A bBuffy the Vampire Slayer
Summer Script Challenge
The Powers that Be Pro Temporae
Episode 6.18: Something In The Way
By Noggins
GILES (V.O.)
Previously on Buffy the Vampire Slayer...
From "From Sunnydale With Love":
We watch Dawn fighting with kids in school and out on patrol while we hear the Watchers in a voiceover.
NIGEL (V.O.)
We extracted they part of
her that was the Key, and
substituted the essence of
the first Slayer. It was not
a lengthy procedure, and
Dawn was not aware of what
was happening.
BUFFY (V.O.)
It's as if I don't know who
she is anymore. And I'm scared.
From "My Sister's Keeper":
Tara and Xander are talking to Willow about her wanting to use magic to cure Dawn.
TARA
And only dark magic could
have been used to do this.
CUT TO:
From "The Sun Also Shines"
The Wiccans casting a spell on Willow rendering her unable to cast black magic without dire consequences.
XANDER (V.O.)
And you're not exactly dark
magic friendly at the moment.
One black spell and poof! You're
all red and glowy and painful
to the touch.
CUT TO:
From "My Sister's Keeper":
Buffy and Dawn fighting in the cemetery. Dawn stabs Buffy.
WILLOW (V.O.)
But we can still save her, right?
BUFFY (V.O.)
No... I don't think we can.
TEASER
EXT. SUNNYDALE HOSPITAL - DAY
Buffy is walking out of the hospital with Willow and Xander. They are all clearly depressed about the current events.
XANDER
Well, that was a wholly
depressing visit. Man, I
hate hospitals.
WILLOW
We do tend to spend a lot
of time in them...
(Looks at Buffy suddenly)
Oh! I'm sorry!
BUFFY
(shakes her head sadly)
Don't worry, Will.
(sighs)
I really don't think the doctor
believed me when I told him
I accidentally pricked myself
on a kitchen knife. Preparing
a family meal no less...
XANDER
Ah, irony. We know it so well.
WILLOW
Speaking of family...
XANDER
Yeah, where's Dawn? Did
she come back after we...
BUFFY
...chased her off? I... I
really don't know... But
wherever it is...
INT. SPIKE'S OLD CRYPT - DAY
Dawn is sitting on top of the tomb sharpening wooden crossbow bolts with a knife.
BUFFY
(voice over)
...it can't be pleasant.
Dawn looks up. We realise that she is watching a corny vampire movie on the TV that Spike left there. She doesn't look up at the screen as she loads up a crossbow.
ANGLE ON: The movie shows a vampire attacking someone. Suddenly the bolt from the crossbow hits it through the chest before the screen explodes sending sparks everywhere.
ANGLE ON: Dawn. She smiles.
ACT ONE
INT. MAGIC BOX - MAIN - DAY
Giles, Spike and Anya are sitting around the table talking.
GILES
It's been over a day now...
ANYA
And she hasn't returned to
your house? Well, if you ask
me she should be severely
punished once she does.
SPIKE
That might not be possible
now. Way I figure it, she's
too far gone. Buffy's right...
GILES
(a little angrier)
Buffy is not right! There is
still a way! We may not have
the Council's help but...
SPIKE
Rupes, mate, you say what
she did to Buffy. To be bloody
honest, I've lost all tolerance.
Right now, all I want is to find
her and *rip* that sodding
Slayer soul out of her.
ANYA
Not exactly the most practical
means considering...
SPIKE
I know! God! Now I remember
why Slayers used to frustrate
me so much.
GILES
Then it must be a good thing
you're human again.
SPIKE
And Watchers too. Did I mention
Watchers?
ANYA
They do tend to run away
when evil rears its ugly head.
GILES
Hey.
ANYA
I meant Lydia... idiot.
SPIKE
So she's buggering off back
to old Blighty?
GILES
Actually, I told her it would be
best. I don't think she needs to
stay when whatever happens...
happens. She should be packing
for her flight now.
The door jingles as it opens. They all turn to see Buffy, Xander and Willow walking in.
GILES
How did it go?
BUFFY
I'm all checked up. A bit of
magic and a few stitches later
I'm fighting fit.
GILES
Any sign of...
BUFFY
What do you think?
Giles nods sadly.
GILES
But we have to find her eventually.
BUFFY
Do we?
WILLOW
She is your sister. No matter
what happens, she still needs
you?
BUFFY
What? The uber-Slayer needs
me? Somehow I doubt it. And
you know what? I don't care.
After being beaten God knows
how many times and now stabbed
I'm not even sure I want to see
Dawn again... and knowing I feel
that way... well, it scares me
more than anything in my life
ever has.
They all look at her, not knowing what to say. Buffy sniffs a little. Spike moves towards her to comfort her but she pushes him away.
BUFFY
No. I don't need this.
SPIKE
I'm only trying to help.
BUFFY
(strains to smile)
I know. I'm sorry. But don't
comfort me. I don't want it.
Buffy walks into the training room alone. The Scoobies watch her go but don't dare to follow. There is silence for several seconds until Anya speaks.
ANYA
(to Xander)
So I guess now isn't the right
time for our announcement?
EXT. UC SUNNYDALE - MAIN CAMPUS - DAY
Tara is walking out carrying her books along with several other STUDENTS. They are discussing the class.
FIRST STUDENT
I'm all for the conspiracy theory
behind Kennedy's assassination
but it's...
SECOND STUDENT
What?
FIRST STUDENT
You know, the whole magic bullet
theory. This is the real world. You'd
think they'd teach us facts and not
that. I mean, magic!
TARA
(smiles)
Well, you never know.
They walk away from the campus. The other students go off in one direction.
TARA
I'll see you all tomorrow...
Tara begins to walk away.
CUT TO:
EXT. SUNNYDALE - MAIN STREET - DAY
Tara is walking along the street towards the magic shop. She looks over her shoulder but only sees various passers-by and shoppers. She looks a little relieved as she walks on.
ANGLE ON: Several shoppers go about their business. Dawn walks from behind several of them as she focuses on following Tara. She begins to pick up her pace as she attempts to catch up with her but people get in her way. She violent shoves one out of her way.
SHOPPER
Hey!
DAWN
(not even turning)
Hey yourself.
Dawn keeps moving forward but it's too late as Tara enters the magic shop. Dawn frowns then goes back in the direction she came from.
INT. MAGIC BOX - MAIN - DAY
Tara walks through the door in the middle of a conversation.
ANYA
...and we just didn't have time
to tell you all what with the
Dawn fiasco and all...
SPIKE
Fiasco. Nice way of putting it, luv.
TARA
What've I missed?
ANYA
Oh, Xander and I have set a
date for our wedding. May
16th sounded pretty good.
TARA
(looks at Xander)
But isn't that...?
XANDER
The day they release Attack
of the Clones. Yup. I know.
ANYA
See? He's even sacrificing his
geeky sci-fi following tendencies
for me.
XANDER
Hey! Star Wars is fantasy not...
(looks around)
I mean, I'm not a geek!
Tara looks around and sees that no one is really reacting to the news. Obviously they're all a little tense at the moment. She decides to take the initiative.
TARA
Well... uh... congratulations! We're
really happy for you! Aren't we?
Tara looks at the others who suddenly snap into action.
SPIKE
Yeah. Of course.
WILLOW
Yay you two!
ANYA
(a huge grin on her face)
We're going looking for wedding
gifts now. Expensive pretty things,
of course. Not mixers and toasters
because, hey! Our apartment came
pretty nicely decked. Except for
the pretty things. I really think we
need the pretty things.
GILES
Are you sure that's such a
good idea right now?
ANYA
Well, there isn't much time...
XANDER
I think Giles means with all
the problems, Ahn.
ANYA
What about my problems? I
need pretty things. Don't you
think we both need pretty things?
XANDER
Well, yeah, but...
Giles shakes his head in dismay.
GILES
Just go. There isn't much you
can do here anyway. It's just
a matter of waiting until Dawn
appears. Not all of us should
have our precious time taken up.
ANYA
(jumping up and down)
Thank you!
(to Xander)
Come on!
Anya darts out of the door. Xander stays behind.
XANDER
Are you sure you'll be okay?
GILES
(nods)
Go on.
XANDER
Thanks.
Xander quickly goes out of the door after Anya.
INT. LYDIA'S APARTMENT - DAY
Lydia is frantically running around trying to put everything into her suitcase as quickly as she can. She's resorting to emptying drawers into it. An item of clothing falls to the floor. She picks it up - it's a suspender belt.
LYDIA
Hm. Never did get to use this...
She throws it into the case then looks around to see if there's anything she's forgotten. She notices something in the en suite bathroom and walks towards it but trips over her bag.
LYDIA
Damn it!
She is about to get to her feet when there's a loud crash. She spins her head around to see Dawn who has just knocked the door down.
DAWN
Interesting place for you to be.
LYDIA
Yes, well...
Lydia begins to get up.
DAWN
I'd stay there if I were you.
You'll be back down there
soon enough.
As Lydia speaks she is clearly nervous but trying to maintain a cool exterior.
LYDIA
I think I'd prefer to stand up.
She gets up and Dawn violently pushes her back onto the bed.
LYDIA
Wh-what's going on?
Lydia tries to sit up but Dawn jumps onto top of her, pinning her to the bed.
DAWN
It's simple really. I've spent all
this time trying to convince
Buffy that she doesn't need
those... emotional attachments
she calls friends - the Slayer is
meant to work alone - but she
just doesn't seem to accept it.
Lydia tries to struggle free but Dawn whips out a knife and holds it to her throat. Lydia finally stops struggling.
LYDIA
And that means?
DAWN
I'm going after them. I couldn't
kill Buffy while there's still hope
for her... but if I take away the
distractions maybe she'll start
acting like a proper Slayer.
LYDIA
You can't be suggesting?
DAWN
Killing them? Yeah, that's what
I'm suggesting.
Lydia is almost disgusted with Dawn. Despite having a knife to her throat she talks back.
LYDIA
You're insane... you've lost
any grip on reality you ever
had.
DAWN
I'm the Slayer. I don't live in
the real world, I only hunt in it.
LYDIA
Hunt... you can't...
DAWN
I can...
LYDIA
NO!!!
With every ounce of strength on her, Lydia pushes Dawn from on top of her and makes a run for the door. Dawn gets to her feet and flips over Lydia, landing on the floor in front of her.
DAWN
You think that's gonna work
a second time? How stupid
do you think I am?
Dawn plunges a knife through Lydia's heart.
LYDIA
No...
DAWN
Sorry, I can't let you go and
warn them again. I was pretty
pissed when you tried that last
time.
Blood starts to come from Lydia's mouth as she grasps at Dawn, trying to stop her but only falls back onto the bed, ripping Dawn's top.
LYDIA
Nuh... nuh...
The sheets begin to be soak up the Watcher's blood before she finally dies. Dawn pulls the knife out and licks the blood like she did with the knife that stabbed Buffy. She walks out without even looking back.
ACT TWO
INT. XANDER'S APARTMENT - DAY
Silence. The place is empty. We pan across the room to show this before stopping on the door. We stay there for several moments before it is thrown off its hinges by one of Dawn's kicks. She walks in with an axe and looks around. Seeing no on there she frowns.
INT. DEPARTMENT STORE - DAY
Xander and Anya are walking through the ornament section. There's crystals and other shiny decorative things all around. Anya sees one in particular.
ANYA
Ooh! I like this one! We have
to have it! Buy it now!
XANDER
Y'know, the idea of wedding
gifts is that other people buy
them for us.
ANYA
I know, I know. But we have
to have this and it might've
gone by the time we send
someone to get it.
XANDER
And maybe not...
ANYA
You can't be sure. We have
to get it!
XANDER
Lemme see...
He leans forward to look at the price tag. His jaw drops to the floor.
XANDER
I think I need glasses. I'm
getting double vision. Does
that say what I think it does?
ANYA
Five hundred dollars.
XANDER
Well, my eyesight's fine...
ANYA
Well, maybe something a
little cheaper...
Xander puts his arm around Anya.
XANDER
You know, something practical
might not be all that bad.
ANYA
But I told the others. Your
apartment has everything...
XANDER
Mostly with stuff I reclaimed
from my basement. A toaster
that doesn't turn bread green
may be a good idea.
ANYA
It tastes all right. And you
need to pretty the place up.
Don't you won't it to look
pretty?
Anya looks at Xander in the eyes. This is too much. Man should not get in the way of woman and her shopping. That way leads to madness and personal injury. He just smiles and shrugs.
ANYA
See? I knew you'd understand.
XANDER
(smiles)
God, I love you.
INT. XANDER'S APARTMENT - BEDROOM - DAY
Dawn is sifting through the wardrobe sniffing clothes in true hunter fashion. The axe is embedded in the mattress of the bed. She pulls the door off the wardrobe and goes to a chest of drawers. She opens it and pulls out some socks to sniff followed by a pair of panties. She stops herself and throws them aside.
INT. MAGIC BOX - MAIN - DAY
Giles is on the phone to someone. It's still ringing and he isn't getting an answer.
GILES
Damn!
Willow is dealing with some customers. She finishes and goes to Tara.
WILLOW
Who's he calling?
TARA
Lydia. Obviously no answer.
WILLOW
Maybe she's left already.
Buffy comes through the door from the training room. She's sweating a little from a serious work out.
WILLOW
Buffy!
BUFFY
Before you ask, I haven't
changed my mind.
WILLOW
You have to.
BUFFY
Why? Every time I've given
her a break, blamed Lydia's
training or hormones she's
proved me wrong.
TARA
But it's not her. You know that.
BUFFY
Maybe it is now.
Giles puts the phone down.
GILES
Buffy... come with me.
BUFFY
What?
GILES
It's Lydia. Something's wrong.
I know it. Willow, Tara, you're
in charge here.
WILLOW
Sure...
Giles pulls on a coat as he goes out of the door. Buffy quickly follows.
EXT. LYDIA'S APARTMENT - DAY
Several police cars and an ambulance surround the apartment. A police line is put across the door to prevent unauthorised access.
GILES
Oh God.
BUFFY
No...
They move through the police and push passed several police officers.
FIRST COP
Hey! You can't...
He moves forward to stop them but Buffy grabs his hand and begins to crush it without looking at him. He yelps in pain and backs away as she lets go.
INT. LYDIA'S APARTMENT - DAY
By the time Buffy gets under the line Giles is already there and in shock. Lydia's body is being moved from the bed onto a stretcher. A paramedic covers it up with a sheet.
GILES
This isn't happening.
PARAMEDIC
I'm afraid it is, sir.
Another cop arrives.
SECOND COP
I'm afraid you can't be here...
GILES
I... I knew her...
SECOND COP
I'm terribly sorry... Was she...
GILES
We, uh, we worked for the
same company.
The cop takes Giles aside while Buffy just watches the body being taken away. She turns her attention to the blood that covers almost all of the bed sheets and touches her own stomach wound.
ANGLE ON: The cop is talking to Giles with a notebook.
SECOND COP
Do you have any idea who
could have done this?
Giles, still a little stunned, manages to shake his head.
GILES
N-no...
SECOND COP
So she didn't have any
enemies that you know of?
GILES
No.
SECOND COP
(re: Buffy)
And your friend here... would
she know?
The cop turns to Buffy but she just looks empty. She can't say anything.
SECOND COP
I'll take that as a no.
(picks up his pen, to Giles)
Could I have your details, please...
INT. MAGIC BOX - MAIN - DAY
Willow and Tara are alone in the shop. The phone rings and Willow darts to answer it.
WILLOW
Hello...
There is a long silence on the other end.
WILLOW
This is the Magic Box, your...
Her voice trails off. There's silence again.
WILLOW
Giles?
The person at the other end hangs up. She turns to Tara a little shaken.
TARA
What is it?
WILLOW
I... I don't know.
The phone rings again and Willow almost jumps six feet in the air. Her hand shakes as she moves to answer it.
WILLOW
Huh-hello?
GILES (V.O.)
Willow. Thank God.
WILLOW
Giles... what's going on?
GILES (V.O.)
It's Lydia. She's dead.
WILLOW
Dead? H-how?
GILES (V.O.)
Dawn.
WILLOW
No. There's no way she would...
no! No way! She may have been
losing it but that... it's just too much.
GILES (V.O.)
Nonetheless, I recommend you
be careful.
He puts the phone down at his end. As Willow turns to Tara we see that she's clearly in shock.
EXT. GILES' HOUSE - AFTERNOON
Dawn walks to the door and gets out her key. She opens it and pushes it slowly before walking in.
INT. GILES' HOUSE - LIVING AREA - AFTERNOON
Dawn looks around. No one's here. She begins to climb the stairs.
INT. GILES' HOUSE - DAWN'S BEDROOM - AFTERNOON
She walks in and puts her axe down. She takes off her ripped top and throws it aside then begins to look through her clothes until she finds a black sweater. She puts it on quickly, picks up the axe and heads downstairs.
EXT. GILES' HOUSE - AFTERNOON
Dawn leaves the houses and closes the door. She's about to lock it when she hears something is coming from behind. She darts into a bush and waits.
It's Spike returning with groceries. He pushes the door and realises that it isn't locked. He frowns. We begin to realise that Dawn is coming up behind him with her axe.
ACT THREE
EXT. GILES' HOUSE - AFTERNOON - CONTINUED
Dawn lunges at Spike. He doesn't seem to notice her but drops his keys almost on purpose. As he bends over to pick them up, the axe becomes embedded in the door. He turns quickly to see Dawn.
SPIKE
Thought it was you, luv.
DAWN
Your senses aren't that bad
then. Thought you'd given
them up when became human.
SPIKE
Must be super human. Bit like
yourself there I guess.
DAWN
You're trying to put yourself
on the same level as me?
Don't make me laugh.
SPIKE
(shrugs)
No laugh then? Fair enough.
How about a little giggle?
DAWN
Screw you!
She punches him in the face and he staggers backwards. She jumps at him but he pushes her back.
SPIKE
Feral little bitch, aren't you?
DAWN
I'm so glad you're not looking
at me like the others do.
SPIKE
Yeah, well I accept that Dawn's
gone. I'll get on with the mourning
once you're out of the picture.
He finishes his sentence with a punch. He dives on top of her and begins to pound her face. She pushes him off and kicks him in the ribs. He calls out in pain but grabs her leg and pulls her to the floor before jumping up himself.
Dawn moves forward and pushes Spike into a wall. His head hits it hard leaving him a little dazed.
DAWN
I'm sick of this...
She grabs his arm and with one great heave, manages to break it.
SPIKE
Aggghhhh...
DAWN
Now don't move.
As Spike cradles his broken arm, Dawn pulls the axe from the door and runs at him with it. Using his only good arm, he reaches up and grabs the top of the handle. With every ounce of strength he has left in him, he snaps it and the blade falls to the floor.
Dawn grimaces and whacks him in the face with what's left of the handle, knocking him out. She looks down at his unconscious body and frowns. Suddenly it turns to a look of horror as the old Dawn seems to return but it's only momentary. She frowns again at not being successful then kicks him and run away.
INT. MAGIC BOX - MAIN - AFTERNOON
The door opens and Buffy and Giles walk in looking down. They're both a little freaked out by all of this. Willow silently gets up and hugs her. Buffy is still in shock.
BUFFY
I... I can't believe Dawn would...
God, it's like having Faith here
again.
WILLOW
No, no. That's not true. Faith
was unbalanced before she
became a Slayer. You know
that. What's happened to Dawn
is the work of the Council.
GILES
(aggressively)
And they're going to fix this
even if...
BUFFY
But they won't do anything.
They never do.
GILES
Unless it's to their advantage
and I'll bloody well make it
to their advantage.
(to Willow)
I'll need your help.
INT. MAGIC BOX - MAIN - LATE AFTERNOON - CONTINUED
Willow is working at her laptop, which is attached to the phone line. Willow's fingers fly across the keyboard.
WILLOW
Wow, it's like I never stopped
doing this!
Tara puts her hand on Willow's shoulder almost proudly. Willow turns to her and smiles before continuing her work.
ANGLE ON: Giles and Buffy.
BUFFY
Are you even sure they'll help us?
GILES
Quite frankly, no. But it's worth
a shot.
WILLOW (O.S.)
I think I've got the connection!
Giles and Buffy walk over to Willow and Tara.
GILES
Directly to Travers' office?
WILLOW
Yup.
BUFFY
Wow. I didn't know you could
do this.
WILLOW
(with a smile)
Jeff Goldblum did it in Independence
Day so why can't I?
BUFFY
Good work, Will.
WILLOW
(to Giles)
You just need to pick up the receiver.
Giles does just that. There are several rings before Travers answers.
TRAVERS (V.O.)
I thought I told you I wasn't
to be disturbed.
GILES
Sorry Quentin, did I interrupt
your meeting with the Soho
branch of the Council?
TRAVERS (V.O.)
Giles! How did you...?
GILES
Let's not worry about that
right now. And don't bother
putting the phone down. We
can get back to you just as
easily again.
TRAVERS (V.O.)
(reluctantly)
Very well. What do you want?
GILES
Lydia's dead.
There is silence at the other end.
GILES
Did you hear?
TRAVERS (V.O.)
I... I... How?
GILES
What do you think?
TRAVERS (V.O.)
The new Slayer?
GILES
Yes. "The new Slayer" as you
so cleverly put it. Do you have
any idea what your sick little
experiments have done to Dawn?
She may have been psychologically
damaged... possibly permanently.
TRAVERS (V.O.)
And what do you want me to...
GILES
(louder, interrupting)
I want you to fix it you evil,
irritating little man! NOW!
TRAVERS (V.O.)
That's impossible. What we
did was irreversible.
GILES
There's a way. There's always
a way. If you can do something
like this...
TRAVERS (V.O.)
Listen to me Rupert...
GILES
Don't you Rupert me! First name
basis isn't going to soften me. Do
something or I swear I'll take the
next fight and there'll be nothing
you can do to stop me ripping you
limb from limb!
TRAVERS (V.O.)
Now... now that's just...
(sighs)
We... we honestly don't know
what to do?
GILES
(a little shocked)
You don't know...
Buffy rips the phone from Giles' grasp and shouts at Travers.
BUFFY
You'll find a way! You got us
into this mess now you...
TRAVERS (V.O.)
Miss Summers, as I informed
Giles, the spell that was cast,
albeit without considering future
repercussions, was permenant.
Dawn *is* the Slayer now.
BUFFY
Then do something about it!
Like you tried with Faith!
Please... Help her...
TRAVERS (V.O.)
I'm sorry but the Council will
continue to deny all knowledge
of these occurrences. There's
nothing I can do...
BUFFY
There's everything you can
do! You have to...
The phone goes dead.
BUFFY
Bastard!
(to Willow)
Get us back with him now!
Willow begins to type on her computer but doesn't seem to be getting anywhere.
WILLOW
Travers didn't take down the
connection. My computer's not
working either and his
disconnecting wouldn't have
affected that...
CUT TO:
EXT. MAGIC BOX - ROOF - EVENING
The phone wire is hanging loose having been cut.
BUFFY (V.O.)
Then what is it?
We see Dawn holding a pair of wire cutters.
INT. XANDER'S APARTMENT - MAIN - DAY
Xander is looking at the door that is now on the floor.
XANDER
Man, if this was someone else's
place I'd charge a fortune to fix
it.
ANYA
Who could have...
XANDER
I'd blame clumsy burglars if
there wasn't a more obvious
culprit...
ANYA
You don't think...?
SPIKE (O.S.)
Dawn!
Spike staggers into the room, clutching his broken arm.
XANDER
What's wrong with your arm?
SPIKE
What does it bloody look like?
She broke it real good.
ANYA
Does your super healing do
bones?
SPIKE
Haven't tested it before.
(to Xander)
Could you do me a favour,
mate. Twist the bugger back
into place. I doubt it'll heal
if it's in the wrong direction.
XANDER
Uh, sure.
Xander moves forward and takes Spike's arm.
XANDER
So what do I do?
SPIKE
You take the bloody thing and
twist it until it looks like it's
supposed to. It's not exactly
difficult.
XANDER
Okay. Tell me if it hurts.
SPIKE
It's sodding broken! It hurts
anyway!
XANDER
Right...
Xander pushes Spike's arm forward. There's a loud snap followed by a scream of pain from Spike and it seems to have popped back into place.
SPIKE
Cheers. Now let's go.
ANYA
To a hospital?
SPIKE
No. That's where she'll expect
us to be.
XANDER
Who? Dawn?
SPIKE
Gold star for clever boy in
the front. Of course Dawn!
She's out to get us all.
XANDER
No way. Why?
SPIKE
It's not that difficult to understand.
She couldn't kill Buffy... well,
maybe physically but there's some
sort of Slayer loyalty in there.
She is going primitive after all...
But she doesn't think we're needed.
"Emotional attachments" I think
he's going around calling us! She
wants to cut us off in the hopes
that it'll make Buffy a better Slayer.
XANDER
And you know this how?
SPIKE
Am I the only one who's been
paying attention to her rants?
Oh, wait, I was the only one
she threatened to kill!
XANDER
Okay, okay...
ANYA
So what do we do?
SPIKE
Find the others and warn them.
INT. MAGIC BOX - MAIN - DAY
Buffy is looking over Giles' shoulder as he looks at the phone cable inside.
GILES
It must've been cut. There
doesn't seem to be any
problems here.
TARA
Cut?
BUFFY
By Dawn.
The lights suddenly go out as well. The only light is coming from the street lamps outside.
BUFFY
Damn it!
WILLOW
Wait! I can feel something.
(to Tara)
Can you?
TARA
(nods)
Someone's in here with us.
Buffy suddenly jumps into action.
BUFFY
Get out of here. Now.
WILLOW
You might need us.
BUFFY
Run!
GILES
Buffy...
BUFFY
Just go!
Giles nods and grabs Willow and Tara's arms, pulling them out of the shop. Once the door has closed there is silence. Buffy hears a noise in the training room. She walks slowly towards it.
INT. MAGIC BOX - TRAINING ROOM - EVENING
Buffy walks cautiously in and looks around. The punch bag is spinning around. Buffy checks all around and even the ceiling before she realises that she's alone in there.
BUFFY
Oh God no...
She pushes her way through the back door and out into the street.
ACT FOUR
EXT. SUNNYDALE BACK STREET - EVENING
Giles, Willow and Tara are running as fast as they can. Giles looks up and sees movement above them. Someone is running along the rooftops.
GILES
This way!
He pulls Willow and Tara in another direction, all three of them running as fast as they can.
EXT. SUNNYDALE MAIN STREET - EVENING
Buffy runs out of the Magic Box and darts up the street, looking for the other three!
BUFFY
Giles! Willow!
She looks around but sees nothing. She keeps running.
BUFFY
Tara!
EXT. SUNNYDALE BACK STREET - EVENING
They are running through streets, panting for breath.
BUFFY (O.S.)
(from a distance)
Giles!
Giles stops and looks around.
GILES
(calling out)
Buffy!
TARA
We must be safe by now.
A figure falls from the top of a building and knocks Giles out. He falls to the floor.
DAWN
Not quite...
She pulls out a sword and walks towards the two witches.
EXT. SUNNYDALE DIFFERENT STREET - EVENING
Buffy is trying to find those three to warn them. She's running as fast as she can.
EXT. SUNNYDALE BACK STREET - EVENING
Willow looks at Tara and the join hands. They close their eyes and combine their magic to knock Dawn back. She tries to attack them but a mystical shield that is keeping the unconscious Giles safe as well surrounds them.
Dawn becomes more aggressive as she strikes the shield and cracks already begin to form in it.
WILLOW/TARA
Gustei.
Dawn is knocked backwards by a powerful wind. When she gets up she begins to chant.
DAWN
sha me-en-dan. Gesh-toog
me-en-dan. Zee me-en-den.
Oo-khush-ta me-ool-lee-a
ba-ab-tum-mu-do-en.
Dawn's body crackles with energy as she begins to fire lightening bolts at Willow and Tara.
TARA
(weakening)
H-How...
WILLOW
She's summoning the primal
Slayer powers... I didn't think
she was that powerf... ugh!
Willow is hit in the chest by one of the bolts that breaches the shield. She stays holding onto Tara's hand as they both fall back.
Dawn's strikes become more and more powerful as the shield continues to weaken.
Willow turns to Tara and kisses her.
WILLOW
(whispering)
I'm sorry.
She lets go of Tara's hand and her eyes suddenly go black. She is pulled to her feet by a mystical energy and begins to float. She starts to fire energy back at Dawn who quickly becomes overwhelmed and is knocked into a wall with a thud, hurting her arm.
She gets ready to attack Willow again but dark energy begins to rain down on her.
WILLOW
Ser-ray the-jathay to-ka-fa.
DAWN
Damn it!
Dawn cuts her losses and runs. Willow slowly lowers herself to the floor and tries to stand up. She suddenly grasps her head in pain and she begins to faint. Tara runs to hold her.
TARA
Willow!
WILLOW
Don't touch me...
TARA
But...
WILLOW
DON'T TOUCH ME!!!
ANGLE ON: Giles begins to come to. He shields his eyes from a violent red glow.
ANGLE ON: Buffy comes running around the corner and looks in shock as the glow is reflected on her.
ANGLE ON: Willow is on the floor in a foetal position as her entire body is glowing red from the spell cast on her a few episodes back.
END
Summer Script Challenge
The Powers that Be Pro Temporae
Episode 6.18: Something In The Way
By Noggins
GILES (V.O.)
Previously on Buffy the Vampire Slayer...
From "From Sunnydale With Love":
We watch Dawn fighting with kids in school and out on patrol while we hear the Watchers in a voiceover.
NIGEL (V.O.)
We extracted they part of
her that was the Key, and
substituted the essence of
the first Slayer. It was not
a lengthy procedure, and
Dawn was not aware of what
was happening.
BUFFY (V.O.)
It's as if I don't know who
she is anymore. And I'm scared.
From "My Sister's Keeper":
Tara and Xander are talking to Willow about her wanting to use magic to cure Dawn.
TARA
And only dark magic could
have been used to do this.
CUT TO:
From "The Sun Also Shines"
The Wiccans casting a spell on Willow rendering her unable to cast black magic without dire consequences.
XANDER (V.O.)
And you're not exactly dark
magic friendly at the moment.
One black spell and poof! You're
all red and glowy and painful
to the touch.
CUT TO:
From "My Sister's Keeper":
Buffy and Dawn fighting in the cemetery. Dawn stabs Buffy.
WILLOW (V.O.)
But we can still save her, right?
BUFFY (V.O.)
No... I don't think we can.
TEASER
EXT. SUNNYDALE HOSPITAL - DAY
Buffy is walking out of the hospital with Willow and Xander. They are all clearly depressed about the current events.
XANDER
Well, that was a wholly
depressing visit. Man, I
hate hospitals.
WILLOW
We do tend to spend a lot
of time in them...
(Looks at Buffy suddenly)
Oh! I'm sorry!
BUFFY
(shakes her head sadly)
Don't worry, Will.
(sighs)
I really don't think the doctor
believed me when I told him
I accidentally pricked myself
on a kitchen knife. Preparing
a family meal no less...
XANDER
Ah, irony. We know it so well.
WILLOW
Speaking of family...
XANDER
Yeah, where's Dawn? Did
she come back after we...
BUFFY
...chased her off? I... I
really don't know... But
wherever it is...
INT. SPIKE'S OLD CRYPT - DAY
Dawn is sitting on top of the tomb sharpening wooden crossbow bolts with a knife.
BUFFY
(voice over)
...it can't be pleasant.
Dawn looks up. We realise that she is watching a corny vampire movie on the TV that Spike left there. She doesn't look up at the screen as she loads up a crossbow.
ANGLE ON: The movie shows a vampire attacking someone. Suddenly the bolt from the crossbow hits it through the chest before the screen explodes sending sparks everywhere.
ANGLE ON: Dawn. She smiles.
ACT ONE
INT. MAGIC BOX - MAIN - DAY
Giles, Spike and Anya are sitting around the table talking.
GILES
It's been over a day now...
ANYA
And she hasn't returned to
your house? Well, if you ask
me she should be severely
punished once she does.
SPIKE
That might not be possible
now. Way I figure it, she's
too far gone. Buffy's right...
GILES
(a little angrier)
Buffy is not right! There is
still a way! We may not have
the Council's help but...
SPIKE
Rupes, mate, you say what
she did to Buffy. To be bloody
honest, I've lost all tolerance.
Right now, all I want is to find
her and *rip* that sodding
Slayer soul out of her.
ANYA
Not exactly the most practical
means considering...
SPIKE
I know! God! Now I remember
why Slayers used to frustrate
me so much.
GILES
Then it must be a good thing
you're human again.
SPIKE
And Watchers too. Did I mention
Watchers?
ANYA
They do tend to run away
when evil rears its ugly head.
GILES
Hey.
ANYA
I meant Lydia... idiot.
SPIKE
So she's buggering off back
to old Blighty?
GILES
Actually, I told her it would be
best. I don't think she needs to
stay when whatever happens...
happens. She should be packing
for her flight now.
The door jingles as it opens. They all turn to see Buffy, Xander and Willow walking in.
GILES
How did it go?
BUFFY
I'm all checked up. A bit of
magic and a few stitches later
I'm fighting fit.
GILES
Any sign of...
BUFFY
What do you think?
Giles nods sadly.
GILES
But we have to find her eventually.
BUFFY
Do we?
WILLOW
She is your sister. No matter
what happens, she still needs
you?
BUFFY
What? The uber-Slayer needs
me? Somehow I doubt it. And
you know what? I don't care.
After being beaten God knows
how many times and now stabbed
I'm not even sure I want to see
Dawn again... and knowing I feel
that way... well, it scares me
more than anything in my life
ever has.
They all look at her, not knowing what to say. Buffy sniffs a little. Spike moves towards her to comfort her but she pushes him away.
BUFFY
No. I don't need this.
SPIKE
I'm only trying to help.
BUFFY
(strains to smile)
I know. I'm sorry. But don't
comfort me. I don't want it.
Buffy walks into the training room alone. The Scoobies watch her go but don't dare to follow. There is silence for several seconds until Anya speaks.
ANYA
(to Xander)
So I guess now isn't the right
time for our announcement?
EXT. UC SUNNYDALE - MAIN CAMPUS - DAY
Tara is walking out carrying her books along with several other STUDENTS. They are discussing the class.
FIRST STUDENT
I'm all for the conspiracy theory
behind Kennedy's assassination
but it's...
SECOND STUDENT
What?
FIRST STUDENT
You know, the whole magic bullet
theory. This is the real world. You'd
think they'd teach us facts and not
that. I mean, magic!
TARA
(smiles)
Well, you never know.
They walk away from the campus. The other students go off in one direction.
TARA
I'll see you all tomorrow...
Tara begins to walk away.
CUT TO:
EXT. SUNNYDALE - MAIN STREET - DAY
Tara is walking along the street towards the magic shop. She looks over her shoulder but only sees various passers-by and shoppers. She looks a little relieved as she walks on.
ANGLE ON: Several shoppers go about their business. Dawn walks from behind several of them as she focuses on following Tara. She begins to pick up her pace as she attempts to catch up with her but people get in her way. She violent shoves one out of her way.
SHOPPER
Hey!
DAWN
(not even turning)
Hey yourself.
Dawn keeps moving forward but it's too late as Tara enters the magic shop. Dawn frowns then goes back in the direction she came from.
INT. MAGIC BOX - MAIN - DAY
Tara walks through the door in the middle of a conversation.
ANYA
...and we just didn't have time
to tell you all what with the
Dawn fiasco and all...
SPIKE
Fiasco. Nice way of putting it, luv.
TARA
What've I missed?
ANYA
Oh, Xander and I have set a
date for our wedding. May
16th sounded pretty good.
TARA
(looks at Xander)
But isn't that...?
XANDER
The day they release Attack
of the Clones. Yup. I know.
ANYA
See? He's even sacrificing his
geeky sci-fi following tendencies
for me.
XANDER
Hey! Star Wars is fantasy not...
(looks around)
I mean, I'm not a geek!
Tara looks around and sees that no one is really reacting to the news. Obviously they're all a little tense at the moment. She decides to take the initiative.
TARA
Well... uh... congratulations! We're
really happy for you! Aren't we?
Tara looks at the others who suddenly snap into action.
SPIKE
Yeah. Of course.
WILLOW
Yay you two!
ANYA
(a huge grin on her face)
We're going looking for wedding
gifts now. Expensive pretty things,
of course. Not mixers and toasters
because, hey! Our apartment came
pretty nicely decked. Except for
the pretty things. I really think we
need the pretty things.
GILES
Are you sure that's such a
good idea right now?
ANYA
Well, there isn't much time...
XANDER
I think Giles means with all
the problems, Ahn.
ANYA
What about my problems? I
need pretty things. Don't you
think we both need pretty things?
XANDER
Well, yeah, but...
Giles shakes his head in dismay.
GILES
Just go. There isn't much you
can do here anyway. It's just
a matter of waiting until Dawn
appears. Not all of us should
have our precious time taken up.
ANYA
(jumping up and down)
Thank you!
(to Xander)
Come on!
Anya darts out of the door. Xander stays behind.
XANDER
Are you sure you'll be okay?
GILES
(nods)
Go on.
XANDER
Thanks.
Xander quickly goes out of the door after Anya.
INT. LYDIA'S APARTMENT - DAY
Lydia is frantically running around trying to put everything into her suitcase as quickly as she can. She's resorting to emptying drawers into it. An item of clothing falls to the floor. She picks it up - it's a suspender belt.
LYDIA
Hm. Never did get to use this...
She throws it into the case then looks around to see if there's anything she's forgotten. She notices something in the en suite bathroom and walks towards it but trips over her bag.
LYDIA
Damn it!
She is about to get to her feet when there's a loud crash. She spins her head around to see Dawn who has just knocked the door down.
DAWN
Interesting place for you to be.
LYDIA
Yes, well...
Lydia begins to get up.
DAWN
I'd stay there if I were you.
You'll be back down there
soon enough.
As Lydia speaks she is clearly nervous but trying to maintain a cool exterior.
LYDIA
I think I'd prefer to stand up.
She gets up and Dawn violently pushes her back onto the bed.
LYDIA
Wh-what's going on?
Lydia tries to sit up but Dawn jumps onto top of her, pinning her to the bed.
DAWN
It's simple really. I've spent all
this time trying to convince
Buffy that she doesn't need
those... emotional attachments
she calls friends - the Slayer is
meant to work alone - but she
just doesn't seem to accept it.
Lydia tries to struggle free but Dawn whips out a knife and holds it to her throat. Lydia finally stops struggling.
LYDIA
And that means?
DAWN
I'm going after them. I couldn't
kill Buffy while there's still hope
for her... but if I take away the
distractions maybe she'll start
acting like a proper Slayer.
LYDIA
You can't be suggesting?
DAWN
Killing them? Yeah, that's what
I'm suggesting.
Lydia is almost disgusted with Dawn. Despite having a knife to her throat she talks back.
LYDIA
You're insane... you've lost
any grip on reality you ever
had.
DAWN
I'm the Slayer. I don't live in
the real world, I only hunt in it.
LYDIA
Hunt... you can't...
DAWN
I can...
LYDIA
NO!!!
With every ounce of strength on her, Lydia pushes Dawn from on top of her and makes a run for the door. Dawn gets to her feet and flips over Lydia, landing on the floor in front of her.
DAWN
You think that's gonna work
a second time? How stupid
do you think I am?
Dawn plunges a knife through Lydia's heart.
LYDIA
No...
DAWN
Sorry, I can't let you go and
warn them again. I was pretty
pissed when you tried that last
time.
Blood starts to come from Lydia's mouth as she grasps at Dawn, trying to stop her but only falls back onto the bed, ripping Dawn's top.
LYDIA
Nuh... nuh...
The sheets begin to be soak up the Watcher's blood before she finally dies. Dawn pulls the knife out and licks the blood like she did with the knife that stabbed Buffy. She walks out without even looking back.
ACT TWO
INT. XANDER'S APARTMENT - DAY
Silence. The place is empty. We pan across the room to show this before stopping on the door. We stay there for several moments before it is thrown off its hinges by one of Dawn's kicks. She walks in with an axe and looks around. Seeing no on there she frowns.
INT. DEPARTMENT STORE - DAY
Xander and Anya are walking through the ornament section. There's crystals and other shiny decorative things all around. Anya sees one in particular.
ANYA
Ooh! I like this one! We have
to have it! Buy it now!
XANDER
Y'know, the idea of wedding
gifts is that other people buy
them for us.
ANYA
I know, I know. But we have
to have this and it might've
gone by the time we send
someone to get it.
XANDER
And maybe not...
ANYA
You can't be sure. We have
to get it!
XANDER
Lemme see...
He leans forward to look at the price tag. His jaw drops to the floor.
XANDER
I think I need glasses. I'm
getting double vision. Does
that say what I think it does?
ANYA
Five hundred dollars.
XANDER
Well, my eyesight's fine...
ANYA
Well, maybe something a
little cheaper...
Xander puts his arm around Anya.
XANDER
You know, something practical
might not be all that bad.
ANYA
But I told the others. Your
apartment has everything...
XANDER
Mostly with stuff I reclaimed
from my basement. A toaster
that doesn't turn bread green
may be a good idea.
ANYA
It tastes all right. And you
need to pretty the place up.
Don't you won't it to look
pretty?
Anya looks at Xander in the eyes. This is too much. Man should not get in the way of woman and her shopping. That way leads to madness and personal injury. He just smiles and shrugs.
ANYA
See? I knew you'd understand.
XANDER
(smiles)
God, I love you.
INT. XANDER'S APARTMENT - BEDROOM - DAY
Dawn is sifting through the wardrobe sniffing clothes in true hunter fashion. The axe is embedded in the mattress of the bed. She pulls the door off the wardrobe and goes to a chest of drawers. She opens it and pulls out some socks to sniff followed by a pair of panties. She stops herself and throws them aside.
INT. MAGIC BOX - MAIN - DAY
Giles is on the phone to someone. It's still ringing and he isn't getting an answer.
GILES
Damn!
Willow is dealing with some customers. She finishes and goes to Tara.
WILLOW
Who's he calling?
TARA
Lydia. Obviously no answer.
WILLOW
Maybe she's left already.
Buffy comes through the door from the training room. She's sweating a little from a serious work out.
WILLOW
Buffy!
BUFFY
Before you ask, I haven't
changed my mind.
WILLOW
You have to.
BUFFY
Why? Every time I've given
her a break, blamed Lydia's
training or hormones she's
proved me wrong.
TARA
But it's not her. You know that.
BUFFY
Maybe it is now.
Giles puts the phone down.
GILES
Buffy... come with me.
BUFFY
What?
GILES
It's Lydia. Something's wrong.
I know it. Willow, Tara, you're
in charge here.
WILLOW
Sure...
Giles pulls on a coat as he goes out of the door. Buffy quickly follows.
EXT. LYDIA'S APARTMENT - DAY
Several police cars and an ambulance surround the apartment. A police line is put across the door to prevent unauthorised access.
GILES
Oh God.
BUFFY
No...
They move through the police and push passed several police officers.
FIRST COP
Hey! You can't...
He moves forward to stop them but Buffy grabs his hand and begins to crush it without looking at him. He yelps in pain and backs away as she lets go.
INT. LYDIA'S APARTMENT - DAY
By the time Buffy gets under the line Giles is already there and in shock. Lydia's body is being moved from the bed onto a stretcher. A paramedic covers it up with a sheet.
GILES
This isn't happening.
PARAMEDIC
I'm afraid it is, sir.
Another cop arrives.
SECOND COP
I'm afraid you can't be here...
GILES
I... I knew her...
SECOND COP
I'm terribly sorry... Was she...
GILES
We, uh, we worked for the
same company.
The cop takes Giles aside while Buffy just watches the body being taken away. She turns her attention to the blood that covers almost all of the bed sheets and touches her own stomach wound.
ANGLE ON: The cop is talking to Giles with a notebook.
SECOND COP
Do you have any idea who
could have done this?
Giles, still a little stunned, manages to shake his head.
GILES
N-no...
SECOND COP
So she didn't have any
enemies that you know of?
GILES
No.
SECOND COP
(re: Buffy)
And your friend here... would
she know?
The cop turns to Buffy but she just looks empty. She can't say anything.
SECOND COP
I'll take that as a no.
(picks up his pen, to Giles)
Could I have your details, please...
INT. MAGIC BOX - MAIN - DAY
Willow and Tara are alone in the shop. The phone rings and Willow darts to answer it.
WILLOW
Hello...
There is a long silence on the other end.
WILLOW
This is the Magic Box, your...
Her voice trails off. There's silence again.
WILLOW
Giles?
The person at the other end hangs up. She turns to Tara a little shaken.
TARA
What is it?
WILLOW
I... I don't know.
The phone rings again and Willow almost jumps six feet in the air. Her hand shakes as she moves to answer it.
WILLOW
Huh-hello?
GILES (V.O.)
Willow. Thank God.
WILLOW
Giles... what's going on?
GILES (V.O.)
It's Lydia. She's dead.
WILLOW
Dead? H-how?
GILES (V.O.)
Dawn.
WILLOW
No. There's no way she would...
no! No way! She may have been
losing it but that... it's just too much.
GILES (V.O.)
Nonetheless, I recommend you
be careful.
He puts the phone down at his end. As Willow turns to Tara we see that she's clearly in shock.
EXT. GILES' HOUSE - AFTERNOON
Dawn walks to the door and gets out her key. She opens it and pushes it slowly before walking in.
INT. GILES' HOUSE - LIVING AREA - AFTERNOON
Dawn looks around. No one's here. She begins to climb the stairs.
INT. GILES' HOUSE - DAWN'S BEDROOM - AFTERNOON
She walks in and puts her axe down. She takes off her ripped top and throws it aside then begins to look through her clothes until she finds a black sweater. She puts it on quickly, picks up the axe and heads downstairs.
EXT. GILES' HOUSE - AFTERNOON
Dawn leaves the houses and closes the door. She's about to lock it when she hears something is coming from behind. She darts into a bush and waits.
It's Spike returning with groceries. He pushes the door and realises that it isn't locked. He frowns. We begin to realise that Dawn is coming up behind him with her axe.
ACT THREE
EXT. GILES' HOUSE - AFTERNOON - CONTINUED
Dawn lunges at Spike. He doesn't seem to notice her but drops his keys almost on purpose. As he bends over to pick them up, the axe becomes embedded in the door. He turns quickly to see Dawn.
SPIKE
Thought it was you, luv.
DAWN
Your senses aren't that bad
then. Thought you'd given
them up when became human.
SPIKE
Must be super human. Bit like
yourself there I guess.
DAWN
You're trying to put yourself
on the same level as me?
Don't make me laugh.
SPIKE
(shrugs)
No laugh then? Fair enough.
How about a little giggle?
DAWN
Screw you!
She punches him in the face and he staggers backwards. She jumps at him but he pushes her back.
SPIKE
Feral little bitch, aren't you?
DAWN
I'm so glad you're not looking
at me like the others do.
SPIKE
Yeah, well I accept that Dawn's
gone. I'll get on with the mourning
once you're out of the picture.
He finishes his sentence with a punch. He dives on top of her and begins to pound her face. She pushes him off and kicks him in the ribs. He calls out in pain but grabs her leg and pulls her to the floor before jumping up himself.
Dawn moves forward and pushes Spike into a wall. His head hits it hard leaving him a little dazed.
DAWN
I'm sick of this...
She grabs his arm and with one great heave, manages to break it.
SPIKE
Aggghhhh...
DAWN
Now don't move.
As Spike cradles his broken arm, Dawn pulls the axe from the door and runs at him with it. Using his only good arm, he reaches up and grabs the top of the handle. With every ounce of strength he has left in him, he snaps it and the blade falls to the floor.
Dawn grimaces and whacks him in the face with what's left of the handle, knocking him out. She looks down at his unconscious body and frowns. Suddenly it turns to a look of horror as the old Dawn seems to return but it's only momentary. She frowns again at not being successful then kicks him and run away.
INT. MAGIC BOX - MAIN - AFTERNOON
The door opens and Buffy and Giles walk in looking down. They're both a little freaked out by all of this. Willow silently gets up and hugs her. Buffy is still in shock.
BUFFY
I... I can't believe Dawn would...
God, it's like having Faith here
again.
WILLOW
No, no. That's not true. Faith
was unbalanced before she
became a Slayer. You know
that. What's happened to Dawn
is the work of the Council.
GILES
(aggressively)
And they're going to fix this
even if...
BUFFY
But they won't do anything.
They never do.
GILES
Unless it's to their advantage
and I'll bloody well make it
to their advantage.
(to Willow)
I'll need your help.
INT. MAGIC BOX - MAIN - LATE AFTERNOON - CONTINUED
Willow is working at her laptop, which is attached to the phone line. Willow's fingers fly across the keyboard.
WILLOW
Wow, it's like I never stopped
doing this!
Tara puts her hand on Willow's shoulder almost proudly. Willow turns to her and smiles before continuing her work.
ANGLE ON: Giles and Buffy.
BUFFY
Are you even sure they'll help us?
GILES
Quite frankly, no. But it's worth
a shot.
WILLOW (O.S.)
I think I've got the connection!
Giles and Buffy walk over to Willow and Tara.
GILES
Directly to Travers' office?
WILLOW
Yup.
BUFFY
Wow. I didn't know you could
do this.
WILLOW
(with a smile)
Jeff Goldblum did it in Independence
Day so why can't I?
BUFFY
Good work, Will.
WILLOW
(to Giles)
You just need to pick up the receiver.
Giles does just that. There are several rings before Travers answers.
TRAVERS (V.O.)
I thought I told you I wasn't
to be disturbed.
GILES
Sorry Quentin, did I interrupt
your meeting with the Soho
branch of the Council?
TRAVERS (V.O.)
Giles! How did you...?
GILES
Let's not worry about that
right now. And don't bother
putting the phone down. We
can get back to you just as
easily again.
TRAVERS (V.O.)
(reluctantly)
Very well. What do you want?
GILES
Lydia's dead.
There is silence at the other end.
GILES
Did you hear?
TRAVERS (V.O.)
I... I... How?
GILES
What do you think?
TRAVERS (V.O.)
The new Slayer?
GILES
Yes. "The new Slayer" as you
so cleverly put it. Do you have
any idea what your sick little
experiments have done to Dawn?
She may have been psychologically
damaged... possibly permanently.
TRAVERS (V.O.)
And what do you want me to...
GILES
(louder, interrupting)
I want you to fix it you evil,
irritating little man! NOW!
TRAVERS (V.O.)
That's impossible. What we
did was irreversible.
GILES
There's a way. There's always
a way. If you can do something
like this...
TRAVERS (V.O.)
Listen to me Rupert...
GILES
Don't you Rupert me! First name
basis isn't going to soften me. Do
something or I swear I'll take the
next fight and there'll be nothing
you can do to stop me ripping you
limb from limb!
TRAVERS (V.O.)
Now... now that's just...
(sighs)
We... we honestly don't know
what to do?
GILES
(a little shocked)
You don't know...
Buffy rips the phone from Giles' grasp and shouts at Travers.
BUFFY
You'll find a way! You got us
into this mess now you...
TRAVERS (V.O.)
Miss Summers, as I informed
Giles, the spell that was cast,
albeit without considering future
repercussions, was permenant.
Dawn *is* the Slayer now.
BUFFY
Then do something about it!
Like you tried with Faith!
Please... Help her...
TRAVERS (V.O.)
I'm sorry but the Council will
continue to deny all knowledge
of these occurrences. There's
nothing I can do...
BUFFY
There's everything you can
do! You have to...
The phone goes dead.
BUFFY
Bastard!
(to Willow)
Get us back with him now!
Willow begins to type on her computer but doesn't seem to be getting anywhere.
WILLOW
Travers didn't take down the
connection. My computer's not
working either and his
disconnecting wouldn't have
affected that...
CUT TO:
EXT. MAGIC BOX - ROOF - EVENING
The phone wire is hanging loose having been cut.
BUFFY (V.O.)
Then what is it?
We see Dawn holding a pair of wire cutters.
INT. XANDER'S APARTMENT - MAIN - DAY
Xander is looking at the door that is now on the floor.
XANDER
Man, if this was someone else's
place I'd charge a fortune to fix
it.
ANYA
Who could have...
XANDER
I'd blame clumsy burglars if
there wasn't a more obvious
culprit...
ANYA
You don't think...?
SPIKE (O.S.)
Dawn!
Spike staggers into the room, clutching his broken arm.
XANDER
What's wrong with your arm?
SPIKE
What does it bloody look like?
She broke it real good.
ANYA
Does your super healing do
bones?
SPIKE
Haven't tested it before.
(to Xander)
Could you do me a favour,
mate. Twist the bugger back
into place. I doubt it'll heal
if it's in the wrong direction.
XANDER
Uh, sure.
Xander moves forward and takes Spike's arm.
XANDER
So what do I do?
SPIKE
You take the bloody thing and
twist it until it looks like it's
supposed to. It's not exactly
difficult.
XANDER
Okay. Tell me if it hurts.
SPIKE
It's sodding broken! It hurts
anyway!
XANDER
Right...
Xander pushes Spike's arm forward. There's a loud snap followed by a scream of pain from Spike and it seems to have popped back into place.
SPIKE
Cheers. Now let's go.
ANYA
To a hospital?
SPIKE
No. That's where she'll expect
us to be.
XANDER
Who? Dawn?
SPIKE
Gold star for clever boy in
the front. Of course Dawn!
She's out to get us all.
XANDER
No way. Why?
SPIKE
It's not that difficult to understand.
She couldn't kill Buffy... well,
maybe physically but there's some
sort of Slayer loyalty in there.
She is going primitive after all...
But she doesn't think we're needed.
"Emotional attachments" I think
he's going around calling us! She
wants to cut us off in the hopes
that it'll make Buffy a better Slayer.
XANDER
And you know this how?
SPIKE
Am I the only one who's been
paying attention to her rants?
Oh, wait, I was the only one
she threatened to kill!
XANDER
Okay, okay...
ANYA
So what do we do?
SPIKE
Find the others and warn them.
INT. MAGIC BOX - MAIN - DAY
Buffy is looking over Giles' shoulder as he looks at the phone cable inside.
GILES
It must've been cut. There
doesn't seem to be any
problems here.
TARA
Cut?
BUFFY
By Dawn.
The lights suddenly go out as well. The only light is coming from the street lamps outside.
BUFFY
Damn it!
WILLOW
Wait! I can feel something.
(to Tara)
Can you?
TARA
(nods)
Someone's in here with us.
Buffy suddenly jumps into action.
BUFFY
Get out of here. Now.
WILLOW
You might need us.
BUFFY
Run!
GILES
Buffy...
BUFFY
Just go!
Giles nods and grabs Willow and Tara's arms, pulling them out of the shop. Once the door has closed there is silence. Buffy hears a noise in the training room. She walks slowly towards it.
INT. MAGIC BOX - TRAINING ROOM - EVENING
Buffy walks cautiously in and looks around. The punch bag is spinning around. Buffy checks all around and even the ceiling before she realises that she's alone in there.
BUFFY
Oh God no...
She pushes her way through the back door and out into the street.
ACT FOUR
EXT. SUNNYDALE BACK STREET - EVENING
Giles, Willow and Tara are running as fast as they can. Giles looks up and sees movement above them. Someone is running along the rooftops.
GILES
This way!
He pulls Willow and Tara in another direction, all three of them running as fast as they can.
EXT. SUNNYDALE MAIN STREET - EVENING
Buffy runs out of the Magic Box and darts up the street, looking for the other three!
BUFFY
Giles! Willow!
She looks around but sees nothing. She keeps running.
BUFFY
Tara!
EXT. SUNNYDALE BACK STREET - EVENING
They are running through streets, panting for breath.
BUFFY (O.S.)
(from a distance)
Giles!
Giles stops and looks around.
GILES
(calling out)
Buffy!
TARA
We must be safe by now.
A figure falls from the top of a building and knocks Giles out. He falls to the floor.
DAWN
Not quite...
She pulls out a sword and walks towards the two witches.
EXT. SUNNYDALE DIFFERENT STREET - EVENING
Buffy is trying to find those three to warn them. She's running as fast as she can.
EXT. SUNNYDALE BACK STREET - EVENING
Willow looks at Tara and the join hands. They close their eyes and combine their magic to knock Dawn back. She tries to attack them but a mystical shield that is keeping the unconscious Giles safe as well surrounds them.
Dawn becomes more aggressive as she strikes the shield and cracks already begin to form in it.
WILLOW/TARA
Gustei.
Dawn is knocked backwards by a powerful wind. When she gets up she begins to chant.
DAWN
sha me-en-dan. Gesh-toog
me-en-dan. Zee me-en-den.
Oo-khush-ta me-ool-lee-a
ba-ab-tum-mu-do-en.
Dawn's body crackles with energy as she begins to fire lightening bolts at Willow and Tara.
TARA
(weakening)
H-How...
WILLOW
She's summoning the primal
Slayer powers... I didn't think
she was that powerf... ugh!
Willow is hit in the chest by one of the bolts that breaches the shield. She stays holding onto Tara's hand as they both fall back.
Dawn's strikes become more and more powerful as the shield continues to weaken.
Willow turns to Tara and kisses her.
WILLOW
(whispering)
I'm sorry.
She lets go of Tara's hand and her eyes suddenly go black. She is pulled to her feet by a mystical energy and begins to float. She starts to fire energy back at Dawn who quickly becomes overwhelmed and is knocked into a wall with a thud, hurting her arm.
She gets ready to attack Willow again but dark energy begins to rain down on her.
WILLOW
Ser-ray the-jathay to-ka-fa.
DAWN
Damn it!
Dawn cuts her losses and runs. Willow slowly lowers herself to the floor and tries to stand up. She suddenly grasps her head in pain and she begins to faint. Tara runs to hold her.
TARA
Willow!
WILLOW
Don't touch me...
TARA
But...
WILLOW
DON'T TOUCH ME!!!
ANGLE ON: Giles begins to come to. He shields his eyes from a violent red glow.
ANGLE ON: Buffy comes running around the corner and looks in shock as the glow is reflected on her.
ANGLE ON: Willow is on the floor in a foetal position as her entire body is glowing red from the spell cast on her a few episodes back.
END
