"So let's summarize: Everyone has been attacked by Jason Voorhees, Michael Myers, Xenomorphs, and of course Yautja, aka Predators. That sum it up?" Athena said, counting on her fingers as she stated each monster's name(s).
"That would sum it all up." Neil replied.
Everyone turned to look at the resident expert, aka Giles.
"I confess I am utterly confounded. There are magicks that can create illusions of such beings, but not that can give them physical murderous life. There is no known case that I am aware of, except…" Giles started.
"Except?" Artemis prodded.
"There was an old story that went around in Watcher circles of a hexed video cassette recorder that could bring characters to life from any tape played with it. The now-real characters would exist until the recorder was unplugged. There was no proof of its existence...until now it seems." Giles explained.
"That's why Jason, Michael, and the others vanished like that." Ares reasoned.
"Yeah. That makes sense." Xander said.
"This would almost be cool if it wasn't so fucked up." Faith commented.
"True." Xander nodded.
"So we need to smash the VCR to stop this." Buffy observed.
"I am afraid that may not work Buffy. The recorder instantly repairs even the most grievous damage inflicted upon it, rendering it essentially indestructible." Giles explicated.
"Oh goodie." Buffy grumbled.
"If force is ineffective, then a magical solution is required." Lilith stated.
"Where is the video cassette recorder at present?" Diana inquired.
Willow went to the library computer, activated it, and started searching. After a few moments, she looked up and said:
"Sunnydale PD has it. It must be in their evidence room."
"Well, that makes sense. It was at a crime scene and undoubtedly still running when the cops were searching the buildi-" Helen began when she was interrupted by Dawn and Joyce rushing into the library.
"Mom?! Dawn?! What's wrong?!" Buffy asked worriedly.
"Didn't you guys hear?! Its all over the news!" Dawn exclaimed.
"What's all over the news?" Apollo asked, confused.
"The police department is under attack!" Joyce cried.