Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Summer Script Challenge
The Powers that Be Pro Temporae
Episode 6.09: Behold the Power
By me, JodithGrace, December and Noggins
GILES (V.O.)
Previously on Buffy the Vampire Slayer…
From The Witch
Buffy deflecting Catherine Madison's spell so that it goes back on her.
CUT TO:
Catherine as a trophy.
From Gingerbread:
Willow, Buffy and Amy tied to a stake with fire all around them.
Amy becomes a rat and scurries away.
From Lost Along the Way:
Buffy on the phone.
BUFFY
It's Faith…
From The Point of No Return:
Buffy's explaining Faith's death to the others.
BUFFY
(morose)
The guards found her
hanging from her bunk
earlier this afternoon.
They killed her, made it look
like a suicide.
CUT TO:
Lydia in Giles' house.
LYDIA
The new Slayer… It's Dawn…
CUT TO:
From Primevil. Buffy floating in the air with her eyes glowing and killing Adam. Giles' voiceover from The Point of No Return:
GILES (V.O.)
Its possible. The spell
we performed to defeat
Adam could have had
residual effects.
CUT TO:
From No Place Like Home
Dawn being created by the monks.
GILES (V.O.)
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.
From The Point of No Return:
The light enveloping Spike in the magic shop.
CORDELLIA/TPTB (V.O.)
Spike will have 48 hours to finish
his unlife as a vampire. He will be
human in two days time.
The energy covers Spike.
SPIKE
Give it to me good, baby
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.
LYDIA
He's human – he's got a
got a soul now.
TEASER
INTERIOR: MAGIC SHOP - MAIN - day
A normal day at the office it seems. Giles is behind the counter, serving customers while Xander is sitting at the table reading a comic. Buffy is opposite him flicking through a weapons catalogue. Anya is putting items up on shelves.
Willow walks into the Magic Shop carrying a big stack of magazines. She throws it down on the table, startling Buffy and Xander.
XANDER
Way to give a guy a heart
attack, Will!
BUFFY
What are those?
WILLOW
My mother. She's getting to
the age where she's referring
to Miss Kitty Fantastico as 'The
Grand-Cat' and trying to fix
me up with every available
male at the synagogue. These
are her latest subtle hint.
(perks up)
We're going to make paper
dolls out of them!
Anya runs from where she was standing and grabs them, holding them close like they're gold or greenbacks
ANYA
NO! Don't desecrate these
sacred books!
Weird looks from all.
ANYA
(C'tnd)
They have wedding accoutrements.
Weddings are sacred. Therefore,
these are sacred books.
WILLOW
We weren't gonna desecrate
them. The dolls are gonna
have little dresses…
ANYA
Blasphemer!
Xander gets up to comfort her.
XANDER
Ahn, I'm sure they're not all
that important.
ANYA
Not important? Do you know
what this means? It's a sign!
BUFFY
A sign…?
ANYA
That we have to start planning
things. Everything must be
perfect. These are going to
help us.
XANDER
Well, I guess it won't hurt. I
mean, we are engaged and
it's gonna happen someday…
ANYA
(flashes a smile)
See? Xander understands.
She begins flicking through the book at the top of the pile.
ANYA
Oh my God!
WILLOW
(slightly shocked)
What is it?
ANYA
(flashing a picture of a suit)
Xander has to wear this! We
have to get one. Now.
(to Giles)
I'm leaving to buy Xander a
suit!
Giles looks up from what he's doing.
GILES
No your bloody well not. At
least not until the shop closes.
ANYA
But then the bridal stores will
be closed and we won't be able
to and you don't want me to
be happy!
GILES
(a little nervous now)
Of course I do but…
ANYA
You don't want Xander and I
to have a happy marriage.
You want our relationship to
fail. I know it!
Anya gets into quite a flap. Xander holds her back.
XANDER
Ahn, honey, I'm sure this can
wait… at least until the weekend
when you don't have to work.
I love you and I don't think the
fact I don't buy a suit right away
is gonna change that.
ANYA
(reluctantly)
Well… I guess… but Giles doesn't
want us to be happy.
GILES
That's not what I…
The door opens and Lydia walks in.
LYDIA
I hope I'm not interrupting
anything.
ANYA
Only Giles wanting my future
with Xander to be ruined.
GILES
Anya!
ANYA
I'm only saying.
Lydia doesn't take much interest in this she looks into the back room and, seeing no one in there comes back.
LYDIA
So Dawn isn't here yet?
BUFFY
(wha?)
She was meant to be?
LYDIA
I told her that I would meet
her here after school. For
training.
BUFFY
She has to stay in after school
to make up for what she missed
when we were in England. And
once that's done she's got
homework to do.
LYDIA
Through the council I've
managed to make a deal
with the school. They agree
that there are other, more
important things for her to
be doing.
WILLOW
You've told her she's the
Slayer. Way to go with the
secret identity.
Of course I haven't.
As far as they know she's
helping out a local charity
in her free time.
WILLOW
And you don't at all feel
wrong about that?
Before there can be a reply Dawn walks through the door. She ignores everyone else who says "hi" and goes straight to Lydia.
DAWN
Let's go train.
CREDITS
ACT ONE
INTERIOR: MAGIC BOX - MAIN - day
Everyone is in the same positions as before. Lydia prepares to take Dawn into the training room.
BUFFY
Remember - you've only got
an hour! Then it's homework.
DAWN
Then I'll do it all in an hour.
No big deal.
Dawn and Lydia leave the room.
XANDER
Is it just me or is Dawn really
losing her sense of humour?
GILES
She's clearly adjusting to
being a Slayer. The same
as the rest of us.
ANYA
It was quite a shock. Not
something I saw coming.
WILLOW
And that means that her
personality takes a complete
U-turn?
BUFFY
(still staring in the direction Dawn went)
She has been through a lot
recently. She was coping so
well after mom died… I guess
when I got killed it hit her…
GILES
But she kept fighting on.
BUFFY
I know. And now she's taken
on the responsibility of
Slayerhood she's… well, I
think her whole attitude is
because she doesn't know
how to cope any other way…
Xander continues flicking through his comics.
XANDER
And talking of people who've
changed dramatically…
WILLOW
(anticipates his question)
Yeah, how is Spike? He made
his excuses and ran out of here
as fast as he could after the
spell happened.
ANYA
He hasn't been loitering the
shop for nearly a week now.
I'm actually quite concerned.
WILLOW
I guess he's adjusting to having
a soul. It can't be easy. Maybe
a few of us should…
Buffy's eyes are still fixed on the door to the training room, not listening to a word her friends say. She turns to Giles.
BUFFY
Giles, you wanna come train?
GILES
If you mean spy on Dawn then…
(pauses, off Buffy's look)
Okay.
INTERIOR: MAGIC BOX - TRAINING ROOM - day
When Buffy and Giles enter the room Dawn is whacking the punching bag with all her might. She's fast too, her hands are a blur.
BUFFY
Wow.
Dawn and Lydia don't notice them. Dawn stops punching and looks at her Watcher.
DAWN
Isn't there anything more I
can do? I mean, the punching
is great and all but it doesn't
seem to be making much difference.
ANGLE ON: GILES AND BUFFY.
BUFFY
Okay… who stole the real Dawn
and can we have her back please?
GILES
(astonished)
What?
BUFFY
This is the girl who hated
running laps in PE, and now
she's asking for physical
exertion… I was never like
that.
GILES
No. You just beat me up then
went out with boys.
BUFFY
Yeah. Because that was normal.
Dawn begins to doing pull ups on a bar hanging from the ceiling.
GILES
But you've changed in recent
years and no doubt Dawn
wants to emulate that example
you've given her.
BUFFY
So she wants to be as good
as me?
(Giles nods)
Because from here it looks
like she's trying to be better.
INTERIOR: MAGIC BOX - MAIN - day
Willow, Anya and Xander are hanging around again. Anya is flicking through all of the books.
ANYA
I like that.
(another page)
That one's beautiful. I have
to have it.
(another page)
No wait! That's better! Don't
you think that's better?
She shows the page to Willow who's a little bored.
WILLOW
I guess.
ANYA
(to Xander)
You think so though don't you?
XANDER
(from behind his comic)
Of course I do.
(looks up)
You know, maybe we should
leave this for now. You know,
until we get home before the
customers start thinking this
isn't really a magic store.
Willow is flicking through a magic book. Xander looks over her shoulder, a little interested.
XANDER
Whatcha doing?
WILLOW
Studying.
XANDER
(shudders)
You know I hate that word.
WILLOW
Not college type studying.
Magic studying.
XANDER
In my world they both fall
under the same category…
studying.
WILLOW
It's a personal project.
Cranes his neck to look.
XANDER
Ooh! Anything fun?
WILLOW
(closing the book)
Not at the moment.
(sighs)
Still nothing. It's kinda
annoying.
XANDER
I'm sure you'll do it. You and
Tara will do it.
Willow raises an eyebrow.
XANDER
Now you know I didn't mean
it like that.
BLACK OUT
ACT TWO
INTERIOR: LYDIA'S APARTMENT - night
Lydia's home is tiny, and cramped. Camera shows her door, and there is an O.S. knocking.
LYDIA (O.S.)
Who's there?
She comes into the camera view, wearing her normal attire.
DAWN (O.S.)
It's me.
Lydia opens the door, and we see Dawn standing in the doorway.
LYDIA
Yes, come in.
Dawn walks in and stands in the small entryway.
DAWN
So, where are we headed tonight?
LYDIA
Well, we shall be patrolling
through seven cemeteries
around this area. Though
I'd like to go through a few
more, I fear that we won't have
enough time before sunrise, to
patrol –
She's interrupted as the phone rings. The camera pans around, and Lydia picks it up.
LYDIA
(into phone)
Hello?
(pause)
Oh…
She covers the mouthpiece and looks over to Dawn.
LYDIA
Dawn, could you begin patrolling.
I'll meet up with you in several
minutes.
DAWN
(shrugs)
Sure.
She picks up and axe from a bag of weapons and walks out the door. The camera follows her out of the apartment…
EXTERIOR: LYDIA'S APARTMENT - night
…And across the street to a wall surrounding a cemetery. As a good watcher, Lydia, of course, has taken residence near a graveyard.
As we follow Dawn we hear the conversation between Lydia and Quentin Travers.
LYDIA (V.O.)
It's okay. She's gone.
TRAVERS (V.O.)
Good, good. How is the young
Slayer progressing?
Dawn jumps over the wall into the cemetery.
LYDIA (V.O.)
Very well… excellently in fact.
I'm astonished at the rate
her abilities are developing.
TRAVERS (V.O.)
It's to be expected. She is
a very special Slayer.
CUT TO:
EXTERIOR: CEMETERY - night
Dawn looks around. She hears a noise and quickly spins on her heels.
LYDIA (V.O.)
Yes, as I informed you, Mr.
Giles was able to identify
the cause for her calling.
The spell cast on her sister
that brought forth the ancient
Slayer powers. I was surprised
you didn't tell me before I left…
Dawn walks carefully around the gravestones. She stops occasionally to sniff the air.
TRAVERS (V.O.)
Yes, yes of course. And how
is the other Slayer reacting
to all of this?
Dawn sees a group of demons gathered around a patch of ground. It seems they're casting a spell of sorts.
LYDIA (V.O.)
She's incredibly shocked. It's
taken her by surprise and I
get the impression she's rather
jealous of Dawn's progress.
Dawn readies the axe in her hands.
TRAVERS (V.O.)
Anything else?
Dawn walks towards the group of demons slowly and quietly.
LYDIA (V.O.)
Well, she is concerned with
the way Dawn is acting. She
clearly has her mind on her
job but to the Slayer and her
friends seem to think she's
losing her… emotions. As
ridiculous as that sounds.
ANGLE ON: THE DEMONS
They are chanting. One of them has a book in its hand. A swirling energy appears in between them.
Suddenly one of the demons falls forwards, its head missing. The others spin around to see Dawn ready to fight.
TRAVERS (V.O.)
Indeed. Well, I do suggest
you try to make her act a
little less conspicuous. We,
uh, we don't want dissension
in the ranks now do we?
The demons attack. Dawn embeds the axe into the chest of one of them.
LYDIA (V.O.)
Of course. I'll suggest that
when I meet up with her.
Dawn pulls out a knife from a holder strapped around her leg. She spins around and throws it. It lands in a demon's head.
TRAVERS (V.O.)
Is that all?
Dawn knocks a demon back with the handle of the axe before knocking it to the ground. She dives on top of it and twists its neck with a loud crack.
LYDIA (V.O.)
I believe so, yes.
There are four demon bodies scattered all over the place in various states. Dawn looks around suspiciously. She spins around suddenly and hurls the axe. It decapitates the fleeing demon.
ANGLE ON: The demon's head as it rolls across the ground and lands next to a pair of feet. We PULL UP to see it's Lydia.
LYDIA
Ah, you've started already.
CUT TO:
EXTERIOR: ANOTHER CEMETERY - night
Buffy is walking through the graveyard, swinging a stake at her side. She's really bored, and has obviously not run into many vamps.
BUFFY
(Urgh.)
What happened to all my
bloodsucking friends? Yeesh.
She suddenly stops in her tracks and perks up, the camera pans, and we see two men standing behind her, pretty much obviously vampires, but not in game face.
VAMPIRE 1
Hey, you.
VAMPIRE 2
What are you doing here,
at night?
Buffy faces them, looking innocent. We get a view of her back, where she's holding her stake, in one hand.
BUFFY
Me? I enjoy the scenery.
VAMPIRE 2
Well, you shouldn't be
ut so late.
VAMPIRE 1
Yeah, you never know
what kind of creeps
are hanging around here.
BUFFY
(Mock Sadly)
Yeah, I know.
Vampire 1 turns to his friend with a heavy sigh.
VAMPIRE 1
(Such a gentlemen!)
Say, how 'bout we escort
this fine young lady home?
BUFFY
(Playing along)
Oh, no thank you. I'm afraid
I was told never to accept
offers from strange men.
VAMPIRE 2
(Charming)
Well, then, how about we
introduce ourselves? Then,
we won't be strangers
anymore!
BUFFY
Ok, well, fine. But first, I
wanna guess your names.
The vampires shrug at each other, then turn back to Buffy, and smile.
Buffy nods and points to the first vampire.
BUFFY
(Cont'd)
Well, I'm guessing you're
"Ugh!" And you're friend is
"Oh God!"
The vampire's look confused, and give Buffy an odd look.
BUFFY
(Cont'd)
Cause, my name's Buffy,
what's your name?
VAMPIRE 1
(Dawning revelation)
Buffy? As in… Oh crap.
Buffy charges the vampires, and the first vampire doesn't have time to put on his game face as she drops kicks him in the gut. He falls to the ground, with a thud.
VAMPIRE 1
(moaning in pain)
Ugh!
Buffy turns to the other one, who throws a lazy punch her way. She grabs the fist, and brings her arm up into his elbow, breaking the vampire's arm.
VAMPIRE 2
(Hysterical)
Oh God!!!
Buffy makes quick work, staking both vampires.
BUFFY
(quietly)
Whatta you know? I was
Right.
She continues walking, for a few moments, till we see, from her POV Spike's crypt. She hears something crash, and quickens her pace over to the large stone building.
INTERIOR: SPIKE'S CRYPT - night
As she throws the door open, we see Spike is desperately trying to kick a bunch of glass into the corner. He turns as she enters, and immediately tries to wipe away the obvious tears that are running down his cheeks.
BUFFY
Spike? Are you… Crying?
SPIKE
(Manly man)
Me? Crying? Bah. N…
Never.
Buffy isn't convinced, but says nothing. She takes a few more steps, then gestures to the glass on the floor.
BUFFY
What happened?
Spike looks confused. Then he gets that she's talking about the glass.
SPIKE
Oh, uh… nothing.
Dropped a bottle.
BUFFY
(Eh?)
You dropped a bottle?
Mister edgy reflex guy?
Spike looks a little dazed, as if suddenly struck with a thought and takes a while to answer.
SPIKE
(out of it.)
Yeah…
Buffy knows something's up, and she's had enough of it.
BUFFY
(To the point.)
Spike, what's wrong?
Spike is still dazed.
BUFFY
(Cont'd)
Spike?
SPIKE
(Waking up)
Oh… uh, nothing…
BUFFY
(Forceful)
Come On Spike, what's up?
He sort of leans towards Buffy, almost as if he's letting on a big secret.
SPIKE
(Reluctant)
It's... It's all these memories,
luv. You don't know what
it's like... to see every face, to
hear every scream... and to
know that back then, you
really didn't give a rats ass.
And that eats at you.
That's what's wrong, Buffy.
Buffy goes fish mouth, you know, not sure what to say. It hits her, that maybe he deserves a lot more Slack then she's been giving him. He really does care, now. And just because she's angry that Angel didn't get this, doesn't mean she should give Spike the cold shoulder.
BUFFY
(quiet)
Look… Spike…
Spike looks up, tears brimming in his eyes. We see the pang of guilt in Buffy's expression.
BUFFY
(Cont'd)
Do you wanna… maybe
come to my place.
Spike gives her a confused look, and Buffy's eyes widen.
BUFFY
(Embarrassed)
I mean, like, for dinner. Cause,
you know, being human can
provide a real need for non
blood-like food.
Spike gives her cautious look, which turns into a small smile.
SPIKE
(shrugs)
Yeah, why not.
BLACK OUT
ACT THREE
INTERIOR: MAGIC BOX - MAIN - day
Buffy and Dawn are at the counter, Anya behind it, leafing through Bridal magazines. All are looking idly, except for Anya who is reading avidly. There are a few customers browsing in the shop. Willow and Tara are moving oddly around the shop…we can't tell what they are doing. Anya is trying to keep one eye on the customers and one on her book.
ANYA
Look at this gown! It is
magnificent. What is
Alencon lace, anyway?
BUFFY
I don't know but it is very
pretty.
(She looks more closely at the photo)
Uh, Anya, this dress has a
12-foot train.
ANYA
Do you think that's too long?
BUFFY
About 12 feet too long. I
Think you pretty much need
a cathedral for a dress like
this. And a matching Prince.
(At Anya's look)
Not that Xander isn't a prince,
In his own non-royalty kind
of way. And have you looked
at the price?
ANYA
(looks at the price)
Oh! Well, perhaps the train is
a bit long at that. Moving on.
We really have to decide on
bridesmaids' dresses. Oh and
I need a flower girl. Dawn,
would you ..
Dawn looks up. She's clearly trying to heed Lydia's advice and act natural - but even this is too much for her.
DAWN
(a little coldly)
I'm fifteen years old.
Flower girls are about five!
ANYA
But I really want one. Do you
think I could rent one? And one
of those ring bearers too?
ANGLE ON: WILLOW AND TARA
They are still walking around the shop strangely.
WILLOW
(Following something on the floor)
I think Amy really likes her new
rolly ball.
We see Amy the rat on the floor in a large plastic ball.
TARA
She keeps going for the stairs,
but I 'm heading her off at the
pass.
ANGLE ON: BUFFY, DAWN AND ANYA
ANYA
Buffy, Willow, what do you think
of these bridesmaid dresses?
BUFFY
(making a face to Willow)
Uh, gee… I didn't even know
they could DO that with ruffles.
WILLOW
(comes over and looks at photo)
What color would you call that,
exactly?
ANYA
Lime
BUFFY
(rolling her eyes)
Sorry… I can't wear lime.
It's… lame.
WILLOW
(giggling)
Well, I can't wear teal…it has
no appeal.
DAWN
(raising an eyebrow)
And turquoise… just annoys.
TARA
(who has also come over to look)
Uh, what rhymes with lavender?
ANYA
You don't understand. The
bridesmaids are supposed to
look ugly, so that the bride
looks even prettier! I would
prefer it if you cut off all of
your hair and maybe had
warts but I think I'll have to
make do with you as you are.
BUFFY
Uh thanks. I think.
ANGLE ON: AMY RAT
While the girls continue talking, we are following Amy as she rolls her ball towards the stairs, which lead to the forbidden bookcase. She rolls her ball at the stairs so hard that the ball splits open. We see Amy escape and take off up the stairs.
ANGLE ON: SCOOBIES AT THE COUNTER
Willow suddenly looks around.
WILLOW
Where's Amy?
TARA
I thought you had her.
They discover the ball by the stairs, empty.
WILLOW
She's missing. Amy is missing!
ANYA
(to customer)
Have you seen a large brown
rat?
CUSTOMER
A Rat? There's a rat loose in
the store?
Customers start squealing, and screaming etc. and hastily leave the store.
ANYA
(following after them)
Wait, don't leave! Stay here
and buy things! Our rat won't
hurt you. She's really a witch.
But a good witch. Well, an okay
witch, anyway.
(To Willow and Tara)
Now look what you've done!
You've scared away all our
customers!
WILLOW
I wasn't the one who announced
that a rat was loose.
ANYA
Well, you were the one who
left her unattended!
BUFFY
Hey, how about blaming each
other after we find her? I don't
see her behind the bookcase.
How about under the counter?
Willow goes to look under the counter. Anya starts looking in the display cases.
ANYA
I've got some dried rats here!
DAWN
(who is crawling on the floor)
Ewwww!
WILLOW
No luck here.
TARA
(from the back)
No sign of her in the training room.
At that moment Xander comes in with a large cardboard box.
XANDER
Hi guys. It's lunch break man!
ANYA
It's Xander! Quick, hide the
wedding books! It's bad luck
for him to see my potential
dress!
BUFFY
Anya, I think it's only bad luck
for the groom to see the bride
on the day of the wedding. I
don't think that looking at
Bridal magazines will hurt
anything.
XANDER
Hey, she wants to hide those
magazines…I'm not complaining
here. I had to go through
those things all night.
DAWN
(winking at Xander)
I guess you told her about that
superstition, huh. What's in the
box?
XANDER
Thought you'd never ask. My
construction company is finally
demolishing ye olde Sunnydale
High School.
WILLOW
Ah…the final resting-place of
his not so honorable hizzoner?
XANDER
Yep. They're putting up an office
building.
BUFFY
An office building on the
Hellmouth… now why does
that strike me as a typical
Sunnydale bad idea?
XANDER
Don't ask me… some legal firm
from LA bought the property.
BUFFY
So what's in the box?
XANDER
I've been scavenging, one
step ahead of the wrecking
ball. Look at all the cool stuff
I found.
He puts the box on the table and takes things out, one by one.
XANDER
(C'tnd)
Look…one Sunnydale yearbook,
property of Jonathan Levinson.
(He opens it and looks at signatures)
Buffy, you wished him a happy
summer. Willow, so did you.
Uh…me too, I guess.
WILLOW
Poor Jonathan. I guess we
should return it to him.
XANDER
(reaches into the box and pulls out a…)
One trumpet, only slightly
dented, from the band room.
He blows a few very sour notes. On everybody's reaction, he puts the trumpet down.
XANDER
And then there's this…
He removes a cheerleading trophy from the box.
ANYA
Oh, is that for your doll collection?
XANDER
Anya, they are not dolls. They
are action figures. And no… this
isn't for my collection. Look at
the inscription. "Catherine Madison
1976".
WILLOW
Wow. That's Amy's mother.
ANYA
Amy had a mother? A non-rat
type mother?
BUFFY
Amy said that her mother was
a champion cheerleader. That's
why her Mom stole her body
that time, and tried to recapture
her glory. Not long after I
came to Sunnydale.
DAWN
So what are you going to do
with it? Xander? Hey, earth
to Xander!
Xander is staring at the face of the trophy.
XANDER
Huh? Oh. Uh, I just thought
that maybe Amy would like
it in her cage…make it more…
homey.
BUFFY
Well, that's a lovely thought
Xander, very touching, except
that Amy and her mother didn't
exactly get along.
WILLOW
Her mother made the Wicked
Witch of the West look like the…
(lamely)
…uh, Good Witch of the North.
By comparison.
DAWN
What ever happened to her
anyway?
WILLOW
Nobody knows. She aimed
some really nasty spell at
Buffy who deflected it with
a mirror.
BUFFY
The spell went back at her,
but since I don't know what
it was supposed to do, I don't
know what happened. I mean,
Poof! She just disappeared.
Xander what are you doing?
XANDER
(who is still staring at the trophy)
It's the weirdest thing. I
keep thinking that this
trophy is looking at me.
And I can almost hear this
little voice, saying, "Help
me." Like in The Fly. Remember?
Suddenly we hear Tara's voice from upstairs.
TARA (V.O.)
Uh, if anybody's interested,
I found Amy.
XANDER
Amy was missing?
Everybody looks guilty, since they had forgotten about the missing rat.
TARA (V.O.)
Willow, come up here quietly
and bring the ball.
Willow picks up the ball pieces and creeps upstairs.
INTERIOR: MAGIC BOX - UPSTAIRS - day
There is Tara watching Amy who is sitting serenely on a book. It is a small home-made book, like a diary. Willow scoops up Amy and puts her in the plastic ball. Tara picks up the book and looks through it. We can see that the pages are hand-written, with drawings and lists of ingredients, like a cookbook…or a spell book. There is a name in the flyleaf. Catherine Madison. Her book. Followed by a paragraph in Latin, which says, basically, keep out on pain of death!
WILLOW
Amy's mother's spell book.
Maybe Amy's rat spell is in
here!
TARA
Amy led us to this book.
How could she have known
this book was up here?
WILLOW
I told you she was getting
smarter.
TARA
This was more than smart.
Giles must have salvaged this
from the Madison house before
they foreclosed on it. But that
was after Amy became a rat.
She must have sensed it up
here, somehow.
They bring Amy and the book back downstairs.
INTERIOR: MAGIC BOX - MAIN - day
Xander is still communing with the trophy. They put Amy on the table, surrounded by books, so she can't roll off. Xander puts the trophy down next to the ball, with the face turned toward Amy. Amy reacts to the trophy. She stares at the trophy's face. There is a palpable energy in the room.
WILLOW
Wow. Do you feel that? That
energy?
TARA
Between Amy and the trophy?
That's really weird.
WILLOW
(frantically leafing through the spell book)
This is very exciting! Maybe
the trophy will prove to be
the catalyst we need to change
Amy!
XANDER
Do you think that's wise? I
mean putting a catalyst next
to a rat!
BUFFY
Shut up, Xander…did you say
that the trophy was talking to
you?
XANDER
Did I say that?
WILLOW
Here is a spell. It's kind of
general… it doesn't specify
animals exactly… but it's
about releasing a spirit
trapped in another form.
This could be it!
ANYA
Great. So what expensive items
are you planning to steal now?
BUFFY
Anya, do you really want Amy
to remain a rat forever? Just
think. For the rest of her life…
no chance to fall in love, to get
married…no pretty lace dress
for Amy. No sex…
ANYA
(looking at Xander)
Okay. Take what you need.
Willow and Tara go over to the counter and gather some supplies.
BUFFY
We should get some clothes
for her. She'll probably come
back naked.
XANDER
(suddenly interested)
Naked? Wow. I guess that
makes sense.
BUFFY
Clothes, Xander. Training
room. Now?
XANDER
Oh yeah, sure.
He tears himself away from Amy and goes into the training room.
Willow and Tara come back to the table with a bowl full of ingredients. They chant an incantation:
WILLOW AND TARA
(together)
Oh Displaced Spirit, lost to roam
Find your body and make it home!
They throw a lit match into the bowl. There is a flash of light and a big cloud of smoke. When the smoke clears, there is Amy, still a rat, and a woman in a cheerleading outfit, standing on the table. Xander comes running in holding a bundle of clothing.
XANDER
Whoa! You're not naked! And
you're old enough to be….
Amy's…. mother?
BLACK OUT
ACT FOUR
INTERIOR: MAGIC BOX
Catherine Madison jumps off the table. Willow, Tara, Dawn, Buffy and Xander are surrounding her. They are wary, unsure of what condition she is in, or how dangerous she might be. Catherine is feeling herself, as if to establish that she is indeed flesh and blood, and looking around wildly. She focuses on Xander.
CATHERINE
(pointing at him)
You!
XANDER
(afraid)
Me?
CATEHRINE
You did this!
XANDER
(babbling)
Well, it wasn't just me. Uh.
Willow and Tara here actually
did the spell. Well, they found
your spell book, actually, and
we didn't really know that…
CATHERINE
Quiet!
Xander shuts up mid word. Willow and Tara join hands, ready to fight her if they have to.
CATHERINE
(after a beat)
Thank you.
WILLOW
(with a sigh of relief)
Uh, Mrs. Madison…how are you?
CATHERINE
(wild eyed)
What happened to the high
School? One minute I was in
the trophy case, the next
minute I was on the ground,
and there were no more people.
For YEARS!
WILLOW
Well, the school kind of blew
up. There was a giant demon…
the mayor actually, kind of put
a damper on graduation. Though
we all did graduate. Well, not
Amy, actually.
CATHERINE
(looking around)
Amy? My Amy? Where is she?
BUFFY
Uh, Mrs. Madison, maybe you
had better sit down, and we'll
get you some uh, coffee? This
must all be a really big shock
for you.
Catherine collapses into a chair, not noticing Amy in her ball, frantically pawing at the plastic.
CATHERINE
(dreamily)
Coffee! Food!
(She looks down at her cheerleading outfit)
Clothes! Do you have any idea
what it has been like these last…
WILLOW
Four years. I can't even begin
to imagine, Mrs. Madison.
Catherine bursts into tears.
CATHERINE
(wildly, and as she becomes more
agitated, energy begins to swirl
around the room)
N-no. You c-can't. I-I know
what you are thinking. That
I am p-probably crazy, and
angry and looking f-for
revenge. And I was, b-believe
me. For years! If you had
turned me back during those
years of watching students
pass me every day, ignoring
me, laughing and living their
lives, I would have t-torn you
apart!
(She begins to calm down)
But, then the school…blew up,
and I was alone. And I had time
to…to think about things. About
Amy. And how I treated her.
About how I would have done
things differently...using my power
for good instead of evil. I thought
that I was doomed to remain a
trophy forever, and I had no one
to blame, but myself.
WILLOW
Mrs. Madison. Uh, I have
something to tell you. About
Amy.
ANYA
She's a rat.
WILLOW
Thank you, Anya. Tactful, as
always.
ANYA
Thank you.
CATHERINE
A rat? How?
BUFFY
Well, it was a bad situation.
There were some parents who
formed an association against
witches. They had Willow and
me and Amy tied to stakes.
They were going to burn us.
Amy turned herself into a rat
to escape. We, uh, had to use
other methods.
TARA
We've been trying to turn her
back, but with no luck. But we
have taken very good care of
her.
WILLOW
She gets the very best food...
Purina Rat Chow.
ANYA
And they have used up lots of
expensive ingredients in
attempting to turn her back.
Willow hands the ball with Amy in it to Catherine.
CATHERINE
(She is smiling)
This is Amy?
WILLOW
We're really sorry.
CATHERINE
It's a family trait, really. The
whole animal thing. I have
this aunt back east? Well,
when my mother was young,
the two of them were always
doing stuff like this. One time
Ophelia turned my mom into
a toad for six months and hid
her in the basement. Because
Mom stole her boyfriend.
(She shakes her head, smiling)
I guess when Amy felt threatened,
it was just instinct.
WILLOW
You don't seem very upset.
Catherine puts the ball down on the floor and snaps her fingers. Suddenly, Amy appears on the floor, naked, but in a PG-13 position, as in Something Blue. Buffy grabs the clothing from Xander who is watching in shock, and the girls quickly surround Amy and dress her in a sweat suit. She stands up in a daze and sees her Mother.
AMY
M-mother?
CATHERINE
Amy!
They hug. There is a general hugging moment, with everybody, welcoming Amy back to humanity at last. There is a hubbub of people adlibbing, explaining what year it is, etc.
AMY
My God…this is incredible!
ANGLE ON: WILLOW AND TARA
WILLOW
(looks at Tara)
Why didn't we ever think of
snapping our fingers?
ANGLE ON: AMY, still trying to get used to everything around her.
AMY
I can't believe I missed my
whole senior year! And the
prom! And graduation!
XANDER
Well, the prom was kind of
cool…but graduation, not
so much.
AMY
(Looking at Willow and Tara)
And you two! It's really
unbelievable!
WILLOW
What, that it took us so long to
get you back? I'm really sorry
about that. We tried all kinds
of spells…
AMY
No! That you and…Tara…I
mean, Ewwww! Didn't it
ever occur to you to put a
cover on my cage?
WILLOW
(blushing)
Oh! That. Well, uh, we didn't
really realize that you were,
uh, watching.
AMY
Well, excuse me for being a
nocturnal animal!
BUFFY
You could have put your paws
over your eyes.
(Demonstrates)
AMY
Oh, you're one to talk. Hey,
what ever happened to that
Riley guy you used to have
over? He was cute!
BUFFY
(blushing now too)
Uh, it's kind of a long story,
Amy. One of many long stories.
I'm afraid you've missed a lot.
(Indicating Catherine)
Both of you. Is there anything
we can do? I have some, uh,
Mom style clothes at home.
CATHERINE
What happened to our house?
XANDER
I'm afraid the bank foreclosed on
it last year. Nobody knew where
you were.
AMY
I held the fort until the whole
rat incident. Sorry, Mom.
CATHERINE
Well, I guess we'll just have
to start over, won't we? This
is sort of a second chance for
us. Maybe we can go back East,
reconcile with my aunt. Go into
the family business.
AMY
Oh no…not that, please! Anything
but that!
XANDER
Uh…what is the family business,
I'm afraid to ask?
CATHERINE
Madison's Gourmet Cheese!
Well, I'm sure we'll find
something to do… Say… isn't
that my spell book?
ANYA
(grabbing the book)
This book is now the property
of the Magic Box. Mr. Giles paid
for it fair and square at the
auction.
Catherine blinks her eyes, and the book flies out of Anya's hands and into Catherine's.
CATHERINE
Afraid not. I'm going to need
this, if Amy and I are going
to get anywhere in this world.
XANDER
Mrs. Madison isn't that the kind
of thinking that got you into this
mess in the first place?
CATHERINE
(starting to get angry, causing eddies of energy to swirl around her)
You presume to judge me?
XANDER
Who, me? Judge? No way.
You do what you've gotta
do, Mrs. M.
WILLOW
Librum!
The book flies out of Catherine's hand and into Willow's.
WILLOW
(calmly but firmly, taking Tara's hand)
We may not be good at rats,
Mrs. Madison. But we are really
good at bitch goddesses from hell.
So unless you have as much power
as that, I suggest that you leave
here now.
AMY
Uh, Mom? I've seen some of
the stuff they can do. They're
really good.
Catherine
What...these…girls?
She looks at Willow and Tara, and nods and they split apart, Willow flying to one side of the shop, and Tara to the other.
Willow and Tara get up and look at each other, and then at Catherine. With a nod, they suddenly suspend Catherine about five feet in the air between them.
CATHERINE
(struggling wildly in mid air)
Let me down!
WILLOW
I'm sorry Mrs. Madison. We've
seen what you can do with this
spell book. We can't let you have
it.
Willow takes the book, whispers something and drops it in a trash can.
WILLOW
Incindiare!
Flames rise from the trash can, and then die down. Willow and Tara slowly let Catherine down.
CATHERINE
(realizing that she is outmatched)
Come on, Amy. Let's get out
of this two-bit town.
Amy
Bye guys… and thanks… for
everything.
Catherine grabs Amy's hand and drags her out of the Magic shop.
ANYA
Willow…You owe Giles $250
for that book. I can't believe
that you burned up a valuable
book like that!
BUFFY
Or any book, for that matter.
You who won't even dog-ear
a page!
Willow walks over to the trashcan and takes out the book, totally unscathed.
WILLOW
(smiling broadly)
Protection spell. I'll go put
this bad boy away.
INTERIOR: MAGIC BOX - UPSTAIRS - day
We follow her upstairs where she goes to replace the book, but instead, hides it away somewhere for later retrieval. She rearranges the books on the shelf, so there is no space.
INTERIOR: MAGIC BOX - MAIN - day
Meanwhile the others are cleaning up the mess left by flying witches.
XANDER
Imagine being trapped in that
trophy for four years! It's a
wonder she was as sane as
she was.
BUFFY
Do you think they'll be all right?
TARA
(as Willow is coming down the stairs)
Amy and her mom? As long
as they realize that p-power
can be dangerous, and can
corrupt even those with the
best intentions.
As she says this she is subtly inspecting Willow for signs of the spell book.
WILLOW
(looking innocent)
I can't believe we never tried
snapping our fingers.
BLACK OUT
INTERIOR: MAGIC BOX - MAIN - afternoon
Several hours have passed. Giles is talking to Buffy and can't believe everything that's happened.
GILES
So you've let two potentially
dangerous witches loose on
the general public?
WILLOW
(pitching in)
We gave them a little slapped
wrist… in the floating them five
feet in the air kind of way.
BUFFY
And I'm sure they'll act a lot
nicer now. They haven't got
their favourite spell book anymore.
WILLOW
And they were nowhere near
powerful enough to perform
major spells without one.
GILES
Well, I suppose it could be
worse.
BUFFY
Exactly!
Giles begins to go through the cash register to get the daily takings.
GILES
I trust Spike won't be staying
for lunch again tonight.
XANDER
Spike stayed for lunch with
you guys?
BUFFY
I met up with him. He seemed
like he needed the company.
XANDER
So he is still around. I was
kinda starting to worry.
ANYA
The soul thing is really getting
him down.
WILLOW
I can't imagine the pain he
must be going through
Buffy nods. There's a knock on the door - it's Lydia and she wants to get in but the shop is locked up. Giles goes to unlock it.
BUFFY
(continuing)
I wanted to spend more time
with him… to talk… but he
wants to be on his own. I think
we just need to give him time.
Lydia joins them all.
LYDIA
Where's Dawn?
BUFFY
She's in the back room training.
LYDIA
Then I'd better take her out
on patrol.
(looks at the mess which is still being cleared up)
What happened here?
WILLOW
A couple of witches trying to
take over the place. Same old.
LYDIA
Witches? I hope you're all
okay.
BUFFY
It was just Amy and her mom.
They're both back in their
normal forms but it'll take
some getting used to.
LYDIA
Amy? As in the rat girl I've
been informed of.
(Buffy nods)
The one who knows your
identity?
BUFFY
(shrugs)
She's cool with it.
LYDIA
If she has potential for evil
I don't think "she's cool with
it" is going to suffice. Doesn't
the term secret identity mean
anything to you? ? I'm surprised
the whole world doesn't know
by now!
Buffy just sighs. She walks away from a potential argument. Giles steps in.
GILES
I'm sure the Madisons have
other things on their minds
right now… like getting used
to society again. They probably
won't even consider telling
anyone about Buffy's role as
the Slayer… and even if they
did people would think they're
mad. From my experience that's
what usually happens.
LYDIA
Still… my Slayer wouldn't do
that.
She turns around. Her eyes are practically burning with fire. She's not amused. She's about to say something when Giles puts his hand on her shoulder.
GILES
(quietly)
Don't…
Buffy nods and calms down. Dawn comes from the training room.
DAWN
Are we patrolling?
LYDIA
Ye…
BUFFY
(interrupting)
The two of us, yeah.
LYDIA
Bu…
BUFFY
C'mon.
The two Slayers walk out through the door leaving Lydia watching them. She's clearly not happy with being dismissed by Buffy. We focus on her face as we…
BLACK OUT
END
Summer Script Challenge
The Powers that Be Pro Temporae
Episode 6.09: Behold the Power
By me, JodithGrace, December and Noggins
GILES (V.O.)
Previously on Buffy the Vampire Slayer…
From The Witch
Buffy deflecting Catherine Madison's spell so that it goes back on her.
CUT TO:
Catherine as a trophy.
From Gingerbread:
Willow, Buffy and Amy tied to a stake with fire all around them.
Amy becomes a rat and scurries away.
From Lost Along the Way:
Buffy on the phone.
BUFFY
It's Faith…
From The Point of No Return:
Buffy's explaining Faith's death to the others.
BUFFY
(morose)
The guards found her
hanging from her bunk
earlier this afternoon.
They killed her, made it look
like a suicide.
CUT TO:
Lydia in Giles' house.
LYDIA
The new Slayer… It's Dawn…
CUT TO:
From Primevil. Buffy floating in the air with her eyes glowing and killing Adam. Giles' voiceover from The Point of No Return:
GILES (V.O.)
Its possible. The spell
we performed to defeat
Adam could have had
residual effects.
CUT TO:
From No Place Like Home
Dawn being created by the monks.
GILES (V.O.)
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.
From The Point of No Return:
The light enveloping Spike in the magic shop.
CORDELLIA/TPTB (V.O.)
Spike will have 48 hours to finish
his unlife as a vampire. He will be
human in two days time.
The energy covers Spike.
SPIKE
Give it to me good, baby
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.
LYDIA
He's human – he's got a
got a soul now.
TEASER
INTERIOR: MAGIC SHOP - MAIN - day
A normal day at the office it seems. Giles is behind the counter, serving customers while Xander is sitting at the table reading a comic. Buffy is opposite him flicking through a weapons catalogue. Anya is putting items up on shelves.
Willow walks into the Magic Shop carrying a big stack of magazines. She throws it down on the table, startling Buffy and Xander.
XANDER
Way to give a guy a heart
attack, Will!
BUFFY
What are those?
WILLOW
My mother. She's getting to
the age where she's referring
to Miss Kitty Fantastico as 'The
Grand-Cat' and trying to fix
me up with every available
male at the synagogue. These
are her latest subtle hint.
(perks up)
We're going to make paper
dolls out of them!
Anya runs from where she was standing and grabs them, holding them close like they're gold or greenbacks
ANYA
NO! Don't desecrate these
sacred books!
Weird looks from all.
ANYA
(C'tnd)
They have wedding accoutrements.
Weddings are sacred. Therefore,
these are sacred books.
WILLOW
We weren't gonna desecrate
them. The dolls are gonna
have little dresses…
ANYA
Blasphemer!
Xander gets up to comfort her.
XANDER
Ahn, I'm sure they're not all
that important.
ANYA
Not important? Do you know
what this means? It's a sign!
BUFFY
A sign…?
ANYA
That we have to start planning
things. Everything must be
perfect. These are going to
help us.
XANDER
Well, I guess it won't hurt. I
mean, we are engaged and
it's gonna happen someday…
ANYA
(flashes a smile)
See? Xander understands.
She begins flicking through the book at the top of the pile.
ANYA
Oh my God!
WILLOW
(slightly shocked)
What is it?
ANYA
(flashing a picture of a suit)
Xander has to wear this! We
have to get one. Now.
(to Giles)
I'm leaving to buy Xander a
suit!
Giles looks up from what he's doing.
GILES
No your bloody well not. At
least not until the shop closes.
ANYA
But then the bridal stores will
be closed and we won't be able
to and you don't want me to
be happy!
GILES
(a little nervous now)
Of course I do but…
ANYA
You don't want Xander and I
to have a happy marriage.
You want our relationship to
fail. I know it!
Anya gets into quite a flap. Xander holds her back.
XANDER
Ahn, honey, I'm sure this can
wait… at least until the weekend
when you don't have to work.
I love you and I don't think the
fact I don't buy a suit right away
is gonna change that.
ANYA
(reluctantly)
Well… I guess… but Giles doesn't
want us to be happy.
GILES
That's not what I…
The door opens and Lydia walks in.
LYDIA
I hope I'm not interrupting
anything.
ANYA
Only Giles wanting my future
with Xander to be ruined.
GILES
Anya!
ANYA
I'm only saying.
Lydia doesn't take much interest in this she looks into the back room and, seeing no one in there comes back.
LYDIA
So Dawn isn't here yet?
BUFFY
(wha?)
She was meant to be?
LYDIA
I told her that I would meet
her here after school. For
training.
BUFFY
She has to stay in after school
to make up for what she missed
when we were in England. And
once that's done she's got
homework to do.
LYDIA
Through the council I've
managed to make a deal
with the school. They agree
that there are other, more
important things for her to
be doing.
WILLOW
You've told her she's the
Slayer. Way to go with the
secret identity.
Of course I haven't.
As far as they know she's
helping out a local charity
in her free time.
WILLOW
And you don't at all feel
wrong about that?
Before there can be a reply Dawn walks through the door. She ignores everyone else who says "hi" and goes straight to Lydia.
DAWN
Let's go train.
CREDITS
ACT ONE
INTERIOR: MAGIC BOX - MAIN - day
Everyone is in the same positions as before. Lydia prepares to take Dawn into the training room.
BUFFY
Remember - you've only got
an hour! Then it's homework.
DAWN
Then I'll do it all in an hour.
No big deal.
Dawn and Lydia leave the room.
XANDER
Is it just me or is Dawn really
losing her sense of humour?
GILES
She's clearly adjusting to
being a Slayer. The same
as the rest of us.
ANYA
It was quite a shock. Not
something I saw coming.
WILLOW
And that means that her
personality takes a complete
U-turn?
BUFFY
(still staring in the direction Dawn went)
She has been through a lot
recently. She was coping so
well after mom died… I guess
when I got killed it hit her…
GILES
But she kept fighting on.
BUFFY
I know. And now she's taken
on the responsibility of
Slayerhood she's… well, I
think her whole attitude is
because she doesn't know
how to cope any other way…
Xander continues flicking through his comics.
XANDER
And talking of people who've
changed dramatically…
WILLOW
(anticipates his question)
Yeah, how is Spike? He made
his excuses and ran out of here
as fast as he could after the
spell happened.
ANYA
He hasn't been loitering the
shop for nearly a week now.
I'm actually quite concerned.
WILLOW
I guess he's adjusting to having
a soul. It can't be easy. Maybe
a few of us should…
Buffy's eyes are still fixed on the door to the training room, not listening to a word her friends say. She turns to Giles.
BUFFY
Giles, you wanna come train?
GILES
If you mean spy on Dawn then…
(pauses, off Buffy's look)
Okay.
INTERIOR: MAGIC BOX - TRAINING ROOM - day
When Buffy and Giles enter the room Dawn is whacking the punching bag with all her might. She's fast too, her hands are a blur.
BUFFY
Wow.
Dawn and Lydia don't notice them. Dawn stops punching and looks at her Watcher.
DAWN
Isn't there anything more I
can do? I mean, the punching
is great and all but it doesn't
seem to be making much difference.
ANGLE ON: GILES AND BUFFY.
BUFFY
Okay… who stole the real Dawn
and can we have her back please?
GILES
(astonished)
What?
BUFFY
This is the girl who hated
running laps in PE, and now
she's asking for physical
exertion… I was never like
that.
GILES
No. You just beat me up then
went out with boys.
BUFFY
Yeah. Because that was normal.
Dawn begins to doing pull ups on a bar hanging from the ceiling.
GILES
But you've changed in recent
years and no doubt Dawn
wants to emulate that example
you've given her.
BUFFY
So she wants to be as good
as me?
(Giles nods)
Because from here it looks
like she's trying to be better.
INTERIOR: MAGIC BOX - MAIN - day
Willow, Anya and Xander are hanging around again. Anya is flicking through all of the books.
ANYA
I like that.
(another page)
That one's beautiful. I have
to have it.
(another page)
No wait! That's better! Don't
you think that's better?
She shows the page to Willow who's a little bored.
WILLOW
I guess.
ANYA
(to Xander)
You think so though don't you?
XANDER
(from behind his comic)
Of course I do.
(looks up)
You know, maybe we should
leave this for now. You know,
until we get home before the
customers start thinking this
isn't really a magic store.
Willow is flicking through a magic book. Xander looks over her shoulder, a little interested.
XANDER
Whatcha doing?
WILLOW
Studying.
XANDER
(shudders)
You know I hate that word.
WILLOW
Not college type studying.
Magic studying.
XANDER
In my world they both fall
under the same category…
studying.
WILLOW
It's a personal project.
Cranes his neck to look.
XANDER
Ooh! Anything fun?
WILLOW
(closing the book)
Not at the moment.
(sighs)
Still nothing. It's kinda
annoying.
XANDER
I'm sure you'll do it. You and
Tara will do it.
Willow raises an eyebrow.
XANDER
Now you know I didn't mean
it like that.
BLACK OUT
ACT TWO
INTERIOR: LYDIA'S APARTMENT - night
Lydia's home is tiny, and cramped. Camera shows her door, and there is an O.S. knocking.
LYDIA (O.S.)
Who's there?
She comes into the camera view, wearing her normal attire.
DAWN (O.S.)
It's me.
Lydia opens the door, and we see Dawn standing in the doorway.
LYDIA
Yes, come in.
Dawn walks in and stands in the small entryway.
DAWN
So, where are we headed tonight?
LYDIA
Well, we shall be patrolling
through seven cemeteries
around this area. Though
I'd like to go through a few
more, I fear that we won't have
enough time before sunrise, to
patrol –
She's interrupted as the phone rings. The camera pans around, and Lydia picks it up.
LYDIA
(into phone)
Hello?
(pause)
Oh…
She covers the mouthpiece and looks over to Dawn.
LYDIA
Dawn, could you begin patrolling.
I'll meet up with you in several
minutes.
DAWN
(shrugs)
Sure.
She picks up and axe from a bag of weapons and walks out the door. The camera follows her out of the apartment…
EXTERIOR: LYDIA'S APARTMENT - night
…And across the street to a wall surrounding a cemetery. As a good watcher, Lydia, of course, has taken residence near a graveyard.
As we follow Dawn we hear the conversation between Lydia and Quentin Travers.
LYDIA (V.O.)
It's okay. She's gone.
TRAVERS (V.O.)
Good, good. How is the young
Slayer progressing?
Dawn jumps over the wall into the cemetery.
LYDIA (V.O.)
Very well… excellently in fact.
I'm astonished at the rate
her abilities are developing.
TRAVERS (V.O.)
It's to be expected. She is
a very special Slayer.
CUT TO:
EXTERIOR: CEMETERY - night
Dawn looks around. She hears a noise and quickly spins on her heels.
LYDIA (V.O.)
Yes, as I informed you, Mr.
Giles was able to identify
the cause for her calling.
The spell cast on her sister
that brought forth the ancient
Slayer powers. I was surprised
you didn't tell me before I left…
Dawn walks carefully around the gravestones. She stops occasionally to sniff the air.
TRAVERS (V.O.)
Yes, yes of course. And how
is the other Slayer reacting
to all of this?
Dawn sees a group of demons gathered around a patch of ground. It seems they're casting a spell of sorts.
LYDIA (V.O.)
She's incredibly shocked. It's
taken her by surprise and I
get the impression she's rather
jealous of Dawn's progress.
Dawn readies the axe in her hands.
TRAVERS (V.O.)
Anything else?
Dawn walks towards the group of demons slowly and quietly.
LYDIA (V.O.)
Well, she is concerned with
the way Dawn is acting. She
clearly has her mind on her
job but to the Slayer and her
friends seem to think she's
losing her… emotions. As
ridiculous as that sounds.
ANGLE ON: THE DEMONS
They are chanting. One of them has a book in its hand. A swirling energy appears in between them.
Suddenly one of the demons falls forwards, its head missing. The others spin around to see Dawn ready to fight.
TRAVERS (V.O.)
Indeed. Well, I do suggest
you try to make her act a
little less conspicuous. We,
uh, we don't want dissension
in the ranks now do we?
The demons attack. Dawn embeds the axe into the chest of one of them.
LYDIA (V.O.)
Of course. I'll suggest that
when I meet up with her.
Dawn pulls out a knife from a holder strapped around her leg. She spins around and throws it. It lands in a demon's head.
TRAVERS (V.O.)
Is that all?
Dawn knocks a demon back with the handle of the axe before knocking it to the ground. She dives on top of it and twists its neck with a loud crack.
LYDIA (V.O.)
I believe so, yes.
There are four demon bodies scattered all over the place in various states. Dawn looks around suspiciously. She spins around suddenly and hurls the axe. It decapitates the fleeing demon.
ANGLE ON: The demon's head as it rolls across the ground and lands next to a pair of feet. We PULL UP to see it's Lydia.
LYDIA
Ah, you've started already.
CUT TO:
EXTERIOR: ANOTHER CEMETERY - night
Buffy is walking through the graveyard, swinging a stake at her side. She's really bored, and has obviously not run into many vamps.
BUFFY
(Urgh.)
What happened to all my
bloodsucking friends? Yeesh.
She suddenly stops in her tracks and perks up, the camera pans, and we see two men standing behind her, pretty much obviously vampires, but not in game face.
VAMPIRE 1
Hey, you.
VAMPIRE 2
What are you doing here,
at night?
Buffy faces them, looking innocent. We get a view of her back, where she's holding her stake, in one hand.
BUFFY
Me? I enjoy the scenery.
VAMPIRE 2
Well, you shouldn't be
ut so late.
VAMPIRE 1
Yeah, you never know
what kind of creeps
are hanging around here.
BUFFY
(Mock Sadly)
Yeah, I know.
Vampire 1 turns to his friend with a heavy sigh.
VAMPIRE 1
(Such a gentlemen!)
Say, how 'bout we escort
this fine young lady home?
BUFFY
(Playing along)
Oh, no thank you. I'm afraid
I was told never to accept
offers from strange men.
VAMPIRE 2
(Charming)
Well, then, how about we
introduce ourselves? Then,
we won't be strangers
anymore!
BUFFY
Ok, well, fine. But first, I
wanna guess your names.
The vampires shrug at each other, then turn back to Buffy, and smile.
Buffy nods and points to the first vampire.
BUFFY
(Cont'd)
Well, I'm guessing you're
"Ugh!" And you're friend is
"Oh God!"
The vampire's look confused, and give Buffy an odd look.
BUFFY
(Cont'd)
Cause, my name's Buffy,
what's your name?
VAMPIRE 1
(Dawning revelation)
Buffy? As in… Oh crap.
Buffy charges the vampires, and the first vampire doesn't have time to put on his game face as she drops kicks him in the gut. He falls to the ground, with a thud.
VAMPIRE 1
(moaning in pain)
Ugh!
Buffy turns to the other one, who throws a lazy punch her way. She grabs the fist, and brings her arm up into his elbow, breaking the vampire's arm.
VAMPIRE 2
(Hysterical)
Oh God!!!
Buffy makes quick work, staking both vampires.
BUFFY
(quietly)
Whatta you know? I was
Right.
She continues walking, for a few moments, till we see, from her POV Spike's crypt. She hears something crash, and quickens her pace over to the large stone building.
INTERIOR: SPIKE'S CRYPT - night
As she throws the door open, we see Spike is desperately trying to kick a bunch of glass into the corner. He turns as she enters, and immediately tries to wipe away the obvious tears that are running down his cheeks.
BUFFY
Spike? Are you… Crying?
SPIKE
(Manly man)
Me? Crying? Bah. N…
Never.
Buffy isn't convinced, but says nothing. She takes a few more steps, then gestures to the glass on the floor.
BUFFY
What happened?
Spike looks confused. Then he gets that she's talking about the glass.
SPIKE
Oh, uh… nothing.
Dropped a bottle.
BUFFY
(Eh?)
You dropped a bottle?
Mister edgy reflex guy?
Spike looks a little dazed, as if suddenly struck with a thought and takes a while to answer.
SPIKE
(out of it.)
Yeah…
Buffy knows something's up, and she's had enough of it.
BUFFY
(To the point.)
Spike, what's wrong?
Spike is still dazed.
BUFFY
(Cont'd)
Spike?
SPIKE
(Waking up)
Oh… uh, nothing…
BUFFY
(Forceful)
Come On Spike, what's up?
He sort of leans towards Buffy, almost as if he's letting on a big secret.
SPIKE
(Reluctant)
It's... It's all these memories,
luv. You don't know what
it's like... to see every face, to
hear every scream... and to
know that back then, you
really didn't give a rats ass.
And that eats at you.
That's what's wrong, Buffy.
Buffy goes fish mouth, you know, not sure what to say. It hits her, that maybe he deserves a lot more Slack then she's been giving him. He really does care, now. And just because she's angry that Angel didn't get this, doesn't mean she should give Spike the cold shoulder.
BUFFY
(quiet)
Look… Spike…
Spike looks up, tears brimming in his eyes. We see the pang of guilt in Buffy's expression.
BUFFY
(Cont'd)
Do you wanna… maybe
come to my place.
Spike gives her a confused look, and Buffy's eyes widen.
BUFFY
(Embarrassed)
I mean, like, for dinner. Cause,
you know, being human can
provide a real need for non
blood-like food.
Spike gives her cautious look, which turns into a small smile.
SPIKE
(shrugs)
Yeah, why not.
BLACK OUT
ACT THREE
INTERIOR: MAGIC BOX - MAIN - day
Buffy and Dawn are at the counter, Anya behind it, leafing through Bridal magazines. All are looking idly, except for Anya who is reading avidly. There are a few customers browsing in the shop. Willow and Tara are moving oddly around the shop…we can't tell what they are doing. Anya is trying to keep one eye on the customers and one on her book.
ANYA
Look at this gown! It is
magnificent. What is
Alencon lace, anyway?
BUFFY
I don't know but it is very
pretty.
(She looks more closely at the photo)
Uh, Anya, this dress has a
12-foot train.
ANYA
Do you think that's too long?
BUFFY
About 12 feet too long. I
Think you pretty much need
a cathedral for a dress like
this. And a matching Prince.
(At Anya's look)
Not that Xander isn't a prince,
In his own non-royalty kind
of way. And have you looked
at the price?
ANYA
(looks at the price)
Oh! Well, perhaps the train is
a bit long at that. Moving on.
We really have to decide on
bridesmaids' dresses. Oh and
I need a flower girl. Dawn,
would you ..
Dawn looks up. She's clearly trying to heed Lydia's advice and act natural - but even this is too much for her.
DAWN
(a little coldly)
I'm fifteen years old.
Flower girls are about five!
ANYA
But I really want one. Do you
think I could rent one? And one
of those ring bearers too?
ANGLE ON: WILLOW AND TARA
They are still walking around the shop strangely.
WILLOW
(Following something on the floor)
I think Amy really likes her new
rolly ball.
We see Amy the rat on the floor in a large plastic ball.
TARA
She keeps going for the stairs,
but I 'm heading her off at the
pass.
ANGLE ON: BUFFY, DAWN AND ANYA
ANYA
Buffy, Willow, what do you think
of these bridesmaid dresses?
BUFFY
(making a face to Willow)
Uh, gee… I didn't even know
they could DO that with ruffles.
WILLOW
(comes over and looks at photo)
What color would you call that,
exactly?
ANYA
Lime
BUFFY
(rolling her eyes)
Sorry… I can't wear lime.
It's… lame.
WILLOW
(giggling)
Well, I can't wear teal…it has
no appeal.
DAWN
(raising an eyebrow)
And turquoise… just annoys.
TARA
(who has also come over to look)
Uh, what rhymes with lavender?
ANYA
You don't understand. The
bridesmaids are supposed to
look ugly, so that the bride
looks even prettier! I would
prefer it if you cut off all of
your hair and maybe had
warts but I think I'll have to
make do with you as you are.
BUFFY
Uh thanks. I think.
ANGLE ON: AMY RAT
While the girls continue talking, we are following Amy as she rolls her ball towards the stairs, which lead to the forbidden bookcase. She rolls her ball at the stairs so hard that the ball splits open. We see Amy escape and take off up the stairs.
ANGLE ON: SCOOBIES AT THE COUNTER
Willow suddenly looks around.
WILLOW
Where's Amy?
TARA
I thought you had her.
They discover the ball by the stairs, empty.
WILLOW
She's missing. Amy is missing!
ANYA
(to customer)
Have you seen a large brown
rat?
CUSTOMER
A Rat? There's a rat loose in
the store?
Customers start squealing, and screaming etc. and hastily leave the store.
ANYA
(following after them)
Wait, don't leave! Stay here
and buy things! Our rat won't
hurt you. She's really a witch.
But a good witch. Well, an okay
witch, anyway.
(To Willow and Tara)
Now look what you've done!
You've scared away all our
customers!
WILLOW
I wasn't the one who announced
that a rat was loose.
ANYA
Well, you were the one who
left her unattended!
BUFFY
Hey, how about blaming each
other after we find her? I don't
see her behind the bookcase.
How about under the counter?
Willow goes to look under the counter. Anya starts looking in the display cases.
ANYA
I've got some dried rats here!
DAWN
(who is crawling on the floor)
Ewwww!
WILLOW
No luck here.
TARA
(from the back)
No sign of her in the training room.
At that moment Xander comes in with a large cardboard box.
XANDER
Hi guys. It's lunch break man!
ANYA
It's Xander! Quick, hide the
wedding books! It's bad luck
for him to see my potential
dress!
BUFFY
Anya, I think it's only bad luck
for the groom to see the bride
on the day of the wedding. I
don't think that looking at
Bridal magazines will hurt
anything.
XANDER
Hey, she wants to hide those
magazines…I'm not complaining
here. I had to go through
those things all night.
DAWN
(winking at Xander)
I guess you told her about that
superstition, huh. What's in the
box?
XANDER
Thought you'd never ask. My
construction company is finally
demolishing ye olde Sunnydale
High School.
WILLOW
Ah…the final resting-place of
his not so honorable hizzoner?
XANDER
Yep. They're putting up an office
building.
BUFFY
An office building on the
Hellmouth… now why does
that strike me as a typical
Sunnydale bad idea?
XANDER
Don't ask me… some legal firm
from LA bought the property.
BUFFY
So what's in the box?
XANDER
I've been scavenging, one
step ahead of the wrecking
ball. Look at all the cool stuff
I found.
He puts the box on the table and takes things out, one by one.
XANDER
(C'tnd)
Look…one Sunnydale yearbook,
property of Jonathan Levinson.
(He opens it and looks at signatures)
Buffy, you wished him a happy
summer. Willow, so did you.
Uh…me too, I guess.
WILLOW
Poor Jonathan. I guess we
should return it to him.
XANDER
(reaches into the box and pulls out a…)
One trumpet, only slightly
dented, from the band room.
He blows a few very sour notes. On everybody's reaction, he puts the trumpet down.
XANDER
And then there's this…
He removes a cheerleading trophy from the box.
ANYA
Oh, is that for your doll collection?
XANDER
Anya, they are not dolls. They
are action figures. And no… this
isn't for my collection. Look at
the inscription. "Catherine Madison
1976".
WILLOW
Wow. That's Amy's mother.
ANYA
Amy had a mother? A non-rat
type mother?
BUFFY
Amy said that her mother was
a champion cheerleader. That's
why her Mom stole her body
that time, and tried to recapture
her glory. Not long after I
came to Sunnydale.
DAWN
So what are you going to do
with it? Xander? Hey, earth
to Xander!
Xander is staring at the face of the trophy.
XANDER
Huh? Oh. Uh, I just thought
that maybe Amy would like
it in her cage…make it more…
homey.
BUFFY
Well, that's a lovely thought
Xander, very touching, except
that Amy and her mother didn't
exactly get along.
WILLOW
Her mother made the Wicked
Witch of the West look like the…
(lamely)
…uh, Good Witch of the North.
By comparison.
DAWN
What ever happened to her
anyway?
WILLOW
Nobody knows. She aimed
some really nasty spell at
Buffy who deflected it with
a mirror.
BUFFY
The spell went back at her,
but since I don't know what
it was supposed to do, I don't
know what happened. I mean,
Poof! She just disappeared.
Xander what are you doing?
XANDER
(who is still staring at the trophy)
It's the weirdest thing. I
keep thinking that this
trophy is looking at me.
And I can almost hear this
little voice, saying, "Help
me." Like in The Fly. Remember?
Suddenly we hear Tara's voice from upstairs.
TARA (V.O.)
Uh, if anybody's interested,
I found Amy.
XANDER
Amy was missing?
Everybody looks guilty, since they had forgotten about the missing rat.
TARA (V.O.)
Willow, come up here quietly
and bring the ball.
Willow picks up the ball pieces and creeps upstairs.
INTERIOR: MAGIC BOX - UPSTAIRS - day
There is Tara watching Amy who is sitting serenely on a book. It is a small home-made book, like a diary. Willow scoops up Amy and puts her in the plastic ball. Tara picks up the book and looks through it. We can see that the pages are hand-written, with drawings and lists of ingredients, like a cookbook…or a spell book. There is a name in the flyleaf. Catherine Madison. Her book. Followed by a paragraph in Latin, which says, basically, keep out on pain of death!
WILLOW
Amy's mother's spell book.
Maybe Amy's rat spell is in
here!
TARA
Amy led us to this book.
How could she have known
this book was up here?
WILLOW
I told you she was getting
smarter.
TARA
This was more than smart.
Giles must have salvaged this
from the Madison house before
they foreclosed on it. But that
was after Amy became a rat.
She must have sensed it up
here, somehow.
They bring Amy and the book back downstairs.
INTERIOR: MAGIC BOX - MAIN - day
Xander is still communing with the trophy. They put Amy on the table, surrounded by books, so she can't roll off. Xander puts the trophy down next to the ball, with the face turned toward Amy. Amy reacts to the trophy. She stares at the trophy's face. There is a palpable energy in the room.
WILLOW
Wow. Do you feel that? That
energy?
TARA
Between Amy and the trophy?
That's really weird.
WILLOW
(frantically leafing through the spell book)
This is very exciting! Maybe
the trophy will prove to be
the catalyst we need to change
Amy!
XANDER
Do you think that's wise? I
mean putting a catalyst next
to a rat!
BUFFY
Shut up, Xander…did you say
that the trophy was talking to
you?
XANDER
Did I say that?
WILLOW
Here is a spell. It's kind of
general… it doesn't specify
animals exactly… but it's
about releasing a spirit
trapped in another form.
This could be it!
ANYA
Great. So what expensive items
are you planning to steal now?
BUFFY
Anya, do you really want Amy
to remain a rat forever? Just
think. For the rest of her life…
no chance to fall in love, to get
married…no pretty lace dress
for Amy. No sex…
ANYA
(looking at Xander)
Okay. Take what you need.
Willow and Tara go over to the counter and gather some supplies.
BUFFY
We should get some clothes
for her. She'll probably come
back naked.
XANDER
(suddenly interested)
Naked? Wow. I guess that
makes sense.
BUFFY
Clothes, Xander. Training
room. Now?
XANDER
Oh yeah, sure.
He tears himself away from Amy and goes into the training room.
Willow and Tara come back to the table with a bowl full of ingredients. They chant an incantation:
WILLOW AND TARA
(together)
Oh Displaced Spirit, lost to roam
Find your body and make it home!
They throw a lit match into the bowl. There is a flash of light and a big cloud of smoke. When the smoke clears, there is Amy, still a rat, and a woman in a cheerleading outfit, standing on the table. Xander comes running in holding a bundle of clothing.
XANDER
Whoa! You're not naked! And
you're old enough to be….
Amy's…. mother?
BLACK OUT
ACT FOUR
INTERIOR: MAGIC BOX
Catherine Madison jumps off the table. Willow, Tara, Dawn, Buffy and Xander are surrounding her. They are wary, unsure of what condition she is in, or how dangerous she might be. Catherine is feeling herself, as if to establish that she is indeed flesh and blood, and looking around wildly. She focuses on Xander.
CATHERINE
(pointing at him)
You!
XANDER
(afraid)
Me?
CATEHRINE
You did this!
XANDER
(babbling)
Well, it wasn't just me. Uh.
Willow and Tara here actually
did the spell. Well, they found
your spell book, actually, and
we didn't really know that…
CATHERINE
Quiet!
Xander shuts up mid word. Willow and Tara join hands, ready to fight her if they have to.
CATHERINE
(after a beat)
Thank you.
WILLOW
(with a sigh of relief)
Uh, Mrs. Madison…how are you?
CATHERINE
(wild eyed)
What happened to the high
School? One minute I was in
the trophy case, the next
minute I was on the ground,
and there were no more people.
For YEARS!
WILLOW
Well, the school kind of blew
up. There was a giant demon…
the mayor actually, kind of put
a damper on graduation. Though
we all did graduate. Well, not
Amy, actually.
CATHERINE
(looking around)
Amy? My Amy? Where is she?
BUFFY
Uh, Mrs. Madison, maybe you
had better sit down, and we'll
get you some uh, coffee? This
must all be a really big shock
for you.
Catherine collapses into a chair, not noticing Amy in her ball, frantically pawing at the plastic.
CATHERINE
(dreamily)
Coffee! Food!
(She looks down at her cheerleading outfit)
Clothes! Do you have any idea
what it has been like these last…
WILLOW
Four years. I can't even begin
to imagine, Mrs. Madison.
Catherine bursts into tears.
CATHERINE
(wildly, and as she becomes more
agitated, energy begins to swirl
around the room)
N-no. You c-can't. I-I know
what you are thinking. That
I am p-probably crazy, and
angry and looking f-for
revenge. And I was, b-believe
me. For years! If you had
turned me back during those
years of watching students
pass me every day, ignoring
me, laughing and living their
lives, I would have t-torn you
apart!
(She begins to calm down)
But, then the school…blew up,
and I was alone. And I had time
to…to think about things. About
Amy. And how I treated her.
About how I would have done
things differently...using my power
for good instead of evil. I thought
that I was doomed to remain a
trophy forever, and I had no one
to blame, but myself.
WILLOW
Mrs. Madison. Uh, I have
something to tell you. About
Amy.
ANYA
She's a rat.
WILLOW
Thank you, Anya. Tactful, as
always.
ANYA
Thank you.
CATHERINE
A rat? How?
BUFFY
Well, it was a bad situation.
There were some parents who
formed an association against
witches. They had Willow and
me and Amy tied to stakes.
They were going to burn us.
Amy turned herself into a rat
to escape. We, uh, had to use
other methods.
TARA
We've been trying to turn her
back, but with no luck. But we
have taken very good care of
her.
WILLOW
She gets the very best food...
Purina Rat Chow.
ANYA
And they have used up lots of
expensive ingredients in
attempting to turn her back.
Willow hands the ball with Amy in it to Catherine.
CATHERINE
(She is smiling)
This is Amy?
WILLOW
We're really sorry.
CATHERINE
It's a family trait, really. The
whole animal thing. I have
this aunt back east? Well,
when my mother was young,
the two of them were always
doing stuff like this. One time
Ophelia turned my mom into
a toad for six months and hid
her in the basement. Because
Mom stole her boyfriend.
(She shakes her head, smiling)
I guess when Amy felt threatened,
it was just instinct.
WILLOW
You don't seem very upset.
Catherine puts the ball down on the floor and snaps her fingers. Suddenly, Amy appears on the floor, naked, but in a PG-13 position, as in Something Blue. Buffy grabs the clothing from Xander who is watching in shock, and the girls quickly surround Amy and dress her in a sweat suit. She stands up in a daze and sees her Mother.
AMY
M-mother?
CATHERINE
Amy!
They hug. There is a general hugging moment, with everybody, welcoming Amy back to humanity at last. There is a hubbub of people adlibbing, explaining what year it is, etc.
AMY
My God…this is incredible!
ANGLE ON: WILLOW AND TARA
WILLOW
(looks at Tara)
Why didn't we ever think of
snapping our fingers?
ANGLE ON: AMY, still trying to get used to everything around her.
AMY
I can't believe I missed my
whole senior year! And the
prom! And graduation!
XANDER
Well, the prom was kind of
cool…but graduation, not
so much.
AMY
(Looking at Willow and Tara)
And you two! It's really
unbelievable!
WILLOW
What, that it took us so long to
get you back? I'm really sorry
about that. We tried all kinds
of spells…
AMY
No! That you and…Tara…I
mean, Ewwww! Didn't it
ever occur to you to put a
cover on my cage?
WILLOW
(blushing)
Oh! That. Well, uh, we didn't
really realize that you were,
uh, watching.
AMY
Well, excuse me for being a
nocturnal animal!
BUFFY
You could have put your paws
over your eyes.
(Demonstrates)
AMY
Oh, you're one to talk. Hey,
what ever happened to that
Riley guy you used to have
over? He was cute!
BUFFY
(blushing now too)
Uh, it's kind of a long story,
Amy. One of many long stories.
I'm afraid you've missed a lot.
(Indicating Catherine)
Both of you. Is there anything
we can do? I have some, uh,
Mom style clothes at home.
CATHERINE
What happened to our house?
XANDER
I'm afraid the bank foreclosed on
it last year. Nobody knew where
you were.
AMY
I held the fort until the whole
rat incident. Sorry, Mom.
CATHERINE
Well, I guess we'll just have
to start over, won't we? This
is sort of a second chance for
us. Maybe we can go back East,
reconcile with my aunt. Go into
the family business.
AMY
Oh no…not that, please! Anything
but that!
XANDER
Uh…what is the family business,
I'm afraid to ask?
CATHERINE
Madison's Gourmet Cheese!
Well, I'm sure we'll find
something to do… Say… isn't
that my spell book?
ANYA
(grabbing the book)
This book is now the property
of the Magic Box. Mr. Giles paid
for it fair and square at the
auction.
Catherine blinks her eyes, and the book flies out of Anya's hands and into Catherine's.
CATHERINE
Afraid not. I'm going to need
this, if Amy and I are going
to get anywhere in this world.
XANDER
Mrs. Madison isn't that the kind
of thinking that got you into this
mess in the first place?
CATHERINE
(starting to get angry, causing eddies of energy to swirl around her)
You presume to judge me?
XANDER
Who, me? Judge? No way.
You do what you've gotta
do, Mrs. M.
WILLOW
Librum!
The book flies out of Catherine's hand and into Willow's.
WILLOW
(calmly but firmly, taking Tara's hand)
We may not be good at rats,
Mrs. Madison. But we are really
good at bitch goddesses from hell.
So unless you have as much power
as that, I suggest that you leave
here now.
AMY
Uh, Mom? I've seen some of
the stuff they can do. They're
really good.
Catherine
What...these…girls?
She looks at Willow and Tara, and nods and they split apart, Willow flying to one side of the shop, and Tara to the other.
Willow and Tara get up and look at each other, and then at Catherine. With a nod, they suddenly suspend Catherine about five feet in the air between them.
CATHERINE
(struggling wildly in mid air)
Let me down!
WILLOW
I'm sorry Mrs. Madison. We've
seen what you can do with this
spell book. We can't let you have
it.
Willow takes the book, whispers something and drops it in a trash can.
WILLOW
Incindiare!
Flames rise from the trash can, and then die down. Willow and Tara slowly let Catherine down.
CATHERINE
(realizing that she is outmatched)
Come on, Amy. Let's get out
of this two-bit town.
Amy
Bye guys… and thanks… for
everything.
Catherine grabs Amy's hand and drags her out of the Magic shop.
ANYA
Willow…You owe Giles $250
for that book. I can't believe
that you burned up a valuable
book like that!
BUFFY
Or any book, for that matter.
You who won't even dog-ear
a page!
Willow walks over to the trashcan and takes out the book, totally unscathed.
WILLOW
(smiling broadly)
Protection spell. I'll go put
this bad boy away.
INTERIOR: MAGIC BOX - UPSTAIRS - day
We follow her upstairs where she goes to replace the book, but instead, hides it away somewhere for later retrieval. She rearranges the books on the shelf, so there is no space.
INTERIOR: MAGIC BOX - MAIN - day
Meanwhile the others are cleaning up the mess left by flying witches.
XANDER
Imagine being trapped in that
trophy for four years! It's a
wonder she was as sane as
she was.
BUFFY
Do you think they'll be all right?
TARA
(as Willow is coming down the stairs)
Amy and her mom? As long
as they realize that p-power
can be dangerous, and can
corrupt even those with the
best intentions.
As she says this she is subtly inspecting Willow for signs of the spell book.
WILLOW
(looking innocent)
I can't believe we never tried
snapping our fingers.
BLACK OUT
INTERIOR: MAGIC BOX - MAIN - afternoon
Several hours have passed. Giles is talking to Buffy and can't believe everything that's happened.
GILES
So you've let two potentially
dangerous witches loose on
the general public?
WILLOW
(pitching in)
We gave them a little slapped
wrist… in the floating them five
feet in the air kind of way.
BUFFY
And I'm sure they'll act a lot
nicer now. They haven't got
their favourite spell book anymore.
WILLOW
And they were nowhere near
powerful enough to perform
major spells without one.
GILES
Well, I suppose it could be
worse.
BUFFY
Exactly!
Giles begins to go through the cash register to get the daily takings.
GILES
I trust Spike won't be staying
for lunch again tonight.
XANDER
Spike stayed for lunch with
you guys?
BUFFY
I met up with him. He seemed
like he needed the company.
XANDER
So he is still around. I was
kinda starting to worry.
ANYA
The soul thing is really getting
him down.
WILLOW
I can't imagine the pain he
must be going through
Buffy nods. There's a knock on the door - it's Lydia and she wants to get in but the shop is locked up. Giles goes to unlock it.
BUFFY
(continuing)
I wanted to spend more time
with him… to talk… but he
wants to be on his own. I think
we just need to give him time.
Lydia joins them all.
LYDIA
Where's Dawn?
BUFFY
She's in the back room training.
LYDIA
Then I'd better take her out
on patrol.
(looks at the mess which is still being cleared up)
What happened here?
WILLOW
A couple of witches trying to
take over the place. Same old.
LYDIA
Witches? I hope you're all
okay.
BUFFY
It was just Amy and her mom.
They're both back in their
normal forms but it'll take
some getting used to.
LYDIA
Amy? As in the rat girl I've
been informed of.
(Buffy nods)
The one who knows your
identity?
BUFFY
(shrugs)
She's cool with it.
LYDIA
If she has potential for evil
I don't think "she's cool with
it" is going to suffice. Doesn't
the term secret identity mean
anything to you? ? I'm surprised
the whole world doesn't know
by now!
Buffy just sighs. She walks away from a potential argument. Giles steps in.
GILES
I'm sure the Madisons have
other things on their minds
right now… like getting used
to society again. They probably
won't even consider telling
anyone about Buffy's role as
the Slayer… and even if they
did people would think they're
mad. From my experience that's
what usually happens.
LYDIA
Still… my Slayer wouldn't do
that.
She turns around. Her eyes are practically burning with fire. She's not amused. She's about to say something when Giles puts his hand on her shoulder.
GILES
(quietly)
Don't…
Buffy nods and calms down. Dawn comes from the training room.
DAWN
Are we patrolling?
LYDIA
Ye…
BUFFY
(interrupting)
The two of us, yeah.
LYDIA
Bu…
BUFFY
C'mon.
The two Slayers walk out through the door leaving Lydia watching them. She's clearly not happy with being dismissed by Buffy. We focus on her face as we…
BLACK OUT
END