|
Buffy vs. Dracula (August 23, 2000) Written by: Marti Noxon | ||
| Teaser | ||
|
INT. BUFFY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT (NIGHT ONE) Buffy and Riley lie in bed together. Riley is sleeping soundly but Buffy is wide-eyed and restless. She looks over to Riley… Makes a decision. She climbs quietly out of bed, leaving Riley undisturbed. EXT. GRAVEYARD - NIGHT (NIGHT ONE) CLOSE ON A MAN'S LEGS as he RUNS as fast as he possibly can… CLOSE ON Another set of legs, female this time, chasing after the man. WIDEN TO SHOW That this is Buffy, who pursues the fleeing VAMPIRE at an astounding pace. The intensity of her pursuit is wild, almost animal… Like a leopard springing after it's prey… WHOMP! Buffy bounds onto a headstone, pushes off it and LEAPS onto the vampire, bringing him violently to the ground. Buffy and the vampire struggle in the mud for a few beats before she STRADDLES HIM and brings her stake down hard, dusting him. CLOSE ON BUFFY As she rises from the kill, breathing hard - eyes shining deadly… INT. BUFFY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT (NIGHT ONE) Buffy quietly climbs back into bed, pulls the covers up. Unaware of her absence, Riley instinctually pulls her close. Buffy relaxes into the embrace - and falls asleep. BLACK OUT.
| ||
| Act One | ||
|
EXT. BEACH - DAY (DAY TWO) We're on a lovely, sunny beach. Buffy's going out for a FOOTBALL PASS that Riley just threw. Both Buffy and Riley are in beachwear (Buffy in cute swim shorts and a tank top…) Buffy snatches the ball from the air, jumps around in triumph.
Touchdown! Yes! Go team Me! Buffy carelessly tosses the ball back to Riley. It's short. Riley misses it.
Anybody ever told Team You that the quarterback throws like a girl? Riley grins and sends the ball flying back to Buffy, who catches it, smiling innocently
I do? Buffy lets loose a ZINGER - hurtling the ball toward Riley with slayer force. Riley catches it in the GUT and goes flying, hitting the ground hard. ANGLE - WILLOW, XANDER, ANYA and TARA Who react to this. Willow and Tara, in a cozy space, share a blanket. Xander's tending to a little BBQ, trying in vain to get a fire started.
I'm exhausted just looking at those two. The splashing and the jumping and the running… Shouldn't relaxing involve less exertion?
Absolutely. Exertion can lead to sweatiness.
Which can cause the pain and heartbreak of stinkiness. Better to just stay put.
I think we've just put our finger on why we're the sidekicks. Now Buffy and Riley come running up, out of breath and happy.
Game over? Riley holds up the football, which is completely squashed.
Buffy slayed the football.
It was an accidental… slew. (then/ to Xander) Where are the burgers?
Yeah man, I'm starving. Cow me.
I'd love to make with the moo but the fire's not cooperating. I think this charcoal is made out of water.
What's the deal, Xand? I thought you were a cow griller by trade.
Well they had a newfangled gas stove at the burger place.
Plus they fired him in like a day.
Anya embarrassing me in public! Who saw that comin'?
(to others) He's fine. He's back to working muscle-y construction.
Not for long. The job is over in a couple weeks - then all my ends will be loose again.
Tell me about it. I'm kind of in drift mode myself these days.
You're not drifty. You have school.
Yeah - but I'm not even sure what I'm doing. (back to Xander) I mean, I figure I do want my masters in psychology… But, there's different areas… The new advances in psycholinguistics are intriguing - but I've really always thought of myself as a congnative neurobiology guy. Xander just looks at him. Finally-
I hear ya.
(offers/ to Riley) I do. Really. I was gonna structure my major around computer science - but now I don't know… what if drama class is awesome? Do I cast off the safe and dependable for the exhilarating unknown?
Maybe you should take the class before you re-think your life plan. I mean, it's not like the Goddess Thespia rules your seventh house. Tara and Willow bust up at this apparently funny thought. Everybody else just looks at them. Willow tries to explain chuckling all the while-
Ohhh, God… See that's… The Goddess Thespia - she was a total drama queen and… (running out of steam) The seventh house, that's like when… Ahhhh… Whooo…
(embarrassed) It's okay. I keep forgetting - jokes should have funny parts.
It was funny. Super funny and clever and… (giving up) Fire ready yet? Xander shakes his head, no. He's supremely frustrated.
It's comforting to know I lack the culinary finesse of a caveman. Willow casually waves a hand.
(Latin) Ignis incede. (translation) Fire arise. WOOOSH! The grill is suddenly ablaze. Everyone reacts.
Willow! Check you out! Witch-fu!
(falsely humble) It's no big. You just have to balance the elements, so when you affect one you don't end up causing- BOOM! Willow's interrupted by a SUDDEN THUNDER CLAP. Out of nowhere, clouds gather and a dramatic change in weather ensues… The kids scramble to get out of the sudden downpour. Willow protests-
I didn't do it! I didn't do it! BOOM AGAIN! Lighting flashes and we- SMASH CUT TO: EXT. SPOOKY CASTLE - MATTE SHOT - NIGHT (NIGHT TWO) High on a hill sits an imposing, creepy CASTLE. EXT. SPOOKY CASTLE - NIGHT (NIGHT TWO) It's pouring rain and lightning CRACKS again and again. A delivery truck rolls up to the gate and parks… ON TRUCK As TWO UNHAPPY MOVERS jump out of the cab. They open the back of the truck, revealing a HEAVY rectangular CRATE, which they struggle to unload.
Huffy it up. I'm getting soaked.
I'm trying. This thing weighs -- Mover #1 lets his end slip. The crate crashes to the ground. Mover #2 shakes his head, exasperated.
Nice. Good job. Now they see that the side of the crate is busted. Dirt spills onto the ground from inside the box.
Look at this. Guy's carting dirt around. SLOW PUSH IN as Mover #1 leans over the crate to examine it for more damage… Very shmuck baity… WHAMP! A hand falls hard on Mover #1's arm. Mover #1 starts - but it's just his coworker.
Leave it. We'll turn it on it's side. Mover #1 nods and Mover #2 start to turn the crate.
Dirt… Man, rich people are- WHAMP AGAIN! A HAND SUDDENLY BURSTS THROUGH THE CRATE AND SLASHES MOVER #1'S NECK WITH RAZOR SHARP NAILS. Mover #1 drops, gasping… mover #2, horrified, starts to back away, but now the entire CRATE SHATTERS as a dark-clad figure BURSTS OUT OF IT - BLACKING OUT THE FRAME. INT. GILES' LIVING ROOM - DAY (DAY THREE) Willow and Giles stand over Willow's laptop, which is now connected to a NEW COMPUTER SCANNER. Willow adjusts a few wires, then tests the machine. It works.
There you go. All set.
Thank you, Willow. That obstinate machine simply refused to work for me.
Just call me the computer whisperer. (then) Well - let's get scanning. I want to see this puppy go. Giles hands her a bunch of volumes of an ancient text.
You can start with these.
(expression falling) Start? Where is finish?
It's essential that we begin archiving the library, Willow. Most of these texts have no duplicates.
But - now? Doesn't winter seem more like archiving season? Nothing like a nice warm cup of cocoa and some archivin', I always say. Or, I plan to say that…
You don't have to, Willow. You're welcome to go if-
No. it's fine. It's just, you've been Mr. Project all summer. I mean, labeling the amulets, indexing your diaries… (not unkindly) I draw the line at making giant rubber band balls. That's when you'll just have to get a life. Giles takes this in. Nods and sits.
That's what I'm trying to do, actually. Get a life.
Might go better if you left the house.
Willow. You musn't repeat What I'm about to say to you. Especially not to Buffy.
Uh oh.
Do you swear?
(anxious) Oh God… I guess. Now that I know there's something to know - I can't not know just because I'm afraid someone will know I know, you know?
(baffled) Did you mean yes?
Yeah…
We're doing all this because I want you and the others to have everything you need at your fingertips. You see, I'm going back to England. Willow, stunned, tries to take this in.
You're - what? But you can't. You're Buffy's watcher. I mean, in a fired way.
It's become quite obvious that Buffy doesn't need me anymore. And I don't say that out of self pity, I'm quite proud, actually.
(desperate) But what about the rest of us? We still need to be watched. Personally, I can't get through a day without a little hairy eyeball.
I appreciate the sentiment, but it's just not so. You'll be fine. You all will. (kindly) And we'll stay in touch. You can call me whenever you like. (off her silence) It's time from me to get on with it, Willow. I need to find out what's next for me - and England's my home. Willow can't argue that. She nods - but she's still dazed, disbelieving.
When are you going to tell Buffy?
Soon. I'll know when the moment's right.
It better be soon. A girl can only contain "I have a secret face" for so long.
I promise. (then) It won't be easy, but I know she'll understand. INT. RILEY'S PLACE - RILEY'S ROOM - NIGHT (NIGHT THREE) CLOSE ON BUFFY She looks very unhappy.
No way. This is so wrong. WIDEN TO SEE That she's helping Riley clean his room. Currently she's examining a plate she's just pulled from under his bed. Something black and moldy grows there.
Take this away. Whatever it is.
It's tuna. Or… a pop tart. He throws it out. Moves to the dresser, picks through clothes.
That's it. I'll face monsters, but I'm done helping you clean.
You're not seeing the whole sexy bohemian thing? 'Cause I had it on good authority that chicks dig slack.
Actually I'm starting to miss the whole military fold-your-clothes- with-a-ruler experience. A shadow crosses his face at the mention of his past life, but he recovers instantly with:
You should talk. Your drawer's a mess. He lifts a sexy, frilly underthing out of Buffy's drawer.
(joking) -- oh, no. That's my drawer. Sorry. Buffy moves to him, flirtatious.
You sure that's yours? Looks kinda…snug.
Maybe you should try it on. You know - just so we can see who it belongs to.
Ooh. I'd love to. They kiss. Then Buffy draws away, regretful.
But I promised my mom I'd hang at the homestead tonight. She's bummed that I'm going back to the dorm - feeling all empty nesty.
That's cool. I gotta get through all this - hey, old mail. Bonus. Riley starts to thumb through the mail - something he sees stops him. His face clouds a little but Buffy doesn't pick up on it. She stands and gets ready to go.
I'd better scram. I'm late.
(distracted) Okay… Say hi to your mom. They kiss and Buffy's gone. A beat. Then Riley opens the piece of mail that stopped him, his grave expression returning. It's not a bill - it's a letter. He reads it. Clearly grows angry, he throws it out. INT. BUFFY'S DINING ROOM - NIGHT (NIGHT THREE) Buffy and Joyce are finishing up dinner.
Thanks, mom. Everything was mega yum.
Are you up for desert? We could take a drive, get some ice cream.
I would - but I have to get out and patrol.
Now? It's 8:30. Buffy, a little antsy - start to get up to clear the dishes.
Vamps don't care what time it is, mom. Dark equals dinner bell. Joyce is disappointed, but she tries to be a good sport.
Right. Of course… (then) I'm going to have you to get used to this place without you again. It gets so quiet.
(kindly) You should get a pet. A loud one.
Not a cat. Too pathetic.
Understood. How about a rat? Amy makes a lot of noise on that little wheely thing.
Too creepy.
Then a puppy. One of those kinds with the smooshy face.
Maybe. I'll think about it.
Good… This was great though
It was.
We'll do it again when school starts. Make a regular date night. Buffy kisses Joyce, then --
Sorry. Duty calls. It's a total drag. EXT. GRAVEYARD - NIGHT (NIGHT THREE) CLOSE ON BUFFY Who looks like she's enjoying her duty quite a bit. She's rolling on the ground again with another vampire. This one is a whole lot bigger than her - but, again, Buffy fights with primal, animal intensity. ANGLE In the shadows, a man is watching her. Dark, piercing eyes stare intently… ANGLE BUFFY As Buffy gets the upper hand with the huge vamp. We hear her kill it in an (off camera) dust. Buffy sits up, breathing hard again… ANGLE As the man whose been watching her steps into the light. He's wearing faintly old world clothes and a cape. He's dark and incredibly handsome - and his eyes are particularly commanding. He exudes an air of elegance and power. When he speaks, he reveals a slight Eastern European accent…
An impressive hunt. Such power. Buffy, immediately sensing this creature's strength, stands warily…
That was no hunt. That was just another day on the job. Care to step up for some overtime?
We are not going to fight. Buffy takes this in, baffled. What's this guy's deal?
(sardonically) Do you understand what a slayer is? Now the man smiles knowingly.
Do you? A tiny bit shaken by the man's self-assuredness and the question itself, Buffy asks-
Who are you?
I apologize. I assumed you know. (a beat/then) I am Dracula. A beat. Then, impressed despite herself, Buffy blurts --
Get out! BLACK OUT.
| ||
| Act Two | ||
|
EXT. STREET NEAR GRAVEYARD - NIGHT (NIGHT THREE) Xander and Willow stroll, enjoying ice-blended mochas.
(re: drink) There's something in these. If I don't' get my daily fix I start to get itchy.
Well you gotta stop ordering the Crackachino. What do you got, double espresso in there? It's not safe.
But it makes me so cute and mood-swingy!
Yay… They sip away for a moment. Then --
Xand? What if somebody had a secret, and that somebody promised somebody else that she wouldn't tell anyone, and-
(cutting her off) News flash, will. Everybody knows.
It's not about me and Tara.
Oh. Not that I wouldn't be all ears if you wanted to tell me a secret about you two. Even if it was very, very naughty.
Sorry. This is of the non-naughty variety. And I'm not telling. They have now arrived at the entrance to THE GRAVEYARD.
'Kay. Want to see if Buffy's hanging 'round the headstones?
Sure. Anyway, if I did tell you - which I'm not going to… They move off as Willow continues to waffle. EXT. GRAVEYARD - NIGHT (NIGHT THREE) Buffy's still trying to digest the fact that she's face to face with DRACULA. He gazes at her, fearless, daring her to come at him… She tries to shrug off the powerful vibe he's sending.
So - let me get this straight. You're Dracula. The guy. The count.
I am.
This isn't just a fanboy thing, is it? 'Cause I've fought more than a couple of pimply, overweight vamps who called themselves "Lestat."
You know who I am. As I would know without question that you are Buffy Summers. Buffy can't help herself. She's drawn in - and a little flattered. Dracula moves a little nearer - and she doesn't stop him.
You've heard of me?
Naturally. You're known throughout the world.
Naw!… Really?
(smiles) Why else would I come here? For the sun? (then) I came to meet the renowned killer. Buffy's face clouds at this.
I prefer the term "Slayer." "Killer" just sounds so…
Naked?
Like I paint clowns or something. I'm the good guy, remember? Dracula smiles at her foolishness.
Come now. You can't deny your history.
What do you mean, history? I hail from a long line of white hats, period.
Perhaps. But your power is rooted in darkness. You must feel it. His attitude and the turn the conversation has taken clearly troubles Buffy. She's ready for fighting.
No, you know what I feel? Bored. With that - Buffy lunges at Dracula. But the only thing she catches is dirt. She's on the ground and Dracula, miraculously, is now some distance away from her. He moves so quickly, it's as if he can appear and disappear at will. Buffy recovers and flies violently at him again. This time he avoids her by MORPHING INTO MIST and drifting away. Buffy spins, looking for him to reappear.
(frustrated) Okay. That's cheating. Now XANDER AND WILLOW arrive on the scene. They don't see Dracula - just Buffy on high alert.
Hey Buff. What's up?
Yeah, you look like you saw a --
(urgently) Get out of here. Now. ON XANDER AND WILLOW As Dracula de-mists behind them. They're oblivious.
Fine. I was going to give you a sip of my double mint mocha but-
Behind you! Xander and Willow turn around - face to face with Dracula. Xander takes in his look - and can't help but be amused. Willow, on the other hand, swallows hard, immediately cowed.
(small) Hi. They back up, bracing for a fight, while Dracula slowly advances on them.
Nice. Look whose got a bad case of Dark Prince envy.
Leave us. The accent is too much for Xander.
No, we're not going to "Leabbb you." And where'd you get that accent, Sesame Street? "One, Two, Three - three victims! Maw ha ha!"
Xander, I'm pretty certain that's Dracula. A beat as Xander digests this. Then he stammers nervously-
Wow. Really? Hey, sorry man… I was just, jokin' around… Dracula ignores him, turning instead to Buffy.
(smiles ruefully) This is not the time. I will see you soon. With that, Dracula LAUNCHES TOWARD XANDER AND WILLOW. They hit the deck but DRACULA FLIES OVER THEM, his cape rippling behind him as HE MORPHS INTO A BAT. Buffy sees the bat coming toward her and also hits the dirt. The bat flies over Buffy's head and she starts to FLAIL madly.
Bat! Eww! Bat!! But Dracula just takes off, disappearing into the night. A beat, then.
(scoffing) Oh, yeah. Vampires can't even do that- (realizing) How'd he do that?! OFF BUFFY Shaken, watching Drac retreat. INT. GILES' LIVING ROOM - NIGHT (NIGHT THREE) Buffy, Willow, Xander, Tara, Anya, Giles and Riley are assembled in Giles' living room. Buffy, Willow and Xander are all pretty hyped up from their Dracula encounter, talking excitedly and jumping all over each other's sentences-
…so then Buffy's all - look out! - and then friggin' Dracula's standing right behind us and can I just say he's in serious need of a monster make-over?
And then he lunges at us - Like WOOSH, and-
He totally looked shorter in person-
I told you he'd heard of me, right? Can you believe that? Count Famous heard of me?
I couldn't believe it the first twenty times you told us, but it's starting to sink in now.
Sorry. Am I repeato girl? I guess I'm a little blown away.
It's not that surprising that he knows you, Buffy. You are the slayer.
I guess. But the way he said it, he made it sound so-
Sexy. I bet he made it sound sexy.
Kinda. He of the dark, penetrating eyes and lilty accent…
(to Willow) You thought Dracula was sexy?
(oops) What? Oh, no. he was - yuck.
Right. Except for the whole tall, dark and handsome thing. Yucko.
How would you know?
(casually) Oh, we hung out a few times.
You "hung out" with Dracula?
(wistfully) Back in my demon days. Only once or twice. He was really cool. (off their looks) You know - from an evil thing perspective.
(bristling) Please. He was no big whoop…
No big whoop? What about the thing where he turned into a bat? That was awesome.
It must have been. I have to admit - I'm sorry I missed that.
Me too. I kept thinking - gosh, I wish Giles were here. He'd know what to do. (to Buffy and Xander) Didn't you guys? Think that? Giles looks embarrassed. He knows what Willow's trying to do. Buffy and Xander are both a bit mystified at being put on the spot.
Ahhh - definitely.
Actually, I was more thinking - "BAT!!"
So how come he can do that?
I've no idea. There's a great deal of myth about Dracula - I'd imagine the trick to defeating him is in separating the fact from the fiction.
Great point! It's so Giles to think of something like that. Which we would have never.
Right… I guess we should take things slow with Dracula. He said we'd meet again, but I'd like to avoid it until we do some serious homework-
I don't know. He may have a Bunch of swell party tricks but he's still just a vampire. I say we load up with stakes and crossbows and go after him now.
(raises his hand) Second.
No, Buffy's right. Dracula's too slick to fall for the usual stuff.
So we hold off. No killing until we know exactly what we're dealing with. Riley tries to joke, but he's obviously uneasy.
You're not just saying that because of those dark, penetrating eyes of his, are you?
No, his eyes were just - there was no penetration. Cross my heart.
Alright. Willow, you and Tara find anything you can on the actual legend of Vlad the Impaler on the internet. I'll search the library.
(frustrated) If the Initiative was still around we'd be able to find everything on this guy in a few hours.
We may not be as fast - but we'll find him. Let's say we reconvene here in the morning? Everyone agrees, moves to leave. Riley goes to Buffy.
So what's your plan?
Big sleep. My count encounter wiped me out.
I'm kind of wired. Maybe I should just let you rest.
You sure? I bet if you just lay down with me-
Nothing you are about to say will lead to rest.
(smiles) Good point. So I'll see you here?
With donuts.
Ummm. Heaven. They kiss. Then --
See? A little sugar and I'm all yours. Dracula Shmakula. EXT. STREET - NIGHT (NIGHT THREE) Xander walks home with Anya who is all atwitter over Dracula. We see (but they don't) that they are being watched and followed by a WOLF, who creeps behind them, hidden in the shadows.
…I doubt he'd remember me. I was just a silly young thing - 700 or so. But he did say that the guy I cursed was doomed forever. Which was sweet, don't you think?
(unhappily) Adorable.
I mean, it was a great spell. I made this jerk incredibly fat, like a human mini-van. You know you should just mention my name if you see him again…
(fuming) Or better yet - why don't you just go sit on a crypt and flaunt your neck cleavage until he shows up? Then you two can talk private.
Please. Don't tell me you're jealous.
Oh no. Just because you're panting over the guy-
I am not panting. And besides, why can't I get a little swoony now and then? You have Miss Tool Belt. Xander, caught, stammers --
Miss - who? Tool… That's so- (changing tactics) You've been snooping!
I was not. If you don't want me to find your booby calendar, don't hide it with the dental floss. They stop as they come to a corner.
Now stop being silly. (gives him a peck) See you tomorrow.
You don't want to come back to my place?
It's "whites" day, remember? The bleach smell makes me nauseous. She moves off. Xander calls after her.
Fine. I suppose Dracula doesn't' use bleach, huh? He's a darks only man! But Anya's gone. Xander, supremely irked, heads around the corner- EXT. ANOTHER PART OF THE STREET - NIGHT (NIGHT THREE) -- and runs RIGHT INTO DRACULA. Practically comes out of his skin. A beat - then he finds his voice.
Great. Perfect… Know what? You're not so big. One round of old fashioned fisticuffs, and I bet you'd fold like a bitty baby… (then/dukes up) Okay. Lets do it. No "poofing." Xander's dancing around, getting ready to rumble.
Come on, Puffy Shirt. Pucker on up, 'cause you can kiss your pale ass good- Dracula levels Xander with a deadly stare.
Silence.
Yes, Master. Xander looks appalled. That's the last thing he meant to say.
No! That's not- Dracula holds a hand out and Xander falls silent despite himself.
You will be my emissary. My eyes and ears in daylight… (then) The slayer. I want to know everything. From this point on, Xander grows more captivated. Falling deeper and deeper into Dracula's thrall. Going fully RENFIELD.
Your emissary…
Serve me well and you'll be rewarded. I'll make you an immortal. A child of darkness, feeding on life itself, on blood…
(growing excited) Blood. Yes, yes… I will serve you, your excellent spookiness- (off Dracula's look) -or Master. I'll just stick with Master.
Go now. Xander eagerly starts off into the darkness. Then he turns back.
But, Master, how can I find - ? He stops. Dracula is gone. Xander takes this in appreciatively.
Brilliant. What an exit. Guy's a genius. A beat - then Xander starts to GIGGLE maniacally. He's on the crazy-train express. INT. SPIKE'S CRYPT - NIGHT (NIGHT THREE) Riley moves stealthily into Spike's crypt, which is dark and seemingly empty. He moves to the sarcophagus and starts to lift the lid when a voice stops him-
Well, well. You can take the boy out of the Initiative, but you can't take the initiative out of the boy, can you? Riley turns to see SPIKE moving out of the shadows, crossbow in hand.
I'd put that down unless you're bucking for one hell of a headache. Spike sets it aside.
Can't be too careful. Got quite a few demons after me these days… (then) Where's your better half? Bet she wouldn't like you being here at night all by your lonesome. It's dangerous.
Cut the crap, Spike. I'm looking for some information.
Then I demand my heckling time. Got to be a give and take, right?
(sighs) Give me something useful and you can talk all the trash you want.
I'll play.
What can you tell me about Dracula? Spike reacts to the name, fully contemptuous and more than a bit jealous. He lights a cigarette, sighs.
Dracula? Poncy bugger owes me eleven pounds for one thing.
You know him?
Know him? We're old rivals. But then he got famous and forgot all about his foes… (then) I'll tell you what, that glory hound's done more harm to vampires than any slayer. His story gets out and suddenly everybody knows how to kill us, the mirror bit…
But he's not just a regular vampire. He has special powers, right?
(scoffs) Nothing but showy Gypsy stuff. What's it to you, anyway?
He's in town, making his presence known. Now Spike's interested. Puffs up a bit.
Drac's in Sunnydale? Guess the old boy needed closure after all.
Actually - seems like he might be gunning for Buffy. But I'm out to find him before he gets another shot at her.
Tough talk, cowboy. But you're not going to catch him napping in a crypt. No, "The Count" has to have his luxury estate and his bug- eaters and his special dirt, doesn't he?
So you're saying I should check out mansions? That sort of thing? Spike stamps out his cigarette and starts to exit the crypt.
No, I'm saying you should go home to your superhoney and have a nice, safe snog. You're out of your depth on this one, boy. Beat.
You've helped Buffy before. Chips were down, you jumped sides long enough to make yourself useful. So she has a problem with killing you now that you're helpless. (beat) I don't.
(steps up) I'd like to see you try.
(steps up, is much taller) Would you? A beat and Spike backs off. Riley exits silently, Spike staring daggers.
(calls after) You're never gonna find him! (softer) Not before he gets to her… INT. BUFFY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT (NIGHT THREE) Buffy's sleeping soundly when we notice the wind pick up outside her room… A mist forms at the window, then seeps under the crack and slithers across the floor to Buffy's bed. The breeze now seems to be IN THE ROOM, whispering through her window sheers… CLOSE ON BUFFY As she senses the intrusion. Sits up - and GASPS when she sees Dracula at her bed, looking down at her. She's about to strike out when he holds a finger to his mouth. She quiets despite herself - can only submit to his lingering gaze… He looks at her for a long beat, then, finally-
You're magnificent. Buffy fights to speak, determined to hold onto her will.
Bet you say that before you bite all the girls.
No. You're different. Kindred.
Kindred? Hardly, I -- He interrupts her.
Pull your hair back. To her consternation, Buffy obeys his command, bears her neck to him… Still, she protests weakly.
Ha. You really think you can just waft in here with your hypno eyes and you music video wind and - and… She falters as he moves to the bed and sits near her. His desire for her is palpable, his tone unwavering…
I've searched the world over for you. Yearned for you… She shudders as he runs his fingers along the curve of her throat. Then he stops, intrigued by the SCAR that Angel left when he bit her.
He was-
Unworthy. He let you go. He moves closer still. Buffy struggles, but he's too strong for her.
But the embrace. His bite… you remember…
No… Now Dracula soothes her, gently caressing he neck.
Don't fight (then) I can feel your hunger. In this moment, Buffy is locked in his orbit. She can't deny it. And he bends to her, sinking his fangs deep into her neck. Buffy gives into it, gasping… BLACK OUT.
| ||
| Act Three | ||
|
INT. BUFFY'S BEDROOM - DAY (DAY FOUR) We move across Buffy's bedroom until we find Buffy sleeping in her bed. Everything appears quite normal, almost as if the night before never happened - as if it was a dream. A beat - then Buffy wakes, groggy. INT. BUFFY'S BEDROOM - LATER - DAY (DAY FOUR) Dressed now, Buffy starts to brush her hair in the mirror and finds the fresh bite mark. She takes it in for a beat - disturbed and embarrassed. Then her expression hardens slightly and she covers the mark with a scarf. INT. GILES' LIVING ROOM - DAY (DAY FOUR) CLOSE ON A BOX OF DONUTS As Riley reaches in and grabs one. WIDEN to see that Giles, Willow, Xander and Buffy have reconvened. Buffy offers Buffy the donut.
It's jelly - want it? Buffy warily eyes the bit of RED OOZING from the pastry, shakes her head "no." Xander sees this, eagerly takes it-
Got it. Mine, mine… Xander licks the jelly off the side, starts enthusiastically sucking the rest out… (Note: throughout the following, Xander's "Renfielded" manner should be just slightly off. Like a maniacal, hyper guy who's not Xander - but looks like Xander - pretending to act like Xander… Got it? The others should notice he's acting a little odd - but not enough to comment on it.)
Well, I think we got some Dracula factoids…
(snorts) Like any of that's enough to fight the Dark Master- (off their looks) - bator.
A lot of it we already knew… Turn offs: wood, fire, crosses, garlic. Turn ons: nice duds, minions and long slow bites that last for days…
Yeah, I did a little research, too. Dracula likes to live in style. Which means we can rule out the usual dumps vampires haunt. Xander looks a little squirrelly at this turn in the conversation, offers a little too enthusiastically -
Ah! But he's smart enough to figure we'd know that. I'm guessing he's laying low.
Actually, my research backs Riley up. Drac isn't the lay low type.
So we'll check the nicer places first - don't you think, Buffy? Buffy - distant, lost in thought - doesn't hear him.
Buffy?
Hum? (then/to Giles) Right - sorry. Swanky places first. What else did you guys get?
Well, Willow found most of it, actually-
(quickly) Only because you gave me super pointers. I never would have-
(cutting her off) Just - go ahead, Willow.
Okay. Dracula's modus operandi is different from other vampires. He'll kill just to feed, but he'd rather have a connection with his victims. And he has all kinds of mental powers to draw them in. He can read and control minds, appear in dreams.
Huuuuh. Buffy's growing uncomfortable listening to this. Touches the scarf around her neck… Still, she says nothing about her love bite.
It makes sense. That stare… he kind of looked right through you… Didn't you feel it Buffy? Buffy hesitates… Of course she did. Then she sees Riley looking at her oddly. Shakes her head.
Nope. Uh uh.
See? Buffy didn't feel it. I think you're drawing a lot of crazy conclusions about the Unholy Prince. (off their looks again) - bator… Now Xander's distracted as he spots a chubby SPIDER moving across a table top.
The point is - he goes through the motions of an intimate seduction, but it always ends the same. He turns the victim into a vampire.
(eyes still on spider) Well, that is intimate. Dracula's gifting these ladies with his own blood. And blood - blood is life! (quickly) According to them. Giles continues, a little puzzled by Xander's outburst. While the others listen to Giles, Xander seizes the spider and pops it into his mouth, unnoticed.
Just be aware that he tends to develop a relationship with his prey. It's not enough for him to take her, she has to want to be taken. She has to burn for him - Agitated and uncomfortable, Buffy stands abruptly.
(hastily) That's interesting. I'll go look for him. Buffy starts to head out - but Riley stops her.
You shouldn't go alone, Buffy. This guy is seriously dangerous.
It's cool. I'm on top of it.
No, he's right Buffy. It's safer.
Thanks, but I've got it under control. Really. She exits. Riley thinks for a beat, then takes off after her, upset. EXT. GILES' APARTMENT - COURTYARD - DAY (DAY FOUR) - where he catches her firmly by the arm.
Take off that scarf.
What? I will not.
You're under the thrall of the Dark Prince!
(blustering) Please. I am not under the thrall of the Dark Prince!
Then take that scarf off. Hearing their argument, the others come out into the courtyard. Buffy tries to jerk free, but Riley's got a firm hold.
Let me go. This is ridiculous- Now Buffy moves to push Riley off her, but he manages to tear the scarf off before she can. A horrified beat as everyone reacts. Buffy's been BITTEN.
Buffy… Buffy takes in Riley's pained expression. And suddenly Dracula's spell over her is a little lessened. Freaked, she sinks into one of Giles' garden chairs.
Oh, God…
Why didn't you say anything? Xander tries to play it down, offering-
'Cause she didn't want to worry us, right Buffster? It's nothing. Just a scratch -
(not buying it) Two deep, puncture-y scratches.
I'm not sure why I tried to hide it. I guess I was embarrassed that I let him do this to me… And, I don't know, I couldn't fight this voice telling me to cover it.
What did I tell you? That's thrall.
(scoffing) You're saying Dracula has some sort of freaky mind control over her? You've been watching too many creature features man. Xander punctuates this comment by abruptly leaning against the wall of Giles' place - surreptitiously cupping his hand over another BUG crawling there. As soon as folks look away, he gets snacky.
It does seem like he's got some kind of control over me, even though a big part of me is resisting…
What do you mean, a part? Only part of you is resisting? (worried) Which part's not? Buffy realizes how that sounded. She goes to Riley, trying to comfort him.
Riley -
No, it's okay. I shouldn't take this personally. I mean, what with Angel, it's understandable that there would be transference. I mean, they're both broody immortals…
(firmly) Listen to me. I'm not transfer-y I swear. I'm your girl, and I'm going to stay that way. Riley takes this in, finally nods.
Okay. But you're not going anywhere near him again.
Riley's right. You'd best keep out of sight while the rest of us look for Dracula.
(nods) I can't go home. He already got inside once.
(eagerly) You can come to my place. I'll make sure you stay put.
Good. Riley and I will search for Dracula. Willow, you and Tara do a protection spell at Buffy's house to prevent him from returning.
Got it. (then) How did he get inside, anyway? INT. BUFFY'S FOYER - DAY (DAY FOUR) Joyce, mortified, hovers over Willow and Tara, who prepare a protection spell to keep Dracula out of the house.
Hoe seemed so nice and normal… A little pale…
A good Sunnydale rules of thumb? Avoid white-skinned men in capes.
(a tad defensive) I didn't - he was in a suit. A lovely suit… He came by the gallery, and he was amazingly well informed about art history-
Probably because he was around for most of it.
I want you both to know, I am not like this. I do not invite strange men over for coffee. It's just , it's been way too long. (quickly) Since I met anybody. You know, someone even remotely interesting. Joyce sighs and sits on the stairs.
When you girls get older, you'll understand. It's hard to date. Sometimes you feel like giving up on men altogether. Off Willow and Tara, sharing a smile at this. EXT. FANCY ESTATE - DUSK (DAY FOUR) It's getting dark as Riley and Giles exit the estate - frustrated. Giles carries a weapons bag and Riley crosses off an address on a long list…
Another bust.
And it's getting dark. (upset with himself) I should have turned up a better lead. There must be an easier way to find him.
Too late to worry about that now. If we hurry we can still hit these last places. Giles just nods. They move off. INT. XANDER'S BASEMENT - NIGHT (NIGHT FOUR) Buffy and Xander are both in their own Dracula-induced worlds. Buffy's lost in thought, while Xander paces, restless. Anya trails after him - petulant.
…and how come I have to be here slayer-sitting while the other guys get to look for Dracula? Just because -
(interrupting her) What time is it?
Almost six. (not missing a beat) I mean - I'm the one who knows him. I'm the one who's had a really good look, right? So why does - She's cut off as Xander SHOVES HER INTO THE CLOSET and locks it. Anya starts pounding, but Xander is unconcerned.
Buffy doesn't hesitate. She's cool indeed.
Take me to him. They head out. EXT. DRACULA'S CASTLE - NIGHT (NIGHT FOUR) Establishing. Xander and Buffy walk up to the castle. INT. DRACULA'S CASTLE - HALLWAY - NIGHT (NIGHT FOUR) Xander leads Buffy into a long, large hallway with many doors. In the shadows we see a creepy FEMALE VAMPIRE in a sexy, skimpy gown watching them hungrily. But they do not see her. They move on into- INT. DRACULA'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT (NIGHT FOUR) Dracula's impressive chambers. It's a large room lit by wall torches and a MASSIVE STONE FIREPLACE. Xander makes a big show of presenting Buffy.
Master - I deliver the slayer. She who you most desire! Sorry, 'whom.' Buffy, wide-eyed and quiet, steps forward. Dracula takes her in hungrily.
So now comes the immortality, right? You do the thing and -
(eyes still on Buffy) Leave us. We must not be interrupted. Xander obeys, although he's clearly bummed. As he's leaving -
You bet. But I'll be outside, whenever. Any old time you feel like bestowing eternal life… or, you know, just a little nibble of something fleshy… Dracula shoots Xander a look. Xander ducks out. A beat. Then Dracula moves closer to Buffy, pleased.
I knew you'd come.
Why? 'Cause I'm under your thrall? To his surprise, her eyes flash and she whips out a stake. Her manner is full of swagger and self confidence.
Well, guess again, pal.
Put the stake down.
(instantly obeys) Okay. Buffy realizes what just happened. She blusters, freaked…
Right. That was - that was not you. I did that because I wanted to, and - and… (uh oh) Maybe I should rethink that thrall thing. She laughs nervously, looking around desperately for some kind of help… BLACK OUT.
| ||
| Act Four | ||
|
EXT. DRACULA'S CASTLE - MATTE SHOT - NIGHT (NIGHT FOUR) To establish. EXT. DRACULA'S CASTLE - NIGHT (NIGHT FOUR) Riley and Giles arrive at the castle. Gaze up at the huge , imposing edifice. A beat. They can't believe their eyes.
(facetious) I've lived in Sunnydale a couple years now. Know what I never noticed before?
A castle?
A big, honking castle. They walk up to the front door, enter. INT. DRACULA'S CASTLE - HALLWAY - NIGHT (NIGHT FOUR) Riley and Giles move into the same hallway of many doors that Xander led Buffy through.
Let's split up. You stay here - I'll take the next corridor down. Giles nods - and they go their separate directions. INT. DRACULA'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT (NIGHT FOUR) Buffy backs up slowly as Dracula advances, equally slowly.
Stay away from me…
(smiles) Are you afraid I'll bite you? Slayer, that's why you came.
No… last night was… That's not gonna happen again.
Stop me. Stake me.
I'm… any minute now…
Do you know why you can't resist?
'Cause you're famous?
Because you do not want to.
(tries to look away) My friends are -
They're here. They will not find us. We are alone. Always… alone. He has reached her. Runs his hand along her neck under her hair. He is genuinely enraptured by her.
There is so much I have to teach you. About your history, your power… What your body is capable of…
(breathless denial) I don't… need to know…
(leaning in) You long to. And you will have eternity to discover yourself. But first… a little taste.
I won't… let you… He pulls back, looks into her eyes, his own calm with mischief.
I didn't mean for me. INT. DRACULA'S CASTLE - HALLWAY - NIGHT (NIGHT FOUR) Giles wanders the long hallway, trying various doors and finding them locked. Then one swings open… Giles steps cautiously through the threshold - INT. DRACULA'S CASTLE - BASEMENT - NIGHT (NIGHT FOUR) - where he falls into a DEEP OPEN PIT. He lands on his back. A beat, he manages, painfully.
Good show, Giles. At least you didn't get knocked out for a change - He stops when he sees some forms emerge from the dark corners of the pit… He's surrounded by three RAVISHING FEMALE VAMPIRES of the heaving bosom variety, one of whom we saw watching Buffy and Xander earlier. They are clad in the scantiest of gowns and they descend on Giles lasciviously…
(nervously) Ah, ladies… You would be the three sisters, yes? Giles, still prone on his back, tries to get up but the vampire gals are on him now, holding him down, caressing, tugging at buttons, searching for skin…
Excellent. Right. I'd heard you were only myth but… Obviously erroneous. One of the ladies LICKS GILES ACROSS THE FACE while the other RIPS HIS SHIRT OPEN.
Heh! That's… Tickles… CLOSE ON GILES Who is profoundly flummoxed and seduced despite himself…
Oh dear God. INT. DRACULA'S CASTLE - HALLWAY - NIGHT (NIGHT FOUR) Riley moves down the large hallway until he is suddenly confronted by XANDER, who squares off with him - ready for a fight.
Nobody harms my Master.
Your Master - ?
You want him? You come through me. And Riley silences him with one well-placed punch.
Okey-dokey. INT. DRACULA'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT (NIGHT FOUR) CLOSE ON: DRACULA'S WRIST As he slices a fingernail across it, drawing a thin trail of blood.
What are you…
All these years, fighting us - your power so near to our own - and you've never once wanted to know what it is we fight for? Never even a taste?
No… if I taste that -
I have not drunk enough for you to change. You must be near death to become one of us and that will come only when you plead for it.
I'm not hungry. But she cannot take her eyes off the trail of blood…
No. Your craving goes deeper than that. She looks into his eyes.
You think you know. What you are, what's to come… you haven't even begun. She takes his wrist in her hands. Slowly puts her lips to it. And drinks. Dracula's lids half-closed in ecstasy. Buffy drinks slowly as her eyes shut.
Find it… the darkness…. Find your true nature. CLOSE ON BUFFY as her eyes fly open: FLASH: a series of images, rapid fire - hunting, blood going through veins, finally the face of the Primitive and an explosion of white - Buffy pulls away, looking at Dracula, a little dazed.
Wow. She slams her palm into his chest, sending him flying halfway across the table to land on his back.
That was really gross. He comes off the table in pain and controlled fury.
You are resisting…
Looks like…
Come here. Come to me.
You know, I think the thrall has really gone out of our relationship. But I wanna thank you for opening my eyes a little.
What is this…?
My true nature. Wanna taste?
You cannot run from your darkness.
Who says I'm running? Come on Drac. We did your little dance. Let's see if you're any good at mine. He charges, roaring, and she leaps over him, landing behind him as he smashes into the wall. INT. DRACULA'S CASTLE - BASEMENT - NIGHT (NIGHT FOUR) Riley opens the door to the vampire vixen pit. Nearly falls into it but catches himself.
(calling out) Buffy, are you - Giles! Below he sees Giles, dazed and helpless in vampire vixens embrace. Riley backs the vampire ladies off with a cross, then snaps his baton to full length and extends it to Giles. Giles doesn't respond right off.
Grab on, hurry! Finally, Giles seems to break through the haze. He gets up and grabs hold of the baton. Riley helps him climb out of the pit.
Thank God you came. I was doomed. There was no possible escape - Giles stops, sees that one of his shoes fell off in the vixen pit.
Is that my shoe? Silly me, I'll just pop down and- He starts to move back into the pit. Riley pulls him up short.
No sir. No more chick pit for you. INT. DRACULA'S CHAMBERS - NGIHT (NIGHT FOUR) Buffy and Dracula are still going at it. Dracula flies at her again, this time taking her down. Buffy's fighting style is rough but ferocious - she doesn't give an inch as they slam each other into the floor again and again. Dracula gets the upper hand and throws Buffy off him. She flies hard into the opposite wall. Recovering quickly, he grabs a LIT TORCH OFF THE WALL - thrusts it toward Dracula.
A guy like you should think about going electric. Seriously. She swings it at him and he MISTS - she follows the curl of mist up with her eyes-
No you don't - Buffy throws the torch down and runs, scooping up her stake, leaps on the tables and thence to the landing, coming down right as Drac reforms. She slams the stake home.
(quite intensely) How do you like my darkness now? He stumbles, falls - disintegrating as he hits the steps below. Buffy walks down as Riley and Giles enter.
Buffy? Are you okay?
I'm good. Chock full of free will.
And Dracula?
Eurotrashed.
Oh. Had hopes to meet him… well, to fight him… Action continues to scene 39. OMITTED INT. DRACULA'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT (NIGHT FOUR) …continued from scene 37. Xander enters, also with fiery torch in hand. He's furious.
Where is he? Where's the creep who turned me into his spider- eating man bitch!? I've got a flaming enema with his name on it-
He's gone.
Damn it!.. You know what? I'm sick of this crap. I'm sick of being the guy who eats the insects and gets the funny syphilis! As of this moment, it's over. I'm finished being everybody's butt monkey!!
Check. No more butt monkey.
It could have been worse. At least you weren't making time with the Dracubabes like Giles here.
No kidding? You got tranced?
(appalled) I did not. And I was not making time! I - I was just about to kill those loathsome creatures when Riley interrupted me- Riley and Buffy move past Giles, heading out. Xander follows them. Riley grins good-naturedly.
Really? You were gonna nuzzle 'em to death?
Of course not. I was in complete…
GILES …control. The room is silent for a moment ANGLE: THE BOTTOM OF THE STAIRS As a mist forms, coalesces, becomes Dracula, hunched over, he rises painfully reborn. Buffy SLAMS the stake into his chest again.
You think I don't watch your movies? You always come back. Dracula disintegrates painfully. Buffy turns to go. ANGLE ON: THE FLOOR As the mist begins to form -
I'm standing right here. and dissipates, with a sort of sigh. INT. GILES' APARTMENT - DAY (DAY FIVE) GILES, contemplative, examines his AIRLINE TICKET to London… Then a knock on the door interrupts him and he returns it to a drawer in his desk. Then he moves to the door and opens it to find Buffy standing there. Giles steps aside to let her enter.
You rang?
Yes. Thanks for coming. Can I offer you some tea?
BUFFY You put out cookies. How come I rate little cookie treatment?
Well, actually, there's something I have to tell you.
Cookie important? Yeah, I guess I have something too.
Well - you first, by all means.
That's okay -
I insist. Buffy takes this in. Nods.
You know, you haven't been my watcher for awhile. I haven't been training, I haven't needed to come to you for help - Giles nods gravely. It seems Buffy has come to the same conclusion he has about his watcher status.
I agree.
And then this whole thing with Dracula, it's made me face up to some stuff.. I've changed so much since I first became the slayer. I'm still changing. Ever since we did that spell that called on the first slayer… I've been going out a lot. Every night…
Patrolling.
Hunting. That's what Dracula called it, and he was right. He understood my power, better than I do. He saw darkness in it. (then/heartfelt) I need to know more. About where I come from. About the other slayers. Maybe if I learn to control this thing - maybe I could even be better, stronger… But I'm scared. It's gonna be hard, and I can't do it… without you. (then) I need your help. I need you to be my watcher again. A long beat as this sinks in. Giles is moved, but fights to control his emotions.
So - I just talked all over you. You had something to say too.
No. it was - it was nothing. Buffy takes this in, a little confused. Giles, overwhelmed, smiles. FADE TO: INT. BUFFY'S UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - DAY (DAY FIVE) Buffy's moving past Joyce's room. She sees Joyce inside, calls to her.
I'm outta here. Riley and I are going to the movies.
Okay. Have a good time. INT. BUFFY'S BEDROOM - DAY (DAY FIVE) Buffy pops in to grab her jacket. The room is semi-packed-up for college and it's a mess. In the middle of it all - rifling through one of Buffy's boxes - is DAWN, 14. She's pretty, awkward, faintly obstinate - and she's Buffy's little sister.
What are you doing in here? Dawn's about to reply when Joyce's voice calls in from the hall.
Buffy? If you're going out - why don't you take you sister with you? A beat. Then both Dawn and Buffy shout in protest-
(together) MOM!! BLACK OUT.
|