|
Family (September 25, 2000) Written by: Joss Whedon |
| Teaser |
|
OVER BLACK:
(sleepily) Tell me a story. INT. WILLOW'S DORM ROOM - NIGHT (NIGHT 1) ANGLE ON: MISS KITTY FANTASTICO As she runs about and plays on the floor.
Okay. Once upon a time there was... um... a kitty. She was very little, and she was all alone and nobody wanted her.
This is a very upsetting story.
Oh, it gets better. 'Cause one day the kitty was running around on the street and a man came and swooped her up -- And on that, a pair of arms reach down from above frame and picks the kitty up, brings us up to see Tara (grabbing the kitty) and Willow (under the covers). Tara holds the kitty on the bed as they continue.
-- and took her to the pound. And at the pound there were lots of other kitties, and there were puppies, and some ferrets.
(sleepy) Were there dolphins?
Yes. Many dolphins at the pound.
Was there a camel?
There was the front of a camel. A half-camel.
Did the kitty get chosen by some people?
Well, now you've ruined the ending. There was a whole exciting middle part with the French Resistance.
I'm sleepy.
Yeah... do you mind if I keep the light on? I was gonna look up some spells.
That's fine. I don't need to be snuggled...
(smiling) Vixen. Willow looks at Tara, the sleepiness gone.
You've been spell gal night and day lately.
Well, I just wanna keep up with you. And I'm... I'd like to be useful. You know, to the gang. I just never feel... useful.
You are. You're essential. A beat, with the love. Tara climbs under the covers.
Think Buffy found anything out tonight?
At the factory? I don't know. If there was something, I figure she would've called us. Tara turns out the light. INT. BUFFY'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT Buffy sits with Giles. The house is dark except for the living room, which is lit only by table lamps. The mood is quiet, solemn -- Buffy has told him everything.
I don't know what to say.
Tell me about it.
It's just difficult to wrap one's mind around... and she has no idea? Buffy looks back at the stairs, worried about being overheard.
None. She thinks she's my kid sister.
Are you going to tell her?
How can I? (beat) She'd freak out and that's the last thing we need. We have to keep her safe.
This woman, this... whatever she was, she knows you now. Should we be thinking about sending Dawn away?
Away where?
I don't know... Your father's? Buffy's face darkens a bit.
He's off in... Spain or something, with his secretary. Living the cliché. I called when Mom got sick, he hasn't even... You know when he bailed on us, I remember Dawn cried for a week. Except she didn't. She was never there, but I can still feel what it was like. She gets up, goes to the doorway. Looks up at the dark of the stairs. A beat before she turns backs.
They sent her to me, Giles. I think I have to take care of her. I want to.
Do we tell the others?
No. No one. They'd all get weird around her. And it's safer for them if they don't know.
Yes. We have to find out who exactly this woman is, and what it is she needs Dawn for. If she comes after you --
She'll come. (beat) She'll come for us. INT. FACTORY - NIGHT Glory comes bursting out of a pile of rubble, breathing hard and covered in dust.
Okay. Now I'm upset. BLACK OUT.
|
| Act One |
|
INT. DORM HALL/BUFFY'S DORM ROOM - DAY (DAY 2) Kids go to and fro, carefree college life. Buffy enters frame in a more contemplative mood. She is carrying a box of her stuff from her room, sets it down near some others. She winces slightly. Behind her, we find Xander and Riley moving a dresser (or bookcase) out of her room from the entrance in the cul-de-sac.
Okay, just -- ow! Thumb! Necessary opposable thumb!
Sorry. Crybaby. They get through as Buffy turns to them --
Just leave it by the wall there for now.
Got it. -- and she heads into her room by way of the main hall entrance, passing Dawn who has a hugely piled box in her arms.
I don't need any help...
Just be careful... Camera follows Buffy into the dorm room, which is being cleared out. Giles stands by the head of the bed, vaguely putting things in a box. Tara is in the closet (no jokes, please), pulling out clothes on their hangers and handing them to Willow, who folds them into a big box. Anya is crossing with a lamp or some such to the cul-de-sac door, complaining:
But we just helped her move this stuff in a few days ago! (sees Buffy) And it was fun!
People help each other out, Anya. It's one of our strange customs. Buffy moves to the bed, starts folding up her bedspread and sheets. Mentions to Giles:
I notice you're doing the smallest amount of helping that can actually be called helping.
Well, I see myself in a patriarchal sort of role. You know, a lot of pointing and scowling. He sees something, and quite genuinely points and scowls.
Stop that, you two. ANGLE: XANDER AND RILEY are in the cul-de-sac doorway, in mid wrestle. They don't stop.
He started it...
He called me a bad name! I think it was bad; it might have been latin. ANGLE: TARA As she watches the exchange with a kind of sweet sadness. What she is seeing is a POV of the scoobie unit, all happy and comfy together.
Stop. You're going to break something.
Or I'M gonna break something. They stop.
Still can't believe you're giving up this cherry corner suite.
(crossing back in) Just a few days after we moved you in. Buffy glances at Giles, covering:
It's no big. Just, with Mom not feeling well, I'm hardly ever here anyway. Might as well save some money, for the semester, at least. That's all. Willow chimes in, misinterpreting Buffy's concern.
I think that's smart.
Still, hard to give up. Got the two entrances, lotta opportunities for bawdy french farce -- and everybody loves bawdy --
(suddenly tense) Where's Dawn?
She just took --
(calling out) Dawn? Dawn reappears in the cul-de-sac doorway. Buffy masks her relief.
Some of your CDs are my CDs
I know. Help me fold. Dawn comes in as Willow moves out with a full box of clothes, Tara filling another. Buffy leans down to get a blanket from the floor, winces.
Starting to feel that fight?
Nothing like getting you ass kicked to... make your ass hurt. She throws the blanket out to Dawn, they fold.
You'll totally take her next time.
'Cause you'll have back up, baby. She's messin' with ALL of us.
Yes, we'll find her weaknesses, and then...
Yeah, you learn her source and we'll introduce her to her insect reflection. There is a bit of silence, followed by some polite expressions.
(much quieter) That was funny if you've studied Taglarin mystic rites and... are a total dork... As she says this last she grabs her box of clothes and heads out of the room.
The how come Xander didn't laugh?
I don't know that Taglarin stuff.
Oh. She meets Willow just outside the doorway.
You wanna start taking stuff down to the car?
I really do. As she goes down the hall, she mutters to herself:
Stupid... Willow waits to make sure Tara is out of earshot, then:
Okay, guys, now remember, you gotta be at the Bronze by eight. Again with the polite, as people try to remember what Willow's talking about.
Bronze.
Tomorrow night! Tara's birthday!
Oh, right. Right. General murmurs of remembrance.
We have to bring presents, right? Birth is a present thing.
I got something... picked out, yeah...
You all can still come, right? I mean, I know there's this new evil and all...
No, no, we can make it. I could definitely use a break from all this craziness. INT. HOSPITAL - DAY ANGLE ON: SOME CRAZINESS A woman, strapped to a gurney, looks about her in wild terror, occasionally muttering things we cannot hear.
What's the story? Widen to see an INTERN wheeling her by Ben, stopping to talk.
Another crazy. Got her family out there...
Let me guess. No history of mental problems.
That makes, like, five this month.
They told me Sunnydale was gonna be interesting...
Aren't you off?
(looks at his watch) As of now. Have fun. He exits into INT. HOSPITAL CHANGING ROOM - CONTINUING - DAY It's kinda dark in here. Ben doesn't notice -- he moves to his locker, pulling off his shirt. Camera moves away from him, around the corner, past some lockers to pick up a shadow, moving slowly forward, and a face comes into frame. It's gross. A demon, diseased, predatory, it flicks a long, black tongue between its teeth and moves slowly forward. It reaches the corner, about to spot its prey -- and a hand grabs it across the mouth. It's Glory. She comes in close, whispering:
I need a favor. She pulls him out of frame. INT. THE MAGIC BOX - DAY There are a few customers milling about. A customer is leaving the counter as Anya puts money in the register.
Thank you for coming! We value your patronage! Come again for more purchases! Giles enters frame with a box, sets it down.
We could perhaps be a bit less effusive, Anya Let's not frighten the people away.
I'm just so excited! They come in, I help them, they give us money in exchange for goods, you give me money for working for you... I have a place in the world now. I'm part of the system. I'm a workin' gal.
(smiles) Yes. Well why don't you start organizing the shipping orders?
No, that's boring, I just wanna do the money parts. WE SEE A YOUNG, DISREPUTABLE-LOOKING MAN LOOKING AT SOME ITEMS NEAR THE ENTRANCE. BEHIND HIM, Buffy and Xander enter, crossing to the counter.
Well, sure I forgot about the party. There's kind of a lot going on. And it's not, you know, the most thrilling social event of the season.
It's a big deal for Will, though -- I mean you are gonna be there?
Sure. Barring monsters... (to Giles) Hey.
Hi. Xander leans over the counter --
Gimme sugar. I've come to buy sugar. -- and kisses Anya fairly deeply.
Mmmm..... We value your patronage... Giles emerges from behind the counter.
Any breakthroughs on the identity of Miss Congeniality?
Well, I've narrowed it down some... He indicates the table, which is covered in books.
Your definition of narrow is impressively wide.
Well, you didn't give me much to go on. She looks human, so the mug shots aren't any use... you can't be a bit more specific about what she was like?
She was kind of like... well she was kind of like Cordelia, actually. If she were on steroids. That were on steroids. (not helpful) I'm pretty sure she dyes her hair.
(dryly) Ah yes that one of course our work is done.
There's gotta be something on her.
(joins them, re: books) The answer's somewhere here. It's right in front of us and we're too blind to see it. (off their looks) What? You've never wanted to say that? (off their looks) I'm helping, I'm reading, I'm quiet. He sits and opens a book, as has Buffy. Giles crosses out for a bit. A beat.
So what'd you get her?
Huh?
Tara. You said you had a present already.
Yeah. That was a tangled web of lies, sweetie. I'm not really sure what kind of thing she'd... I mean I don't really know her that well.
I know.
I mean she's nice --
Yeah yeah! Nice nice. I just sort of...
I don't necessarily 'get' her. But she's real nice!
Oh yeah. (small beat) There's that thing, you know.
(already agreeing) That thing.
That thing of not understanding...
Half of what she says?
As for example. A lot of... not understanding. But she's so nice.
You betchya.
You think there'll be a lot of wiccans at the party? Big wiccan crowd?
That's sort of her deal. Her and Willow are all... wiccie. Swinging with the wiccan lifestyle.
Which is cool.
Oh yeah.
I just hope we fit in. Not awkward.
With Willow, it's like she's got this whole new thing in her life, but she's still Willow, I can always figure her out. But Tara, I just know she likes Willow, and she already has one of those.
Okay. I'm having a present-buying headache. Tara's damn birthday is just one too many things to worry about.
Relax. You should take a few minutes, train, or stretch out... do something to work off the tension. INT. SPIKE'S CRYPT - DAY Buffy punches Spike in the face, her expression hard with warrior glee. He goes flying, comes back up in a rage. Blocks a blow and punches her back. They continue, a brutal and balletic back and forth of kicks, throws and a couple of impressive flips. Spike ends up on the opposite side of one of the tombs. They are both breathing hard.
You want me, Slayer? Come and get me.
Oh, I'm coming. I'm coming right NOW! And she hurls herself through the air at him as we SMASH CUT TO: INT. SPIKE'S CRYPT - DAY Spike and Harmony are finishing up some lovin'. He's atop her, breathing hard.
What are you thinking? He looks at her a beat...
All about you, baby. He buries his head in her shoulder.
Oh, you're my little lamb... INT. THE MAGIC BOX - DAY Giles crosses to the table, where Xander and Buffy are.
Come up with anything?
Well candles, maybe, or bath oils of some kind.
I saw a really nice sweater at Macy's, but I really want me to have it.
And you are talking about what on earth?
Tara's birthday. We're at a loss.
You're in a magic shop and you can't think of anything Tara might like. I believe you're both profoundly stupid.
Well, we don't know what kind of things witches really like. What, are we gonna get her some cheesy crystal ball?
Bloody well better not. I've already got mine wrapped. The young man we saw before (his name is DONNY) approaches the table.
Are all these magic books?
Private collection. The books for sale are along the wall there. Giles crosses toward the counter. Donny doesn't leave, his hovering presence make Buffy and Xander uncomfortable as they try to read.
So all these books got spells in 'em? Turn people into frogs?
Yeah, we're building a race of frog-people. It's a good time.
(to all of them) So, are you all witches? Hey, don't do a spell on me... Anya and Giles look at him.
Was there something in particular you were looking for? Tara and Willow enter, laughing.
'Her insect reflection'... that's so good...
I just thought that'd be funny, you know, if her power was centered in --
Well what do you know. The girls stop. The laughter drains from Tara's face.
What's the matter? Don't got a hug for you big brother? BLACK OUT.
|
| Act Two |
|
INT. THE MAGIC BOX - CONTINUING - DAY Everyone is taking in what they just heard.
Brother?
Tara didn't say she had a brother? (smiles) I'm a dirty little secret. He's actually being friendly enough, but there's something off -- most obviously with Tara.
Willow, this is D-Donny.
Hi.
Nice to meet you.
(indicating the gang) And these are m-my friends. They nod politely, murmur hellos.
What, alla you hang out? (to Tara, playfully) That's more people than you MET in high school. (to the others) Tara wasn't too social back when. I don't think she spoke till she was eight --
How did you find-- I mean, how come you came?
Well, duh, birthday girl. We came down in the camper, been all over the campus --
We?
Dad, you know, and cousin Beth. We went all over campus looking. They oughta circle back here in a bit.
(a bit urgent) No, we should find them. We could go -- (looks at Willow) -- I should go meet them.
Yeah, sure -- The doorbell tinkles behind, whipping Tara's head around. Her father, MR. MACLAY and cousin BETH enter together. Tara moves toward them, as does Donny. Willow stays politely a distance behind.
Look who I found...
Dad! Hi.
Well. There's my girl. They hug. It's a bit formal.
It's such a s-surprise.
Yes.
Hey, Beth. Beth smiles -- she seems quite meek.
Hey.
One of your dorm-mates said you might be here.
Oh. (pause) Oh, these are friends... this is Mister Giles, he runs the shop. Willow looks a little surprised at not being introduced.
How do you do.
Pleasure. (to Tara) Well, I don't mean to interrupt your plans, I know we've come on you kind of suddenly. But I thought we'd have dinner.
Okay.
Why don't I pick you up at six? And we'll... do some catching up.
Yes sir.
(to the group) Forgive me for running out -- we're double parked.
(holding a skull) Didn't Uncle Jeff have a scar like this? He could have been dug up...
Donald. (to Tara) I'll see you tonight.
Nice to meet you all. He goes out after the others. Willow joins Tara.
That's so weird. Your whole family.
Yeah.
They seem nice.
They're okay. You know. Families are always... She rolls her eyes a bit, making light of it.
They make you crazy.
Usually. You wanna get into research mode?
Sure. They join the others, Willow not pressing any further. INT. BUFFY'S FOYER/DOWNSTAIRS - LATE AFTERNOON Buffy lets herself in just as Riley is coming downstairs. She sees him, is pleased.
Honey, I'm home...
Did you have a good day at work?
It's a rat race. Kissage. They stay close, continuing:
I squared away the rest of your stuff. Wouldn't even know you ever left.
You're like a god. You're the god of boyfriends.
(intimately) Nah, I just like it when you owe me favors.
(also suggestively) Well, this earns you a very big favor. There could be outfits.
Be still my heart. Dawn comes in from the kitchen, on her way out.
See you later! Buffy stops her.
Whoah whoah whoah! Where are you going?
I'm going to Melinda's for dinner.
Since when?
(puzzled) Nowish...
You can't. It's not safe for you to walk there.
It's across the street.
Did Mom say you could?
Mom's napping. What's the big deal, I'm just --
No. It's family night. (searching for excuses) And Melinda's a bad influence. I don't like you hanging out with someone that... short. A beat, as Dawn stares at her resentfully.
I'm so glad you're moving back into the house. That's the source of my gladness. She stalks upstairs. Buffy and Riley move into the living room.
Oh, she makes me crazy...
That's kind of the word I was searching for.
What? She shouldn't be going over there.
Yeah, a lot of young people nowadays are experimenting with shortness. Gotta nip that in the bud.
She just can't be running out any time she wants to.
It's more than that.
What do you mean?
You tell me. His tone has changed, is more serious. Buffy continues tentatively.
We all have to be careful. This demon chick, she's... exciting and new. Don't really know what I'm up against.
If we're in trouble here, I could contact Graham, maybe get the government boys on this --
No! I don't want them anywhere near this.
Just a suggestion.
The less people that are involved, the safer I'll feel. She tries to look nonchalantly reassuring -- but his stare is a little unnerving.
Every time I think I'm getting close to you... (he moves to go) I gotta take off.
Wait. What --
I'll call you later. His hand is on the door.
Riley, I want you to help, I'm not...
Yeah. (beat) I know you got a lot on your mind. You decide you wanna let me in on any of it, you let me know. (resignedly) I'll come running. He opens the door and goes. INT. TARA'S DORM ROOM - LATE AFTERNOON Tara enters to find her dad standing at her desk, looking at her stuff. She has charms and crystals and volumes of spells on the desk as usual. He turns as she closes the door.
The door wasn't locked. I was a little early. A beat.
I suppose you wanted me to see all these... toys. He picks up a crystal, looks at it.
You don't even try to hide it anymore. I'd hoped maybe you'd gotten over the witchcraft thing, that if we let you go you'd get it out of your system. Then they told me to look for you in the... that store.
I didn't... I didn't kn-know you were coming.
Of course we came. We haven't heard from you in months, your birthday's getting closer and closer, you know what that means...
I don't think it's... It won't mean that --
You're turning twenty. The same age your mother was when... do your friends even know?
Y-yes.
Are you lying to me? His tone is strict but not bullying. She cannot answer.
So they don't know. They think you're human. Again, she doesn't speak.
Tara, you're coming home with us. You know it's the only way.
Home?
This charade has gone on for too long. Do you want to put your friends in danger?
I would never hurt them.
Tara, you can't control what's going to happen. You're my daughter and I love you but you are a demon. You have evil inside you and it will come out. And letting yourself work all this magic is only gonna make it worse. Where do you think that power comes from?
I... it doesn't feel... evil. Sir.
Evil never does. He heads for the door.
I don't feel much like eating right now. I'll give you a little time, but we need to be gone by morning. He turns back to her.
Your family loves you, Tara, no matter what. How do you think your friends are gonna feel when they see your true face? INT. GLORY'S WALK-IN CLOSET - NIGHT CLOSE ON: THE LEI-ACH DEMON'S FACE As it blinks into consciousness.
Finally. I thought you were gonna nap the whole day away. Widen to see he is chained, arms out, to a clothes rack. He struggles futilely.
Oh quit it. If you hadn't been such a struggle-puss in the first place, you wouldn't be all chained up. Now tell me... ANGLE ON: Glory. Looking fabulous in a green dress.
Do you love me? Beat.
Or... She grabs another dress, holds it in front of her.
Do you love me? He hisses and growls at her.
Oh, stop whining! You know, I remember when the Lei-ach were a proud warrior race, not sneaking around hospitals looking for weak sickly types to suck the bone marrow from. But let's talk about my problems for 30 seconds if that's perfectly all right with you. He stares, sullenly. Waits.
Blonde. Short. Strong for a human and massively rude. Broke my shoe, took my monk... You got any idea who I might be talking about? He growls and barks some.
A slayer? Oh God, please don't tell me I was fighting a vampire slayer, how unbelievably common. If I had friends, and they heard about this... and you know she's telling everyone. She's probably going around -- PAY ATTENTION! The demon looks surprised, almost frightened, as she rushes him. She grabs his throat. She speaks low and rapid, almost feverish.
I am great and I am beautiful and when I walk in the room all eyes turn to me because my name is a holy name and you will listen or I will pull your vital organs out and put this one here and this one here. Now she's perky again.
Okay baby. Get your friends. Find the girl. Kill the girl. Yummy marrow for everyone and I don't have to do that organ thing. Okay? He nods.
You've got the cutest little suppurating sores, did anyone ever tell you that? INT. TARA'S DORM ROOM - NIGHT Tara is alone, thinking when Willow enters.
Hey.
Hey.
Was... dinner fun? Tara nods unconvincingly.
Well, there's scoobyage afoot. Giles called a meeting about our spanking new menace.
Oh. You should go, they don't need me for that, you can fill me in...
No no, you gotta come. This demon chick is supposed to be really powerful and I was thinking maybe we could try that spell, you know, the one to find demons...
That didn't work.
Yeah, but we only tried it one time. I think I got the ingredients wrong.
Well, I'm tired. We can try it tomorrow.
You sure you don't --
My family's here, I can't just... not everything is about your friends and stuff
(hurt) Sorry.
No, no, I'm... there's just so much going on. I'm just... I'm real tired. Willow's not quite convinced, but...
Okay.
I'll see you in the morning and you can fill me in.
Great. We'll be demon hunters. Willow lets herself out. Tara watchers her go. As soon as the door shuts Tara's eyes narrow with resolve. She moves to the desk and starts going through spell books. Stops on a particular spell, thinking. INT. THE MAGIC BOX - NIGHT The camera moves slowly in at the table as the gang gathers round it. Dawn is at the shelves in the back, poking through books. Willow is just arriving.
Hey, Will.
Am I late? Did I miss exposition?
No, no, and I've nothing earth shattering to relate. I did have a few thoughts, though, and I want to make sure we're all on the same page.
Can I buy one of these?
No.
With my own money?
I let you come, now sit down and look studious. Dawn joins them. But the camera continues moving in, past her, to show a shadow at the door to the training room. CLOSE ON: TARA She stands in the shadows, looking through the crack of the door at the gang. Silent and intense.
First of all, I want to talk about safety. This creature could be --
--WILL be --
--will be coming after Buffy and possibly all of us. Don't underestimate her.
I'm not just talking about traveling in groups. You see a girl you don't know, you run. Just keep running 'til you drop. And don't drop. Tara lifts her hand. There is a small pile of red dust in it. She incants in a barely audible whisper (The voices off screen fading out under it):
Blind Cadria, desolate queen, work my will upon them all, your curse upon them, my obeisance to you. She blows the powder from her hand, causing a CGI mist to wend from it toward the group. We widen to see it settle in the middle of them --
Now, I think I may have a lead on the monk Buffy spoke with. There are a few orders I've read up on... -- and shoot into the eyes of everyone assembled. They all jerk back ever so slightly. A beat.
I'm sorry, where was I?
The monk.
Yes. I'd like us to start looking into some of these orders. It's possible that whatever order this monk was from was wiped out entirely, and I'm sure that wouldn't go unnoticed -- Tara fades back into the darkness, eyes on the group. BLACK OUT.
|
| Act Three |
|
INT. WILLY'S BAR - NIGHT The place is sparsely populated. Few demons, few others. We see the sign as a BARTENDER crosses before it, bottle of whiskey in hand. He grabs a glass and pours, all the while addressing a customer.
You shouldn't be coming here, man. You got a rep with these monsters. You come in night after night... you looking to get killed? He puts the drink in front of the customer. A reverse angle shows it's RILEY. He takes the drink, a grim smile on his face.
I come for the ambiance. What can I say; the place just reeks of class. He downs his drink.
If Willy was here...
Willy's not here. (re -- drink) Hit me. A sultry and attractive young woman sidles up to the next seat. Her name is SANDY.
Drinking alone? That's not a good sign.
So they tell me. (he looks at her) I buy you a drink, neither one of us has that problem anymore, now de we? She smiles at him, says by way of reply:
Vodka tonic.
(to the Bartender, as if introducing her) Vodka tonic.
I'm Sandy.
I'm Riley. A beat, as they eye each other. Is it warm in here, or is it me?
Place is such a dive...
No, no, it's great. You just have to close your eyes... plug up your nostrils... then it's fine.
We could go somewhere else... You know, more private... She eyes him, the insouciant seductress. He smiles ruefully.
Sandy, Sandy... It's no good. My heart belongs to another. Besides I don't go out with vampires. She narrows her eyes, growls low.
(to the Bartender) They're never interested in my intellect. He drinks. Sullenly, Sandy does too. INT. TRAINING ROOM - NIGHT Buffy is stretching out as Willow talks to her.
He's great... he's so considerate, and he's really understanding about my disturbing lifestyle, but every now and then he's mister snappy. I never know what sets him off.
There's always gonna be a part of your life he can't get near. That's just part of relationships that people have to deal with, even if they feel shut out and the other person is acting all weird and doesn't want them to meet their family.
Behold the cunning segue. Tara's being funky?
She's just never been like that before.
Well, families...
So, they're dorky. I feel like... it's something more. She's different.
(concerned) What do you mean?
(blows it off) I don't know. I'm over reacty. Pay me no mind. People in love are always a little crazy. INT. SPIKE'S CRYPT - NIGHT Spike is holding the mannequin head with the blond wig on it. He is staring at it, touching its hair, as Harmony enters, carrying a bunch of shopping bags.
Hi baby! Spike puts the head aside.
(you are boring and I loathe you) Hello, sweetbreads. Did you have fun?
Oh you wouldn't believe it it was so exciting. I went to April Fools and absolutely everything was on sale.
You paid for it?
Oh no I just killed the clerk. Still. Bargain's a bargain. He tries to work this logic as she deposits her bags and continues:
Oh! And I ran into Carol Beets -- you know, she sired Brandon -- Brandon from the sewer gang, and she said the Lei-ach demon was recruiting his brethren to kill the Slayer.
(suddenly interested) How's that?
Apparently he got recruited by some big nether-wig and now he's on a mission. You think they might actually do it? Kill her?
God, that would be pleasant.
Well, if they do, I think we should do something, like a gift basket or something -- where are you going? He is throwing on his coat, heading for the door.
Get myself a decent seat. If the Slayer's gonna die... I'm gonna watch. EXT. CAMPUS - NIGHT Tara walks back from The Magic Box. She is met by Beth, coming down a different path.
Tara?
Beth! What are you --
I was looking for you.
Sorry we didn't get to have dinner... everything was so sudden.
I just wanted to make sure you were okay, see if you needed help with anything... packing...
Beth, I'm not... I'm n-not coming back with you. Beth looks innocently surprised.
You're not?
I don't think so.
You selfish bitch. Tara steps back, genuinely astonished.
What?
I knew it. I knew you were gonna do something like this!
Like what? You c-can't just come here --
You don't care the slightest bitty bit about your family, do you? You dad's been worried sick about you every day you've been gone. There's a house needs taking care of, Donny and your dad having to do for themselves while you're down here living God knows what kind of lifestyle. Is it true you've been doing magic? A beat. Tara looks at her, a bit defiant.
Yes.
Well then you deserve whatever you get. Come down here, doing spells... I can't wait 'til your little friends find out the truth about you. They will, you know. Doesn't matter how innocent you act, they'll see.
No they won't.
They will unless you do some kind of spell on them... (off Tara's reaction) You did.
N-no.
You did something to them. I'm telling your dad.
No! It wasn't anything!
You think you can just go around cursing people -- your dad's gonna pop --
It was just so they wouldn't see! A beat, as Tara deflates, busted.
So they wouldn't be able to see the demon part of me. Please don't tell dad. It's harmless. INT. THE MAGIC BOX - NIGHT Willow is fetching a volume near the front door. She hears a noise, goes to open the door, thinking it's:
Is that Tara? She opens the door. The Lei-ach is standing right in front of her, his brethren behind him. Willow looks at them.
I guess not. Thought I heard something. In front of her, the Lei-ach smiles. She cannot see him. BLACK OUT.
|
| Act Four |
|
EXT. CAMPUT - NIGHT Tara and Beth continue talking. All of the fight has gone out of Tara.
Don't you see how out of control you are? You've been lying to those people for a year, now you put a spell on them? Is that right? Is that a human thing to do? Tara cannot answer.
Now I'm telling your father. If he doesn't force you to come home -- and I think he should -- I know he's gonna tell your friends the truth. If I were you I'd tell them first. Then I'd tell them goodbye. INT. THE MAGIC SHOP - NIGHT Dawn is by the table near the entrance, looking at some stuff. She is perfectly nonchalant as the Lei-ach comes into frame right next to her. He puts his face close to hers, sniffing her out -- and another comes into frame in front of the table. They move on to the back, followed by the third. We TRACK along the shop as they move through it, passing the gang who sees nothing, heading for the back room.
Do I get overtime for this?
Certainly not. Dawn, shut the door.
I didn't open it... INT. TRAINING ROOM - CONTINUING - NIGHT Buffy is finishing up working the bag. The demons file in behind her, the lead one in front, the third staying to guard the door. They move slowly so as to be silent. Buffy stops, her fur up. Listens. She does a slow turn and sees nothing. The demon pounces -- and Buffy blocks at the last second, takes most of the brunt on her arm, but he still takes her down. She flails, fighting an invisible foe.
Giles! There's something in here! INT. THE MAGIC BOX - CONTINUING - NIGHT Xander is closest to the back room. He moves forward -- and something invisible throws him back. He lands hard on his back. His eyes widen as something starts choking him. Willow grabs a chair and smashes the demon on the back. (We see the demon as it's hit). She pulls the chair back and brings it down again -- hitting Xander.
It moved. Suddenly Willow is thrown back into the bookcase. She lands heavily and doesn't get up.
Where is it? Where is it? She retreats behind the counter. Giles becomes aware of Dawn next to him. He pushes her toward the desk.
Under there. Go. She climbs into the tiny desk space, Giles standing with his back to it, waiting. INT. TRAINING ROOM - CONTINUING - NIGHT Buffy throws off the first demon as the second grabs her from behind, choke hold. ANGLE: SPIKE Comes in from the back, smiles at the tableau. Buffy can't shake number two. Number one gets up, is gonna pounce, number two holding her for him -- he lunges -- -- and Spike flies into frame, tackling him from the side. They tumble into the corner. With a burst of strength, Buffy flips her demon over her head and slams it onto the ground. She picks it up and throws it headlong into a wall. Its head makes a splatty noise. Buffy runs toward the shop, not seeing the still struggling Spike.
Uh, you're welcome... INT. THE MAGIC BOX - CONTINUING - NIGHT Buffy rushes in to see Giles take a blow to the head from the invisible foe. She runs forward - but it's gone. Everyone's talking:
It's over there!
How many are there?
I've already been injured this month...
Shut up! Silence. The camera moves in at Buffy as she turns, concentrating, waiting for it to attack. The door opens suddenly and Tara enters. Sees: ANGLE: TARA'S POV The demon behind Buffy.
Buffy behind you! Buffy spins as the thing pounces. She tries to hold it off. It throws her over the table, comes at her again. INT. TRAINING ROOM - CONTINUING - NIGHT Spike manages to kill his opponent. They never did get off the floor. He sits up, satisfied. INT. THE MAGIC BOX - CONTINUING - NIGHT The demon comes for an exhausted Buffy. It grabs her throat -- and Xander makes a game attempt at grabbing for it from behind. It shrugs him off, nails Buffy a couple of times.
Where is it? Tara can you see it? Tara realizes they can't see it.
Oh God... She rushes forward --
Blind Cadria, lift your veil, give evil form and break my spell -- The demon turns as she speaks the last -- it pounces on her, slams her down into the counter. Buffy jumps on its back. Tara's family rushes in, Dad seeing the beast over his daughter --
Tara! The beast throws Buffy off and goes for the dad -- he stumbles and falls -- Buffy sweeps its legs out from under it, landing it with its chin slamming down on the top step, just in front of dad. She gets to her feet in a blur, plants a foot at the back of its neck and CRUNCH! -- snaps it brutally. There is a quiet moment, as everyone recovers from the action. Xander goes to check on Anya. Giles helps Dawn out from under the desk. Buffy stands before Mr. Maclay, who is still on the ground, staring at the body of the last Lei-ach demon.
What in the name of God is that...? Spike pipes up from the back, entering.
Lei-ach Demon. Fun little buggers; big with the marrow-sucking.
I don't understand...
I'm not sure I do either. She is looking over at Tara, who is still hunched by the counter. She is desperately unhappy.
I'm sorry... I'm s-so sorry... Willow starts toward Tara slowly, confused.
I w-was just trying to hide... the spell went wrong...
Tara, what...
I didn't want you to see... what I am.
What you are?
I told you, you try to run from it you'll put these people in danger. (re: demon) And, my God...
I didn't mean for anyone to get hurt.
I think you better explain. What do you mean, what you are? She is staring at Tara, and she doesn't sound too pleased. Tara can't get past her stutter before her father speaks:
Demon. Willow looks astonished at her love, no idea what to do.
The women in our family have... demon in them. Her mother had it; it's where the magic comes from. This isn't something we generally like to share with strangers. We came to take her home before... well, before things like this started happening.
Tara, you're not... how could you not say something to me... to me... Tara still can't answer - can hardly look at Willow.
You put a spell on us to keep us from seeing your demon side. That's why we couldn't see our attackers.
(looking at Dawn) Nearly got us killed. Tara rises, trying to steady her emotions.
I'll go. (to everyone) I'm very sorry.
The camper's outside.
Wait! Go? She just did a spell that went wrong! Buffy, it was just a mistake!
It's not the point and it's not your concern. The girl belongs with us. We know how to control her problem.
Tara, look at me. (she does) I trusted you more than anyone in my life. Was all of that a lie?
No! No...
Do you want to leave?
(to Willow) That is not your decision, young lady --
I know that. (to Tara) Do you want to leave? Eyes brimming, Tara shakes her head ever so slightly.
You are going to do what's right, Tara. Now I am taking you out of here before somebody DOES get killed. The girl belongs with her family, I hope that's clear to the rest of you. This registers with Buffy. She looks again at Dawn, then back at Tara.
It is. You want her, Mr. Maclay, you can go ahead and take her. She turns to face him.
You just gotta go through me.
What?
You heard me. You wanna take Tara out of here against her will, then you gotta come through me.
And me. She stands resolutely by her sister, ready for a fight. We push in on Tara, a new wave of emotion flooding her.
Is this a joke? I am not gonna be threatened by two little girls.
You don't wanna mess with us.
(points to Dawn) She's a hair-puller.
And you're not just dealing with two little girls.
You're dealing with all of us.
Except me.
Except Spike.
I don't care what happens.
This is insane! You people have no right to interfere in Tara's affairs. We are her blood kin -- who the hell are you?
We're family. She stares him down. The whole gang does, grouped loosely around Tara and Willow. Mr. Maclay turns away.
Dad, you're not gonna let them -- He starts down towards Tara, stopping near Xander.
Tara, if you don't get in that car I swear by God I'm gonna beat you down.
And I swear by your full and manly beard you're gonna break something trying. Donny eyes him... doesn't say anything else.
Well, I hope you'll all be happy hanging around with a disgusting demon. Anya raises her hand.
Excuse me. What kind?
What?
What kind of demon is she? There's a lot of different kinds, some are very very evil, some have been considered to be useful members of society...
Well, I don't... what does it matter?
Evil is evil.
Well, let's narrow it down... Spike smiles, comes toward the group. He gets it now.
Uh huh... Why don't I make this simple... He approaches Tara and POPS her in the nose with a quick jab.
OW! The moment he does, he's gripped with wrenching pain.
Gyahh!
(pissed) Hey! (gets it) Hey!
(hands on nose) He hit my nose!
And it hurt! I mean, him!
And that only works with humans...
(re: Tara) There's no demon in there. (shakes off the last twinge) That's just the family legend, am I right? Bit of spin to keep the ladies in line? Oh, you're a piece of work. I like you.
(to Willow) I'm not a demon.
(smiling) You're not a demon.
He hurt my nose.
Yeah, you're welcome.
Mr. Maclay, I'd say your business here is finished.
(last ditch) Tara... for eighteen years your family has taken care of you and supported you, if you wanna turn you back --
Dad. She moves to him. Looks at him with quiet strength.
Just go. A beat, and he does. He pauses once at the door, looking back at the shop, muttering contemptuously:
Magic. He exits. Donny folds in behind. Beth is the last to go, looking hatefully at Tara.
Are you happy now? Tara's smile answers her well. INT. THE BRONZE - NIGHT (NIGHT 3) We open on a pile of presents on a table. Helium filled balloons are tied to the table as well. Camera arms up, to see the Bronze party in full swing. The Scooby gang, Dawn included (but minus Riley), mingle with some other friends (mostly, but not exclusively, wiccans.). In the center is Tara, having a great time. We see a short series of images. ANGLE: Dawn running behind the stairs, stopped by Buffy, who scowls at her. ANGLE: Tara unwrapping her crystal ball, pleased, thanking Giles who's extremely pleased with himself. ANGLE: Willow and Tara playing pool with Xander and Anya. ANGLE: Buffy watches the pool game as Riley enters behind her, a present in his hand.
Sorry I'm late.
You came! She beams to see him. He smiles.
(softly) Of course I came. She pulls him close and they head into the party. ANGLE: Tara talks to Anya.
No, see, 'cause your insect reflection represents your insignificance in terms of the karmic cycle.
But it's still not funny.
No, no, it is, but you have to... understand the...
Let's just start again. You're explaining it wrong. ANGLE: Dawn sits with Giles and Xander and Buffy and Riley.
This place is so cool! Except I have to have this stupid stamp on my hand.
Well, that's to keep you from boozing it up.
Oh please. Only losers like to drink alcohol. Riley, Xander and Giles try to look innocent. ANGLE: Tara is still talking to Anya as Willow approaches. A slow song has come on.
So what's an eagle reflection? Willow takes Tara by the hand, leads her toward the dance floor.
My dance. She and Tara begin slow dancing, holding each other close.
Good birthday?
Best birthday.
I still can't believe you never told me about your family and all that.
I was just afraid if you saw the kind of people I came from... you wouldn't wanna be anywhere near me.
See? That's where you're a dummy. I think about what you grew up with, and then look at what you are... it makes me proud. It makes me love you more. Tara takes this in, overwhelmed.
Every time I... even at my worst, you always make me feel special. How do you do that? Willow smiles.
Magic. Tara lays her head on Willow's shoulder as they pull closer, turning slowly to the music. The camera pulls back to see the two of them holding each other in the middle of the dancers, floating just above the floor. BLACK OUT.
|