[Transcript of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" episode The Pack at buffyology.com.]
In every generation there is a Chosen One. She alone will stand against the vampires, the demons and the forces of darkness. She is the Slayer.
A sign points to the reptiles, elephants and the Hyena House. The camera pans down from the sign to BUFFY walking along the path by herself. KYLE and his gang of bullies (TOR and RHONDA) see her coming.
Oh, look. It's Buffy and all her friends.
That's a witty.
Do you ever wonder why nobody cool wants to hang out with you?
Just thankful.
Were you this popular at your old school? Before you got kicked out?
The group laughs, and they continue on their way, leaving Buffy standing alone.
Careful! She might beat you up!
Buffy is reading the plaque when XANDER and WILLOW come running up.
Hey, Buffy!
You missed it!
Missed what?
We just saw the zebras mating! (to Willow) Thank you, very exciting...
It was like the Heimlich, with stripes!
And I missed it. Yet somehow I'll find the courage to live on.
Where were you?
Uh, I was looking at the fishes.
Was it cool?
It was fishes.
I'm feelin' that you're not in the field trip spirit here.
Well, it would... it's nothing, I... we do the same zoo trip at my old school every year. Same old, same old.
Buffy, this isn't just about looking at a bunch of animals. This is about not being in class!
You know, you're right! Suddenly the animals look shiny and new.
Gotta have perspective.
LANCE, a shy, artistic kid, is sketching the monkeys into his notebook. Kyle and his cronies approach him.
Lance! How's it goin'?
Hey, Kyle.
So, is this like a family reunion?
No.
I think it's a family reunion. It's so... touching. Doesn't anybody have a camera?
Hey, does your mom still pick out your lice or are you old enough to do that yourself now?
Quit it, huh? (Tor takes his notebook) Hey! Guys, c'mon! It's got my notes in there!
Principal FLUTIE sees the commotion and comes running over.
What's going on here? I've had it up to here with you four! What're you doing?
Nothing.
Did I ask you to speak? Okay, I guess I did, but I want the truth. Lance?
They weren't doing anything. Really. We were just playin' around.
All right. I'll be watching you.
He turns and stalks off.
You! Came through big time.
Way to go, Lance!
Flutie's been looking for a reason to come down on us.
It's okay.
Come on, we're gonna check out the Hyena House.
But I think it's off-limits.
And therein, my friend, lies the fun.
Lance laughs, and they all head off toward the Hyena House.
It's closed, but they duck underneath the yellow caution tape. Buffy, Willow and Xander see them go in.
What are Kyle and his buds doing with Lance?
Oh, playing with him as a cat plays with a mouse.
What is it with those guys?
They're obnoxious. Professionally.
Well, every school has 'em. So, you start a new school, you get your desks, some blackboards and some mean kids.
Yeah, well, I'd better extract Lance before--
I'll handle it. This job doesn't require actual slaying.
He heads into the Hyena House after them.
You don't think we should follow?
Kyle and those guys are jerks, but they're all talk. Mostly.
Why don't we...
Yeah, why don't we?
They duck under the tape and start in, but are caught in the act by the ZOOKEEPER.
Hold it, hold it, are you blind, or are you just illiterate? Because hyenas are very quick to prey on the weak.
Oh, we were just gonna take--
You're not going in there. Anyone that does is in a world of trouble.
No, no one's going in there.
Why is it off-limits?
It's a quarantine. These hyenas just came in from Africa, so keep out. Even if they call your name.
What are you talking about?
The Masai tribesmen told me that hyenas are capable of understanding human speech. They follow humans around by day, learning their names. At night, when the campfire dies, they call out to a person. Once they separate him, The Pack devours them.
Kyle and the others tear through more tape blocking their way and look around.
Cool!
Kyle and Rhonda walk up to the enclosure and look in. Lance hangs back with Tor behind him.
I don't see any hyenas.
Suddenly a low growl reverberates through the chamber and one of the hyenas slinks out from between two rocks.
Okay! Now we've seen it.
He tries to leave but Tor stops him.
Looks cute.
I think it looks hungry.
He and Tor grab Lance.
No!
C'mon, Spot!
C'mon, stop it!
Supper time!
They drag him up the steps and lift him up to the bars.
Guys! Stop! It's not funny!
They press him into the bars, holding him down by the neck.
Ow! Stop it! It's not funny!
Xander runs in, pulls them off Kyle and helps him away.
Why don't you pick on somebody of your own species?
What, are you gonna get in my face?
A hush falls across them as the hyenas' growl becomes louder, more menacing. Xander, Kyle and the others look at them. The hyena's eyes flash green, a preternatural spark of power. One by one, the eyes of Kyle and his gang follow suit, flashing with bursts of sickly green energy.
Overhead shot of a sacred Masai circle painted on the floor.
Lance makes an anxious move to get away, but trips on a chair and falls. His notebook skids across the floor to the far wall. Kyle and the others turn and laugh at him as he gets up, retrieves his notebook and rushes out. Now Xander turns around, looking after Kyle, his eyes flashing with supernatural power.
Opening credit sequence.
Establishing.
Willow and Buffy are coming from the bar with drinks and a croissants. They make their way over to an empty table.
I thought Xander would be here by now.
Hmm, that'd make him on time. We couldn't have that!
Did he seem upset at all on the bus back from the zoo?
About what?
I don't know. He was quiet.
I didn't notice anything. But then again I'm not as hyperaware of him as, oh, say for example, you.
Hyperaware?
Well, I'm not constantly monitoring his health, his moods, his blood pressure...
130 over 80!
You got it bad, girl.
He makes my head go tingly. You know what I mean?
I dimly recall.
But it hasn't happened to you lately?
Not of late.
Not even for a dangerous and mysterious older man whose leather jacket you're wearing right now?
Goes with the shoes!
Come on. Angel pushes your buttons. You know he does.
I suppose some girls might find him good looking... (off Willow's look) ...if they have eyes. All right, he's a honey, but... it's just he's never around and when he is all he wants to do is talk about vampires, and... I just can't have a relationship--
There he is!
Angel?
Xander!
Xander walks into the club and checks out a girl along the way. She stares after him, appreciatively. He saunters up to their table.
Girls!
Boy!
Sorry I'm late, I... just forgot that we were gonna be here. (sees Buffy's croissant) Hungry!
He tears a piece off and eats it.
Xander, you still want me to help you with geometry tomorrow? We can work after class...
Xander takes a swig of Buffy's drink. He gives Willow a thumbs-up.
Yeah. (to Buffy) What is this crap?
Well, it was my buttery croissant.
Man, I need some food. Birds live on this!
Puzzled by his behavior, Buffy and Willow look at each other and then at Xander. He looks back and forth at them.
What?
What's up with you?
Is something wrong? Did I do something?
What could you possibly do? That's crazy talk. I'm just... restless.
Well, we could go to the ice cream place...
I like it here.
He around and then leans toward Buffy and sniffs her hair.
Okay, now what?
You took a bath.
Yeah, I often do. I'm actually known for it.
That's okay.
Willow and Buffy exchange another look.
And the weird behavior award goes to...
Xander spots Kyle and the others as they enter the Bronze. Buffy sees them, too.
Oh, great. It's the winged monkeys.
Kyle and company come over to them and stand there, staring. Xander stares back at them. Kyle breaks eye contact first and he and his group move to another table that's occupied. Kyle looms over the portly boy at the table.
Y'know, I don't understand why you're sitting at our table.
Yeah, shouldn't you be hovering over the football stadium with 'Goodyear' written on you?
They all laugh cruelly. Xander, watching the exchange, laughs also as he turns back to Buffy. He stops laughing when he sees she doesn't think it's funny. He just shrugs, dismissing her.
Kid's fat.
GILES is wearing protective gear while Buffy trains on him. Even with the protective gear, Giles staggers under Buffy's onslaught. She lands particularly vicious series of blows and then resets for more. Giles backs away, winded.
Right! That's enough training for one day.
Well, that last roundhouse was kinda sloppy. Are you sure you don't wanna do it again?
No! No that's fine. You just... run along to class. (low, to himself) While I wait for the feeling to return to my arms.
Herbert, the pig (and school mascot) has gotten loose. The students in the hall are startled and jump out of its way as it races down the hall. Principal Flutie chases the pig.
Look out! It's gotten loose!
Buffy rounds the corner, sees the pig and reacts with amazing speed, quickly snatching him up.
Lordy, Herbert! Gave Mr. Flutie quite a scare, didn't he? Students, I'd like you all to meet Herbert, our new mascot for the Sunnydale High Razorbacks!
The students all clap.
He's so cute!
He's not cute. No! He's a fierce Razorback!
He doesn't look mean, Mr. Flutie.
He's mean. He's ready for action! See?
He indicates Herbert's helmet, foam tusks and a piece of serrated green foam tied to Herbert's back.
Here are the tusks and the scary razorback!
You're right. He's a fine mascot and will engender school spirit.
He better. Costs a fortune to feed him. (to Herbert) All right, let's get you back into your cage.
Herbert squeals when Buffy tries to hand him over and Flutie thinks better of trying to handle an upset pig. He points Buffy in the direction of the Faculty Lounge.
This way.
Willow is helping Xander with his geometry homework.
I'm not getting this.
It's simple, really. See, the bisector of a vertex is the line that divides the angle at that vertex into two equal parts.
It's like a big blur, all these numbers and angles.
It's the same stuff from last week. You had it down then.
Why do I need to learn this?
Because otherwise you'll flunk math?
Explain the part where that's bad.
You remember, you fail math, you flunk out of school, you end up being the guy at the pizza place that sweeps the floor and says, 'Hey, kids, where's the cool parties this weekend?' We've been through this.
Xander massages his temples.
Do you have a headache?
Yeah, and I think I know what's causing it.
He throws his geometry book into the trash.
Ah! That's better, it goes right to the source of the pain.
Xander...
Look, forget it, okay? I don't get it. I won't ever. (gets up) I don't care.
He throws his math notebook into Willow's lap and leaves in a huff.
We can finish this another time...
Buffy follows Flutie to the Faculty Lounge with Herbert in her arms. They stop outside.
See, the problem is you kids today have no school spirit. Hold on, let me get his outfit off.
He removes the foam tusks and spines.
Today it's all gangs and drugs and those movies on Showtime with the nudity. (off Buffy's look) I don't have cable, I only heard. When I was your age we cared about the school's reputation and the football team's record-- all that stuff. Of course, when I was your age I was surrounded by old guys telling me how much better things were when they were my age.
Yeah!
Xander down the hall and Herbert squeals in terror as he walks by. Buffy looks confused as she watches Xander pass and tries to keep Herbert from jumping out of her arms.
It's raining heavily and lightning arcs across the sky.
The kids are assembled for gym class, dressed in shorts and t-shirts. The teacher, COACH HERROLD, motions for them to be quiet.
All right, it's raining. All regular gym classes have been postponed, so you know what that means? (holds up a large rubber ball) Dodgeball! Now, for those of you that may have forgotten, the rules are as follows: you dodge the ball.
He tosses the ball to Buffy and blows his whistle, as the two groups move back from center court. He whistles again and the ball throwing commences. Xander nails his first victim. Buffy and "The Pack" members easily dodge the balls. The coach enjoys the game from the sidelines. Xander nails another victim. The coach continues to watch. Buffy throws a ball and hits her mark. Xander throws again and nails Willow hard on the back. She gives him a hurt and confused look as she walks off of the court. Xander catches a ball as he watches Willow go, but soon continues the game. Willow sits down, crosses her arms and keeps staring at him, a wounded and angry look on her face.
A few minutes later, just The Pack and Lance are left on one side, Buffy on the other. The Pack looks at her, then focuses on Lance. He falls to the floor and cowers as they each throw their ball hard at their own team member. Buffy runs over and helps Lance up. She stares at Xander and he stares back, almost daring her to do or say something. She watches as he and the others turn and walk off as a group.
God, this game is brutal. I love it!
Willow is waiting for Xander, and walks up to him when he enters from another hallway with The Pack.
Xander... what's wrong with you?
He looks at the others briefly and pulls Willow aside.
I guess you've noticed that I've been different around you lately.
Yes.
I think... I think it's because my feelings for you have been changing.
Buffy comes around the corner to her locker and sees them. She works the combination.
And, well, we've been friends for such a long time that I feel like I need to tell you something.
Willow looks at him expectantly.
I've decided to drop geometry. So I won't be needing your math help anymore. Which means I won't have to look at your pasty face ever again.
He and the others laugh and Willow is absolutely crushed. She turns and leaves, tears streaming down her face. Buffy slams her locker and approaches Xander with her arms crossed. He stops laughing.
You gonna say something to me?
Xander just looks at her and starts laughing again more loudly. He turns back to The Pack and they leave. Buffy goes after Willow.
The Pack walks along as Xander stops and sniffs the air.
Dogs!
Where?
Xander leads them to a group of three boys sitting at a table.
You're out of your mind, that's no way to play guitar.
What are you talking about?
I mean, that's just hunt and peck!
It's not!
Xander and the gang walk up.
Hey, Xander, you've heard Wretched Refuse play. What do you think of the guy who plays lead?
Tor reaches for BOY #1's hotdog. HEIDI takes BOY #2's hotdog.
Hey, what are you guys--
Shut up.
You're sharing.
Friends like to share. (to Tor and Heidi) Good?
It's too well-done.
They throw the hot dogs back down on the table.
Hey! That is not cool.
Xander sniffs the air again and looks off in a different direction. He leads them off. But Kyle lags behind to climb onto the table and stomp the boys' lunches into mush.
The gang rushes in. Xander inhales deeply through his nose. The other two boys go to close the blinds. Then they all approach the cage. Xander bends down to look at Herbert, cowering in his pen.
Let's do lunch.
The pig squeals in terror.
Slow motion shot of Xander and The Pack come walking up the stairs.
Lance walks by and stops in front of them, staring. They look at him and Xander sniffs, but then they brush him aside and move on.
Xander notices Buffy and Willow sitting and talking on the balcony above. His hearing has become preternaturally sensitive and he overhears their conversation.
I've known him my whole life, Buffy.
The girls.
Well, we haven't always been close, but he's never...
I think something's wrong with him.
Or maybe there's something wrong with me.
What are you talking about?
C'mon. He's not picking on you. He's just sniffing you a lot. I don't know, maybe three isn't company anymore.
You think this has something to do with me?
Of course.
No. That still doesn't explain why he's hanging out with the dodo patrol. Something's going on. Something weird.
What're you gonna do?
Talk to the expert on weird.
Giles is going about his work. Buffy follows him as they talk.
Xander's taken to teasing the less fortunate?
Uh-huh.
And there's been a noticeable change in both clothing and demeanor?
Yes.
And, well, otherwise all his spare time is spent lounging about with imbeciles.
It's bad, isn't it?
It's devastating. He's turned into a sixteen-year-old boy. Of course, you'll have to kill him.
Giles, I'm serious.
So am I. Except for the part about killing him. Testosterone is a great equalizer. It turns all men into morons. He will, however, get over it.
I cannot believe that you, of all people, are trying to Scully me. There is something supernatural at work here. Get your books! Look stuff up!
Look under what?
I don't know. That's your department.
The evidence that you've presented me with is sketchy at best.
He scared the pig. (off Giles' look) Well, he did...
Buffy, boys can be cruel. They tease, they prey on the weak. It's a natural teen behavior pattern.
What did you just say?
They tease...
They prey on the weak. I've heard that somewhere bef-- (realizing) Xander has been acting totally wiggy ever since we went to the zoo. Him and Kyle and all those guys, they went into the hyena cage. Oh, God, that laugh...
You're saying that Xander's becoming a hyena.
I don't know. Or been possessed by one? Not just Xander, all of them.
Well, I've certainly never heard of--
Willow enters the library, clearly upset.
Herbert! They found him.
The pig?
Dead. And also eaten. Principal Flutie's freaking out.
Testosterone, huh?
Giles heads toward his office.
What're you gonna do?
Get my books. Look stuff up.
Flutie is walking angrily, fuming about the pig. He sees Kyle and the others but Xander isn't with them. Flutie approaches them.
You four!
What?
Oh, don't think I don't know. Three kids saw you outside Herbert's room. You're busted! Yeah! You're goin' down.
How is Herbert?
Crunchy!
They all laugh and Flutie is outraged.
That's it! My office, right now. Now!
They all suddenly stop laughing at the same instant. Kyle gets off of the table and indicates for the others to follow.
You're gonna have so much detention, your grandchildren'll be staying after school.
Willow is at the table researching. Buffy is on the stairs behind her with a book.
Wow! Apparently Noah rejected the hyenas from the Ark because he thought they were an evil impure mixture of dogs and cats.
Hyenas aren't well-liked.
They do seem to be the schmoes of the animal kingdom.
Why couldn't Xander be possessed by a puppy or some ducks?
That's assuming 'possession' is the right word.
Oh, I'll say it is. The Masai of the Serengeti have spoken of animal possession for generations. (looks to Buffy) I should have remembered that.
So how does it work?
Well, apparently there's a sect of animal worshipers known as Primals. They believe that humanity, consciousness, the soul, is a perversion, a dilution of spirit. To them the animal state is holy. They are able, through transpossession, to draw the spirit of certain animals into themselves.
And then they started acting like hyenas.
Well, only the most predatory of animals are of interest to the Primals, so yes, that would fit.
So what happens to the person once the spirit's in them?
If it goes unchecked...
He hands Buffy a book open to a marked page. She takes one look, slams the book shut and quickly gets up to go.
I gotta find Xander.
Willow picks up the book and opens it to the bookmark. There's a drawing of people with limbs bitten off, heads missing and other massive and horrific injuries.
Herbert's cage has been mangled. Buffy walks in and looks around, inspecting the cage.
They are strong.
She steps on something that crunches under her foot and she crouches down near the floor. She finds parts of Herbert, some vertebrae and other bones and she picks up a rib, examining it and finding tooth marks. Xander appears silently behind her. Buffy stands up and turns around, only to be startled by him.
Xander.
She tries to evade him but he's quick to match her movement.
This is ridiculous. We need to talk.
She ducks to one side, faking him, then jumps on him, knocking him to the floor. She lands on top of him, pinning his arms to the floor.
Been waitin' for you to jump my bones.
Flutie stands in front of his desk and lectures Kyle and his friends.
I have seen some sick things in my life, believe me! But this is beyond the pale. What is it with you people? Is it drugs? How could you? A poor defenseless pig?
The Pack starts to make strange simpering noises and two of them get up and move to the side, flanking him.
What are you doing?
Xander growls and rolls Buffy over onto her back, reversing positions and pinning her arms to the floor.
Get off of me.
Buffy struggles under Xander's weight.
Is that what you really want? We both know what you really want. You want danger, don't ya? You like your men dangerous.
You're in trouble, Xander. You are infected with some hyena thing. It's like a demonic possession!
Dangerous and mean, right? Like Angel, your mystery guy. Well, guess who just got mean.
Flutie nervously backs behind his desk to get away from The Pack. They slowly approach, stalking him.
Now, stop that! You're only going to make things worse for yourselves. I tell you how this is gonna work: I am going to call your parents, and they are going to take you all home.
He reaches for his phone, but Tor gets his hands on it first and stares him down. Mr. Flutie looks at him a moment and then gestures to be given the phone. Tor gives it to him.
Thank you.
He starts to pull the phone toward himself to dial, but Rhonda tears it away from him and throws it off of the desk.
I'm sorry...
That is it!
He tries to get past them, but Kyle growls at him, an inhuman animal sound, and he falls back into his chair, shocked.
Buffy and Xander. He is still on top of her, holding her down.
Do you know how long... I've waited... until you'd stop pretending that we aren't attracted--
Buffy has had enough. She easily throws him off of her and quickly gets up to face him. He gets up also and begins to approach her as she backs away.
Until Willow... stops kidding herself... that I could settle with anyone but you?
Look, Xander, I don't want to hurt you...
He grabs her by the shoulders and slams her against the vending machine.
Now do you want to hurt me?
Buffy struggles, but Xander is fully possessed now and his strength has increased to rival Buffy's.
Come on, Slayer. I like it when you're scared.
She struggles more frantically.
The more I scare you, (sniffs her) the better you smell.
He moves in and kisses her roughly on the neck.
The Pack continues to taunt and sniff Flutie, like a cat toying with its prey before pouncing.
You're about this close to expulsion, people! (stands up) I'm willing to talk to the school counselor, and we can discuss options...
He tries to leave again, but Heidi stops him. Tor climbs onto his desk and growls at him. Flutie is terrified now, but he tries not to show it.
Get down from there this instant!
Rhonda lashes out and scratches his cheek with her nails. He falls back into his chair with his hand covering his face. He takes it away and, to his horror, finds it covered in blood.
Are you insane?
Tor jumps on him from the desk and the rest of The Pack descends on him and begins feeding. Tight CU: a picture of a smiling Flutie and his family on his desk as it is splashed with gore.
Willow is watching multimedia footage of feeding hyenas on the PC. She looks up when she hears the door open and stops the playback. Buffy enters dragging an unconscious Xander along behind her. Willow jumps up to help her.
Hurry up. We gotta get him locked up somehow before he comes to.
Oh, my God, Xander! What happened?
I hit him.
With what?
A desk.
Willow opens the door to the book storage cage and Buffy drags him in.
He tried his hand at felony sexual assault.
Oh, Buffy, the hyena in him didn't...
No, but it's safe to say that in his animal state his idea of wooing doesn't involve a Yanni CD and a bottle of Chianti. (locks the cage) There, that ought to hold him. Where's Giles?
He got called to some teacher's meeting. What are we gonna do? I mean... how do we get Xander back?
Giles enters the library.
Right now I'm a little more worried about what the rest of The Pack are up to.
The rest of The Pack were spotted outside Herbert the mascot's cage. They were sent to the principal's office.
Good! That'll show 'em. (off Giles' pointed silence) Did it show 'em?
Giles is uncharacteristically speechless, searching for a way to break the news.
They didn't hurt him, did they?
They, uh... ate him.
Willow sits down hard. She and Buffy can't believe what they've just heard.
They ate Principal Flutie?
Ate him up?
The official theory is that wild dogs got into his office somehow. There was no one at the scene.
But Xander didn't. (to Buffy) He was with you.
Giles notices Xander locked in the cage.
Oh! Well, that's a small mercy.
Giles, how do we stop this? How do you transpossess someone?
I'm afraid I still don't have all the pieces. The accounts of the Primals and their methods are a bit thin on the ground. There is some talk of a predatory act, but the exact ritual is... (picks up a book) The Malleus Maleficarum deals in particulars of demonic possession, which may apply... Yes, one should be able to transfer the spirits to another human.
Oh, that's great. Any volunteers?
Oh. Good point.
What we need to do is put the hyena back in the hyena.
But until we know more...
Betcha that zookeeper could tell us. Maybe he didn't quarantine those hyenas because they were sick.
We should talk to him.
Okay. (she hesitates) Oh wait, somebody's gotta watch Xander.
I will.
Will, are you sure? If he wakes up...
I'll be all right. Go.
After a moment's hesitation Buffy gives Willow the keys to the cage and grabs her coat.
C'mon.
Willow watches them leave, then looks over at Xander in the cage. She slips the keys into her pocket.
A young woman with her baby in a backpack walks through the park and stumbles across The Pack lying on the ground, sleeping after their meal. One by
one, the Pack wakes and assesses the woman. She becomes panicky and slowly backs up, almost stepping on Tor. She turns suddenly when she hears him growl. He drools heavily and the members of The Pack slowly crawl toward her. The woman finally turns and runs. Sated from their recent meal, The Pack does not give chase, but rather lies back down to rest some more.
Xander wakes up and begins to stir.
Willow.
She is watching the hyena video again. She stops it and turns to look at him.
How are you feeling?
Like somebody hit me with a desk. What am I doing here?
You're... resting?
You guys got me locked up now.
'Cause you're sick. Buffy said--
Oh, yeah. Buffy and her all-purpose solution: punch 'em out 'n' knock 'em down. I'd love to see what she'd do to somebody who was really sick.
That's not fair. Buffy saved both of our lives.
Before she came here our lives didn't need that much saving, did they? Weren't things a lot simpler when it was just you and me?
Willow moves closer to the cage.
Maybe...
When we were alone together... Willow, I know there's something wrong with me. I think it's getting worse. But I can't just stand around waiting for Buffy to decide it's time to punch me out again. Look, I want you to help me. I want you.
I am helping you.
You're doing what you're told.
Buffy's trying to help you, too. You know that. Or Xander does.
Yeah... Buffy's so selfless. Always thinking of us. Well, if I'm so dangerous, how come she left you alone with me?
I told her to.
Why?
'Cause I know you better than she does... and I wanted to be here to see if... you were still you.
You know I am. Look at me. (long beat) Look.
Willow moves even closer to the wire mesh.
Xander...
He makes a sudden snarling grab for her through the slot in the cage, but she backs away in time.
Now I know.
Xander begins banging ferociously on the cage door.
Let me out! Let me out!
The zookeeper is being interrogated by Buffy and Giles.
The students have been possessed by the hyenas?
Yes.
Are you sure?
We're really, really sure.
You don't seem enormously surprised by this.
The zoo imported those hyenas from Africa. There was something strange about them from day one. I did some homework. That particular breed is very rare. Totally vicious. Historically they were worshipped by these guys...
Primals.
Yeah! Creepy guys! Now, they had rituals for taking the hyena spirits, but I don't see how that could have happened to your kids.
We don't know exactly how the ritual works. We know that it involves a predatory act and some kind of symbol.
Predatory act? Of course. That makes sense. Where did you read that?
Do you have Sherman Jeffries' work on cults and on--
Boys?
Sorry.
Look. I think we may have enough information so that together we could pull off a reverse transpossession.
What do we do?
We've gotta get those possessed students over to the hyena cage right away. I'll meet you there. We can begin the rituals.
Well, we can guarantee one of them, but there are four more and we have no idea where they are.
No, I wouldn't worry about that. After hyenas feed and rest they will track the missing member of their pack until they find him. They should come right to you.
Willow!
Willow is watching the hyena video again. Xander paces in the cage.
Willow...
I'm not listening.
The small arched windows high up on the wall. Kyle appears at one, Heidi at the other.
Wiiillooow...
Kyle is looking in through the window.
Wiiillooow...
Xander, shut up!
Wiiillooow...
She looks up at the window where the sound is coming from, sees Kyle and starts. Kyle and Heidi kick in the windows as Willow gets up and runs from the library. The Pack piles in as Xander kicks and pounds at the cage. Kyle rips at the cage and one corner of the door starts to buckle under his onslaught. The rest of The Pack follows suit and soon the door begins to give.
Willow stops at the intersection, hesitating and indecisive.
The Pack pulls down the door, freeing themselves and Xander. They whine and sniff each other in pleasure.
Willow runs to a classroom door and tries it, but finds it locked.
Xander looks toward the library door, his eyes feral, and begins tracking Willow by scent. The others follow.
Willow runs to another door and finds it open. She enters and closes the door behind her. The Pack reaches the hall intersection and sniffs around for Willow's scent.
Willow hides under the teacher's desk.
The Pack splits up and begins searching for Willow. Xander and Heidi pair off and make their way down the hall, sniffing. He pauses at the door that Willow entered and opens it, slinking into the classroom with Heidi.
Willow huddles under the desk, terrified. Xander looks around, seeing nothing. He motions with his head for them to leave and when Willow hears the door close she comes out from under the desk. She looks toward the door, and sees Xander standing there, grinning. She screams and involuntarily jumps back against the windows. Xander growls and leaps over the desk at her. She runs around the desk to get away, tipping over one of the student desks to block Xander's way. It works; he trips over the desk and Willow runs out door, right into Heidi.
Snarling and slavering like a rabid animal, Heidi grabs Willow and is about sink her teeth into her when Buffy appears behind Heidi and hits her in the back with a fire extinguisher, knocking her down and unconscious. Willow runs over to Giles as Buffy takes on Xander who rushes her from the darkened classroom. She delivers a kick that sends him across the hall, slamming into the lockers. Buffy discards the extinguisher as the other three Pack members appear at the end of the hall.
Run!
The Pack starts loping down the hall toward them as Giles, Buffy and Willow run back into the classroom. Buffy follows, closing and locking the door behind her.
The Pack pounds on the door, but is well-built and holds up under their onslaught. They soon tire and leave, moving on in search of easier prey.
I think they're going.
They could be faking it.
No, they're hungry. They'll be looking for somebody weak. I'm really sorry, Will. I didn't know they were gonna come after Xander.
It's okay.
We must lead them back to the zoo if we're going to stop this.
And before their next meal. Guess that's my job.
Well, individually they're almost as strong as you. As a group they're--
They're tough, but I think they're getting stupider. You guys go to the zoo and I will bring them to you.
She opens the door, cautiously scans the hallway, then slips away.
The ANDERSON family is coming out, leaving a dinner party.
I didn't say she looks better than you, I said she looks better.
I heard what I heard. (to her son) Joey, chew! You have to chew or you'll choke!
They get into their Jeep.
I don't see why we have to have this conversation every time we see them.
I didn't start it.
Damn. Where are the keys?
Huh?
They hear JOEY's name being called from somewhere outside, softly, enticing. They look around in confusion. Kyle looks down from the Jeep's roof into Joey's window and the mother screams. Two others climb onto the hood and slap the windshield. Xander is at the window opposite Kyle. They all pound on the car, rocking it on its springs.
What going on? Hey! Get off! Get off of there!
Xander breaks the window with his elbow.
Get away!
Xander growls and reaches in for Joey. His mother reaches back to protect him.
Joey!
Buffy comes racing up, grabs Rhonda and throws her off of the hood to the ground. She climbs to the roof and kicks Kyle in the head, knocking him off the car. Then she looks down at Xander's feet sticking out of the window.
Joey!
Didn't your mom teach you... don't play with your food.
Xander crawls out and looks up at her. The Pack gathers around him and looks up at her as well, growling low in their throats.
C'mon. You know what you want.
She turns, jumps off the car and starts running down the street. The Pack gives chase.
Giles and Willow arrive at a run.
The pathway to the Hyena House. Where's the zookeeper?
He must be inside. I'll go in and prepare things. You just warn us when you hear Buffy and the others approaching.
He enters the building and Willow turns around to watch and wait.
Buffy runs through a stand of trees with the Pack close behind.
Giles ducks under the tape and moves into the main rotunda.
Doctor? Uh... zookeeper?
He hears a door close, spins around and is startled by the zookeeper, who is dressed in an African tribal costume and made up like a warrior.
Oh! Oh, of course, the Masai ceremonial garb. Yes, very good. Are you otherwise prepared for the transpossession?
Almost.
Giles notices the markings on the floor.
Oh, right! The sacred circle. Yes, you'd need that to... this would have been here when... the children first came. Why would you... (beat) How terribly frustrating for you that a bunch of school children could accomplish what you could not.
It bothered me. But the power will be mine.
Giles tries to back away, but the zookeeper hits him in the gut with his staff and again on the back, knocking him out. He tosses the staff aside and drags Giles away.
Buffy runs desperately through the trees.
Willow hears the commotion and runs in to tell Giles.
They're almost here! Giles! Giles! (sees the zookeeper) Where are the hyenas for the transpossession?
They're right here in the feeding area.
Willow runs over to see the hyenas but he stops her.
Stay back! They haven't been fed.
Where's Giles?
He's... lying in wait.
They're almost here. Shouldn't you bring the hyenas out?
When the time is right. I'm going to need your help.
He turns her around and begins binding her wrists with cord.
Buffy races up, out of breath.
They're right behind me!
That's Buffy! Get ready!
The zookeeper takes Willow and positions her in front of him.
Here.
What is this?
A predatory act, remember?
He slips a wicked looking knife from beneath his robe and holds it to her throat.
Uh, right. You'll pretend to slash my throat and put the evil in the hyenas?
Something like that.
Willow now realizes the zookeeper has other intentions. Buffy comes running in, but stops short when she sees Willow being held by the zookeeper.
Buffy, it's a trap!
Xander grabs Buffy from behind and they tumble to the floor. The others fly in and pile on top of her as well, snarling and whimpering with excitement.
Yu ba ya sa na!
The Pack looks up at him and their eyes all flicker a sickly green. Then the zookeeper's eye flash green as well. He turns to Willow and growls. He drops the knife, grabs her head and moves in to bite her.
Willow!
Enraged, he charges the zookeeper, knocking him down and away from Willow. The Pack moves off Buffy as the zookeeper gets up and lays into Xander. Buffy
staggers to her feet and attacks the zookeeper as well. Kyle and his gang see the fight and begin to back away in confusion. The zookeeper charges Buffy but she easily knocks him back down. He charges her again and she tosses him over onto his back. He gets up and tries for her yet again. Buffy flips him up and over her into the hyena pit behind her. Terrified, he tries to climb out but is dragged back down by the slavering hyenas. Kyle and company get up and scramble away out the doors.
Buffy runs to the pit to see if she can save the zookeeper, but she's too late-- he's being torn to pieces by the vicious animals. She looks away in revulsion as Xander moves to untie Willow. Giles staggers out of the back room, holding his head.
Did I miss anything?
Buffy, Willow and Xander walking across the quad.
I heard the vice-principal's taking over till they can find a replacement.
It shouldn't be too hard to find a new principal. Unless they ask what happened to the last one.
Okay, but I had nothing to do with that, right?
They start to climb the stairs.
Oh, right.
You only ate the pig.
I ate a pig? Was it cooked and called bacon or...
The girls shake their heads.
Oh, my god! I ate a pig? I mean, the whole trichinosis issue aside... yuck!
Well, it wasn't really you.
Well, I remember I was going on the field trip, and then going down to the Hyena House, and next thing some guy's holding Willow and he's got a knife.
You saved my life.
Hey! Nobody messes with my Willow.
Buffy smiles at Willow who's walking on air.
This is definitely the superior Xander. Accept no substitutes.
I didn't do anything else, did I... around you guys or anything embarrassing?
The girls smile as Buffy considers what to tell him.
Nah!
Not at all.
C'mon. We're gonna be late.
Buffy takes Willow's hand and they walk off.
See you at lunch.
Cool! Oh, hey, goin' vegetarian, huh?
Willow and Buffy turn and smile at him. Xander starts to head the other way when he is met by Giles.
I've been reading up on my animal possession and I cannot find anything anywhere about memory loss afterwards.
Did you tell them that?
Your secret dies with me.
Shoot me, stuff me, mount me.
Giles pats him on the shoulder then leans on the railing of the balcony and watches Xander go.