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Episode 100 The Gift March 29, 2001 (Blue) Written by: Joss Whedon |
| Teaser |
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EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT (DAY 1) We are in a narrow back alley, behind stores. We are racing forward, clearly in mid-chase. This is the POV of: A TEEN boy, maybe fifteen or sixteen, slight, unathletic, and completely terrified. He turns a corner and comes to EXT. ANOTHER ALLEY - CONTINUING - NIGHT Runs down it to find a dead end. He turns, trapped. This alley is wider than the last but there is nowhere to hide and it's a real dead end (i.e. brick wall, not fencing.) There is a door at the other end, where he came in, but there's no handle on this side. Still he starts for it -- And a large male VAMPIRE steps around the corner next to it. The kid backs off, speechless with fear.
Gave me a pretty good run there. Bet the blood's just pumpin'... Bet it's hot.
Don't hurt me...
Don't hurt you? I'm gonna rip your throat out and suck on your arteries like they was soda pop straws. I don't get how 'don't hurt me' works into that scenario. The vamp has the kid backed up. The door behind him, the one the kid tried for, opens. For a moment they both look toward it, surprised at the interruption. We hold on the door for a moment, then Buffy pops her head out. She looks as non-threatening as possible as she assesses the situation.
Hey. What's going on.
Help me! Call the police!
Get out of here, girl.
Are you guys havin' a fight? 'Cause, you know, fighting's not cool. She comes toward them, still playing it light.
Get out of here!
No, no, she wants to stay... (turns his attention to her) ... I don't mind a little appetizer...
Have you ever heard the expression, "biting off more than you can chew?" He looks at her -- where's the fear?
How about the expression, "Vampire Slayer"?
What the Hell are you talking about?
Wow. Never heard that one. Okay, how about, "Oh God, my leg, my leg?" He lunges for her. She sidesteps, ratcheting a fist across his face, spinning him slightly and she brings her foot up and DOWN, hard into his knee, CRACKING it. He falls --
Oh God, my leg! Ah, God!
See -- now we're communicating. He bounds back up and slams her into the wall. He grabs her throat -- she throws her arms up and seconds later HE'S slammed into the wall -- face first. She looks around for a stake -- he hits her hard, a couple of times then a flying kick from her crashes him into a pile of boxes, he splinters the boxes, a piece of wood flies up and she catches it, it'll do, he comes up and she slams it home. He dusts. The Teen is speechless.
Been a long while since I met one didn't know me. Was he alone? The boy nods.
You should get home. She starts back for the door.
How did you...do that?
It's what I do.
But... you're just a girl ... Buffy stops, sort of looks back as she replies:
That's what I keep saying. She goes back in, shuts the door behind her. BLACK OUT.
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| Act One |
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INT. MAGIC BOX - NIGHT The gang. Research mode. Well, Giles and Willow, anyway. Everyone else is pacing or hanging near them. Spike is smoking, sitting on the ladder. Buffy reenters from the side door (the one Giles caught the famous minion MISTER MEMORY at). For a moment no one speaks. Buffy is entirely focused on Giles.
Something going on out back?
Vampire.
Oh.
(to Giles) Anything? He looks up at her. It's possible -- I'm not saying it'll definitely happen, but it's POSSIBLE he may take off his glasses. Play with them somehow. Could happen.
Nothing you want to hear. The ritual is...
Explain it to me again.
There's nothing new to --
(calm and slow) Go through it again.
The Key was living energy. It needed to be channeled, poured into a specific spot at a specific time. With all attendant ritual, of course. The energy would flow into that spot, the walls between the dimensions break down. It stops -- the energy is used up -and the walls come back up. Glory uses that time to get back to her dimension, not caring that all manner of hell will be unleashed on Earth in the meantime.
But only for a little while, right? The walls come back, no more hell?
But that's only if the energy is stopped. And now that the Key is human ... is Dawn ...
"The blood flows, the gates will open. The gates will close when it flows no more." When Dawn is dead.
I have places to be! It's harsh, and a little frightened, and everyone just silently recoils for a moment before resuming.
Why blood? Why is it Dawn's blood, why couldn't it be, like, a lymph ritual?
'Cause it's always gotta be blood.
We're not actually discussing dinner right now.
Blood is life, lackbrain. Why do you think we eat it? It's what keeps you going, makes you warm, makes you hard, makes you other than dead. 'Course it's her blood. Everyone takes that in. Buffy moves forward.
Pretty simple math, here. We stop Glory before she can start the ritual. There's still a couple of hours, right?
If my calculations are right, but Buffy --
I don't want to hear it --
I understand that --
No you don't understand! We're not talking about this!
(standing) Yes we bloody well are! Ooh. Giles yelled at Buffy.
If Glory begins the ritual... If we can't stop her ...
Say it. Come on, we're bloody well talking about this, tell me to kill my sister!
(quietly) She's not your sister.
No. She's not. She's more than that. (trying to articulate it... ) More than family... my sister, my daughter...
She's your sister and your daughter?
She's me. The Monks made her out of me. I hold her and I feel closer to her than... It's more than just the memories they built, it's physical, it's... Dawn is a part of me. The only part that I... She can't go on. Willow crosses to her, holds her.
We'll solve this. We will. Don't have another coma, okay?
Buffy, if the ritual starts, every living creature in this and every other dimension imaginable will suffer unbearable torment and Death. Including Dawn.
Then the last thing she'll see is me protecting her.
You'll fail. You'll die. We all will.
I'm sorry. I love you all, but I'm sorry.
(raising hand) Okay, all in favor of Stopping Glory BEFORE the ritual! Suggestions? Ideas? Time's a-wastin' ...
(to Buffy) When you say you love us all--
Shut up.
Willow! I bet you've got some dark spell a'brewin'. You make her a toad, little hoppy toad, we hit her with a hammer...
(laughing) Hoppy toad ...
What about Ben? He can be killed, right? I mean, I know he's an innocent, but, you know, not, like "Dawn" innocent. We could kill... a regular guy... (no we couldn't) God.
It's ' doubtful he'll surface again this close to the ritual. We have to expect it's Glory we're dealing with.
(panicking) Well somebody come up with something!
Should we join essences and become superslayer again?
That worked against Frankenbot, but to kill a true god... I don't think it's enough. And I need you guys conscious ...
But we don't have to kill her, just stop her from performing the ritual. I mean, there's just the one time she can do it, right?
Yeah, we get her on the ropes, we just gotta keep her occupied till it's too late!
Okay, but I'm still not hearing enough ideas, she's a god, let's think outside the box!
Why don't you go think outside the bleedin' box?
Yes, Anya, apart from your incredibly uninfectious enthusiasm, have you anything to contribute? Any ideas on how to fight a god? Love to hear 'em.
How about we don't pick on my gi--
The Dagon's Sphere!
Sorry?
When Buffy first met Glory she found that magical glowy sphere that was meant to repel Glory. We've got it in the basement. It might drive her back, or hurt her... oh! And -- (presenting, as on a game show) --Olaf the Trollgod's enchanted hammer. You wanna fight a god, use the weapon of a god. Buffy crosses to it --
Nah, that thing's too heavy to -- -- and hoists it easily.
Yeah. Good.
I like this.
Built for squashin'!
Good heft to it. I just might do some damage with this. (to Anya) Thanks.
Here to help. Want to live. Everyone is a little nonplused by how smart Anya's being.
Anya, that's all very -- did you just think of all that just now? ANGLE: XANDER AND WILLOW
(looking at Anya) Smart chicks are so hot.
You couldn't have figured that out in tenth grade...? He smiles at her.
You know me and timing ...
Well. We have some ideas. And a little time to come up with some more. Could give Glory a decent run, but ...
But we still have no idea how to find her.
Big day... it calls out and... I have to be there. Everyone looks at each other.
Big day ... INT. CONSTRUCTION SITE OFFICE - NIGHT A handful of minions bow their heads as Ben enters the room. He is carrying a purple ceremonial gown folded up for Dawn to wear. She is sitting in her corner -- not in a chair but on the floor, sullenly trying to make herself as small as possible. Four minions total are on hand to watch over her. Ben approaches her, clearly contrite.
They, uh... said you have to put this on. For the ceremony. She looks around, uncomfortable: change right here? She glares at him.
What if I don't?
Come on, just --
What if I don't like the color? It's a winter -- I'm not a winter.
I guess they didn't take that into account. Look, I... I wish there was another way.
And I wish you'd fall on your head and drown in your own barf, so I guess we're both having frowny days.
I think... it'll be quick.
Actually, sir, the bleeding is quite a slow process, to give the portal time to --
Thank you. For the information. (to Dawn) I'll do what I can to --
Change.
What?
Change. Be her. Be Glory.
Dawn, I don't think you wanna --
Be Glory! I don't wanna look at you! Glory! GLORY! GLORY!
Will you just stop -- Morph.
--shouting already? Jeez! I can't hear myself think about killing you. What's the hubbub, bub? What do you got against old Benjy?
He's a monster. At least you're up front about it.
Don't be so hard on the boy. He just wants to live -- most guys'd do the same. 'Sides, he's probably the reason your sis and her little cartoon pals are still alive. That little nagging pinch of humanity that makes me go for the hurt instead of the kill. Lowering myself to trade blows with a Slayer when I should have just put my fist through her heart. That's gotta be Ben.
Or maybe you just can't take her. Glory tosses the robe to Dawn, holding one end herself. Dawn, startled, grabs hold -- and Glory tugs at it -- pulling Dawn off the floor right to her. She clamps a hand on the side of Dawn's face.
Funny thing... you've been here for a few hours now and I haven't seen big sis galloping in to save you. She probably knows what a terrible mistake that'd be.
She's not afraid of you.
Oh, no, sweetie baby, I'm talking about the ritual. 'Cause you know, I bleed you, the portals open, but once you die, they close. The faster you die, the better for your sorry species. I'm bettin' Buffy knows that. And since your not really her sister-- Squeezing so hard that Dawn cries with pain...
-- I'm guessing she isn't gonna show. And if she does... it might not be to save you. She tosses Dawn to the ground. Dawn lands on top of the grating, in a heap. Glory tosses the robe by her.
Now change. Pronto. Unless you want Ben here to watch. ANGLE: THROUGH THE GRATING Looking up at Dawn, who hides her tears from Glory ...
(barely audible) Buffy... please help me ... INT. TRAINING-ROOM - NIGHT Buffy is on the bag, pounding away. Giles enters.
You sure you're not going to tire yourself out?
I'm sure.
We're still working on ideas. Time's short, but it's best to wait 'til the last minute. If we go in too early and she takes us out, no chance of getting her to miss her window.
So we wait. One last punch and the chain snaps, the bag flying a few feet and hitting the ground.
I imagine you hate me right now.
Little bit. But I understand.
I love Dawn.
I know.
But I have sworn to protect this sorry world, and sometimes that means saying and doing... what other people can't. What they shouldn't have to.
You try to hurt her, you know I'll stop you.
I know. A beat. She crosses to the couch, and he follows. They sit.
How many apocalypses is this for us?
Well, six, at least. Seems like a hundred.
I've always stopped them. Always won.
Yes.
I sacrificed Angel to save the world. I loved him so much... but I knew. What was right. I don't have that any more. I don't understand. I don't know how to live in this world, if these are the choices, if everything's just stripped away then I don't see the point. I just wish... I wish my mom was here. There are tears in her eyes as she says that, but she is stoic about them. A moment, and she rises. Starts to leave and turns back, saying:
The spirit guide told me that Death was my gift. I guess that means a Slayer really is just a killer after all.
I think you're wrong about that.
It doesn't matter. If Dawn dies, then I'm done with it. I'm quitting. She goes. He sits. INT. CONSTRUCTION SITE OFFICE - NIGHT We see Dawn, who is now in her robe. She is folding her clothes very neatly, silently laying them in a neat pile on the chair, putting her shoes under it. It's like a zen exercise, and though her eyes are wet, she says nothing. She looks at her little pile of clothes. A minion comes in and whispers to Glory. She looks over at Dawn, smiles.
Okay, campers! It's almost stab time! You two, get her. The minion who came in and one other both grab Dawn. She screams and tries to twist out of their grasp.
BUFFY!
Hey hey HEY! Again with the screaming, you know you could scare bats away with that screech of yours. We're not doing it here. All this time together, you think I have no sense of style? Portal's up there. (gestures above) You're going out, but you're going out with a view. (to the minions) Take her. (as they go) See you in a few. They pull Dawn out... EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE - CONTINUING - NIGHT And drag her past crazies up the steps. Dawn looks above her in fear and confusion and sees for the first time what they've been building. It is: EXT. THE ENTIRE CONSTRUCT - NIGHT A caligari-esque tower that rises a hundred feet and more above the construction site. At the very top a thirty foot platform sticks out like the devil's diving board (nope. Nothing I do can make the term "the Devil's diving board" sound cool. But if he had one, it'd look like this.) The end of the platform is constructed with poles and a hole in the floor so that Dawn can be bound facing in, with her feet on the edge of nothing. The whole thing is huge and overwhelming, standing against the night sky. EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE - CONTINUING - NIGHT We are close on Dawn, as she looks up, taking it in. She is pulled out of frame. BLACK OUT.
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| Act Two |
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INT. BASEMENT OF MAGIC BOX - NIGHT Giles is at the top of the stairs, calling down:
No luck finding the sphere?
(calls up) I'm sure it's here! Just be a minute ... As we tilt down, we find Xander and Anya emerging from under the stairs. She is pulling her blouse on and buttoning it -he is pulling up his pants (Boxers, not briefs, cause eewww). They are both sweaty and tousled. (Giles doesn't see.)
(calling up) Yeah, we're on it... let's look over here! Where we didn't look yet!
Well, time's a factor...
Yes, yes! Not to worry. Giles goes. They actually start looking.
So, are you any more relaxed?
No.
No? I mean, it sounded like you... arrived.
No, yes, I had the pleasure moment, and the blissful calm that comes right after it, but that only lasted a couple of seconds and now I'm terrified again.
You don't have to be. He pulls a cloth off something in the corner in his search: It's the Buffybot. He shrieks.
Gaaah!
Gaaah! What?
Spike's sexbot.. Why didn't they melt this thing into scrap?
Maybe Willow wanted it.
(uncomfortable) I don't think Willow feels that way about Buffy... I mean she's gone through a lot of changes, but --
To study it.
Right. Robotics. Science. As they look some more:
Pervert.
Other pervert.
And don't frighten me like thaAAAHHH! She steps back --
Oh my god! Who would leave something like that there, is this supposed to be some kind of sick joke? She pulls a stuffed bunny out of a box. (A child's toy, not an actual dead rabbit, okay?)
Things aren't bad enough... it's an omen! They were on the TV, there's bunnies everywhere!
Hey, shhhhh ...
It's an omen, it's a higher power trying to tell me through bunnies that we're all gonna die! Oh, God...
No it's not. It's okay. He wraps his arms around her from behind.
No, you see, usually, when there's an apocalypse, I skedaddle. But now I love you so much that instead I have inappropriately timed sex and try to think of ways to fight a god and worry terribly that something might happen to you, and also worry that something'll happen to me and then I have guilt that I'm not more worried about everyone else but I just don't have enough, I'm just on total overload and I honestly don't think anything could make me more nervous than I am right now. He holds a tiny open box with a small diamond ring in it in front of her.
Care to wager on that? She stares at it, totally stunned. She turns to look at him, mouth open. He smiles gently at her.
Anya, you wanna marry me? A beat. Then she slaps him.
Can I take that as a maybe?
You're proposing to me!
Yes ...
You're proposing to me 'cause we're gonna die! And, and, you think it's romantic and sexy and you know you're not gonna have to go through with it, cause the world's gonna end!
I'm proposing to you, Anya, because it's not.
You can't know that.
I believe it. I think we're gonna get through this. I think I'm gonna live a long and silly life and I'm not interested in doing that without you around. Little beat.
Oh. Little beat.
Okay.
Okay?
Yes. I mean yes.
He starts to take that ring out -
No.
No?
After. Give it to me when the world doesn't end. They kiss. He smiles, pocketing the ring. Turns to look for the sphere --
What makes you so sure it won't?
Buffy. She'll find a way. Figure out what's gotta be done.
She did say she'd let everybody die. He looks at the Buffybot as he speaks, almost as if addressing her. She stares back at him.
I've known her for five years, she doesn't back down, she doesn't fail. You see me doing anything remotely heroical, that's something I learned from her. He puts his hand on the bot's shoulder.
Buffy'll see us through. And pulls it casually out of the way so it lands with a great metallic crash face down out frame, revealing more boxes.
Now where's that pesky sphere? INT. MAGIC BOX - NIGHT Buffy comes to Willow and Tara.
You got anything for me?
Some ideas -- well, notions, or theories, based on wild speculation. Did I mention I'm not good under pressure? Buffy sits by her.
I need you, Will. You're my big gun.
I'm your -- I never was a gun... someone else should be the gun, I could maybe be a cudgel, or pointy stick ...
Willow, you're the strongest person here. You know that.
Well, no ...
You're the only one who's ever hurt Glory. At all. You're my best shot at getting her on the ropes so don't get a jelly belly now. What about those spells you used on her before?
They only worked for a few minutes. Plus she knows about 'em -- she might have protection, some counter-mojo set up. I mean, she's gotta know we're coming.
So...
Well, I do sort of have one idea, but… last few days I've mostly been looking into ways to help Tara. I know that shouldn't be my priority --
Of course it should. She places her hand over Willow's, squeezes. Willow looks at her gratefully, then continues:
I've been charting their essences, mapping out ... I think... If I can get close enough, I may be able to reverse what Glory did. Kind of take back what she took from Tara. It might weaken Glory, or make her less coherent, or make all our heads explode -- I'm still working out the details.
I don't like the exploding heads. The rest sounds solid.
I'll try to work it. ANGLE: Giles, Spike, Xander and Anya. They are all talking, Xander and Anya having come back up with the sphere.
Buffy... Buffy goes to the group. We see her talking to them, but at a distance. Willow grabs another book. She looks at Tara, who seems lost.
Don't worry, love. It won't be too long. Tara abruptly SLAPS willow. Willow recoils, in pain for both of them.
(bitterly) You can't even let it... Bitch, I'm supposed to work on the factors... I'm not... And she's a lost child again, tearing up, looking away. Willow struggles hard not to cry herself. She says with quiet determination:
I'm gonna bring you back. ANGLE: BUFFY AND THE OTHERS All in agreement over something.
No, that's good. That could be pivotal. (to Xander and Anya) Thanks, guys.
Well, then you're going to need --
Way ahead of you. We got time?
Yes. If you hurry.
I'll grab some weapons, too.
I'm looking for something in a broadsword ...
Don't be swinging that thing near me.
Hey, I happen to be --
A glorified brick-layer? Xander readies himself for a comeback...
I'm also a swell bowler.
Has his own shoes.
The Gods themselves do tremble.
Spike. Shut your mouth. And come with me. She strides out, the vamp following, a bit nonplused at the assignment. Giles holds up the Dagon's Sphere, looks at it. INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - DOWNSTAIRS - NIGHT Buffy opens the door and walks in. Spike hangs back.
Weapons in the chest by the TV. I'll grab the stuff upstairs --
Uh, Buffy ... She turns -- she forgot he can't come in anymore. Takes a moment.
If you wanna just hand them over the threshold --
Come in, Spike. A beat, as he tries not to show how moved he is by those three words. He steps gingerly in.
Presto. No barrier. He is trying to be casual, but he feels his closeness to her. He moves toward the chest.
Won't bother with the small stuff. Couple of good axes should hold off Glory's mates while you take on the lady herself.
We're not all gonna make it. You know that. He returns, a couple of axes in hand.
Yeah. Hey, I always knew I'd go down fighting. Sure as hell never thought it'd be on this side... (shyly) ...or for this reason...
I'm counting on you, Spike. To help protect her.
'Til the end of the world -- even if that happens to be tonight. Nobody touches the Little Bit while Spike's around. I promise.
I'll be one minute. She starts up the stairs.
I know you'll never love me. She turns, says nothing.
I know that I'm a monster. But you treat me like a man, and that's... (stops himself) Get your stuff. I'll be here. She pauses for the briefest of moments before she goes up. INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - CONT. - NIGHT Buffy comes into the hall, heading for her room. She stops, moves slowly into Dawn's instead. INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - DAWN'S ROOM - CONT. - NIGHT She looks around. Sits on the bed, smoothing out the pillow absently with her hand. She takes a picture off the bed table. It's the three of them. Joyce, Dawn and Buffy. We push in on her as her expression goes from sadly contemplative to fiercely determined, and cut right to: EXT. PLATFORM - NIGHT Dawn, as the camera pulls away from her. She is also fierce of face, pulling at bonds that, as we widen, we see hold her - at the end of the platform. The platform end in a kind of a circle with a plank sticking out -- that is, her feet at the end of it, her bare toes dangling over ANGLE: BELOW HER FEET A prodigious plummet to the ground. This is so the blood can flow directly to the sacred spot. Right now it doesn't look sacred -- it just looks like a long drop. She is trying to be stoic -- turns her head away so the last minion doesn't see the tear running down her face. The minions finish, head across the platform and down the tower. The last one offers:
She will come to you soon. The camera pulls away from Dawn, leaving her increasingly small, increasingly alone. INT. MAGIC BOX - NIGHT Buffy and Spike enter as Willow is crossing from the basement door.
We on schedule?
Yes. It's time.
Willow? Willow moves to Tara, speaks to her quietly.
Tara... baby... is there somewhere you should be?
They held me down ...
Nobody's holding you. It's the big day, right? Do you want to go? Hesitantly, Tara looks about her and rises. Starts for the door. Stops on her way, pointing at Giles.
(bitterly) You're a killer. It's all put down ... The thought forgotten, she wanders out of the shop.
Willow, stay close but don't crowd her. We'll follow in a minute. Everyone knows their jobs. Remember, the ritual starts, we all die. And I'll kill anyone who comes near Dawn. She moves off toward the basement. The others gather weapons as Willow heads out the door. ANGLE: SPIKE AND GILES As Spike is handing over some of his weaponry to Giles, who bags it.
Not exactly the St. Crispin's Day speech, was it?
(sardonic agreement) "We few..."
"we happy few…"
"We band of buggered..." They head off. EXT. SUNNYDALE STREET - NIGHT We find Tara making her way through the neighborhood. She seems distracted, even halts at times, but her path is sure. CRANE up above and behind her, to find Willow following at a bit of a distance, the rest of the gang even further behind. EXT. THE ENTIRE CONSTRUCT - NIGHT We see Tara see the tower, become agitated, and head for it. A moment later, and Willow appears where Tara was. We hold on her look of awed unease, as the gang begins to fill the frame around her. They all stare.
("yikes") Shpadoinkle ...
What is that... ?
The portal must open up there. CLOSE ON BUFFY: As she takes it in. Xander looks off to one side.
Hey, check that out. I think I can work with that.
Give it a shot.
See you guys in there. He squeezes Anya's hand and goes, we don't see where.
Will, you're up. Willow tries to look determined.
Need anything?
Could use some courage ... Spike's hand comes into frame, holding a flask.
The real kind. The hand withdraws.
But thanks. She takes a deep breath, closes her eyes. Begins mumbling something under her breath. An incantation. EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE - NIGHT It's a few moments later, as Tara enters the site. Crazies are milling about, no longer building, but many of them still gathering bricks and chains and metal bars -- to be used as weapons. A couple of minions, armed with blades, keep an eye on them. Tara joins in mindlessly, rummaging about the piles of rubble for something with heft. Suddenly a hand clamps down on her shoulder, spins her around. The hand belongs to Glory, who eyes her suspiciously.
You. What are you doing here? As she says it, Willow appears between them and SHOVES HER FINGERS into both Glory's and Tara's heads.
She's with me. Glory gasps in paralyzed pain -- as do the other girls -- as white, crackling energy bursts from her head, running along Willow's arms straight into Tara's head. A moment of this, all girls shaking, and the energy WHITES OUT the screen in a blast that sends all three girls flying back in different directions. Willow and Tara both land hard, lying unconscious. Glory lands and is on her feet again in a second. Minions run to her.
What the frikkin' hell did that bitch do to me!?!
You look fine! Truly!
Stylish and affordable! Or ... Glory takes a step, stumbles...
She made a little, she made a hole ... God I need a meal... I need a brain to eat --
Take mine, oh groove-tastic one --
I said a BRAIN, you worthless dirt! I got places to be! Big day... Need a brain ... She turns slowly, seeing someone.
Suppose I could always use yours. REVERSE ON: BUFFY Camera coming at her, low angle, the epitome of cool. Battle ready.
Okay then. Come and get it. BLACK OUT.
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| Act Three |
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EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE - NIGHT Glory and Buffy eye each other. Buffy takes a circling step, Glory watching her with disdain. She takes a step as well, but it is a tad unsteady.
You don't seem very well. Do you need to lie down and have a tonic?
Your little witchbitch gave me kind of a headache there. And all it did to her was kill her and her friend, so kudos to her! But if you think this is gonna last more than eight seconds...
I notice that you're talking, whereas in your position I would attack me.
Oh most sweaty-naughty-feelings- causing one, should we --
Guard the girl! I can take care of hairdo here. This is a... a...
Diversionary tactic?
Go! Guard! The minions spread out around the stairway area.
You keep saying I'm nothing, I'm still not feeling attacked by you. It's strange ... Glory moves toward Buffy, then hesitates. Confusion crosses her face. She continues to move toward her, but slowly, with effort.
You're not as blurry with speed as usual, either.
The witch ...
It's not her. She produces the Dagon's Sphere from behind her back.
It might be this... Glory snarls at the sight of it.
I heard it was supposed to repel you. So my guess is that you probably shouldn't touch it. She tosses it to Glory, who instinctively catches it -- energy ripples from it, causing her to convulse with agony. A scream welling up inside her, she CRUSHES the sphere in her hand. Looking down, breathing hard, she looks up with murderous hate...
You're gonna wish -- And finds Buffy's FIST right across her jaw. She flies back, hits the ground. Anger rebounds her up, only to meet a flurry of blows and kicks from the determined Slayer. She barely fends them off at first, then starts to get her own back, landing a couple of good blows. EXT. PLATFORM - CONTINUING - NIGHT Dawn, alone up top, cranes to see below her -- has Buffy come? EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE - CONTINUING - NIGHT As the women fight, the minions gather the crazies to guard the stairway as well.
Stand fast! Kill anyone who dares approach! This is our day of Glory!
Well punned!
Well, it just called out to me -- An arrow in the chest sends him toppling to the ground. Suddenly Giles, Spike and Anya all charge the group. Anya has a baseball bat, wades through the crazies with a warrior yell. Giles is by her side, he wields a sword but uses it defensively against the crazies, saving his killing thrusts for the minions. And Spike jumps over the whole defensive crazy line to land in the thick of the minions, just fists and fury. (Fists, in fact, OF fury.)(Not David Fury.)(Though his fists are formidable.)(What, no, I'm not sleepy! Hey, I'm in CHARGE, here!) (To be specific: We're looking at about six stunt crazies, ten extra crazies, four stunt minions, two of whom double for our actors.) In his fighting fervor, Spike decks a crazy. His chip activates and he clutches his head in pain, allowing a minion to knock him to the ground. ANGLE: WILLOW Comes blearily to consciousness. She sits up -- pain spiking her head -- and looks around. The noise of battle is far away, not because the battle is far away, but because her ears are not quite working normally. She looks around with increasing urgency, finally seeing: ANGLE: TARA Who is lying still, a few yards away. Willow drags herself to Tara, tries to cradle her head.
Tara? Tara! Even her own voice seems far away. Tara blinks awake, looks around her in dazed confusion. Finally focuses on Willow's face. Willow looks at her, waiting for some sign of her mental state ...
(weakly) Willow?
Tara... Tara's eyes fill with tears. She is back.
Willow... I got so lost ...
I found you. She covers Tara's face with kisses....
I'll always find you... They embrace, tightly. ANGLE: BUFFY AND GLORY Are still trading blows. Buffy swings a punch -- and Glory catches it in her hand.
You know what? She backhands Buffy hard, sends her staggering.
I'm feeling a little better. And now I'm a little bored. Buffy starts to reply --
Well that's the -- And Glory Kicks her in the face and KNOCKS HER HEAD RIGHT OFF. Buffy's head flies into a corner.
I'm sorry, you had a comment? Though breathing hard from the fight, she's glee central, 'til she looks carefully -- ANGLE: BUFFY'S BODY falls, slo-mo, to the ground -- revealing a neck filled with wires and cybertechnology.
Wow... the Slayer's a robot! Did everybody else know the Slayer was a robot?
Glory... Glory spins -- and Buffy swings the Olaf's hammer into her face, home run style. Glory flies back and smashes into the nearest wall, dropping in a dazed heap.
You're not the brightest god in the heavens, are you?
Buffy! EXT. PLATFORM - CONTINUING - NIGHT Dawn is screaming for help, realizing that Buffy is near.
BUFFY! I'M UP HERE! EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE - CONTINUING - NIGHT Buffy looks up -- the camera tilts to see the platform - and she bolts for the stairs. She is behind the flanking Minions and easily takes out the one who gets in her way. ANGLE: GLORY As she shakes off the blow, looking around her... Sees Buffy heading up ...
Oh no you don't ... She gets up -- EXT. TOWER - CONTINUING - NIGHT Buffy climbs/runs up the tower -- and Glory whips up from below, not at blurspeed, but faster than Buffy, grabs her. There is much fighting -- as much as we can manage, anyhoo -- with the swinging and the HongKonging and the kicking and it's harsh and beautiful, Glory knocking the hammer out of Buffy's hand and finally knocking Buffy back and down, Buffy grabbing hold of Glory so they both plummet down EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE - CONTINUING - NIGHT back into the construction site. They both land hard, Glory by a section of drywall, Buffy just beyond it. CLOSE ON: XANDER We can't see where, exactly...
Beautiful... hold that pose. BACK TO THE GIRLS -- as they rise shakily.
You lost your hammer, sweetcheeks. What're you gonna hit me with now.? Buffy glances to the side -- -- and a giant WRECKING BALL swings through the wall and knocks Glory all the way through the wall into the office -- INT. CONSTRUCTION SITE OFFICE - CONTINUING - NIGHT And most of the way across the room, where she lands in hellish pain and attendant crashing. EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE - CONTINUING - NIGHT
Whatever's handy ... EXT. NEAR-THE SITE - CONTINUING - NIGHT We see now that Xander is working the giant CRANE. And feeling pretty good.
And the glorified brick-layer picks up a spare ... A moment of cool, then he climbs out of the cab. EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE - CONTINUING - NIGHT Buffy picks up the hammer and bounds through the hole after Glory. ANGLE: GILES, SPIKE AND ANYA Have been beaten back to behind a pile of rubble, where various crazies and/or minions occasionally charge over or hurl something at them. The rest of them form a cordon between them and the stairs.
Has anybody noticed that we're moving backwards? Spike pokes his head up -- and is hit with a thrown brick.
It's crossed my mind ...
If Buffy can keep Glory down long enough, it won't matter. There's only a few minutes left to start the ritual. EXT. PLATFORM - CONTINUING - NIGHT Dawn is still alone up here. She looks down, around, then back up and SCREAMS, someone is standing before her on the platform. It's Doc. He's dressed formally, in a black suit.
You... can you help me? Untie me ...
Oh, sweet girl, I can do magic!
Please help me... she's coming ...
Well she seems to be running late, is the thing. And if her splendidness isn't here to bleed you ... Dawn's face drains.
Yes, it's all coming together at last. (beat) Hey kid. Wanna see a trick? With a theatrical flourish, he produces a gleaming knife. And a terrible smile. BLACK OUT.
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| Act Four |
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EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE - NIGHT Xander runs up to the gang like a soldier in the trenches, squats with them.
How are we doing?
So far, it's a tie.
We haven't gotten up to Dawn, but neither has anyone else. Spike is squinting up at the platform.
Someone's up there. They all look.
Okay, we gotta charge or something ...
We tried that. ANGLE: SPIKE trying to figure out what to do... suddenly he freezes.
Spike... Her voice echoes, only in his head.
Can you hear me?
Loud and clear ...
Who? What? ANGLE: WILLOW Is looking up at the tower, then towards the others. She and Tara have not moved yet. She continues to speak, but her lips do not move -- it's all telepathic.
Is someone up there with Dawn?
Yeah. Can't see who.
Are you talking to us?
Get up there. Go now.
Yeah. But --
GO! He does, splits from the group and heads for the enemy -- ANGLE: WILLOW AND TARA Join hands and whip their heads toward the group of minions and crazies -- The group is split down the middle, bodies thrown back by an invisible force, Spike sprints through and leaps up the stairs ... EXT. TOWER - CONTINUING - NIGHT He climbs with astonishing alacrity... EXT. PLATFORM - CONTINUING - NIGHT Doc has closed in on Dawn somewhat. He pulls an antique pocket watch out of his pocket, looks at it.
What do you know? Just about that time.
(seeing) SPIKE! Spike pulls himself onto the platform, sees Doc, who turns to greet him.
Doesn't a fellow stay dead when you kill 'im?
Look who's talking.
Come on, Doc. Let's you and me have a go.
I do have a prior appointment...
This won't take long.
No. I don't imagine it will. Spike comes at him -- and he comes forward as well, sidestepping with preternatural grace and suddenly he's behind Spike, driving the knife up into his back to the hilt -- Spike SCREAMS -- INT. CONSTRUCTION SITE OFFICE - CONTINUING - NIGHT As the hammer whips Glory in the face, sending her smashing into a pile of crashy things.
This isn't fair.
I'm sorry. You want to rip apart the fabric of reality, destroy my world and kill my sister and now you're introducing the concept of fairness? Glory leaps at her, swinging at her with a crowbar, slashing her neck and sending her reeling. Her next swing, Buffy (now bleeding right below her neck, a nice good slash), blocks with the hammer, kicking her back. The crowbar clatters to the ground -- Glory is really hurting.
(near tears) You're just a mortal... you couldn't understand my pain.
I guess I'll have to settle for causing it. Hammer time. Glory staggers back again.
You can't kill me ...
No... but my arm's not even tired. Hammer. EXT. PLATFORM - CONTINUING - NIGHT ANGLE: THE KNIFE Clatters to the platform. Spike spins to face Doc again. Both are breathing hard from battle.
You don't come near the girl, Doc.
I don't smell a soul anywhere on you... why do you even care?
I made a promise to a lady.
Oh. He opens his mouth, tongue shooting out -- Spike dodges it but as it snaps back Doc sweeps his legs out from under him, as Spike gets back up he finds Doc gripping him from behind, they are facing Dawn, Spike struggling bootlessly.
Well I'll send the lady your regrets. Spike locks eyes with Dawn, panic in both their expressions --
No -- And Doc hurl Spike off the platform. EXT. THE ENTIRE CONSTRUCT - CONTINUING - NIGHT We hear Spike's scream as his body plummets the whole way down. EXT. PLATFORM - CONTINUING - NIGHT Dawn cries out as well -- EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE - CONTINUING - NIGHT Spike lands horribly, things cracking, blood pooling, a rebar through his leg. He can hardly move but to weep for his failure. INT. CONSTRUCTION SITE OFFICE - CONTINUING - NIGHT Buffy is wailing on Glory with the hammer. Glory's face is bloody, she is dazed. A blow sends her to her knees, an uppercut puts her right on her back.
Stop it...
You're a god ... She slams it into Glory's face.
MAKE it stop. And again. And again. She raises the hammer -- it has blood on it as well -- and hesitates. ANGLE: Glory, bloody and defeated, morphs into Ben. He is equally battered, and looks up helplessly at Buffy. Can barely get out:
I'm sorry ...
Tell her it's over. She missed her shot. She goes. She ever -- EVER -- comes near me and mine again...
We won't. I swear. A moment, and Buffy rises, eyes still on the boy. Then she turns and bolts. Ben coughs, trying to sit up, despair in his eyes. He lays back down ...
(laughs bitterly) Guess we're stuck with each other, huh baby? Suddenly there is another figure looming over him. He squints to see: Giles, squatting over him.
Can you move?
Need... a minute… She could have killed me.
No she couldn't. Never. And sooner or later, Glory will re-emerge and make Buffy pay for that mercy, and the world with her. Buffy even knows that, and still she wouldn't take a human life. Because she's a hero, you see. She's not like us.
Us? Giles coldly clamps his hand over Ben's mouth and nose. Ben struggles feebly for a while. Then stops. Giles' expression never changes. EXT. TOWER - NIGHT Buffy climbs up -- and hears Dawn SCREAM! EXT. PLATFORM - CONTINUING - NIGHT Tears flow down her face as she screams in pain. Doc is right in front of her, face near hers, grinning...
Shallow cuts, shallow cuts... let the blood flow free... We can't see much of it, but he is slicing her along the arms and ribs. Buffy climbs up --
Dawn.
Buffy... She strides toward Doc. He turns and gracefully hurls the knife at her face. She bats it out of the way.
Well, this should be interest-- She reaches him and bats him aside as easily as she did the knife, never breaking stride on her way to Dawn. We hear him scream and hit ground with a wet crunch. Buffy is untying Dawn.
Buffy, it hurts ...
I got you... You're gonna be okay ...
Oh, God, Buffy .... CLOSE ON: DAWN'S FOOT As blood seeps down her leg, pooling on her foot and finally dripping down into the air... EXT. MID-AIR - CONTINUING - NIGHT The blood stops in the middle of the air some twenty feet down, clearly suspended by some mystical force. Another few drops join it and they begin to transform into a crackling ball of energy, white with power at the very center. EXT. PLATFORM - NIGHT Buffy hurriedly unties Dawn, starts dragging her down the platform. Dawn resists. Finally stops, looking back.
Come on! Dawn looks at the ball of energy. The platform rumbles and shakes, wind whipping both girls' hair. Looks back at Buffy.
I can't.
What? We have to get down!
Buffy, it's started. EXT. MID-AIR - CONTINUING - NIGHT The energy ball grows -- and shoots out a lightning-like tentacle of energy. EXT. INTERSECTION - CONTINUING - NIGHT It hits an intersection of the street -- and the street crumbles away into a fiery abyss. EXT. MID-AIR - CONTINUING - NIGHT Again, a bolt -- EXT. BUILDING - CONTINUING - NIGHT And a nearby building is transformed into an alien looking structure. Close on the structure, and we see unearthly zombie creatures start to crawl out of the holes in it. They are white-faced and horrible, like the decaying corpses of things that were never human. EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE - CONTINUING - NIGHT The crazies and the minions have all prostrated themselves on the ground. ANGLE: GILES Coming out of the hole in the wall. The light above him (and everyone at the site) is powerful, and the place is starting to shake. He grabs the wall for support, looking up at the platform, knowing the worst. ANGLE: XANDER AND ANYA As a bolt streaks over their heads, causing an explosion in the far distance. Another rumble and Anya cries out -
Xander! And pushes him out of the way as concrete and metal collapses on her.
Anya! He digs her out, Giles rushing to his side to help. She has blood on her head.
Xander... don't stand there. Her eyes gently close.
Anya... ? ANGLE: WILLOW AND TARA Hold each other, sensing the end. ANGLE: SPIKE Still prone, he looks up at the light as a bolt hits right next to him and a fissure rips in the ground, smoke billowing out. EXT. PLATFORM - CONTINUING - NIGHT Buffy and Dawn see what's happening. Another rumble nearly shakes them off their feet.
I'm sorry ...
It doesn't matter. Nothing -- Dawn makes a break for it, tries to run back to the end of the platform. Buffy grabs her, pulls her back, gets between her and the end.
What are you doing?
I can end this.
No!
I have to jump. The energy --
It'll kill you!
I know. Buffy, I know about the ritual! I have to stop it.
No!
I have to! Look at what's happening! ANGLE: IN THE SKY A rift opens and a huge dragon flies out, screaming as it sails past the girls.
Buffy - -
I don't care! Dawn, I won't lose you --
You have to! You have to let me go! Blood starts it, and until the blood stops flowing it'll never stop. You know you have to let me ... Buffy looks at her in despair -- can she really let this happen?
It has to have the blood ... And realization sweeps over Buffy's face... FLASH TO: Spike in the Magic Box: "It's always blood…" FLASH TO: The scene from ep 13 -- Buffy's and Dawn's bloody hands entwining. Buffy speaks of Summers' blood... FLASH TO: The scene from act one: Buffy saying, "They made her from me". FLASH TO: The Primitive, ep 18: "Death is your gift." Buffy: Death... RETURN TO SCENE: As Buffy puts it all together and we hear the Primitive finishing her sentence:
...is your gift. Everything has gotten very quiet. The wind still rages, but we can't hear a thing as Buffy turns to look at: ANGLE: THE END OF THE PLATFORM As the sun is just starting to rise beyond it. Buffy looks at it, uncommonly serene. Another rumble, the apocalyptic noise coming back up, and she turns back to Dawn. Dawn knows without knowing.
Buffy... no ...
Dawnie... I have to --
NO!
Listen to me! There's no time, Dawn, please listen. And she brings Dawn close so she can speak in her ear... just as we go back wide, so that we hear nothing of what she says to her. But we see Dawn's tearful reaction. Buffy speaks for a short while, then looks Dawn in the eye. She wipes a tear away, taking the moment to memorize Dawn's face. She kisses her, and -- In extreme slow motion -- -- she turns and runs toward the end of the platform. ANGLE: ABOVE THE END as Buffy reaches it and SWANDIVES right out and down towards the ball of energy. CLOSE ON: BUFFY as she starts down. CLOSE ON: DAWN As she watches, crying... EXT. MID-AIR ANGLE: THE BALL OF ENERGY As Buffy's body sails down into and disappears in white light, causing the energy to go even wilder. EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE CLOSE ON: the group, as they look in vain to see what has happened. EXT. MID-AIR CLOSE ON: BUFFY'S FACE As she floats in the center of the maelstrom, being hit with the equivalent of a million jolts of electricity -- As it happens, the sound fades out and over the following images, we begin to hear what it is she said to Dawn: EXT. PLATFORM DAWN -- unable to leave the platform. EXT. MID-AIR BUFFY -- her eyes slowly closing ... EXT. MID-AIR THE ENERGY BALL -- expanding and suddenly contracting out of existence... EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE A PILE OF RUBBLE -- as Buffy's dead body hits it from a great height. As the smoke clears, we see the gang coming slowly toward her. Dawn, having climbed down, the farthest behind, the most alone. Xander carrying Anya, who looks out of danger, but clearly as stricken as the rest. They mostly register stoic, humbled shock. Willow weeps openly. As does Spike, who must hide from the encroaching sunlight, collapsing in wretched sobs at his failure, at the death of his love. Giles comes the closest, standing over the body of his Slayer, the others folding in behind. And over all this, we hear:
Dawn listen to me. Listen. I love you. I'll always love you. But this is the work I have to do. Tell Giles I... I figured it out. And I'm okay. Give my love to my friends. You have to take care of them now -- you have to take care of each other. You have to be strong. Dawn. The hardest thing in this world is to live in it. Be brave. Live. For me. The voice-over carries over onto the final image: EXT. GRAVEYARD - DAY (DAY?) The grave is in an isolated area, bowered by willows. We push in at the stone, still hearing Buffy's voice, until we are able to read:
A LOT
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