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Blood Ties (December 6, 2000) Written by: Steven S. DeKnight |
| Teaser |
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INT. MAGIC BOX - NIGHT (NIGHT 1) The Scooby Gang is gathering around the war table. Giles is already there, referring to a half burned tome and intently writing in a notebook.
Look, I know mom wants to gather and make with the merry tomorrow night, but with everything going on -
-- this is exactly what you need! A twentieth birthday party with presents and funny hats and candles you can't blow out! (to Tara) Those used to scare me.
Me too!
I just don't know if this is a good time to break out the party piñata, Will. We need to stay focused if we're going to find a way to stop Glory. Xander, his wrist still in a cast from his run-in with Olaf, voices the general consensus.
We're going up against a god. An actual, mightier-than-thou god.
You know what they say. The bigger they are…
The faster they stomp you into nothin'.
She's right. I've thrown everything I got at her, and she just shrugs it off.
Then we have to find something heavier to throw. Giles looks up from his notes.
That might pose some difficulty. From what the Council has been able to discover from the Book of Tarnis and other sources, Glory and two of her fellow Hellgods ruled one of the particularly nastier demon dimensions.
There's more than one?
There are thousands of demon dimensions. All different.
And all pushing at the edges of this reality, trying to find a way in.
I guess Glory found one. The question is why?
(re: Book of Tarnis) There's nothing here to indicate. Just vague references to chaos and destruction.
Just once I'd like to hear a reference to balloon animals.
Okay, so we know where Glory's from, but what do we know about her? She's tough, yeah, but no bolts of lightening or blasts of fire. Shouldn't a god be able to do that kind of stuff?
Usually, yes. Being in human form must be severely limiting her powers. All we have to worry about now is her being immortal, invulnerable, and on the constant brink of insanity.
A crazy Hellgod? And the fun just keeps on leaving.
The way I see it, living in our world is affecting her mentally. She's only able to keep her mind intact by extracting energy from us - from the human, well, from the human brain.
(horrified) She's a brain sucker?
She absorbs the energies that bind the human mind into a cohesive whole. But once drained, all that's left behind -
(getting it) -- are crazy people.
I'm afraid that's why there's been a marked increase in the ranks of the mentally disturbed here in Sunnydale.
(haunted) At least vampires just kill you.
We have to come up with something to stop her.
Tara and I could work on some tactical spells. If she's not too punchable, maybe she's not totally invulnerable to magic.
That's a start.
I can help with the research. I know way more about demon dimensions than Giles. (off his look) Well I do.
This is all great long term plan-y stuff, but what about this Key thingy Glory's looking for?
Yeah. Shouldn't we be trying to find it before she does?
(evasive) I don't think we have to worry about that.
They got a point. Whatever Glory's planning on opening with the Key I'm guessing it won't be filled with flowers and candy.
So where should we start looking? Do we know where it used to be kept? Who saw it last - Buffy sees she has to say something here, or risk letting the Gang get hopelessly sidetracked.
We did. Giles and me. We know where it is, so -
You what?!
You know and you didn't tell us?
There were reasons.
If Glory found out you knew where it was - I didn't want to put you in that kind of danger.
As opposed to the other kind we're always in? Glory's going nuts trying to get her hands on the Key, and you've known where it is all along?
You should have told us.
Willow - She pauses, coming to a decision.
You're right. (soft, to Giles) It's time.
Are you sure?
They're going to be risking their lives. They deserve to know.
Know what?
(steeling herself) There's something I have to tell you. About Dawn… We prelap:
The Key is the link… EXT. WOODS - NIGHT A campfire crackles. Orlando and two other Byzantium Knights kneel around it, heads bowed in deep prayer, their inverted swords held to their foreheads like makeshift crosses.
…the link must be severed… such is the will of God… The Key is the link… the link must be severed… such is the will of God…
You really think He's going to help you? The Knights leap to their feet, swords at the ready. Jinx is standing at the outskirts of the camp, his face still bruised from his run-in with Ben in Episode 12. He smiles warmly.
I fear your faith is gravely misplaced. Suddenly, five MINIONS burst from the surrounding woods, attacking with halberds. Orlando ducks and rolls, narrowly avoiding a messy decapitation. Knight #1 deflects a halberd thrust and knocks his attacker out cold with the hilt of his sword - then immediately pulls the blade back, skewering the Minion behind him. Knight #2 drops to the ground, kicking the legs out from under a Minion, then runs him through the heart. Orlando sidesteps a Minion's halberd thrust, timing it so that the blade impales another Minion instead. He then PUNCHES the Minion who tried to skewer him - knocking the demon unconscious before it hits the ground. Jinx's jaw drops, seeing all five Minion henchmen neutralized in record time. Orlando wipes his sword, grinning.
Shall we test your faith now? Jinx turns to flee, stumbles, falls. He sucks air as Orlando brings his sword down for the death blow - but a well manicured hand catches the blade an inch from Jinx's fleshy head. Glory has arrived to bring on the hurt.
(sighs, re: Jinx) Never send a minion to do a god's work. Glory backhands Orlando, sending him flying. The Knights attack, swords flashing. Glory absently deflects the blows with her bare hands, crushing and snapping the Knights with frightening ease. Orlando, barely conscious, spots his sword on the ground. He reaches for it - but Glory gets to it first.
Hey, nice sword. Glory looms over him, admiring his razor sharp weapon in her hands. She grins brightly.
Bet it hurts. BLACK OUT
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| Act One |
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EXT. MAGIC BOX - DAY (DAY 2) Willow and Tara are making runic symbols on the sidewalk around the perimeter of the Magic Box. Dawn bounces up with her backpack, fresh from school.
Hey! You guys doin' a spell? Willow and Tara are instantly awkward.
Dawn, hey. Yeah, it's an early warning incantation. If anything Hellgod-ishly powerful comes within a hundred feet of the shop, screechy Siren things'll, you know - screech.
That should give us enough of a heads up to hide - (catches herself) -- the, uh, Key.
We already put one up around your house.
Cool. Can I help? Willow and Tara share an uncomfortable look.
I don't think Buffy would like the Black Arts bumping auras with littlest Summers. Dawn totally picks up on the weird vibe.
Yeah, whatever. She disappears into the Magic Box.
How can she not be real?
She's real. She's just kinda… new. Willow finishes the last symbol, completing the circle around the shop. The circle flashes, disappears. INT. MAGIC BOX - DAY Xander is at the table, blearily sifting through another mountain of books. Anya is nearby, arranging a display of mystical knickknacks.
Hey. We on the case?
Yeah. Right on top. Perched, ready for action. How's my sweet fancy Dawn doing? Xander playfully pokes at her. He's completely overcompensating with the touchy-feely - and testing her for "realness". Dawn laughs, the pokes tickling.
Fine. What's up with you? You get into the sugar again?
(blurting) You make a very pretty little girl!
(covering) Anya, you want to help me with that thing?
(to Dawn) Xander needs help with his thing! Xander quickly hustles her off before she accidentally does any damage. Dawn frowns. Extra weird. Buffy and Giles enter from the training room. Giles carries his notebook, which he sets open on the counter.
I'm not sure our basic work-out is challenging you anymore. Perhaps we should make it harder.
You always think harder is better. Maybe next time I patrol, I should carry bricks and use a stake made out of butter. Dawn puts her backpack on the counter next to Giles' notebook and pulls out her note pad diary. Giles very casually closes his notebook and picks it up. Dawn notes this.
Very amusing. (smiling at Dawn) I bet Dawn feels like that with her school work sometimes.
Hey, Dawn. That true? How was school today?
The usual. A big square building filled with boredom and despair.
Just how I remember it. Giles has moved behind the counter with his notebook. Dawn tries to get a better look at it. Buffy pulls her attention away.
So what's the homework sitch?
We're s'posed to imagine what we'll be like in ten years and write a letter to our future self. The teacher's clearly so out of ideas. Wanna help?
Maybe later. I got a few things to take care of. Dawn glances back to Giles. He's fiddling at a shelf on the wall behind the counter. His notebook is gone.
(to Buffy) Is it about that weird girl that came to the house?
Glory. And no, it's not.
Like you'd tell me anyway. "Dawn's too young." "Dawn's too delicate --"
Right. A young delicate pain in the butt.
I think you're just freaking out 'cuz you have to fight someone prettier than you. That's the big crisis, isn't it?
Dawn, Glory is powerful, evil and is no way prettier than me.
(opening her diary) Maybe you're just getting soft in your advanced age. She didn't look that tough to me. INT. GLORY'S PLACE - DAY Orlando's hands have been skewered above his head with his own sword, pinning him to a column. Blood trickles down his battered face. Glory leans in close.
(re: blood) That is so cool the way you people here keep doing that. It's really the only thing worth mentioning about this backwater plane of existence. Glory runs a finger sensually across his blood-stained lips.
Now, one more time. Just between me and you. Our itsy-bitsy little secret. Where… is… the Key?
Even if I knew… (grins defiantly) I'd die a thousand deaths before I tell you. She whispers intimately into his ear.
Won't need a thousand, sweetie. I'll make the first one last. Long time. Even if you don't know anything. Orlando stares back at her, stoically.
(frustrated) What is it with you religious types?! (light bulb) It's intimacy, isn't it?! Aww, you're just scared of letting someone in… She presses up close, dripping sex.
Shhh… It's okay. I know how hard the first time can be. Glory's trembling now, in need of a brain boost to keep her even. She runs her hands up Orlando's body. Total foreplay.
You don't have to be afraid. Just relax. You may not have the info I want, but you've still got something I need… She slips her hands into his head, shuddering in orgasmic ecstasy as she sucks him dry. She finishes, licks her lips at the deliciously holy taste.
Mmmm. Righteous. INT. BUFFY'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT TIGHT ON a stack of brightly wrapped presents.
Presents! REVEAL the Gang gathered around the living room. Dawn is curled up with Joyce, a bit removed from the rest of the Scoobies. A festive banner reads HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Buffy beams at the sight of all her gifts.
See? Just what you needed.
You are very, very wise. Now gimmie gimmie gimmie! Buffy tears into a gift. Anya watches impatiently.
This is extremely suspenseful. (getting excited) I want the presents! Buffy pulls out her gift: a pretty and feminine dress.
Pretty! Thank you!
We thought you'd get a lot of crossbows and other killy stuff.
So we figured, less killy, more frilly.
It's lovely! I wish it was mine! (off the looks) Oh like you weren't all thinking the same thing.
I'm fairly certain I wasn't. Dawn thrusts a small, hastily wrapped gift at Buffy.
Open mine.
(opening it) It's not going to explode, is it - It's a picture of her and Dawn laughing and hugging each other on the beach, in a frame adorned with seashells. It hits Buffy hard.
It's when we visited Dad that summer in San Diego. I put the shells on myself. They're the ones we picked off the beach.
Yeah. I remember. The room is deathly quiet. Dawn shifts uncomfortably, mistaking the atmosphere as everyone being overly touched.
Jeez, don't get all Movie of the Week. I was just too cheap to buy you a real present.
Thank you. Buffy hugs her close. INT. BUFFY'S KITCHEN/DINING ROOM - NIGHT The party has broken up into small knots. Buffy, Giles, and Joyce are talking quietly in the kitchen. Dawn wanders into the dining room, spots them and edges close to the door, listening.
It still sounds to me like there's a lot you don't know about this. I mean, is she… is she… dangerous?
No.
Well, let's wait a second on that. I assume you're asking about her existence, not her intentions… During Giles' line, Buffy moves where she can see Dawn in the dining room.
Dawn? What are you doing? Party getting slow out there? Dawn is extremely good at this. She doesn't sound caught at all:
We need plates. It's cake time. Dawn grabs some plates off the table, heads casually into the foyer and then into… INT. BUFFY'S LIVING ROOM - CONTINOUS - NIGHT Birthday presents are strewn across the coffee table, some weapons, some clothes, a few books… Willow and Tara are at the coffee table, cutting Buffy's birthday cake with a sharp, gleaming knife. Willow laughs, licks a bit of stray frosting from Tara's finger. Dawn puts down the plates and keeps going, over to where Anya and Xander stand, laughing and whispering to each other. They see Dawn and immediately stop, both looking guilty.
(frustrated) Why does everybody start acting all weird when I'm around?
(startled) Me? Me not weird.
I'm not an idiot. I know you're talking about me. Xander and Anya exchange a look - they really weren't.
No. no, we really weren't.
We were talking about sex. Buffy enters from the foyer with Giles and Joyce close behind.
(to Joyce) They were talking about me. Just like everybody else is.
Again, not so much. In fact, none.
(to Joyce) We were talking about sex. You know us. Sometimes we pretend stuff -
Um…
Anya…
Like, say, there's a fireman? Or a shepherd? Buffy is conscious of Dawn's presence for this.
Okay, you know what? Let's not have this exchange of images right now…
Oh. Right. Of course. Can't let Dawn hear anything. Fine. I'll just go to bed. That way I won't accidently get exposed to, like, words. Dawn storms off up the stairs. The others look at each other, knowing they didn't handle that well.
(lamely) Cake? INT. DAWN'S ROOM - NIGHT Dawn slams her door, stands there fuming. She thinks a moment, a determined look on her face. She'll show them… EXT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - NIGHT Dawn shimmies down the trellis outside her window. She jumps down to the ground, pauses to make sure no one heard. She carefully creeps past the living room window where Buffy and the Gang are still enjoying birthday merriment inside. Dawn rounds the dark corner to the back of the house and - WHOMP! Spike looms over her, a cigarette dangling from his lips. He's skulking in the shadows, holding the rumpled box of chocolates he beat the Buffy manikin with in Episode 11.
(heart pounding) Jeez! Lurk much?
Wasn't lurking - I was standing about. It's a whole different vibe. Dawn spots the candy box.
What is - (incredulous) Are you giving Buffy a birthday present? Oh my god, weird! Plus, chocolates? Lame! And the box is all bent and you know she'd never touch anything from you anyway!
(threatening) Shouldn't you be tucked away in your beddy-bye, all warm and safe where nothing can eat you?
(laughs) Is that supposed to scare me?
(dejected) Little tremble wouldn't hurt.
Sorry, it's just - come on. I'm badder than you.
Are not.
Am too. You're standing in the bushes hugging a bent box of chocolates. I'm -
What? Sneaking off to braid hair and watch the Teletubbies with your mates?
No. I'm breaking into the magic shop. To steal things.
Magic shop, eh? All number of beasties between here and there. Bet they'd really go for a little Red Riding Hood like you. (looking toward the house) I bet that wouldn't set too well with big sister.
I can take care of myself. Dawn eyes the deep, dark, scary night. On second thought.
Wanna come steal some stuff?
(a beat) Yeah, all right. EXT. MAGIC BOX - NIGHT Spike is picking the lock, his rumpled box of chocolates resting next to him. Dawn keeps a nervous lookout.
You know how to do that or not?
Give us a sec. I usually just burst through doors - CLICK! Spike gets it open, grins.
That's right. Who's bad now? INT. MAGIC BOX - CONTINOUS - NIGHT Dawn pulls a flashlight from her jacket pocket, clicks it on, makes a beeline to the shelf on the wall behind the counter. Spike eyes her, chocolates in hand.
Girl with a mission, eh? So what's the caper? Jewels? Mystical artifacts? Or just plain hard cash liberated from the till?
A book.
All this for a book? Spike laughs as he smoothly lifts an ornate crystal, slips it in his coat pocket. A little five-finger discount on the fly.
I don't want the book - just what's inside. I think it was Giles' notes. He was standing here with it but when I turned around it was gone - CLICK! Dawn hits a hidden switch on the shelf behind the counter. A secret cubby hole opens up. Inside are the Book of Tarnis and several notebooks. Dawn grins. Bingo. INT. MAGIC BOX - LATER - NIGHT Candles have been lit around the counter where Spike and Dawn are pouring over Giles' notebooks. Dawn absently munches chocolates from Buffy's mangled birthday box. Spike puffs on a cigarette, squints at Giles' writing.
Where'd he learn to write so bloody small? From a fruit fly?
Wait - here' something. "Tarnis, twelfth century. One of the founders of the Monks of the Order of Dagon. Their sole purpose appears to have been as protectors of the Key."
Brown robe types are always protecting something. Only way they can justify giving up girls. Spike has wandered over to a shelf. He spots Olaf's giant troll hammer.
Hey. Troll hammer. He moves to pick it up - strains under the weight and sets it back down.
Doesn't go with my stuff anyway.
(reading) "The Key is not directly described in any known literature, but all research indicates an energy matrix vibrating at a dimensional frequency beyond normal human perception. Only those outside reality can see the Key's true nature." Outside reality? What's that mean? Spike tosses his cigarette in an ornate urn.
Second sight blokes, maybe. Or even just your run-o'-the-mill lunatics. Dawn tenses. Crazy people? She FLASHES BACK to her runs-ins with Sunnydale's less sane citizens from Episodes 2 and 9.
You don't belong here!
There's no one in there!
What else does it say about this key? Is it made of gold? Might be able to hock it, split the take. Dawn continues reading, a dark, oily feeling uncoiling in the pit of her stomach.
"The Key is also susceptible to necromanced animal detection, particularly those of canine or serpent construct…" Dawn FLASHES BACK to the SNAKE MONSTER in Episode 8, towering over her in the Magic Box.
Giles, it knows… Spike leans in.
"The Monks possessed the ability to transform energy, bend reality…" Blah blah blah. Good Lord, Giles writes as dull as he talks, doesn't he? (a beat) "They started work, but the Council has suggested to us that they were interrupted, presumably by Glory. They obviously did manage to accomplish the… taste? (squinting at the handwriting) Accomplish the task. They had to be certain the Slayer would protect it with her life. So they sent the Key to her in human form… in the form of a sister." Dawn's world crumbles. Spike eyes her curiously.
Huh. I guess that's you, nibblet. BLACK OUT
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| Act Two |
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INT. BUFFY'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT Buffy, Joyce, and the Gang are still at the party, talking as a group.
(delicately) Not even a card, huh?
I wasn't really expecting one. No contact with civilians. I'm sure there's a code name for it. Like "radio silence." It's "greeting card silence."
Sorry.
Maybe it's time for a new tradition: birthdays without boyfriends. It can be just as fun.
Preaching to the choir, here, baby.
Yeah, some of my best - (seeing something) Oh God… Others follow Tara's look. The room goes silent as the happy gives way to horror. Dawn is standing on the other side of the room. She holds her hand out, blood dripping from a gash across her palm. The birthday cake knife she used to inflict the wound hangs limply in her other hand.
(shell-shocked) Is this blood?
Dawn! Buffy rushes over and grabs the knife away.
What did you do?!
It's blood, isn't it? It can't be me. I'm not a Key. I'm not a thing… Shock all around. Oh my god - she knows.
Sweetie, no, what is this all about… Joyce struggles to find the words, but her face says it all. Dawn breaks down, sobbing.
What am I? Am I real? Am I anything? Joyce rushes to her, hugging her close, grabbing her hand to stop the bleeding. Joyce shares a devastated look with Buffy. It wasn't supposed to happen this way. INT. BUFFY'S FOYER - LATER - NIGHT The Gang is solemnly on their way out, no one sure what to say. Willow hugs Buffy tight.
Whatever you need, just…
Thanks. Willow and Anya exit. Giles lingers, deeply affected by Buffy's obvious pain.
Perhaps I should stay. Just in case…
(softly, no) This is family stuff. We need to deal with it. Giles nods, exits. Buffy sags against the door. Her eyes slowly move up the stairs, her face filling with dread. INT. DAWN'S ROOM - NIGHT Buffy enters, the scene hitting her hard. Dawn is laying on the bed. Her hand has been bandaged, but that's the least of the damage. Joyce gently strokes her hair.
Why didn't you tell me? Joyce trades a look with Buffy.
We were going to. We just…
We thought it would be better to wait until you were older.
How old am I now?
Fourteen. You know that.
No. the monks. When did they… The question hangs in the air.
(softly) Six months ago.
(devastated) I've only been alive for six months?
No, honey. You've been alive longer than that to us.
You don't know that. You don't know anything! I'm a Key - everything about me's just… made up.
Dawn, Mom and I know what we feel. I know I care about you, know I worry…
You worry 'cause you have to - I'm your job. "Protect the Key," right?
No, I worry because my sister is cutting herself -
Yeah? How do you know? Maybe it's just another fake memory. From my fake family.
Honey… Joyce reaches out to touch Dawn. Dawn withdraws, out of reach. Buffy and Joyce stare at Dawn. Dawn looks down.
(softly) Get out.
Dawn…
(screaming, totally losing it) Get out! GET OUT! GET OUT! INT. MAGIC BOX - DAY (DAY 3) The Scoobies sit pensively, no one sure what to say. A clock ticks somewhere in the gloom.
Maybe we could… He shakes his head, knowing there's nothing they can do. The bell above the door jingles. Buffy enters, quiet and small.
Buffy, is everything okay?
(avoiding the question) Did you find anything new?
(gently) We're looking, but -
We need answers, Giles. We need to find out everything about the Key. What's it for? Who created it?
And why Glory's got a big girl god jones for it.
No, this isn't about her. It's Dawn. She deserves to know where she came from. She needs to know. Or - or it's just gonna eat away at her… Giles eyes the Book of Tarnis and his notebooks, still strewn on the counter. The secret cubby hole is still ajar behind him.
How did she find these? How did she even get in here in the first -
Eeww! Anya pulls a cigarette butt from an ornate urn.
Who's been using the Urn of Ishtar as an ashtray? Buffy's face darkens. Spike! INT. SPIKE'S CRYPT - DAY Spike sits on the lid of his tomb, painting his fingernails black. The crypt door crashes open. Buffy storms in.
Mornin', sunshine. If you've come 'round for eggs and sausage, I'm fresh out - Buffy grabs the lid of the tomb - and with one hard pull YANKS it out from under Spike. He falls in with a thud.
Hey! Careful… He stands, facing her.
(re: his nails) … These are wet! WHAM! Buffy SLAMS the tomb lid straight into Spike's chest, PINNING him in place. He's stuck.
You let Dawn find out like that? From books and papers? You hate me that much? Spike tries not to show how much that particular blow hurt.
I was just along for the ride. Not like I knew she was mystical glowy key thing. Nobody keeps me in the bloody loop, do they?
You could have stopped her. You could have -
Oh, yeah, here it comes. Something goes wrong in your life, blame Spike. Newsflash, Blondie: In a single burst of strength and anger, Spike FLIPS the entire tomb lid off and away from him. It lands with a heavy crash beside them.
If kid sis wants to grab a midnight stroll, she'll find a way, sooner or later. I just thought she'd be safer with the Big Bad looking over her shoulder. A tense beat. Buffy backs off a bit, still angry.
She shouldn't have found out like that.
You didn't think you could hide the truth from her forever, did you? Maybe if you had been honest with her in the first place, you wouldn't be trying to make yourself feel better with a round of Kick the Spike. Buffy locks eyes with him.
You have no idea how I feel. She turns and leaves. Spike deflates. INT. DAWN'S ROOM - DAY A soft knock on the door. Joyce enters, looking the worse from a sleepless night, but trying not to let it show.
Honey? You're going to be late for school. Dawn, awake but still in bed in her clothes from last night, doesn't turn to face her. Her tears have long since drained, leaving behind a deep, vast emptiness.
I'm not going. Blobs of energy don't need an education. Do they? Joyce doesn't know how to respond to that. She sits on the bed, gently strokes Dawn's hair.
You want me to make you some soup? I think there's some chicken and stars - Dawn pulls away, snapping at Joyce.
I'm not sick! I'm not anything!
Honey, calm down. I -
Don't tell me what to do. You're not my mother. Joyce flinches. Extra ouch. Dawn grabs her backpack.
I changed my mind. I'd rather be at school. Dawn exits. Joyce sits there, devastated and numb. INT. HOSPITAL MENTAL WARD - DAY Ben enters with a tray of little cups filled with pills.
All right, fellas! Today we got greens and blues and hey! Chartreuse! It's a party!
It won't stick. Ben turns, spots the brain-sucked Orlando. He's strapped down, his skewered hands stitched and bandaged.
The birds have been pecking too long. Ben's eyes go wide as he recognizes the symbols tattooing Orlando's face. Oh shit.
Byzantium…
Yes. They have arrived. Ben whirls around. Jinx has appeared.
Unfortunate, but not completely unexpected.
How many?
(eyeing Orlando) Their numbers are few, for the moment. But they'll grow. The Knights of the Byzantium are like ants. First you see one. Then two. Then… the picnic's ruined. (to Ben) No matter how many we kill, they'll keep coming, wave after wave… It's time to put old animosities aside. Your fate is directly tied to her magnificently scented Glorificus. She's been extremely forgiving of your considerable foibles up until now, but if you persist in your defiance she'll be forced to - Ben explodes, his pent-up fear and frustration boiling over.
What?! What is she going to do? Send a six-pack of minions to bore me to death? Glory can't lay a finger on me. You know it, I know it, she knows it. So save the threats - or I'll finish the job I started on your head. Ben storms out, brushing Jinx aside. Jinx, sighs, purses his lips sourly. This is so not good. INT. DAWN'S ROOM - NIGHT Dawn has all her note pad diaries spread out on the bed. She's going through them, desperately scanning the pages chronicling her life. How can this not be real? The muffled sound of Buffy and Joyce arguing intrudes form downstairs. Dawn pauses, listening. INT. BUFFY'S LIVING ROOM - CONTINOUS - NIGHT Buffy and Joyce are grappling with the Dawn situation. Frayed nerves all around.
We can't just let her sit up there all alone.
She needs time, mom. We can't force her to be all right with this.
So that's your answer? Leave her alone and hope everything works itself out?
No, but if I were her I'd want a little space right now to try to figure things out, not my mom and sister coming at me from all sides. Joyce considers this. She continues more softly.
Her school called today. She's been suspended. She told one of her teachers to - (she can't repeat it) She's never used language like that before.
She probably feels like she can say or do anything now. It won't matter because she's not real. We're not her family. We don't even know what she it. INT. BUFFY'S UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT Dawn has slipped out into the hall, listening. Buffy's last words hit her like a punch in the gut. She quickly retreats back into her room, closing the door. INT. DAWN'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT Dawn's eyes sweep across her room, taking in all the lies that are her life. She explodes, ripping down posters, tearing up photos, destroying everything that's perpetuation the illusion. She rips up her diaries, tossing the sundered remains of her so-called life into the trash can. INT. BUFFY'S LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT Buffy and Joyce's argument has escalated.
How can you talk about Dawn like she's a thing?
I'm not. I'm saying that's how she feels.
Then we need to show her it's not true. She needs to know that she's still a part of this family and we love her.
It's not that simple. We're not going to fix this with a hug and a kiss and a bowl of soup. Dawn needs to know what she is. She needs real answers.
What she needs is her sister, Buffy. Not the Slayer.
Mom, the Slayer is the only thing standing between Dawn and a god from the Bitch Dimension that wants to stuff her in some kind of lock and give her a good twirl. I need to be out there doing my job or else. A piercing SCREECH splits the air. Buffy stiffens.
Willow's spell. Glory - Buffy starts for the stairs. Joyce stops her.
Wait - (her eyes going wide) It's not Glory… INT. DAWN'S ROOM - NIGHT Buffy smashes open the locked door, sending wood splinters flying. Joyce is right behind her. Dawn has set her diaries in the trash can on fire. The SCREECH is coming form the smoke detector.
Dammit! Buffy grabs a folded blanket off Dawn's bed and throws it over the trash can, smothering the flames.
Buffy -
No, mom, she could've burned the house down -
(cutting her off) Buffy… Buffy suddenly notices the stricken look on Joyce's face.
(stunned) She's gone. Buffy spots Dawn's open window, the curtains fluttering in the breeze. Her face drops. From bad to apocalyptic in a heartbeat. 27 AND 28 OMITTED EXT. SUNNYDALE STREET - NIGHT Dawn makes her way down a street she thought she knew, in a town she thought she grew up in. Now nothing is certain as she disappears into the deep, dark night... BLACK OUT
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| Act Three |
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INT. MAGIC BOX - NIGHT Buffy has assembled the Scoobies, including a reluctant Spike. She's barely keeping it together.
Willow's warning spell wasn't tripped? You're sure?
It wasn't Glory. Dawn's been acting… It hasn't been easy for her. She tore her room up, burned all her diaries -
The Dawnmeister Chronicles?
She's been keeping those since she was - I mean…
Since she was seven. I remember too, Will. (combat mode) We have to find her, fast. Before Glory or the Knights of Hack and Slash figure out what she - who she really is. Mom's at the house in case Dawn comes back there. The rest of us'll split up and sweep the city. Spike, reach out to your dank and darks, find out if they've seen -
I'd love to help, but -
I'll pay you. Just do it.
Chip in the head, sweetcheeks. Means I can't kill anything but demons. They didn't exactly vote me most popular this year. (off their looks) Well, a fellah's gotta kill something…
Maybe if we figure out where she'd run to…
Oh! The mall! She loves the mall. (to Buffy) I think she gets that from you.
The Bronze perhaps?
Dog park! She's got a thing for the Schnauzers! I remember -
But none of those memories are real.
(brusquely) They were to her. And to me.
I'm just saying she might avoid the places she remembers because of that.
Well, for now we have to assume… (determined) Anya, stay put in case she shows up here. Giles, Xander - sweep the center of town. Willow, Tara - west side. Spike, you're with me on the east. We have to - She falters, her emotions finally getting the better of her.
(soft) Just find her. Please. EXT. SUNNYDALE PARK - NIGHT The park is dark and deserted. Dawn appears at the edge. She takes in the scene, lost in a memory. EXT. SUNNYDALE PARK - DAY (FLASHBACK) The same park, years ago, on a bright sunny day. Seen from behind, a TEN YEAR OLD DAWN baits YOUNG BUFFY as she pushes her younger sister on the swing.
Bet you can't push me all the way 'round!
Oh yes I can!
No you can't! EXT. SUNNYDALE PARK - NIGHT The laughter and joy of the memory still echoes faintly. Dawn stands frozen, tortured by the knowledge that it never really happened. She turns away and drifts back into the night. EXT. BACK ALLEY - NIGHT Giles and Xander are searching the back alleys. Giles is armed with a sleek black crossbow. Xander totes a long construction crowbar.
There are so many things I remember. Seeing Dawn, hanging with her, listening to Buffy complain about her. Mostly that last one. How could all of those things just… never have happened?
Takes getting used to. To think, that a bright fourteen year-old is actually living energy, thousands of years old.
And I'm guessing some kind of super-powerful in her raw form.
(nods) People have killed, died, and summoned armies to control the Key.
You know, she's uh, she's kinda got a crush on me.
Your point being…?
Well, no, nothing, I'm just saying, powerful being, big important energy gal, diggin' the Xan-man. Some guys are just cooler, you know… Giles sighs as they walk out of frame, still searching… CUT TO: EXT. WOODS - NIGHT Willow and Tara are searching the woods at the edge of town. Willow scans the night.
Maybe - maybe that way.
(gently) We looked that way. And this way, and the other way. She's not out here. Willow sags, knowing she's right.
Where would you go? If you felt lost and alone? Where would you go?
(a beat) To you. Willow takes Tara in her arms and hugs her tight. EXT. SUNNYDALE PARK - NIGHT Buffy and Spike have arrived at the park Dawn was at earlier. Buffy yells out into the night.
Dawn?! DAWN?!
Yeah, that should do it.
Shut up.
The nibblet scampered off to get away from you. She hears you bellowing she'll pack it in the opposite direction. Can't say I blame her. Buffy sags. She's not the Slayer here - just a frightened, worried sister.
You were right. It's my fault. I should have told her. Spike stands there awkwardly. He can't help but want to ease Buffy's consuming pain.
She probably would have skipped off anyway, even if she never found out. She's not just a blob of energy - she's also a fourteen-year-old hormone bomb. Which one's screwing her up more right now? Spin the bloody wheel. (eyeing the night) You'll find her, just in the nick of time. That's what you hero types do. (soft, sincere) You'll find her.
And then what? Spike doesn't have an answer for that one. An ambulance siren wails plaintively off in the distance. EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT Dawn drifts down the alley, a ghost in her own body. The ambulance heard in scene 36 tears past, startling her. She watches it go, an idea forming… INT. HOSPITAL HALLWAY - NIGHT The hospital, now on the graveyard shift, is eerily quiet and nearly deserted. Dawn slips in, down a hallway. She slips through a door just as a nurse rounds the corner, wheeling a tray of bed pans down the hall. INT. HOSPITAL MENTAL WARD - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT Dawn peers into the gloom, her eyes adjusting. Four Crazies, including Orlando, are strapped to various beds. Dawn swallows her fear, cautiously edges into the room. The Crazies stir as she nears. Whimpering, muttering… Dawn trembles with fear. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea.
It's here… it's here… it's here…
Make it stop. The skin's too tight.
Can't hear it. What's the frequency? Dawn edges over to Crazie #1. He whimpers, tries to move away.
Empty… All spilled out…
Please. You see me, right? Look at me. Behind her, Crazie #2
Can't stop. Dawn stays focused on #1:
You know what I am, don't you? You all know? Tell me.
Can't hear it can't hear it can't hear it…
What am I?
The Key! Dawn whirls around. Orlando is staring at her, his breathing erratic but his body still. His face twitches as he struggles to keep this one coherent thought from escaping.
I found it! (squeezing eyes closed) Thank you. Thank you… Dawn edges in close to his bed.
You know what the Key is? Where did I come from? Who made me? What am I? Please - Orlando's eyes crash open as he suddenly lunges for Dawn. She jerks back, the restraints barely stopping him.
Destroyer! Cracked earth and bones! The sun bleeding into the sky!
No…
The Key is the link! The link must be severed - The rest of the Crazies go into fits. Dawn, terrified, turns to flee. She throws open the door - and runs into Ben. INT. HOSPITAL BREAK ROOM - NIGHT A kitchen area, table, chairs, and lockers for the doctors and interns to keep a change of clothes and personal belongings. Ben pours two mugs of hot chocolate.
Two steaming cups of chocolate goodness. Courtesy of whoever I swiped it from out of the cupboard. He sets a mug in front of Dawn, sitting numbly at the table.
Couldn't find any marshmallows. I'll try to steal some for next time.
(absently) Don't like 'em anyway.
(laughs) What? Is that even possible?
Too squishy. When I was five, Buffy told me they were monkey brains… She trails off. Another false memory. Ben mistakes the emotion.
(warm and gentle) Dawn, was your mom brought back in? Is that why you're here?
(bitterly) No. My "mom" 's fine.
Is there anybody I can call? Your sister?
I don't have a sister. Ben thinks he's starting to get it.
Oh. You two have a fight? (a beat) It's okay. I know how that goes. I got a sister, too. They can be a real pain sometimes, huh? I'll tell you, there's been a lot of nights I wish she didn't exist either.
It's not Buffy. It's me. I'm the one that doesn't exist.
Look, I know it can feel that way sometimes, but when you're older -
No, you don't understand! It's not real! (re: her own body) None of this! They made it!
Dawn -
I'm nothing! I'm just a thing the Monks made so Glory couldn't find me! I'm not real! Ben suddenly stumbles back away from the table, fear tearing across his face.
You're the Key?
(stunned) How do you know about the -
Go. Before she finds you. Don't ask me how she knows, 'cause she always knows, just go.
Wait. Calm down. Just tell me…
You don't understand, you're a kid, you stay and she'll find you, she finds you, she'll hurt you…
What's wrong with you?
(totally losing it) No no no no! You're what she's been searching for. I'm telling you, run! You don't know! You - (stiffening in horror) Oh no. Oh god, no. She's coming. I can feel it. You've got to get out! SHE'S HERE - OH, NO… Ben grabs Dawn.
She's HERE! Ben suddenly MORPHS INTO GLORY. Dawn is paralyzed with terror. Glory smiles at her brightly.
Hey. Don't I know you? BLACK OUT
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| Act Four |
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INT. HOSPITAL BREAK ROOM - NIGHT Glory is at Ben's locker, her back to Dawn. She finishes peeling out of Ben's scrubs.
Ughh! Cotton! Could a fabric be more annoyingly pedestrian? She pulls a red silk dress from the locker.
Now this is what I'm talking about. Makes your skin sing! Dawn is sitting at the table, petrified.
You're - you're -
Getting bored fast?
You're Ben? Glory laughs, slipping into her dress.
It's an eensy more complicated than that. Family always is, isn't it? Dawn's eyes flick to the door, gaging the distance. If she ran as fast she could -
(back to Dawn) You'd never make it. I'd rip your spine out before you got half a step. Those little legs wouldn't be much good without one of those… Dawn jumps. Glory is suddenly standing right next to her.
… would they, Dawnie? Glory smiles, hunkers down to eye level.
Now, what I'm trying to noodle is what in the world was the Slayer's little sis doing here with gentle Ben? Dawn eyes Glory in surprise. She doesn't know Dawn's the Key!
You don't remember?
Remember what? You were talking to him, not me. Glory leans in, close and dangerous.
He wasn't being naughty, was he?
Excuse me, Ma'am? Glory turns. A Burly Security Guard has entered.
This area's for hospital personnel only. I'm going to have to ask you to - Glory reaches out and casually snaps the Guard's neck. Dawn gasps, shrinks back. The Guard goes down, his head twisted completely around.
Rude! I'm talking here! She fluffs her hair, composes herself, gives Dawn a big smile.
(to Dawn) What do you say we find someplace off the beaten so we can have a nice long uninterrupted chat, girl to god… Dawn's eyes fill with fear. Not good. EXT. CEMETERY - NIGHT Willow and Tara have joined Buffy and Spike.
We looked but… no Dawn.
What about the carousel?
We checked there too. Xander and Giles appear. Buffy reads their expressions.
Nothing?
I'm sorry, Buff. Buffy's heart sinks as she's forced to consider the unthinkable.
Anything could have happened to her. I mean, not just Glory… (gravely) We'd better check the hospital. INT. HOSPITAL X-RAY ROOM - NIGHT Glory has brought Dawn into the creepily deserted x-ray room. She admires one of the x-rays on display.
Now this one! Oh, I think they really captured something here. I just love seeing what's on the inside of people. Although I usually prefer a more hands on approach myself. (turning to Dawn) Okay! Small talk over. I'm in a bit of a crunch here, so let's cut right to the ooey gooey center. Your sister, the Slayer, has my Key. It's mine, I want it. Do you know where she squirreled it away? There's ice cream and puppy dogs in it for you if you start singin'.
I'm… I'm… not sure. What's it look like?
Well let's see… The last time I got a peep it was a bright green swirly shimmer. Really brought out the blue in my eyes. But then those sneaky little monks pulled an abracadabra, so now it could look like anything. You see my predicament? Dawn carefully gauges the situation - and sees a way to play it to her advantage.
Maybe… Glory leans in expectantly
Yes…
Maybe if you told me more about it, I'd know if I've seen it. Glory stares, her face impenetrable. She suddenly brightens.
Okay! INT. HOSPITAL - NIGHT The Gang mills about nervously as Buffy speaks with the Admitting Nurse. Buffy moves to them, her face grave. The Gang tenses.
She wasn't brought in.
That's a happy thing, right?
(nearing meltdown) I don't know. I can't - A terrified Janitor hustles past with two Security Guards.
I found him up on the third floor in the break room! You gotta see him! His head's almost twisted clean off! Buffy tenses.
Glory. INT. HOSPITAL X-RAY ROOM - NIGHT Dawn is subtly working Glory for information about the Key, trying to find out everything she can about herself.
So this Key thing. It's been around for a long time.
Not as long as me, but yeah. Just this side of forever. Dawn absorbs that. Forever?
Is it… evil?
Totally. Well, no, not really. (shrugs) I guess it depends on your point of view. Glory twitches just for a second, like she's working a kink out of her neck.
What's it for? I mean if it's a Key, there's gotta be a lock, right?
Yes! We have a winner!
So, what does it open? Glory starts to answer, then suddenly stops, her eyes narrowing.
I smell a fox in my henhouse! Is that why you were playing sugar and spice with Uncle Ben? Trying to get a peek at Glory's unmentionables?
No, I -
Shhh! I kinda want to hear me talking now. Me talking… (considering Dawn carefully) You know what I'm starting to think? I'm thinking maybe you… Dawn tenses. Oh god, Glory's figured out she's the Key.
… don't have any idea where my Key is. Very irritating. Irrational. You know what I mean, tiny snapdragon? Like bugs under my skin and say, I'm feeling a little…
What's wrong with you?
Hey! This doesn't have to be a complete waste of my precious time! I've been meaning to send the Slayer a message - and I could use a little pick me up… (brightly) Two birds, one stone, and boom - you've got yummy dead birds. Glory reaches for Dawn's head. Time for a cool, refreshing brain-suck.
Get away from my sister. Glory whirls around. Buffy has appeared with the Gang.
(delighted) Oh hey! We were just talking about you!
Conversation's over, Hellbitch. Buffy attacks with a ferocity we've seldom seen. She employs a stick and move strategy, hitting Glory hard and dodging her counter attack. The rest of the Gang fans out across the room as Spike joins Buffy in pounding Glory.
(to Buffy) I thought you said this skank was tough? WHAM! Glory swats Spike across the room. Spike hits a wall and then the floor, unconscious.
If he wakes up, tell your boyfriend to watch his mouth.
(that did it) He's! Not! My! BOYFRIEND! Buffy pounds Glory like a hay thrasher set on puree. ANGLE ON Willow and Tara. They've positioned themselves on opposite sides of the room. Their eyes are closed as they quietly chant… Buffy continues her assault. Glory latches onto her foot in mid kick. She admires Buffy's footwear.
Hey, those are really nice shoes! Buffy backflips, catching Glory a good one in the chin with her free foot. Buffy crashes to the floor.
Giles, now! Giles fires his crossbow. KA-THUNK! The bolt slams into Glory's chest - and bounces off.
Oh, please! Like that's gonna - CLANG! Xander clocks her in the head with his crowbar. It does nothing to her.
Hey! Watch the hair! Glory yanks the crowbar hard, sending Xander sailing into Giles. She hefts the crowbar like a spear.
Okay! Time to start the dyin'! She hurls the crowbar at Dawn.
Dawn! Buffy leaps in the way at the last second. KA-CHUNK! The crowbar pierces Buffy's shoulder. She goes down in agony. Dawn runs to her side.
Buffy!
Nice catch!
(to Dawn) Get back! Buffy yanks the crowbar out of her shoulder as Glory starts a fresh attack…
Is that the best you little crap gnats could muster? 'Cause I gotta tell you - so not impressed. Before Glory can reach Buffy, Willow and Tara suddenly spring into action, throwing colored dust at Glory from either side. It hits her and clings, staining her skin and clothes. She drops Buffy, livid.
Look what you did to my dress, you little -
(Latin) Discede! (Be Gone) Willow slams her hands together, activating her spell. Glory suddenly disintegrates. Willow collapses to the floor, her nose bleeding.
Willow! Tara rushes over.
(stunned) What did you do to her?
(weakly) Teleportation spell… Still working out the kinks…
Where did you send her?
Don't know. That's one of the kinks… EXT. SKY - NIGHT Glory starts to reform - half a mile above the ground.
Oh sh - Glory completely reforms, plummets. EXT. SUNNYDALE STREET - NIGHT Miles away, a tiny dark figure plummets to Earth. BOOM! Glory crash-lands far away. The ground trembles from the impact, setting off car alarms. INT. HOSPITAL X-RAY ROOM - NIGHT The Gang is picking themselves off the floor, assessing the damage.
Dawn! Buffy grabs her in a tight hug.
(helping Willow) That's an incredibly dangerous spell for an adept at your level.
(wiping blood from her nose) Yep. Won't be trying that one again soon. Buffy pulls back from Dawn, checking her over to make sure she's not hurt.
Are you all right?! Did she hurt you?
Why do you care?
Because I love you. You're my sister.
No, I'm not.
Yes, you are. Look. She takes Dawn's hand. The cut across her palm has opened up during the fight.
Blood. Summers' blood. She takes her own hand, smears blood on it from her shoulder wound, holds it up.
Just like mine. Buffy presses her palm into Dawn's, mixing their blood.
It doesn't matter how you got here or where you came from. You are my sister. There's no way you could annoy me as much if you weren't. All of Dawn's anger and defenses come crashing down. She hugs Buffy tight.
I was so scared.
Me too.
(suddenly remembering) Wait! Ben! He - Confusion seizes Dawn's face as she struggles to remember - but something is blocking her memory of Ben turning into Glory.
(confused) He was here. He was trying to help me, but then he… I think he might have left before Glory came. I - I can't remember.
It's okay. We'll thank him the next time we see him. (then) We'd better get back. Mom's freaking out. Dawn's expression clouds at this.
Is she mad? About the fire?
I think you sort of have a get out of jail free card, on account of big love and trauma.
Really? Okay… Good. A beat. She and Buffy move off. As they go -
Think she'd raise my allowance?
(cutting her off) Don't push it. And they're gone. BLACK OUT
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