Slaying: The Next Generation

by Willie Jackson

Episodes 13-15 now available. This is my spin-off of Buffy: The Vampire Slayer that takes place one year after "Chosen" in the deep south. It's a new story with mostly my original characters and a few of Joss Whedon's characters thrown in as well. Written in a script-style format. All credit goes to him for his characters and I own none of the songs that are in this story as well.

11. The Original Chosen One

Slaying: The Next Generation

Episode 11: The Original Chosen One

Alicia (V.O.)

I'm still in shock over what's happened in the last few days . . .

Cut to: Kimberly revealing her siren abilities at the school dance

A soothing voice washes over the gym as a gentle melody gets the demons attention. Looking around, Damian and Mindy notice Kimberly singing an alluring tune and her eyes are a bright sky blue. The remaining demons all slowly make their way to her. Kimberly's hands change into claws as she stabs each demon in its heart killing them instantly. Her eyes return to normal as her song ends.

Kimberly:

There. I said that nothing was going to ruin this dance.

Dana (exhausted):

That would make her a . . .

Kimberly:

Siren baby!

Cut to: Mindy being the first one marked by Damian's seal

Damian (focusing):

(Closing his eyes again, he focuses as the energy around the bright section of the seal starts to rise. The lights in the library flicker on and off as a bright blue dragon rises from the bright section of the seal shocking the group. The dragon immediately lunges for Mindy striking her left arm. She yelps in pain as the energy-laced dragon wraps itself around her left forearm and etches itself onto her skin in a purplish-white hue. Just below her palm, on her wrist, sits the seal but in the center sits the image of an all-seeing eye etched in a deep purple. Damian opens his eyes as the seal dissipates from under him as the energy drain causes him to stumble backwards only to be caught by Samantha.) Whoa, what just happened?

Lucy (awestruck):

I think you just magically tattooed Mindy. (She looks at the new tattoo as it cools down.)

Cut to: Samantha talking to Terrence as he brands her with the seal

Terrence:

He's not to know that we're having this talk.

Terrence:

Sam, I may have created the seal for my family, but it can also be conjured by those with elite magical skill such as you, the goddess and of course Damian.

Samantha:

What makes you think I'm elite? Damian is the strongest magical person in Rosedale other than Willow.

Terrence:

You're elite because of your connection to Damian and it's deeper than your dating relationship. As I said, you two are connected; or, you will be after you take on his dragon mark – that's why I'm here to begin with.

Samantha:

Huh?

Terrence:

Like this (he puts out his hands and conjures the seal and imprints it onto Samantha's left arm. She grimaces as the seal imprints just below her palm on her wrist. The dragon rises from it wrapping around her arm holding the seal in a way similar to the mark on Damian's and Mindy's arm. It etches itself in a lavender hue. In the center of the seal, an image of a spell book and a bluish-white spiral heart appears in deep lavender as the light fades along with Terrence.)

Cut to: Kennedy and Willow realize they already have a mystical key

Kennedy:

I can't believe that we didn't realize it earlier. The key necessary to open the box containing the Orb of Orin is mystical and there's one person that either of us know of that comes anywhere close to that.

Willow (realizing):

It hides in plain sight. Of course, why didn't we think of her?

Kennedy:

Maybe because it's been over a year since we last seen the old gang.

FADE TO BLACK

Cut to: Rosedale Magic Center – Midday

Madam Larissa sits at a table chatting with Damian and Samantha about the revelations about the Orb of Orin as Willow flips through various books looking for a teleportation spell.

Madam Larissa:

You think this key is what you need to reveal the Orb of Orin?

Damian:

We won't know until we give it a shot.

Willow (listening):

I'm not even sure that Dawn has any of the key's power left. I'm trying to see if there's anything about the key since I don't remember much about it.

Damian:

I told you that there should be energy left since not all of it was used to rip through the fabric of the dimensions.

Samantha:

Talk about going on faith here. You two are talking about bringing in the original slayer to Rosedale right? (She sees Damian digging into his backpack bringing out the box containing the Orb of Orin.)

Damian (to Samantha):

That's the plan at the moment. We couldn't ask them to come by plane then Rizu and his gang of thugs will find out about it so we're teleporting them here.

Madam Larissa:

Speaking of Slayers, any idea where our three slayers may be on this fine day?

Samantha (thinking):

Now that I think about it, I haven't seen Alicia or Dana since that night at the club.

Damian:

I know for sure that Elena is spending the day with her mother as they adjust to life around here.

Willow:

Understand that. Kennedy is helping Damian's mom with a surprise she has for you D.

Madam Larissa:

That's good. With the recent quiet we're still in, it's good to keep distracted with something other than fighting evil.

Damian (relaxed):

That's true for sure.

Cut to: Venice, Italy – Night

In the heart of the Italian Riviera sits the town of Venice, a decent sized town well known for its canals. Not much in the way of clubs, people find ways to entertain themselves from parties to roaming the streets looking for trouble. In an apartment on the west side of town, a blonde-haired female throws on a black jacket over a black shirt and red pants. Sticking a stake into her back pocket, she walks to the front door of the apartment.

Woman (yelling):

Dawn, I'm heading out. I have my key so lock up if you leave the place.

Dawn:

(She exits her bedroom wearing a blue and white private school uniform.) Ok Buffy, I'm not heading anywhere so I'll be here.

Buffy:

Stay safe and don't let anyone in. The last thing we need is to go another round with those arachnid demons from last week.

Dawn:

Don't remind me. I still have nightmares after that big one bit me.

Buffy:

We have to be careful around this area. This is not Rome you know. I still haven't found the slayers that live around this area and remember the demons here are after the key.

Dawn:

I'm not a helpless girl these days you know. I thought that once I opened that dimensional gate back in Sunnydale that the power was used up.

Buffy:

The demons around here don't think so. There's belief in the supernatural world that the power of the key can still be accessed.

Dawn (unconvincing):

Yeah right. There's no way I'll believe that anytime soon. These are the times that I wish that Willow was still around.

Buffy:

(She sits onto the sofa next to her sister.) I know but she's training in the Amazon and we haven't heard from her or the rest of the gang in months.

Dawn:

I got an email from Kennedy a few days ago (she pulls it up on her phone) saying that she and Willow are in some Louisiana town called Rosedale. Apparently, that town's sitting on a mystical hotspot or something and she's checking it out. Also, she's training some warlock down there too.

Buffy (surprised):

I didn't know Willow was stateside. I could've told her to check up on the rest of the gang. (The girls' computer rings out getting their attention. Turning it on, they see that someone is calling via Skype and accepting reveals Willow calling from Rosedale's Magic Center.) Hey Willow!

Willow:

Hey Buffy. Hey Dawn.

Buffy:

Thanks for not calling in forever. The last time I saw you, you said you were heading for Brazil.

Willow:

I am training there but I've been in this town in Louisiana called Rosedale for the last few weeks. Something strange is going on here though as mystical energy is everywhere in the area.

Dawn:

Sounds like another hellmouth to me.

Willow:

I don't think so. What's going on here is more magical than anything thus the reason I'm calling. In the last few weeks, I've been working with this powerful warlock here who's gained possession of the Orb of Orin.

Buffy:

That's what a demon around here called Duhmal was looking for several months back. Matter of fact, half the demonic leaders in Europe have been after Dawn and that orb you mentioned since we got here last year. We were never been this busy even when we took out The First.

Dawn:

You have no idea the chaos that's been going on just in Italy alone. We barely stay in one place longer than a month before we head somewhere else to help another slayer.

Buffy:

She's right. So what did you need?

Willow:

How about coming here to Rosedale for a while? We think that Dawn might be the only one who can open the box revealing the Orb of Orin. You can meet the slayers here along with the rest of the demon hunters that roll in this area.

Dawn (excited):

I'm down if it means getting the demons around here off our back. It's hard being the two of us.

Buffy (conceding):

If she's willing to go, then count me in. So, how are we getting there?

Willow:

We'll teleport you in two days.

Buffy (happy):

Can't wait (the conversation ends between the old friends). We better pack for our little trip.

Cut to: Rosedale Park – Afternoon

Children scatter about playing on the various playground attractions as the sun dives in and out of the clouds. Under the main canopy, Mindy and her group of friends hang about watching the younger ones and enjoying the cool, windy day.

Amelia (to Mindy):

So, how'd your sister react to what happened the other night at the club?

Mindy:

She hasn't spoken about it since it happened. She's been unusually quiet and hasn't spoken to anyone or annoyed me. Then again, she still doesn't know that I was behind the whole thing.

Everett:

At least those two finally gave in to their true feelings unlike someone else at this table (he turns to Mindy).

Kimberly (serious):

When are you going to get it through your thick head that she's not interested?

Everett:

I see it as my ultimate conquest.

Mindy (scoffing):

Somebody please shut him up.

Devin (smirking):

I can trap him in a cage of flames.

Nicole:

Scumbags like him deserve worst than that. I'd say we just ignore him.

Everett:

Good luck with that. Hardly anything is going to stop me form . . . (screams are heard from the playground as several hellhounds tear through the park scaring children) except for that.

Mindy (freaked):

We have to get those things out of here before those kids get hurt.

Everett:

I'll get the kids (he gets up and runs in the direction of the trapped young ones).

Nicole:

(She closes her book and starts after him.) I'll help.

Amelia (serious):

Devin and I will get the hellhounds. (She gets up only to be stopped by Kimberly.)

Kimberly (smiling):

Let me (she gets up and walks into the daylight) I haven't shown off all of my powers yet. (Her eyes turn a deep coral as she approaches the five hellhounds that roamed into the playground.) Hey you ugly bunch of dogs! (They all turn to her as she cracks a smile and begins humming a tune. They start toward her when her hands shift into claws and charges the hounds with blinding speed.)

Mindy:

She's something else. Who knew that a siren could do all that? (She watches a Kimberly slices one of the demons killing it before being tackled down by another one.)

Amelia:

We've got to back her up – come on Devin. (They start out to help her when Kimberly belts out a mind crippling scream affecting everyone in the park. Everyone grabs their ears in an attempt to protect themselves from the deafening scream.) What on earth?

Devin (yelling):

It's Kim. She doesn't know that she's affecting all of us. Good thing I know a spell I picked up recently – sorasa reducto! (A red energy covers the ears of the entire group and the children that Everett and Nicole are helping.) Now we can help Kim - inflarium incendo! (Flames shoot out of his hands past Kimberly hitting the hellhounds causing them to collapse in pain.)

Amelia (serious):

Now to get those things out of here - levitatum tornadus sorata! (A huge tornado erupts from her hands sweeping up the hellhounds and blowing them away from the park into the nearby river.) There, that should do it.

Kimberly (gasping):

Thanks for that (she high-fives Devin and Amelia as they return to the group). Sorry for the ear-splitting scream I did; I was trying for something more direct but hey, I'm still getting used to my abilities.

Amelia:

It's cool. At least we got them out of here. Now we need to find out who summoned those things and why they were even here? (Nicole and Everett return after helping the children escape from the park.)

Nicole:

That's a good idea. I can look into that if you want.

Mindy (to Nicole):

Thanks, we don't need any new surprises right now. Devin and Amelia can help you and see what you can find out.

Devin:

You got it.

Cut to: Alicia's Home – Afternoon

Alicia helps her mother with household chores and she tries to clear her head and sort out her emotions after her make-out session with Dana at the club the other night. Lucinda exits her bedroom with a load of laundry walking towards the laundry room. She notices her daughter looking out the living room window deep in thought.

Lucinda (to Alicia):

You shouldn't think about what happened too much (she gets her daughter's attention) so what if you and Dana kissed at the club.

Alicia (bummed):

I wasn't ready to take that step yet. Since then, I've been avoiding talking to her about all of it.

Lucinda:

You can't avoid her forever. Eventually, you two are going to have to talk it out.

Alicia:

I just need time to figure all of this out. I mean, yeah I like her but it feels like we're being forced to hook up. I only came out last year so not everyone is even aware of it.

Lucinda:

I get the feeling it wasn't anything like that. (Her daughter looks at her confused.) The way you two act around each other in the last few weeks, I'm surprised it took your friends that long to catch on.

Alicia (realizing):

Now that I think about it, I think Mindy might've been behind the whole thing and got Damian involved somehow.

Lucinda:

That sounds like something Mindy would do. Now let me give you some advice (she sets down her laundry basket and approaches Alicia) talk to Dana. (A knock at the door gets their attention as she goes to open it.) Hey.

Dana (nervous):

Hey. Is Alicia home?

Lucinda (welcoming):

Of course, come on in. (She walks in and notices her friend on the couch and joins her.) I'll leave you two to talk alone. (She grabs her basket and leaves the room.)

Dana (scared):

I know we need to talk about the other night and what we did and . . .

Alicia (nervous):

Yeah we do. About that, I think Mindy tried to play matchmaker to get us together and then Damian played that song and . . . (she is interrupted by Dana kissing her deeply for several seconds before breaking) that happened.

Dana (shyly):

I've wanted to do what happened at the club so badly these last few weeks it's been driving me crazy. I just didn't know how to bring it up with you and well, after the last two times we kissed, I wasn't sure if you felt the way I do.

Alicia:

Same for me but I was too afraid to ruin our relationship as best friends and fighters. What about the rest of the gang?

Dana:

If you ask me, I think that they'll be fine with it. It's been hard holding back how I feel about you because of all the fighting we've been doing.

Alicia:

I know.

Dana:

Damian's message during his song has a point: we shouldn't live in fear of our feelings. We have an interesting relationship and I want to see where it goes. We have to be true to our hearts.

Alicia:

I would like that. (The two share a quick kiss before reclining on the couch enjoying each other's company.) I figure it was Mindy that made this happen and somehow she got Damian involved.

Dana:

Why doesn't that surprise me one bit? We'll have to thank them when next we see them.

Cut to: Downtown Rosedale – Night

Samantha and Elena walk out of a store with bags of snacks and drinks heading toward their homes. Leaving the heart of downtown, they head in the direction of Elena's apartment.

Elena:

So, you're bringing in the original slayer and her sister in the morning?

Samantha:

Yeah. They think that the power of the key is what needed to open the box with the Orb of Orin.

Elena:

I can't wait to see the person that I've only heard about from my watcher. She's my inspiration as far as my slaying went before I came here. Now I'm part of a gang dedicated to the fight.

Samantha:

For a while myself, it was just me before I met Damian. We developed our magical skills together before that attack by that gator demon Jarga and his tribe that we told you about. Ever since we learned about Alicia being the Slayer, we've been helping them with the fight ever since.

Elena:

I know that I haven't been in Rosedale very long but it feels nice to be part of a tight team like this. With the variety we have, I pity the fool who thinks that they can take all of us at full strength.

Voice:

Now I don't know about that. (A voice gets the girls' attention causing them to turn around. Xarxas stands with his arms folded.)

Samantha (freaked):

Oh shit! Xarxas? What the hell are you doing here?

Xarxas:

Samantha Avarn. I've come to get my revenge for what you did to my witches.

Elena (to Samantha confused):

What is he talking about?

Samantha (freaking):

He's the leader of the black witches who are based in Baton Rouge. I kind of left him in a heap after I stopped him a long time ago.

Xarxas:

Now it's payback time bitch!

Elena:

I'm not going to let that happen. (Melody steps out from behind the demon in her game face.) I figured you'd be here Melody.

Melody (smirking):

Hello Elena. Didn't think you'd see me again. We didn't finish our showdown in Alexandria. Now I can kill you.

Elena:

So not going to happen (she charges the vampire and their battle begins in the middle of the street).

Samantha:

Guess that leaves you and me (she takes a fighter's stance).

Xarxas:

You don't stand a chance. (Holding out his hands, a purplish toxin spews from them forcing Samantha to dodge his attack.) Will you just die already?

Samantha:

I'm going to be the one to kill you – believe me! (She dodges another blast but falls down. Another blast comes her way but she conjures the seal to block it.) Damian, help!

Cut to: Alicia's Home – Night

Mindy arrives home and notices Alicia and Dana snuggled together under a blanket. Lucinda peeks from around the kitchen and signals her to the kitchen. Walking by her sister and her new girlfriend, she glances at them with a smile as she walks into the kitchen.

Lucinda:

I just wanted to ask if you had anything to do with what happened at the club the other night.

Mindy (conceding):

I confess. Getting Alicia and Dana together was my idea. In order to keep it from them, I talked to Damian about singing to their hearts at the club and it worked like a charm.

Lucinda:

That was a dangerous move my daughter but no one was hurt so it's good.

Mindy (smiling):

I know mom but a necessary one. Those two can't keep hiding the true nature of their hearts even if it means being with each other. At least they can be open about . . . (suddenly, her eyes go blinding white as her tattoo begins to glow as well. In her head, she sees Samantha and Elena battling Xarxas and Melody and losing badly. She comes out of her vision with a stunned look on her face.) Oh boy.

Lucinda:

What is it?

Mindy (panicked):

Elena and Sam are in trouble (she runs into the living room bumping into a chair and the sofa facing the girls getting their attention). We got to go – now! Sam and Elena are in a fight against some demon I don't recognize.

Dana:

Well, we can't argue against the lady's visions. (She gets up and walks to the weapons trunk and picks up a broadsword for herself and Alicia.) It's time for the new lovers to rock and roll.

Alicia:

You sure said that right. (She takes the sword form Dana and heads for the door.) Mindy, stay here and call Damian and let him know what you saw.

Mindy:

I'm already ahead of you. (She takes her cell phone out of her pocket and dials a number.)

Cut to: Rosedale Magic Center – Night

Damian sees to the last customer of night as Madam Larissa begins locking the showcases and begins closing for the night. As the customer leaves, Damian packs his things and throws on his backpack and Willow gathers her books.

Damian:

Alright Madam Larissa, I'm out of here.

Madam Larissa:

Ok Damian. I'll see you tomorrow (she waves as he leaves followed by Willow).

Willow:

It'll be nice to see the back of my eyelids after a good day helping others.

Damian:

You can say that again. Come tomorrow morning Sam and I will create the portal that will bring your best friend here from Italy. That will be . . . (looking down, he notices his tattoo glowing erratically before calming down.) Hang on Sam. (His cell phone rings getting his attention.) Hey Mindy, I already know and I'm on my way. (He hangs up and turns to Willow.) We better get to the other side of town. Samantha and Elena have gotten into a fight with something rather nasty.

Willow:

Then let's go then. (They take off in a sprint towards the corner store.)

Cut to: Downtown Rosedale – Night

Samantha is barely hanging on by a thread as Xarxas continues his barrage of toxin attacks. Elena is struggling against Melody as she's thrown onto a bench breaking it in half.

Melody (confident):

I always was the better fighter; you never had a chance against me.

Elena (in pain):

(She struggles to her feet.) You're one to talk. I've gotten better since I've been here (the two charge one another and trade body shots. Elena lands a clean shot to Melody's face knocking her into a nearby bush.) I told you I'm much better than I was in Alexandria.

Melody:

It won't help you now! (She charges again and knocks Elena onto the sidewalk knocking her unconscious.) Told you I'd win.

Samantha (glancing):

Elena! (She starts over but a blast from Xarxas forces her back.)

Xarxas:

I'm your opponent so your attention should be on your own life. (He charges and grabs her by her shirt.) One touch from me onto your skin and you'll be dead in minutes. Now to exact my revenge on what you did to my witches – goodbye you stupid . . .

Damian (shouting):

Vorsate! (A burst of blue energy streaks through the night hitting Xarxas in the side knocking him down and forcing him to release his grip on Samantha. Looking up, she sees Damian standing next to Willow with his arm stretched out.) Hey there.

Samantha (scared):

Damian (she rushes to his side and hugs him.) How did you know?

Damian: (smiling):

(He holds up his arm revealing his tattoo.) You know, these things are more than just for show. I rigged them to tell me and everyone that's connected when someone's in trouble. (They see Xarxas get back to his feet with a scowl on his face.)

Xarxas (angry):

Who in the hell has the gall to strike me? (He looks over and sees Samantha has joined Damian and Willow.) No way, the warlock with the seal – now this is my lucky day.

Damian (serious):

No one lays a finger on my girl and gets away with it.

Further down the street, Melody stands above an unconscious Elena as she kicks her into a light pole.

Melody:

You know, this was way too easy. I should've known you don't have what it takes to kill your old best friend. (A tap on the shoulder forces her to turn around.)

Dana:

Excuse me (she punches Melody in the face knocking her down). She doesn't need a friend like you when she's got a gang like us. (Alicia comes charging in and tackles the vampire to the street.) Help Damian. I can handle her on my own.

Alicia:

If you say so (she walks up and gives her a quick kiss) then good luck. (She rushes over to Damian's battle with Xarxas.) What's the deal with him?

Samantha:

His name's Xarxas, a toxic demon whom I had an encounter with during my time in Baton Rouge some time ago. I beat him back then and he's still holding a grudge.

Damian (scoffing):

What a surprise. These things don't know when to quit.

Xarxas:

I didn't sign up for all of this – Melody, let's get out of here. We'll finish this another time.

Melody (in pain):

Fine, I was hoping to get rid of poor Elena tonight but now the odds are against us. Let's go. (The two rush for the woods next to the street heading back to the caves.)

Samantha (relieved):

That was a little too close for comfort.

Alicia:

You're telling me. If Mindy didn't get that vision (she turns to Damian) and by the way I need to thank you for what you two did for Dana and me, then we wouldn't have known about this whole mess out here. (Dana and Elena join up with the rest of the group.)

Elena (confused):

When did you all get here?

Damian:

Someone sent a supernatural distress signal. Now let's all go home and get some sleep. We have a guest to welcome tomorrow.

Cut to: Rosedale Caves – Night

Melody and Xarxas return from the battle disgusted with the way things went down. Rizu walks out of an adjourning cave and notices his friends.

Rizu:

I take it things didn't go too well tonight?

Xarxas (frustrated):

We had our respective revenge plans in full motion until that blasted warlock and another slayer showed up and ruined the fun.

Melody (in pain):

It still hurts where that slayer tackled me into the street.

Rizu:

I guess that I shouldn't be surprised. My guess is that warlock has started expanding his power so now he can sense when others are in trouble. We're going to have to think outside the box and I've been looking into our next mission.

Xarxas:

What are you up to you old bat?

Rizu:

You'll find out soon enough. (He walks back to the cave he came out of. He enters a room with several demons chained together on the wall.) It's almost time, soon you'll take me to the jewel that sits at the bottom of that crazy lake.

Female Demon #1:

There's no way you're getting your hands on that thing.

Rizu:

We'll see about that – ha, ha, ha!

Cut to: Rosedale Magic Center – Morning

The whole gang assembles in the shop as Damian and Devin clear the back wall as the preparations are underway to open the portal. Willow opens a book to the spell they are going to use.

Willow:

I have the spell right here. You two think you can run it through the seal?

Damian (smiling):

That shouldn't be a problem at all.

Alicia:

I haven't been this excited in quite a while.

Dana:

Not since me?

Alicia (apologetic):

Sorry sweetie. You know what I mean.

Mindy (admiring):

You two are perfect for each other.

Damian (serious):

Alright, it's time to do this (he turns to Samantha) you ready?

Samantha:

I'm ready.

Damian:

Willow, where are we aiming this portal spell?

Willow:

Venice, Italy. The spell will do the rest.

Holding out both of their hands, their hands begin to glow their respective colors as the seal forms in front of each magical person. On a far wall, the seals merge and open a portal as it extends deep into the wall. Several seconds later, in the brightness of the portal, two females – one with blonde hair wearing a red jacket carrying an unique weapon and a shorter brunette wearing a blue fleece – exit the portal and each is carrying a suitcase. The portal closes behind them as Damian and Samantha, now drained, to relax in the chairs behind them.

Dawn (elated):

Hey Willow! (She rushes into her arms.)

Willow (happy):

Hey Dawn. It's been a long time.

Buffy (smiling):

Hey Will (she hugs her best friend) good to see you.

Kennedy (peeved):

I haven't seen you in ages, commander.

Buffy (smirking):

How have you been Ken? (The two share a hug.)

Willow:

Same for me Buff. Things have been rough in Europe huh?

Dawn:

You have no idea. Those idiots over there are after this Orb of Orin and me for the last year.

Damian:

That confirms my suspicions (he takes out the box containing the Orb of Orin) regarding this.

Buffy:

I take it this is the warlock you've been working with for the last few weeks.

Damian (smiling):

Pardon my rudeness. I haven't introduced myself. I'm Damian DiMarco (the two shake hands) and these are Rosedale's demon hunters. (The group all waves their hellos.)

Buffy:

It's nice to meet all of you.

Dawn (curious):

So, what's with the box you're holding?

Damian:

As you've already heard, we believe that you're the key to opening this thing and revealing the Orb of Orin. I got this thing recently but we're no closer to opening it. Why don't you give it a try Dawn?

Buffy:

Are you sure this won't erase her?

Willow:

We're not sure.

Damian:

You worry too much. Nothing will happen to her.

Dawn:

Sure I guess (she gets the box from Damian).

Immediately, the box responds to the key's presence within Dawn and begins to fragment forcing her to set it on the table. The box reformats itself into the shape of a sphere and fills with bluish-white energy and the Seal of Azarth imprints itself in the mist of energy. The sphere rises and floats toward Damian.

Willow:

So this is the Orb of Orin – a mystical sphere of power belonging to the lord of magic. (She notices Damian getting a closer look at it.) That might not be a good idea.

Damian:

(He steps back from the orb with a curious look.) You're probably right but the question remains: now that we have it; what do we do with it?

Madam Larissa:

Leave that to me (she walks up and takes the orb from the table) I'll keep it safe. I may be the shop owner, but I also am keeper of the Orbs of Destiny. Getting this one has been a chore but thanks to you guys, it's in safe hands. I'll put this away. (She takes the orb and walks to the back.)

Samantha:

That's it? I thought there'd be more to it.

Damian (shrugging):

Oh well, no use crying over spilled milk. Hey Buffy and Dawn, how about I show you ladies around town and help you find a place to crash.

Elena (awestruck):

Leave that to me. There's a vacant apartment near me and I'd love to get to know the original Slayer.

Alicia (peeved):

You're not the only one. (The ladies argue as they leave the shop with Buffy and Dawn.)

BLACKOUT