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Tabula Rasa (October 5, 2001) Written by: Rebecca Rand Kirshner Directed by: David Grossman | ||
| Teaser | ||
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EXT. GRAVEYARD - NIGHT
A misty night. BUFFY walks alone, patrolling. But her mind is far away;
her eyes unfocused. She does her job by rote.
Several yards back, a SHADOWY FIGURE trails her, obscured by the mist.
SHADOWY FIGURE'S POV: Fixated on Buffy. Drawing closer. The SOUND of
HEAVY BREATH and QUICKENING FOOTSTEPS.
ON BUFFY: As she stops walking. Her eyes suddenly snap to focus. Spider
senses at the tingle.
She whirls around, body tense, stake poised, only to find herself face
to face with...
Can we talk? Buffy gives Spike an irritated look.
Vocal cord wise, yes. With each She turns and starts to walk. Spike holds his ground, calls after her:
We have to talk. She turns. Maybe ten feet separate them.
About what? A beat. Confronted like this, Spike's a bit shy.
Um, whatever. Just conversation. For instance, the weather, the... graves.. the -- (suddenly; strong) We kissed, Buffy. Buffy stares him down, seemingly unaffected.
So? SPIKE BUFFY She turns again and walks away. EXT. GRAVEYARD - NIGHT - SOON AFTER Spike follows after Buffy, talking to her back.
Don't you get all prim and proper on me. I know what kind of girl you really are. She stops walking. He walks around her, facing her, close.
Don't I? BUFFY Half a beat and... SHE THROWS HERSELF AT HIM. Knocking him to the ground, just as a FLYING STAKE WHIZZES BY, missing Spike by inches and IMPALING ITSELF IN A TREE just behind them. They look up, to face A SHARK-HEADED DEMON and his two VAMPIRE HEAVIES.
BLACK OUT.
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| Act One | ||
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EXT. GRAVEYARD - NIGHT - CONTINUED
Buffy rolls off Spike and faces the demon and vampires. She's more
irritated than frightened. Not in the mood to deal.
The Demon has the head of a shark; smooth, pale flesh split by an
unctuous smile. Several rows of teeth glisten. He wears a tight sharkskin
suit and stacked heel boots which bring him up to about 5'2". He never
stops moving, ever; he's always pacing, always smiling. Smooth and
dangerous, somewhere between Christopher Walken, Truman Capote, and well,
a shark. He goes by TEETH.
His vampire heavies are poised to fight, one of them holds a stake.
Teeth motions for them to relax.
Easy, boys. There's no need to get physical-like. Is there Mr. Spike? Buffy looks at Spike.
You know this guy? SPIKE Teeth walks past Buffy and Spike, reaches up to wrench the stake loose from the tree trunk. He paces, using the stake to clean under his fingernails. Conversational but menacing.
Me? There are a lot of things I would like. A house in Bel Aire with a generously-sized swimming pool; a lady barracuda who loves me for who I really am ... Suddenly, he's in Spike's face, his voice sharp. The stake at Spike's heart.
And the forty Siamese that you owe me. SPIKE TEETH Teeth pulls away the stake.
That's why I let you gamble the felines in the first place. BUFFY TEETH SPIKE TEETH Teeth motions to his vamp heavies with a nod of his head. They come forward, closing in on Buffy and Spike. Who back up, biding their time.
I don't want to see anyone get hurt. Just as BUFFY GRABS A TREE BRANCH and SWINGS FORWARD, kicking VAMP #1 in the face. He staggers back.
Then you better close your eyes. Buffy drops from the branch. VAMP #2 charges Spike, stake in hand. Buffy steps between them and SOCKS the vampire in the gut. When he's bent over, she CHOPS him on the back of the neck. He crumples to the ground. She picks up his fallen stake, pushes VAMP #1 back. Spike gingerly edges away.
I said she was the Slayer, Boss. TEETH BUFFY Vamp #2 gets to his feet and shuffles over to his boss. Vamp #1 is looking around.
Boss, he's gone; Spike has split. They all look around. It's true, Spike is gone.
That's what I get for socializing. C'mon boys, up and at'em. We'll locate Mr. Spike and uh, 'talk' to him a little more. The bruised vampires follow him. Teeth makes a little bow towards Buffy.
(to Buffy) It was a genuine pleasure. ANGLE ON TEETH AND THE VAMPS: as they walk away into the mist. On BUFFY looking around, wondering where Spike is.
(to herself) If I just stopped saving his life it would simple things up so much. INT. XANDER'S APARTMENT - EVENING XANDER, ANYA, WILLOW, and TARA sit in gloomy silence. They're drinking coffee, staring into space. Suddenly, breaking the silence:
Do you think she walked around on clouds, wearing like, Birkenstocks and playing a harp? 'Cause those are just not flattering. They all turn and stare at her.
The clonky sandals not the harps. Who doesn't look good with a harp? (off their looks) What? I'm just saying what everyone's thinking. Right, baby? She looks to Xander for reassurance. He does the best he can:
You are attractive and have many good qualities. She gives him a cross look.
It's totally not stupid to wonder what it was like for Buffy. But it could have been any one of a zillion heavenly dimensions. All we know is that it was a good place and she was happy there. WILLOW XANDER WILLOW XANDER TARA ANYA XANDER Willow stands.
(intense) I can fix it. I know a spell. TARA WILLOW TARA Xander senses the tension.
(light) Alright, alright, I'll read a book. It's not that I can't read, it's just my lips get so tired. Tara ignores Xander. Faces up to Willow.
I can't believe we're talking about this again. You know how powerful magic is. How dangerous. You could hurt someone. You could hurt yourself. Willow leans close to Tara.
I know a spell that would make her forget she was ever in heaven. Infuriated, Tara SLAMS her cup of coffee down on the table. It sloshes everywhere.
What is wrong with you? Xander stands up and makes his way towards the bedroom.
I'm just gonna ... answer that phone, you probably don't hear it, high- pitched ring, ears like a dog's... Anya hurries after, pretending to hear the phone too.
Ah yes. I'll help you answer it. Tara stares down Willow.
Do you think I'm stupid? I know you used that spell on me. Willow is at a loss for words. After a second:
I'm sorry. I didn't- TARA WILLOW TARA WILLOW She reaches out to Tara. Who pulls away.
If you don't want to fight, you don't fight. You don't use magic to make a fight disappear. WILLOW TARA A beat as Willow takes this in. Then-
Okay. I realize, I did it wrong- TARA WILLOW TARA WILLOW Tara looks off, suddenly really sad.
I don't think this is working. WILLOW Willow crouches down by Tara, trying to catch her eye.
Tara, please. I need you baby. I need you. I don't need magic. I don't. Let me prove it to you, okay? I'll go a month without using magic. I won't do a single spell, I swear. Tara looks at her, her face expressionless, considering.
Go a week. A week without magic. WILLOW Tara isn't comforted. She's stoic, fighting back tears.
A week and then we'll see. I don't know. I think we both need some... I don't know, space. I can't believe I'm saying this. They hold each other's eyes.
You're saying you're gonna leave me?
CUT TO:
OMITTED OMITTED INT. TRAINING ROOM - MORNING Buffy stands before Giles who sits on the couch. She looks stricken. He looks grim and terribly unhappy.
I'm afraid I have to. BUFFY GILES BUFFY GILES BUFFY GILES BUFFY GILES BUFFY GILES This is the hardest thing to say.
In every mentor relationship, there's a point when the student must kill the teacher- (off her glare) Metaphorically. (then) What I'm saying.... I've taught you everything you need know about being the slayer. And your mother taught you everything you need know about life. But you won't believe it until you're forced to stand alone. BUFFY GILES BUFFY GILES She stands up. Really hurt and mad.
You're wrong. GILES INT. BUFFY'S FOYER - MORNING DAWN and Tara stand at the bottom of the stairs. They're wearing jackets. Tara looks weary. Dawn bellows up the stairs:
Willow! Get the lead out. WILLOW (O.S.) DAWN TARA DAWN Willow appears at the top of the stairs. Fresh out of the shower, she's wrapped in a towel with another around her head.
Not so much. You go ahead. Tell Giles to hold up, I'm there in a sec. TARA ANGLE ON DAWN AND TARA as they head out the door.
Hurry up, you don't wanna miss the lowdown on our latest featured creature. Tara nudges her out the door. Now, in a LOCK DOWN SHOT, we ANGLE up the stairs at WILLOW at the top. She waits a moment to make sure they're gone. Then she heads towards her bedroom, out of our sight... and IMMEDIATELY REAPPEARS. SHE IS FULLY DRESSED, HAIR DRY, MADE-UP AND READY. (It's like magic!!) She heads down the stairs and enters the living room. INT. BUFFY'S LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS Where she glances at AN OLD PHOTO OF BUFFY looking happy. Willow reaches the bookshelf and pulls back a few books. There, secreted behind the volumes, is a ziplock bag containing dried LETHE'S BRAMBLE. She pulls it out, replaces the books. She kneels by the fireplace and pulls out four sprigs of the dried weed. She ignites them with a fireplace match and tosses them into the fireplace. They smolder, producing a dense, foul smoke. She watches for a second, then tosses in a fifth weed for good measure.
(incanting) 'For Buffy and Tara this I char, let Lethe's Bramble do its chore. Purge their minds of memories grim, of pains from recent slights and sins... She takes A PURE WHITE CRYSTAL from the breast pocket of her shirt and touches it to the burning herbs. It immediately turns a pale gray.
'When the fire goes out. When the crystal turns black. The spell will be cast. Tabula rasa. Tabula rasa. Tabula rasa. She stands. Gives the fire a final look. Returns the crystal to her pocket. And heads to the door. ANGLE ON the bag of weed, left carelessly near the fireplace. Too close. As the fire grows, it engulfs the bag. Burning ALL of the Lethe's Bramble. Smoke rising. INT. MAGIC BOX - MORNING Tara, Dawn, Anya and Giles are sitting around the table. Buffy sits apart from the others, staring into space.
So what do we got? GILES DAWN GILES Just then the door opens and Xander enters with Willow. She is wearing his jacket--A VARSITY-TYPE LETTERMAN'S JACKET WITH 'HARRIS' EMBROIDERED ON THE CHEST.
(to Xander, re: jacket) Thanks, it's cold out there. Xander, having given up his jacket, shivers in agreement.
Not a problem. The cold only makes me stronger and more macho-like. GILES He stands.
I have something I really have to tell you all. I know it seems like we've been through this but-- Suddenly, Buffy stands. She's on the verge of angry tears.
Why don't you jump to the chase, Giles? Just tell them that you're- But just as she's about to say it, the front door bangs open and SPIKE comes flying in. He's flushed and panting and dressed in the TWEEDY-SUIT he wore in "Restless" and a HAT WITH EARFLAPS. He SLAMS the door, closing Buffy in. Smiles nervously, talks fast.
Fancy meeting you here. GILES ANYA SPIKE XANDER Spike crosses to the counter and hops up, doffing his earflappy hat.
No need to get cute. It's a disguise. Thrift shop number. Happens there's a bloke I'd rather not see just now. (to Buffy) You met him, I believe. The toothy bloke with the baby seal breath? Everyone stares at Spike. Off their looks of incredulity: INT. BUFFY'S LIVING ROOM - MORNING - SAME TIME The last dying embers of the burning weeds. They're almost out. INT. MAGIC BOX - MORNING - SAME TIME Discreetly, Willow pulls the crystal from her pocket and checks it. IT IS BLACK AS TAR.
Alright, then. If we've recovered from Spike's sartorial humor... He looks to Buffy, whose face is tight, pained.
(looks to Buffy) I will jump. To the chase. I'm heading back to England and I plan on staying. Indefinitely. XANDER Giles sits down.
Yes, now- ANYA Buffy, distraught, starts heading for the door.
I - I can't do this. I gotta... You guys just- Willow moves to her. Puts a hand on her.
Buffy. I... listen. I know this must be awful for you. And I'm sorry, so sorry, for what we put you-- Buffy turns on Willow, finally breaking down. Her pain palpable.
I'm sorry. Everybody's sorry. And I know you're trying to help me. But it's all too much, Will. The memories, they hurt. I can't take it anymore. INT. BUFFY'S LIVING ROOM - MORNING - SAME TIME Back on the burning weeds. They're out. INT. MAGIC BOX - SAME TIME
If you understood how it felt - how it feels now... It's like I'm dying in- Buffy suddenly closes her eyes, as if she's going to faint, and CRUMPLES TO HER KNEES. A WIDER SHOT REVEALS: Everyone is doing the same thing. THEY FALL ASLEEP.
BLACK OUT.
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| Act Two | ||
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INT. MAGIC BOX - NIGHT
The sun has set and the shop is dark. Moonlight and street lamps
provide the only light. It's a peaceful scene.
PANNING ACROSS THE SHOP:
Anya and Giles sitting at the table. Anya's head resting on Giles'
shoulder, his head on hers.
Tara sleeps in her chair, curled up in a blissful ball of extra
cuteness.
Spike lies on the counter top, his hands behind his head.
Willow and Xander are snuggled together, his jacket still wrapped
around her.
Dawn is curled up on the floor.
Buffy has fallen asleep on the floor by the front door.
CLOSE ON BUFFY as her eyes blink open. She sits up, stretches, yawns.
Then suddenly freezes: she has no idea where she is. She squints, trying
desperately to remember... anything. Slowly, carefully, she gets to her
feet. SHE TURNS ON A LIGHT. And looks around the room at the sleeping
strangers.
Huh. ANGLE ON WILLOW as she awakes. She looks at Xander Yikes! Who's this guy and what's he doing snuggled next to her? She jerks back with a little yelp.
Uhh! Which wakes Xander. He YELPS.
Uhh! Looks at Willow, and, covering for his ignorance, forces a casual smile.
Hey. Willow doesn't 'fess up either. Smiles back uncomfortably.
Hey? ON TARA as she stretches like a satisfied cat after a nap --then opens her eyes. Satisfaction turns to embarrassment. Then confusion. ON ANYA AND GILES as they come to. Look at each other curiously.
Hello. ON SPIKE as he, still sleeping, falls off the counter. As he hits the ground:
AAAaaa! ON DAWN as Spike's yell wakes her. She looks around and:
AAAAAA! Everyone is awake now. Dawn is terrified. She glances around, her eyes wide with panic.
Who, who are you guys? Buffy goes to Dawn. Reaches out to her.
Hey, don't worry. Dawn shirks away.
Please don't hurt me. BUFFY DAWN Buffy's caught off guard.
I...nm, I-- Suddenly Xander leaps to his feet and:
(to everyone) Who are you freaks? WILLOW XANDER WILLOW XANDER WILLOW XANDER He pinches himself.
Yow, okay, no. Am I in trouble? I didn't do it! And if I did, it was an accident. GILES SPIKE They shake their heads. They're gathering around the table now.
Perhaps we all got terribly drunk and we're having some kind of black-out. DAWN She's trying really hard not to cry.
I don't see any booze; I don't feel any head bumps; and I don't see Alan Funt. Xander is trying equally hard not to panic. He takes deep breaths.
Okay... I'm not panicking, I'm not, I'm not. Stop looking at me like I'm panicking. BUFFY WILLOW TARA BUFFY GILES DAWN Dawn is starting to cry, just a little bit. Buffy puts her arm around her. This time Dawn lets her.
Listen, it's going to be okay. We'll take care of each other, okay? Dawn nods at Buffy through her tears.
Yes, we'll get back our memories and everything will be right as rain. SPIKE GILES Spike eyes Giles up and down, a horrible thought creeping in.
You don't suppose... you and I... we' re not related, are we? ANYA Giles looks at Spike, dismayed.
And you do inspire a particular feeling of familiarity... and disappointment. (weakly, re: himself) Older brother? ANYA SPIKE GILES SPIKE He indicates Anya
Hey! GILES SPIKE GILES ANYA She displays her engagement ring!
It's okay, we're engaged. Giles looks at her, shyly.
Oh. Anya smiles back, shy too.
It's a lovely ring. SPIKE ANYA GILES WILLOW They all scramble through their pockets. Xander holds up his license.
Look! Me! Alexander Harris. (re: license) Cute picture. Hey, I exist! WILLOW TARA WILLOW TARA WILLOW DAWN BUFFY She touches Dawn's 'nameplate' necklace.
You're 'Dawn'. Dawn looks at the necklace, reads it upside-down.
Or 'Umad'. They smile. ANGLE ON GILES as he goes through his billfold.
I'm called, let's see, 'Rupert Giles'. ANYA SPIKE GILES Spike pats his back pocket, no wallet. Nothing in his interior pocket either. Then he reads a label inside:
'Made with care for Randy'. (aghast) 'Randy' Giles?! Why didn't you just name me 'Horny Giles' or 'Desperate- for-a-shag Giles'? I knew there was a reason I hated you! GILES WILLOW Reading the embroidery over her heart.
'Harris'. XANDER WILLOW XANDER They smile at each other.
I'm Anya! ANGLE ON ANYA at the front door, testing a key on the interior lock. She pronounces her name 'Ann-ya'.
My key fits the lock and I found some forms by the register that say Rupert and Anya own the shop together. (proud) That's me. Anya Shop-owner. GILES ON BUFFY AND DAWN
So you don't have a name? BUFFY DAWN BUFFY Dawn recoils.
Ug! BUFFY (hurt) DAWN BUFFY DAWN BUFFY DAWN BUFFY
An idea strikes them both.
Do you think we're-- BUFFY It feels so true they can't deny it. They grin. And hug. ANGLE ON SPIKE AND GILES.
You never showed me affection like that. I'd wager. BUFFY SPIKE Buffy ignores him.
We've got a kid here-- DAWN BUFFY GILES As they head to the door.
Any suggestions on how we get there? SPIKE As they open the front door and find: VAMP #1 and VAMP #2. They SNARL and CHARGE!
AAAAAAAaaaaaa!!!! VAMP #1 They SLAM the door just in time. And:
AAAAAAaaaaa!!!! BUFFY SPIKE They crouch down behind the door, scared witless.
Maybe it's Halloween. DAWN XANDER The vampires BANG on the door, RATTLING the doorknob.
And I don't think they're knockin' for candy. WILLOW She grabs Xander and disappears into the back of the shop.
(processing) Monsters are real... Did we know this? TARA GILES VAMP #1 SLAMS UP AGAINST THE FRONT WINDOW as VAMP #2 continues to BANG and RATTLE the front door.
(through the window) Send out Spike! GILES SPIKE He scooches over to Giles' desk and grabs A HANDFUL OF STAKES among the clutter.
Here. Let's give 'em these. DAWN VAMP #2 (O.S.) TARA BUFFY ANYA Spike puts the stakes in his jacket pocket.
You guys! Willow and Xander come running back, breathless.
There's a trapdoor in the basement, seems to lead to the sewer. ANYA They head for the basement, just as VAMP #1 BUSTS THROUGH THE WINDOW. Everyone freezes. Vamp #1 strides around them, blocking their exit. Scared, they scurry into the front corner. Vamp #2 BREAKS THROUGH THE DOOR. They're trapped. Xander gets down on his knees and genuflects.
(to god) Now I'm not sure what I am, so bear with me here, okay? Um, Now I lay me down to sleep... Shema Israel...uh, Ohm, Ohm. Vamp #1 starts BREAKING THINGS, YANKS THE PHONE FROM THE WALL. VAMP #2 gets in Spike's face. Pushing him against the wall.
You owe us! Spike grabs the stakes in his pocket and TOSSES THEM AT THE VAMPIRE'S FEET.
Fine! Take the damn spikes! The vamp SNARLS as the stakes CLATTER. Takes a step closer.
Don't be stupid. SUDDENLY, VAMP #1 GRABS BUFFY FROM BEHIND, holding her in the air. She wriggles and kicks her legs.
Let go 'a me, you big, nasty-- HE CLAMPS A HAND OVER HER MOUTH.
(to Spike) I said, you owe us! SPIKE VAMP #2 You got the boss' kittens! SPIKE Fed up, VAMP #2 LUNGES AT SPIKE! JUST AS BUFFY CHOMPS DOWN ON VAMP #1's HAND.
Bitch! SHE KICKS HIM IN THE GROIN.
Argh! In pain, VAMP #1 DROPS HER, STAGGERS BACK. Buffy hits the ground. Instinctively GRABS A STAKE:
Stay away from Randy! AND STAKES Vamp #2. HE TURNS TO DUST.
Whoa! WILLOW Buffy looks as shocked as the rest of them.
I don't know. Suddenly, she grins, a great big, proud as hell grin.
But it was cool. Vamp #1 JUMPS BACK OUT THE BROKEN WINDOW as he does:
The boss ain't going to like this. I'll be back and I won't be alone. Spike goes to the front of the shop and and PULLS A METAL security gate across the entrance. Buffy feels her bicep, in awe of her own strength.
I think I know why Joan's the boss. I'm like a superhero or something. OMITTED OMITTED EXT. MAGIC BOX - NIGHT - LATER FOUR VAMPIRES, INCLUDING VAMP #1, surround the magic shop. Teeth is with them now, pacing as always. He extracts a long cigarette from a silver case.
The boys want to taste blood Boss. They want to break down the door. TEETH As he lights his cigarette:
We'll burn the place to the ground. INT. MAGIC BOX - NIGHT Buffy peers out the barred window, looking at the gang of vamps. She turns around, faces the gang.
Okay, I've got a plan. XANDER BUFFY SPIKE BUFFY SPIKE ANYA GILES BUFFY He nods, aware of the danger. Deadly serious.
Ready Joan. They head for the door but are stopped by:
Son? Spike turns.
Come here please. He embraces Spike. They hug, very stiffly, clapping each other on the back.
Right. GILES Hastily, embarrassed by this outpouring of emotion, they push each other away. And Buffy and Spike THROW OPEN THE DOOR and run right through the pack of vampires. EXT. STREET IN FRONT OF MAGIC BOX - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS Catching the four vampires off guard, Buffy and Spike are able to get by them. But not for long, the vampires give chase. Teeth watches as they go, taking a drag from his cig. Within a few seconds, the gang is upon Spike and Buffy. One of the vampires GRABS SPIKE.
Randy! Spike THROWS A PUNCH AT THE VAMP and as he does, he morphs into VAMP-FACE. POW! The Vamp goes flying, totally airborne. Spike turns to Buffy, delighted at his unexpected display of super strength.
Hey! I'm a superhero, too? Buffy spots Spike's vamped noggin. She freezes for a stunned second -- then turns tail and takes off running.
(calling, confused) Joan! Where ya goin'?
BLACK OUT.
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| Act Three | ||
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EXT. SUNNYDALE STREETS - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS
Spike fights the four vampires. He throws a few punches, then:
He grabs two of them, slams them together; their skulls collide
audibly. He throws them at the remaining two vamps, knocking the whole
snarling mess to the ground.
Spike takes off running, chasing after Buffy
Hey Joan, wait up! INT. SEWER TUNNEL - NIGHT Xander and Tara are down in the sewer, waiting at the bottom of a very long ladder. Dawn is making her way down.
Almost there. Dawn gets to the bottom rung. There's a three-foot drop to the ground.
Here. He extends a hand. Dawn accepts it and he leads her down to the ground.
Thank you. Willow's at the bottom rung now. Xander extends his hand, but WILLOW INSTINCTIVELY REACHES FOR TARA AT THE SAME TIME TARA REACHES FOR WILLOW. Tara guides Willow down. They pause a moment, still holding hands. Then release them. They look at the different tunnels.
Which way? WILLOW Tara points in one direction.
How 'bout this dank and stinky way? XANDER They troop off in that direction. Into the darkness.
(singing softly) The ants go marching one by one. Hurrah! Hurrah! The ants go marching one by one, hurrah, hur- AAAAH! As out of the shadows A VAMPIRE (VAMP #3) emerges. Off our groups' expressions of fear: INT. MAGIC BOX - NIGHT Giles and Anya stand beside an empty table. Anya holds a big leather book to her chest. Giles is holding a much larger stack of books.
Let's do some magic. They smile at each other.
I picked out a fine dusty selection of interesting-looking texts. Giles starts setting his books down on the table, displaying them one by one.
This must be nice for us. GILES As Giles sets down his last book he notices something in his suit jacket pocket. Unseen by Anya, he takes it out and looks at it: a single plane ticket.
I mean, I know there's the vampire problem and our memory loss and all that, but still. To spend this time together. Alone. It must be nice. Giles tucks the ticket away again. Still distracted.
Uh.. Yes, quite right. So, which book shall we start with? Anya plops the book she was holding onto the table.
This is the book for us. GILES ANYA GILES ANYA GILES ANYA She opens the book at random and begins to incant:
But you don't even know what you're-- ANYA And POOF! A WHITE RABBIT APPEARS ON THE TABLE!
AAAAAAaaaaa! Giles stares at her, appalled. EXT. SUNNYDALE STREETS - NIGHT ON SPIKE, still in vamp-face, as he charges after Buffy Trying desperately to catch up with her. Running into a residential neighborhood.
Wait up! Spike catches up to her, puts out an arm... He catches her by the elbow, spins her around. Instinctively and smoothly, Buffy uses her momentum to flip Spike backwards, launching herself forward onto him at the same time. She ends up straddling him, pinning his hands to the ground on either side of his head.
Bloody hell! What're you doing? BUFFY SPIKE BUFFY SPIKE BUFFY She sits back, releasing his hands, but still atop him. He reaches up, FEELING THE BUMPY RIDGES OF HIS FACE like a blind man. He runs his tongue over his fangs. Absorbing this. Then puts his fingers to his throat: no pulse.
I kill your kind. SPIKE He looks at her and his ferocious expression melts.
So why don't I want to bite you? And why am I fighting other vampires? (then; realizing) I must be a noble vampire. A good guy. On a mission of redemption. I help the hopeless. I'm a vampire with a soul! Buffy gives him a look.
Oh my god, 'a vampire with a soul'?! How lame is that? INT. MAGIC BOX - NIGHT Bunnies (say, 5 or 6 of 'em?) hop everywhere. Anya stands on a chair, terrified. Giles tries to contain his exasperation.
(forced patience) Perhaps we should try another book. ANYA Anya continues to incant from the same spell book but in the high-pitched tones of panic.
'Himble abri. Abri Voyon. Another bunny pops into existence.
Yes, dear. EXT. SUNNYDALE STREETS - NIGHT Spike is standing up now, pacing, expounding on his identity.
I'm a hero, really. I mean, to be cast such an ugly lot but then to rise above it, to seek better, nobler things. It's inspiring, in'it? He looks at Buffy who is watching him, expressionless.
And the two of us! Natural enemies thrown together to stand against the forces of darkness! Utter trust! No thought of me biting you. No thought of you staking me... BUFFY ANGLE ON the vampire gang (Vamp #1 plus 3 others) approaching. BACK TO BUFFY AND SPIKE. They stand together against the forces of darkness. INT. SEWER TUNNEL - NIGHT Xander, Dawn, Tara, and Willow run from the vampire (Vamp #3). They duck into an alley and watch as the vampire runs past.
C'mon. This way. Up the ladder. Quickly, they dart across the main path and scramble up a ladder built into the side of the sewer tunnel. The ladder leads to an old pipe built along the concrete wall: 4' diameter, 8' long. Once used as part of the sewage network, the pipe is now empty save for a few scraps of wood. A perfect, albeit cozy, hiding place. They can look out either end, but inside they're completely hidden. Tara enters first, Willow, Dawn, then Xander. Xander peeks out and quickly pulls his head back in.
(a whisper) He's coming. They hold their breath, waiting. ANGLE ON THE VAMPIRE walking back through the tunnels, methodically checking for the humans. INSIDE THE PIPE Tara and Willow are pressed close together. Their faces are only inches apart. THEIR BREATH AUDIBLE. They catch each other's eyes. Tara looks away. And then back. Another second and then Willow looks down, embarrassed by the intensity. And then back. Holding it. ANGLE ON VAMP #3 as he passes by, oblivious. INT. MAGIC BOX - NIGHT Anya atop the table now, still panicking, still with the book. The shop is in total chaos. Bunnies (can we have, like, two dozen?) run rampant. The ceiling seems to be gone, replaced by SWIRLING GREEN MYSTICAL SMOKE (CGI). Giles is about to burst at the seams. Through gritted teeth:
That is clearly not a helpful book, dear. Come down and we'll go about fixing this in a sensible fashion. ANYA GILES ANYA GILES ANYA EXT. SUNNYDALE STREETS - NIGHT Buffy and Spike face off with the same FOUR VAMPIRES Spike got away from earlier. Tense.
(to Buffy) You know what you're doing? BUFFY From behind the vampires, Teeth swaggers out. Paces.
Why if it isn't Mr. Spike and the Slayer. It seems there was some miscommunication between us. Somehow you've killed three of my vampires. Tensely, Buffy and Spike watch the vampires. Adopt naive 'fighting poses
Hey, so no big deal, they're a dime a dozen. But you know? You still haven't paid me my kittens. And that's okay too. He steps aside.
Because you'll pay me now. At 'em, boys! AND THE VAMPIRES ATTACK! Two jump Spike while the other two take on Buffy BUFFY deals out a couple blows before getting SOCKED IN THE JAW. She rallies, KICKS BACK.
Note to self: learn to duck. She breaks off a nearby mailbox and DUSTS A VAMP with the mailbox post (ON CAMERA). Spike HEADBUTTS another vampire. Who collapses. Spike pulls a STAKE from his jacket and DUSTS HIM, OFF CAMERA. ANGLE ON BUFFY, getting in some good punches.
Check me out. Buffy KICKS a vamp, who staggers towards Spike. Spike lands a RIGHT HOOK, and the vamp ricochets back to Buffy. ANGLE ON SPIKE AND BUFFY fighting together. He sets 'em up, she knocks 'em down. INT. MAGIC BOX - NIGHT A lone bunny in the foreground. Giles is feverishly swordfighting with an animated skeleton. Anya is off-screen, incanting random words from the book.
(to Anya, distinctly) Get a different book. Put that book down. Do you hear me? Not that book. Bad book. Bad book! INT. SEWER TUNNEL - NIGHT Xander is keeping watch out his end of the pipe. Tara does likewise at hers. In the middle of the pipe, Willow turns to Dawn.
How ya doin', Dawn? DAWN WILLOW DAWN WILLOW Willow glances at Xander and then at Tara.
I think I'm kind of gay. INT. MAGIC BOX - NIGHT Giles and Anya are hiding behind the counter. Anya still clutches the spell book. We stay tight on them as some UNSEEN CREATURE manifested by a spell GROWLS and SNARLS in the magic shop. Giles peeks above the counter and then ducks back. The following conversation is all in a loud whisper.
Look what you've done now, you lunatic woman! ANYA She bonks him over the head with the spell book. Giles has reached his limit.
You know, it's no wonder I'm leaving you! Anya freezes. The Unseen Creature GROWLS.
What? He whips his plane ticket from his pocket and thrusts it in Anya's face.
A one-way ticket to London and out of this engagement! ANYA She yanks off her engagement ring and hurls it at him. IT GLANCES OFF HIS SHOULDER AND ROLLS OUT FROM BEHIND THE COUNTER.
Now see what you've done? That Thing is going to eat my ring! INT. SEWER TUNNEL - NIGHT VAMP #3 is right below the hiding place. He hesitates, looking up.
I smell fear. He starts up the ladder.
It smells good. The vamp climbs farther, then peers into the pipe. VAMP POV: The foursome scrambles out the other side of the pipe. WIDER ANGLE: exterior of pipe. As Tara jumps to the ground, then Willow. Dawn is about to jump, when the vamp, having jumped down, LUNGES FOR TARA. WILLOW THROWS HERSELF ON TARA, pushing her out of the way, landing on top of her. Saving her life. As she does this, THE CRYSTAL FALLS OUT OF HER SHIRT POCKET, but does not break. [Note: this particular part of the sewer features a V-shaped junction. The crystal lands at the point of the "V".] Xander scrambles down the ladder. He is suddenly grabbed by the vampire and thrown into the branch of the "V" away from Willow and Tara!
Yaaa! OMITTED OMITTED INT. MAGIC BOX - NIGHT CLOSE on GILES and ANYA, who are still huddled. Giles reads from a new spell book-
Himble voyon abri bara! There is a BRIGHT FLASH OF LIGHT and a BIG POOF OF SMOKE. It clears and we see that everything in the magic shop has been brought back to normal. Anya and Giles stand up from behind the counter.
Well, that's better. Anya finds her ring on the floor.
(sincere) Oh, thank goodness. Relieved, she puts it back on. Giles and Anya look at each other, regretful.
I'm so sorry, Dear. ANYA GILES She looks up at him, eyes earnest and appealing.
Don't leave me. GILES They move towards each other, about to embrace. INT. SEWER TUNNEL - NIGHT Tara and Willow.. Their faces centimeters apart now. IN THE OTHER BRANCH OF THE TUNNEL, Xander fights the remaining vampire. DAWN RUNS AROUND THE CORNER (BY THE FALLEN CRYSTAL), CLUTCHING A PIECE OF SCRAP-WOOD just as the vamp SMACKS XANDER HARD, sending him flying. VAMP #3 PUSHES XANDER up against the side of the sewer.
Alex! He looks toward where Dawn is. She HUCKS THE PIECE OF WOOD AT HIM. Xander reaches up and catches it, holds it to his chest, JUST AS VAMP #3 LUNGES, IMPALING HIMSELF on the stake and TURNING TO DUST (ON CAMERA).
Wow. BACK IN THE OTHER BRANCH, WE'RE ON TARA AND WILLOW as they move to each other, about to kiss, their first kiss in this world... XANDER backs away from his first dusting, toward Dawn. WE'RE ON THE CRYSTAL, as XANDER STEPS ON IT. SHATTERING IT. IT TURNS FROM BLACK TO WHITE AND THE SPELL IS BROKEN. Their moment shattered, TARA and WILLOW look toward the junction of the tunnel, where Xander and Dawn stand looking down at the broken crystal. Shocked, Tara looks back at Willow, reading the guilt on her face. INT. MAGIC BOX - NIGHT - SAME TIME Giles and Anya are mid-kiss, her body bent back in a passionate dip. Suddenly, THEY FREEZE, their EYES BUG OPEN! Remembering in an instant who they are and what they are doing. EXT. SUNNYDALE STREETS - NIGHT - SAME TIME Buffy and Spike are fighting TWO REMAINING VAMPIRES. Buffy's really enjoying herself here. Getting a kick out of slaying for the first time in a long time. She's got one of them on the ropes...
Don't mess with Joan the Vampire - ... AND THEN SHE STOPS. Remembering everything: who she is; her mother's death; heaven; hell on earth... She's frozen. One of the still standing, Vamp #1, KICKS HER IN THE FACE, sending her sprawling back onto the pavement.
BLACK OUT.
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| Act Four | ||
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EXT. SUNNYDALE STREETS - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS
Buffy lies in the middle of the street. She tries to sit up but
memories overwhelm her, making her dizzy and sick.
Vamp #1 is on her now, KICKING HER while she's down.
ANGLE ON SPIKE, up on the sidewalk, fighting the other vampire.
Suddenly, Spike remembers.
Buffy... (looking toward her) Buff-- He ABSORBS A BLOW TO THE HEAD, and then KEEPS FIGHTING. TAKING ON VAMP #1, as well. INT. SEWER TUNNEL - NIGHT Tara pushes Willow off her, revolted. Willow opens her mouth but has nothing to say. She feels her shirt pocket: the crystal isn't there. Xander looks at the crystal beneath his shoe. Dawn looks at Willow. All four stare at each other, slack-jawed, broken. Suddenly, Xander laughs, a weak sound echoing in the cavernous sewers. The others look at him.
Sorry. Just got back the memory of seeing 'King Ralph'. (off their looks, sobering) We should go back. They nod and, bleakly, make their way back. ON TARA as tears silently spill down her face. INT. MAGIC BOX - NIGHT Anya and Giles are madly cleaning the shop, ignoring what just transpired between them.
Well, this place is certainly in need of a good tidying? ANYA EXT. SUNNYDALE STREETS - NIGHT Empowered by fury, Spike grabs the two vampires by their scalps and CRUSHES THEIR SKULLS TOGETHER. They crumple to the pavement and HE STAKES THEM. The first is OFF CAMERA.
From dust... The second (VAMP #1) is ON CAMERA.
To dust. At least the fight is over.
You're an odd duck, Mr. Spike... Spike whirls; he forgot. ANGLE ON TEETH who sits on the front stoop. He stands and ambles his way towards Spike. Menacing, in that airy way.
Fighting your own kind. Palling around with a Slayer. And, whoa, that suit! Chutzpah must be your middle name. Spike isn't taking anymore of this shite. He walks towards Teeth, slowly, purposefully. Teeth looks around, noting that none of his heavies are left, and for the first time looks a little scared.
Uh, hey, look... About our little debt problem... It's okay. I don't need the kittens. Spike grabs him by the collar; Teeth now very scared.
You'll get paid. I'm no welsher. He releases Teeth, who blinks. Then smiles.
Right, sure. You're good for it. I know that. So, I'll just, uh... Yeah. And he backs away and hurries off into the night. Spike moves to Buffy. She remains on the ground, devastated.
You alright? He offers her a hand up. She ignores it. Stand up on her own. And walks off. Leaving Spike alone. SAD MONTAGE INT. THE BRONZE - NIGHT ANGLE ON THE STAGE where the singer performs. ANGLE ON BUFFY at the bar. Her eyes hard with anguish. INT. WILLOW AND TARA'S ROOM - NIGHT Tara packs her belongings into boxes. Her face, swollen with hours of crying, is now stoic. INT. AIRPLANE - NIGHT 43 Giles sits in his cramped seat. Watching the flight attendant as she goes through the motions: how the seat belt works, the oxygen mask, the location of the exits. Giles' eyes are tired and sad. INT. THE BRONZE - NIGHT Spike walks up to Buffy She glances up at him. As he opens his mouth to say something, she turns away. After a beat, Spike walks away. INT./EXT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - EVENING Tara exits the door, carrying out a final box as Dawn comes up the steps. Tara puts down the box and goes to give Dawn a hug. Dawn can't take it and runs into the house, up to her room, crying. INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - BATHROOM - NIGHT Willow sits, fully clothed, on the tile floor of the bathroom crying. She stands up and looks in the mirror. INT. THE BRONZE - NIGHT The singer is singing. The camera moves through the crowd. Finds Buffy. Who is with Spike. And they are kissing. Clutching at each other, desperately.
BLACK OUT.
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