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Forever February 8, 2001 (Blue) Written by: Marti Noxon |
| Teaser |
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INT. DARK ROOM - DAY (DAY 1) Buffy, looking cautious and wary, moves through a darkened room full of coffins. Very shmuck baity. Something bad is going down here. She stops in front of one… There's something about it… SNAP! Harsh fluorescent overheads wash the room in sickly yellow light. Buffy starts and we see GILES at the doorway to what we realized is a casket "showroom" in a funeral parlor.
Buffy. There you are… He enters, followed shortly by DAWN and a FUNERAL DIRECTOR.
Are you alright?
(looking at casket) Yeah. I…
Did you find something?
(nods & points) That one.
That model is beautiful. In fact, all of the caskets in this room are top of the line. (gently) However, given your budget, it might not be the- Before the funeral director even gets the words out of his mouth, Giles raises a hand and stops him, silently indicating that he will take care of it. Buffy doesn't pick up on this exchange, and the funeral director changes his tune-
It's a fine choice. It speaks to your deep feeling for the deceased. Buffy is about to move off but notices that Dawn is hesitating. Looking uncertainly at the coffin of choice.
You don't like it?
It's not that. It's just - what if mom… What if she'd like something else better?
Dawn-
I mean, how do we know? For sure? She's the one who has to be in it forever. Buffy can't think about it this way. It hurts too much. She ends the discussion. Not unkindly, but on no uncertain terms.
Dawn. Maybe it wasn't such a good idea, you coming along…
It's fine. It's just-
I'm serious. You shouldn't have to deal with this stuff-
If you'd like a few more minutes to decide-
(quickly) No. It's fine. It's done. (to Dawn) Okay? A beat. Dawn nods. Buffy moves off - retreating into her own space.
Okay… Giles lays a reassuring hand on Dawn's back before heading after Buffy and the funeral director. But Dawn barely registers it. She lingers, looking at the coffins - stung by Buffy's brusqueness. Lost. BLACK OUT
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| Act One |
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INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - DINING ROOM - NIGHT Buffy and Giles sit at one end of the table going over paperwork and reviewing Joyce's funeral arrangements. Buffy looks stressed and exhausted - but she's glad for the work at hand. In fact, everyone - with the exception of Dawn - has retreated into efficient busyness as their predominant coping skill. This includes Xander and Willow, who sit with Dawn the other end of the table, eating a casserole dish. Or, to be more exact, Willow and Xander are eating. Dawn's hovering - too agitated to sit down.
(to Buffy) I checked prices with a few different florists. The funeral home is competitive.
Let's just go with them, then. It's simpler.
What color flowers?
White. They're nice. (to Giles) What about an announcement? People are going to be expecting a wake after the burial if we don't say something.
We could put a line in the program. Expressing your mother's preference not to have one.
There's no wake?
Mom didn't like them. (smiles a little) She said pot lucks are depressing enough as it is.
She said that? When?
Right before she went in for her operation. We had a talk about what she wanted. In case…
She never said anything to me.
I'm sure she just didn't want to upset you, Dawnster. (then) Now you better get working on that dinner. You've barely touched it.
I'm not feeling very casserole-y.
That's a shame. 'Cause you've got about 9000 of them in the kitchen. You could open your very own Casserole Hut.
(to Dawn) Mrs. Kaplan brought some enchiladas over. Or there's chicken stuff. I saw chicken stuff.
That's okay. I'm not really hungry.
(helping himself to more) Shouldn't stop you. Eating can provide pleasant numbness.
You should eat, Dawn.
Why should I? You're not.
This isn't about- She stops as THE PHONE RINGS. Looks to Giles.
I'm phoned out. Can you? I mean, unless it's Dad.
Of course. Giles gets it. Buffy and Dawn listen attentively.
Hello? Yes… They did. Thank you… The service is tomorrow at three. Do you know the Brown Brothers Mortuary?… Giles trails off as he moves into the living room. Buffy's agitated now.
I can't believe he hasn't called yet.
Your Dad's still AWOL, huh?
(nods) The number he left for us in Spain is no good. And I've left messages all over the place.
We should try his girlfriend's place-
I don't have that number. I told you.
But we could ask one of his friends at work or something. Buffy's getting irritated, but tries hard to maintain.
Dawn. I tried that. Okay? (to Willow and Xander) What do you think? Just a line that says "following the burial, there will be no wake-" or gathering? "there will be no gathering at the request of Joyce?" That's lame. Willow starts to clear some dishes, coming in and out of the kitchen.
What are we going to do - after? I mean, we're not just coming back here are we?
I guess. I don't know. How about "At the request of the family, there will be no wake following the burial?"
Good. It's got flow.
I don't want to come back here. Dawn's last comment goes unnoticed as Willow returns from the kitchen and Xander moves to Buffy, who's looking at the program lay out.
Where do I put it? On top, here? Or on the bottom?
(to Willow) Maybe I could go to your place tomorrow?
Tomorrow?
Yeah. After everything? I don't want to come back to the house and stuff. I don't want to be here.
But maybe you and Buffy should… It's sort of a question for your sister. It's fine with me.
(to Buffy) Can I? Buffy and Xander are engrossed in the program lay out.
Humm?
Can I go to Willow's tomorrow after the service? Buffy's a little thrown by the question.
If you want. I guess so… Dawn doesn't wait for her to change her mind. Eager for something to do, she starts out of the room.
I'll get my sleeping bag out of the attic. But she stops in the foyer when she sees a bunch of mail on the floor near the mail slot. She picks it up. Reads it, stricken. Willow notices.
Dawn? Dawn turns to them, her expression tight.
It's for mom. Buffy moves to her, as does Giles - who comes from the living room, off the phone now. A pained beat in which all the activity and avoidance is halted. It's a gut punch, for Dawn most of all. But Buffy just regroups - forges ahead.
(to Giles) Do we call the post office about this? Maybe we need to fill out a form or something. Buffy moves back to the table with Giles. They continue talking but we stay- ON DAWN
I'll call tomorrow. First thing.
I haven't even started to think about the bills and everything… Dawn just looks at the mail. At her mother's name. EXT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - NIGHT A little bit later. Xander and Willow exit the house, both in fairly grim mode.
You going home?
I'm stopping by my mom's first. Been doing that a lot.
Yeah. I thought maybe I'd stop by your mom's too. (off Willow's look) Well, I'm not going to my house. Those people are scary- Xander stops.
Speaking of. Spike's on the path - holding a large bunch of flowers which he was just about to put on the steps. Xander's expression hardens.
You've got to be kidding.
I'm not going in. He stoops to deposit the flowers but Xander stops him.
And you're not leaving those. This isn't the time for your crap, Spike. You actually think you're going to score points with Buffy this way? Spike stands back up. Livid.
This isn't about Buffy-
Bull. We're all hip to your doomed obsession. You're rising to new lows, man. Or, lowering… towards them.
They're for Joyce.
Like you care about her. Xander's right in his face. This could get ugly.
Guys - not here. Xander doesn't blink - but Spike backs off. He addresses Xander and Willow, indignant but sincere-
(re: flowers) Care? Joyce was the only one of the lot of you that I could stand.
And the only one with a daughter you wanted to shag. I'm touched.
I liked the lady. Understand, monkey boy? She was decent. Didn't put on airs. Always had a nice cuppa for me… And she never treated me like a freak. Willow looks swayed despite herself by Spike's heartfelt admission. But Xander's not buying it.
Her mistake. That's it. Spike gives. He drops the flowers at their feet.
Think what you want. Angrily, he moves off. Willow stoops to pick up the flowers.
(fuming) Unbelievable. Guy thinks he can put on a big show and con Buffy into being his sex monkey… Willow looks up from the flowers, a little thrown.
He didn't leave a card. Xander examines the flowers. Sees that she's right. They both look after the retreating Spike, surprised. FADE TO: INT. BUFFY'S ROOM/DAWN'S ROOM - DAY (DAY 2) The next morning. Looking through the open door into Buffy's room. Dressed and ready for the funeral, Buffy sits on her bed, motionless, eyes fixed on the middle distance. Now we move down the hall to Dawn's room and find her alone as well. She's also sitting on her bed, her expression sorrowful… WHITE OUT: EXT. CEMETERY - DAY Joyce's burial. In a real (i.e. not our parking lot) cemetery. Buffy and Dawn, both looking small and vulnerable, stand around the grave with the Scoobies and a fair sized group of people we've never seen before. People from Joyce's other life - friends and gallery patrons, etc… Buffy has her arm around Dawn, offering what comfort she can. A minister speaks, but his words are distant…
…we commend to almighty God our sister Joyce Summers… Buffy holds her tears. Staring at- THE COFFIN As it begins its descent into the ground.
…and we commit her body to the ground… ON BUFFY AND DAWN, ET AL Dawn is weeping now. The rest of the gang is gathered around them, grieving for Buffy and Dawn, but also for themselves… CLOSE ON A SHOVEL As an unseen man DIGS INTO A PILE OF DIRT with a sharp, gravelly crunch and then casts the first pile of dirt into the casket.
…earth to earth… CLOSE ON DAWN Who starts as the dirt hits the top of the coffin. She turns away into Buffy's side - can't handle it.
…ashes to ashes… ON BUFFY Who stares ahead - eyes still willed dry. Just one moment at a time.
…Dust to dust… ON THE CONGREGATION The voice of the minister and the congregation continues over various images as the funeral ends. (Note: much of this should be very close. The perspective of an overwhelmed five-foot-two person.
The Lord bless her and keep her, the Lord makes his face to shine upon her and be gracious to her, the Lord lift up his countenance upon her and give her peace. Amen.
Amen. - The service ends and Giles, Xander, Willow, Anya and Tara make their way to Buffy and Dawn - the first to hug them and speak unheard kindnesses before they move off… - Many other people come to Buffy and Dawn and touch them. Talk to them. But the girls don't really hear much. They're lost in a sea of unfamiliar faces and hands… - Dawn nods absently to a man whose talking at her (we might never see his face - just a suit…) She's watching a workman continue to fill Joyce's grave. - A woman Buffy's never met before cries and gives Buffy her rosary. - Another woman with a young toddler, who clings to her hip, talks kindly to Dawn. Dawn, expressionless, puts her hand out to the baby, who wraps her tiny fingers around Dawn's… - Other than the Scoobies, most of the people are gone now. The Scoobies begin to make their way toward their parked cars. CLOSE ON BUFFY As Tara approaches her.
Hey. Dawn is kind of ready to go… Is it okay if we take her? Buffy glances at Dawn, who is standing nearby with Willow. Willow is talking gently to her, an arm around her… Dawn's gaze is downcast, not looking at anybody.
Yeah. She should probably get out of here.
What about you? We can wait, if you want.
I'm okay. Thanks. Tara nods, understanding. Moves to Willow and Dawn - says something, and they start to leave. ON DAWN Who casts a worried look back at Buffy and the grave. Buffy doesn't notice her little sister's gaze… WILLOW, TARA & DAWN Move off. ON BUFFY AT THE GRAVE As everyone drifts away. And she's finally alone. DISSOLVE TO: EXT CEMETERY - NIGHT It's later and it's dark. Buffy still stands alone at Joyce's grave, lost in private grief. Something moves at her shoulder. It's ANGEL. His face full of compassion and sorrow.
I'm sorry I couldn't come sooner. A beat. Buffy silently nods… Then her hand slips into his. They stand this way for a long moment, contemplating the grave together in silence. INT. WILLOW'S ROOM - NIGHT Willow and Tara are just finishing making a bed on the floor for Dawn, who sits nearby, quiet and red-eyed from crying.
There you go. (pats the floor) Best mattress in the house. Good for the back. Dawn nods absently.
How about something for your tummy, Dawn? Aren't you hungry at all?
No. Thanks. Dawn crawls on to her bed. Lays down. Pulls a pillow close and hugs it. Willow is beside herself, wanting to comfort her somehow. She moves to Dawn - rubs her back.
Oh… Dawn. This just sucks, doesn't it? I wish I could help more. (off her silence) The only thing is, it'll get better. I promise. It'll take time - but it won't hurt so much after a while.
You don't know that.
Sure she does. We're witches. We know stuff.
(a little angry) So - what? Life just goes on and I forget mom? Is that what you're saying?
Not forget. No. You… Willow looks to Tara - help me here.
You make a place in your heart for her. It's sort of like she becomes part of you. In the things she showed you and taught you… The way you live your life. Does that make sense? But Dawn doesn't appear to be listening anymore. Her gaze is fixed someplace else. She sits up.
Dawn? Nothing. Dawn appears to be in her own world now.
(anxious) Hey. We don't have to talk about it. We can just go to sleep.
No. Dawn rises and crosses the room. Tara and Willow watch her, concerned.
I don't want to sleep.
Okay. We can just sit. Whatever you want.
Good, because I know. What I want to do now. Both Willow and Tara look relieved. An activity.
Great. What are you up for?
Well, you're witches… And you do magic and stuff…
You want us to teach you something? A glamour or - or I can make a stuffed animal dance- Dawn turns to them - a magic book in hand. Her expression both pained and determined.
I want to do a spell. (beat) I want to bring Mom back. OFF WILLOW AND TARA Stunned. BLACK OUT
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| Act Two |
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INT. XANDER'S BEDROOM - NIGHT Xander and Anya have just finished making love. She lies on top of him… They're both sweaty and glowy from good loving. They hold each other.
Umm.
Umm hum. They smile.
That was different.
Yeah…
In a better way.
It was more… intense. Very intense, actually.
It's because of Joyce.
Right, I- (stops) Huh?
She died. She's gone forever.
Yeah. I kinda picked up on that.
Well, she got me thinking… About how people die all the time… And how they get born too… And how you kind of need one so you can have the other.
True. It would get kind of crowdy and stinky on Earth if nobody vacated.
And when I think about it that way, it makes death a little less sad and sex a little more exciting.
Again I say - huh?
Well, I just feel like I understand sex more. It isn't just about two bodies smooshing together. It's about life.
Got it. What makes you feel more alive than the good stuff?
Exactly. Sex is like a big party for our aliveness. But it's more than that. It's about making life.
(alarmed) Right. When two people are much older and way richer and far less stupid-
Breathe. You're turning colors. (then) I'm not ready to make life with you. But I could, we could. Life could come out of love and our smooshing and that's beautiful… It all makes me feel like we're part of something bigger. Like I'm more awake somehow, you know? Xander takes this in. Moved.
Yeah. I do. He pulls her closer. Kisses her tenderly. INT. WILLOW'S ROOM - NIGHT Pretty much where we left off. Dawn with the spell book. Tara and Willow trying to comprehend her request. Tara approaches Dawn - her tone caring but emphatic.
Of course you want to bring your mother back. And I wish we could. But it's not possible.
Why? You guys do magic for all kinds of things.
We do, but…
This is different. Magic can't be used to alter the natural order of things-
All you do is mess with the natural order of things! You make things float and disappear and, and-
(interrupting) But we don't mess with life and death. Dawn - I know how bad you hurt-
You don't! They put her in the ground-
They did, and it's awful and unfair - but this isn't the way.
I'm not even sure it's possible, Dawn. I mean, I've seen things about resurrection. There are books and stuff… Willow wavers for a moment. Why can't it work? She looks to Tara.
But I guess… the spells backfire?
That's not the point-
(quickly/to Dawn) That's not the point. The point is, it's bad. Because… She looks to Tara… Because why?
Because witches can't be allowed to alter the fabric of life that way, for selfish reasons. We'd manipulate the world until it came unglued. (to Dawn) You can't understand this now - I don't expect you to… But as painful as death is, it's part of nature. Wiccans took an oath, a long time ago, to honor that-
So it is possible then. To bring someone back. They wouldn't have taken an oath if they didn't know they could do it-
(firmer) Maybe "they" could, but we can't. Even if it wasn't wrong, it's the most advanced form of dark arts. Way beyond our grasp.
(a bit reluctant) She's right, Dawn. It's too dangerous. We can't go there. An awful beat as Dawn takes that in. She throws the spell book she's holding to the ground.
(to Willow) You said you wanted to help me. Dawn moves to her bed and lies down again, all hope gone now. Acutely feeling her failure to offer solace, Willow reaches out to her.
Dawn-
Don't. Dawn shrugs Willow's hand off her and turns her back to her. Willow and Tara glance at each other - pained. EXT. HILL IN CEMETERY - NIGHT It's much later now. Almost morning. And Buffy and Angel sit against a tree on a rise that overlooks the cemetery. She's leaning into Angel with his arms wrapped around her - keeping her warm and close. They're in the middle of what's clearly been a long conversation.
…the funeral was… It was brutal… But what I'm really worried about is tomorrow.
What's tomorrow?
That's what I don't know. Up 'til now I've had a road map - things to do, every minute, that had to do with mom…
And tomorrow the stuff of everyday living resumes.
(nods) Which everybody expects me to know how to do because I'm so "strong."
Not right away. I'm sure everybody understands that you need time.
Time's not the issue. I'm good at sticking wood in vampires, but Mom was the strong one in real life. She always knew how to make things better, what to say…
You'll find your way. Not all at once, but…
I don't know… (desperate) I keep thinking about it, Angel. When I found her. If I'd gotten there ten minutes earlier-
You said they told you it wouldn't have made a difference. Buffy offers the following like a horrible confession. It's her dirty secret.
No. Probably wouldn't have made a difference. The exact thing they said was probably. I haven't told anyone that-
That doesn't make it your fault. You couldn't have done anything different.
(anguished) I didn't even start CPR until they told me to. I fell apart. That's how good I am at being a grown up.
Buffy-
If I just had me to worry about… But Dawn… Angel pulls her closer.
It's okay. It's okay. You don't feel like it now, but you are strong, Buffy. You're going to figure it out. And you have people to help you. You don't have to do it alone. Buffy looks at the sky, scared and small.
It's going to be light soon.
I can stay in town. As long as you want me.
How's forever? Is forever good for you? (then) There's a bad idea. I'm seriously needy right now. Angel strokes some hair from her face. Says tenderly-
Let me worry about the neediness. I can handle it. Raw and vulnerable, Buffy looks at him - wanting to believe it. Wanting him closer still. She leans forward and kisses him. He responds gently - meaning to comfort, but the intensity builds quickly, the desire bubbling just under the surface. Buffy would like nothing better to forget herself with him - and he feels it powerfully. They break away from each other, breathing hard.
Told you. (reluctantly) You'd better go.
(pained) I'm sorry.
Don't be. I'm so grateful you came, Angel. I didn't think I was going to make it through the night.
We have a few more minutes until I have to go. Buffy nods, burrows deeper into him.
Good. Angel closes his arms even tighter around her. They are both pained and comforted by the powerful bond between them.
Good… And they fall into silence, together until the dawn. EXT. HOSPITAL GROUNDS - NIGHT Ben walks along a deserted outdoor pathway that leads from one wing of the hospital to another. He stops when he sees a cloaked figure lurking near a street lamp.
(exasperated) Tell my sister I'm sick of running into her Jawa rejects. Ben tries to walk by who we now see is JINX.
But, sir, the Most Delightfully Mood Enhancing Glor-
Skip the lips to her backside. Just say it. Glory.
Yes, well - she bade me come to you. The news of your relationship with the slayer-
We don't have a relationship. I've seen her around, that's all.
But you attempted to court her, did you not? Reference to this only makes Ben more irritable.
You're more fun when I hit you.
(cutting to the chase) It's just, The Lovely And- (off Ben's look) Glory would like to encourage this interest of yours in the slayer. It might lead to information about the Key. Ben advances on Jinx, intimidating.
And why would I share that with The Most Unstable One?
Time is running short, sir. Every moment you fight Glory, you're only fighting yourself, you see?
Fine. Let the best me win. (then) Let Glory understand this. I'm not helping her find the Key. I would never do that to an innocent- Ben stops himself. Oops. He just said too much. Jinx's eyes widen…
(getting it) Än innocent?" The Key? That's an… interesting choice of words. Ben could kill himself for his big mouth. Jinx gets both excited and extremely anxious.
No. That's not what I-
I - I understand. I'm sorry to have bothered you. I'll take my leave- Jinx starts to move off but Ben grabs him, freaking out.
You understand what? When I said it's innocent… I didn't mean that the Key is… It's not a person.
Of course not, sir. Now if you would- Now Ben is in full panic.
You're going to run and tell her, aren't you? Do you understand what's going to happen if she finds the Key? How many people are going to die? I won't be responsible-
Please. I heard nothing- Ben grabs a knife from Jinx' own belt - desperate.
I can't let that happen. Don't you see? With that, Ben brutally STABS JINX in the abdomen. Jinx cries out and then collapses in his arms. It's quick and brutal.
I can't… Ben's eyes dart around desperately. He's still alone on the path. After a terrified beat, Ben drags Jinx' body into some bushes and dumps it. Then he takes off - leaving Jinx for dead. INT. WILLOW'S ROOM - DAY (DAY 3) It's the next morning. Willow and Tara are quietly getting ready for school. Dawn is still under the covers in her makeshift bed - awake but turned to the wall. Tara and Willow exchange worried glances. CLOSE ON WILLOW As she looks at Dawn again. Desperate to help somehow. After a beat - she moves to Dawn.
Hey. We're heading down for breakfast…
I'm not hungry.
That's okay. It's just, we have class after that. I don't know if you want to go home or… Dawn turns to Willow. Her eyes are swollen and red. She looks like she was up half the night crying. Willow takes this in, pained.
I was going to sleep some more. Giles said he would pick me up, whenever.
Oh. Well… Willow considers this for a beat. Then -
Okay. Sure. Hang out. I have a break around lunch time, I'll come back.
I might not be here.
I'll try my luck. A noonish Dawn break would make my day. Dawn just looks away. Clearly still hurting and angry. Willow feels the sting. She gets up, starts to gather her stuff.
Take care, Dawn. Again, Dawn doesn't respond. Willow casts one more worried glance back at her before following Tara out. CLOSE ON WILLOW As, unnoticed by Tara and Dawn, she surreptitiously raises a finger and focuses on a book on the shelf, magically making it push out of the stack in front of Dawn. It doesn't fall - but it sticks out pretty far. RESUME Tara and Willow exit. Dawn's about to lie back down when she spies the book hanging out of the bookshelf. That wasn't like that before… Dawn gets up and grabs the book. CLOSE ON BOOK It's title - "History of Witchcraft" ON DAWN As she opens it and reads the chapter headings.
"The Golden Age of Levitation… War of the Warlocks… Resurrection, A Controversy Born." A beat as Dawn takes this in. Then she hungrily turns the pages to the chapter in question. INT. MAGIC BOX - DAY Giles is behind the counter, going over some ledgers. Dawn is with him, giving things a good once over with a feather duster. We notice that she's looking very carefully at everything she "cleans."
You don't have to do that, Dawn. You're more than welcome to relax… Now we see Anya, who trails after Dawn - just a little threatened at having another person infringing on her territory. But also wanting to be nice to Dawn.
Yes, sit down. We have some very amusing chicken feet you can play with.
That's okay.
Don't you watch television? I - thought all children despise effort and enjoy cartoons.
(simply) I like being useful. Keeps my mind off things. Giles takes this in, happy to provide her with distraction.
Then useful you shall be. I can always use a hand-
But you have a hand. A paid hand. A hand that isn't the hand of illegal child labor-
(cuts her off) Anya- Giles glances at Dawn - let her be. Anya gets his drift-
-but of course it's wonderful that you find doing my job distracting. I am unthreatened. (to Dawn) Proceed. Anya busies herself - working hard at being unthreatened.
Yes. Carry on, Dawn.
Is there anything I should know? Like… off limits stuff? Willow told me that some of the books and things are kind of dangerous.
Quite right. But all those items are labeled and kept off the floor. Giles indicates THE BALCONY that looks over store. The one with the library ladder leading up to it.
Our most potent texts and potions are all up there. If somebody asks for anything in that area - just come and get me.
Okay. Anything else?
If you like, I'll teach you how to work the cash register. Then you can ring up sales.
Cool. Anya overhears this - gets alarmed all over again.
Ring sales - with the money? She gets to fondle the money? Anya would go on - but a customer approaches the desk.
(quickly) Hello customer! I'll help you - unless you would like help from a darling little girl who doesn't know anything.
I - excuse me?
(to Anya) It's okay. You can take her. A tad exasperated, Giles grabs some boxes off the counter.
Yes - go ahead, Anya. Dawn can watch the counter while I go to the store room. Anya takes the confused customer by the arm, leading her away…
How may I serve you?
Well… I'm looking for something nice for a Seer's Empowerment Ceremony. Under ten dollars.
What an exciting request! I have many suggestions… Anya and the customer move out of sight. Giles and Dawn share a look. Then-
I'll just be a moment.
No problem. Giles heads into the back. As soon as he's gone, Dawn makes for the OFF-LIMITS BALCONY with her book bag in hand. She checks to see that Anya's not paying attention, which she isn't - because she's much too focused on being the best employee ever… Dawn stealthily climbs the ladder and scrambles onto the balcony. Once there, Dawn wastes no time. She pulls a folded piece of paper from her pocket. It's a page torn from the history book she found at Tara's and Willow's, and it has the name of a spell book and some items needed for a resurrection potion. Dawn checks her paper and pulls one of Giles' ancient books from a low shelf along with a few small viles of potion ingredients. She quickly stuffs the items into her bookbag and checks to see if the coast is clear. It is. Dawn gets a rung or two down the ladder - but freezes when Giles emerges from the stock room. She holds her breath as Giles passes below her, unaware that she's above him. Giles crosses to Anya and the customer. As soon as he's far enough away, Dawn heads down the ladder and throws her book bag into a corner-
Dawn- Dawn looks up guiltily. Caught. Giles stands over her, having crossed back her way.
Uh huh?
Why don't you come watch this transaction Anya's doing. Then I'll let you try it. It's clear that he has no idea what she was up to. Relieved, Dawn bounds to the register. We stay on her bulging book bag, which sits in the corner, unnoticed…
You got it. EXT. CEMETERY - NIGHT It's dark and even the caretaker is long gone. Nobody there to notice the small figure kneeling at Joyce's grave. CLOSE ON DAWN Who, scared and shaking, holds the stolen book while reading the directions… What she sees clearly upsets her. But, determined, she starts to dig into the soil with her hands - fighting tears.
I hope it's just dirt you're after. Panicked, Dawn reels and sees a grim-faced SPIKE standing over her.
If the spell calls for anything more than that you're into Zombie territory and that's bad news.
(desperate) Spike… I wasn't-
I know good and well what you're up to. That book you're holding is infamous.
Please. Don't tell Buffy. I just… (pained) I have to get her back. I have to. A beat as Spike contemplates Dawn's anguish, the grave…
I'm not going to tell, little bit. I'm going to help. BLACK OUT
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| Act Three |
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INT. GILES' APARTMENT - NIGHT Giles looks through his record collection, finds what he's been looking for… Puts it on and sits down with a whiskey. It's Cream. The same album he and Joyce listened to together in the classic Buffy episode, Band Candy. Giles settles in, listening to the music. EXT. STREET - NIGHT Spike leads Dawn down a dark and creepy street toward an old apartment building.
I've never used this bloke's services myself - but there's talk. Word is, he knows everything there is to know about resurrection spells. He notices Dawn hanging back a little, unsure.
(gently) Come on now. No worries. Dawn picks up the pace, but casts a sidelong glance at Spike.
You don't have to be all nice to me. I know why you're doing this.
Do you now? Enlighten me.
I'm not stupid, Spike. You're, like, stalking my sister. You'd do anything to get in good with her. Spike stops, exasperated.
Do you want my help or not?
I… Yeah, I just-
Then don't go guessing at stuff you don't understand. And Buffy never hears about this, okay? She found out what I was doing, she'd drive a redwood through my chest.
So if you don't want credit, why are you helping? Spike looks away, embarrassed by his admission-
Don't like to see Summers women take it so hard on the chin, is all. (then/hard) And I'm dead serious. You breathe a word of this to Buffy and I'll see to it that you end up in the ground, got it? Dawn takes this in, a little spun by both his sincerity and his harsh follow-up.
Yeah. Got it.
Fine. Let's get on with it then. Spike moves off. Dawn follows. INT. GLORY'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT GLORY paces angrily, TWO MINIONS trailing nervously after her.
Where is he?! He should have been back hours ago- One of the minions, MURK, speaks up-
I'm sure Jinx is on his way, Your New and Improvedness… He's most loyal- Furious, she turns on Murk and the other minion, who stop short, terrified.
He'd better be loyal. If any of you even thought about taking sides with Ben, I'd drop-kick your de-frocked butts back into- She stops short as Murk sheepishly lifts a small plate with a tasty candy truffle on it. Glory totally shifts gears.
Ooooh. Chocolate. She grabs it as she BRUTALLY BACKHANDS MURK, who goes flying. Then she pops the chocolate into her mouth, savoring it…
Hhhhhmm- (abruptly) Not helping! She advances again on her petrified minions, who back away… Fortunately for them the living room doors part, and TWO MORE minions ENTER, dragging a nearly unconscious JINX with them. Glory takes this in, shocked-
Jinxy! The minions deposit Jinx on the floor.
No, no! Glory runs to him. Lifts Jinx up.
(to minions) Mind the rug, honeys. Blood's a bitch. She helps him to a chair. Sit him down.
Was this the Slayer? I'll pull her wings off, I'll-
(painfully) No… Ben-
Ben? (outraged) Ben!? Raging, she starts BEATING ON HERSELF - pulling out her own hair, screaming-
You pointless, stupid lump! Ooooh! I hate you, I hate you, I hate you!
The Key… He told me- Just as quickly as she went into the rage, she stops. Draws closer again.
The key? What about the Key? Jinx can barely talk through his agony - and his ass-kissing is decidedly sub-par.
He indicated that it was… a person, Most… uhhh… Highest You.
The Key's in human form?
(nods) I believe so… Good One.
(thrilled) Jinx! You robed stud! You're my man! I'm even going to let you slide on the lame toadying, on account of your dying and stuff… Glory paces, excited.
So the Key's all secreted away in a flesh wrapper, huh? This narrows the search from now on in a serious way… I mean, we didn't have a clue. It could have been a log, or a bicycle pump or whatever - am I right? No reply. Jinx has passed out. Glory turns to a minion.
Get him fixed, would you? I want to hear the whole story again without all that annoying moaning. INT. DOC'S APARTMENT - NIGHT The place is the typical old guy apartment. Dark and musty. Newspapers stacked all over and maybe a few cats running around. A few aging, suffering plants and a Lay-Ze Boy recliner complete the picture. The door is unlocked and Spike and Dawn enter the apartment cautiously, taking in their surroundings.
This place belongs to a magic guy? It smells like grandpa.
(calling out) Hey! Anybody home? A beat and DOC comes shuffling out of another room. He's a good-natured, very old man. He's wearing suit pants and a crisp white shirt, complimented by a worn bathrobe and slippers.
Hold your horses… (sees Spike) I know you.
Don't think so, mate.
(confused) No, you're that guy. That guy always hangs around down at the corner mart. Big into dominos, aren't you?
Can't say that I am. Look, we came because-
That's crazy, isn't it? I'd swear you were him. I mean, your hair's a different color and you're a vampire, but other than that… (then) What day is it, anyway?
Monday.
No kidding? Would have sworn it was Wednesday… see, that's the brain - first thing to go. (back to Spike) Guy's name is Rocko. That's not your name, is it? Dawn shoots Spike a look. This guy doesn't seem like he could tie his shoes, let alone help them.
Maybe we should just go.
Now, now - just because the lights are dim doesn't mean the juice is all gone. What can I do for you?
(indicating Dawn) This one's mum kicked it a few days back.
(genuine) Oh. I'm sorry.
We're wondering what can be done about it. Heard you're the one to ask. Doc looks a little taken aback at this.
Oh, no… That's… (to Dawn) You don't want to mess with that. I know a couple of tonics, make the grieving fly by.
I don't want any tonics.
(sighs heavily) Jeez. I don't know…
(desperate) Please. I can pay you. Not all at once, but…
Can you help or not, old man? We have to act fast. Doc takes a long look at Dawn, feeling her need. Then-
Either one of you witches? Got experience with spells of this magnitude? They hesitate.
Didn't think so. Without warning - Doc PLUCKS A HAIR FROM DAWN'S HEAD.
Ow! Doc holds the hair under a light. Examines it closely.
Your mother's a good candidate, at least. Strong DNA. Magic can scramble things up real good - you gotta have nice strong molecules for the body to make the trip in any kind of shape. Dawn nods. Pretending she understands.
Right.
Hold on. Doc shuffles off to a tall stack of newspapers, starts shifting through them, mumbling to herself. Spike and Dawn glance at each other. Then Dawn sees something, registers alarm. CLOSE ON DOC As he moves to another stack of papers and we see what Dawn's seeing - just a hint of REPTILIAN TAIL curling from under his bathrobe. But before we can really make it out, it's gone again - disappearing into his clothes. ON DAWN Creeped out. She looks to Spike, but he's lighting a cigarette - missed it. Dawn shakes it off as - DOC Finally finds what he was looking for, a SPELL BOOK lost amidst the junk. He comes back to his desk and sits, gesturing for the others to do the same. Dawn hands him the torn page from Tara's book.
I've already gathered some ingredients, but the spell I found - there's stuff I don't understand. Doc glances at her paper, then thumbs through his book - reading. Rambles absently.
It's all going to change with cloning… Everybody'll have a double on ice. The first you conks out? Loved-ones just call up your replacement. Then again, we might not make it that long, mad cows could get us first- Doc notices that Dawn could care less about this - she wants to know what's in that book.
But that's not now. Now - you've got a Ghora demon standing between you and success. That's the translation you're missing.
Ghora… I've heard of those. They local?
Yeah, they like to stick close to the Hellmouth. (then) Egg of the Ghora gives life. It's key to the spell. No egg, no resurrection. Simple as that.
Can you buy it? This egg, or…
If this was like making an omelet, everyone would try it. No, you have to steal the egg from the demon's nest. And the Ghora won't be happy about it.
Where do we find this demon?
Hold on, Rocko. First things first. (to Dawn) You'll need an image of your mother. A photo, painting…
No problem. Doc starts writing something on a small pad of paper.
Once you get all your ingredients together, including the egg, mix them up, put them in the center of a sacred circle with that picture of your mother and… He rips the paper off the pad and hands it to Dawn like a prescription.
…say this incantation three times. She's not going to appear - "poof!" It takes a while. But she'll come to you. Got it? Dawn's eyes are wide with excitement. This might actually work.
Got it.
Something goes wrong, the only way to reverse the spell is to destroy the image of your mother, understand?
I'm not going to change my mind. Doc takes this in. His tone grows more serious.
It's a tricky spell, girl. I can't say for sure that your mother will come back exactly like she was. Sometimes things get a little… off.
But she'll still be my mother. Won't she? Doc smiles reassuringly, but his words are less comforting.
More or less. Dawn takes this in. It's clear she simply doesn't want to entertain what this might mean.
Good. Good. Doc stands, and Dawn and Spike follow.
And the Ghora?
Right, sorry… Go in the sewer entrance near Tracy Street. You'll see an opening on your left. Can't miss it. Just follow that down- Doc stops as he notices Dawn reaching into her pocket and counting out some bills.
No, no. Keep your money.
Oh. Thank you- Dawn meets Doc's kind eyes as he offers his hand.
You just keep in touch. Let me know how it goes. CLOSE ON DOC As Dawn takes his hand - Doc's eyes go COMPLETELY BLACK for just a moment, another hint of unnerving evil. ON DAWN As she quickly takes her hand back, scared - but Doc looks normal again.
I - I… will. INT. SEWERS - ENTRANCE TO GHORA'S LAIR - NIGHT Spike, who now carries an axe, and Dawn approach the entrance to the Ghora's lair. It's a rough tunnel that leads deep UNDER the sewers.
It's here. Just like he said.
So at least we know the old coot isn't completely daft. (then) Look. You'd better let me snatch this egg thing on my own.
No way. I'm going.
No. You're not. I've got no idea what's down there. I deliver you back to your sister in pieces, that'd be the end of me - wouldn't it?
You need me, Spike. Someone's got to get the egg while you distract the Ghora.
I'll manage.
How? You said yourself you're not even sure what you're dealing with. Now come on. With that, Dawn starts down the tunnel. A frustrated beat - then Spike follows after her.
Well, look at that - bitty Buffy. INT. GHORA'S LAIR - NIGHT Spike and Dawn are in the Ghora's lair, which is basically a cave with a big depression in the middle where the Ghora nests. They both peer at the sleeping creature over a large boulder. The Ghora is a huge reptilian beast - but because it's laying down it's hard to tell too much else about it. They can see it's eggs nestled safely behind it. Spike and Dawn duck behind the rock - confab.
(scared) Doesn't look so bad.
Wait 'til it wakes up. That's usually when the bad starts.
I can't get to the eggs unless it moves. No way.
I'll make it move. You just be ready. With that, Spike heads around the rock, brandishing his axe. Dawn watches - waiting for her moment to go.
(to Ghora) Hey! Ghora! Heads up! The Ghora wakes - rears up. It is indeed snake-like, and for the first time we see that it has THREE HEADS, not one. Spike reacts - nonplussed.
Right then. Heads it is. The Ghora slithers menacingly toward Spike - who recovers from his initial shock and fends off it's three fang-filled heads with his axe. ON GHORA'S NEST Dawn swiftly grabs one of the eggs and makes off with it. ON SPIKE Who bobs and weaves, ducking Ghora heads. He spies Dawn making her way toward the entrance of the lair, egg in hand. Trying to back the creature away so he can join Dawn - Spike HURLS his axe toward the Ghora. It embeds right in the center of the left head. The beast cries out and backs off, at least temporarily. Dawn, near the entrance with egg in hand, calls out-
Spike! Come on! Spike runs to join Dawn. As they scramble up an embankment, Dawn slips - and the egg falls from her grasp, tumbling down the embankment and BREAKING. The Ghora sees this and GOES INSANE. Dawn's beside herself. Spike keeps moving toward safety.
Leave it, Dawn. Troika there knows what we're after-
I can't. Mom-
It's too dangerous, and I don't have- But Dawn's already sliding down the embankment, heading back for the nest.
-a weapon. As Dawn races toward the nest, the Ghora roars with fury and prepares to strike at her with it's two remaining heads. But right before the monster connects its hit with a LARGE ROCK. And another. And another. SPIKE, desperate, rains rocks on the Ghora. DAWN grabs a second egg and runs for safety. THE GHORA CHARGES SPIKE - whipping Spike's legs out from under him with it's tail and sending him sprawling. Dawn sees this from where she now stands, near the entrance to the lair.
Spike! One of the Ghora heads catches SPIKE IN THE SIDE - takes a big bite. Spike bellows and YANKS HIS AXE OUT OF THE CREATURE'S LEFT HEAD - THEN PLUNGES IT BACK INTO THE CREATURE'S CHEST. The Ghora falls back in agony. Spike scrambles to his feet and runs for the lair entrance, grasping his side in pain. Dawn helps him to safety, wincing at his wound.
Sorry.
(pained) Did you get it? Dawn shows him the egg.
Don't be sorry then. And they exit the lair. FADE TO: INT. JOYCE'S ROOM - NIGHT Dawn, shaking with anticipation and fear, sits on the floor of Joyce's room on a folded white sheet while she prepares the spell. First she mixes the egg and the other ingredients in a bowl. Then she removes a vial of BLOOD from her coat. She pours the blood on the sheet and spreads it with her fingers, making a circle… Then she places the spell ingredients and a photo of her mother in the center of a circle. Finally, she pulls the piece of paper with the incantation Doc gave her on it. She begins, her voice shaky-
Osiris, giver of darkness, taker of life, God of Gods - accept my offering… Bone, flesh, breath - yours, eternally. PUSH IN ON JOYCE'S PICTURE
Bone, flesh, breath… As the candle-light flickers off it… EXT. CEMETERY - NIGHT The night is moonless, very dark… The wind's whipping… Looking down on JOYCE'S GRAVE we PUSH IN… INT. JOYCE'S ROOM - NIGHT CLOSE ON DAWN As, wide-eyed and trembling, she leans close to the flame…
I beg of you - return to me. BLACK OUT
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| Act Four |
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INT. WILLOW'S ROOM - NIGHT Tara is working on her homework at Willow's desk - but rather than looking at her book, she's gazing out the window - lost in thought. Willow is laying across her bed with a journal, writing and thinking. Willow taps the journal with her pen, trying to remember something… Then-
What did I have for breakfast this morning? Do you remember?
Hum?
I want to say bagel but I think that was yesterday. You had eggs, sunny side up. I remember because they were wiggling at me like little boobs…
(smiles) Sassy eggs. (then) What are you writing this for?
My journal. Tara leaves her desk and comes and sits next to Willow on the bed.
(re: journal) That's new.
Yeah, I figured, you know… Life goes by fast. If you don't write it down, a lot of it just gets… lost. And I want to remember.
(affectionately) Down to every last bagel. Willow lays her hand over Tara's…
Down to every last everything I do with you. They look at each other lovingly for a beat, then Tara's gaze shifts - noticing something.
Huh.
What? Tara gets up - goes to the bookshelf across from them.
What happened to "History of Witchcraft?" Willow sits up, alarm and guilt rising.
I - it isn't there? Tara shakes her head, turns to Willow - concerned.
Dawn must have taken it.
What? No, she didn't. She did?
That book has a whole section on resurrection spells. (worried) This is bad. This is really bad… Now Willow looks worried too. And regretful.
But it's just a history book. It might answer some of her questions - but it's not like she could do any harm with that stuff. Could she?
It doesn't have a "how to" guide, but it refers to specific resurrection spells and potions. Willow stands - fully freaked.
I didn't- I mean, hey! How'd she know that?
I don't know. But she could get into major trouble with that information. (looking around) God. What else did she take-
(too quickly) Nothing. Tara gives Willow a look - how would she know? Willow starts to ramble nervously-
I think. I think she took nothing else but maybe she did and we should look, because who knows? I don't.
No. We can't waste time on that now. Who knows what she's up to… Willow takes this in - dread rising.
We need to call Buffy. Now. INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - FOYER - NIGHT The phone is ringing as Buffy enters. She grabs it just before the last ring-
Hello? Hey Tara. Yeah, I just got in- Buffy's cut off as, unheard by us, Tara starts to tell her about the magic book. Buffy's expression turns to one of fear and concern… INT. JOYCE'S ROOM - NIGHT The spell continues as Dawn does the final incantation. Dawn now looks a little altered - like the spell has put her in a mild trance.
…Bone, flesh, breath - yours, eternally. Bone, flesh, breath - I beg of you - return to me. The spell ingredients suddenly ignite. Before Dawn can really react to this, Buffy BURSTS INTO THE ROOM.
Dawn- Buffy stops, stunned. She sees Joyce's photograph in the spell circle - and she knows. Buffy picks up the photo, appalled-
What have you done? Dawn stands - too disoriented from the spell to answer. Buffy's tone grows frantic.
What have you done?! Dawn's eyes are wide with fear and excitement.
She's coming. She's coming home. This hits Buffy like a slap in the face. Dawn pushes past her and runs for the stairs. Buffy remembers herself and chases after her. INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - FOYER/LIVING ROOM - NIGHT Dawn bolts down the stairs, heading for the door - but Buffy, who still holds Joyce's picture, is right on her heels. She grabs Dawn before she can reach the door and they move into the living room as they fight.
You have no idea what you're messing with! Who knows what you actually raised - what's going to come through that door-
I know. It'll be her-
No. Tara told me these spells go bad all the time. People come back wrong-
She won't. He told me. Her DNA- Buffy shakes Dawn hard at this - and the photo of Joyce slips from her grasp and falls to the floor.
Who told you? Who helped you?!
Nobody! Now let me go-
You have to stop it, reverse it-
No!
Dawn. You know this is wrong. You know you can't let this happen. Not to Mom.
But I need her. I don't care if she's… I'm not like you, Buffy, I don't have anybody-
(shocked) What? Of course you do. You have me-
I don't! You won't even look at me! It's so obvious you don't want me around-
That's - that's not true-
It is! And the way you've been acting! Mom died and it's like you don't even care! Now Buffy is beyond surprised - she's appalled and hurt.
God - of course I care. Of course I do. How can you think that?
How can I not? You haven't even cried! You've just been running around like it's all been some big chore - cleaning up after mom's mess- Buffy loses it. Silences Dawn with a SLAP. Not hard enough to really hurt her, but hard enough to shock and scare the hell out of both of them. Buffy's hand flies to her mouth. Both girls are shaking with emotion now - and as Buffy continues, she starts to unravel… All the careful control comes undone. Her true anguish emerges and tears start to come at last as they continue arguing…
I've been working - I've been busy, because I have to… be…
You don't. You're avoiding me-
I'm not. I have to do these things, 'cause… 'cause when I stop, then she's really… gone. And I'm trying, really trying to take care of things… But I don't even know what I'm doing… Mom, she always knew-
Nobody's asking you to be Mom.
Well, who's going to be if I'm not? Huh, Dawn? Have you thought about that? Who's going to make things better? Who's going to take care of us? Buffy weeping openly now, desperately. Dawn watches, helpless and scared as Buffy devolves, becoming smaller and more childlike.
Buffy-
I didn't mean to push you away… I didn't… I just didn't want you to see me… I mean… Oh, God… What are we going to do, Dawny? I'm so scared- Buffy stops abruptly. A LOUD SHUFFLING on the porch stops them. The sound of whoever's coming isn't quite right - like the person is limping or dragging something. Both Buffy and Dawn catch their breaths - look toward the living room window. ON LIVING ROOM WINDOW Where a SILHOUETTE THAT LOOKS DISTINCTLY JOYCE-LIKE slowly shambles across the drawn curtains. Except it doesn't look quite right. Something's off about it. It disappears from the window. A long beat. Then- THERE IS A KNOCK ON THE DOOR. CLOSE ON BUFFY Whose expression crumbles - she's a lost little girl.
Mommy? ANOTHER KNOCK ON DAWN Who now looks afraid and uncertain. This doesn't feel right. Everything Buffy said is sinking in. This is someplace they shouldn't go.
Buffy… ANOTHER KNOCK ON BUFFY Almost involuntarily, Buffy starts for the door -
Mom! Buffy LUNGES FOR THE DOOR AS DAWN QUICKLY TAKES JOYCE'S PHOTO FROM THE FLOOR AND RIPS IT APART. CLOSE ON DOOR As Buffy flings it open. There's nobody there. Nothing but darkness and harsh wind. ON BUFFY A stunned, pained beat as it sinks in, in all it's finality - Joyce is gone. Buffy turns to Dawn, sees the scattered pieces of the photo on the floor… Somewhere beyond the pain she understands that it was the right thing to do. But at the moment, she's mostly still the child - in desperate need of solace.
Dawn- Dawn moves quickly to Buffy and embraces her… They hold each other tightly…
It's okay… Buffy's cries intensify, and although Dawn means to comfort - her tears come as well. We stay on the girls for a long beat as they cling to each other. BLACK OUT
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