by
Bard
Editor
Bleu Gato
Buffy the Vampire Slayer is copyright 20th Century Fox Film Corporation . All original content of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is copyrighted by the author and is not to be used or modified without permission. All rights reserved.
Contact: bard@xena2.com
Blog: www.xena2.com/blog
TEASER
FADE IN:
INT. SUNNYDALE HIGH – LIBRARY – AFTERNOON
Buffy is doing her homework and Giles is reading a book.
Willow enters and seeing them, waves a list in the air.
Willow, exulting
WILLOW
I stole the signup sheet for cheerleader tryouts.
Buffy, raising her head, in deep voice
BUFFY
Willow, I am your spiritual father. Welcome to the dark side.
Giles warning glance sends Buffy's nose scurrying back into the coursework spread out on table surface.
Willow smiles and joins them; she hands the sheet to Giles. He quickly scans down the names with his finger and returns to the one that caught his eye. He thoughtfully taps the paper, something vaguely familiar about it prodding his memory. Alas, it does not come and remains a nagging feeling.
Giles, frustrated
GILES
It is right there.
Willow, getting an idea, helpfully
WILLOW
Does the witch have to be close; in eyesight?
Giles, encouragingly
GILES
Go on.
Willow, hemming and hawing
WILLOW
Let's say that Sunnydale High has an advanced security system. Let's say that the witch was there or close to the scene of each attack. Let's say we can find out. Let's say we can compare the findings to official school records.
Giles, with certainty
GILES
You are going to commit a crime.
Willow, impishly
WILLOW
Guilty.
Buffy, jumping back in, shouting and adding a fist pump
BUFFY
Yes!
Giles, to Buffy, threatening
GILES
Eyes on the homework, delinquent.
Buffy, resuming homework, mumbling darkly
BUFFY
You are not the dad of me.
GILES
I feel like one.
Buffy looks at Giles for a few seconds; right away, he moves to fuss over some books. She watches him for a while and opens her mouth as if to say something, but then lets it go. Shaking her head, Buffy concentrates on her task.
Willow, seizing the opportunity, helpfully
WILLOW
There are too many distractions here and Buffy needs tutoring stat before Flutie, the heathen bureaucrat, sacrifices her on the altar of high school dropout.
Giles nods in agreement and then faces Buffy again.
Giles, to Buffy, making it an order
GILES
Starting today, you and Willow are study buddies. After patrol, say nine or ten to midnight. This is not a request.
Buffy makes a face and Giles stares her down. After a few long seconds, she puts her head down, defeated.
Willow writes down her contact info for Giles and hands it to him.
WILLOW
I will sort the camera feed tonight and have the results in the morning.
Pause.
Willow, to Buffy, pleased
WILLOW
My house.
Buffy surreptitiously checks to ensure that Giles is not watching and throws a wad of paper at Willow.
GILES
I saw that.
CUT TO:
INT. SUNNYDALE – WILLOW'S HOUSE/LIVING ROOM - LATE EVENING
Buffy sits on the couch, facing Willow's parents, Ira and Sheila. The situation could not be more awkward if they tried. Buffy is stiff, defensive; Ira and Sheila are dressed up, in a very conservative fashion and sit close together, holding hands. They are across from Buffy and it almost feels like a trial, with her as the accused.
Adding to that air is the décor: modest and simple in furnishings with a plethora of religious pictures on the walls and an enormous crucifix over the fireplace. Little doodads and trinkets of similar nature cover the open surfaces. There are very few pictures and in those present, no one is smiling – everyone looks stern and … ding, ding; we have a winner at puritanical, thinks Buffy.
Ira, starting the inquisition, conversationally
IRA
Mr. Giles called.
The sentence drops like a lead weight into the room and pushes the air out of it. Silence falls again, interrupted only by discrete shifting and polite throat clearing. It is really getting uncomfortable in the living room and the three in there show signs of it.
Sheila and Ira look at each other and appear to be communicating with head gestures and body movements. No doubt deciding who is going to make the next overture.
Sheila, out of the blue, starting the avalanche Buffy does not know is coming, blurting
SHEILA
Willow went thru the Disney princess phase at five.
Ira, supplying helpfully
IRA
It was the sleeping beauty.
Buffy freezes, not sure what response she should give to this bizarre revelation.
Sheila, patiently
SHEILA
I watched her place the doll on the bed among the flowers and then lean over and kiss her. She did that many times; it was her favorite fantasy. I knew then.
Buffy, carefully
BUFFY
I am missing something here. A lot of little girls play with dolls. I did.
IRA
Most of them want to be the princess - not to kiss her awake with true love and live happily ever after with her.
Buffy, eyes opening wide, involuntarily leaning forward and whispering
BUFFY
OH. Willow is …?
IRA
Yes.
BUFFY
And you think …?
IRA
Yes.
Buffy, mind all over the place, babbling
BUFFY
Okay, surprised is a word. It is a very good word. Like, right now, because I am. Surprised, that is.
Pause.
Buffy, spewing pure nonsense and gibberish, completely thrown off
BUFFY
Wow. Sale on wow. Clearance on wow, with two for one wow. Going out of business, everything must go wow. That is a lot of wow. Wow.
Sheila, smiling nervously
SHEILA
See, you even starting to talk like our Willow. We were right.
Buffy, guessing where this is going, befuddled
BUFFY
You don't want me around your daughter?
IRA
What?!
Sheila, reaching out and placing a hand on Buffy's knee, shaky yet friendly
SHEILA
No, we want you with her.
Sheila jerks her hand back, as if she reached the limit of her affection towards others.
Sheila, hesitantly
SHEILA
… You are practically family, Bunny.
Buffy, things happening too fast to process, without a clue
BUFFY
Buffy and confused here.
IRA
We are happy she found you. We don't want her hanging around that cross-dressing man and dabbling in the occult.
SHEILA
Buffy, are you religious?
Buffy, recovering, finding refuge in humor
BUFFY
This is the part with sin and burning in Hell because of the … togetherness?
Sheila, insistently
SHEILA
She mentioned other girls in passing. She talks about you nonstop. It is Bunny this and Bunny that.
Ira, playing the part of proud papa to perfection, trying a smile on for a change
IRA
We want a nice, Catholic girl for her.
Buffy, automatically correcting
BUFFY
That's Buffy.
Buffy does not realize what she just confirmed and is a tad spooked by the forced smiles directed at her. The Rosenbergs are trying hard to make Buffy feel welcome but it is creeping her out instead.
Buffy, uneasy
BUFFY
What is going on? Why are you okay with this?
Sheila, uncomfortable
SHEILA
A strange, drunk young man wondered into the kitchen Sunday night. He kept referring to himself as we and told us he lives here now. Intervention gives us an excuse to monitor Willow closely without her resenting us for it. At least, not more than she already is.
Ira, pleading
IRA
We are losing her. It was little things at first and we let it go. Then the big one arrived: she has not been to church since the first day of school. Since she met you.
Just when Buffy is getting her balance, things go from bizarre to absurd.
Sheila, fervently
SHEILA
We believe you can bring her back to the Lord. She probably thinks we hate her and that God hates her because she is … different. Help us get her back.
IRA
We accept her … condition and your relationship. Help her see that.
Sheila, softly
SHEILA
Lay with her, love her, restore her faith. Bunny, please make my little girl whole again.
FADE OUT:
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
INTRODUCTION
On the screen, various images of Buffy and the Scooby Gang appear and a voice reads the passage.
BUFFY VOICE-OVER
Into every generation she is born; one girl in the entire world, a Chosen one. She alone will wield the strength and the skill to fight against the vampires, the demons, and the forces of darkness; to stop the spread of their evil and the swell of their numbers. She is the Slayer.
CUT TO:
INT. SUNNYDALE – WILLOW'S ROOM - NIGHT
Buffy walks into Willow's room. There is no door and only hinges bear witness to its former existence. Willow is on the bed, lying on her stomach and reading. When she becomes aware of the visitor, she jumps up and runs to Buffy. Forgetting herself, she tries to hug her.
Buffy knows that is not a good idea since she is still dealing with the revelation about her friend and the last thing she wants is wrong signals. Buffy halts Willow with extended arm and Willow's face sinks. Buffy's other one is hidden behind her back.
Buffy, motioning with her head to the open entrance and the company outside, just out of view
BUFFY
Willow, wait! I had a very strange conversation with your parents.
Pause.
Buffy, bringing her other hand out, calmly
BUFFY
I got a bible and the card of your family's minister, Reverend Asher.
Willow, outraged
WILLOW
They didn't!
BUFFY
Willow, down.
Pause.
BUFFY
I told them I would go see him and read this fine, fine book. Actually, I have a request.
Willow, upset yet curious
WILLOW
Yes?
Buffy, asking nicely
BUFFY
Read it with me?
Willow turns her back on Buffy, giving her the silent treatment.
BUFFY
Please?
Buffy sets the bible down.
Buffy, placing a hand on Willow's shoulder, warmly
BUFFY
Willow, they are okay with you. They are okay with us. Please?
Willow nods agreement, but stays where she is.
Buffy goes outside and brings the door with her. Ira and Sheila follow her, openly gaping as she casually carries her heavy burden to its former home. Buffy lines up the hinges; Ira inserts the bolts and taps them in. Task done, she steps back into the room.
Behind her, Willow watches this newest development with puzzled interest, having moved after Buffy left the room. Ira and Sheila stand in the doorway.
Sheila, avoiding Willow's eyes when talking to her daughter, giving permission
SHEILA
Bunny is staying the night. I called her mother already.
IRA
We understand and we approve. We won't disturb you.
Sheila, affectionately
SHEILA
We love you, honey.
Sheila reaches out and closes the door. Her and Ira's footsteps move away and then continue down the stairs.
Willow, shocked by the implied consent
WILLOW
Exactly how strange was that conversation, Buffy Anne Summers?
Buffy, her face revealing nothing, solemnly
BUFFY
Sorry, I am talking that secret to the grave.
Pause.
Buffy, into the tense atmosphere, with false cheer
BUFFY
Bible study or school?
Willow scrutinizes Buffy for a long time, making her shift in place nervously. Then a genuine smile breaks out on her face and she goes over to the bed. Sitting, she pats a space next to her invitingly. Buffy swallows and goes over to join her, picking the bible on the way. When she does, Willow reaches out and takes the book from her hands.
Willow, opening it, sunny
WILLOW
Let me tell you about my faith … Bunny.
Buffy groans and plops back onto the bed, hands covering her face. Willow giggles.
CUT TO:
INT. SUNNYDALE – WILLOW'S ROOM - NIGHT
Buffy comes into the room from bathroom, wearing strawberry PJs. Willow is in bed already.
The window is open and Mouse is standing on the sill, in cat form, watching her with interest.
Mouse, lecherously
MOUSE
Tasty.
Buffy, smartly
BUFFY
And like, totally jail bait wrong. What are you, hundred plus?
Mouse, jumping down and crossing the room towards the closet, grumbling
MOUSE
Hey, we are living in Willow's closet. Throw in sobriety and hands off her and her goods and making suggestive comments is all we got left. This is worse than living in your parents' basement.
Willow, brightly
WILLOW
Xander will like that one.
Mouse, to Willow, bitingly
MOUSE
We are glad our misery is inspirational to others. Suck on a hairball, tribade.
The handle on the closet door turns and opens by itself as Mouse approaches. Inside, the shelved and partitioned space is decorated with drawn symbols and few protective trinkets, in addition to holding a sizable portion of Willow's wardrobe. The clothes exhibit muted and subdued color scheme, drawing little attention to its owner. Without breaking stride, Mouse enters the closet, tail and head held high.
Buffy, to Willow, while looking at Mouse, menacingly
BUFFY
Want me to creatively skin his nine lives?
Mouse stops and turns, giving Buffy the evil eye.
WILLOW
Mouse is harmless; even I could beat him up. It is his treacherous, opportunistic ways that worry me.
MOUSE
Tell you what: I might shed a tear when you are gutted by one of the numerous enemies after me, while I sleep protected in this nice, secure closet. See? I care.
Willow, confidently
WILLOW
I got Buffy.
MOUSE
You say that like you believe it. You and your diary make for a whooping minority of two.
The door closes after him.
Buffy trepidly eyes the small bed and then, not wanting to offend Willow, she gets in, close to the edge and as far away from her friend as possible. She lies on her side, holding her breath. She can feel Willow watching her.
WILLOW
Buffy?
Buffy, quietly and gently
BUFFY
Please don't.
WILLOW
I am here; I will be here, waiting.
Willow turns away from Buffy and the Slayer relaxes. Buffy shifts to her back; she glances at the scrunched, tense figure. Feeling bad, she reaches out and rubs Willow's back comfortingly. Willow grudgingly relaxes into the touch.
Buffy, lying, soothingly
BUFFY
It will be okay.
CUT TO:
INT. SUNNYDALE HIGH – LIBRARY – EARLY MORNING
Buffy enters and goes to the counter, where Giles is busy sorting books into piles. She is wearing Willow's clothes, which fit but don't do much for her.
Buffy, conflicted
BUFFY
Victoria aut mors.
Giles, concerned
GILES
Problem?
Buffy, cryptically, fidgeting
BUFFY
I said nothing last night to Willow's parents. I let them think what they will; same with my friend.
GILES
Queen's English, please.
BUFFY
Willow's parents have picked a nice Catholic wife for their daughter.
Giles take off his glasses and starts inspecting them closely.
Giles, mechanically
GILES
I see.
BUFFY
They handed me the bible and locked us in a room together.
Giles starts cleaning his glasses.
GILES
I see.
BUFFY
We had hot monkey …
The glasses hit the counter.
Giles, irritated
GILES
Stop!
Buffy, done teasing, shrugging
BUFFY
Nothing happened.
Pause.
BUFFY
Giles, what do I do?
Giles, picking up his glasses to check for damage, curtly
GILES
Will it be an issue?
BUFFY
No. Mouse's presence and Willow's shyness ensure it.
GILES
Does it help the Slayer?
BUFFY
Yes.
GILES
There is your answer. Victoria aut mors.
Buffy, marveling
BUFFY
How did you get so cold?
Giles, honestly
GILES
I buried too many colleagues and relatives. If one of your friends or I take the mortal blow for you, then we served our purpose.
Buffy, unhappy
BUFFY
They don't know that!
Giles, patiently
GILES
Willow and Xander are smart; they made their peace when the charged into the alley after you.
They turn as one when Willow rushes in.
Willow, barging in, interrupting, getting it out in one breath and then losing coherence
WILLOW
We have a low down, no good, dirty rotten, yellow bellied, lily livered, back stabbing, egg sucking, two timing, snake in the grass suspect! The witch, I mean. Cause with the … and the … plus the … so witch.
Buffy, dryly
BUFFY
Or you could have just told us her name.
Willow, grinning
WILLOW
Where is the fun in that?
Giles, impatiently
GILES
Children!
WILLOW
Amy Madison.
Giles, musing
GILES
That name again. What do you know about her?
WILLOW
She lives with her grandparents. Her parents vanished fifteen years ago …
Willow drifts off, realizing the horrifying truth behind their disappearance. The MAN's story is no longer fiction.
Buffy, lightly tapping Willow on the head
BUFFY
Hello Major Tom, are you receiving?
Willow hides her emotions, trying to make it seem like they have a different source. Giles looks at her funny, as if he suspects something.
Willow, snapping out of it, hurriedly
WILLOW
Ah, um, her mother was a cheerleader, National Champion in ASC Nationals three years running. Joy, the coach, has a shrine dedicated to her. So I heard.
Pause.
Willow, to Giles, shaken
WILLOW
It is her, isn't it? She is there both times, sort of to the side, playing with her jewelry.
Giles, nodding
GILES
It fits.
Pause.
GILES
Witches are attuned to life, past and present. It starts direct, with rituals. Those are extended thru enchantments of organics, usually mounted in a setting, such as ring, bracelet, or a pendant. They also have shape-shifting familiars for physical backup. Strongest among them don't need contact or catalysts; they impose their will on the living and the dead. While giving up power to pure magic users, they are utterly devastating because they target weaknesses and the vessel itself, while the former seek to overcome with pure force, usually to the detriment of bystanders. For that reason, witches are often employed as body guards, bounty hunters, and assassins.
Pause.
Giles, clarifying
GILES
Take vampires, a type of demon that takes over dying bodies. Disintegrate the host and poof – one way ticket to Hell or home dimension. We employ the usual: stake, holy water, sunlight. A true witch can obliterate one with a mere thought.
Buffy, bummed
BUFFY
Demons don't die?
GILES
You can send them back, that's all. Unless you face one in its true body and then it will be the last thing you will see. They are limited by the strength of the vessel they possess and you should be grateful for that.
Pause.
Giles, to Buffy, assured
GILES
Amy is an amateur, you should walk thru her, but we need to be discrete.
Buffy, cracking her knuckles, eagerly
BUFFY
Pummeling time?
Willow, injecting restraint, lightly
WILLOW
Easy, action girl; open cheerleader tryouts continue after school.
Giles, to Buffy, decisively
GILES
We will confront her outside the gym then; I will back you. Be here and promptly, once classes let out.
Giles heads inside the library office, leaving them alone.
Left to themselves, Buffy and Willow head for the exit.
BUFFY
Join us?
Willow, shaking her head negative, bleakly
WILLOW
Back to the prison and solitary prayer; exorcising lustful thoughts and carnal desires.
BUFFY
How is that going?
Willow, cheekily
WILLOW
Worse on study nights.
Buffy, groaning
BUFFY
Forget I asked.
Willow, moving closer and touching Buffy on the elbow, seriously
WILLOW
Yours for the taking.
Buffy, sighing
BUFFY
Willow, about …
There is a loud commotion in the hallway outside. Buffy looks at Willow apologetically and Willow chuckles and motions towards the door. Together, they run towards danger.
Buffy, being silly
BUFFY
Slayer and Willow away!
The smile on hearing those words lights up Willow's entire face and blazes in her eyes.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
INT. SUNNYDALE HIGH – HALLWAY – MORNING
Another cluster of STUDENTS has formed by the time Buffy and Willow arrive, obscuring the latest victim.
Buffy, fiercely
BUFFY
It moves aside or its gets the fire extinguisher.
The STUDENTS, already apprehensive about her intentions, scatter, many pulling others out of her way.
The GIRL, in cheerleader outfit no less, is covered by red splotches on every inch of visible skin. She is scratching so furiously that she is drawing blood. Buffy shakes her head at the crimson mess that will soon be on her and then picks the GIRL up and carries her over her shoulder towards the nurse office. Willow joins behind her, helping to restrain the GIRL'S hands from doing further damage.
Buffy, wearily
BUFFY
Mother said: go out and socialize, get to know people. If you count comforting sniffling Baldilocks, stripping sweaty Jabba the Cheerleader completely naked, and sharing bodily fluids with Catwoman, the knowing is going to drive me shrink-worthy mental. And give me a STD or two.
WILLOW
I don't know; life has a certain, exciting quality around you.
BUFFY
No refunds, all Slayings final.
WILLOW
Oh, you.
Pause.
Willow, somberly
WILLOW
Buffy, Amy will use magic on you. When she does, something terrible will happen; not to you - to her. Reason with her, try to find out why she is doing this. And … be careful.
For once, Buffy has no comeback.
CUT TO:
INT. SUNNYDALE HIGH – GYM ACCESS – LATE AFTERNOON
The hallway is empty. There is an entrance to the locker room on each side, girls and boys, and a double door to the gym. The women's door opens and lets out some CHEERLEADERS. The CHEERLEADERS walk down the hall, past a classroom door, which swings opens.
Buffy and Giles casually walk to the double doors. Giles takes his position by leaning on the wall near the boys' locker. Buffy takes out the silver chain and lets the green stone drop. It hangs there is space and then points straight at the girls' locker room. Putting it away, Buffy goes in.
After a few seconds, the door opens a crack and a raised thumb appears, only to withdraw. Giles looks around one final time and then enters.
CUT TO:
INT. SUNNYDALE HIGH – GIRLS' LOCKER ROOM – LATE AFTERNOON
The inside is nicer than typical with those things, with the standard lockers, numerous stalls, and individual showers. It is well lit, has a quality paint job, and the contents are well-maintained, from the tile on the floor to the ceiling fixtures.
Giles sticks a stake in the crescent handle on the door, blocking access. He then takes out an all-metal crossbow and loads it with a special bolt. Buffy watches him and when he is ready, she heads out. They react to someone moving, further in.
CUT TO:
INT. SUNNYDALE HIGH – GIRLS' LOCKER ROOM – LATE AFTERNOON
Amy slings her backpack over the shoulder and closes the locker. She puts on the lock, turns to leave, and runs into Buffy, standing there. Amy makes a little startled sound.
Buffy takes out the detector again and the stone shoots like an arrow at Amy, only to be held back by the chain.
Buffy, calm and reasonable
BUFFY
Amy, we need to talk.
Amy, touching a ring on her left hand
AMY
Weakness.
Buffy goes down as her legs give out and the chain with the stone falls from her hands. The feeling it temporary and she is back on her feet in seconds. Buffy's shakes off the spell, no worse for wear and Amy takes a step back and reaches for another ring.
Buffy, imploring
BUFFY
Amy, wait!
Amy hesitates and Buffy talks fast.
BUFFY
Your magic can't harm me. Amy, I don't want to hurt you; I want to help you.
AMY
How do you know about witches and why are you resistant to curses?
BUFFY
I am a Slayer, one of the good guys. I have a mentor, a Watcher. The teenagers in Sunnydale High major in angst and you are adding extra credits to graduation.
Amy, her demeanor changing, coldly
AMY
I heard the term Watcher. There are rumors they were involved in the murder of my parents and others.
BUFFY
This about to get ugly?
AMY
Meet Mr. Frankie.
Amy sets the backpack on the floor and opens it. A large, white rat jumps out.
Buffy, cooing
BUFFY
Aw, he is totally cute.
Amy, spitting out, clearly insulted
AMY
She, you Neanderthal.
Amy steps back.
Mr. Frankie stands on its hind legs and begins to grow. She changes as she transforms; molding into a shape of a woman, becoming a kind of rat woman, heavy on the rat. When she reaches full size, Mr. Frankie is six feet tall mixture of pissed off muscle, bristled fur, sharp claws, and pointy teeth. Buffy swallows audibly.
Buffy, amiably
BUFFY
Nice Mr. Frankie, don't eat the Slayer. Want some cheese?
A claw that tries to decapitate Buffy shows that Mr. Frankie resents the stereotype. Reacting, Buffy ducks under the deadly front claws and rushes the familiar. Amy gets caught in the bum rush and goes down. She impacts her head and is knocked out. The rat woman does not get the luxury of unconsciousness; Mr. Frankie is driven thru the stall and slammed into the wall. Unrelenting, Buffy picks up the familiar and smashes her furry body into the white toilet, breaking it; water geysers upwards. Ignoring the beating, Mr. Frankie surges to her feet. A backhand sends Buffy thru several partitions and the rat woman lumbers after her. Suddenly, there is swoosh and a meaty thunk.
Mr. Frankie spins around with a squeal and Giles reloads. There is a bolt embedded in the back of the familiar as it advances on the Watcher. Based on the distance, Giles won't have time to get another shot off, yet still he tries.
Taking advantage of the distraction and trying to save her Watcher from becoming rat cheese, Buffy runs and jumps on Mr. Frankie's back. Wrapping her arms around the neck, she begins to squeeze the life out of the familiar. The rat woman does not make it easy. She bucks and trashes, breaking partitions, and Buffy is hanging on for dear life. Then the second bolt goes into the familiar's gut and staggers her.
There is barely any fight left in Mr. Frankie when the third missile takes her in the heart and drops her. Buffy falls with her and Giles is there to help her up.
BUFFY
PETA will be mad.
Giles, with scorn
GILES
If we locked them in the room with this monster, the ethical treatment portion of the name would be hastily suspended and exterminator called in. You okay?
BUFFY
On one hand I inhaled toilet water; on the other, Willow's outfit. Overall, peachy.
Giles, handing her a small flask from his pocket, wincing
GILES
Gargle and spit, then have one.
Buffy, fondly
BUFFY
You are my hero.
Giles, touched and trying not to show it, gruffly
GILES
Go on, thank Amy for her gift.
BUFFY
Oh, I intend to.
CUT TO:
INT. SUNNYDALE HIGH – GIRLS' LOCKER ROOM – LATE AFTERNOON
Buffy walks up to and spits the alcohol in Amy's face. She casually takes a swig and then sputters and gags as the strong, vile concoction burns her insides. Wiping the tears, she corks the flask and puts it away. Amy comes to as Buffy does it.
Amy, guessing what happened and crushed for it, despairing
AMY
You killed Mr. Frankie!
Buffy, growling
BUFFY
Bitch had it coming.
AMY
You going to murder me like your Watcher slaughtered my parents?
Buffy, her patience at an end, annoyed
BUFFY
Seriously, what is your defect?
Amy, touching another ring, viciously
AMY
Fever.
This time there is no effect whatsoever, except for clenching of Buffy's fists.
Amy, touching jewelry in succession, desperate
AMY
Acne ... boils … why is it not working?!
Crouching, Buffy gets in Amy's face.
Buffy, with effort
BUFFY
Amy, it's useless and I am losing control. Please, trust me; I am a friend.
Amy, not listening, going for broke
AMY
Fracture!
Her answer is a hard slap to the face that sends her to the ground crying. Buffy stands up and looks down on the girl with pity.
Buffy, quietly
BUFFY
I am not your enemy.
Pause.
Buffy, her voice turning hard, growling
BUFFY
You want to die, fine. Do it, Amy; cast one more spell and join your parents.
Amy curls into the ball, sobbing. Buffy kneels next to her and picks her up. She draws Amy to her chest and holds her.
Amy, sniffling, afraid
AMY
I want to live.
BUFFY
That is the best choice you made today.
Giles approaches and clears his throat. Buffy ignores him, knowing what he will ask.
GILES
You don't have to be here.
Buffy, protectively hugging Amy, tearfully
BUFFY
Amy is not evil. She is a confused young woman who lost her parents. She is alive and will stay that way. Take away her toys, make her swear not to do it again, I don't care – we are not her judge, jury, and executioner. You want her dead and I will not forget that.
Giles takes out a switchblade and clicks it open. Curiously, the blade is iron, not steel.
GILES
Be reasonable. I promise: it will be fast.
Buffy, holding Amy even tighter, begging thru the tears
BUFFY
You do this and you lose me. I won't take a human life or be accessory to it.
Giles steps away, apparently wresting with something. There is a long silence and then a sigh, followed by the blade closing.
GILES
Here is what we do …
CUT TO:
INT. SUNNYDALE HIGH – LIBRARY OFFICE – LATE AFTERNOON
Buffy doubtfully sniffs the towel that Giles hands her and then begins to dry with it, starting with her hair. Giles updates his Watcher's journal, writing in beautiful, flowing calligraphy.
BUFFY
How much trouble are you in?
Giles, wryly
GILES
Year of solitary in a Tower of London dungeon, without tea privileges.
Buffy, exaggerating the reaction, gasping
BUFFY
The horror!
Giles is not amused.
Buffy, sincerely and gratefully
BUFFY
Thank you, Giles.
Giles harrumphs the sentiment away and setting aside the pen, becomes deeply absorbed in cleaning his glasses. Buffy does not let him off the hook that easily. She walks up to him and hugs him and damn the school rules against contact.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT TWO
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
INT. SUNNYDALE – BUFFY'S ROOM – FEW DAYS LATER/EVENING
Buffy is in the bathroom, applying makeup. Her cell phone rings and she picks it up.
Buffy, checking the caller ID and then breaking into song
BUFFY
I feel pretty,
Oh, so pretty,
I feel pretty and witty and bright!
And I pity
Any girl who isn't me tonight.
Willow, suspicious
WILLOW
You high on something?
BUFFY
Life.
Extended silence follows her answer.
Buffy, prodding, concerned
BUFFY
Willow? I know it is Friday night but if you need a friend, I am so there.
Willow, timidly
WILLOW
… I need a favor.
BUFFY
Xander is under house arrest and Giles is giving me stink eye and avoiding me like the plague; the black kind. Be afraid.
Willow, perking up, confidently
WILLOW
With the amount of prayer lately and being falsely accused, I got martyr points to spare. Bring it on.
Buffy, singing
BUFFY
I feel charming,
Oh, so charming,
It's alarming how charming I feel!
And so pretty,
That I hardly can believe I'm real.
Willow, laughing
WILLOW
You are a goof. I need a partner in crime this weekend. Your house, tomorrow morning?
BUFFY
We robbing a bank?
WILLOW
Maybe.
BUFFY
Black flatters me; plus one this Slayer. Bronze, tonight?
WILLOW
Darn, I have flagellation and fasting, followed by serving soup to orphans.
BUFFY
Don't be afraid to really whip the little snots. The Lord demands dedication.
Willow, singing
WILLOW
Someone is going to Hell.
BUFFY
Already there and it's called Sunnydale.
WILLOW
Religious police inbound. Later, goof.
Buffy, looking in the bathroom mirror
BUFFY
See the pretty girl in that mirror there:
Who can that attractive girl be?
Such a pretty face,
Such a pretty dress,
Such a pretty smile,
Such a pretty me!
Willow's laughter is followed by a click of disconnect.
Buffy, examining herself in the glass, liking what she sees
BUFFY
Pretty me!
CUT TO:
EXT. SUNNYDALE – ALLEY NEAR BRONZE – NIGHT
A FEMALE VAMPIRE has a TEENAGE BOY against the wall, teeth descending on the neck. Buffy enters the far end and quickly draws the stake. She throws it with unerring accuracy just as the incisors touch the skin. The TEENAGE BOY screams as the FEMALE VAMPIRE turns to dust.
Buffy heads over to the whimpering TEENAGE BOY.
Buffy, leaning in, loudly
BUFFY
Boo!
The TEENAGE BOY takes off and runs into the night.
Buffy, casually picking up her stake from the pile of dust, pleased
BUFFY
Well, that scared abstinence into him.
Pause.
Buffy, looking up, talking to God
BUFFY
I get points for that.
CUT TO:
INT. SUNNYDALE – BRONZE – NIGHT
Buffy enters the packed club and looking around, finds Xander. He is busy texting. She joins him.
Xander, finishing and putting away the phone, answering Buffy's unasked question
XANDER
Parents don't care; they told Flutie what he wanted to hear and went back to their miserable, self-absorbed lives.
Buffy, guiltily
BUFFY
Listen, Giles …
XANDER
Used me? No big.
BUFFY
It's a Watcher thing.
XANDER
I am more worried about what you are doing to Willow. Or not doing. With her … err, to her.
Pause.
XANDER
Did that make sense?
Buffy, sad
BUFFY
I can't give her that.
Xander, sympathetically
XANDER
The old: it's not you, it's me, I hope we can still be friends, routine?
BUFFY
I am not her princess.
XANDER
So … dance with me?
Buffy, grinning
BUFFY
I consider you one of the girls.
XANDER
Dance with a friend then? GirlXanderfriend?
Buffy, extending her hand to Xander in invitation, smiling
BUFFY
Lead on, girlXanderfriend.
Xander takes it and guides her to the dance floor.
CUT TO:
INT. SUNNYDALE – BUFFY'S HOUSE/FOYER – MORNING
Buffy paces in the small space, waiting for Willow to show up. Her mother picks this time to show up.
Joyce, antagonistic
JOYCE
Where you going?
BUFFY
What's with the third degree?
Joyce, upset
JOYCE
You talk about cheerleading again, practically burst with anticipation, and then you don't even show for tryouts. Principal Flutie called and said Xander got kicked out. I called Willow's parents and they said she is in therapy. It is starting again. Are you doing drugs?
BUFFY
Mom!
Joyce, working herself into despair, tearfully
JOYCE
What am I supposed to think?
Buffy, softly
BUFFY
Don't you trust me?
The bell rings.
Joyce, confrontational
JOYCE
Who is that?
Buffy, wearily
BUFFY
You are better off not knowing.
Joyce, laying down the law, firmly
JOYCE
You are home before dark and you find new friends or you will spend your remaining teenage years in your room.
Buffy shuts out Joyce, purposefully ignoring her and stepping past her to open the entrance door.
Joyce, trying to repair the damage, calling and reaching out
JOYCE
I love you, honey.
The front door slamming shut is her answer.
CUT TO:
EXT. SUNNYDALE – BUFFY'S HOUSE – MORNING
Buffy and Willow walk down the sidewalk.
BUFFY
How much trouble are you in?
WILLOW
I picked my religious habit this morning.
Pause.
WILLOW
Buffy?
BUFFY
Hmm?
WILLOW
I have a secret.
Buffy, mimicking a key turning in her lips and then her throwing it away, sprightly
BUFFY
See? Safe.
Willow, confessing reluctantly
WILLOW
… I am a witch.
BUFFY
Okay, not expecting that.
WILLOW
Does it trouble you?
BUFFY
No, but Giles won't be happy. He is the “shake them and bake them” Watcher. Sorry, stake.
Willow, hesitantly, troubled
WILLOW
I need to tell you something. It is about Giles …
CUT TO:
EXT. SUNNYDALE – OUTSIDE SACRED GROVE – LATE MORNING
Buffy and Willow are in a large clearing. There is an unusual cluster of trees, standing out like an island on the grassy, open space. The trunks are closer than normal, not touching, but definitely not something nature intended. It feels like a hand of man had something to do with the planting and guided the growth. A solitary, small dirt path leads into the depths of it.
Buffy and Willow stand around, kicking earth; they avoid each other's eyes.
WILLOW
You have not said a word.
Buffy, subdued
BUFFY
Thinking. Forget it, let's do this.
WILLOW
According to Mouse, I enter the grove at noon today and leave it twenty four hours later.
BUFFY
Whole day?!
WILLOW
I will understand if you leave.
Buffy, looking at Willow as if she lost her mind, firmly
BUFFY
You want to spend a night in Sunnydale outside? I am staying.
WILLOW
Why? You can have everything: cheerleading, social life, and popularity. It is about priorities.
Buffy, wistfully
BUFFY
All I have to do is put Slayer second and sacrifice you, Xander, and a few innocents.
Willow, with conviction
WILLOW
You won't.
Buffy, falling back on humor and making light of the matter
BUFFY
Heck of a self-imposed curse.
Willow, touching Buffy on the forearm, gently
WILLOW
No. A special person I am proud to know and call friend.
Willow breaks contact and leaves, heading into the heart of the grove.
Buffy, looking at Willow's back, pensively
BUFFY
I don't feel special.
CUT TO:
EXT. SUNNYDALE – OUTSIDE SACRED GROVE – NIGHT
Buffy is startled out of her sleep by an appearance of a transparent figure in hooded robe. She leaps to her feet and sets defense.
BUFFY
Back off Casper, I know Slayer.
SPIRIT, floating around and speaking in faraway voice
SPIRIT
The test is not the one who enters the sacred cove. The test is who they bring with them.
BUFFY
O no, I am not converting to tree worship. There is no hugging of greenery and fuzzy woodland creatures in my future. No way, nohow; I draw a line at Mr. Gordo.
SPIRIT
The who?
BUFFY
No, that's the rock band. The pig.
SPIRIT
Your choice if Willow becomes a witch. In that case, she won't know. If you say no, she will.
Buffy, admiring
BUFFY
Like, way twisted. She has no say?
SPIRIT
The people we bond with speak for us. Willow has made her choice in you. Now it is your turn. I will return with the sun.
The SPIRIT vanishes.
Buffy, grouchy
BUFFY
Great, a guilt trip.
CUT TO:
EXT. SUNNYDALE – OUTSIDE SACRED GROVE – NOON
Buffy is watching the clouds on her back when she hears Willow approach, looking very disgruntled.
Willow, complaining
WILLOW
Big, fat, enormous nothing; zero, zilch, nada, goose egg. No sleep, no revelation, and not one lousy apparition in the entire time. I want my day back.
Buffy, laughing
BUFFY
Congratulations, grumpy: you pass.
Willow, lost
WILLOW
I do? I did? Huh?
BUFFY
You are a witch; Casper the judgmental ghost said so. Sit with me.
Willow lies down close to Buffy, shoulders nearly touching.
BUFFY
Giles' loyalty is not to the Slayer, it is to the Watchers' Council. It makes sense: one me and hundreds them. You protect your own.
WILLOW
Don't go profound on me.
BUFFY
Slayers die young and alone. I intend to change the odds.
Willow, optimistically
WILLOW
Xander and I in your plans?
BUFFY
The foundation of them; it will be a secret.
Willow, smiling
WILLOW
Our shared secret: Buffy and the Slayerettes.
Buffy, smiling back
BUFFY
It will be a great show.
Pause.
BUFFY
Willow, about us: we need to talk
The SPIRIT appears again, right at the entrance to the grove. His timing couldn't be worse.
SPIRIT, voice booming
SPIRIT
Enter!
Buffy and Willow stand up; the witch starts to move away, towards the SPIRIT. Buffy's hand shoots out and restrains her.
Buffy, getting it out, leaving no misunderstanding, honest and earnest
BUFFY
Willow, I'm not like that. I'm sorry.
Willow, patting Buffy's hand on her arm, insincerely, lying
WILLOW
I understand.
Reassured, Buffy releases Willow and steps lively in the SPIRIT'S direction.
Willow, eyes fixed on Buffy, under her breath, wholeheartedly
WILLOW
One day you will open your eyes and truly see me.
Willow goes to join her friend.
CUT TO:
INT. WITCH COVEN - CEREMONIAL ROOM - AFTERNOON
Buffy and Willow enter the chamber, following the SPIRIT. It gives off enough light in the darkness to navigate but nowhere close to amount needed to see details. And then it vanishes, leaving them in the darkness.
Willow, scared
WILLOW
Permission to hug.
Buffy, good-naturedly
BUFFY
Come here you Wicca chicken.
There is a slight shuffling noise in the dark as Willow tries to locate Buffy. This is followed by a sudden squeak of surprise.
Willow, surprised
WILLOW
You can see in the dark!
BUFFY
Better?
WILLOW
The dark is not a good place to be, especially when the dark is really dark. And this dark is extra with the dark … sorry, deep breaths, positive thoughts, eyes shut.
Many seconds pass.
Willow, settling down, her voice still a little rough
WILLOW
Much.
As if someone turned on the switch, all the leaves begin glowing at once. Light suffuses the space, revealing Buffy holding Willow tightly and the witch clutching her back. That is not the only thing that comes into view.
Buffy, sensing Willow opening her eyes and starting to shift in her arms, warningly
BUFFY
Keep your eyes closed.
Willow buries her face in Buffy; this darkness is welcome and desired.
Shotgun shells cover the floor. Skeletons in tattered, multicolored robes blanket the floor closer to the center. Fifteen years in the hiding, the Watchers' sin is out.
FADE OUT:
THE END