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Normal Again (December 10, 2001) Written by: Diego Gutierrez Directed by: Rick Rosenthal | ||||||
| Teaser | ||||||
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EXT. RESIDENTIAL STREET - NIGHT
Calm and quiet in the neighborhood. Everyone at home but...
BUFFY. She walks down the sidewalk. Clearly on a mission. She reaches
an intersection and stops. Checks the name of the cross street. Then pulls
out a piece of paper and a pen.
ANGLE: THE PIECE OF PAPER.
It's a list of addresses titled "NEWLY RENTED." All but one of them
crossed out. Buffy takes her pen and crosses it out. She puts the paper
away and walks down the cross street.
INT. TRIO'S LAIR - NIGHT
CLOSE ON: A SURVEILLANCE MONITOR - Buffy on it. Walking down the street
toward camera.
WIDEN TO REVEAL: It's one of several monitors at the trio's
surveillance bay.
PAN to see JONATHAN, sitting at the monitors, passed out. After a
moment, the MUZZLE of a weapon appears in frame and moves in close to his
head. Then, without warning, he's BLASTED in the face with WATER.
Jonathan wakes and jumps out of his chair with a start, sputtering and
coughing as
ANDREW and WARREN laugh, the latter standing over him with a
SUPERSOAKER. Andrew sits nearby, eating cold left-over pizza out of the
box. In fact, there are empty pizza boxes piled up all around.
(to Jonathan) Oh, man. Your face was priceless. "Bwaaah!" JONATHAN WARREN Jonathan gets up, wiping himself off, still in shock.
Whatta you expect? Haven't had a decent night's since... (beat) I mean, I'm going Jack Torrence in here, you know. Stuck in this basement for weeks. We rented the whole house, can't we at least sleep upstairs? ANDREW JONATHAN WARREN ANDREW ANGLE: Buffy on the monitors. Getting close.
(seeing her) The frickin' Slayer! JONATHAN WARREN Andrew smirks evily, then raises a small nose flute to his nostrils and blows. EXT. RESIDENTIAL STREET - NIGHT Buffy comes upon the address she was looking for. The house empty and dark. She peaks through the window. EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT Buffy walks toward the back of the house, then stops. She hears a coarse hiss. Then a NASTY-LOOKING DEMON steps out of the dark before her.
Oh. Hi. They circle. The thing's big and muscly. Red eyes and translucent white flesh that looks like melted wax. It eyes Buffy like a rabid beast.
Um, you didn't by any chance just eat a bunch of nerds, did you? And it's fisticuffs time. The demon swings, fast and heavy. Buffy ducks, deals it kicks and fists, working it back down the alley for a moment when WHAM-BAM-POW!! The demon sends her back. She crashes hard. Shakes her head and gets up for more. She runs up a wall two steps, pushes off and slams the demon with a twirling kick. It falls and she's on it. She grabs a trashcan and starts banging its head. The demon shreds it and knocks her back. ANGLE: THE DEMON'S KNUCKLES. SHNK!! A long, needle-like stinger springs out, dripping. Buffy comes at it. They spar evenly, until the demon spins her, grabs her and BURIES ITS STINGER INTO HER UPPER ARM. Buffy struggles, trying to shake herself out of its embrace. She flails, desperate, aggressive, then... FLASH CUT TO: INT. ASYLUM - CELL - NIGHT Buffy is up on her feet in a tiny room, an institutional cot next to her. She wears a white clinic gown and flails away just like in the alley. A HYPODERMIC NEEDLE STUCK IN HER ARM. TWO ORDERLIES trying to restrain her.
Buffy!! Stop fighting!! You're gonna hurt yourself!!! Calm down!!! Buffy rears her head back. Eyes open, eyeballs back. She's much like the Buffy we know, except for THE DARK RINGS UNDER THE EYES, THE PALE SKIN, AND THE GREASY, FLAT HAIR FALLING OVER HER FACE IN STRANDS.
She's gonna break that needle!! And then she comes-to. Blinking hard. Gasping. Eyes darting everywhere.
Strap her down!! She takes heed of the orderlies. The stark room. Where is she? She pushes back against the wall. Freaked. Confused.
BLACK OUT.
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| Act One | ||||||
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EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT
Buffy is on her feet, staggering backwards and fetching up against the
alley wall. The demon is gone. Buffy, stunned and dizzy, rubs her upper
arm. Everything hurts. And what the hell happened there for a sec? Where'd
she go?
INT. CAMPUS - ATRIUM - DAY
WILLOW waits by the entrance to a classroom. She paces nervously.
Checks her watch, then clears her throat and rehearses a conversation.
Hi, um... Tara. How are you? I was wondering... do you want to go out sometime? For coffee? Or food? Or kisses and gay love? She checks the entrance again. Then keeps trying.
Hi, Tara, um, guess what? Magic- free for, insert number, days now.. She deflates, ready to give up, but people start pouring out of the class. She bucks up. Moves away from the door to get better vantage. Looking for TARA. She comes through the doors among other students. Immediately a nervous smile lights up Willow's face. But then she sees Tara is with a friend. A girl. And they're laughing it up. Willow backs away. Her face suddenly full of confusion. Tara and her friend stop about twenty feet out. Some more laughing. A little touching. And then they kiss. From where Willow stands, it looks like it could be on the lips. And it breaks her heart. She watches for a beat, then goes. Tara and her friend part ways. Tara catching Willow retreating out of the corner of her eye. It surprises her. She thinks to call out, but then hesitates. Realizing how her interaction just now might've looked. Willow rounds the bend and disappears. INT. DOUBLEMEAT PALACE - KITCHEN - DAY Buffy is on french fries duty. Spacing out on the sizzle and fizzle of grease cooking potatoes. The hubbub of the restaurant adding to the dull and droning moment. A beat. Then she turns and is transfixed by her zombie-like co-workers moving back and forth. She starts walking through. HER MANAGER, LORRAINE sees her and calls out.
Buffy? Buffy... FLASH CUT TO: INT. ASYLUM - HALL - DAY Like at the end of the teaser. Buffy in a white gown again. This time she comes-to walking through A hall FULL OF MENTAL PATIENTS. Also in white gowns. She jerks, vacillating with confusion. Then starts panicking. Her breathing gets erratic. A NURSE calls out from where the manager stood a second ago. Approaching.
C'mon. Time for your-- FLASH CUT TO: INT. DOUBLEMEAT PALACE - KITCHEN - DAY
-- drugs. Buffy is back from another split-second lapse. She catches her breath, absorbing her surroundings.
What? LORRAINE Buffy blinks at her, tries to put it all together.
Okay. Sounds good. Lorraine registers that, then, resigned:
Here's the funny part. You're still the best of 'em. And she walks away. Buffy takes a moment, then walks back to her station. Her fries burning. INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - DINING ROOM - DAY Buffy walks down the stairs in a new outfit. She joins Willow in the dining room at her computer.
I could wrestle naked in grease for a living and still be cleaner than after a shift at the Doublemeat. WILLOW BUFFY She walks over to Willow.
I was online. Checking to see if Xander e-mailed. BUFFY WILLOW BUFFY WILLOW BUFFY WILLOW BUFFY Willow is quick to clarify.
Not seeing seeing a girl, well, maybe. I don't know. It was inconclusive, and I didn't stick around to find Out. Might've magicked my fist through a wall or something. BUFFY A beat. Willow could cry, but she tries to be light instead.
They're prob'ly just friends. I press my lips against my friends all the time. BUFFY Willow smiles. A nice moment.
Thanks, Buff. SFX: DING DONG. Buffy gets up. Walks over to open. It's XANDER. Looking haggard.
Hi. (an awkward beat) I'm back. Buffy smiles, relieved and happy, then wraps him in a hug.
Xander? She comes around the door.
Xander! You're here! More hugging. Long and heartfelt. Buffy closes the door and they walk to the living room.
Where were you? We were worried. Xander sits on the couch. The girls sit around him.
I know. I tried calling. But I couldn't talk without.. He chokes up.
Are you okay? Xander nods. Far from it. An awkward moment goes by as he gathers courage.
I'm sorry. For disappearing. For walking out like that. BUFFY XANDER WILLOW XANDER WILLOW BUFFY XANDER WILLOW BUFFY Xander gets up, walks a little, unable to keep still.
Oh, God... I didn't mean... I don't know how this got so mixed up. I blew it. BUFFY XANDER WILLOW BUFFY XANDER Willow squeezes his hand, ready to cry with him.
I screwed up real bad. BUFFY
TIME CUT:
EXT. CEMETERY NIGHT SPIKE walks home carrying a paper grocery bag. He pauses at a bench, sets down the bag to light a cigarette. Buffy, patrolling, nearly runs into him.
Looking for me? BUFFY SPIKE She keeps moving. Spike looks after her.
Didja cry? Buffy stops, looks back at him.
What? SPIKE BUFFY SPIKE Buffy walks back to him.
No. Well, yeah, absolutely. But the thing is, Xander left. Wedding didn't happen. Spike's surprised and interested. He sits on the bench. Buffy sits next to him.
Gotta say, din't see that coming. BUFFY SPIKE BUFFY Spike tosses his cigarette down.
Yeah, well. Some people can't see a good thing when they've got it. End up dumping the one thing they've got going for 'em-- WILLOW (O.S.) Xander and Willow are approaching. Both sporting stakes.
(weary) Should'a known you'd be tagging along. Buffy gets up, awkward with Spike in front of her friends.
Oh. Hey, guys I was, I found Spike here, and I was just trying to find out what he was doing with... She looks at Spike, who is picking up his grocery bag.
... with dangerous contraband. Possibly more demon eggs. (re: bag) From a smallish demon. Spike looks at Buffy, attuned to her sudden stiffness.
Tell you what, Slayer. I'll get out of your way, stop bothering you. XANDER Spike takes out his anger at Buffy's rejection on Xander.
Guess you know all 'bout that, doncha? King of the big exit. Heard it brought the house down. And Xander, all defensive, over-reacts:
You can't, I don't wanna hear this crap from you. SPIKE Spike and Xander are in full bristle, squaring up. Willow steps between them.
Okay, okay. Calm now. Let's turn around and release our very manly... thing... the other way. Buffy goes to interfere, but a wave of dizzy hits her.
Oh hey, guess what, I forgot Willy Wannabite can't hurt me. Dumb to pick a fight, I guess. WILLOW Things get heated. And the more they do, the more Buffy seems to get dizzy. She stutter-steps back.
Guys... SPIKE Spike tosses the bag aside. Xander strikes before the bag has even hit the ground. Willow shrieks. Buffy reaches for her head and... FLASH CUT TO: INT. ASYLUM - CELL - NIGHT Buffy stands in her tiny room again, rubbing her head like she was just doing. Mumbling incoherently.
Guys... don't... She tries to focus, as if back from a living dream. Seeing nothing but blurry figures. Someone steps toward her. A DOCTOR. As kind-looking and compassionate as they come.
Buffy? Can you hear me? She stiffens, realizing it's not Willow, Xander or Spike.
Whe. . . what is this? She focuses. Begins to recognize the space from her previous flashes. Her breathing escalating with fear and panic.
Buffy, do you know where you are? BUFFY The doctor puts a hand on her shoulder and she jumps. He steps off, proceeding as gently as imaginable.
No, Buffy None of that is real. None of it. You're in a mental institution. You're ill. You've been with us six years now, do you remember? Buffy focuses sporadically, blinking in and out. Inching away from him in shock. Others close in behind him, but Buffy can't see them yet.
It's gonna be okay. Look... (he reaches back) Look who's here. He steps away, revealing JOYCE AND HANK SUMMERS. They approach. Tentative. Full of emotion. Buffy's eyes widen. She shrinks against the corner. Joyce stops, not wanting to scare her.
Buffy? She smiles, on the verge of tears.
Welcome home, honey. And OFF BUFFY - consumed with shock and disturbed.
BLACK OUT.
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| Act Two | ||||||
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INT. ASYLUM - CELL - NIGHT
Right where we left off. Buffy taking it in. Her mom alive. Joyce
stares at her daughter in awe. A tear rolling out of her eye. From bliss,
heartbreak, fear, everything.
Oh... baby. Buffy... Buffy blinks, trying to make it stop. Still too much in shock to accept her.
You're really here. But then, it seems so real. It's amazing. And the mere possibility of having her mom next to her again...
Mom...? DOCTOR (O.S.) He breaks the spell. Buffy freaks out again. She darts her eyes around and sees
Sweetheart. We've missed you so much. Honey? Can you hear me? Buffy's heart skips a beat. The sight of her parents, together, her innocence lost. But then she shakes her head. She knows there's something wrong. It just can't be real.
Buffy? Stay with us, plea-- FLASH CUT TO: EXT. CEMETERY - NIGHT The bag lands on the ground, glass breaking inside. Willow squeals as Spike goes down from Xander's blow to the face. Buffy is rubbing her head, her eyes unfocused. It's a second after we left them in Act 1. Buffy stumbles against a tree. Wracked by her lapse.
No... She looks around in a panic. Recovering her surroundings.
Willow... Xander is waiting for Spike to get up, fists ready for more. Willow turns back and sees Buffy.
Buffy? Are you okay? She reaches out and grabs her, keeping her from falling. Xander turns, rushes over to help. Buffy can't talk. Still dizzy. Spent from her hallucination.
What happened? WILLOW Spike rushes to her side, concerned.
Here. Let's get her into my crypt. XANDER BUFFY WILLOW Xander and Willow lead Buffy away, ignoring Spike. He looks after them, partly concerned, partly pissed to the core.
(calling after them) Put a little ice on the back of her neck. (softly, to himself) She likes that. INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY Willow comes out of the kitchen with a glass of water filled with ice cubes.
I've been having these... flashes. Hallucinations, I guess. WILLOW Willow hands the glass to Buffy who sits in a chair, still in her pj's. Buffy takes a sip. Soft spoken - still piecing it together. Willow sits next to DAWN and Xander on the couch. Bedding evident from him sleeping over on the couch.
Night before last. I was checking houses on the list you put together, looking for Warren and his pals. Then bam. Some kind of gross, waxy demon thing poked me. DAWN BUFFY XANDER BUFFY WILLOW BUFFY She's amazed and confused even recounting it.
They told me I was sick. Crazy, I guess. And that Sunnydale And... all of this. None of it was real. Just part of some delusion in my head. XANDER He stops. Hearing what he's saying There's a beat of confused silence. Heck, he's the only normal Joe in the bunch.
Well, I'm real. Dawn smiles sweetly, cuddling close to him.
And the former ball of energy's glad you're back. Xander gives her an affectionate squeeze.
I know how it sounds. But it all felt so... real. WILLOW BUFFY DAWN BUFFY There's silence as the others understand the emotional impact that must've had on Buffy. Willow spring up, trying to break the mood.
Okay! All in favor of research? She thrusts her hand up. Dawn follows decisively, absorbing what Buffy said. Xander last, still unsettled.
Motioned passed. Xander, hit the demon bars. Dig up anything you can on a new player in town. Dawny, you can help me research. We'll hop online, check out all the... Buffy blinks, losing focus. Willow's voice is a distant drone. Buffy's eyes turn heavy. She turns her head. Trying not to drift, trying to breath... FLASH CUT TO: INT. ASYLUM - DR.'S OFFICE - DAY Buffy sits in a chair. Turning her head to look at the doctor currently droning on like Willow. Buffy blinks, not comprehending. She's totally out of it. Joyce and Hank sit next to her, listening intently to the doctor.
...possibilities for a full recovery. But we have to proceed cautiously. If we're not careful -- JOYCE DOCTOR HANK The doctor hesitates.
There's a lot about schizophrenia that we still don't understand. JOYCE DOCTOR JOYCE DOCTOR For the first time Buffy's daze subsides.
(confused but urgent) Enemies... Warren... Jonathan... They did this to me... Buffy starts to stagger up.
Buffy -- The doctor gently eases Buffy back in her chair. Buffy's eyes dart around, confused and frightened, drifting in and out.
Shh. It's all right. They can't hurt you here. You're with your family. BUFFY HANK DOCTOR Buffy looks at him, her eyes coming in and out of focus.
Your sister. Your friends. All the people you created in Sunnydale. They're not as comforting as they were, are they? They're coming apart. Buffy moans, tries to look away.
(soothing) Buffy. Listen to the doctor. What he's saying is important. Buffy's still out of it, but is becoming agitated, more confused.
Buffy, we want to help you get better. And I think you want that too. Isn't that why your friends are doing these horrible things to each other? And your enemies -- look at them. You used to create grand villains to battle against. And now what is it? Just ordinary people you went to high school with. Not gods or monsters. Just three pathetic little men who like to play with toys. And OFF BUFFY - her mind reeling with doubts. FLASH CUT TO: INT. TRIO'S LAIR - DAY ON WARREN and ANDREW entering, carrying a couple of packages from upstairs, sharing a laugh.
Dude, that poison's got her drooling like a-- WIDEN to find a somewhat miffed Jonathan waiting there expectantly like a wife who's been waiting up for an errant husband.
Where've you guys been? Warren and Andrew share a look.
Picking up some stuff. ANDREW WARREN He and Andrew high five as they cross to a computer table, putting down their packages.
What kind of stuff? Warren sits at the computer and calls up a file.
What? JONATHAN Andrew and Warren share a look, suppress mocking snickers.
Well, now... That's on a need to know basis only. WARREN Jonathan looks at them, unnerved and paranoid.
Oh, what do you think, Spanky? We're plotting against you? JONATHAN WARREN SCHEMATICS and BLUEPRINTS appear on the monitor. Warren studies them as he speaks to Jonathan. Andrew peers at the screen over his shoulder.
You'll be in the know just as soon as you stop being all freakozoid. (re: screen) There's the vault... ANDREW WARREN ON JONATHAN as he starts for the door.
Where you going? JONATHAN Warren darts over to the door.
I don't think that's a good idea. JONATHAN Warren puts his arm around Jonathan. Making nice like an intimidating gangster.
It's just not safe out there alone. You saw how close the Slayer got. We're a team. Something happens to you, it happens to all of us, right? And we wouldn't want that. I know you're antsy. We all are. But things are about to pick up. Big time. So we just gotta be careful right now. Stick together. 'Kay? Warren pats him. A little harder than necessary.
Yeah... sure. Jonathan nods, cooperative but stiff. Fully sketched-out now. INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY Buffy is alone, sitting on the couch. Zoning out on a picture of Hank, Joyce and herself from way back. Longing. Then Willow walks in from the dining room.
Buffy, good news. I found the demon. Fits your description and symptoms perfectly. Look, is this it? She holds a printed-out picture of the demon. It takes Buffy a moment to focus and look at it. She nods.
See? It's gonna be okay. Its pokey stinger carries an antidote to its own poison. But Buffy seems preoccupied. Lost in questions. Vulnerable.
Will... I feel so lost. WILLOW But Buffy shakes her head, letting things out.
It's more. Even before the demon. I've been so... detached. WILLOW BUFFY WILLOW A beat.
Yes I have. WILLOW Buffy takes a moment. About to confess.
Back when I saw my first vampires... I got so scared. I told my parents about it. And they freaked out. Figured there was something seriously wrong with me. They sent me to a clinic. Willow listens, bewildered.
You never said anything. BUFFY Buffy wipes a tear from her eye. Willow affected by the info.
God. That's horrible. BUFFY WILLOW Her conviction seems to reassure Buffy. She wants to believe.
Xander's already hunting the demon. BUFFY She tries getting up but Willow eases her back.
It's okay. We got help. EXT. WOODS - NIGHT Spike and Xander walk along. Not happy to be sharing company. Xander is armed with a mace and a tranquilizer gun.
So, she's having the wiggings, is she? Thinks none of us are real? Bloody self-centered if you ask me. Not to mention downright stupid. Xander rolls his eyes.
Spike, we need muscle here, not color commentary. SPIKE XANDER Spike rolls his eyes at the annoying secret.
Nothing. Alternative realities, nitwit. Where we're all little figments of Buffy's funny farm delusion. In your case, her pathetic gofer figment. XANDER SPIKE He stops. Ready to hurt.
One more syllable about Anya or realities or figments and -- SPIKE Xander searches for a threat. But then hesitates. His mind suddenly considering.
You know, things really weren't this strange before Buffy showed. I mean, regular people, they don't know about demons. They keep walking, Xander doubting more and more as they go.
I, on the other hand, mysteriously keep falling for them. And Willow. A wicca? I mean, please, I still remember when magic was just tricks, bunnies and hats. And then giant lizards at graduation, secret government agencies... and what the hell was Adam's plan supposed to be anyway, 'cause I still haven't figured ouaaAAAAHH!! The demon springs up before them, hissing. Spike jolts, then bitches, recognizing the demon.
Oh, balls. You didn't say the thing was a Glarghk Guhl Kashma'nik. XANDER WHACK! The demon swats Xander back. Spike ducks and comes up punching. Stunning the demon momentarily. Xander grabs the tranq. gun and fires a couple of darts into its chest. The demon barely feels them as it lands an uppercut and sends Spike flying. Xander swings his mace at it, but the weapon breaks on impact. WHAM-POW!! The demon knocks him back hard. Spike takes over. They spar for a moment. Trading blows somewhat evenly. Xander gets another clear shot from the ground and nails the demon with a couple more tranquilizers. This time, the demon notices. It turns around to go after him, but Spike jumps from behind and chokes it. The demon stumbles. Beginning to feel the tranqs. And after a struggle, it finally falls. The guys catch their breath.
(re: tranq gun) I altered his reality. (no response) Get it? I... never mind. INT. BUFFY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT Dawn comes in, carrying a cup. Buffy is lying in bed, her focus drifting in and out like she's on the edge of sleep.
I made you some tea. Dawn lays it down on the bedside table. Buffy looks at Dawn, confused for a moment.
Oh. Thanks. Buffy manages a vague smile as she sits up in bed. Dawn helps her.
(distant) I'm okay, Dawn. DAWN Dawn puts her hand to Buffy's forehead, frowns.
You're burning up. BUFFY DAWN BUFFY DAWN Buffy struggles to focus on Dawn.
We have to try harder. Make things better. DAWN BUFFY DAWN Buffy grabs Dawn's arm, a little desperate.
We have to deal with these things, Dawn. We -- FLASH CUT TO: INT. ASYLUM - CELL - NIGHT Buffy is sitting on the cot, holding Joyce's arm. Hank is there too.
(gently) You don't have a sister, Buffy. Buffy just stares, no longer shocked by the reality shift. But her face revealing the torment is getting to be too much.
Dawn... Joyce shakes her head sweetly. Patting Buffy's arm.
No, honey. Say it. It'll help you believe it. Buffy's mouth shakes. Afraid to let herself. But then...
I don't have a sister. I know. I didn't grow up with her, but then these monks, they made ... HANK Joyce leans in and gives Buffy a gentle kiss on the forehead.
You're our little girl, Buffy. Our one and only. We've missed you so much. we just want to take you home and take care of you. Buffy melts at her words. Finding a solace she could've only dreamed of. She reaches out to touch Joyce's face. FLASH CUT TO: INT. BUFFY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT Buffy snaps back. It's like mind whiplash now. She finds herself reaching for Dawn's face and pulls back, shocked. Agony in her eyes. Dawn has pulled back too. Looking at Buffy with scorn now.
I'm not even there, am I? BUFFY DAWN Buffy's guilt and confusion give way to defeat.
It's your ideal reality, and I'm not even a part of it. BUFFY Dawn looks away. Lingering. Hurt.
I... I'm gonna go finish my chores. Then gets up and exits, closing the door gently. Leaving Buffy devastated. Helpless. INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - BASEMENT - NIGHT Xander and Spike back the demon into a corner.
Hold it. Hold it... They've got it chained up and stumbling on tranqs. It trips, dropping like a tree right on top of Xander.
PGHLEAHH-UCK!!!!! Spike jumps on and starts locking it down. It resists, weak. Willow is there as well. Wearing rubber gloves, gathering a container and a BIG, METAL FORK.
I need its arm. Xander slips out from underneath. Shook-up.
Thank you, Spike. I'll help as soon as the blitzing pain subsides. Spike rolls the demon around and gets on top of it as Willow pins its arm down.
Ready? She strikes down into its forearm with the fork. The demon kicks out and hits Xander on the shin.
YI-AWGH!! ANGLE: ITS KNUCKLES. Its stinger pops out in reaction. Willow tears it off. The demon groans loud, then passes out. Willow puts the dripping stinger in the container. Xander's on the floor, rubbing his shin.
Xander, go to the magic shop. We'll need Alkanet Root and a handful of Nettle Leaf. (off his look) Just for their medicinal properties. No magic. When you got them, meet me at the campus lab. I'll see if I can brew up an antidote the old fashioned way. SPIKE XANDER Spike is ready to get into it, but --
Fine. Xander, let's go. INT. BUFFY'S BEDROOM - DAY The next morning. LOOKING DOWN on Buffy in bed. Not really awake, but not asleep either. Eyes open, lost. Body twisted awkwardly. Distant like she was at the asylum at first. Willow comes in, carrying a steaming mug. Wearing the same clothes. Up all night working on the antidote.
Buffy. Buffy barely reacts. Willow sits next to her. Pets her leg.
Wake up. Got yummy antidote goodness for you. It takes a while for Buffy to come back from whatever fog she's in. Her expression gathers presence. Then the same troubled emotions as before. She remembers the antidote, sits up.
What happened? WILLOW Willow hands her the mug. Buffy cups it in her hands.
When it's cooled, drink it all down and everything should go back to normal. It might take a little while to kick in, but... Buffy stares at the mug. Her expression unintelligible.
Thank you, Will. (then, detached) You never stop coming through. Spike walks in.
How is she? Buffy reacts to him, then spaces out a little.
Make sure she drinks that. I want to let Dawn know everything's going to be okay. She exits. Spike steps up to Buffy. She senses him and shakes her head. Fighting to gather focus.
You all right? But in her haze, Buffy can't find subtlety.
You need to leave me alone. You're not a part of my life... Spike's own spite surfaces. Sick and tired.
Fine, then. But I hope you don't think this antidote's gonna rid you of that nasty martyrdom. See, I figured it out, luv. You can't help yourself. You're not drawn to the dark like I thought. You're addicted to the misery. Buffy passes away any anger, too tired. No longer caring.
It's why you won't tell your pals about us. Might actually have to be happy if you did. They'd either understand and help, God forbid, or drive you out where you can finally be at peace in the dark. With me. (then) Either way you'd be better off. But you're too twisted for that. ON BUFFY - staring at Spike. Her eyes seemingly devoid of emotion, but she's listening. Considering.
Let yourself live already. Stop with the bloody hero trip for a sec. We'll all be the better for it. Spike shakes his head. Giving up.
'Cause I'm done with it. You either tell your friends about us... or I will. And he walks out. Buffy sits there, still dazed, but Spike's threat definitely having an effect on her. She tries to focus, worried and pissed, but tired as well. After a moment, she goes calm, as if Spike's words had helped her decide something. She looks at the mug of antidote in her hands... then pours it out into the trash. FLASH CUT TO: INT. ASYLUM - CELL - DAY Buffy is sitting up on her cot. She looks up at the doctor, Joyce and Hank. Nervous and scared. Tears in her eyes, but for the first time, completely decisive.
I don't wanna go back there. I wanna be healthy again. (a beat) What do I need to do?
BLACK OUT.
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| Act Three | ||||||
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INT. ASYLUM - CELL - DAY
Right where we left off. Joyce, Hank and the doctor looking at Buffy,
filled with excitement at her renewed conviction. But then Buffy gets
light-headed. She feels herself losing presence and reaches out. Joyce
grabs her hand.
Mom... please, help me. I wanna go home. With dad and you. JOYCE DOCTOR Joyce strokes Buffy's hair, reassuring.
You have to start ridding your mind of the things that support your hallucinations. You understand? There's things in that world that you cling to. For your delusion they're safeholds, but for your mind, they're traps. We have to break those down. Buffy grows thoughtful, trying.
Slaying? DOCTOR Buffy responds to the doctor's understanding of her psyche.
No, by safeholds, I'm talking about the things you want there, Buffy. What keeps you going back. A beat. Then Buffy realizes.
My friends. The doctor nods.
That's right. Last summer, when you had a momentary awakening, it was them that pulled you back in. Buffy looks away with sudden apprehension.
Buffy, they're not really your friends. They're just tricks, keeping you from getting healthy. Buffy looks up again, maintaining her resolve.
You have to do whatever it takes to convince yourself of that. Whatever it takes. FLASH CUT TO: INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - FOYER - DAY Buffy stands at the bottom of the stairs. Blinking and getting her bearings. One hand on the wall for support. Willow comes out of the dining room and almost collides with her, spooked.
Ooh. Buffy. Didn't see you there. Buffy just freezes and stares at her.
I was just coming to check on you. You feeling better? Did the antidote work? A beat. Then Buffy nods.
I'm... still pretty dazed. But better. WILLOW Buffy shakes her head.
We still got the big bad all tranq'd out down in the basement. In case it didn't work and we need more parts. Buffy forces a smile. Willow reciprocates with sympathy. There's a beat. Buffy out of it, Willow noticing.
It'll be nice to see you all better. She says it with disarming sincerity. Heartfelt. Buffy nods, touched but troubled.
Thanks. WILLOW She grabs her by the arm and leads her back to the kitchen.
TIME CUT:
INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - FOYER - DAY Xander knocks and comes in from outside.
Hello? I'm back. Clean and with the better smell now. Nobody answers.
Friends? Anyone? He heads to the INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY He finds Buffy cleaning pots at the sink.
Hey there, sane girl. Buffy starts, but barely looks up. Xander lingers. Uncertain.
So. Willow get that antidote to you alright? Buffy? Buffy focuses. Distant.
Um... yeah. I'm better now. XANDER Buffy turns to face him with momentary concern.
I mean, I get it. Been part of the Buffy obsession. But he's long past the days of pining. (then, grossed out) Now it's like he's convinced he's having sex with you or-- WHAM! Buffy springs up and grabs Xander in a choke-hold. Out of nowhere. Xander is losing breath before he even knows what happened.
Bu...?! He stumbles, banging against the wall, carrying Buffy on his back. Grabbing at her, trying to fight her off.
What are you... gkh... ah!! Buffy stays on him, desperately trying to get this over with. They crash to the floor. Xander losing strength. Buffy gets off and drags him up. Leading him toward the basement door. INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - BASEMENT - DAY Buffy brings Xander halfway down the stairs and shoves him the rest of the way. He stumbles and lands hard, banging his head on the floor. He rolls on his back, losing conscience, and as the lights go out he sees... Willow. Lying facing him. Bound and gagged, her eyes wide with panic.
Willow? What... And he's out. From the stairs, Buffy looks at them through a mental fog. Emotions no longer getting through. Sweaty from the struggle. Eerie. She flips Xander, kneels on his back and starts tying him up. Willow moans in desperate protest through her gag. The noise wakes the demon up. It puts out a growl. Still chained, but quickly coming back from the tranqs. INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY Buffy locks the basement door. She's got a rope in hand. Momentarily lost. 'Til she hears a door slamming upstairs. She turns, recovering. Expressionless. INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY Buffy walks calmly through the house, her face pale, her eyes empty and creepy. Feverish.
Dawn!? DAWN (O.S.) Buffy tilts her head as if hearing her through the fog. She rounds the bend and heads upstairs in no hurry at all. INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - UPSTAIRS HALL - DAY Buffy comes off the stairs. Sees Dawn's door closed. Walks toward it. Emotionless and sleepy with fever. Zombied out. INT. DAWN'S ROOM - DAY Dawn puts stuff in a bag. She winces when Buffy comes in.
WHAT THE--!! Don't you knock?! A beat.
I called for you. Buffy sees Dawn's bag. Stares at it, blinking slowly.
Buffy, are you... okay? BUFFY It's not angry, just soft and disturbed. Dawn is weirded out. But more sore about their earlier interaction.
I'm going over to Janice's. Where they actually like having me around. BUFFY DAWN Buffy blinks, trying to stay focused. Somewhere far inside, heartstrings being pulled.
I care. You're going downstairs with the others. It's the only way I'll get healthy. Buffy starts walking toward her.
What are you talking about? Dawn backs away a little. Buffy recovers intent.
Buffy, you look sick. What are you doing? Buffy reaches to grab her.
BUFFY!! Dawn ducks and slips away. Buffy turns. They face off.
What is wrong with you?! But Buffy just keeps coming.
No. Stay away from me!! Dawn runs. Buffy chases. Slowly. Still hazy, but deadpan. Dawn no longer a sister, just an obstacle between her and health. INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - UPSTAIRS HALL - DAY Dawn runs down the hall. Heading for the stairs when WHAM!! A lamp hits the corner between the stairs and Willow's room, deterring her.
Willow!! HELP!!! She turns into the bathroom instead. INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - UPSTAIRS BATHROOM - CONTINUING Dawn slams the door and locks it.
You can't hide, Dawny. DAWN INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - UPSTAIRS HALL/WILLOW'S ROOM - DAY
I know. You're just a trap for my mind. Buffy walks down the hall. A slow, steady menace. She tries the bathroom doorknob. Then throws herself against the door.
Buffy, PLEASE!! Listen to me, that asylum and those people, they're not real!! Buffy kicks the door in. She steps in, but Dawn is gone. Buffy steps back out and catches her trying to sneak past, out of Joyce's bedroom. Dawn jerks to a stop, trembling with fear now.
Look at me, Buffy. I'm right here. You're my sister. I need you and love you. Somewhere inside, you must know that's real. Buffy pauses. As if thinking about it despite her fog. Then, stoned and out of it...
Sure it is... 'Cause what's more real? She keeps walking. Slowly figuring out what she's saying.
A sick girl in an institution? DAWN BUFFY Dawn bolts back into Willow's room, slams the door and Buffy kicks it right open.
Girl that sleeps with the vampire she hates. Yeah. 'Cause that makes sense. Buffy jumps over the bed with her first and only burst of speed. She lands on Dawn before she can make it back to the bathroom. Dawn screams and struggles --
STOP!! I'M REAL!!! BUFFY!!! -- frantically tearing at Buffy's hair. They wrestle. A gruesome sister's fight. Buffy ruthlessly overpowering. Cold and emotionless. INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - BASEMENT - DAY Dawn drops down next to Xander and Willow. Her hands and feet tied. She pleads, desperately crying.
Buffy, stop this! I'll be good, I promise. You're not thinking. BUFF--!!! Buffy gags her. Dawn's screams becoming high-pitched squeals and moans like Willow's Buffy stands up, trying to ignore him. But then she stops. The sight of her friends tied-up momentarily breaking her resolve. FLASH CUT TO: INT. ASYLUM - CELL - DAY Buffy squints, trying to keep her concentration, steadying herself. Forcing her delusion away.
It's okay, Buffy Don't stress yourself. Buffy breathes, struggling.
Honey. Take your time. DOCTOR FLASH CUT TO: INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - BASEMENT - NIGHT Buffy's eyes are heavy. Clouded over again. She stares at her captives like they're just things in a room. Xander is waking up. Rubbing his head and looking around.
Buffy? Slowly remembering what's happening. But instead of listening, Buffy just turns and walks toward the demon.
What are you doing? The demon is awake and restless. Fighting against its restraints. Buffy starts unchaining it. Buffy lets it loose and the demon rises, pissed. She steps aside and walks back. Watching the demon turn toward Xander and the girls. Hissing nasty.
(softly) Oh my god.
BLACK OUT.
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| Act Three | ||||||
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INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - BASEMENT - DAY
The demon advances on Xander and the girls. Buffy backs up. A little
nervous, perhaps more present, but still stoney and committed to seeing
this through.
Xander manages to push himself up, his hands tied but his feet loose.
Panicking.
Buffy, help me!! I need my hands!! The demon rears back with a battle hiss, but before it can strike, Xander kicks it in the groin with all his might. The demon recoils, stunned. Xander bodychecks it back. INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - FOYER - DAY Someone knocks on the door. Then opens. It's Tara.
Hello? Anybody home? She comes in. Bewildered by the empty, open house.
Willow? She hears crashing coming from further in and advances, growing worried. INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - BASEMENT - DAY Xander manages to keep the demon back with kicks. Until it's extra pissed. It swats Xander's last kick aside, then picks him up and slams him against a corner. Buffy reacts with a twitch of fear. Cowers below the staircase. Bleary eyed, but watching. Breathing uneasy, growing tense... FLASH CUT TO: INT. ASYLUM - CELL - DAY Joyce is alone with Buffy. She notices Buffy's eyes are glazed over. She's growing agitated.
Buffy? Buffy inches off the cot and stands, backing into a corner slowly. Her resolve starting to crumble, heartbeat accelerating. Joyce gets up and approaches gently, a little alarmed.
It's gonna be okay. Whatever it is, it's not real, remember? Buffy looks at her for a moment. Remembering.
You've gotta keep concentrating, sweetie. I'm right here-- She stops when Buffy turns away abruptly. As if something in Sunnydale had jolted her. Her eyes fog up again, distressed. She backs up against the wall and starts sliding down... FLASH CUT TO: INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - BASEMENT - DAY ... to the floor by the washer and dryer.
Buffy! HELP!! Xander scrambles to get up and the demon piledrives him down. Then it turns, catching sight of Willow and Dawn. It moves in on them just as Tara bursts in. She runs halfway down the stairs and takes the scene in. Willow and Dawn tied up.
Their ropes come loose. The demon swipes, but Willow and Dawn scurry away just in time. The demon turns at Tara.
A bank of shelves flies off the wall and pummels the demon over. Tara takes a step down but suddenly Buffy reaches in from next to the stairs and pulls her feet out from under. Tara crashes and rolls down painfully.
NO!! Tara! Willow rushes to her side. A tinge of guilt-filled terror hits Buffy despite her efforts to remain detached. She backs away to the wall and down against the floor again. Starting to shake, trying to escape into... FLASH CUT TO: INT. ASYLUM - CELL - DAY Joyce grabs Buffy's arms. Firm now. Stopping her shaking.
(delirious) I don't know I don't know I don't know... JOYCE FLASH CUT TO: INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - BASEMENT - DAY More and more, Buffy's resolve is fading. She's more attentive to her friends' cries. But not getting up yet.
Dawny, watch out!! The demon rises through the shelves Tara launched at it, facing Dawn. She screams, but before it can attack, Xander jumps on it, wrapping his tied hands around its neck. WHAM! The demon flips him over and hard on his back.
(faint) Xander... Panic starts creeping over Buffy. Dawn scampers away. The demon now turning on Willow and Tara. It grabs Tara by the neck and lifts her off the ground. Choking her hard.
LET HER GO!!! Willow breathes, controlling the rage of magic inside. Instead she finds a bat and rushes the demon - CRACK!! PAH!! The demon drops Tara, but in the same motion backhands Willow. Sends her flying against the wall. FLASH CUT TO: INT. ASYLUM - CELL - DAY
Willow! Buffy rears back against the wall, violently now. Fear, guilt, and shock overtaking her.
Buffy, fight it! You can beat this thing. You're too good to give up. Joyce grabs Buffy's hands in hers, and Buffy reacts to her touch. Sweating, gasping, but still able to focus on her.
Be strong, honey. I know you're afraid. I know the world feels like a hard place sometimes, but you've got people that love you. Buffy calms a bit. Joyce's words reaching her.
Your dad and I, we have all the faith in the world in you. Tears stream down Buffy's face. Struggling to find her place. Things seem to slow down.
We'll always be with you. There's a world of strength in your heart, honey. I know there is. You just have to find it again. A moment passes. Then Buffy's panic and fear wash away.
Believe in yourself. Buffy's lost in thought. Then finally, she nods. A pained, almost sad expression comes over her. Her eyes suddenly determined. As if making a decision. She squeezes Joyce's hands. Speaking slowly, with effort. Through tears.
You're right... Thank you. (then) Goodbye. Joyce looks confused for a moment. Then suddenly concerned.
Buffy... FLASH CUT TO: INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - BASEMENT - DAY Crashes come from off-screen as the Scoobies keep fighting.
Help! Somebody!! SLOW MOTIOW: Buffy rises up with the solid intent of The Slayer. Dawn swats desperately at the demon from the ground as it wraps her up in its arms and lifts her. Squeezing her midsection like it wants it to pop.
Let her go. The demon looks up and WHAM!! Buffy nails it with a huge punch. It flies back, dropping Dawn, and hitting the wall at the other end. Dawn stumbles away toward the others as Buffy advances on the startled beast. Riling herself up. Trying to stay alert. The demon comes at her. Striking with all its power. And it takes all of Buffy's to fend it off. It's a slug-fest. Two titans. Nothing fancy or acrobatic. Buffy swinging hard, like her sanity depends on every blow. She grabs it by the neck and rams it against the wall. The demon collapses. She lifts it up again and hurls it against the opposite wall. The whole basement rocks. It stands. Buffy rears back and - in slow motion again - Buffy's punch GOES THROUGH THE DEMON'S CHEST. It goes limp. Buffy withdraws her fist and it falls. Dead She's dazed but defiant. Bad-ass AS THE CAMERA PUSHES IN ON A LOW ANGLE HERO SHOT. A moment. Then she turns to her friends.
(faint) I'm so... I'm so sorry. She stumbles but stays up. Still out of it without antidote. The others are on the ground. Still suspect of Buffy. Traumatized and not sure if and when they'll get over her attacks. But then Willow gets up, overcome with concern and sympathy.
Buffy. Xander reassures the others.
We're okay. Everything's okay. WILLOW BUFFY She looks at Willow. Catching her breath. Standing as if it's keeping her in this reality. Dazed, but defiant now.
I can't. Not until I have the antidote. WILLOW Things settle. It's all over. But then... FLASH CUT TO: INT. ASYLUM - CELL - NIGHT Buffy stands, facing the wall with as blank a stare as ever. The doctor checks her eyes with a flashlight. Hank and Joyce stand by. Hank holding Joyce as she cries. Finally, the doctor stops. Turns to face them, shaking his head.
I'm so sorry. There's no reaction at all. (a beat) I'm afraid we've lost her. THE CAMERA PULLS BACK SLOWLY, DOWN THE HALL. Leaving the doctor and Buffy's parents helpless, and Buffy lost in a distant delusion.
BLACK OUT.
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