Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Summer Script Challenge
The Powers that Be Pro Temporae
Episode 6.08: The Point Of No Return
By DigiJoss Whedon (Digitalis) and David Furme (Me)
Rough Outline by Marti Noggston (Noggins)
GILES (V.O.)
Previously on Buffy the Vampire Slayer…
From Lost Along the Way:
Cordelia under the control of The Powers That Be talking to Spike.
CORDELIA
(Second Voice)
The deeds done today have
changed the destiny of all
of you here.
(Third Voice)
An act of bravery has altered
the flow of time. Prophecies
have been fulfilled…
(First Voice)
Step forward vampire. You
shall have your reward.
From The Breaking Point:
CORDELLIA:
Spike will have 48 hours to finish
his unlife as a vampire. He will be
human in two days time.
CUT TO:
Spike reaches into his pocket to pull out a cigarette. A quizzical look comes over his face. Instead of a cigarette he pulls out something small enough to fit in his clenched fist.
SPIKE'S POV: He looks down at his hand and slowly begins to open it to reveal… a small piece of metal… his chip.
CUT TO:
Spike telling the vampires that he'll prove he can bite again.
CUT TO:
Giles takes Dawn's school bag out of the car and a piece of paper falls from it and onto the floor. Giles reaches to pick it up and frowns.
CLOSE UP on the piece of paper. It's a plain sheet but almost every part of it has been scribbled over so it's almost black.
CUT TO
Dawn listening in on their conversation.
CUT TO:
Buffy on the phone.
BUFFY
It's Faith…
TEASER
INTERIOR: GILES' HOUSE – NIGHT
Everyone is sitting in Giles' living room, very quiet. We see BUFFY sitting in the centre of the couch, as everyone looks at her. Tara and Anya have moved in from where they had burst in the door in 6.07.
Giles enters the room, followed by DAWN, carrying a tray with various assorted tea items.
XANDER
(let me get this straight)
How can she be dead?
BUFFY
(morose)
The guards found her
hanging from her bunk
earlier this afternoon.
They killed her, made it look
like a suicide.
(to Giles, mad)
Giles, how can The Council
get away with this?
Giles sits down in the armchair heavily, and sips his tea.
GILES
Buffy, you know as well as I
do, that the Council operates
outside of the law. They've
done and will continue to do
horrendous things if they believe
that it is for their own benefit.
WILLOW
But why? She was in jail.
Why kill her?
GILES
(confuzzled)
I can only guess
that they were anxious
to activate the next Slayer.
BUFFY
What about me?
DAWN
(matter of fact)
Maybe they think that the
third time will be the charm
for you and they want a
slayer who could actually
do some good.
CLOSE ON: Buffy as she looks at Dawn sharply and opens her mouth to say something to her. She glances at Giles who shakes his head imperceptibly. Buffy remains silent.
WILLOW
So everything that you… that
Spike did was for nothing?
INTERIOR: SEWER – night
We see Spike standing in the foul water where we left him in 6.07. He has a handful of his would-be victim's blonde hair. She whimpers.
ANGLE ON: The crowd of vampires looking at Spike in anticipation. First the left side, then the right, as the camera follows Spike's POV.
LEAD VAMPIRE
Well? What are you waiting for?
CLOSE ON: Spike as he vamps out and we see him dive in for the kill.
CREDITS
ACT ONE
INTERIOR: SEWER - night
CONTINUED: From the Teaser.
We see Spike as he buries his head in his victim's neck. We hear growling noises and some sporadic cheers from some of the younger vampires in the crowd.
CLOSE ON: Spike as he looks up, his face normal and no blood around his mouth. He hasn't drunk a drop.
LEAD VAMPIRE
(exasperated)
What's wrong now? It's fresh.
SPIKE
(ignoring vampire, to himself)
Sod this…
The vampires look at him. He drops the person in his hands down to the floor.
SPIKE
I mean, what's the bloody
point? I've got better sodding
things going on in my life to
go back to this old gig.
He grabs a stake and plunges it into the leader's heart, dusting him. The other vampires are taken by surprise and attack Spike.
VAMPIRE
You traitorous sc--
Spike snorts and stakes the vampire with a stake form in his duster, and the others take a cautious step backwards.
SPIKE
Get a new line.
The other vampires attack again, albeit more cautiously.
INTERIOR: GILES' HOUSE – night
Everyone is in the same position that they were in the Teaser. They seem a little more relaxed, but a bit of sadness can be seen on everyone's faces.
XANDER
(to Buffy, optimistic)
But, hey, if there's a new
Slayer, maybe she'll come
here, help us out with the
uglies of demon kind.
BUFFY
I hadn't thought of that.
ANYA
A second Slayer would be
great. It would be like
double the Buffy.
BUFFY
It might be nice to have some
help from another Slayer. I
miss Kendra, and even Faith.
Unbalanced as she was.
XANDER
Unbalanced? Don't you mean
homicidal?
BUFFY
I think there was one point you
weren't complaining about that.
XANDER
(defensively)
Hey! She used me just like she
used everybody else in her life.
BUFFY
Like I said, I didn't hear you
complaining!
ANYA
(defending Xander)
I don't like you talking to
Xander like this! He…
WILLOW
(interrupting)
Guys, she's dead. Don't you
think we should stop talking
about her like this?
ANGLE ON: Buffy, Xander and Anya as they look at Willow. Xander face turns apologetic as he realizes what Willow said. Anya is a little nervous but remains defensive. Buffy just looks shocked.
BUFFY
(quietly)
It's just… I thought I would
die before Faith would.
WILLOW
(just as quietly)
But you did, Buffy.
Willow gets up from the chair she is sharing with Tara, and goes over to Buffy, and the two of them hug.
BUFFY
(Awww… moment)
Wils…
They break apart and Buffy looks into Willow's eyes. In that moment, we get the fell that Buffy wants to thanks Willow for being there, for always helping out.
Willow just smiles, and Buffy becomes speechless.
BUFFY
(cont'd)
I… Thanks.
They share a moment, and hug again, but Xander interrupts waving his hand.
XANDER
What about the vamps? We
can't forget them!
BUFFY
(from over Willow's shoulder)
Thanks. So what's the sitch with
them? Anya? Tara?
Willow takes her seat next to Tara again.
TARA
They're in th-the sewers.
ANYA
(nodding)
We saw them trying to
drag a someone down there.
They have to be there.
BUFFY
That's where we need to
be. Giles, you stay here to
look after Dawn. Everyone
else, come with me.
Buffy walks out of the house without saying any more words. The others look at each other then follow. They leave the door open.
Giles looks up a little worried then walks towards the door to shut it.
We PAN UP to see Dawn standing at the top of the stairs. Once she hears the front door close she goes back to her bedroom.
INTERIOR: SEWER – just before dawn
In the sewers Spike is being overwhelmed by the other vampires. He throws one who is close to him over his shoulders and thrusts a stake through its heart. He turns and gets punched in the face by another vamp.
SPIKE
Hey!
Spike pushes the vamp into the wall and starts punching him in the face. Finally he stakes it. He turns with a self-satisfied smirk on his face which suddenly drops.
SPIKE
(Come and get me!)
Who else wants so--
He's pulled back violently into a group of vampires so we can't see him. Every few seconds a hand or leg appears as he fights to break free. One of the vampires grabs the stake from his hand as Spike is pushed down to the ground under the throng of vampires. We hear the sound of a vampire turning to dust.
FIRST VAMPIRE
Did we kill him? Did we?
The vampires move slowly apart. Spike has grabbed his stake back. He jumps to his feet and plunges it through the heart of another vampire.
SPIKE
(through clenched teeth)
Obviously not, you pillock!
He kicks one back into the wall, pulls it back and hurls it into the other vampires before running again.
EXTERIOR: STREET – just before dawn
Buffy, Xander and Willow are quietly following Anya and Tara who are recalling where they saw the vampires go.
ANYA
Just up here… around that
corner.
BUFFY
(looks up)
If we don't get them tonight
we may have to leave it 'til
tomorrow. The sun's almost
up. If we don't catch one of
them, their lair's gonna be
almost impossible to find.
There's a nervous silence as they continue walking. None of them want to talk about Faith's death. Xander tries to start a different conversation.
XANDER
Shame Spike's missing all
of this.
Everyone turns to Xander. He suddenly realises he's made a bit of a mistake in mentioning the S-word. They all anticipate a huge blow-out.
BUFFY
(calm, a little bitterly)
Angel wouldn't have wasted
that prize. He was prepared…
There's another silence, which Xander feels the need to end.
XANDER
But maybe Spike at least
deserved a chance…
BUFFY
I don't care. Without that
chip he hasn't got a soul,
he's just another demon.
Demon's like that just don't
deserve to be human.
ANYA
(annoyed)
Oh really?
BUFFY
(ignoring Anya)
And, I mean, since when
To the powers decide they're
Just gonna throw out
Re-birthings?
XANDER
(meekly)
Don't kill me…
But, well, Angel's been brought
back once before…
BUFFY
(So what?!
He deserved it! And…
WILLOW
You guys, maybe we
Should, uh, change subjects
Again, or... something…
Their conversation continues but fades out as they walk over a sewer grate. We PAN DOWN through the ground into:
INTERIOR: SEWER –dawn
Spike is running ahead of the other vampires. He keeps looking back to make sure he's far enough ahead. He gets to a ladder leading up to the surface. He glances up then back before clambering up.
SPIKE
(muttering to himself)
Stupid bloody sewer…
He pushes the sewer grate away and begins to climb up until we can only see his legs. There's a hissing sound followed by a loud yell.
SPIKE (O.S.)
Crap!
He falls down into the sewers again as he tries to get rid of the fire that's appeared on his shoulder.
SPIKE
(re: TPTB)
They could have made it twenty
four hours! Bastards!
He hears the vampires heading towards him from another chamber in the sewer. He begins to run again before coming to a T-Junction. He looks both ways a little confused.
SPIKE
Oh, how wonderful.
Which way to sudden
Doom.
There are vampires getting closer to him.
VAMPIRE (O.S)
He's down this way!
He stops running and gets ready to fight, holding up the stake he had in his hand.
He takes a deep breath and gets into a defensive stance.
SPIKE
Right you ponces… I'm not
running anymore! Spike
doesn't run for anyone!
A hand comes down on his shoulder and he shrieks out loud!
BLACK OUT
ACT TWO
INTERIOR: SEWER - morning
Spike spins around with the stake ready to see that it's Buffy and the Scoobies.
SPIKE
Oh. You.
BUFFY
Yeah, us. What the hell are
you doing here? We thought
you'd be off celebrating.
SPIKE
(sardonically)
Thank you. You sound so
happy for me.
TARA
What about the vampires?
SPIKE
You mean the ones that are
heading this way as we speak?
BUFFY
What?
Suddenly about six of them come running around the corner. They stop when they see all of the Scoobies.
VAMPIRE
The Slayer! You're dead!
BUFFY
(not quite what the vamp meant but she's being witty)
I was. Now I'm back.
She flips forward and kicks the vampire to the ground.
BUFFY
(C'tnd)
You, on the other hand have
about a second…
She stakes him.
BUFFY
(C'tnd)
… left.
(looks up at the other vampires)
How about it guys and gals?
Six of us, five of you. Like
those odds?
The other vampires run off in the direction they came.
SPIKE
They're going back to their lair!
I can show you the way.
BUFFY
And how exactly do you know
where it is?
SPIKE
I kinda stumbled on it when I
was out on patrol believe it
or not.
BUFFY
You mean out getting drunk?
SPIKE
Look, I'm doing you another
favour here. I saved your
little friend now I'm saving
the town from some bloody
vampire gang! What does it
take to please you these days?
BUFFY
Faith's dead. You didn't save
her.
SPIKE
(in disbelief)
What?!
Spike is taken aback.
BUFFY
I got a call at Giles' this morning.
They say she killed herself.
WILLOW
Except that's a crock!
BUFFY
It has to be the Council. Angel's
gonna be looking into it.
SPIKE
This saving people lark is a
lot sodding harder than I
thought.
BUFFY
So you're starting to feel guilty?
SPIKE
About what?
BUFFY
That little thing called being
human! Looks like it was
wasted on you!
Spike shakes his head and walks off ahead. He doesn't want to start another argument.
SPIKE
The vamp chamber is up this
way. They've got people in a
cage. They've got some big
party planned.
XANDER
Then we're gonna be gate
crashing it.
WILLOW
But they know we're coming.
BUFFY
Which means they could be
feeding while they still can!
Come on!
Everyone gets their weapons ready as they head towards the chamber. Anya and Xander are the only ones who are walking with Spike.
SPIKE
They tried to make me feed…
God, I was so tempted.
ANYA
(frowning)
How could you? Your chip would
stop you like it always has.
SPIKE
(nervously)
Yeah… right…
XANDER
Well, let's get in there…
INTERIOR: GILES' HOUSE – day
We see Giles seated at his table with the newspaper spread out in front of him, as he sips yet more tea.
We hear the doorbell ring.
Giles gets up from the table and opens the door.
GILES
(cool)
What are you doing here?
Lydia pushes past him and enters his living room.
Giles shuts the door, and follows the other watcher in.
GILES
(under his breath)
Do come in.
(louder)
Again, what are you
Doing here?
Lydia pours herself some tea from Giles' pot, and freshens his.
LYDIA
I have received
news from the Council.
GILES
(tired)
Yes, we already heard
about Faith.
LYDIA
(nods)
Terrible tragedy. After all
we did it had to come down
to this.
(shakes her head)
Terrible.
(looks up, a little brighter)
But that wasn't
what my news
was Mr. Giles.
(pause)
A new Slayer has
been chosen.
GILES
(more animated)
A new Slayer?
They know who she
is already?
LYDIA
Why, of course.
What do you
Take us for?
Fools?
CLOSE ON: Lydia, as she looks slightly smug and Giles smiles bitterly, as if biting his tongue.
INTERIOR: SEWERS – VAMP CHAMBER – day
The Scoobies get to just outside the chamber. The vamps inside are hurrying around. They are grabbing the people from inside the cage.
VAMPIRE
Get them outta here! Hurry up!
Buffy steps into the chamber.
BUFFY
I think it's a little late for that.
VAMPIRE
You!
BUFFY
(mocking)
You recognise me? I'm so
honoured!
VAMPIRE
Get lost, or
You're gonna pay!
BUFFY
Cash…
Buffy violently stakes the vampire.
BUFFY
Or credit?
Buffy starts fighting and the Scoobies run into the chamber.
ANGLE ON: XANDER AND ANYA push one vampire into the wall before Xander repeatedly smashes its head into the bricks.
XANDER
Anya! Stake it!
Anya quickly thrusts the stake through the vamp's heart, reducing it to dust.
ANYA
I got it!!
She notices Xander panting with his hands on his knees.
ANYA
Have I told you that
You look very sexy after
we stake dead things?
Xander smiles. Good ol' Anya.
XANDER
Repeatedly. That's why
I love you.
ANGLE ON: WILLOW as she sees two vamps heading towards her. She holds out her arms and her eyes turn black.
WILLOW
Incindre!
The two vampires burst into flames. They quickly fall to the ground and all that is left are two piles of dust.
TARA
I-I didn't know you could do
that.
WILLOW
Neither did I!
Willow turns to Tara with a shocked grin, but her grin fades as she notices Tara's worried expression.
WILLOW
(cont'd)
That's good right?
Tara smiles, at Willow shrugs, then nods vigourously.
They both remember what they're doing and go back to fighting the vampires.
ANGLE ON BUFFY as she takes on three vampires at the same time. She punches one in the stomach and brings her elbow back quickly into the face of another.
She grabs the neck of the third one and twists it until we hear a loud crack.
The vampire looks up dazed and confused with a broken neck. Buffy stakes it quickly before kicking the second one back to the ground. She grabs an axe she had in a scabbard behind her back and decapitates it.
BUFFY
(Phew!)
Haven't had a work out
like this in a long time!
ANGLE ON SPIKE as he shows the people to safety. One man walks passed with bloody coming out of bite marks in his arm. Spike suddenly vamps out and licks his lips then stops himself.
SPIKE
(face returns to normal)
Go on! Move it!
ANGLE ON WILLOW AND TARA. They are holding hands. As a vampire comes towards them it's thrown back with great force before finding itself flying in the air. Willow takes a deep breath and closes her eyes.
ANGLE ON THE VAMPIRE. We only see its head as it grabs its throat. It makes gagging sounds before turning to dust. We realise Willow decapitated it with her mind.
ANGLE ON XANDER. He punches a vamp with all of his strength. It flies backwards. Spike suddenly jumps in and stakes the vamp.
XANDER
Hey! I was handling!
SPIKE
And I was helping.
XANDER
(a little reluctantly)
Than…
Another vamp dives onto Spike. He runs backwards into the wall several times to knock the vamp off. It eventually falls to the floor. Xander puts the stake in.
SPIKE
Now we're even.
Spike and Xander shake hands then realise what they're doing before rubbing their hands on their shirts and get back into the fight.
ANGLE ON TARA AND ANYA. Tara is holding back a vamp, which Anya dusts.
ANGLE ON BUFFY. She spins her sword around. There's a vampire behind her. She stabs backwards, stabbing the vamp in the stomach. The pulls the sword out and the vamp grabs his injury as Buffy swings to decapitate.
ANGLE ON WILLOW. Three vampires are heading towards her. Her eyes go black again. They fly off in different directions.
ANGLE ON XANDER. He stakes on of the vamps that Willow send flying.
ANGLE ON SPIKE. He stakes the second flying (but, alas, not singing and dancing) vamp.
ANGLE ON BUFFY. She pulls out a stake, which she twirls between her fingers before staking the last vamp. She looks up to the others.
Buffy joins Xander and Anya as they're fighting a few vamps.
XANDER
Buffy! Nice to see you…
He ducks a punch from a vampire, and Buffy stakes it from behind.
XANDER
(cont'd)
Uh… thanks…
Buffy smiles, and gives a glance backwards to the humans that Spike is trying to escort out. She scrunches her face up.
BUFFY
(To Xander)
I don't think Spike should be
helping those people…
Buffy turns back around and stakes two more vampires who are attacking Xander, leaving only one left, who Anya stakes from behind, with a huge grin.
The three of them huddle together, and Xander turns to Buffy.
XANDER
Hey, maybe, we should
Cut him some slack…
Buffy interrupts, him, bluntly.
BUFFY
It's day.
Xander nods, slowly, then speaks.
XANDER
Oh, right… You mean
Spike's no Good if he's ball
of flame man.
Buffy gives him a bewildered look. Like she'd care about Spike's well being.
BUFFY
(are you kidding?)
No, If Spike goes into
The sunlight, he's gonna
set those people on fire.
XANDER
(To himself)
Check. We still hate
Spike.
Buffy looks at the group of people with Spike again.
BUFFY
Maybe someone should…
XANDER
Me and Anya will go
Help Spi- Dead boy Jr.
Get them to sunny safety.
BUFFY
Thanks.
Buffy runs off screen, towards Willow and Tara, who are fighting their own vampires.
ANYA
Dead Boy Jr?
Xander shrugs and he and Anya walk quickly over to SPIKE
CUT TO: Buffy is fighting beside Willow. Willow has a stake in her hand, but she isn't using it much. She's simply sending things flying at the vampires, and throwing them into places where sunshine has shone through. Tara is back to back with willow, and is simply staking anything that comes near her.
Tara gets hit backwards, when a vampire gets past her stake, and she and Willow get thrown at a near-by wall.
Buffy turns to this vampire, and punches it in the gut. As it doubles over, she grabs it's head and knees it in the face. She vampire goes flying backwards and she attends to Willow and Tara.
BUFFY
You guys ok?
WILLOW
I think so…
Buffy helps them both up, and Tara steadies herself on Willow. We get a shot of the room from their POV, and we see that all the vamps are gone..
BUFFY
Well, that was a fun fight.
TARA
Well, at- at least we
got them all.
WILLOW
(happy)
So, what do we do
Now?
At this point, Xander, Anya and Spike walk over.
XANDER
They're all safely above
Ground.
ANYA
And Xander phoned an
Ambulance.
SPIKE
(with a snort)
Not that you can trust
Those idiots…
Buffy gives Spike a "Why are you talking?" look, that no one else notices, and the six of them start walking over to the man hole.
TARA
Uh… How is Spike
Going to get out?
Everyone looks at Spike, who is looking up, with a frown.
SPIKE
(sarcastically)
This should be fun.
BUFFY
Maybe he should just
Stay here until night.
Not like I'd miss him.
SPIKE
Good to know you care.
Xander Takes off his jacket, with a sigh.
XANDER
Here. Take this. Use
You billowy coat thing too.
ANYA
But, Xander, you're coat is
worth Money! And it'll catch
fire!
XANDER
(quietly)
I know, hun.
Spike looks down at the coat, and smiles.
SPIKE
Thanks, mate… but no
Thanks.
He hands the coat back and looks up again.
SPIKE
(cont'd)
I'm sure I can make it out of
the sunlight quick enough.
And I've always wanted a tan.
Willow Waves her hands like she's just remember something and steps forward.
WILLOW
(excited)
Magic! Blanket!
She mutters a few words, and a thick blanket appears in her arms. She gives it to Spike and smiles. Buffy rolls her eyes.
SPIKE
(quietly)
Thanks, luv…
BUFFY
Well, let's get going.
INTERIOR: GILES' HOUSE – day
We see Giles and Lydia sitting on the couch, in the same positions as before.
Behind them, we see Dawn coming down the stairs for breakfast. She reaches the bottom and stops at the doorway of the living room.
CLOSE ON: Dawn as she looks at the two of them.
LYDIA
The new Slayer… It's Dawn…
CLOSE ON: Giles as shock covers his entire face. He was caught in mid sip and chokes.
GILES
(coughs)
What?
ANGLE ON: Dawn, as she looks down at Lydia.
DAWN
(completely unsurprised)
When do we start training?
ACT THREE
INTERIOR: MAGIC BOX – day
We see Buffy and the Scoobies (sans Willow and Tara) enter the magic shop.
Spike enters with a flaming blanket covering him.
ANGLE ON: The blanket as we see Spike's boot stomping out the fire.
ANYA
One of these days you'll
Set something expensive on
Fire.
XANDER
She's right… watch where
You throw the fire.
Spike pretty much ignores them, and looks at the window, which has various papers in it.
SPIKE
Y'know, I'm spending less and
Less time around the old
Crypt. Maybe I should start
renting it. Reckon I
could put an ad in the window?
ANGLE ON: Giles behind the counter at the register.
BUFFY
Hi Giles.
GILES
(slowly)
Hello.
XANDER
G-man, what's up?
GILES
(mild irritation)
Don't call me that.
BUFFY
Aren't you going to
ask what happened?
GILES
(startled)
Oh yes! I'm sorry,
I'm a little distracted.
How did everything go?
XANDER
We came, we saw, we conquered
and all in time for Willow and Tara
to go off to do the college thing.
Impressed?
GILES
(still a little edgy, not taking in everything Xander said)
Quite. But…
BUFFY
(slightly wigged)
C'mon Giles. Lets go
discuss this over some
padded gloves.
CLOSE ON: Giles as he looks at Buffy.
The camera follows Giles' POV as Buffy makes her way over to the door leading to her training room.
From Buffy's POV we see the inside of her training room.
We see Dawn practicing with Lydia – with extreme skill.
CLOSE ON: Buffy's shocked face.
Back to Buffy's POV, we watch as Dawn completes a complex combination of back flips and somersaults. She uses all of the equipment in the room to aid her acrobatics.
ANGLE ON: Buffy as she watches Dawn in shock.
ANGLE ON: Dawn as she finishes with a flying, spinning heel kick that whizzes right in front of Buffy's face.
BUFFY
(wide-eyed)
What's going on?
DAWN
(stops, looking about, nonchalantly)
I'm the new Slayer.
BUFFY
(dumbfounded)
Huh?
We see Lydia saunter over to the girls.
Dawn hangs back, with her arms folded across her chest.
LYDIA
That's right.
Dawn is the new Slayer.
ANGLE ON: The door to the training room. All of the Scoobies are peeking in.
SPIKE
(surprised, but tinged with pride)
The Nibblet?
Giles wades through the door and stands next to Buffy.
CLOSE ON: Buffy's perplexed face.
GILES
Quite.
ANYA
But how?
CLOSE ON: Lydia as she cocks her head at an angle.
LYDIA
(matter of fact)
I received word from
the Council this morning.
BUFFY
(still in shock)
This morning?
But I never made
that much progress in
month let alone a morning.
LYDIA
(business is business)
Well of course not.
Dawn is a new type
of Slayer – or rather
an old one.
(beat)
Her progress makes it
quite clear that the influence
of the primitive Slayers
is a part of her.
ANGLE ON: Buffy as she edges closer to Giles and looks at him questioningly.
GILES
(to Buffy)
Its possible. The spell
we performed to defeat
Adam could have had
residual effects.
The camera pulls out to show that the entire gang has entered the training room. Dawn is noticeably NOT with the group. She is in the corner with the punching bag, wailing on it.
XANDER
(worried)
Effects?
GILES
(train of thought)
Dawn was created
from Buffy, after the
spell was cast. The after
effects of it were still in
Buffy's body. The Slayer lineage
could have been altered.
LYDIA
(quickly)
That must be just it.
My studies have shown
how improbable, in fact
almost impossible that
two Slayers could be
chosen from the same
close genetic relation,
let alone the same family.
CLOSE ON: Buffy.
FLASHBACK: The Gift
BUFFY
She's me. The Monks made her out of
me. I hold her and I feel closer to her
than... It's more than just the memories
they built, it's physical, it's... Dawn is a
part of me. The only part that I...
She can't go on. Willow crosses to her, holds her.
CLOSE ON: Buffy. She shakes her head.
BUFFY
(quietly, cont'd from the flashback)
The only part that wasn't the Slayer.
LYDIA
(O.S.)
What?
ANGLE ON: Lydia, from Buffy's POV. She looks a little nervous.
BUFFY
(To Lydia, still dazed)
Nothing.
XANDER
So, dawn… is the new
Slayer. For Faith?
ANYA
Well, she's most likely
Not homicidal as Faith was.
That's a good thing. You
Aren't homicidal, are you?
Dawn rolls her eyes at Anya and continues to pummel the punching bag.
Spike walks over to Dawn with a grin, and taps her lightly on the side of the arm.
SPIKE
See, the Summer's women
Are the tough ones!
Dawn gives him a brief smile and resumes her activities with the punching bag.
Spike reaches up as if to touch her arm again, but lowers it slowly, with a strange expression on his face.
Xander looks over at Dawn.
XANDER
This is big… And it may just be
me but it still doesn't make any
sense.
SPIKE
Trust me… it's not just you.
Buffy walks over to Dawn. She stops the punching bag mid swing.
BUFFY
Dawnie?
Dawn looks up, a little annoyed that she's been distracted.
DAWN
I'm punching.
BUFFY
I… I can see that… but… aren't
you even questioning this.
Lydia suddenly butts in.
LYDIA
Why should she? She's been
called. It's a great honour.
BUFFY
But this…
LYDIA
She's the Slayer…
DAWN
(looks up, smiles)
Does this mean I can go patrolling
now?
BUFFY
(still completely in shock)
I…
LYDIA
Of course. It's your sacred duty.
To rid the world of the undead
menace. You patrol tonight.
DAWN
(no real emotion as such)
Cool.
Buffy is holding her head. Migraine time! She tries to shake it off.
BUFFY
This is all too much. Guys, Dawn…
can you leave? Just for a few
minutes.
DAWN
But I have to…
BUFFY
Please.
Dawn reluctantly nods then turns around. Giles, Xander and Anya walk out with her. Lydia is about to do the same.
BUFFY
Not you.
Lydia stops. Turns to Buffy. There's a silence until Buffy is sure Dawn has left.
BUFFY
(C'tnd)
Lydia…
LYDIA
You have any objections? Obviously
you'd have to take them up with the
Council… and I doubt they would…
BUFFY
(calmly)
Shut up.
Lydia does as she's told.
BUFFY
(C'tnd)
I'm not going to pretend to
understand what's going on
because I don't. I'm not even
sure that I'll be able to. But…
if you're confident about this
and Giles' explanation is actually
true… and this is all really
happening… Dawn's still in school…
LYDIA
I understand that, Miss Summers.
BUFFY
Do you? When… when mom died
I made a promise I'd bring Dawn
up as best I could. That's something
I plan to keep. Whatever happens
here I want you to know her training
can't interfere with her education.
LYDIA
Like yours didn't?
BUFFY
Exactly. It was difficult but I
managed. Dawn should too.
LYDIA
I would like to point out that things
were a lot different for you.
BUFFY
In what way?
LYDIA
Your Watcher was employed by the
school. Training and schooling went
hand in hand.
Buffy shakes her head. She notices the punching bag is still swinging. She stops it before she speaks.
BUFFY
I can't see a difference. I
trained after school. So will
she.
LYDIA
(hopefully)
But you'll allow her to complete
today's schedule?
BUFFY
No. She's going to school. She's
just gonna be late.
LYDIA
I must protest.
BUFFY
(walking out)
Protest away.
Buffy walks out into the main part of the shop.
INTERIOR: MAGIC BOX – day
Buffy walks in and goes straight to Dawn. We PAN LEFT to see Xander flicking randomly through a book. He turns around. Spike is standing behind him. Xander jumps.
XANDER
(awkward)
So, Spike, how ya doing?
ANYA
Yes, Going to be newly
Human soon! It's very
Exciting, I can tell you!
SPIKE
(nonchalantly)
Yeah…
Awkward silence.
XANDER
(getting it off his chest)
Look, Spike, I know Buffy
Has been being a little hard
On you…
Giles comes out from behind the counter and grabs a cup of coffee at the machine beside the bookshelf.
GILES
You mean she's been
After Spike more so than
Usual.
SPIKE
She hates my guts.
Nothing new.
Xander looks directly at Spike.
XANDER
Yes, it is something new.
She usually isn't this hard
On you, and in my opinion,
You haven't done anything
To deserve it.
Spike stops pacing.
SPIKE
(Wow…)
Really?! You… you're
Not having me on are you?
XANDER
Seriosuly. I mean, aside
From the fact you tried to
Kill us several times. You've
pretty much got my vote of
confidence.
Spike gives Xander a bewildered look.
SPIKE
Well, I… uh…
Suppose it's nice to
Know I have someone
Who doesn't want me
dead.
Xadner smiles, and nods his head.
XANDER
I didn't say that.
(beat)
Willow agrees with me too. Buffy's
just pissed off at the moment. I
can't blame her but it doesn't mean
she has to brush you aside like…
SPIKE
(nods, continuing)
Like we haven't made any progress
in trusting each other in the few
months we had before she…
None of them can say it. Buffy may be back but they're all still in shock that she died – her return can't suddenly wipe away the hurt they suffered.
GILES
(In *My* opinion)
You can't blame her, you know…
I don't know what the powers
Were thinking… Angel had much
More potential…
ANYA
Aside from the fact that
He once tried to kill you all?
Spike sits down and takes a deep, un-needed breath.
SPIKE
(Whisper to himself)
This is ridiculous.
ANYA
You know, this human thing isn't
as easy as they all seem to make
it. I know that. It takes you so long
to get used to it then you realise
"this isn't such a bad thing after all".
Then it's not long before the dreadful
truth dawns on you…
SPIKE
Mortality?
ANYA
Body hair. When I was a demon I
didn't get it. Then Woosh! I'm human
and I have fibres coming out of my
legs and armpits like there's no
tomorrow. It took me three months
to realise you couldn't just bite it off…
XANDER
Honey, that's not really an
image I wanted of you.
Spike looks down at Anya, and nods slowly, an "Okkaayyy" look on his face. He starts pacing again, but stops to talk to Anya.
SPIKE
Uh… Anya, luv, I was human
For a good number of years,
You know.
ANYA
(and she goes on…)
Yes, but it is quite interesting.
And the advances of personal
Hygene from the past are very
Interesting. It's amazing: All these
Different sorts of soap. When I was
Human before, we just used rocks.
By now, Xander and Giles are also looking at Anya, odd looks on their faces.
XANDER
Ahn, hon, Spike lived not so
Long ago… he knows about this
Sort of thing.
ANYA
Well, I'm positive he doesn't know
About the modern forms of
Contraception there are today!
Personally, Xander and I use—
GILES
(Ok, conversation gone far enough)
And perhaps we should change subjects?
ANYA
Well, I'm only saying.
There's an awkward silence as Spike continues pacing. He stops and addresses the others.
SPIKE
Well, I can handle
Being human. Easy.
Anya looks sceptical, as Xander smiles weakly.
SPIKE
(cont'd)
How hard can it be?
ANGLE ON DAWN AND BUFFY. Dawn isn't amused with what Buffy's just told her.
DAWN
I don't see the point! It's already
twelve thirty. It's not like there's
much time to do anything! I could
stay here and keep training.
BUFFY
You're going to school whether you
like it or not.
DAWN
I thought we got over this argument
months ago.
BUFFY
Yeah, and you decided it was best
to go to school…
DAWN
Back then I didn't have the duty
I've got now.
BUFFY
I'm not going to get into a fight
about this, Dawn.
DAWN
Then lay off me.
Buffy touches Dawn's arm. She pulls away quickly.
DAWN
(to Lydia)
Tell her!
LYDIA
I've tried.
GILES
You want the girl to leave school?
What sort of Watcher are you?
LYDIA
One who's more concerned with
the fate of the world rather than
whether or not my Slayer knows
algebra.
BUFFY
What sort of future is she supposed
to have without school?
LYDIA
One in which she fulfils her duty.
Buffy walks to the door. She turns around to face Dawn.
BUFFY
You're coming with me.
DAWN
Buffy!
BUFFY
Now!
Dawn grabs her school bag, which is resting on the floor. She throws it over her shoulder glumly then storms to the door, straight passed Buffy while giving her a really dirty look.
BLACK OUT
ACT FOUR
EXTERIOR: CEMETERY – night
Buffy and Dawn are on patrol. Dawn is really in a bad mood.
DAWN
You even think of asking me how
school went and I won't be responsible
for my actions.
BUFFY
I wasn't planning to.
They look around. Dawn pulls out two stakes, one in each hand.
BUFFY
It's better to carry just one so the
other one's free for punching or
grabbing.
DAWN
This is more efficient.
BUFFY
I guess. It's just I've always…
DAWN
I'm not you.
BUFFY
I've notice that.
(beat)
I was a little more reluctant when
I was told I was the Slayer.
DAWN
So I'm the bad person because
I'm not rebelling against what I
have to do.
BUFFY
You don't have to.
DAWN
I'm the Slayer.
BUFFY
Something you've only been for
the past twelve hours. I don't even
think you're ready for this.
DAWN
I've got to start somewhere.
Buffy sighs. Dawn walks over a grave. Buffy pulls her away.
DAWN
(a little agitated)
What now?
BUFFY
It's a fresh grave. Anything could
have come out of it.
DAWN
Will you stop being so protective!
BUFFY
I'm you're sister. I think it's in
the job description.
DAWN
Well, maybe we should cross it off
now I've got the super powers.
BUFFY
It isn't going to happen little missy.
I really don't like you doing this. I
don't care how much you and that
woman talk about duties… you're my
kid sister and I don't want you doing
any of the stuff I have to.
DAWN
(raises an eyebrow)
It's not like you've got any choice
in the matter.
BUFFY
(sad but true)
No. I guess no…
She's pushed forward and hits the ground with a thump. A vampire has come out of the darkness. Buffy flips back onto her feet and goes to reach for a stake.
It's too late. Dawn has jumped into a fight with the vamp. She punches and kicks with great ferocity. The vampire is fast and she's quickly overwhelmed. He throws her into a tree.
BUFFY
Dawn!
The vampire walks towards Buffy.
VAMPIRE
I don't want some puny kid…
I want the Slayer…
He suddenly turns to dust as Dawn has staked him from behind.
DAWN
You've got one.
The vampire turns around with as terror stricken face as he slowly turns to dust. Dawn smiles. Buffy's in a state of shock but there are hints of jealousy and pride in her voice too. She's one confused girl right now.
BUFFY
I didn't even have time to get
a stake!
Buffy is ever so slightly miffed about the fact she didn't have to do any work.
DAWN
(smiling)
No hard feelings… anyway, I got
my first slay didn't I? You gotta
start somewhere.
BUFFY
(smiles too, puts her arm around Dawn)
Yeah, I guess so.
(notices her watch)
Oh no! We've gotta get back to
the shop! Quickly!
DAWN
What?
BUFFY
Spike's about to change!
EXTERIOR: SUNNYDALE – VARIOUS STREETS – night
Buffy and Dawn run through the streets as fast as they can, swerving in and out of the people who are in their way until the magic shop is in sight.
INTERIOR: MAGIC BOX – night
Spike is sitting around talking to Willow and Tara.
SPIKE
I honestly wasn't sure what to
think but… wow! I didn't think…
well, it was the last thing I expected.
WILLOW
See? You shouldn't think the
worst all the time.
SPIKE
I guess…
TARA
You should have trusted us.
SPIKE
(smiles)
I know that now…
The door bursts open. Buffy is the first in followed by Dawn who's a little more out of breath than her sister.
BUFFY
H-has it happened?
SPIKE
(looks up)
Not yet. I'll give it another
two minutes…
ANYA
He's been counting down for
the last hour.
SPIKE
Hey! I have a right to. My life
is about to change forever.
Buffy is a little uncomfortable.
BUFFY
Look… Spike… I think we need
to…
SPIKE
Talk? Yeah I got that impression
too.
Buffy walks into the corner of the shop where the others won't hear. Spike turns to Willow.
SPIKE
Thanks. Really. I didn't think any
of you would be on my side.
WILLOW
You know what I said…
Spike nods then follows Buffy. She's sitting on the seat. He gets there and she still seems a little uneasy. She goes to stand up then changes her mind.
SPIKE
I haven't got all day you know.
BUFFY
I know… I… I'm sorry.
SPIKE
I guessed that. Hence the guilt
ridden voice.
BUFFY
(harshly)
Hardly guilt rid…
(beat)
Sorry. It's just… I was jealous…
annoyed even… that you got this
gift instead of Angel.
SPIKE
(sarcastically)
You don't say.
BUFFY
Seriously. I know you deserved it.
I knew from the moment Cord…
the Powers told you. I just didn't
want to believe it. I think I felt I
had to hate you for it… But…
She stops. Spike looks expectantly for her to continue.
BUFFY
(C'tnd)
But whatever happens I'm here for
you. I'm gonna make sure I do
everything I can to help you come
to terms with this all.
SPIKE
Come to terms? I…
Buffy jumps back as an amazing light fills the room and is focuses on Spike. Everyone turns to face him in shock.
XANDER
What the…?
GILES
It's happening…
Spike doubles over, looking up to the sky in awe, and pleasure.
SPIKE
(ecstatic)
Oh yes! Give it to me real good!
He holds his arms out in the same style as he did in Giles' Restless dream. He leans his neck back to soak up the light. He smiles. The light begins to clear and he moves his arms down again. He takes a long, deep breath – his first in over 100 years.
We focus on the expectant expressions on everyone's face – only a few moments but they seem to last forever.
FOCUS ON SPIKE. His face drops and his expression turns to that of disgust and confusion. He falls to his knees and begins/sobbing screaming, grabbing his stomach in pain.
BUFFY
(runs to Spike)
Oh my God! Spike!
Willow and Xander try to hold her back but can't. Buffy gets to Spike but he turns away from her in disgust at himself.
LYDIA
Of course. He's human – he's got
a got a soul now.
We close in on Spike's agonised face as tears stream down his face.
END
BLACK OUT.
Summer Script Challenge
The Powers that Be Pro Temporae
Episode 6.08: The Point Of No Return
By DigiJoss Whedon (Digitalis) and David Furme (Me)
Rough Outline by Marti Noggston (Noggins)
GILES (V.O.)
Previously on Buffy the Vampire Slayer…
From Lost Along the Way:
Cordelia under the control of The Powers That Be talking to Spike.
CORDELIA
(Second Voice)
The deeds done today have
changed the destiny of all
of you here.
(Third Voice)
An act of bravery has altered
the flow of time. Prophecies
have been fulfilled…
(First Voice)
Step forward vampire. You
shall have your reward.
From The Breaking Point:
CORDELLIA:
Spike will have 48 hours to finish
his unlife as a vampire. He will be
human in two days time.
CUT TO:
Spike reaches into his pocket to pull out a cigarette. A quizzical look comes over his face. Instead of a cigarette he pulls out something small enough to fit in his clenched fist.
SPIKE'S POV: He looks down at his hand and slowly begins to open it to reveal… a small piece of metal… his chip.
CUT TO:
Spike telling the vampires that he'll prove he can bite again.
CUT TO:
Giles takes Dawn's school bag out of the car and a piece of paper falls from it and onto the floor. Giles reaches to pick it up and frowns.
CLOSE UP on the piece of paper. It's a plain sheet but almost every part of it has been scribbled over so it's almost black.
CUT TO
Dawn listening in on their conversation.
CUT TO:
Buffy on the phone.
BUFFY
It's Faith…
TEASER
INTERIOR: GILES' HOUSE – NIGHT
Everyone is sitting in Giles' living room, very quiet. We see BUFFY sitting in the centre of the couch, as everyone looks at her. Tara and Anya have moved in from where they had burst in the door in 6.07.
Giles enters the room, followed by DAWN, carrying a tray with various assorted tea items.
XANDER
(let me get this straight)
How can she be dead?
BUFFY
(morose)
The guards found her
hanging from her bunk
earlier this afternoon.
They killed her, made it look
like a suicide.
(to Giles, mad)
Giles, how can The Council
get away with this?
Giles sits down in the armchair heavily, and sips his tea.
GILES
Buffy, you know as well as I
do, that the Council operates
outside of the law. They've
done and will continue to do
horrendous things if they believe
that it is for their own benefit.
WILLOW
But why? She was in jail.
Why kill her?
GILES
(confuzzled)
I can only guess
that they were anxious
to activate the next Slayer.
BUFFY
What about me?
DAWN
(matter of fact)
Maybe they think that the
third time will be the charm
for you and they want a
slayer who could actually
do some good.
CLOSE ON: Buffy as she looks at Dawn sharply and opens her mouth to say something to her. She glances at Giles who shakes his head imperceptibly. Buffy remains silent.
WILLOW
So everything that you… that
Spike did was for nothing?
INTERIOR: SEWER – night
We see Spike standing in the foul water where we left him in 6.07. He has a handful of his would-be victim's blonde hair. She whimpers.
ANGLE ON: The crowd of vampires looking at Spike in anticipation. First the left side, then the right, as the camera follows Spike's POV.
LEAD VAMPIRE
Well? What are you waiting for?
CLOSE ON: Spike as he vamps out and we see him dive in for the kill.
CREDITS
ACT ONE
INTERIOR: SEWER - night
CONTINUED: From the Teaser.
We see Spike as he buries his head in his victim's neck. We hear growling noises and some sporadic cheers from some of the younger vampires in the crowd.
CLOSE ON: Spike as he looks up, his face normal and no blood around his mouth. He hasn't drunk a drop.
LEAD VAMPIRE
(exasperated)
What's wrong now? It's fresh.
SPIKE
(ignoring vampire, to himself)
Sod this…
The vampires look at him. He drops the person in his hands down to the floor.
SPIKE
I mean, what's the bloody
point? I've got better sodding
things going on in my life to
go back to this old gig.
He grabs a stake and plunges it into the leader's heart, dusting him. The other vampires are taken by surprise and attack Spike.
VAMPIRE
You traitorous sc--
Spike snorts and stakes the vampire with a stake form in his duster, and the others take a cautious step backwards.
SPIKE
Get a new line.
The other vampires attack again, albeit more cautiously.
INTERIOR: GILES' HOUSE – night
Everyone is in the same position that they were in the Teaser. They seem a little more relaxed, but a bit of sadness can be seen on everyone's faces.
XANDER
(to Buffy, optimistic)
But, hey, if there's a new
Slayer, maybe she'll come
here, help us out with the
uglies of demon kind.
BUFFY
I hadn't thought of that.
ANYA
A second Slayer would be
great. It would be like
double the Buffy.
BUFFY
It might be nice to have some
help from another Slayer. I
miss Kendra, and even Faith.
Unbalanced as she was.
XANDER
Unbalanced? Don't you mean
homicidal?
BUFFY
I think there was one point you
weren't complaining about that.
XANDER
(defensively)
Hey! She used me just like she
used everybody else in her life.
BUFFY
Like I said, I didn't hear you
complaining!
ANYA
(defending Xander)
I don't like you talking to
Xander like this! He…
WILLOW
(interrupting)
Guys, she's dead. Don't you
think we should stop talking
about her like this?
ANGLE ON: Buffy, Xander and Anya as they look at Willow. Xander face turns apologetic as he realizes what Willow said. Anya is a little nervous but remains defensive. Buffy just looks shocked.
BUFFY
(quietly)
It's just… I thought I would
die before Faith would.
WILLOW
(just as quietly)
But you did, Buffy.
Willow gets up from the chair she is sharing with Tara, and goes over to Buffy, and the two of them hug.
BUFFY
(Awww… moment)
Wils…
They break apart and Buffy looks into Willow's eyes. In that moment, we get the fell that Buffy wants to thanks Willow for being there, for always helping out.
Willow just smiles, and Buffy becomes speechless.
BUFFY
(cont'd)
I… Thanks.
They share a moment, and hug again, but Xander interrupts waving his hand.
XANDER
What about the vamps? We
can't forget them!
BUFFY
(from over Willow's shoulder)
Thanks. So what's the sitch with
them? Anya? Tara?
Willow takes her seat next to Tara again.
TARA
They're in th-the sewers.
ANYA
(nodding)
We saw them trying to
drag a someone down there.
They have to be there.
BUFFY
That's where we need to
be. Giles, you stay here to
look after Dawn. Everyone
else, come with me.
Buffy walks out of the house without saying any more words. The others look at each other then follow. They leave the door open.
Giles looks up a little worried then walks towards the door to shut it.
We PAN UP to see Dawn standing at the top of the stairs. Once she hears the front door close she goes back to her bedroom.
INTERIOR: SEWER – just before dawn
In the sewers Spike is being overwhelmed by the other vampires. He throws one who is close to him over his shoulders and thrusts a stake through its heart. He turns and gets punched in the face by another vamp.
SPIKE
Hey!
Spike pushes the vamp into the wall and starts punching him in the face. Finally he stakes it. He turns with a self-satisfied smirk on his face which suddenly drops.
SPIKE
(Come and get me!)
Who else wants so--
He's pulled back violently into a group of vampires so we can't see him. Every few seconds a hand or leg appears as he fights to break free. One of the vampires grabs the stake from his hand as Spike is pushed down to the ground under the throng of vampires. We hear the sound of a vampire turning to dust.
FIRST VAMPIRE
Did we kill him? Did we?
The vampires move slowly apart. Spike has grabbed his stake back. He jumps to his feet and plunges it through the heart of another vampire.
SPIKE
(through clenched teeth)
Obviously not, you pillock!
He kicks one back into the wall, pulls it back and hurls it into the other vampires before running again.
EXTERIOR: STREET – just before dawn
Buffy, Xander and Willow are quietly following Anya and Tara who are recalling where they saw the vampires go.
ANYA
Just up here… around that
corner.
BUFFY
(looks up)
If we don't get them tonight
we may have to leave it 'til
tomorrow. The sun's almost
up. If we don't catch one of
them, their lair's gonna be
almost impossible to find.
There's a nervous silence as they continue walking. None of them want to talk about Faith's death. Xander tries to start a different conversation.
XANDER
Shame Spike's missing all
of this.
Everyone turns to Xander. He suddenly realises he's made a bit of a mistake in mentioning the S-word. They all anticipate a huge blow-out.
BUFFY
(calm, a little bitterly)
Angel wouldn't have wasted
that prize. He was prepared…
There's another silence, which Xander feels the need to end.
XANDER
But maybe Spike at least
deserved a chance…
BUFFY
I don't care. Without that
chip he hasn't got a soul,
he's just another demon.
Demon's like that just don't
deserve to be human.
ANYA
(annoyed)
Oh really?
BUFFY
(ignoring Anya)
And, I mean, since when
To the powers decide they're
Just gonna throw out
Re-birthings?
XANDER
(meekly)
Don't kill me…
But, well, Angel's been brought
back once before…
BUFFY
(So what?!
He deserved it! And…
WILLOW
You guys, maybe we
Should, uh, change subjects
Again, or... something…
Their conversation continues but fades out as they walk over a sewer grate. We PAN DOWN through the ground into:
INTERIOR: SEWER –dawn
Spike is running ahead of the other vampires. He keeps looking back to make sure he's far enough ahead. He gets to a ladder leading up to the surface. He glances up then back before clambering up.
SPIKE
(muttering to himself)
Stupid bloody sewer…
He pushes the sewer grate away and begins to climb up until we can only see his legs. There's a hissing sound followed by a loud yell.
SPIKE (O.S.)
Crap!
He falls down into the sewers again as he tries to get rid of the fire that's appeared on his shoulder.
SPIKE
(re: TPTB)
They could have made it twenty
four hours! Bastards!
He hears the vampires heading towards him from another chamber in the sewer. He begins to run again before coming to a T-Junction. He looks both ways a little confused.
SPIKE
Oh, how wonderful.
Which way to sudden
Doom.
There are vampires getting closer to him.
VAMPIRE (O.S)
He's down this way!
He stops running and gets ready to fight, holding up the stake he had in his hand.
He takes a deep breath and gets into a defensive stance.
SPIKE
Right you ponces… I'm not
running anymore! Spike
doesn't run for anyone!
A hand comes down on his shoulder and he shrieks out loud!
BLACK OUT
ACT TWO
INTERIOR: SEWER - morning
Spike spins around with the stake ready to see that it's Buffy and the Scoobies.
SPIKE
Oh. You.
BUFFY
Yeah, us. What the hell are
you doing here? We thought
you'd be off celebrating.
SPIKE
(sardonically)
Thank you. You sound so
happy for me.
TARA
What about the vampires?
SPIKE
You mean the ones that are
heading this way as we speak?
BUFFY
What?
Suddenly about six of them come running around the corner. They stop when they see all of the Scoobies.
VAMPIRE
The Slayer! You're dead!
BUFFY
(not quite what the vamp meant but she's being witty)
I was. Now I'm back.
She flips forward and kicks the vampire to the ground.
BUFFY
(C'tnd)
You, on the other hand have
about a second…
She stakes him.
BUFFY
(C'tnd)
… left.
(looks up at the other vampires)
How about it guys and gals?
Six of us, five of you. Like
those odds?
The other vampires run off in the direction they came.
SPIKE
They're going back to their lair!
I can show you the way.
BUFFY
And how exactly do you know
where it is?
SPIKE
I kinda stumbled on it when I
was out on patrol believe it
or not.
BUFFY
You mean out getting drunk?
SPIKE
Look, I'm doing you another
favour here. I saved your
little friend now I'm saving
the town from some bloody
vampire gang! What does it
take to please you these days?
BUFFY
Faith's dead. You didn't save
her.
SPIKE
(in disbelief)
What?!
Spike is taken aback.
BUFFY
I got a call at Giles' this morning.
They say she killed herself.
WILLOW
Except that's a crock!
BUFFY
It has to be the Council. Angel's
gonna be looking into it.
SPIKE
This saving people lark is a
lot sodding harder than I
thought.
BUFFY
So you're starting to feel guilty?
SPIKE
About what?
BUFFY
That little thing called being
human! Looks like it was
wasted on you!
Spike shakes his head and walks off ahead. He doesn't want to start another argument.
SPIKE
The vamp chamber is up this
way. They've got people in a
cage. They've got some big
party planned.
XANDER
Then we're gonna be gate
crashing it.
WILLOW
But they know we're coming.
BUFFY
Which means they could be
feeding while they still can!
Come on!
Everyone gets their weapons ready as they head towards the chamber. Anya and Xander are the only ones who are walking with Spike.
SPIKE
They tried to make me feed…
God, I was so tempted.
ANYA
(frowning)
How could you? Your chip would
stop you like it always has.
SPIKE
(nervously)
Yeah… right…
XANDER
Well, let's get in there…
INTERIOR: GILES' HOUSE – day
We see Giles seated at his table with the newspaper spread out in front of him, as he sips yet more tea.
We hear the doorbell ring.
Giles gets up from the table and opens the door.
GILES
(cool)
What are you doing here?
Lydia pushes past him and enters his living room.
Giles shuts the door, and follows the other watcher in.
GILES
(under his breath)
Do come in.
(louder)
Again, what are you
Doing here?
Lydia pours herself some tea from Giles' pot, and freshens his.
LYDIA
I have received
news from the Council.
GILES
(tired)
Yes, we already heard
about Faith.
LYDIA
(nods)
Terrible tragedy. After all
we did it had to come down
to this.
(shakes her head)
Terrible.
(looks up, a little brighter)
But that wasn't
what my news
was Mr. Giles.
(pause)
A new Slayer has
been chosen.
GILES
(more animated)
A new Slayer?
They know who she
is already?
LYDIA
Why, of course.
What do you
Take us for?
Fools?
CLOSE ON: Lydia, as she looks slightly smug and Giles smiles bitterly, as if biting his tongue.
INTERIOR: SEWERS – VAMP CHAMBER – day
The Scoobies get to just outside the chamber. The vamps inside are hurrying around. They are grabbing the people from inside the cage.
VAMPIRE
Get them outta here! Hurry up!
Buffy steps into the chamber.
BUFFY
I think it's a little late for that.
VAMPIRE
You!
BUFFY
(mocking)
You recognise me? I'm so
honoured!
VAMPIRE
Get lost, or
You're gonna pay!
BUFFY
Cash…
Buffy violently stakes the vampire.
BUFFY
Or credit?
Buffy starts fighting and the Scoobies run into the chamber.
ANGLE ON: XANDER AND ANYA push one vampire into the wall before Xander repeatedly smashes its head into the bricks.
XANDER
Anya! Stake it!
Anya quickly thrusts the stake through the vamp's heart, reducing it to dust.
ANYA
I got it!!
She notices Xander panting with his hands on his knees.
ANYA
Have I told you that
You look very sexy after
we stake dead things?
Xander smiles. Good ol' Anya.
XANDER
Repeatedly. That's why
I love you.
ANGLE ON: WILLOW as she sees two vamps heading towards her. She holds out her arms and her eyes turn black.
WILLOW
Incindre!
The two vampires burst into flames. They quickly fall to the ground and all that is left are two piles of dust.
TARA
I-I didn't know you could do
that.
WILLOW
Neither did I!
Willow turns to Tara with a shocked grin, but her grin fades as she notices Tara's worried expression.
WILLOW
(cont'd)
That's good right?
Tara smiles, at Willow shrugs, then nods vigourously.
They both remember what they're doing and go back to fighting the vampires.
ANGLE ON BUFFY as she takes on three vampires at the same time. She punches one in the stomach and brings her elbow back quickly into the face of another.
She grabs the neck of the third one and twists it until we hear a loud crack.
The vampire looks up dazed and confused with a broken neck. Buffy stakes it quickly before kicking the second one back to the ground. She grabs an axe she had in a scabbard behind her back and decapitates it.
BUFFY
(Phew!)
Haven't had a work out
like this in a long time!
ANGLE ON SPIKE as he shows the people to safety. One man walks passed with bloody coming out of bite marks in his arm. Spike suddenly vamps out and licks his lips then stops himself.
SPIKE
(face returns to normal)
Go on! Move it!
ANGLE ON WILLOW AND TARA. They are holding hands. As a vampire comes towards them it's thrown back with great force before finding itself flying in the air. Willow takes a deep breath and closes her eyes.
ANGLE ON THE VAMPIRE. We only see its head as it grabs its throat. It makes gagging sounds before turning to dust. We realise Willow decapitated it with her mind.
ANGLE ON XANDER. He punches a vamp with all of his strength. It flies backwards. Spike suddenly jumps in and stakes the vamp.
XANDER
Hey! I was handling!
SPIKE
And I was helping.
XANDER
(a little reluctantly)
Than…
Another vamp dives onto Spike. He runs backwards into the wall several times to knock the vamp off. It eventually falls to the floor. Xander puts the stake in.
SPIKE
Now we're even.
Spike and Xander shake hands then realise what they're doing before rubbing their hands on their shirts and get back into the fight.
ANGLE ON TARA AND ANYA. Tara is holding back a vamp, which Anya dusts.
ANGLE ON BUFFY. She spins her sword around. There's a vampire behind her. She stabs backwards, stabbing the vamp in the stomach. The pulls the sword out and the vamp grabs his injury as Buffy swings to decapitate.
ANGLE ON WILLOW. Three vampires are heading towards her. Her eyes go black again. They fly off in different directions.
ANGLE ON XANDER. He stakes on of the vamps that Willow send flying.
ANGLE ON SPIKE. He stakes the second flying (but, alas, not singing and dancing) vamp.
ANGLE ON BUFFY. She pulls out a stake, which she twirls between her fingers before staking the last vamp. She looks up to the others.
Buffy joins Xander and Anya as they're fighting a few vamps.
XANDER
Buffy! Nice to see you…
He ducks a punch from a vampire, and Buffy stakes it from behind.
XANDER
(cont'd)
Uh… thanks…
Buffy smiles, and gives a glance backwards to the humans that Spike is trying to escort out. She scrunches her face up.
BUFFY
(To Xander)
I don't think Spike should be
helping those people…
Buffy turns back around and stakes two more vampires who are attacking Xander, leaving only one left, who Anya stakes from behind, with a huge grin.
The three of them huddle together, and Xander turns to Buffy.
XANDER
Hey, maybe, we should
Cut him some slack…
Buffy interrupts, him, bluntly.
BUFFY
It's day.
Xander nods, slowly, then speaks.
XANDER
Oh, right… You mean
Spike's no Good if he's ball
of flame man.
Buffy gives him a bewildered look. Like she'd care about Spike's well being.
BUFFY
(are you kidding?)
No, If Spike goes into
The sunlight, he's gonna
set those people on fire.
XANDER
(To himself)
Check. We still hate
Spike.
Buffy looks at the group of people with Spike again.
BUFFY
Maybe someone should…
XANDER
Me and Anya will go
Help Spi- Dead boy Jr.
Get them to sunny safety.
BUFFY
Thanks.
Buffy runs off screen, towards Willow and Tara, who are fighting their own vampires.
ANYA
Dead Boy Jr?
Xander shrugs and he and Anya walk quickly over to SPIKE
CUT TO: Buffy is fighting beside Willow. Willow has a stake in her hand, but she isn't using it much. She's simply sending things flying at the vampires, and throwing them into places where sunshine has shone through. Tara is back to back with willow, and is simply staking anything that comes near her.
Tara gets hit backwards, when a vampire gets past her stake, and she and Willow get thrown at a near-by wall.
Buffy turns to this vampire, and punches it in the gut. As it doubles over, she grabs it's head and knees it in the face. She vampire goes flying backwards and she attends to Willow and Tara.
BUFFY
You guys ok?
WILLOW
I think so…
Buffy helps them both up, and Tara steadies herself on Willow. We get a shot of the room from their POV, and we see that all the vamps are gone..
BUFFY
Well, that was a fun fight.
TARA
Well, at- at least we
got them all.
WILLOW
(happy)
So, what do we do
Now?
At this point, Xander, Anya and Spike walk over.
XANDER
They're all safely above
Ground.
ANYA
And Xander phoned an
Ambulance.
SPIKE
(with a snort)
Not that you can trust
Those idiots…
Buffy gives Spike a "Why are you talking?" look, that no one else notices, and the six of them start walking over to the man hole.
TARA
Uh… How is Spike
Going to get out?
Everyone looks at Spike, who is looking up, with a frown.
SPIKE
(sarcastically)
This should be fun.
BUFFY
Maybe he should just
Stay here until night.
Not like I'd miss him.
SPIKE
Good to know you care.
Xander Takes off his jacket, with a sigh.
XANDER
Here. Take this. Use
You billowy coat thing too.
ANYA
But, Xander, you're coat is
worth Money! And it'll catch
fire!
XANDER
(quietly)
I know, hun.
Spike looks down at the coat, and smiles.
SPIKE
Thanks, mate… but no
Thanks.
He hands the coat back and looks up again.
SPIKE
(cont'd)
I'm sure I can make it out of
the sunlight quick enough.
And I've always wanted a tan.
Willow Waves her hands like she's just remember something and steps forward.
WILLOW
(excited)
Magic! Blanket!
She mutters a few words, and a thick blanket appears in her arms. She gives it to Spike and smiles. Buffy rolls her eyes.
SPIKE
(quietly)
Thanks, luv…
BUFFY
Well, let's get going.
INTERIOR: GILES' HOUSE – day
We see Giles and Lydia sitting on the couch, in the same positions as before.
Behind them, we see Dawn coming down the stairs for breakfast. She reaches the bottom and stops at the doorway of the living room.
CLOSE ON: Dawn as she looks at the two of them.
LYDIA
The new Slayer… It's Dawn…
CLOSE ON: Giles as shock covers his entire face. He was caught in mid sip and chokes.
GILES
(coughs)
What?
ANGLE ON: Dawn, as she looks down at Lydia.
DAWN
(completely unsurprised)
When do we start training?
ACT THREE
INTERIOR: MAGIC BOX – day
We see Buffy and the Scoobies (sans Willow and Tara) enter the magic shop.
Spike enters with a flaming blanket covering him.
ANGLE ON: The blanket as we see Spike's boot stomping out the fire.
ANYA
One of these days you'll
Set something expensive on
Fire.
XANDER
She's right… watch where
You throw the fire.
Spike pretty much ignores them, and looks at the window, which has various papers in it.
SPIKE
Y'know, I'm spending less and
Less time around the old
Crypt. Maybe I should start
renting it. Reckon I
could put an ad in the window?
ANGLE ON: Giles behind the counter at the register.
BUFFY
Hi Giles.
GILES
(slowly)
Hello.
XANDER
G-man, what's up?
GILES
(mild irritation)
Don't call me that.
BUFFY
Aren't you going to
ask what happened?
GILES
(startled)
Oh yes! I'm sorry,
I'm a little distracted.
How did everything go?
XANDER
We came, we saw, we conquered
and all in time for Willow and Tara
to go off to do the college thing.
Impressed?
GILES
(still a little edgy, not taking in everything Xander said)
Quite. But…
BUFFY
(slightly wigged)
C'mon Giles. Lets go
discuss this over some
padded gloves.
CLOSE ON: Giles as he looks at Buffy.
The camera follows Giles' POV as Buffy makes her way over to the door leading to her training room.
From Buffy's POV we see the inside of her training room.
We see Dawn practicing with Lydia – with extreme skill.
CLOSE ON: Buffy's shocked face.
Back to Buffy's POV, we watch as Dawn completes a complex combination of back flips and somersaults. She uses all of the equipment in the room to aid her acrobatics.
ANGLE ON: Buffy as she watches Dawn in shock.
ANGLE ON: Dawn as she finishes with a flying, spinning heel kick that whizzes right in front of Buffy's face.
BUFFY
(wide-eyed)
What's going on?
DAWN
(stops, looking about, nonchalantly)
I'm the new Slayer.
BUFFY
(dumbfounded)
Huh?
We see Lydia saunter over to the girls.
Dawn hangs back, with her arms folded across her chest.
LYDIA
That's right.
Dawn is the new Slayer.
ANGLE ON: The door to the training room. All of the Scoobies are peeking in.
SPIKE
(surprised, but tinged with pride)
The Nibblet?
Giles wades through the door and stands next to Buffy.
CLOSE ON: Buffy's perplexed face.
GILES
Quite.
ANYA
But how?
CLOSE ON: Lydia as she cocks her head at an angle.
LYDIA
(matter of fact)
I received word from
the Council this morning.
BUFFY
(still in shock)
This morning?
But I never made
that much progress in
month let alone a morning.
LYDIA
(business is business)
Well of course not.
Dawn is a new type
of Slayer – or rather
an old one.
(beat)
Her progress makes it
quite clear that the influence
of the primitive Slayers
is a part of her.
ANGLE ON: Buffy as she edges closer to Giles and looks at him questioningly.
GILES
(to Buffy)
Its possible. The spell
we performed to defeat
Adam could have had
residual effects.
The camera pulls out to show that the entire gang has entered the training room. Dawn is noticeably NOT with the group. She is in the corner with the punching bag, wailing on it.
XANDER
(worried)
Effects?
GILES
(train of thought)
Dawn was created
from Buffy, after the
spell was cast. The after
effects of it were still in
Buffy's body. The Slayer lineage
could have been altered.
LYDIA
(quickly)
That must be just it.
My studies have shown
how improbable, in fact
almost impossible that
two Slayers could be
chosen from the same
close genetic relation,
let alone the same family.
CLOSE ON: Buffy.
FLASHBACK: The Gift
BUFFY
She's me. The Monks made her out of
me. I hold her and I feel closer to her
than... It's more than just the memories
they built, it's physical, it's... Dawn is a
part of me. The only part that I...
She can't go on. Willow crosses to her, holds her.
CLOSE ON: Buffy. She shakes her head.
BUFFY
(quietly, cont'd from the flashback)
The only part that wasn't the Slayer.
LYDIA
(O.S.)
What?
ANGLE ON: Lydia, from Buffy's POV. She looks a little nervous.
BUFFY
(To Lydia, still dazed)
Nothing.
XANDER
So, dawn… is the new
Slayer. For Faith?
ANYA
Well, she's most likely
Not homicidal as Faith was.
That's a good thing. You
Aren't homicidal, are you?
Dawn rolls her eyes at Anya and continues to pummel the punching bag.
Spike walks over to Dawn with a grin, and taps her lightly on the side of the arm.
SPIKE
See, the Summer's women
Are the tough ones!
Dawn gives him a brief smile and resumes her activities with the punching bag.
Spike reaches up as if to touch her arm again, but lowers it slowly, with a strange expression on his face.
Xander looks over at Dawn.
XANDER
This is big… And it may just be
me but it still doesn't make any
sense.
SPIKE
Trust me… it's not just you.
Buffy walks over to Dawn. She stops the punching bag mid swing.
BUFFY
Dawnie?
Dawn looks up, a little annoyed that she's been distracted.
DAWN
I'm punching.
BUFFY
I… I can see that… but… aren't
you even questioning this.
Lydia suddenly butts in.
LYDIA
Why should she? She's been
called. It's a great honour.
BUFFY
But this…
LYDIA
She's the Slayer…
DAWN
(looks up, smiles)
Does this mean I can go patrolling
now?
BUFFY
(still completely in shock)
I…
LYDIA
Of course. It's your sacred duty.
To rid the world of the undead
menace. You patrol tonight.
DAWN
(no real emotion as such)
Cool.
Buffy is holding her head. Migraine time! She tries to shake it off.
BUFFY
This is all too much. Guys, Dawn…
can you leave? Just for a few
minutes.
DAWN
But I have to…
BUFFY
Please.
Dawn reluctantly nods then turns around. Giles, Xander and Anya walk out with her. Lydia is about to do the same.
BUFFY
Not you.
Lydia stops. Turns to Buffy. There's a silence until Buffy is sure Dawn has left.
BUFFY
(C'tnd)
Lydia…
LYDIA
You have any objections? Obviously
you'd have to take them up with the
Council… and I doubt they would…
BUFFY
(calmly)
Shut up.
Lydia does as she's told.
BUFFY
(C'tnd)
I'm not going to pretend to
understand what's going on
because I don't. I'm not even
sure that I'll be able to. But…
if you're confident about this
and Giles' explanation is actually
true… and this is all really
happening… Dawn's still in school…
LYDIA
I understand that, Miss Summers.
BUFFY
Do you? When… when mom died
I made a promise I'd bring Dawn
up as best I could. That's something
I plan to keep. Whatever happens
here I want you to know her training
can't interfere with her education.
LYDIA
Like yours didn't?
BUFFY
Exactly. It was difficult but I
managed. Dawn should too.
LYDIA
I would like to point out that things
were a lot different for you.
BUFFY
In what way?
LYDIA
Your Watcher was employed by the
school. Training and schooling went
hand in hand.
Buffy shakes her head. She notices the punching bag is still swinging. She stops it before she speaks.
BUFFY
I can't see a difference. I
trained after school. So will
she.
LYDIA
(hopefully)
But you'll allow her to complete
today's schedule?
BUFFY
No. She's going to school. She's
just gonna be late.
LYDIA
I must protest.
BUFFY
(walking out)
Protest away.
Buffy walks out into the main part of the shop.
INTERIOR: MAGIC BOX – day
Buffy walks in and goes straight to Dawn. We PAN LEFT to see Xander flicking randomly through a book. He turns around. Spike is standing behind him. Xander jumps.
XANDER
(awkward)
So, Spike, how ya doing?
ANYA
Yes, Going to be newly
Human soon! It's very
Exciting, I can tell you!
SPIKE
(nonchalantly)
Yeah…
Awkward silence.
XANDER
(getting it off his chest)
Look, Spike, I know Buffy
Has been being a little hard
On you…
Giles comes out from behind the counter and grabs a cup of coffee at the machine beside the bookshelf.
GILES
You mean she's been
After Spike more so than
Usual.
SPIKE
She hates my guts.
Nothing new.
Xander looks directly at Spike.
XANDER
Yes, it is something new.
She usually isn't this hard
On you, and in my opinion,
You haven't done anything
To deserve it.
Spike stops pacing.
SPIKE
(Wow…)
Really?! You… you're
Not having me on are you?
XANDER
Seriosuly. I mean, aside
From the fact you tried to
Kill us several times. You've
pretty much got my vote of
confidence.
Spike gives Xander a bewildered look.
SPIKE
Well, I… uh…
Suppose it's nice to
Know I have someone
Who doesn't want me
dead.
Xadner smiles, and nods his head.
XANDER
I didn't say that.
(beat)
Willow agrees with me too. Buffy's
just pissed off at the moment. I
can't blame her but it doesn't mean
she has to brush you aside like…
SPIKE
(nods, continuing)
Like we haven't made any progress
in trusting each other in the few
months we had before she…
None of them can say it. Buffy may be back but they're all still in shock that she died – her return can't suddenly wipe away the hurt they suffered.
GILES
(In *My* opinion)
You can't blame her, you know…
I don't know what the powers
Were thinking… Angel had much
More potential…
ANYA
Aside from the fact that
He once tried to kill you all?
Spike sits down and takes a deep, un-needed breath.
SPIKE
(Whisper to himself)
This is ridiculous.
ANYA
You know, this human thing isn't
as easy as they all seem to make
it. I know that. It takes you so long
to get used to it then you realise
"this isn't such a bad thing after all".
Then it's not long before the dreadful
truth dawns on you…
SPIKE
Mortality?
ANYA
Body hair. When I was a demon I
didn't get it. Then Woosh! I'm human
and I have fibres coming out of my
legs and armpits like there's no
tomorrow. It took me three months
to realise you couldn't just bite it off…
XANDER
Honey, that's not really an
image I wanted of you.
Spike looks down at Anya, and nods slowly, an "Okkaayyy" look on his face. He starts pacing again, but stops to talk to Anya.
SPIKE
Uh… Anya, luv, I was human
For a good number of years,
You know.
ANYA
(and she goes on…)
Yes, but it is quite interesting.
And the advances of personal
Hygene from the past are very
Interesting. It's amazing: All these
Different sorts of soap. When I was
Human before, we just used rocks.
By now, Xander and Giles are also looking at Anya, odd looks on their faces.
XANDER
Ahn, hon, Spike lived not so
Long ago… he knows about this
Sort of thing.
ANYA
Well, I'm positive he doesn't know
About the modern forms of
Contraception there are today!
Personally, Xander and I use—
GILES
(Ok, conversation gone far enough)
And perhaps we should change subjects?
ANYA
Well, I'm only saying.
There's an awkward silence as Spike continues pacing. He stops and addresses the others.
SPIKE
Well, I can handle
Being human. Easy.
Anya looks sceptical, as Xander smiles weakly.
SPIKE
(cont'd)
How hard can it be?
ANGLE ON DAWN AND BUFFY. Dawn isn't amused with what Buffy's just told her.
DAWN
I don't see the point! It's already
twelve thirty. It's not like there's
much time to do anything! I could
stay here and keep training.
BUFFY
You're going to school whether you
like it or not.
DAWN
I thought we got over this argument
months ago.
BUFFY
Yeah, and you decided it was best
to go to school…
DAWN
Back then I didn't have the duty
I've got now.
BUFFY
I'm not going to get into a fight
about this, Dawn.
DAWN
Then lay off me.
Buffy touches Dawn's arm. She pulls away quickly.
DAWN
(to Lydia)
Tell her!
LYDIA
I've tried.
GILES
You want the girl to leave school?
What sort of Watcher are you?
LYDIA
One who's more concerned with
the fate of the world rather than
whether or not my Slayer knows
algebra.
BUFFY
What sort of future is she supposed
to have without school?
LYDIA
One in which she fulfils her duty.
Buffy walks to the door. She turns around to face Dawn.
BUFFY
You're coming with me.
DAWN
Buffy!
BUFFY
Now!
Dawn grabs her school bag, which is resting on the floor. She throws it over her shoulder glumly then storms to the door, straight passed Buffy while giving her a really dirty look.
BLACK OUT
ACT FOUR
EXTERIOR: CEMETERY – night
Buffy and Dawn are on patrol. Dawn is really in a bad mood.
DAWN
You even think of asking me how
school went and I won't be responsible
for my actions.
BUFFY
I wasn't planning to.
They look around. Dawn pulls out two stakes, one in each hand.
BUFFY
It's better to carry just one so the
other one's free for punching or
grabbing.
DAWN
This is more efficient.
BUFFY
I guess. It's just I've always…
DAWN
I'm not you.
BUFFY
I've notice that.
(beat)
I was a little more reluctant when
I was told I was the Slayer.
DAWN
So I'm the bad person because
I'm not rebelling against what I
have to do.
BUFFY
You don't have to.
DAWN
I'm the Slayer.
BUFFY
Something you've only been for
the past twelve hours. I don't even
think you're ready for this.
DAWN
I've got to start somewhere.
Buffy sighs. Dawn walks over a grave. Buffy pulls her away.
DAWN
(a little agitated)
What now?
BUFFY
It's a fresh grave. Anything could
have come out of it.
DAWN
Will you stop being so protective!
BUFFY
I'm you're sister. I think it's in
the job description.
DAWN
Well, maybe we should cross it off
now I've got the super powers.
BUFFY
It isn't going to happen little missy.
I really don't like you doing this. I
don't care how much you and that
woman talk about duties… you're my
kid sister and I don't want you doing
any of the stuff I have to.
DAWN
(raises an eyebrow)
It's not like you've got any choice
in the matter.
BUFFY
(sad but true)
No. I guess no…
She's pushed forward and hits the ground with a thump. A vampire has come out of the darkness. Buffy flips back onto her feet and goes to reach for a stake.
It's too late. Dawn has jumped into a fight with the vamp. She punches and kicks with great ferocity. The vampire is fast and she's quickly overwhelmed. He throws her into a tree.
BUFFY
Dawn!
The vampire walks towards Buffy.
VAMPIRE
I don't want some puny kid…
I want the Slayer…
He suddenly turns to dust as Dawn has staked him from behind.
DAWN
You've got one.
The vampire turns around with as terror stricken face as he slowly turns to dust. Dawn smiles. Buffy's in a state of shock but there are hints of jealousy and pride in her voice too. She's one confused girl right now.
BUFFY
I didn't even have time to get
a stake!
Buffy is ever so slightly miffed about the fact she didn't have to do any work.
DAWN
(smiling)
No hard feelings… anyway, I got
my first slay didn't I? You gotta
start somewhere.
BUFFY
(smiles too, puts her arm around Dawn)
Yeah, I guess so.
(notices her watch)
Oh no! We've gotta get back to
the shop! Quickly!
DAWN
What?
BUFFY
Spike's about to change!
EXTERIOR: SUNNYDALE – VARIOUS STREETS – night
Buffy and Dawn run through the streets as fast as they can, swerving in and out of the people who are in their way until the magic shop is in sight.
INTERIOR: MAGIC BOX – night
Spike is sitting around talking to Willow and Tara.
SPIKE
I honestly wasn't sure what to
think but… wow! I didn't think…
well, it was the last thing I expected.
WILLOW
See? You shouldn't think the
worst all the time.
SPIKE
I guess…
TARA
You should have trusted us.
SPIKE
(smiles)
I know that now…
The door bursts open. Buffy is the first in followed by Dawn who's a little more out of breath than her sister.
BUFFY
H-has it happened?
SPIKE
(looks up)
Not yet. I'll give it another
two minutes…
ANYA
He's been counting down for
the last hour.
SPIKE
Hey! I have a right to. My life
is about to change forever.
Buffy is a little uncomfortable.
BUFFY
Look… Spike… I think we need
to…
SPIKE
Talk? Yeah I got that impression
too.
Buffy walks into the corner of the shop where the others won't hear. Spike turns to Willow.
SPIKE
Thanks. Really. I didn't think any
of you would be on my side.
WILLOW
You know what I said…
Spike nods then follows Buffy. She's sitting on the seat. He gets there and she still seems a little uneasy. She goes to stand up then changes her mind.
SPIKE
I haven't got all day you know.
BUFFY
I know… I… I'm sorry.
SPIKE
I guessed that. Hence the guilt
ridden voice.
BUFFY
(harshly)
Hardly guilt rid…
(beat)
Sorry. It's just… I was jealous…
annoyed even… that you got this
gift instead of Angel.
SPIKE
(sarcastically)
You don't say.
BUFFY
Seriously. I know you deserved it.
I knew from the moment Cord…
the Powers told you. I just didn't
want to believe it. I think I felt I
had to hate you for it… But…
She stops. Spike looks expectantly for her to continue.
BUFFY
(C'tnd)
But whatever happens I'm here for
you. I'm gonna make sure I do
everything I can to help you come
to terms with this all.
SPIKE
Come to terms? I…
Buffy jumps back as an amazing light fills the room and is focuses on Spike. Everyone turns to face him in shock.
XANDER
What the…?
GILES
It's happening…
Spike doubles over, looking up to the sky in awe, and pleasure.
SPIKE
(ecstatic)
Oh yes! Give it to me real good!
He holds his arms out in the same style as he did in Giles' Restless dream. He leans his neck back to soak up the light. He smiles. The light begins to clear and he moves his arms down again. He takes a long, deep breath – his first in over 100 years.
We focus on the expectant expressions on everyone's face – only a few moments but they seem to last forever.
FOCUS ON SPIKE. His face drops and his expression turns to that of disgust and confusion. He falls to his knees and begins/sobbing screaming, grabbing his stomach in pain.
BUFFY
(runs to Spike)
Oh my God! Spike!
Willow and Xander try to hold her back but can't. Buffy gets to Spike but he turns away from her in disgust at himself.
LYDIA
Of course. He's human – he's got
a got a soul now.
We close in on Spike's agonised face as tears stream down his face.
END
BLACK OUT.