.
That's important. Next time, you'll get him.
YOUNG FAITH
But how, Daddy?
FRANK
Tomorrow's Saturday, right? How about
you and me going to the park, and I'll
give you a few boxing lessons?
KATIE
(looking up from her show at this)
Frank! Are you nuts? She's 6 years old!
You want her to go picking fights? She'll be
in jail before she's 19!
FRANK
Katie. I said I'd handle this.
She wants to be one of the good guys,
like her old man. I'm just teaching
her how…so she can come home without
a muddy uniform and a black eye.
He looks at his watch
FRANK
Faith, my girl, it's almost 4.
I have to go to work now.
Faith slides off his lap reluctantly and he gets up. He takes his shirt from the doorknob and puts it on. It is a uniform of the Boston Police. He goes into the bedroom and comes out with his hat and gun, which he puts on. He squats down to Faith again.
FRANK
So how about a hug for your old dad?
Faith hugs him
YOUNG FAITH
Bye Daddy. Are you going to shoot
some bad guys, tonight?
FRANK
I try not to shoot 'em, Faith, unless
they try to shoot me. Mostly,
we try to bring 'em in, safe and sound,
so they can get the punishment they
deserve. Are you gonna be all
right, Faith, my girl? Everything five by five?
FAITH
Daddy, what does five by five mean?
You always say it.
FRANK
(chuckling)
You know something Faith? I have
no idea. Except that my Lieutenant
in Nam used to say it when everything
was okay, and there was no enemy
in sight. So, I started saying it too.
FAITH
Sure, Daddy. Everything's five by
five. See ya tomorrow.
He goes over and kisses Katie on the forehead. She ignores him, obviously miffed. He leaves.
BLACKOUT
End of Act One
ACT TWO
INTERIOR: BOOTH ROOM - Faith's prison, unknown time
FAITH
That was the last time I ever saw
my father, well the last time I ever
saw him alive.
ANGEL
(more a statement than a question)
He died in action.
FAITH
(hesitates then decides to say what she's thinking.)
I miss him Angel.
ANGEL
He sounds like a good guy
FAITH
(trying to hide the emotion in her voice.)
The best. He shouldn't have died,
and now he's probably off in some hell
dimension.
ANGEL
They're not all hell. There are
good places too.
FAITH
How do you know? You went to hell,
so did Buffy. Even this place
(motions with her free hand) this planet,
it's hell. What exactly do we have
to believe that there's something better?
ANGEL
No Faith, this isn't hell. It may feel
like it sometimes, but here at least you
can experience happiness. I've felt it,
a moment when you can just let go of
all the pain.
Faith smirks a little. More sardonically than anything else.
FAITH
And what did it get you? You lost
your soul and B ran you through with
a sword. That's how it is for all of us.
Happiness is dangled right in front of our
Faces, and then when we get a taste of it,
it's all taken away in an instant.
Were given a taste of what we'll never
have again just so that we can have a
chance to miss it. Every other minute,
we're reminded of what we can't have.
If that isn't hell, what is?
ANGEL
It's not true Faith. You can have
happiness again. You just have
to earn it. It's a long hard road,
but you're already traveling it and
you will get there. I know
because I'm going to get there some
day and if I can find happiness again,
you most certainly can.
FAITH
You don't know that, you couldn't
possibly know it.
ANGEL
I can and I do. Faith, I'm going to be
human someday. There's a prophecy,
it says I'm going to be human. All
the pain, all the grief and remorse and
suffering, there's an end to it. And
there's an end to yours too.
FAITH
I used to believe that. I used to believe
that I could just follow in my daddy's footsteps
and fight the good fight just like he did
and that would make me happy. And, when
I found out that I might be slayer, that
I just might be destined to fight that fight,
I thought my prayers had been answered,
but they hadn't Angel. Even my calling
led to nothing but goddamn unhappiness.
FLASHBACK:
EXTERIOR: DOWNTOWN BOSTON, OUTSIDE DEPARTEMENT STORE - afternoon.
TITLE CARD: Boston, March 1998
Two girls exit the store, both dressed in typical 1998 slutwear. Faith, and her friend Maddie. They are 15, going on 30.
They laugh and talk normally, inaudibly, and as they cross the street, we zoom in and are able to hear them.
FAITH
So...what did ya get?
Maddie reaches into her purse and comes out with…
MADDIE
A lipstick, these cool sunglasses…uh,
that's all...that saleslady was watching me
like a hawk. How about you?
Faith takes off her leather jacket revealing a silk blouse. She spins around.
FAITH
Whadda ya think?
MADDIE
Jeez, Faith, that's a silk blouse! That is
wicked awesome. How did ya do it?
FAITH
Ya got to know where the security cameras
are, and don't use the changing room.
MADDIE
You took off your blouse right in the
store? Jeez! What about the ink thing?
Faith, untucks the blouse to reveal a plastic security tag on the hem
FAITH
Danny has a tool that will take it off.
He's done it before lots a times.
So you wanna hang out tonight?
MADDIE
(hesitating, realizing that Faith is way out of her league)
Uh...Aren't you seeing Danny tonight?
FAITH
I wish. But his 'rents caught him smokin'
dope, so he's grounded for like the whole
rest of his friggin' life. I thought maybe
you and me could go to the movies.
MADDIE
I-I can't. I have a Trig test tomorrow,
and I...got 3 warning notices this semester
and if my grades don't improve, my folks
are gonna kill me! Don't your parents bug
you about your grades?
FAITH
It's only my mom, and the only thing
she notices is if her gin supply is running
low. Besides, I turn 16 next month
and I am so outta here.
MADDIE
Jeez! Where are you gonna go?
FAITH
I thought maybe Hollywood. I always
wanted to see California. Harold...that's
my mom's new BF said that maybe I
could be a model or somethin'.
I look at least 18, don't ya think?
MADDIE
He really said that?
FAITH
Yeah...though he was probably just
trying to get into my pants, ya know?
MADDIE
(aghast)
Your Mother's boyfriend?
FAITH
Yeah, well sometimes she gets too drunk
and passes out...so he gets bored and hits
on me. He isn't the first one. They've been
after me since I was 12.
MADDIE
Jeez! You-you don't let them…do you?
FAITH
(shrugs a little)
Yeah, well, they didn't use to give me
much of a choice. Now it depends on
what mood I'm in...if I feel like fightin' em
off, or not.
Maddie stops walking. Faith does too.
MADDIE
But, Jeez, Faith. That's like, against the
law or something. Why don't you tell the
Guidance counselor, or Mr. Hernandez...or
somebody?
FAITH
Yeah...right. And end up in some foster
home? I don't need anyone telling me
what to do. I do fine on my own. I
can take care of myself. I have
since I was 7. Listen, Maddie. You go
home and do your homework, like
a good little girl, okay? Don't worry
about me. Everything's five by five.
MADDIE
Sure, Faith. See ya in English
tomorrow.
She hurries away relived. We cut to exterior of Faith's apartment. It is now almost dark. Streetlights reveal a much shabbier place than the last one. A worse neighborhood. We see her pass winos and homeless people on the street as she walks up the steps of her home.
INTERIOR: APARTMENT - night
Katie and Harold are fighting. They are both drunk. Harold is big and mean looking. He is in his fifties. He is pushing Katie around. Katie has gone way down hill since we saw her last. She is still attractive, but heavier and unhealthy looking. We recognize the same furniture from the previous apartment, but the place is a mess. The front door opens and Faith walks in.
FAITH
Oh...great! I see it's the Monday
night fights again!
KATIE
Faith! Oh hon...we weren't fighting. I
wash just 'splainin' to Harold that
we seem to be out of gin.
FAITH
Did you look under the sink? I think
I saw a bottle there yesterday. Behind
the ammonia.
HAROLD
Oh yeah? And why were you lookin'
for gin, my girl?
FAITH
Don't call me that! I wasn't looking
for gin... I was looking for ammonia
to clean up after her Saturday night
binge! The place smelled like a
sewer!
HAROLD
Aww. A pretty little thing like you
shouldn't be doing Cinderella work.
KATIE
You leave Faith alone, Harold. I know
about you two!
HAROLD
Oh yeah, and what are you going to
do about it?
He swats Katie across the face...she staggers back and leans against the wall, crying. Immediately Faith is on him.
FAITH
You leave my mom alone! You stinkin'
bastard!
HAROLD
What did you call me, little girl?
He hits Faith, sending her flying, but she comes back to him, this time holding an open switchblade knife.
HAROLD
What the…
Faith stabs him in the arm, a quick jab, and pulls the knife out again. He grabs his arm in shock and pain but it only stops him for a second. He knocks the knife out of her hand and grabs her by the shoulders.
HAROLD
You think you can stop me, little girl?
Think again!
CUT TO:
EXTERIOR: APARTMENT - night
She comes running out. Blood is running from her nose and is holding the torn silk blouse around herself. She is crying. She runs blindly down the stairs right into a man, who is standing next to her house reading a slip of paper. Obviously directions. He is JULIAN WELLS. He is British and attractive in a bookish kind of way, about 30 years old.
JULIAN
Excuse me, are you by any chance
Miss Faith Jablonsky?
FAITH
Who wants to know?
JULIAN
I've been looking for you.
FAITH
Jesus! Look, I'm sorry, okay? I'll
pay for the friggin' blouse! I don't
think you're gonna want it back in
this condition. Let me go upstairs
and get my purse.
She turns and runs like hell down the street. Julian runs after her
JULIAN
Miss Jablonsky, wait! I'm not
with the police!
She runs, but is exhausted and falls into a heap, sobbing. Julian catches up to her and says breathlessly.
JULIAN
Miss Jablonsky. I repeat. I am not
with the police. I-I represent the
Council of Watchers. I've come all
the way from London to find you,
Miss Jablonsky. I've-I've come to
teach you to fight.
Faith looks up at him in suspicion and wonder. He offers her his hand. She accepts it and he helps her up.
INTERIOR: WATCHER'S COUNCIL CHAMBERS - PRESENT
We see Quentin Travers seated at a desk, and the female watcher from Checkpoint, Lydia, standing a few feet way.
QUENTIN
Now, Ms Barlow, you do understand
how much of a responsibility we're
placing on you.
LYDIA
Yes, sir, I do.
QUENTIN
Many of the council believe
that you might not be the best
for the job… but I have faith
in you. You are one of our
brightest members, and you
are best prepared to face the
dangers that Sunnydale hold.
LYDIA
I understand. And I appreciate,
sir, this opportunity, and your
support.
Quentin stands and walks over the Lydia, holding his hand out.
QUENTIN
Well, it was wonderful meeting
with you, dear. Please ask Nigel
to send the others in on your
way out.
Lydia smiles, nods swiftly, turns about face and marches out the door. As she leaves, the warm smile leaves Quentin's face, and he picks up a file on his desk, sitting on the edge of the table.
Four watchers enter, and Quentin stands to greet them, shaking hands with each.
QUENTIN
Thank you all for coming.
The four men each take a seat, and Travers goes back behind his desk, sitting in his chair with a deep sigh.
QUENTIN
I assume each of you have
received a more detailed explanation
as to what our strategy is. You have
been contacted simply because you
have the skills we need to carry out
our plans.
MAN 1
(Impatiently)
Oh, there's no need for a bloody
introduction, Travers. Procedure be
damned. This goes beyond procedure.
just explain.
Travers takes a deep breath.
QUENTIN
Fine, then.
BLACKOUT
End of Act Two
ACT THREE
INTERIOR: WATCHER'S COUNCIL CHAMBERS
The four mean from the last shot have now left the room, and Nigel (from Checkpoint) is standing in front of Traver's desk, as Quentin reads over a document. They've obviously been talking for a while, as Nigel seems to continue the conversation.
NIGEL
Sir, I'm only suggesting-
TRAVERS
(Calmly putting the papers down)
I *know* what your suggesting,
and it's out of the question.
NIGEL
But there's no way you can
expect the team to get past
pull this off.
TRAVERS
All I know, is that we've sent
a group of four of our most
prestigious members, to gather
a small team to pull off this task.
Mitchells suggested a group of over
20 other members. Now, do you
really believe the Slayer's group of
Riff Raff could ever beat that?
NIGEL
(slightly frantic)
I understand, sir, that this Slayer,
however powerful, is reckless, and
thus not as strong as her actions
might suggest… but Sir…
(desperate)
I was almost beheaded!
TRAVERS
Oh, Nigel, stop it. The team
We sent is much better trained
In battle as opposed to… You.
NIGEL
Yes, but-
TRAVERS
Oh, shut up. We're going
to get this done, and there's
nothing this Summers girl does is
going to stop us! You know
we've worked out any and all
kinks in the plan. If they delay
us the first time, we have a back
up plan. It's going to perfectly
fine! Now, get out of my office
before I really get annoyed with
you.
Nigel turns looking flustered, and walks out. He shuts the door defiantly on his way out.
NIGEL
(to himself)
That stupid girl will be the
death of us.
INTERIOR: MAGIC BOX - evening
Buffy is looking over several books. In the background Spike and Pike are glaring at each other across the table. Buffy realizes and turns around.
BUFFY
Will you two stop doing that?
PIKE
He started it.
SPIKE
Like hell I did!
Buffy walks towards Spike.
BUFFY
Spike, how about going back to
your crypt? You don't have to
stay here you know…
SPIKE
And he does?
BUFFY
Once Giles gets back from taking
Dawn home I'll be training with him.
PIKE
(quickly, interrupting)
And I'm helping out?
SPIKE
(smirks)
Y'know that big bloody Michelin
Man costume would probably
suit you better than Xander.
Spike gets up and slaps Pike on the back with mock affection. Buffy glares angrily at him.
SPIKE
(grinning)
I'm going… behave while I'm
gone.
PIKE
Oh, we'll try.
(Buffy kicks him in the shin)
Ow!
BUFFY
Maybe you two could start
growing up some time soon.
SPIKE
Hey! I'm well into my second
century!
BUFFY
Funny. I've seen first graders
more mature than you.
Spike looks aghast. Buffy hasn't spoken to him like this in a long time. He gives Pike a "this is your fault" look before storming out without a word.
PIKE
You told him… You know,
you could just stake him. It'd
make things a lot easier for
u… you.
BUFFY
He's harmless.
(pause)
Anyway, he's done more
good around here than you
have. You never even called
me in the last six years.
PIKE
Hey! I'm on your side here!
Buffy sighs. She sits down next to Pike.
BUFFY
Sorry, Pike. I'm just a little
tense.
PIKE
I guess coming back from the
dead does that to you.
BUFFY
I… I just never realized what
everyone went through after
I died. The pain they must
have suffered… Especially
Angel… I guess he always knew
I'd die before him but…
(sighs sadly)
I don't know…
PIKE
Angel?
Buffy looks up a little surprised.
BUFFY
No one told you?
FLASHBACK:
INTERIOR: TRAINING ROOM - LOCAL YMCA - afternoon.
TITLE CARD: Boston, March 1998
Faith is running around a track. Julian Wells is timing her with a stopwatch. He is frowning. Faith collapses on the bench next to him.
FAITH
Whew! I'm wiped out! Can I take a
break now?
JULIAN
How can you possible be tired?
You've run precisely one half lap.
FAITH
Well, that's a half a lap more than
they ever got outta me in gym class.
You should be happy.
JULIAN
And how did you manage to get out
of Physical Education? If I recall those
teachers tend to be rather…tough.
FAITH
Well my gym teacher kinda had a crush
on me. I used it.
JULIAN
Well, he has my condolences, poor chap.
FAITH
(with a mischievous smile)
She. Miss Finnigan.
JULIAN
(not reacting in the slightest)
Excuse me. She has my deepest
condolences.
FAITH
Hey, J…you look like a major tightass,
but nothing I say ever shocks you.
How come?
JULIAN
First of all, my name is Julian.
Not J or Jules or Julie or any of
the more bizarre nicknames you
have come up with in the past week.
Secondly, I'm afraid that despite my
looks I have seen things a lot more shocking
than your life, as colorful as it may be.
FAITH
Yeah, right. Vampires and demons and
all that fun stuff. So when am I going to
see some of them?
JULIAN
When you are prepared.
FAITH
And when will that be? You haven't even
taught me any cool fighting stuff like you
promised. When do we get to the punching
and kicking?
Julian sighs. He turns to Faith affectionately but in a matter of fact way.
JULIAN
Faith, You can't even run a single
lap around the track. Or do a single
pushup. When you are in condition,
we will begin the actual lessons. I
assure you, You will be thoroughly
trained.
FAITH
I don't get it. You don't even know if
I will ever get to be this Vampire Slayer.
JULIAN
No I don't. It is not within my
power or even that of the Council
of watchers. All we can do is single
out the girls with potential to become
Slayers, and train them as best we can.
Right now there are 10 of you spread
out all over the world. But only one
actual Slayer. Well, actually, uh two for
some reason. One lives in Sunnydale,
California. The other lives in Jamaica.
FAITH
Cool. Do I ever get to meet them?
JULIAN
That is highly unlikely. The council
doesn't encourage fraternization
between the existing slayer and the
slayers in waiting.
FAITH
How come? Maybe we could be,
you know, friends.
JULIAN
You will only become the Slayer
upon her death. Do you really wish
to get to know her?
FAITH
(shudders)
No... I guess not… but how will I know
if I get called?
JULIAN
You will know. I've been told that
the girl has a moment of dizziness
followed by a surge of strength. You
will receive your slayer powers at
that moment.
FAITH
And I'll really be super strong, right?
JULIAN
Yes, but unless you are properly
trained to use that strength, you will
as useless as a bull in a china shop.
FAITH
Yeah...well I know all about bull,
especially when I hear it. But -
(She stands)
I am grateful for that program you
got my Mom into. I don't know if it
will help but…
JULIAN
It was no problem, Faith. Our slayers
are very important to us. But we do
demand a certain level of dedication
from them, as well.
FAITH
(with a sigh)
Yeah, I know what that means, J. Laps!
She runs off around the track.
CUT TO:
INTERIOR: DIFFERENT TRAINING ROOM - day.
TITLE CARD: Several Months Later
The scene changes to a different training room, one with mats. Faith is punching a bag. Julian watches.
JULIAN
Not bad, Faith. Try jabbing with your
left, then punching with your right.
Faith
Like this?
She gives a huge punch, which knocks the bag off its hook
JULIAN
Excellent. I must say you've made
incredible progress this past week.
FAITH
Yeah...well I told you I would do
better when we got to the actual
fighting stuff. Bring on the vampires!
JULIAN
Faith...you haven't sparred with
an actual person yet. Vampires
don't obligingly stand around like
punching bags. They tend to fight back.
FAITH
Okay so who am I gonna spar with?
JULIAN
Me.
FAITH
You? Ha. Excuse me, J., but even
though you are kinda cute in a Clark
Kent kinda way, you don't look like you
could fight your way out of a paper bag!
Julian removes his Tie and jacket.
JULIAN
Well, as I recall, Clark Kent's looks
proved rather deceiving as well.
He removes his shirt, reveal a very nice chest and set of arms in a tight tee shirt. He puts his shirt, tie and jacket neatly on the bench, and places his glasses on top of them. Meanwhile, Faith is looking at him with ill-disguised lust. Julian, caught up in what he is doing, doesn't notice.
FAITH
Well, this has got potential!
JULIAN
Excuse me?
FAITH
Uh...never mind. What do we do now?
JULIAN
We start with some simple throws.
He begins to demonstrate some simple Judo moves to Faith. She is more interested in watching him than in paying attention to what he is showing her. He remains very professional, though it is obvious to us that she is flirting with him. Note: I don't know enough about judo to choreograph this, but their progress should be shown over a period of time, with cuts and editing, and eventually end with a real sparring match with Faith suddenly getting the idea, and throwing Julian and ending up on top of him.
FAITH
(all hot and sweaty)
Now this is my idea of fun!
JULIAN
Yes, excellent job. Now, please
let me up.
FAITH
Not so fast, J. Don't I get a little
reward for all my hard work? I don't
know about you but I could use a little
R&R right about now.
She runs her hands up his chest and down his arms.
JULIAN
Faith! Let me up immediately!
This behavior is inappropriate.
FAITH
Come on, J. Loosen up a little. A
little fun won't hurt you.
She tries to kiss him, but he throws her off and stands up, outraged
JULIAN
Faith-- Miss Jablonsky. This will not
happen. I am your watcher. That is a
sacred responsibility, and one that I do
not take lightly. A Watcher and slayer
must have mutual trust and respect. Any
sort of p-personal relationship is out of the
question.
Faith looks at him, totally crushed by what she sees is his rejection of her. Her hurt quickly turns to anger.
FAITH
Sure. No problem. Wanna go again?
With no warning, she lunges at him again. They spar, but this time she is playing for keeps and it is all Julian can do to hold his own with her. When she throws him again it is with real anger and violence. Julian picks himself up, with a very obviously injured shoulder, and takes his shirt and jacket off the chair. He puts his glasses on and walks wordlessly out the door. Faith stands there looking after him.
INTERIOR: BOOTH ROOM - Faith's prison, unknown time
Faith is looking down at her hand on the counter, upset. Angel looks at Faith, a sort of disturbed look on his face.
Faith looks up, smiling bitterly. She takes a deep breath.
FAITH
And that's pretty much how I
got the new watcher.
CLOSE ON: Angel's sympathetic look.
BLACKOUT
End of Act Three
ACT FOUR
INTERIOR: BOOTH ROOM - Faith's prison, unknown time
Angel is in the same position as before as he continues to try and help Faith.
ANGEL
I'm sorry Faith. Those watchers
know all about how to deal with
vampires and demons but it seems
the council forgot the most important
thing. How to deal with young women.
FAITH
Yeah well the council ain't got it's
Head screwed on straight. They
thought it's be a good birthday present
to send B a horrible vamp and some
drugs to take away her slayer skills. And
they fired the only decent man they had
working for 'em.
(Angel gives Faith a look letting her know she forgot someone)
Oh yeah and they canned Wes too. He
wasn't so bad once he clocked a little
field time.
ANGEL
Yes well, they have failed to change
with the times but they're on the same
side, they just don't know how to go
about it anymore.
FAITH
Hello? Did ya miss the part about
almost getting B killed. And they
tried to dispose of me more then
once though I can't say I blame
them for that.
Angel looks at her sympathetically. He's not happy with her self depreciation.
ANGEL
They did have their reasons but
they weren't good ones. Faith,
you're a good person at heart. They
should have taken more care with
you. The powers only chose those who
are worthy for you're calling. The council
knows that and they shouldn't have
tried to kill you.
FAITH
Ya know the council didn't even want
me. After the first of my many watchers
deserted me, they weren't gonna send
nobody else.
ANGEL
Well they changed their minds
didn't they? I guess they saw
something special in you.
FAITH
Or they just realized they didn't
have a choice. I was a potential
slayer and they weren't the ones
to decide whether I was called or
not. Forgetting about me didn't
change the fact that I had just as
much a chance as ever of being
called as any of the other girls they
had lined up. And it's a good thing
they figured that out 'cause, well
looky here, whole slayer package.
And ya know, being called, quite
the experience.
FLASHBACK:
INTERIOR: TRAINING ROOM - LOCAL YMCA - afternoon.
TITLE CARD: Boston, May 1998
The training room. Faith is working out, lifting weights. She is alone. The door opens and in comes a Priscilla Scott. She is in her late 30's, large and strong, rather horse-faced, like Prince Charles in drag, British, of course. She is dressed in a tweed skirt and twin set with sensible shoes.
PRISCILLA
(with a Yorkshire accent)
You'll be Faith, I presume.
Faith puts down the weights but doesn't make an effort to move.
FAITH
(eyeing Priscilla's unappealing appearance)
Presume away. So what is this,
Murder She Wrote? I thought we
were supposed to be slaying
vampires, not writing mysteries.
PRISCILLA
I am Priscilla Scott, and I am your
new Watcher. Right now vampires
are not on the agenda. And they
never will be until we get a few
things straight.
Faith walks around Priscilla, watching her carefully.
FAITH
Yeah, yeah, yeah. No more
passes at the watcher. No problem!
PRISCILLA
Faith. Julian Wells requested that
you be removed from the program
all together. He considers you
dangerous and a loose cannon.
FAITH
Little ol' me? Huh. Some people can't
take a joke.
PRISCILLA
You dislocated his shoulder.
FAITH
(somewhat taken aback)
Oh.
PRISCILLA
However, the Council feels that you
have made extraordinary progress in
slayer skills since March. And we have
been observing you working out alone
here these past few weeks since Julian
left. We think that you may be too valuable
to let go. Which is why you are being given
a second chance. I hope that we will not
be proven wrong.
FAITH
Listen, uh-I know I get carried away
some times. I'm sorry I hurt the guy.
Honest. And I do wanna be a Slayer.
I want to be one of the Good Guys,
you know?
Priscilla becomes even more serious. There is a sympathetic tone to her voice.
PRISCILLA
Yes, I believe I do know. I'm very
sorry about your Mother, Faith. I'm
sorry that there wasn't more that
we could have done.
FAITH
(a little nonchalantly)
Yeah, well. You guys did all you
could. The doc said her liver was
shot. It's okay. She and I weren't
exactly close. Don't sweat it.
PRISCILLA
Well, my plan is this. We will stay
here in Boston this summer. There
are some vampires here, and I want
to start you actually slaying. Even
without slayer powers, I believe that
you will be able to handle it.
FAITH
And then?
PRISCILLA
That remains to be seen.
CUT TO:
EXTERIOR: GRAVEYARD - BOSTON - night.
Faith and Priscilla are waiting. Faith is armed with a stake, Priscilla with a crossbow. A bag of weapons is beside them, along with a lantern.
PRISCILLA
Remember. A newly arisen
vampire is stupid and slow, but
he is also voraciously hungry,
and therefore very dangerous.
FAITH
Slow, stupid, hungry, dangerous.
Got it. Where the hell is he?
PRISCILLA
Patience, dear. He will arise…no doubt about…there!
The vampire comes up out of the earth and Faith lunges at him. He is very large, and swats her away like he would a fly.
Faith charges again, Priscilla watching her back with the crossbow. They face off, Faith skillfully evading his blows, and landing a few. She is just about to go for his heart, when 2 more vampires appear out of nowhere. These ones are neither slow nor stupid.
Priscilla starts to fight one off, when we notice Faith, who is being attacked by two vampires, suddenly sinks to the ground in a faint. The vampires are taken aback by this. They look at each other like this is almost too easy.
They move in for the kill, when suddenly Faith leaps up in full slayer mode. She dispatches both of them with ease, staring with wonder when they turn to dust before her eyes.
She suddenly realizes that Priscilla is struggling with her vampire, and comes up behind him and stakes him in the back. Poof.
FAITH
Man that was fun! Come on Priss,
let's go find some more!
PRISCILLA
Faith. Are you all right?
FAITH
Yeah, I'm great. Five by five. I
thought we were goners when I
saw those other tow, but then,
wow, I don't know what got into
me, but it was like, bring 'em on,
you know?
PRISCILLA
You've been called.
FAITH
What?
PRISCILLA
You've been called. You've become
a slayer. I can feel the power
emanating from you. Can't you?
FAITH
Son of a Bitch. I do feel it. I feel
like I could run the Boston marathon
right now. I thought I was just jazzed
up from getting' those guys.
PRISCILLA
I've never actually seen it happen.
It was quite amazing.
Faith shakes herself up and down. Se cricks her neck from side to side. She's impressed with her newfound powers.
FAITH
So what happens next? Do I get
to go to California? Or Jamaica?
PRISCILLA
No. Missouri.
FAITH
(disappointed)
Missouri?! What the hell is in Missouri?
PRISCILLA
Oh, Faith. I must confess. I've
been secretly hoping that this
would happen. I have a bit of a
project for you.
FAITH
A vampire type project?
PRISCILLA
(nodding)
Kakistos.
FAITH
Kakistos? He's a vampire, you say?
PRISCILLA
(with a far away look in her eyes)
A very old one. So old that his
feet have turned into cloven hooves.
I've been studying him for many
years. You might say that he is my
life's work.
FAITH
Uh Huh. And do you, like, have
his picture in your locker?
PRISCILLA
(ignoring her)
He disappeared several years ago.
Then last year we had reports that
he had turned up in a small town
outside of St. Louis. He is ravaging
the countryside. He is a scourge and
must be destroyed.
FAITH
(confidently)
Well then, let's go. I'm there.
Faith is really fired up now. Priscilla has to try her best to calm her down a little.
PRISCILLA
No. We cannot go there unprepared.
Do not let tonight fool you. You have
much work to do, before you will be
ready to face a vampire of his strength
and cunning. No. We will stay here this
summer, as planned, and then in
September, we will destroy him.
FAITH
Uh...WE?
PRISCILLA
You will destroy him. But I will
show you how.
FAITH
Okay. Cool.
(there's a little pause)
Sooo, anyway, who kicked it?
PRISCILLA
Excuse me?
FAITH
Well, in order for me to become a
Slayer, one of the other slayers had
to die, right? So who bought it?
PRISCILLA
(horrified)
Faith. Oh my God. I completely
forgot. The last I heard Kendra
had been sent to Sunnydale to
help Buffy Summers against Angelus.
One of them must have been killed.
Oh my. We must go phone the
Council. Come along Faith.
Priscilla hurries off. Faith lingers for a moment.
FAITH
Be right there.
She stops and looks at the gravestone.
FAITH
Buffy, Kendra…uh, which ever of
you bought it. Well, I'm sorry. But…
(her face light up)
Thanks!
She hurries after Priscilla
INTERIOR: BOOTH ROOM - FAITH'S PRISON - unknown time
We're back in the present again. Angel watches Faith as she smiles softly remembering the events of her calling.
FAITH
And you pretty much know the
rest, right? Priss bought the
farm… I would have too if it
weren't for Buffy.
ANGEL
She does help like that.
FAITH
Yeah. She helped you real good.
turned you into a psychotic
killer. I've got enough men into
bed before but they never
ended up like…
ANGEL
Please. Stop.
FAITH
Sorry, big guy…
(pause)
Well, you know my disturbing
little history. You're the first
person to know. Scare you?
ANGEL
I've heard worse.
FAITH
(nods a little)
Yeah. I'm sure you have.
Angel begins to look around. He notices most of the other visitors leaving.
FAITH
You gotta go?
ANGEL
Looks like it. Look… I'll be
back soon.
FAITH
You said that last time.
ANGEL
Things got difficult then. I
promise you I'll be back.
FAITH
You won't be the first guy to
say that to me.
ANGEL
I'll be the first one to mean it.
Goodbye.
Angel gets to his feet. He turns and begins to walk away.
FAITH
See ya.
Angel doesn't turn around but Faith knows he's pleased with her progress. She smiles.
INTERIOR: WATCHER'S COUNCIL CHAMBERS - evening
Quentin Travers is sitting behind his desk. Nigel and two other Watchers are with him.
FIRST WATCHER
So I can assure you this will work.
QUENTIN
As long as Lillith gets what she
wants and we're able to dispatch
Faith I'm sure I'm quite pleased.
NIGEL
And the other Slayer? Will she
agree? The last time we tried…
QUENTIN
She'll have to agree. Her presence
here is integral to our plan. That
and those friends of hers, of course.
Quentin leans back in his chair and smiles.
INTERIOR: MAGIC BOX - day
Buffy, Tara, Willow, Pike, Spike, Giles, Xander, Anya and Dawn are standing or sitting in the Magic Box. We pan across each one of them until we finally focus on Spike, Dawn and Pike.
Pike stands up and walks over to Buffy but she says nothing. She's a little nervous around him. He's about to walk back to the table then stops and turns around.
PIKE
I don't mind you know. It's a
little weird but… that word kinda
sums up your whole life doesn't
it?
BUFFY
(nods, smiles)
Yeah… It does.
Pike and Buffy smile at each other then walk back to the table.
BUFFY
So? What's the plan for tonight's
slayage?
BLACKOUT
END
Summer Script Challenge
The Powers that Be Pro Temporae
Episode 6.04: Kindling
By JodithDoug Petrie (Jodith Grace), Carl Aminelluvsworth (AminalLuv), David Furme (Me)
Additional scenes by Marti Noggston (Noggins)
GILES (VO)
Previously on Buffy the Vampire Slayer...
From: Faith, Hope and Trick
FAITH
I'm Faith.
From: Enemies
GILES
We have a rogue Slayer on our
hands. I can't think of anything
more dangerous.
From: Angel - Sanctuary
We see Faith sitting alone in a jail cell, leaning back against the wall.
TEASER
INTERIOR: DARK ROOM - location unknown
A shot of a dark room, with a single person in it, laying on a small bunk. We recognize this as a prison cell. Outside the bars of the cell, we see other prisoners. A small group of women, dressed in jean material uniforms trudge by. The figure on the bed stirs, slightly. A clang of metal is heard, and the person on the bed jumps. A female guard at the bars is unlocking the door.
GUARD
Visitor, Faithy.
The figure, who we now recognize as Faith, sits up and lazily gets out of the bed, sending the guard a loathing look. She walks slowly over to the door and follows the guard through the hall.
As they walk, we camera pan over the many cells in the prison, getting shots of many of the other prisoners there.
They walk past three women, and one lifts an eyebrow and whistles. Faith waves, and laughs slightly. Obviously the two are friends.
The guard leads Faith into a room, with booths for conversations. She points to a far booth and Faith makes her way over. Faith is smiling brightly as she approaches the booth, but we see her expression as she catches her first glimpse of the person on the other side. She goes from being surprised to disgusted. She bites her lip, and looks half tempted to walk away. She finally sits in the chair, and we see the person on the other side. We don't recognize her, but it's obvious that Faith both knows, and dislikes her.
FAITH
(Mock happiness)
Wonderful.
WOMAN
Faith. Hi.
Long silence. Faith looks at the woman expectantly.
FAITH
Well, to what do I owe the pleasure
of this 'visit'. 'Cause Haven't seen you
in, what, six years?
WOMAN
(With a strong Boston accent)
Faith, babe, I'm only here cause I heard
som'ing.
FAITH
Oh yeah? And what would that be.
WOMAN
On the demon front…
FAITH
(Interupting)
Hello! I'm in jail! Not a slayer
anymore, don't need news from
"The demon front".
WOMAN
(Leaning in)
In Sunnydale…
This shuts Faith up. She purses her lips.
WOMAN
(Cont'd)
The Slayer. She's dead. But…
Faith looks shocked, then horrified. She slowly shakes her head, the stands up, slamming the phone down and storming out of the room. The woman begins thumping on the glass.
WOMAN
(Muffled)
Wait!
BLACKOUT
(opening credits)
ACT ONE
EXT. GRAVEYARD - night
Spike, Buffy and Pike are in the same positions as we left them at the end of 6.03. Buffy and Pike have been caught in the middle of a kiss, and Spike stand to the side with a bouquet of flowers. Buffy and Pike exchange a "Oh!" look, realizing what they were doing and break apart.
BUFFY
(Nervous)
I… I… No! You weren't interrupting
anything, Cause nothing was happening!
PIKE
(amused)
Uh, that didn't feel like nothing.
SPIKE
(Skeptically)
Didn't look like nothing either.
BUFFY
(Slightly defensive)
Well, what's it to you if it *was*
something?
Spike shrugs his shoulder and looks at the flowers.
SPIKE
I'll just be leaving these.
As he walks past Pike, Spike gives him a bitter look, and Pike looks smug.
BUFFY
(Okaaay)
Um, why are you leaving… those.
SPIKE
Well, whether or not we have
you back, there's still a You in there.
The smile is wiped off Pike's face, as he realizes this. Buffy nods solemnly, before suddenly letting out a short laugh.
BUFFY
God, I'm mourning myself.
PIKE
(Making with the charm)
Too much "mourning" is never enough.
Not for you.
Buffy blushes, one of those "Awww" moments, then turns back to the head stone. As she looks down, Spike rolls his eyes, and Pike smirks at Spike.
BUFFY
Who picked the epitaph?
SPIKE
We all did. Well, uh, mostly
me and Red. Everyone else
was still in a state after… you
know. Me and Red managed to
pull ourselves together in time to
organize… things.
Buffy looks briefly guilty, disturbed. She's still really coming to terms with the fact that people suffered so much. They had a funeral for her and everything.
PIKE
(to Buffy)
I wish I' been here to help with
everything.
Buffy ignores him, still looking down at the headstone.
SPIKE
(with a sad smile)
Don't feel bad, luv, you
saved the bloody world.
BUFFY
(biting her lip)
But you guys… you went through…
SPIKE
We did what we had to.
Buffy smiles, then turns back to the gravestone. Spike flashes his cocky grin at Pike and Pike sulks.
INTERIOR: BOOTH ROOM - Faith's prison, unknown time
Angel walks into the prison accompanied by a security guard. The security guard walks Angel to the cubicle where we see Faith sitting, separated by a sheet of bullet proof glass. Angel picks up his phone.
FAITH
(playfully)
Hey dog! Glad to see you're still of
the undead. It's good to know that
while I was sitting in prison wondering
if the only person who ever understood
me was nothing more then a big pile o'dust,
you were out and about, choosing not to
visit.
ANGEL
(not noticing that Faith wasn't really upset)
Faith, I'm sorry about my not being
around lately, I really am, but some
pretty serious stuff has been going on.
FAITH
Oh you mean like B dying and then
rejoining us here on the Planet of
the Apes?
ANGEL
(slightly surprised)
You know! Did the Watcher's Council
contact you?
FAITH
(sarcastically)
Oh Yeah! And then they invited
me to join them for some tea
and crumpets. (Seriously now)
Angel, to them I don't even exist.
They probably think they're better off
with no slayer then with me.
They're probably right.
ANGEL
(sternly and very convinced that he's right)
They're not! You're a good person
Faith; you just lost sight of the light
for a while. The mayor was like a
father to you, and you were the
perfect daughter. It's not surprising
that you followed him into the dark.
FAITH
(sentimentally, at least for Faith)
That's all I ever wanted Angel
ANGEL
(trying to lighten the mood)
I thought all you wanted was a dog
and some toys.
FAITH
Very nice! Taunt the psychopathic
vampire slayer. Ya know this bulletproof
glass isn't slayer proof.
ANGEL
Sorry couldn't help myself.
But really, I know how you feel.
I was never good enough for my
father
FAITH
That's not it. I was good enough
for my dad. There was a time when
I was the perfect daughter.
FLASHBACK:
INTERIOR: JABLONSKY APARTEMENT - afternoon.
TITLE CARD: Boston, 1988
Establishing shot of the Jablonsky apartment. It's one of those 3 Family apartments you see everywhere in Boston, Not shabby, but not rich either. Lower Middle Class.
We cut to the living room. Mom (Katie) is watching a soap opera, cigarette in hand. There is a glass of beer next to her. We hear somebody in the bedroom, humming. The front door opens and in comes Faith, age 7.
She is dressed in a Parochial School uniform, and would be cute as a button, except that her uniform is all muddy, her knees are cut up...and she has a fat lip, and what will soon be a black eye. She is also crying. Katie gets up, annoyed at missing her program, and confronts the little girl.
KATIE
Faith, for God's sake, look at you!
You're a mess! Look at that uniform...
what did you do...roll in the mud?
Do you know what a pain in the ass
it is to get that uniform clean?
YOUNG FAITH
S-sorry Mom. That idiot Billy O'Brien
and his dumb ass friends…
KATIE
Faith! Watch your language! And how
many times have I told you to stay away
from those boys? They are trouble makers,
and your dad and I aren't paying good
money to send you to that school to get
into trouble.
YOUNG FAITH
But, Mom…t-they were beating up the first
graders and taking their lunch money.
KATIE
I don't want to hear about it!
The bedroom door opens and in comes Dad (Frank) He is older than Katie by several years (he is about 40) He isn't handsome, but has a rugged face, as though he has seen a lot in his life. He is wearing navy blue slacks and an undershirt. He has a blue shirt in his hand, which he hangs on the doorknob as he squats down to look at Faith.
FRANK
Katie, I'll handle this.
KATIE
Fine. You can wash the uniform too!
Katie shrugs and goes back to her TV show, taking a big drink of beer.
FRANK
Faith, my girl. What's all this noise
I hear out here? Sounds like Saigon
on Saturday night! Whoa...look at you.
(He lifts her chin gently and inspects her face)
Did somebody get the license of
that truck that hit ya?
FAITH
(giggling)
It wasn't a truck Daddy...it was Billy O'Brien.
FRANK
That wimp? Bullying the little kids again, huh?
Well what did you do to him?
FAITH
(looking down)
N-nothing much. H-he was too big for me.
Frank walks over to his easy chair and sits down. Faith follows him and climbs on his lap.
FRANK
Whoa..You're getting too big for
this my girl. How old are you now, 26?
FAITH
(giggling)
I'm almost 7, Daddy...my birthday's
next week!
FRANK
Ah...that's right. Are you the one
who wanted the bicycle? Or was that
some other almost 7 year old I know?
YOUNG FAITH
(smiles)
That's me.
FRANK
Good. I'd sure hate to deliver that
Bike to the wrong little girl.
(Faith smiles up at him, her tears long forgotten)
Well, I'll tell you about people like Billy
O'Brien. They're big, but they're scared.
They can only pick on the little and weak.
Most of the criminals I see everyday are
just like him. Now listen to me Faith… you're
little, but you're tough! And you're one of the
good guys. You tried to protect the little kids.
That's important. Next time, you'll get him.
YOUNG FAITH
But how, Daddy?
FRANK
Tomorrow's Saturday, right? How about
you and me going to the park, and I'll
give you a few boxing lessons?
KATIE
(looking up from her show at this)
Frank! Are you nuts? She's 6 years old!
You want her to go picking fights? She'll be
in jail before she's 19!
FRANK
Katie. I said I'd handle this.
She wants to be one of the good guys,
like her old man. I'm just teaching
her how…so she can come home without
a muddy uniform and a black eye.
He looks at his watch
FRANK
Faith, my girl, it's almost 4.
I have to go to work now.
Faith slides off his lap reluctantly and he gets up. He takes his shirt from the doorknob and puts it on. It is a uniform of the Boston Police. He goes into the bedroom and comes out with his hat and gun, which he puts on. He squats down to Faith again.
FRANK
So how about a hug for your old dad?
Faith hugs him
YOUNG FAITH
Bye Daddy. Are you going to shoot
some bad guys, tonight?
FRANK
I try not to shoot 'em, Faith, unless
they try to shoot me. Mostly,
we try to bring 'em in, safe and sound,
so they can get the punishment they
deserve. Are you gonna be all
right, Faith, my girl? Everything five by five?
FAITH
Daddy, what does five by five mean?
You always say it.
FRANK
(chuckling)
You know something Faith? I have
no idea. Except that my Lieutenant
in Nam used to say it when everything
was okay, and there was no enemy
in sight. So, I started saying it too.
FAITH
Sure, Daddy. Everything's five by
five. See ya tomorrow.
He goes over and kisses Katie on the forehead. She ignores him, obviously miffed. He leaves.
BLACKOUT
End of Act One
ACT TWO
INTERIOR: BOOTH ROOM - Faith's prison, unknown time
FAITH
That was the last time I ever saw
my father, well the last time I ever
saw him alive.
ANGEL
(more a statement than a question)
He died in action.
FAITH
(hesitates then decides to say what she's thinking.)
I miss him Angel.
ANGEL
He sounds like a good guy
FAITH
(trying to hide the emotion in her voice.)
The best. He shouldn't have died,
and now he's probably off in some hell
dimension.
ANGEL
They're not all hell. There are
good places too.
FAITH
How do you know? You went to hell,
so did Buffy. Even this place
(motions with her free hand) this planet,
it's hell. What exactly do we have
to believe that there's something better?
ANGEL
No Faith, this isn't hell. It may feel
like it sometimes, but here at least you
can experience happiness. I've felt it,
a moment when you can just let go of
all the pain.
Faith smirks a little. More sardonically than anything else.
FAITH
And what did it get you? You lost
your soul and B ran you through with
a sword. That's how it is for all of us.
Happiness is dangled right in front of our
Faces, and then when we get a taste of it,
it's all taken away in an instant.
Were given a taste of what we'll never
have again just so that we can have a
chance to miss it. Every other minute,
we're reminded of what we can't have.
If that isn't hell, what is?
ANGEL
It's not true Faith. You can have
happiness again. You just have
to earn it. It's a long hard road,
but you're already traveling it and
you will get there. I know
because I'm going to get there some
day and if I can find happiness again,
you most certainly can.
FAITH
You don't know that, you couldn't
possibly know it.
ANGEL
I can and I do. Faith, I'm going to be
human someday. There's a prophecy,
it says I'm going to be human. All
the pain, all the grief and remorse and
suffering, there's an end to it. And
there's an end to yours too.
FAITH
I used to believe that. I used to believe
that I could just follow in my daddy's footsteps
and fight the good fight just like he did
and that would make me happy. And, when
I found out that I might be slayer, that
I just might be destined to fight that fight,
I thought my prayers had been answered,
but they hadn't Angel. Even my calling
led to nothing but goddamn unhappiness.
FLASHBACK:
EXTERIOR: DOWNTOWN BOSTON, OUTSIDE DEPARTEMENT STORE - afternoon.
TITLE CARD: Boston, March 1998
Two girls exit the store, both dressed in typical 1998 slutwear. Faith, and her friend Maddie. They are 15, going on 30.
They laugh and talk normally, inaudibly, and as they cross the street, we zoom in and are able to hear them.
FAITH
So...what did ya get?
Maddie reaches into her purse and comes out with…
MADDIE
A lipstick, these cool sunglasses…uh,
that's all...that saleslady was watching me
like a hawk. How about you?
Faith takes off her leather jacket revealing a silk blouse. She spins around.
FAITH
Whadda ya think?
MADDIE
Jeez, Faith, that's a silk blouse! That is
wicked awesome. How did ya do it?
FAITH
Ya got to know where the security cameras
are, and don't use the changing room.
MADDIE
You took off your blouse right in the
store? Jeez! What about the ink thing?
Faith, untucks the blouse to reveal a plastic security tag on the hem
FAITH
Danny has a tool that will take it off.
He's done it before lots a times.
So you wanna hang out tonight?
MADDIE
(hesitating, realizing that Faith is way out of her league)
Uh...Aren't you seeing Danny tonight?
FAITH
I wish. But his 'rents caught him smokin'
dope, so he's grounded for like the whole
rest of his friggin' life. I thought maybe
you and me could go to the movies.
MADDIE
I-I can't. I have a Trig test tomorrow,
and I...got 3 warning notices this semester
and if my grades don't improve, my folks
are gonna kill me! Don't your parents bug
you about your grades?
FAITH
It's only my mom, and the only thing
she notices is if her gin supply is running
low. Besides, I turn 16 next month
and I am so outta here.
MADDIE
Jeez! Where are you gonna go?
FAITH
I thought maybe Hollywood. I always
wanted to see California. Harold...that's
my mom's new BF said that maybe I
could be a model or somethin'.
I look at least 18, don't ya think?
MADDIE
He really said that?
FAITH
Yeah...though he was probably just
trying to get into my pants, ya know?
MADDIE
(aghast)
Your Mother's boyfriend?
FAITH
Yeah, well sometimes she gets too drunk
and passes out...so he gets bored and hits
on me. He isn't the first one. They've been
after me since I was 12.
MADDIE
Jeez! You-you don't let them…do you?
FAITH
(shrugs a little)
Yeah, well, they didn't use to give me
much of a choice. Now it depends on
what mood I'm in...if I feel like fightin' em
off, or not.
Maddie stops walking. Faith does too.
MADDIE
But, Jeez, Faith. That's like, against the
law or something. Why don't you tell the
Guidance counselor, or Mr. Hernandez...or
somebody?
FAITH
Yeah...right. And end up in some foster
home? I don't need anyone telling me
what to do. I do fine on my own. I
can take care of myself. I have
since I was 7. Listen, Maddie. You go
home and do your homework, like
a good little girl, okay? Don't worry
about me. Everything's five by five.
MADDIE
Sure, Faith. See ya in English
tomorrow.
She hurries away relived. We cut to exterior of Faith's apartment. It is now almost dark. Streetlights reveal a much shabbier place than the last one. A worse neighborhood. We see her pass winos and homeless people on the street as she walks up the steps of her home.
INTERIOR: APARTMENT - night
Katie and Harold are fighting. They are both drunk. Harold is big and mean looking. He is in his fifties. He is pushing Katie around. Katie has gone way down hill since we saw her last. She is still attractive, but heavier and unhealthy looking. We recognize the same furniture from the previous apartment, but the place is a mess. The front door opens and Faith walks in.
FAITH
Oh...great! I see it's the Monday
night fights again!
KATIE
Faith! Oh hon...we weren't fighting. I
wash just 'splainin' to Harold that
we seem to be out of gin.
FAITH
Did you look under the sink? I think
I saw a bottle there yesterday. Behind
the ammonia.
HAROLD
Oh yeah? And why were you lookin'
for gin, my girl?
FAITH
Don't call me that! I wasn't looking
for gin... I was looking for ammonia
to clean up after her Saturday night
binge! The place smelled like a
sewer!
HAROLD
Aww. A pretty little thing like you
shouldn't be doing Cinderella work.
KATIE
You leave Faith alone, Harold. I know
about you two!
HAROLD
Oh yeah, and what are you going to
do about it?
He swats Katie across the face...she staggers back and leans against the wall, crying. Immediately Faith is on him.
FAITH
You leave my mom alone! You stinkin'
bastard!
HAROLD
What did you call me, little girl?
He hits Faith, sending her flying, but she comes back to him, this time holding an open switchblade knife.
HAROLD
What the…
Faith stabs him in the arm, a quick jab, and pulls the knife out again. He grabs his arm in shock and pain but it only stops him for a second. He knocks the knife out of her hand and grabs her by the shoulders.
HAROLD
You think you can stop me, little girl?
Think again!
CUT TO:
EXTERIOR: APARTMENT - night
She comes running out. Blood is running from her nose and is holding the torn silk blouse around herself. She is crying. She runs blindly down the stairs right into a man, who is standing next to her house reading a slip of paper. Obviously directions. He is JULIAN WELLS. He is British and attractive in a bookish kind of way, about 30 years old.
JULIAN
Excuse me, are you by any chance
Miss Faith Jablonsky?
FAITH
Who wants to know?
JULIAN
I've been looking for you.
FAITH
Jesus! Look, I'm sorry, okay? I'll
pay for the friggin' blouse! I don't
think you're gonna want it back in
this condition. Let me go upstairs
and get my purse.
She turns and runs like hell down the street. Julian runs after her
JULIAN
Miss Jablonsky, wait! I'm not
with the police!
She runs, but is exhausted and falls into a heap, sobbing. Julian catches up to her and says breathlessly.
JULIAN
Miss Jablonsky. I repeat. I am not
with the police. I-I represent the
Council of Watchers. I've come all
the way from London to find you,
Miss Jablonsky. I've-I've come to
teach you to fight.
Faith looks up at him in suspicion and wonder. He offers her his hand. She accepts it and he helps her up.
INTERIOR: WATCHER'S COUNCIL CHAMBERS - PRESENT
We see Quentin Travers seated at a desk, and the female watcher from Checkpoint, Lydia, standing a few feet way.
QUENTIN
Now, Ms Barlow, you do understand
how much of a responsibility we're
placing on you.
LYDIA
Yes, sir, I do.
QUENTIN
Many of the council believe
that you might not be the best
for the job… but I have faith
in you. You are one of our
brightest members, and you
are best prepared to face the
dangers that Sunnydale hold.
LYDIA
I understand. And I appreciate,
sir, this opportunity, and your
support.
Quentin stands and walks over the Lydia, holding his hand out.
QUENTIN
Well, it was wonderful meeting
with you, dear. Please ask Nigel
to send the others in on your
way out.
Lydia smiles, nods swiftly, turns about face and marches out the door. As she leaves, the warm smile leaves Quentin's face, and he picks up a file on his desk, sitting on the edge of the table.
Four watchers enter, and Quentin stands to greet them, shaking hands with each.
QUENTIN
Thank you all for coming.
The four men each take a seat, and Travers goes back behind his desk, sitting in his chair with a deep sigh.
QUENTIN
I assume each of you have
received a more detailed explanation
as to what our strategy is. You have
been contacted simply because you
have the skills we need to carry out
our plans.
MAN 1
(Impatiently)
Oh, there's no need for a bloody
introduction, Travers. Procedure be
damned. This goes beyond procedure.
just explain.
Travers takes a deep breath.
QUENTIN
Fine, then.
BLACKOUT
End of Act Two
ACT THREE
INTERIOR: WATCHER'S COUNCIL CHAMBERS
The four mean from the last shot have now left the room, and Nigel (from Checkpoint) is standing in front of Traver's desk, as Quentin reads over a document. They've obviously been talking for a while, as Nigel seems to continue the conversation.
NIGEL
Sir, I'm only suggesting-
TRAVERS
(Calmly putting the papers down)
I *know* what your suggesting,
and it's out of the question.
NIGEL
But there's no way you can
expect the team to get past
pull this off.
TRAVERS
All I know, is that we've sent
a group of four of our most
prestigious members, to gather
a small team to pull off this task.
Mitchells suggested a group of over
20 other members. Now, do you
really believe the Slayer's group of
Riff Raff could ever beat that?
NIGEL
(slightly frantic)
I understand, sir, that this Slayer,
however powerful, is reckless, and
thus not as strong as her actions
might suggest… but Sir…
(desperate)
I was almost beheaded!
TRAVERS
Oh, Nigel, stop it. The team
We sent is much better trained
In battle as opposed to… You.
NIGEL
Yes, but-
TRAVERS
Oh, shut up. We're going
to get this done, and there's
nothing this Summers girl does is
going to stop us! You know
we've worked out any and all
kinks in the plan. If they delay
us the first time, we have a back
up plan. It's going to perfectly
fine! Now, get out of my office
before I really get annoyed with
you.
Nigel turns looking flustered, and walks out. He shuts the door defiantly on his way out.
NIGEL
(to himself)
That stupid girl will be the
death of us.
INTERIOR: MAGIC BOX - evening
Buffy is looking over several books. In the background Spike and Pike are glaring at each other across the table. Buffy realizes and turns around.
BUFFY
Will you two stop doing that?
PIKE
He started it.
SPIKE
Like hell I did!
Buffy walks towards Spike.
BUFFY
Spike, how about going back to
your crypt? You don't have to
stay here you know…
SPIKE
And he does?
BUFFY
Once Giles gets back from taking
Dawn home I'll be training with him.
PIKE
(quickly, interrupting)
And I'm helping out?
SPIKE
(smirks)
Y'know that big bloody Michelin
Man costume would probably
suit you better than Xander.
Spike gets up and slaps Pike on the back with mock affection. Buffy glares angrily at him.
SPIKE
(grinning)
I'm going… behave while I'm
gone.
PIKE
Oh, we'll try.
(Buffy kicks him in the shin)
Ow!
BUFFY
Maybe you two could start
growing up some time soon.
SPIKE
Hey! I'm well into my second
century!
BUFFY
Funny. I've seen first graders
more mature than you.
Spike looks aghast. Buffy hasn't spoken to him like this in a long time. He gives Pike a "this is your fault" look before storming out without a word.
PIKE
You told him… You know,
you could just stake him. It'd
make things a lot easier for
u… you.
BUFFY
He's harmless.
(pause)
Anyway, he's done more
good around here than you
have. You never even called
me in the last six years.
PIKE
Hey! I'm on your side here!
Buffy sighs. She sits down next to Pike.
BUFFY
Sorry, Pike. I'm just a little
tense.
PIKE
I guess coming back from the
dead does that to you.
BUFFY
I… I just never realized what
everyone went through after
I died. The pain they must
have suffered… Especially
Angel… I guess he always knew
I'd die before him but…
(sighs sadly)
I don't know…
PIKE
Angel?
Buffy looks up a little surprised.
BUFFY
No one told you?
FLASHBACK:
INTERIOR: TRAINING ROOM - LOCAL YMCA - afternoon.
TITLE CARD: Boston, March 1998
Faith is running around a track. Julian Wells is timing her with a stopwatch. He is frowning. Faith collapses on the bench next to him.
FAITH
Whew! I'm wiped out! Can I take a
break now?
JULIAN
How can you possible be tired?
You've run precisely one half lap.
FAITH
Well, that's a half a lap more than
they ever got outta me in gym class.
You should be happy.
JULIAN
And how did you manage to get out
of Physical Education? If I recall those
teachers tend to be rather…tough.
FAITH
Well my gym teacher kinda had a crush
on me. I used it.
JULIAN
Well, he has my condolences, poor chap.
FAITH
(with a mischievous smile)
She. Miss Finnigan.
JULIAN
(not reacting in the slightest)
Excuse me. She has my deepest
condolences.
FAITH
Hey, J…you look like a major tightass,
but nothing I say ever shocks you.
How come?
JULIAN
First of all, my name is Julian.
Not J or Jules or Julie or any of
the more bizarre nicknames you
have come up with in the past week.
Secondly, I'm afraid that despite my
looks I have seen things a lot more shocking
than your life, as colorful as it may be.
FAITH
Yeah, right. Vampires and demons and
all that fun stuff. So when am I going to
see some of them?
JULIAN
When you are prepared.
FAITH
And when will that be? You haven't even
taught me any cool fighting stuff like you
promised. When do we get to the punching
and kicking?
Julian sighs. He turns to Faith affectionately but in a matter of fact way.
JULIAN
Faith, You can't even run a single
lap around the track. Or do a single
pushup. When you are in condition,
we will begin the actual lessons. I
assure you, You will be thoroughly
trained.
FAITH
I don't get it. You don't even know if
I will ever get to be this Vampire Slayer.
JULIAN
No I don't. It is not within my
power or even that of the Council
of watchers. All we can do is single
out the girls with potential to become
Slayers, and train them as best we can.
Right now there are 10 of you spread
out all over the world. But only one
actual Slayer. Well, actually, uh two for
some reason. One lives in Sunnydale,
California. The other lives in Jamaica.
FAITH
Cool. Do I ever get to meet them?
JULIAN
That is highly unlikely. The council
doesn't encourage fraternization
between the existing slayer and the
slayers in waiting.
FAITH
How come? Maybe we could be,
you know, friends.
JULIAN
You will only become the Slayer
upon her death. Do you really wish
to get to know her?
FAITH
(shudders)
No... I guess not… but how will I know
if I get called?
JULIAN
You will know. I've been told that
the girl has a moment of dizziness
followed by a surge of strength. You
will receive your slayer powers at
that moment.
FAITH
And I'll really be super strong, right?
JULIAN
Yes, but unless you are properly
trained to use that strength, you will
as useless as a bull in a china shop.
FAITH
Yeah...well I know all about bull,
especially when I hear it. But -
(She stands)
I am grateful for that program you
got my Mom into. I don't know if it
will help but…
JULIAN
It was no problem, Faith. Our slayers
are very important to us. But we do
demand a certain level of dedication
from them, as well.
FAITH
(with a sigh)
Yeah, I know what that means, J. Laps!
She runs off around the track.
CUT TO:
INTERIOR: DIFFERENT TRAINING ROOM - day.
TITLE CARD: Several Months Later
The scene changes to a different training room, one with mats. Faith is punching a bag. Julian watches.
JULIAN
Not bad, Faith. Try jabbing with your
left, then punching with your right.
Faith
Like this?
She gives a huge punch, which knocks the bag off its hook
JULIAN
Excellent. I must say you've made
incredible progress this past week.
FAITH
Yeah...well I told you I would do
better when we got to the actual
fighting stuff. Bring on the vampires!
JULIAN
Faith...you haven't sparred with
an actual person yet. Vampires
don't obligingly stand around like
punching bags. They tend to fight back.
FAITH
Okay so who am I gonna spar with?
JULIAN
Me.
FAITH
You? Ha. Excuse me, J., but even
though you are kinda cute in a Clark
Kent kinda way, you don't look like you
could fight your way out of a paper bag!
Julian removes his Tie and jacket.
JULIAN
Well, as I recall, Clark Kent's looks
proved rather deceiving as well.
He removes his shirt, reveal a very nice chest and set of arms in a tight tee shirt. He puts his shirt, tie and jacket neatly on the bench, and places his glasses on top of them. Meanwhile, Faith is looking at him with ill-disguised lust. Julian, caught up in what he is doing, doesn't notice.
FAITH
Well, this has got potential!
JULIAN
Excuse me?
FAITH
Uh...never mind. What do we do now?
JULIAN
We start with some simple throws.
He begins to demonstrate some simple Judo moves to Faith. She is more interested in watching him than in paying attention to what he is showing her. He remains very professional, though it is obvious to us that she is flirting with him. Note: I don't know enough about judo to choreograph this, but their progress should be shown over a period of time, with cuts and editing, and eventually end with a real sparring match with Faith suddenly getting the idea, and throwing Julian and ending up on top of him.
FAITH
(all hot and sweaty)
Now this is my idea of fun!
JULIAN
Yes, excellent job. Now, please
let me up.
FAITH
Not so fast, J. Don't I get a little
reward for all my hard work? I don't
know about you but I could use a little
R&R right about now.
She runs her hands up his chest and down his arms.
JULIAN
Faith! Let me up immediately!
This behavior is inappropriate.
FAITH
Come on, J. Loosen up a little. A
little fun won't hurt you.
She tries to kiss him, but he throws her off and stands up, outraged
JULIAN
Faith-- Miss Jablonsky. This will not
happen. I am your watcher. That is a
sacred responsibility, and one that I do
not take lightly. A Watcher and slayer
must have mutual trust and respect. Any
sort of p-personal relationship is out of the
question.
Faith looks at him, totally crushed by what she sees is his rejection of her. Her hurt quickly turns to anger.
FAITH
Sure. No problem. Wanna go again?
With no warning, she lunges at him again. They spar, but this time she is playing for keeps and it is all Julian can do to hold his own with her. When she throws him again it is with real anger and violence. Julian picks himself up, with a very obviously injured shoulder, and takes his shirt and jacket off the chair. He puts his glasses on and walks wordlessly out the door. Faith stands there looking after him.
INTERIOR: BOOTH ROOM - Faith's prison, unknown time
Faith is looking down at her hand on the counter, upset. Angel looks at Faith, a sort of disturbed look on his face.
Faith looks up, smiling bitterly. She takes a deep breath.
FAITH
And that's pretty much how I
got the new watcher.
CLOSE ON: Angel's sympathetic look.
BLACKOUT
End of Act Three
ACT FOUR
INTERIOR: BOOTH ROOM - Faith's prison, unknown time
Angel is in the same position as before as he continues to try and help Faith.
ANGEL
I'm sorry Faith. Those watchers
know all about how to deal with
vampires and demons but it seems
the council forgot the most important
thing. How to deal with young women.
FAITH
Yeah well the council ain't got it's
Head screwed on straight. They
thought it's be a good birthday present
to send B a horrible vamp and some
drugs to take away her slayer skills. And
they fired the only decent man they had
working for 'em.
(Angel gives Faith a look letting her know she forgot someone)
Oh yeah and they canned Wes too. He
wasn't so bad once he clocked a little
field time.
ANGEL
Yes well, they have failed to change
with the times but they're on the same
side, they just don't know how to go
about it anymore.
FAITH
Hello? Did ya miss the part about
almost getting B killed. And they
tried to dispose of me more then
once though I can't say I blame
them for that.
Angel looks at her sympathetically. He's not happy with her self depreciation.
ANGEL
They did have their reasons but
they weren't good ones. Faith,
you're a good person at heart. They
should have taken more care with
you. The powers only chose those who
are worthy for you're calling. The council
knows that and they shouldn't have
tried to kill you.
FAITH
Ya know the council didn't even want
me. After the first of my many watchers
deserted me, they weren't gonna send
nobody else.
ANGEL
Well they changed their minds
didn't they? I guess they saw
something special in you.
FAITH
Or they just realized they didn't
have a choice. I was a potential
slayer and they weren't the ones
to decide whether I was called or
not. Forgetting about me didn't
change the fact that I had just as
much a chance as ever of being
called as any of the other girls they
had lined up. And it's a good thing
they figured that out 'cause, well
looky here, whole slayer package.
And ya know, being called, quite
the experience.
FLASHBACK:
INTERIOR: TRAINING ROOM - LOCAL YMCA - afternoon.
TITLE CARD: Boston, May 1998
The training room. Faith is working out, lifting weights. She is alone. The door opens and in comes a Priscilla Scott. She is in her late 30's, large and strong, rather horse-faced, like Prince Charles in drag, British, of course. She is dressed in a tweed skirt and twin set with sensible shoes.
PRISCILLA
(with a Yorkshire accent)
You'll be Faith, I presume.
Faith puts down the weights but doesn't make an effort to move.
FAITH
(eyeing Priscilla's unappealing appearance)
Presume away. So what is this,
Murder She Wrote? I thought we
were supposed to be slaying
vampires, not writing mysteries.
PRISCILLA
I am Priscilla Scott, and I am your
new Watcher. Right now vampires
are not on the agenda. And they
never will be until we get a few
things straight.
Faith walks around Priscilla, watching her carefully.
FAITH
Yeah, yeah, yeah. No more
passes at the watcher. No problem!
PRISCILLA
Faith. Julian Wells requested that
you be removed from the program
all together. He considers you
dangerous and a loose cannon.
FAITH
Little ol' me? Huh. Some people can't
take a joke.
PRISCILLA
You dislocated his shoulder.
FAITH
(somewhat taken aback)
Oh.
PRISCILLA
However, the Council feels that you
have made extraordinary progress in
slayer skills since March. And we have
been observing you working out alone
here these past few weeks since Julian
left. We think that you may be too valuable
to let go. Which is why you are being given
a second chance. I hope that we will not
be proven wrong.
FAITH
Listen, uh-I know I get carried away
some times. I'm sorry I hurt the guy.
Honest. And I do wanna be a Slayer.
I want to be one of the Good Guys,
you know?
Priscilla becomes even more serious. There is a sympathetic tone to her voice.
PRISCILLA
Yes, I believe I do know. I'm very
sorry about your Mother, Faith. I'm
sorry that there wasn't more that
we could have done.
FAITH
(a little nonchalantly)
Yeah, well. You guys did all you
could. The doc said her liver was
shot. It's okay. She and I weren't
exactly close. Don't sweat it.
PRISCILLA
Well, my plan is this. We will stay
here in Boston this summer. There
are some vampires here, and I want
to start you actually slaying. Even
without slayer powers, I believe that
you will be able to handle it.
FAITH
And then?
PRISCILLA
That remains to be seen.
CUT TO:
EXTERIOR: GRAVEYARD - BOSTON - night.
Faith and Priscilla are waiting. Faith is armed with a stake, Priscilla with a crossbow. A bag of weapons is beside them, along with a lantern.
PRISCILLA
Remember. A newly arisen
vampire is stupid and slow, but
he is also voraciously hungry,
and therefore very dangerous.
FAITH
Slow, stupid, hungry, dangerous.
Got it. Where the hell is he?
PRISCILLA
Patience, dear. He will arise…no doubt about…there!
The vampire comes up out of the earth and Faith lunges at him. He is very large, and swats her away like he would a fly.
Faith charges again, Priscilla watching her back with the crossbow. They face off, Faith skillfully evading his blows, and landing a few. She is just about to go for his heart, when 2 more vampires appear out of nowhere. These ones are neither slow nor stupid.
Priscilla starts to fight one off, when we notice Faith, who is being attacked by two vampires, suddenly sinks to the ground in a faint. The vampires are taken aback by this. They look at each other like this is almost too easy.
They move in for the kill, when suddenly Faith leaps up in full slayer mode. She dispatches both of them with ease, staring with wonder when they turn to dust before her eyes.
She suddenly realizes that Priscilla is struggling with her vampire, and comes up behind him and stakes him in the back. Poof.
FAITH
Man that was fun! Come on Priss,
let's go find some more!
PRISCILLA
Faith. Are you all right?
FAITH
Yeah, I'm great. Five by five. I
thought we were goners when I
saw those other tow, but then,
wow, I don't know what got into
me, but it was like, bring 'em on,
you know?
PRISCILLA
You've been called.
FAITH
What?
PRISCILLA
You've been called. You've become
a slayer. I can feel the power
emanating from you. Can't you?
FAITH
Son of a Bitch. I do feel it. I feel
like I could run the Boston marathon
right now. I thought I was just jazzed
up from getting' those guys.
PRISCILLA
I've never actually seen it happen.
It was quite amazing.
Faith shakes herself up and down. Se cricks her neck from side to side. She's impressed with her newfound powers.
FAITH
So what happens next? Do I get
to go to California? Or Jamaica?
PRISCILLA
No. Missouri.
FAITH
(disappointed)
Missouri?! What the hell is in Missouri?
PRISCILLA
Oh, Faith. I must confess. I've
been secretly hoping that this
would happen. I have a bit of a
project for you.
FAITH
A vampire type project?
PRISCILLA
(nodding)
Kakistos.
FAITH
Kakistos? He's a vampire, you say?
PRISCILLA
(with a far away look in her eyes)
A very old one. So old that his
feet have turned into cloven hooves.
I've been studying him for many
years. You might say that he is my
life's work.
FAITH
Uh Huh. And do you, like, have
his picture in your locker?
PRISCILLA
(ignoring her)
He disappeared several years ago.
Then last year we had reports that
he had turned up in a small town
outside of St. Louis. He is ravaging
the countryside. He is a scourge and
must be destroyed.
FAITH
(confidently)
Well then, let's go. I'm there.
Faith is really fired up now. Priscilla has to try her best to calm her down a little.
PRISCILLA
No. We cannot go there unprepared.
Do not let tonight fool you. You have
much work to do, before you will be
ready to face a vampire of his strength
and cunning. No. We will stay here this
summer, as planned, and then in
September, we will destroy him.
FAITH
Uh...WE?
PRISCILLA
You will destroy him. But I will
show you how.
FAITH
Okay. Cool.
(there's a little pause)
Sooo, anyway, who kicked it?
PRISCILLA
Excuse me?
FAITH
Well, in order for me to become a
Slayer, one of the other slayers had
to die, right? So who bought it?
PRISCILLA
(horrified)
Faith. Oh my God. I completely
forgot. The last I heard Kendra
had been sent to Sunnydale to
help Buffy Summers against Angelus.
One of them must have been killed.
Oh my. We must go phone the
Council. Come along Faith.
Priscilla hurries off. Faith lingers for a moment.
FAITH
Be right there.
She stops and looks at the gravestone.
FAITH
Buffy, Kendra…uh, which ever of
you bought it. Well, I'm sorry. But…
(her face light up)
Thanks!
She hurries after Priscilla
INTERIOR: BOOTH ROOM - FAITH'S PRISON - unknown time
We're back in the present again. Angel watches Faith as she smiles softly remembering the events of her calling.
FAITH
And you pretty much know the
rest, right? Priss bought the
farm… I would have too if it
weren't for Buffy.
ANGEL
She does help like that.
FAITH
Yeah. She helped you real good.
turned you into a psychotic
killer. I've got enough men into
bed before but they never
ended up like…
ANGEL
Please. Stop.
FAITH
Sorry, big guy…
(pause)
Well, you know my disturbing
little history. You're the first
person to know. Scare you?
ANGEL
I've heard worse.
FAITH
(nods a little)
Yeah. I'm sure you have.
Angel begins to look around. He notices most of the other visitors leaving.
FAITH
You gotta go?
ANGEL
Looks like it. Look… I'll be
back soon.
FAITH
You said that last time.
ANGEL
Things got difficult then. I
promise you I'll be back.
FAITH
You won't be the first guy to
say that to me.
ANGEL
I'll be the first one to mean it.
Goodbye.
Angel gets to his feet. He turns and begins to walk away.
FAITH
See ya.
Angel doesn't turn around but Faith knows he's pleased with her progress. She smiles.
INTERIOR: WATCHER'S COUNCIL CHAMBERS - evening
Quentin Travers is sitting behind his desk. Nigel and two other Watchers are with him.
FIRST WATCHER
So I can assure you this will work.
QUENTIN
As long as Lillith gets what she
wants and we're able to dispatch
Faith I'm sure I'm quite pleased.
NIGEL
And the other Slayer? Will she
agree? The last time we tried…
QUENTIN
She'll have to agree. Her presence
here is integral to our plan. That
and those friends of hers, of course.
Quentin leans back in his chair and smiles.
INTERIOR: MAGIC BOX - day
Buffy, Tara, Willow, Pike, Spike, Giles, Xander, Anya and Dawn are standing or sitting in the Magic Box. We pan across each one of them until we finally focus on Spike, Dawn and Pike.
Pike stands up and walks over to Buffy but she says nothing. She's a little nervous around him. He's about to walk back to the table then stops and turns around.
PIKE
I don't mind you know. It's a
little weird but… that word kinda
sums up your whole life doesn't
it?
BUFFY
(nods, smiles)
Yeah… It does.
Pike and Buffy smile at each other then walk back to the table.
BUFFY
So? What's the plan for tonight's
slayage?
BLACKOUT
END