Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Summer Script Challenge
The Powers that Be Pro Temporae
Episode 6.21: The Closed Door
By Noggins, SWS and J.A.I.T.
GILES (V.O.)
Previously on Buffy the Vampire Slayer...
From The Point Of No Return:
Lydia and Giles talking.
LYDIA
The new Slayer... It's Dawn...
From "From Sunnydale With Love"
The Watchers explaining how they got Dawn to England where they could extract the part of her that was the Key and putting in the Slayer soul in order to create the perfect Slayer.
From "My Sister's Keeper"
GILES
Her body and mind is unable
to cope with it. It will slowly
take her over, driving out any
humanity inside her... I'm afraid
she's quite capable of anything.
CUT TO:
Dawn stabbing Buffy in the stomach.
CUT TO:
From "Something in the Way"
Dawn plunges a knife through Lydia's heart. The Watcher falls onto the bed and covers the sheets in blood before she finally dies.
CUT TO:
Willow uses black magic to hurl Dawn away. Her entire body begins to glow a reddish colour.
From "Gifts and Loans"
Members of the Registry of Practitioners burst into the Magic Box and take Willow away.
From "The Ghost Behind My Eyes"
The Scoobies caught by the Registry and tied up.
Dawn tricking Pike into joining her.
Dawn massacring all of the Wiccans.
Pike is thrown in with the Scoobies.
TEASER
EXT. - COTTAGE - DAY.
Establishing shot.
BUFFY
(V.O.)
This isn't happening.
INT. - COTTAGE CELLAR - DAY.
Camera pulls back from a closeup of a chained up BUFFY to reveal XANDER, WILLOW, SPIKE, PIKE and TARA, also in chains. All have their heads down and look pretty much defeated. BUFFY is struggling to break her chains.
SPIKE
A bit late for denial
now, luv.
PIKE
I can't believe it.
SPIKE
(sarcastically)
Well you're still quick on
the uptake, aren't you?
BUFFY stops struggling against the chains, panting.
BUFFY
You two? That's so not
helping.
(to XANDER)
How's Will?
ANGLE ON: Close-up on WILLOW, who is clearly unconscious. XANDER attempts to wake her by nudging her with his foot.
XANDER
Still out.
TARA
Is she o-okay?
XANDER
(worried)
She's breathing.
(off TARA's look)
I'm sure she'll be fine.
Willow's tough.
BUFFY
We need her. I can't break
through these. I think they've
been sealed with some kind of
spell. They're probably from the
Registry's Spring collection.
SPIKE
Well, we might be down a
witch, but we do have a
spare.
All look expectantly to TARA, who takes a deep breath, nodding.
TARA
I can try.
TARA closes her eyes, and we see that she's exerting some mental effort. The chains on BUFFY'S wrists begin to glow and tremble, but don't break. After a few seconds of this, TARA collapses, panting as BUFFY had been before.
TARA
(near tears)
It's no good. I'm not
strong enough. I'm so
sorry.
BUFFY
You tried, Tara. We'll just
wait for Willow to wake
up.
XANDER
What if she doesn't wake up
in time, Buff? What are we
gonna do when Dawn comes
back? We need a plan.
BUFFY
(helplessly)
I'm all out of plans. Anybody
else?
Silence for a few beats, then:
PIKE
What's gonna happen to us?
BUFFY
I don't know.
CUT TO:
INT. - COTTAGE LIVING ROOM - DAY
DAWN is staring at her reflection in the mirror. She's fingering the blouse she's wearing with a frown. All around her are the bodies of the members of the Registry.
BUFFY
(V.O.)
How many times have I told
you not to borrow my things
without asking? You're gonna
ruin that!
DAWN
(V.O.)
I did ask! You just forgot...about
the asking, and the agreeing.
Besides, it looks better on me.
DAWN smiles at the memory. She seems more like the DAWN we used to know.
BUFFY
(V.O.)
It so does not!
DAWN
(V.O.)
Does too!
(squealing and laughing)
No! Buffy! Don't touch me!
Mom!
BUFFY
(V.O., annoyed but laughing)
I'm not going to slay you,
you big baby.
DAWN
(V.O.)
Please! As if you could slay
me.
Just when we think she's actually back to herself, DAWN suddenly smashes the mirror. We see the cold killer she has become reflected in the shattered glass.
CREDITS
ACT ONE
INT. - MAGIC BOX - DAY
ANYA is standing at the counter leafing through a large book with an expression of deep concentration. GILES enters carrying four more similar volumes, extremely harried.
GILES
Anything, Anya?
ANYA
Not yet. This would be easier if
Watchers believed in good
penmanship. This one looks like
he was writing by using a magnet
to move pencil shavings.
GILES
(loudly and testily)
Nevertheless, you must learn to
read the diaries more expediently.
There are still a number of
volumes to search, and we are
running out of time.
ANYA
I know. I'm doing the best I
can. Yelling at me isn't making
me read any faster.
GILES
(rubs his eyes)
I 'm sorry... I shouldn't be
taking it out on you.
ANYA
I don't understand.
GILES slams the books he walked in with down on the counter in frustration. The loud crash makes ANYA jump, and she turns away from her book to face him. He's more upset than she's ever seen him before.
GILES
Dawn was my charge when we went
to London. I should never have
allowed those bastards to get their
hands on her.
ANYA
That's stupid. You didn't know.
GILES
Not to mention the fact that, as
Buffy's Watcher, I'm to know
everything there is to know about
Slayers, have every possible
resource at my disposal...there
must be a solution! Why can't I
find it?
ANYA
(trying to cheer him)
Maybe there's nothing to find.
Maybe we can't fix Dawn and
Buffy'll have to kill her.
GILES whirls on ANYA angrily, violently gesturing at her but not actually touching her.
GILES
Don't say that! Don't you ever,
ever say that! I have to be able
to fix this!
ANYA surprises him by slapping him hard across the face.
ANYA
(tearfully)
Is this helping Buffy or Dawn?
Is it helping anyone for us to be
tearing each other apart? Please
Giles, Buffy and Dawn need you to
think like a Watcher right now.
There'll be plenty of time to assign
blame later.
(a sudden thought)
None of it better be assigned to me.
GILES
(shakily)
Anya, I'm so sorry. That was
unforgivable. You're right, of
course. We just need to keep
looking.
ANYA turns away, wiping her eyes, as GILES opens the book on top of the stack he had been carrying. Both seem shaken by their encounter and ANYA scoots a bit further away from GILES as she returns to reading her book.
INT. - COTTAGE CELLAR - DAY
The Scoobies are sitting, waiting. They look up to the door leading into the main part of the house.
BUFFY
She's coming.
XANDER
I can't hear anything...
BUFFY
Trust me on this. She's coming.
The door is pushed open forcefully and Dawn walks down slowly but surely. She gets to the bottom and looks over all of them with disgust on her face.
PIKE
Dawn... You've got to stop
this. It's not right.
DAWN
I'm doing what I must. I'm doing
the work of the predecessors.
BUFFY
Not even the ancient Slayers
did this! You... you're not like
this. You're my sister. Please...
stop...
DAWN
How many times have I told
you that these appeals won't
work.
BUFFY
Dawn...
Buffy looks at her pitifully, pleading to her. After a few moments Dawn gets out a key and carefully unlocks the cuffs around Buffy's wrists. Buffy looks up, almost relieved but not entirely trusting.
Dawn suddenly grabs Buffy and pulls her to her feet.
DAWN
Come on. We finish it now.
BUFFY
I'm through fighting. I don't
want it any more. It's not the
only way.
DAWN
There is no other way. There
never has been.
Dawn is really channelling the Super Slayer now. She pushes Buffy but she doesn't react. Dawn tries again but Buffy does nothing.
BUFFY
No more.
Dawn suddenly dives at her sister. She thrusts her head into the stone wall before throwing her to the ground again.
DAWN
Fight me!
Buffy just looks up at her. She says nothing. This just makes Dawn even madder. She jumps onto Buffy and begins to pound the hell out of her face.
DAWN
FIGHT ME!
The Scoobies are all trying to pulls away but their chains are stopping them.
TARA
Dawn! No!
SPIKE
Stop it!
XANDER
Get away from her!
Dawn goes to punch Buffy again but her hand is stopped. Buffy pushes her back and gets to her feet. Her face is bruised and blood is coming from her lip and nose.
BUFFY
This won't get you anywhere.
DAWN
No. You're probably right.
Dawn turns around. She says nothing. Buffy moves forward to put her hand on her shoulder. Dawn suddenly spins around and kicks Buffy square in the chest, knocking her into the wall with a loud thud. Some of the bricks are damaged because of the sheer force. Buffy slides down to the floor.
SPIKE
Buffy!
Dawn forcefully pushes Spike away from Buffy and kneels down in front of her.
DAWN
This is why you're a bad Slayer.
You're weak... emotional. You're
trying to save me. I don't need
saving. I've never needed saving.
She begins to tie Buffy up with the chains again. She pulls them a little to tight and Buffy cringes. Dawn doesn't react.
She gets up again and paces back and forth across the line of Scoobies. She finally stops at Tara and smiles evilly.
INT. - MAGIC BOX - DAY
GILES and ANYA have moved from the counter to the table. Countless books are stacked high around them. GILES has his face in his hands as ANYA wearily shuts the book she is looking at. GILES looks at her despondently.
GILES
Nothing?
ANYA merely shakes her head in reply. They look at each other sadly.
ANYA
(hesitantly)
Giles, you know the thing I
said before? That you told me
to never, ever say again?
GILES
I apologise again, Anya. It's
quite hard to be optimistic at
this point. We've been through
all the volumes I have. I still
have some other sources to try,
but...
Anya looks at him. She's lost all hope. He's fighting feeling the same too but says nothing.
INT. - COTTAGE CELLAR - DAY
Dawn looks down on Tara who stares back at her. She's clearly scared and is trying to hide it... unsuccessfully.
DAWN
(almost disgusted)
You...
TARA
Wh-what?
DAWN
You know you'll never be with
her...
(motions to the unconscious Willow)
You're too different...
TARA
W-we l-love each other.
DAWN
Love isn't important. She's
touched the dark. Once she
makes the final step into it
you'll be irrelevant.
TARA
(nervously)
Th-that's not true...
DAWN
You'll be just what you were
before you first met. A nobody.
A quiet, unassuming nobody.
Willow is going the right way.
It won't be long now. Once she
has she may as well be rid of
you for good.
Tara looks up. She's trying to fight back tears. She knows Dawn is right about the darkness. Everything that's happened to them in the past two years has had Willow's darkness playing an important role.
TARA
N-no...
Dawn kneels down in front of Tara.
DAWN
You know, I could just save her
the trouble and do it for her.
Right now.
(stops herself. Serious Slayer channelling)
But it's all about the hunt. The
kill is unimportant without the
hunt.
(shakes her head)
Your girl is leaving you. It's
going to happen.
She gets to her feet again. She looks over a Willow. Her gaze lingers as she continues to speak to Tara.
DAWN
You were just something
different... to take her mind
off the pain. You're nothing
to her. Just a fad. Nothing.
She'll find someone else. She
always does. Just look at
what happened three years
ago. She said she loved Oz...
(motions towards Xander)
That didn't stop her then...
TARA
It's not true.
DAWN
But you believe me... don't you?
Dawn begins to pace again. Tara looks over to Willow nervously and a little suspiciously.
XANDER
(to Tara, whispering)
Don't listen to her.
ANGLE: Dawn hears Xander and turns to him. She raises an eyebrow as she stops just in front of him.
DAWN
Maybe it's time you did some
listening...
XANDER
(frowning, challenging)
Try me.
CLOSE UP: Dawn's face. She gives a "don't mind if I do" smile.
ACT TWO
INT. - COTTAGE CELLAR - DAY
Same positions as before. Dawn is looking at Xander who remains defiant.
XANDER
Do your worst. I know it's
not Dawn saying any of this.
DAWN
That's funny... because all I
have to say is what Dawn has
always thought.
XANDER
And yet still I keep on doubting.
That's the funny thing about me.
You can't say anything to me
that'll one tiny bit of difference.
They're just words.
Gotcha. Dawn knows exactly where to take his torture.
DAWN
Yeah, words. Just like the
words that Buffy used to
reject you...
XANDER
That was a long time ago.
DAWN
Or the words everyone used
to put you down all your life.
Telling you how useless you
were, that you'd never amount
to anything...
XANDER
But I have. That showed 'em.
DAWN
But in the back of your mind
they're still laughing. Aren't
they?
XANDER
Oh c'mon. Do you really think
I care about all that? I have a
great girlfriend, friends, a job...
DAWN
I heard all of that... but they're
still in there aren't they?
Everything you do right you know
they're just waiting for you slip
up again... and when you do they're
just laughing... telling you that
they told you so... That you shouldn't
have bothered at all...
He's not giving up without a fight. He slips into cocky mode.
XANDER
Y'know... you're really cute
when you're all evil.
DAWN
(pauses)
And there's the core of it all.
Your sense of humour. You're
attempt to crack jokes whenever
you're in danger. Yet it's just a
way of hiding your own inadequacies.
Xander says nothing. He just stares at her.
DAWN
And finally the jokes come to
an end. You'll never know how
long we've all waited for that.
XANDER
I...
DAWN
Don't bother.
She just looks away from Xander. He looks utterly dejected.
INT. - MAGIC BOX - DAY
Giles and Anya continue to rake through all of the books they can. There's a huge pile of the ones that have been rejected. Giles is getting more and more stressed out.
GILES
It's useless! There's nothing
at all that'll help us!
He punches the table. When he pulls his fist away there's a crack in the table.
ANYA
Do you realise how much
this table costs?
GILES
For God's sake, Anya...
ANYA
Don't you start taking it out
on me again. I've had enough
of that for one day.
GILES
(nods)
I... I know. I'm sorry. It's just...
this isn't getting us anywhere.
Anya flicks through a book absently then thinks of something.
ANYA
Of course.
GILES
What? What is it?
ANYA
Why there isn't a spell anywhere
to get rid of the Slayer soul!
Giles looks expectantly at her.
ANYA
(C'tnd)
It's so obvious! The Slayers were
first created there was never any
need to stop the line so why create
a spell to do just that.
GILES
(slow realisation)
Of course... But that could
mean there's no hope at all
for Dawn...
He looks at Anya as if he's giving up.
EXT. - COTTAGE - DAY
Establishing shot.
INT. - COTTAGE CELLAR - DAY
ANGLE: Willow. She begins to come to her senses. She looks around.
Buffy is beaten to a pulp. She's barely able to speak. Her face is bruised and bleeding. Xander is looking down as if he's ashamed with himself.
WILLOW
Oh my God... What's going on?
DAWN
Nice to see you're back with us.
WILLOW
Wh... What've you done?
DAWN
I haven't done a thing. I've
just helped them all realise
their own faults.
WILLOW
This is sick! You can't do this!
DAWN
(mock remorse)
No, I can't.
(brightens up)
But wait! I already am!
Spike begins to tug at his chains. He wants to get out NOW!
SPIKE
Stop this!
DAWN
Oh, so you're still with us...
SPIKE
Too bloody right I am! You're
not ignoring me! You're not
bringing me down like you've
done to all of this lot! I've seen
the dark! I've embraced it! Ain't
nothin' you can do to me.
DAWN
(ignoring his comments)
How's you arm?
SPIKE
What?
Dawn kneels down next to him. She grabs his arm and he can't pull away.
DAWN
It's getting better.
SPIKE
(dry)
Don't you just love that added
healing...
DAWN
You know what I'm going to do.
SPIKE
(nods)
Yeah. Ain't gonna let it affect me.
DAWN
Really?
She grabs his arm and snaps it again. He calls out in agony.
SPIKE
Bitch!
DAWN
You're lucky. I could've killed
you.
SPIKE
(sarcasm ahoy!)
Can't you just feel the love in
those words?
He can't grabs his arm since he's chained up. The broken arm hangs lifelessly. He's trying to ignore the pain.
DAWN
(Continuing, ignores Spike's comments)
I could just as easily kill you
all. But I want to break you.
PIKE
(Re: Spike's arm)
You've already made a good
start.
DAWN
Shut up.
PIKE
No way! I wanna know what's
happened to the Dawn I knew!
The Dawn who was looking
forward to seeing me again!
DAWN
There was a Dawn who actually
wanted to see you? That doesn't
sound quite right...
ANGLE: WILLOW. She's just as confused as ever throughout the whole exchange.
WILLOW
(TO Tara)
What's going on?
There's a little distrust in Tara's voice - Dawn's words having deeply affected her.
TARA
What does it look like?
WILLOW
Tara... what's wrong?
ANGLE: DAWN. She notices them talking and spins around.
DAWN
(pissed off)
Did I say you were allowed
to talk?
The two witches immediately stop.
ANGLE: BUFFY. She begins to laugh. Not a happy laugh but an ironic one. It gets Dawn's attention.
DAWN
What now?
BUFFY
It's just funny. I thought you
were supposed to be the
emotionless killing machine
you keep telling me that I
oughta be. Yet we really seem
to be bugging you.
DAWN
Then you're reading me wrong.
BUFFY
I don't think I am. I think
you're airing all of your doubts
and worries that you had before
this all happened.
Dawn reacts quickly. She grabs Buffy's throat tightly.
DAWN
I'm just making them realise
how irrelevant they are - you
wouldn't believe it before. Now
I'm showing you! It's for your
benefit. Maybe this is actually
better than killing them.
Buffy says nothing. Dawn slowly realises her grip.
BUFFY
(sadly)
What's happened to you?
DAWN
I've had a calling.
BUFFY
I'm sick of hearing that. That's
what you say every time I ask
you this. It's not true. Why
aren't you our Dawn anymore?
DAWN
Dawn is gone. There is only
the Slayer.
BUFFY
(sadly, accepting)
I thought so...
DAWN
And what's that supposed
to mean?
BUFFY
It means I know what I have
to do.
DAWN
(as if!)
Like you'd even get the chance...
Dawn kicks Buffy in the stomach. She coughs up a little blood.
ANGLE: DAWN. She suddenly realises what she's done. She takes several steps back in shock.
DAWN
I...
The moment of clarity ends. Slayer Dawn is back. She looks disdainfully at all of the Scoobies then glances towards the steps leading into the main part of the house.
DAWN
I'll leave you for a while.
Try not to forget me.
She makes her way up the stairs.
INT. COTTAGE - MAIN FLOOR - DAY
Dawn slams the door shut behind her. She steps over several bodies before stopping. She looks at her hands. For a second she almost seems regretful but again it doesn't last. She rolls her hand into a fist and punches towards the wall.
INT. - COTTAGE CELLAR - DAY
They all hear the impact of Dawn's fist on the wall coming from upstairs. They all sit in silence for a while. Willow turns to them.
WILLOW
Oh my God...
XANDER
So what's her plan? Leave us
down here until we feel so bad
about ourselves we won't care
that she's gonna starve us to
death because right about now
that sounds like a good option.
SPIKE
Oh snap out of it you ponce.
You don't actually believe the
bollocks she was feeling you?
XANDER
(a little down)
Maybe...
SPIKE
If my hands weren't chained
up I'd bloody well knock some
sense into you!
XANDER
What if Anya sees the real
me and wants to leave me.
Spike begins tugging at the chains for the sheer purpose of hitting Xander.
BUFFY
Will you just calm down!
XANDER
He started it!
SPIKE
And he's a self-depreciating
arsehole.
BUFFY
We haven't got time for this.
ANGLE: WILLOW AND TARA. Willow can tell there's something wrong with Tara.
WILLOW
What's wrong, honey?
TARA
N-nothing.
WILLOW
Was it something she told you?
Well it's not true. I don't care
what she says is wrong with
you... it's nothing.
TARA
She... she didn't say anything
about me. It was about...
something else.
(pause)
You think there's something
wrong with me?
WILLOW
No! No, of course I don't. I
love you. You're the most
wonderful human being I've
ever met...
TARA
You've met a lot of people...
WILLOW
But I love you...
TARA
B-but how many people have
you said that too and... and
thought you meant it?
WILLOW
I...
Tara looks sadly at Willow. In her mind she really thinks Dawn was right. Willow notices this despair and looks her in the eyes.
WILLOW
Tara... baby... I love you. Every
time I tell you that I know...
know I mean it. With everyone
else... even with Oz... there was
a doubt. A "what if he doesn't
feel the same". Maybe he did,
maybe he didn't. I don't know...
and I don't care. All I care about
is knowing that when I tell you
how much I love you that you
feel the same about me. And
that's what's important. No
matter what anyone tries
to tell you.
Tara nods. There are tears forming in her eyes but she fights them back.
TARA
Thank you...
Their hands are able to stretch enough in the chains to be able to touch.
ANGLE SPIKE: He's struggling to put the bone in his arm back into place. There's a loud click as he succeeds.
SPIKE
Ugh!
PIKE
Do you have to do that in front
of us?
SPIKE
I do if I don't want it to heal
backwards... which I don't.
There's another pause as they all look up to the doorway. After several moments the silence is broken.
XANDER
I'm sick of this. I'm sick of
waiting for the next round
of "This is Your Crappy Life."
PIKE
What can we do?
They all look to Buffy who's about to speak.
BUFFY
We get out. Now!
BLACK OUT
ACT THREE
INT. COTTAGE - CELLAR
Buffy is struggling with her bonds. She looks over to Willow.
BUFFY
Will, can you undo the
incantation on these?
WILLOW
I... I don't know. I'm not
sure... I mean, what if I
start glowing again and
can't use magic? There'll
be no one to...
BUFFY
Can you try?
WILLOW
I...
Tara, officially getting over her fears, grabs Willow's hand.
TARA
*We* can do this!
Willow looks into Tara's eyes.
WILLOW
A-are you sure?
TARA
As sure as I know I'd do
anything for you.
WILLOW
(nods, to Buffy)
We'll do it.
SPIKE
Just hurry up before Little
Bitch comes back.
Willow and Tara concentrate and the chains that tie them all up glow. Everyone watches hopefully. Buffy struggles to break them but can't. Willow and Tara continue to concentrate. The chains glow even brighter so that everyone has to turn away from it. Suddenly they stop glowing. Willow opens her eyes and looks hopefully at Buffy.
WILLOW
It's done... I think.
TARA
And we made them extra
weak too. Should help.
Buffy pulls forward and the chains seems to crumble from the walls. Spike does the same.
BUFFY
(to Spike)
Get them all out.
Buffy and Spike begin to break Xander, Pike, Willow and Tara free.
XANDER
Thanks. Now all we have to
do is get passed Dawn.
SPIKE
A little harder than it seems
but we can do it.
XANDER
Can I have some of that faith
of yours?
SPIKE
Faith? Bloody ignorance more like.
XANDER
Glad you said it not me!
They share a quick smile.
ANGLE: Pike looks uncomfortably at Buffy.
PIKE
Look... I'm reall sorry.
BUFFY
About what?
PIKE
About believing Dawn's story.
I should've realised it was too
weird to be real.
BUFFY
But if I'd told you Dawn had
been turned into a psychotic
primitive Slayer by the Watchers
you'd have thought the same.
Pike nods but he's still not happy.
PIKE
But the fact remains I was
a terrible judge of character.
Always did have problems with
that...
He affectionately touches Buffy's cheek. We see Spike in the background noticing and looking pretty jealous. Buffy smiles softly at Pike's touch but moves his hand away. He notices her heart isn't quite into it.
PIKE
Something's wrong?
BUFFY
We have to go... and... and things
are too complicated now to think
about...
PIKE
I've been thinking about you since
I left the last time. That's why I
came back in the first place.
BUFFY
Please don't.
Buffy glances over towards Spike without really realising. Pike notices.
PIKE
Oh. I see. I guess it's the second
time you've taken your work home
with you.
(realises how harsh his words sounded)
God... I'm sorry.
BUFFY
No, no... it's not the same. Hell, it's
possibly more complicated. He's
human now.
PIKE
Human?
BUFFY
Long story... one I'll tell you once
we've got outta here. C'mon.
Buffy looks over all the others.
BUFFY
Well what're we waiting for?
She begins to make her way to the stairs. The others follow.
INT. MAGIC BOX - MAIN - DAY
Things definately aren't going well. Giles' hair is a mess and he rubs his forehead in frustration. Anya is getting pretty stressed too.
GILES
Bollocks!
ANYA
Stop swearing and start focusing!
GILES
Oh sod focusing! We're not getting
anywhere and you know it. You can
stop trying to humour me. Not even
the Council with all of its resources
can solve this... they refuse to even
admit they've made a mistake!
(a little angrier)
If I could only get my hands on
Travers and that sycophantic sod
Nigel...
ANYA
...it wouldn't solve anything.
GILES
It'd make me feel a damn sight
better.
ANYA
But it wouldn't help Dawn!
GILES
Short of going into her head
and forcing the Slayer out of
her nothing will!
ANYA
(sadly)
True...
There is a silence as they both look down at the table almost in defeat. Anya suddenly looks up at Giles again.
ANYA
Wait a minute!
GILES
What now?
ANYA
What did you just say?
GILES
Short of going into her head
and forcing the Slayer out of
her nothing's going to help her!
Anya jumps up and slams her fist down on the table in victory.
ANYA
Yes! Of course!
GILES
What? What is it?
ANYA
Why didn't we think of it before?
GILES
Think of what, damn it?
ANYA
Think about it - when Buffy went
all catatonic last year after Glory
took Dawn... Willow joined with
her to bring her out of herself!
Giles looks at her for a while then shakes his head.
GILES
This is different. It couldn't work.
ANYA
Different situation, same principle.
If Willow... or even Buffy can get
into her head... maybe she'll be
able to...
GILES
Fight the Slayer spirit from within...
If there is still Dawn in there...
trapped somehow... Of course!
ANYA
Ha! Me, one. Big clever Watcher,
nothing!
GILES
Only if Buffy isn't too late in
saving Willow...
They look at each other ominously - duh duh duhn!
INT. COTTAGE - MAIN ROOM - DAY
The Scoobies come up from the stairs into the living area. Buffy looks around first, in the direction of the hallway to the exit and the kitchen at the back.
BUFFY
(whispers)
It's clear.
XANDER
(slightly surprised)
You're not going after her?
BUFFY
She'll come after us, I know
it. And I'd rather deal with her
on home turf. C'mon.
She walks forward. They get out into the hallway with Pike at the rear.
INT. COTTAGE - ENTRANCE HALLWAY - DAY
They get out to the door. Buffy tests it.
BUFFY
Unlocked. Let's go.
XANDER
Let's hope she hasn't messed
with my car.
Buffy makes sure Spike, Xander, Willow and Tara are out. She looks over to Pike.
BUFFY
Hurry up.
PIKE
Wait! I heard something.
BUFFY
Then come on!
PIKE
Get the car started!
BUFFY
But...
PIKE
Do it! I'll just make sure the
coast's clear.
Buffy frowns but does what he says. Pike turns around to look into the living room. We hear the front door shut. He looks around until he knows everyone else is safe and begins to make his way around the corner to the door. He tugs at it but it's locked. He struggles with the handle but to no avail.
PIKE
(to himself)
But Buffy just...
He hears someone cough behind him. He turns around slowly to see Dawn with the key. He's suddenly terrified.
(End of Act Three)
ACT FOUR
EXT. COTTAGE - DAY
Buffy runs to the car just as Xander is trying to get his car started.
BUFFY
What's wrong?
XANDER
The keys aren't here! I knew
I left them here!
SPIKE
Lemme see that...
Spike leans forward and starts fiddling under the steering wheel.
XANDER
Stop crushing me!
SPIKE
Hang on... nearly there...
The engine bursts into life.
BUFFY
Great!
WILLOW
Where's Pike?
BUFFY
(looking towards the door)
I don't know...
The door opens suddenly and Dawn emerges holding Pike by the back of the neck with his arm behind his back.
PIKE
Just go!
BUFFY
No!
Buffy runs towards him. Dawn grabs his head and twists it until a sickening snap is heard. Everyone in the car cringes and look in horror.
BUFFY
NNNNOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
She runs towards Dawn who is still holding Pike's body but Willow jumps from the car and pulls her back kicking and screaming.
WILLOW
Buffy! We have to...
BUFFY
(pulling away, interrupting)
No! We can't just...
With Tara's help Willow pulls Buffy into the car. Xander quickly puts it into gear and they drive off as fast as they can.
ANGLE ON: Dawn stands in front of the cottage, still holding Pike's lifeless body as she watches the car leave. She throws him aside with contempt and picks up his motorcycle and begins to ride off in pursuit of the car.
EXT. MAGIC BOX - NIGHT
Establishing shot. Several hours have passed. Xander's car pulls up outside.
INT. MAGIC BOX - MAIN - NIGHT
The Scoobies arrive at the shop. Giles and Anya see the conditions they're all in and rush to help.
GILES
Are... are you all right?
BUFFY
Pike... She got Pike...
GILES
Pike? He came back to Sunnydale?
BUFFY
She... she...
Giles looks at the others, realising he can't get any sense out of Buffy.
XANDER
Dawn killed him. Right in front
of us.
GILES
My God.
Giles rushes to comfort Buffy. Anya walks to Xander and they hug sadly. Willow wraps her arms around Tara. Spike just looks out of place.
BUFFY
I... I have to stop this.
WILLOW
How?
BUFFY
I have... I have to kill Dawn.
Everyone stares at her in shock.
TO BE CONTINUED....
Summer Script Challenge
The Powers that Be Pro Temporae
Episode 6.21: The Closed Door
By Noggins, SWS and J.A.I.T.
GILES (V.O.)
Previously on Buffy the Vampire Slayer...
From The Point Of No Return:
Lydia and Giles talking.
LYDIA
The new Slayer... It's Dawn...
From "From Sunnydale With Love"
The Watchers explaining how they got Dawn to England where they could extract the part of her that was the Key and putting in the Slayer soul in order to create the perfect Slayer.
From "My Sister's Keeper"
GILES
Her body and mind is unable
to cope with it. It will slowly
take her over, driving out any
humanity inside her... I'm afraid
she's quite capable of anything.
CUT TO:
Dawn stabbing Buffy in the stomach.
CUT TO:
From "Something in the Way"
Dawn plunges a knife through Lydia's heart. The Watcher falls onto the bed and covers the sheets in blood before she finally dies.
CUT TO:
Willow uses black magic to hurl Dawn away. Her entire body begins to glow a reddish colour.
From "Gifts and Loans"
Members of the Registry of Practitioners burst into the Magic Box and take Willow away.
From "The Ghost Behind My Eyes"
The Scoobies caught by the Registry and tied up.
Dawn tricking Pike into joining her.
Dawn massacring all of the Wiccans.
Pike is thrown in with the Scoobies.
TEASER
EXT. - COTTAGE - DAY.
Establishing shot.
BUFFY
(V.O.)
This isn't happening.
INT. - COTTAGE CELLAR - DAY.
Camera pulls back from a closeup of a chained up BUFFY to reveal XANDER, WILLOW, SPIKE, PIKE and TARA, also in chains. All have their heads down and look pretty much defeated. BUFFY is struggling to break her chains.
SPIKE
A bit late for denial
now, luv.
PIKE
I can't believe it.
SPIKE
(sarcastically)
Well you're still quick on
the uptake, aren't you?
BUFFY stops struggling against the chains, panting.
BUFFY
You two? That's so not
helping.
(to XANDER)
How's Will?
ANGLE ON: Close-up on WILLOW, who is clearly unconscious. XANDER attempts to wake her by nudging her with his foot.
XANDER
Still out.
TARA
Is she o-okay?
XANDER
(worried)
She's breathing.
(off TARA's look)
I'm sure she'll be fine.
Willow's tough.
BUFFY
We need her. I can't break
through these. I think they've
been sealed with some kind of
spell. They're probably from the
Registry's Spring collection.
SPIKE
Well, we might be down a
witch, but we do have a
spare.
All look expectantly to TARA, who takes a deep breath, nodding.
TARA
I can try.
TARA closes her eyes, and we see that she's exerting some mental effort. The chains on BUFFY'S wrists begin to glow and tremble, but don't break. After a few seconds of this, TARA collapses, panting as BUFFY had been before.
TARA
(near tears)
It's no good. I'm not
strong enough. I'm so
sorry.
BUFFY
You tried, Tara. We'll just
wait for Willow to wake
up.
XANDER
What if she doesn't wake up
in time, Buff? What are we
gonna do when Dawn comes
back? We need a plan.
BUFFY
(helplessly)
I'm all out of plans. Anybody
else?
Silence for a few beats, then:
PIKE
What's gonna happen to us?
BUFFY
I don't know.
CUT TO:
INT. - COTTAGE LIVING ROOM - DAY
DAWN is staring at her reflection in the mirror. She's fingering the blouse she's wearing with a frown. All around her are the bodies of the members of the Registry.
BUFFY
(V.O.)
How many times have I told
you not to borrow my things
without asking? You're gonna
ruin that!
DAWN
(V.O.)
I did ask! You just forgot...about
the asking, and the agreeing.
Besides, it looks better on me.
DAWN smiles at the memory. She seems more like the DAWN we used to know.
BUFFY
(V.O.)
It so does not!
DAWN
(V.O.)
Does too!
(squealing and laughing)
No! Buffy! Don't touch me!
Mom!
BUFFY
(V.O., annoyed but laughing)
I'm not going to slay you,
you big baby.
DAWN
(V.O.)
Please! As if you could slay
me.
Just when we think she's actually back to herself, DAWN suddenly smashes the mirror. We see the cold killer she has become reflected in the shattered glass.
CREDITS
ACT ONE
INT. - MAGIC BOX - DAY
ANYA is standing at the counter leafing through a large book with an expression of deep concentration. GILES enters carrying four more similar volumes, extremely harried.
GILES
Anything, Anya?
ANYA
Not yet. This would be easier if
Watchers believed in good
penmanship. This one looks like
he was writing by using a magnet
to move pencil shavings.
GILES
(loudly and testily)
Nevertheless, you must learn to
read the diaries more expediently.
There are still a number of
volumes to search, and we are
running out of time.
ANYA
I know. I'm doing the best I
can. Yelling at me isn't making
me read any faster.
GILES
(rubs his eyes)
I 'm sorry... I shouldn't be
taking it out on you.
ANYA
I don't understand.
GILES slams the books he walked in with down on the counter in frustration. The loud crash makes ANYA jump, and she turns away from her book to face him. He's more upset than she's ever seen him before.
GILES
Dawn was my charge when we went
to London. I should never have
allowed those bastards to get their
hands on her.
ANYA
That's stupid. You didn't know.
GILES
Not to mention the fact that, as
Buffy's Watcher, I'm to know
everything there is to know about
Slayers, have every possible
resource at my disposal...there
must be a solution! Why can't I
find it?
ANYA
(trying to cheer him)
Maybe there's nothing to find.
Maybe we can't fix Dawn and
Buffy'll have to kill her.
GILES whirls on ANYA angrily, violently gesturing at her but not actually touching her.
GILES
Don't say that! Don't you ever,
ever say that! I have to be able
to fix this!
ANYA surprises him by slapping him hard across the face.
ANYA
(tearfully)
Is this helping Buffy or Dawn?
Is it helping anyone for us to be
tearing each other apart? Please
Giles, Buffy and Dawn need you to
think like a Watcher right now.
There'll be plenty of time to assign
blame later.
(a sudden thought)
None of it better be assigned to me.
GILES
(shakily)
Anya, I'm so sorry. That was
unforgivable. You're right, of
course. We just need to keep
looking.
ANYA turns away, wiping her eyes, as GILES opens the book on top of the stack he had been carrying. Both seem shaken by their encounter and ANYA scoots a bit further away from GILES as she returns to reading her book.
INT. - COTTAGE CELLAR - DAY
The Scoobies are sitting, waiting. They look up to the door leading into the main part of the house.
BUFFY
She's coming.
XANDER
I can't hear anything...
BUFFY
Trust me on this. She's coming.
The door is pushed open forcefully and Dawn walks down slowly but surely. She gets to the bottom and looks over all of them with disgust on her face.
PIKE
Dawn... You've got to stop
this. It's not right.
DAWN
I'm doing what I must. I'm doing
the work of the predecessors.
BUFFY
Not even the ancient Slayers
did this! You... you're not like
this. You're my sister. Please...
stop...
DAWN
How many times have I told
you that these appeals won't
work.
BUFFY
Dawn...
Buffy looks at her pitifully, pleading to her. After a few moments Dawn gets out a key and carefully unlocks the cuffs around Buffy's wrists. Buffy looks up, almost relieved but not entirely trusting.
Dawn suddenly grabs Buffy and pulls her to her feet.
DAWN
Come on. We finish it now.
BUFFY
I'm through fighting. I don't
want it any more. It's not the
only way.
DAWN
There is no other way. There
never has been.
Dawn is really channelling the Super Slayer now. She pushes Buffy but she doesn't react. Dawn tries again but Buffy does nothing.
BUFFY
No more.
Dawn suddenly dives at her sister. She thrusts her head into the stone wall before throwing her to the ground again.
DAWN
Fight me!
Buffy just looks up at her. She says nothing. This just makes Dawn even madder. She jumps onto Buffy and begins to pound the hell out of her face.
DAWN
FIGHT ME!
The Scoobies are all trying to pulls away but their chains are stopping them.
TARA
Dawn! No!
SPIKE
Stop it!
XANDER
Get away from her!
Dawn goes to punch Buffy again but her hand is stopped. Buffy pushes her back and gets to her feet. Her face is bruised and blood is coming from her lip and nose.
BUFFY
This won't get you anywhere.
DAWN
No. You're probably right.
Dawn turns around. She says nothing. Buffy moves forward to put her hand on her shoulder. Dawn suddenly spins around and kicks Buffy square in the chest, knocking her into the wall with a loud thud. Some of the bricks are damaged because of the sheer force. Buffy slides down to the floor.
SPIKE
Buffy!
Dawn forcefully pushes Spike away from Buffy and kneels down in front of her.
DAWN
This is why you're a bad Slayer.
You're weak... emotional. You're
trying to save me. I don't need
saving. I've never needed saving.
She begins to tie Buffy up with the chains again. She pulls them a little to tight and Buffy cringes. Dawn doesn't react.
She gets up again and paces back and forth across the line of Scoobies. She finally stops at Tara and smiles evilly.
INT. - MAGIC BOX - DAY
GILES and ANYA have moved from the counter to the table. Countless books are stacked high around them. GILES has his face in his hands as ANYA wearily shuts the book she is looking at. GILES looks at her despondently.
GILES
Nothing?
ANYA merely shakes her head in reply. They look at each other sadly.
ANYA
(hesitantly)
Giles, you know the thing I
said before? That you told me
to never, ever say again?
GILES
I apologise again, Anya. It's
quite hard to be optimistic at
this point. We've been through
all the volumes I have. I still
have some other sources to try,
but...
Anya looks at him. She's lost all hope. He's fighting feeling the same too but says nothing.
INT. - COTTAGE CELLAR - DAY
Dawn looks down on Tara who stares back at her. She's clearly scared and is trying to hide it... unsuccessfully.
DAWN
(almost disgusted)
You...
TARA
Wh-what?
DAWN
You know you'll never be with
her...
(motions to the unconscious Willow)
You're too different...
TARA
W-we l-love each other.
DAWN
Love isn't important. She's
touched the dark. Once she
makes the final step into it
you'll be irrelevant.
TARA
(nervously)
Th-that's not true...
DAWN
You'll be just what you were
before you first met. A nobody.
A quiet, unassuming nobody.
Willow is going the right way.
It won't be long now. Once she
has she may as well be rid of
you for good.
Tara looks up. She's trying to fight back tears. She knows Dawn is right about the darkness. Everything that's happened to them in the past two years has had Willow's darkness playing an important role.
TARA
N-no...
Dawn kneels down in front of Tara.
DAWN
You know, I could just save her
the trouble and do it for her.
Right now.
(stops herself. Serious Slayer channelling)
But it's all about the hunt. The
kill is unimportant without the
hunt.
(shakes her head)
Your girl is leaving you. It's
going to happen.
She gets to her feet again. She looks over a Willow. Her gaze lingers as she continues to speak to Tara.
DAWN
You were just something
different... to take her mind
off the pain. You're nothing
to her. Just a fad. Nothing.
She'll find someone else. She
always does. Just look at
what happened three years
ago. She said she loved Oz...
(motions towards Xander)
That didn't stop her then...
TARA
It's not true.
DAWN
But you believe me... don't you?
Dawn begins to pace again. Tara looks over to Willow nervously and a little suspiciously.
XANDER
(to Tara, whispering)
Don't listen to her.
ANGLE: Dawn hears Xander and turns to him. She raises an eyebrow as she stops just in front of him.
DAWN
Maybe it's time you did some
listening...
XANDER
(frowning, challenging)
Try me.
CLOSE UP: Dawn's face. She gives a "don't mind if I do" smile.
ACT TWO
INT. - COTTAGE CELLAR - DAY
Same positions as before. Dawn is looking at Xander who remains defiant.
XANDER
Do your worst. I know it's
not Dawn saying any of this.
DAWN
That's funny... because all I
have to say is what Dawn has
always thought.
XANDER
And yet still I keep on doubting.
That's the funny thing about me.
You can't say anything to me
that'll one tiny bit of difference.
They're just words.
Gotcha. Dawn knows exactly where to take his torture.
DAWN
Yeah, words. Just like the
words that Buffy used to
reject you...
XANDER
That was a long time ago.
DAWN
Or the words everyone used
to put you down all your life.
Telling you how useless you
were, that you'd never amount
to anything...
XANDER
But I have. That showed 'em.
DAWN
But in the back of your mind
they're still laughing. Aren't
they?
XANDER
Oh c'mon. Do you really think
I care about all that? I have a
great girlfriend, friends, a job...
DAWN
I heard all of that... but they're
still in there aren't they?
Everything you do right you know
they're just waiting for you slip
up again... and when you do they're
just laughing... telling you that
they told you so... That you shouldn't
have bothered at all...
He's not giving up without a fight. He slips into cocky mode.
XANDER
Y'know... you're really cute
when you're all evil.
DAWN
(pauses)
And there's the core of it all.
Your sense of humour. You're
attempt to crack jokes whenever
you're in danger. Yet it's just a
way of hiding your own inadequacies.
Xander says nothing. He just stares at her.
DAWN
And finally the jokes come to
an end. You'll never know how
long we've all waited for that.
XANDER
I...
DAWN
Don't bother.
She just looks away from Xander. He looks utterly dejected.
INT. - MAGIC BOX - DAY
Giles and Anya continue to rake through all of the books they can. There's a huge pile of the ones that have been rejected. Giles is getting more and more stressed out.
GILES
It's useless! There's nothing
at all that'll help us!
He punches the table. When he pulls his fist away there's a crack in the table.
ANYA
Do you realise how much
this table costs?
GILES
For God's sake, Anya...
ANYA
Don't you start taking it out
on me again. I've had enough
of that for one day.
GILES
(nods)
I... I know. I'm sorry. It's just...
this isn't getting us anywhere.
Anya flicks through a book absently then thinks of something.
ANYA
Of course.
GILES
What? What is it?
ANYA
Why there isn't a spell anywhere
to get rid of the Slayer soul!
Giles looks expectantly at her.
ANYA
(C'tnd)
It's so obvious! The Slayers were
first created there was never any
need to stop the line so why create
a spell to do just that.
GILES
(slow realisation)
Of course... But that could
mean there's no hope at all
for Dawn...
He looks at Anya as if he's giving up.
EXT. - COTTAGE - DAY
Establishing shot.
INT. - COTTAGE CELLAR - DAY
ANGLE: Willow. She begins to come to her senses. She looks around.
Buffy is beaten to a pulp. She's barely able to speak. Her face is bruised and bleeding. Xander is looking down as if he's ashamed with himself.
WILLOW
Oh my God... What's going on?
DAWN
Nice to see you're back with us.
WILLOW
Wh... What've you done?
DAWN
I haven't done a thing. I've
just helped them all realise
their own faults.
WILLOW
This is sick! You can't do this!
DAWN
(mock remorse)
No, I can't.
(brightens up)
But wait! I already am!
Spike begins to tug at his chains. He wants to get out NOW!
SPIKE
Stop this!
DAWN
Oh, so you're still with us...
SPIKE
Too bloody right I am! You're
not ignoring me! You're not
bringing me down like you've
done to all of this lot! I've seen
the dark! I've embraced it! Ain't
nothin' you can do to me.
DAWN
(ignoring his comments)
How's you arm?
SPIKE
What?
Dawn kneels down next to him. She grabs his arm and he can't pull away.
DAWN
It's getting better.
SPIKE
(dry)
Don't you just love that added
healing...
DAWN
You know what I'm going to do.
SPIKE
(nods)
Yeah. Ain't gonna let it affect me.
DAWN
Really?
She grabs his arm and snaps it again. He calls out in agony.
SPIKE
Bitch!
DAWN
You're lucky. I could've killed
you.
SPIKE
(sarcasm ahoy!)
Can't you just feel the love in
those words?
He can't grabs his arm since he's chained up. The broken arm hangs lifelessly. He's trying to ignore the pain.
DAWN
(Continuing, ignores Spike's comments)
I could just as easily kill you
all. But I want to break you.
PIKE
(Re: Spike's arm)
You've already made a good
start.
DAWN
Shut up.
PIKE
No way! I wanna know what's
happened to the Dawn I knew!
The Dawn who was looking
forward to seeing me again!
DAWN
There was a Dawn who actually
wanted to see you? That doesn't
sound quite right...
ANGLE: WILLOW. She's just as confused as ever throughout the whole exchange.
WILLOW
(TO Tara)
What's going on?
There's a little distrust in Tara's voice - Dawn's words having deeply affected her.
TARA
What does it look like?
WILLOW
Tara... what's wrong?
ANGLE: DAWN. She notices them talking and spins around.
DAWN
(pissed off)
Did I say you were allowed
to talk?
The two witches immediately stop.
ANGLE: BUFFY. She begins to laugh. Not a happy laugh but an ironic one. It gets Dawn's attention.
DAWN
What now?
BUFFY
It's just funny. I thought you
were supposed to be the
emotionless killing machine
you keep telling me that I
oughta be. Yet we really seem
to be bugging you.
DAWN
Then you're reading me wrong.
BUFFY
I don't think I am. I think
you're airing all of your doubts
and worries that you had before
this all happened.
Dawn reacts quickly. She grabs Buffy's throat tightly.
DAWN
I'm just making them realise
how irrelevant they are - you
wouldn't believe it before. Now
I'm showing you! It's for your
benefit. Maybe this is actually
better than killing them.
Buffy says nothing. Dawn slowly realises her grip.
BUFFY
(sadly)
What's happened to you?
DAWN
I've had a calling.
BUFFY
I'm sick of hearing that. That's
what you say every time I ask
you this. It's not true. Why
aren't you our Dawn anymore?
DAWN
Dawn is gone. There is only
the Slayer.
BUFFY
(sadly, accepting)
I thought so...
DAWN
And what's that supposed
to mean?
BUFFY
It means I know what I have
to do.
DAWN
(as if!)
Like you'd even get the chance...
Dawn kicks Buffy in the stomach. She coughs up a little blood.
ANGLE: DAWN. She suddenly realises what she's done. She takes several steps back in shock.
DAWN
I...
The moment of clarity ends. Slayer Dawn is back. She looks disdainfully at all of the Scoobies then glances towards the steps leading into the main part of the house.
DAWN
I'll leave you for a while.
Try not to forget me.
She makes her way up the stairs.
INT. COTTAGE - MAIN FLOOR - DAY
Dawn slams the door shut behind her. She steps over several bodies before stopping. She looks at her hands. For a second she almost seems regretful but again it doesn't last. She rolls her hand into a fist and punches towards the wall.
INT. - COTTAGE CELLAR - DAY
They all hear the impact of Dawn's fist on the wall coming from upstairs. They all sit in silence for a while. Willow turns to them.
WILLOW
Oh my God...
XANDER
So what's her plan? Leave us
down here until we feel so bad
about ourselves we won't care
that she's gonna starve us to
death because right about now
that sounds like a good option.
SPIKE
Oh snap out of it you ponce.
You don't actually believe the
bollocks she was feeling you?
XANDER
(a little down)
Maybe...
SPIKE
If my hands weren't chained
up I'd bloody well knock some
sense into you!
XANDER
What if Anya sees the real
me and wants to leave me.
Spike begins tugging at the chains for the sheer purpose of hitting Xander.
BUFFY
Will you just calm down!
XANDER
He started it!
SPIKE
And he's a self-depreciating
arsehole.
BUFFY
We haven't got time for this.
ANGLE: WILLOW AND TARA. Willow can tell there's something wrong with Tara.
WILLOW
What's wrong, honey?
TARA
N-nothing.
WILLOW
Was it something she told you?
Well it's not true. I don't care
what she says is wrong with
you... it's nothing.
TARA
She... she didn't say anything
about me. It was about...
something else.
(pause)
You think there's something
wrong with me?
WILLOW
No! No, of course I don't. I
love you. You're the most
wonderful human being I've
ever met...
TARA
You've met a lot of people...
WILLOW
But I love you...
TARA
B-but how many people have
you said that too and... and
thought you meant it?
WILLOW
I...
Tara looks sadly at Willow. In her mind she really thinks Dawn was right. Willow notices this despair and looks her in the eyes.
WILLOW
Tara... baby... I love you. Every
time I tell you that I know...
know I mean it. With everyone
else... even with Oz... there was
a doubt. A "what if he doesn't
feel the same". Maybe he did,
maybe he didn't. I don't know...
and I don't care. All I care about
is knowing that when I tell you
how much I love you that you
feel the same about me. And
that's what's important. No
matter what anyone tries
to tell you.
Tara nods. There are tears forming in her eyes but she fights them back.
TARA
Thank you...
Their hands are able to stretch enough in the chains to be able to touch.
ANGLE SPIKE: He's struggling to put the bone in his arm back into place. There's a loud click as he succeeds.
SPIKE
Ugh!
PIKE
Do you have to do that in front
of us?
SPIKE
I do if I don't want it to heal
backwards... which I don't.
There's another pause as they all look up to the doorway. After several moments the silence is broken.
XANDER
I'm sick of this. I'm sick of
waiting for the next round
of "This is Your Crappy Life."
PIKE
What can we do?
They all look to Buffy who's about to speak.
BUFFY
We get out. Now!
BLACK OUT
ACT THREE
INT. COTTAGE - CELLAR
Buffy is struggling with her bonds. She looks over to Willow.
BUFFY
Will, can you undo the
incantation on these?
WILLOW
I... I don't know. I'm not
sure... I mean, what if I
start glowing again and
can't use magic? There'll
be no one to...
BUFFY
Can you try?
WILLOW
I...
Tara, officially getting over her fears, grabs Willow's hand.
TARA
*We* can do this!
Willow looks into Tara's eyes.
WILLOW
A-are you sure?
TARA
As sure as I know I'd do
anything for you.
WILLOW
(nods, to Buffy)
We'll do it.
SPIKE
Just hurry up before Little
Bitch comes back.
Willow and Tara concentrate and the chains that tie them all up glow. Everyone watches hopefully. Buffy struggles to break them but can't. Willow and Tara continue to concentrate. The chains glow even brighter so that everyone has to turn away from it. Suddenly they stop glowing. Willow opens her eyes and looks hopefully at Buffy.
WILLOW
It's done... I think.
TARA
And we made them extra
weak too. Should help.
Buffy pulls forward and the chains seems to crumble from the walls. Spike does the same.
BUFFY
(to Spike)
Get them all out.
Buffy and Spike begin to break Xander, Pike, Willow and Tara free.
XANDER
Thanks. Now all we have to
do is get passed Dawn.
SPIKE
A little harder than it seems
but we can do it.
XANDER
Can I have some of that faith
of yours?
SPIKE
Faith? Bloody ignorance more like.
XANDER
Glad you said it not me!
They share a quick smile.
ANGLE: Pike looks uncomfortably at Buffy.
PIKE
Look... I'm reall sorry.
BUFFY
About what?
PIKE
About believing Dawn's story.
I should've realised it was too
weird to be real.
BUFFY
But if I'd told you Dawn had
been turned into a psychotic
primitive Slayer by the Watchers
you'd have thought the same.
Pike nods but he's still not happy.
PIKE
But the fact remains I was
a terrible judge of character.
Always did have problems with
that...
He affectionately touches Buffy's cheek. We see Spike in the background noticing and looking pretty jealous. Buffy smiles softly at Pike's touch but moves his hand away. He notices her heart isn't quite into it.
PIKE
Something's wrong?
BUFFY
We have to go... and... and things
are too complicated now to think
about...
PIKE
I've been thinking about you since
I left the last time. That's why I
came back in the first place.
BUFFY
Please don't.
Buffy glances over towards Spike without really realising. Pike notices.
PIKE
Oh. I see. I guess it's the second
time you've taken your work home
with you.
(realises how harsh his words sounded)
God... I'm sorry.
BUFFY
No, no... it's not the same. Hell, it's
possibly more complicated. He's
human now.
PIKE
Human?
BUFFY
Long story... one I'll tell you once
we've got outta here. C'mon.
Buffy looks over all the others.
BUFFY
Well what're we waiting for?
She begins to make her way to the stairs. The others follow.
INT. MAGIC BOX - MAIN - DAY
Things definately aren't going well. Giles' hair is a mess and he rubs his forehead in frustration. Anya is getting pretty stressed too.
GILES
Bollocks!
ANYA
Stop swearing and start focusing!
GILES
Oh sod focusing! We're not getting
anywhere and you know it. You can
stop trying to humour me. Not even
the Council with all of its resources
can solve this... they refuse to even
admit they've made a mistake!
(a little angrier)
If I could only get my hands on
Travers and that sycophantic sod
Nigel...
ANYA
...it wouldn't solve anything.
GILES
It'd make me feel a damn sight
better.
ANYA
But it wouldn't help Dawn!
GILES
Short of going into her head
and forcing the Slayer out of
her nothing will!
ANYA
(sadly)
True...
There is a silence as they both look down at the table almost in defeat. Anya suddenly looks up at Giles again.
ANYA
Wait a minute!
GILES
What now?
ANYA
What did you just say?
GILES
Short of going into her head
and forcing the Slayer out of
her nothing's going to help her!
Anya jumps up and slams her fist down on the table in victory.
ANYA
Yes! Of course!
GILES
What? What is it?
ANYA
Why didn't we think of it before?
GILES
Think of what, damn it?
ANYA
Think about it - when Buffy went
all catatonic last year after Glory
took Dawn... Willow joined with
her to bring her out of herself!
Giles looks at her for a while then shakes his head.
GILES
This is different. It couldn't work.
ANYA
Different situation, same principle.
If Willow... or even Buffy can get
into her head... maybe she'll be
able to...
GILES
Fight the Slayer spirit from within...
If there is still Dawn in there...
trapped somehow... Of course!
ANYA
Ha! Me, one. Big clever Watcher,
nothing!
GILES
Only if Buffy isn't too late in
saving Willow...
They look at each other ominously - duh duh duhn!
INT. COTTAGE - MAIN ROOM - DAY
The Scoobies come up from the stairs into the living area. Buffy looks around first, in the direction of the hallway to the exit and the kitchen at the back.
BUFFY
(whispers)
It's clear.
XANDER
(slightly surprised)
You're not going after her?
BUFFY
She'll come after us, I know
it. And I'd rather deal with her
on home turf. C'mon.
She walks forward. They get out into the hallway with Pike at the rear.
INT. COTTAGE - ENTRANCE HALLWAY - DAY
They get out to the door. Buffy tests it.
BUFFY
Unlocked. Let's go.
XANDER
Let's hope she hasn't messed
with my car.
Buffy makes sure Spike, Xander, Willow and Tara are out. She looks over to Pike.
BUFFY
Hurry up.
PIKE
Wait! I heard something.
BUFFY
Then come on!
PIKE
Get the car started!
BUFFY
But...
PIKE
Do it! I'll just make sure the
coast's clear.
Buffy frowns but does what he says. Pike turns around to look into the living room. We hear the front door shut. He looks around until he knows everyone else is safe and begins to make his way around the corner to the door. He tugs at it but it's locked. He struggles with the handle but to no avail.
PIKE
(to himself)
But Buffy just...
He hears someone cough behind him. He turns around slowly to see Dawn with the key. He's suddenly terrified.
(End of Act Three)
ACT FOUR
EXT. COTTAGE - DAY
Buffy runs to the car just as Xander is trying to get his car started.
BUFFY
What's wrong?
XANDER
The keys aren't here! I knew
I left them here!
SPIKE
Lemme see that...
Spike leans forward and starts fiddling under the steering wheel.
XANDER
Stop crushing me!
SPIKE
Hang on... nearly there...
The engine bursts into life.
BUFFY
Great!
WILLOW
Where's Pike?
BUFFY
(looking towards the door)
I don't know...
The door opens suddenly and Dawn emerges holding Pike by the back of the neck with his arm behind his back.
PIKE
Just go!
BUFFY
No!
Buffy runs towards him. Dawn grabs his head and twists it until a sickening snap is heard. Everyone in the car cringes and look in horror.
BUFFY
NNNNOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
She runs towards Dawn who is still holding Pike's body but Willow jumps from the car and pulls her back kicking and screaming.
WILLOW
Buffy! We have to...
BUFFY
(pulling away, interrupting)
No! We can't just...
With Tara's help Willow pulls Buffy into the car. Xander quickly puts it into gear and they drive off as fast as they can.
ANGLE ON: Dawn stands in front of the cottage, still holding Pike's lifeless body as she watches the car leave. She throws him aside with contempt and picks up his motorcycle and begins to ride off in pursuit of the car.
EXT. MAGIC BOX - NIGHT
Establishing shot. Several hours have passed. Xander's car pulls up outside.
INT. MAGIC BOX - MAIN - NIGHT
The Scoobies arrive at the shop. Giles and Anya see the conditions they're all in and rush to help.
GILES
Are... are you all right?
BUFFY
Pike... She got Pike...
GILES
Pike? He came back to Sunnydale?
BUFFY
She... she...
Giles looks at the others, realising he can't get any sense out of Buffy.
XANDER
Dawn killed him. Right in front
of us.
GILES
My God.
Giles rushes to comfort Buffy. Anya walks to Xander and they hug sadly. Willow wraps her arms around Tara. Spike just looks out of place.
BUFFY
I... I have to stop this.
WILLOW
How?
BUFFY
I have... I have to kill Dawn.
Everyone stares at her in shock.
TO BE CONTINUED....
