[Transcript of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" episode School Hard 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.
Principal SNYDER is lecturing BUFFY and another girl SHEILA and enjoying every minute of it.
A lot of educators tell students, 'Think of your principal as your pal.' I say, 'Think of me as your judge, jury, and executioner.' Tell me, who do you think is the most troublesome student in this school?
The camera pans from Sheila, looking blasé, over to Buffy, looking apprehensive.
Well, it is quite a match between you two. On the one hand, Buffy hasn't stabbed a horticulture teacher with a trowel.
I didn't stab anyone with a trowel. They were pruning shears.
On the other hand, Sheila has never burned down a school building.
Well, that was never proven. The Fire Marshall said it coulda been mice.
Mice.
Mice that were smoking?
The two of you seem to be tied in the class-cutting and fight- starting events. You really are neck and neck here. It's quite exciting.
What does the winner get?
Expelled.
Buffy looks at him in shock.
Thursday is Parent-Teacher Night. Your parents, assuming you have any, will meet your teachers, assuming you have any left. I've decided to put the two of you in charge of this event. You have three days to prepare the refreshments, make the banners and transform the school lounge into a habitable place for adults. This will incur my good will... and may affect what I tell your parents when I meet them. Are we clear?
I'm clear. (to Sheila) Don't you feel clear? (Sheila just stares) We're very clear.
Good. Because you mess up this time and your parents will be coming to clean out your lockers.
The bell rings. Buffy and Sheila come walking out of the building.
Well, it shouldn't be that hard. We can work on the banners at lunch tomorrow and figure out refreshments then?
Yeah, sure, whatever. (yells) Hey, meatpie!
She walks off as XANDER and WILLOW meet up with Buffy.
Snyder's got you guys making party favors, huh?
His two worst students. That's what mom sees when she looks at me. A Sheila.
Sheila kisses an older boy with long, blonde hair.
Well, Sheila's definitely intense. That guy with her? That's the guy she can bring home to mother.
She was already smoking in fifth grade. Once I was lookout for her.
You're bad to the bone.
I'm a rebel.
It's not fair. I'm the Slayer. That requires a certain amount of cutting and fighting. What's Sheila's excuse?
Homework. She won't do it. And most teachers respect that now. Oh, you might wanna keep away any sharp implements when you're working with her.
Do you think any other Slayers ever had to go to high school?
It's no biggie. You'll have a nice soirée. The parents will love it. As long as nothing really bad happens between now and then, you'll be fine.
Are you crazy? What did you say that for? Now something bad is gonna happen!
What do you mean? Nothing's gonna happen.
Not until some dummy says, 'as long as nothing bad happens.'
It's the ultimate jinx!
What were you thinking? Or were you even thinking at all?
The girls give Xander looks of exasperation and walk off.
Well, you guys don't know. Maybe this time it'll be different.
A classic 1958 Dodge Desoto FireFlite crashes through the 'Welcome to Sunnydale' sign and screeches to a halt. A serious-looking lanky man climbs out. He's dressed all in black, wearing a black duster, which creates quite a contrast with his bleached-blond, close-cropped hair. He has a bit of the James Dean rebel look about him. This is the notoriously vicious vampire, SPIKE. He strolls over to the curb and takes a deep breath while lighting a cigarette.
Home, sweet home.
Opening credit sequence.
The child-vampire, COLLIN, the Anointed One, is listening to two of his acolytes argue. One, a huge UGLY vampire is making a play for control.
The Master is dead. Someone has to take his place.
As long as the Slayer's alive, whoever takes his place will be sharing his grave.
Then let the soul who kills her wear his mantle.
Can you do it?
Yes. This weekend, the night of St. Vigeous, our power shall be at its peak. When I kill her, it'll be the greatest event since The Crucifixion. And I should know. I was there.
Spike walks in to the room as if he owns the place.
You were there? (chuckles) Oh, please! If every vampire who said he was at The Crucifixion was actually there, it would have been like Woodstock.
I ought to rip your throat out.
I was actually at Woodstock. That was a weird gig. I fed off a flowerperson and I spent the next six hours watchin' my hand move.
The challenged vampire rushes him from behind and Spike swings his fist up without even looking, hitting him in the face and knocking him down and out.
So. Who do you kill for fun around here?
Who are you?
Spike. You're that Anointed Guy. I read about you. You've got Slayer problems. That's a bad piece of luck. Do you know what I find works real good with Slayers? Killing them.
Can you?
A lot faster than nancy-boy there. Yeah, I did a couple Slayers in my time. I don't like to brag. (beat) Who am I kidding? I love to brag! There was this one Slayer during the Boxer Rebellion, and...
He senses someone behind him and turns his head to look, hiding the demon within. A tall, pale but beautiful woman drifts into the room, as if lost. She seems almost ethereal. This is the vampire DRUSILLA, consort to Spike. As we get to
know her, we begin to understand that Drusilla is not completely sane, but unflinchingly vicious and very powerful nonetheless.
Drusilla. You shouldn't be walking around. You're weak.
Look at all the people. Are these nice people?
We're getting along.
This one has power. I could feel it from the outside.
Yeah. He's the big noise in these parts. Anointed, and all that.
Do you like daisies? I plant them, but they always die. Everything I put in the ground withers and dies. (her gaze goes distant) Spike? I'm cold.
He takes off his duster and drapes it over her shoulders.
I've got you.
I'm a princess.
That's what you are.
She pricks Spike on the cheek with her fingernail and a bead of blood flows out. She reaches up and licks it off. They move close to kiss but don't and instead look over at Collin.
Me and Dru, we're movin' in. Now. Any of you want to test who's got the biggest wrinklies 'round here... step on up. (to Collin) I'll do your Slayer for you. But you keep your flunkies from tryin' anything behind my back. Deal?
Collin nods. Drusilla leans over with her hands to her temples.
I can't see her. The Slayer. I can't see. It's dark where she is. Kill her. Kill her, Spike. Kill her for me?
It's done, baby.
Kill her for princess?
I'll chop her into messes.
You are my sweet... my little Spike.
So. How 'bout this Slayer? Is she tough?
Buffy is standing at her mirror, trying to brush her hair.
Ow!
JOYCE walks in.
What's wrong?
I spent a good part of my allowance on this new cream rinse and it's neither creamy nor rinsey.
Life is hard, dear.
Don't I know it. Is that a split end?
I got the mail.
Good.
Which included a reminder notice about Parent-Teacher Night. Thursday.
That's good.
Which you were planning on telling me about?
Oh, for... the last two weeks.
Uh-huh. So what do you think your teachers are gonna tell me about?
Well, I think they'll all agree that I always bring a pen to class, ready to absorb the knowledge.
And this absorption rate? How is it reflected in your homework and test scores?
What can you really tell about a person from a test score?
Whether or not she's ever going out with her friends again.
Oh, that.
Well, I look forward to meeting your principal.
Won't that be something.
Look, sweetheart. Life is more than grades and homework and not getting kicked out of school.
I know.
But we moved once because of you getting in trouble. And I had to start a new business, not to mention a new life in a whole new town.
And you don't wanna do it again.
What I don't want is to be disappointed in you again.
Mom, that's the last thing that I want, too. I'm trying, I really am. I just... I have a lot of pressure on me right now.
Wait till you get a job. Sleep tight.
Buffy gets up from her bed and walks over to her desk. She pulls open the top left drawer. In it is a jar of holy water, a cross, a few stakes and a set of brass knuckles. She looks up at her reflection in the mirror.
I have a job.
Buffy and Willow are working on a banner.
Sheila's a no-show? She goes to this really rank bar-- The Fish Tank. Sometimes they have raids and other stuff that can make you tardy.
D'you think you can help me cram some French tonight? I don't want Mr. DeJean telling my mother I'm an imbecile.
I thought we were going to the Bronze tonight. 'Cause of how you thought Angel might show?
If he does he'll meet some other nice girl? Studying comes first.
We're going to the Bronze. I can study and party and do Parent- Teacher Night and make my mother proud as long as I don't have to...
GILES and JENNY CALENDAR come walking in.
Buffy!
...fight vampires.
There is nothing in the chronicles about an extraneous lunar cycle.
The Order never accurately calculated the Mesopotamian Calendar. Rupert, you have got to read something that was published after 1066.
Very funny.
What's the up, guys?
Ms. Calendar has been researching, well, surfing on her computer, and she's... well, according to her calculations, this Saturday is the night of St. Vigeous.
Let me guess: he didn't make balloon animals.
No, he led a crusade of vampires. They swept through Odessa, Harran, and points east.
And they didn't leave much behind.
Well, if I survive Parent-Teacher Night tomorrow, I'll see what I can do about Saturday.
You're being a tad flip, don't you think? This is serious.
And getting kicked out of school is laughs a-plenty?
You know what happens when you let your life interfere with your slaying.
Okay, well, if my slaying doesn't get me expelled, then I promise my banner making won't get me killed, okay? Just please let me get through this week.
This Saturday's going to need a great deal of preparation.
Well, we'll help.
Yeah, I'll whittle stakes.
And I can research stuff.
And while I'm whittling, I plan to whistle a jaunty tune.
Yes, your help will be greatly appreciated, but when it comes to battle, Buffy must fight alone. You are, after all, the Slay-- (sees Snyder in the hall) --slave. Slaves. You're all slaves to the television.
Yes.
Young people nowadays. (to Jenny) Shall we go?
Mmm, let's.
They leave as Snyder arrives.
You wouldn't be helping Buffy in Sheila's place, would you?
No.
We're hindering.
She ditched. I feel an expulsion coming on.
No. No, actually, Sheila's been helping us for hours. She just went to get some more paint.
Sheila comes in the door behind Buffy and takes off her glasses. Buffy notices Snyder looking behind her, turns around and sees her.
Oh! Oh, is there no more teal in the art room? I know you wanted everything to be perfect, but let's just go with what we have.
Just make sure everything is perfect on Thursday.
Thanks for covering. Guy's a serious rodent.
No problem.
Did you really burn down a school building one time?
Well, not actually one time.
Cool.
Xander dances lamely by himself as Willow helps Buffy with her French at a table.
La vache... doit me... touche... de la... jeudi. Was it wrong? Should I use the plural?
No. But you said, 'The cow should touch me from Thursday.'
Maybe that's what I was feeling.
And you said it wrong.
Oh. Je stink.
You're just not focused. It's Angel missage.
Well, he didn't say for sure. It was a 'maybe see ya there' kinda deal.
Guys, I'm all alone out there. Somebody has to dance with me.
Well, we are studying.
C'mon, one dance. You've been studying nearly twelve minutes.
No wonder my brain's fried.
She gets up and Willow starts to protest but Buffy and Xander drag her along with them.
Come on.
Spike walks up to their table and casually watches them dance. Then he walks along the edge of the dance floor, studying Buffy intently.
Spike moves to Big Ugly at the bar.
Go get something to eat.
After a moment, he approaches a group of people who are in close proximity to the dancing trio. He speaks loudly so they are sure to overhear.
Where's the phone? I need to call the police. There's some big guy out there trying to bite somebody.
Buffy runs for the exit with Spike smirking in the background.
Big Ugly has found a young woman. She quakes in fear as he grabs her neck and moves in for the bite. Buffy seizes him by the shoulder and pulls him off of her. He somersaults and rolls up to his feet.
Slayer!
Slayee!
She launches into him and the two of them fight viciously, trading punches and kicks and throwing each other across the alley. Xander and Willow come running around the corner.
Get her out of here!
Willow grabs the woman and pulls her clear of danger.
And a stake would be nice!
Xander runs to find a stake as Spike looks on from a short distance away, taking the Slayer's measure.
Xander goes though Buffy's purse. He pulls out a yo-yo and sets it aside. He pulls out a tampon and quickly drops it like a hot potato. He finds a stake, and rushes back out.
The Big Ugly delivers a stunning blow to Buffy's head. She spins to the ground and lies there, momentarily stunned. The vampire looms over her.
I don't need to wait for St. Vigeous. You're mine.
He bends down to kill her and she kicks him in the face. He staggers backward as she maneuvers to her feet.
Spike! Gimme a hand!
Buffy looks over at Spike in the shadows. Xander is back with the stake.
Buffy!
She turns to him and he throws her the stake. She snatches it out of the air and, in one smooth, fluid motion, drives it into the vampire's chest. He doesn't even have time to fall before he crumbles to ashes. Spike comes out of the shadows slowly clapping his hands. Buffy looks at him, confused.
Nice work, love.
Who are you?
You'll find out on Saturday.
What happens on Saturday?
I kill you.
Spike turns and disappears around the corner leaving Buffy speechless.
Sheila comes out with two guys and they head down the alley. She's obviously had a little bit much to drink.
All right. Which one's Dwayne and which one's Dell? Don't tell me. Dell's the one with the tattoos. You guys weren't lying about having a Cadillac, were you? 'Cause I'm crazy about a Cad. Just the feel of the leather makes me wanna...
She's gotten a bit ahead of Dwayne and stops to look back at him. She sees he's gone.
Where'd you go?
She looks the other way at Dell and he's gone, too.
What's going on? Where are you guys? Not funny!
She turns around and is startled by Spike who has silently appeared behind her.
Who are you?
Who do you want me to be?
Did you see...
...those two losers who thought they were good enough for you?
What happened to 'em?
They got sleepy.
Huh?
And you got something a whole lot better.
He slowly walks past her and down the alley. She follows him.
Hey, wait up! What's your name?
She starts after him. The camera follows her, but then pans down to Dwayne and Dell, dead on a heap of trash.
Xander, Willow and Jenny are researching.
Spike. That's what the other vampire called him? That's a little unorthodox, isn't it?
Maybe he's reformed.
Perhaps he went by another name in... times past.
Well, whoever he is, we'll need all the help we can get come this Saturday.
So, this night of St. Vigeous deal. If they're gonna attack in force, aren't we thinkin' vacation?
We can't run, that would be wrong. Could we hide? I mean, if that Spike guy is leading the attack...
She shudders.
Well, he can't be any worse than any other creature you've faced.
ANGEL abruptly enters the library.
He's worse. Once he starts something, he doesn't stop until everything in his path is dead.
Hmm. So, he's thorough, goal-oriented.
We were at the Bronze before. Thought you said you might show.
You said you weren't sure if you were going.
I was being cool. C'mon, you've been dating for, what, like, two hundred years? You don't know what a girl means when she says maybe she'll show?
Wow, two centuries of dating. If you only had two a year, that's still, like, four hundred dates with four hundred different... (off Buffy's look; re: mace on table) Why do they call it a mace?
We do have slightly more urgent matters to discuss.
Yeah, like keeping my mom away from Principal Snyder tomorrow night?
And not dying Saturday.
Angel, do you know if this Spike fellow goes under any other name?
But Angel has gone again, the library doors just falling closed.
Okay, that's it. I'm puttin' a collar with a little bell on that guy.
There is chanting going on elsewhere, o.s. The camera pans from her bed past her TV and lamp and over to her collection of dolls. She lifts one and turns it to face away.
Miss Edith speaks out of turn. She's a bad example and will have no cakes today. Shhhh.
Spike enters.
Darling, are you going to eat something?
I'm not hungry. I miss Prague.
You nearly died in Prague. Idiot mob. This is the place for us. (leads her to the bed) The Hellmouth will restore you, put color in your cheeks, metaphorically speaking, and in a few week's time...
The stars will align and smile down on us.
And then, God... this town will burn.
A pretty fire!
He rolls over her and lies down next to her.
They're preparing.
St. Vigeous is coming up. Should be a party.
Sheila is tied up and gagged with her hands hanging from a hook above her.
You should go up with them and cleanse.
Dru...
The boy doesn't trust you. They follow him. I think sometimes that all my hair will fall out and I'll be bald.
Never happen. All right. I'll go up and get chanty with the fellas, but you got to do me one favor. (takes Sheila off the hook) Eat something.
He hands Sheila to Dru and leaves.
You see, Miss Edith? If you'd been good you could watch with the rest.
Drusilla turns to Sheila, vampire ascendant. Sheila's eyes go wide in terror as Drusilla snarls and sinks her fangs deep into Sheila's soft flesh.
Willow checks the crossbow. Jenny walks behind her with extra pieces of wood to make stakes and sets them on the table between Cordelia and Xander, who are whittling away. Buffy holds up a large wicked-looking machete, then starts chopping away at a cucumber with it. She's preparing a vegetable tray and refreshments for Parents Night.
For three nights the unholy ones scourge themselves into a fury, culminating in a savage attack on the night of St. Vigeous.
Does anybody remember when Saturday night meant date night?
You sure don't.
Oh! Parents start arriving in an hour. Okay, so banners are in place, the lounge is comfy... what am I forgetting?
Punch?
Punch. I need punch!
My fingers are cramping. How long have I been doing this?
Three minutes.
So, can I go now? She doesn't need this many stakes. I mean, if this guy Spike is as mean as you all said, it should be over pretty quickly. (off Buffy's look) We're still all rooting for you on Saturday. I'd be there for you myself if I didn't have a leg wax.
You guys hold down the fort. I'm punch bound.
She leaves the library in a semi-panic. As soon as she's gone, Xander and Cordelia both reach over and grab snacks off the vegetable tray. Buffy sticks her head back in the door.
No!
Parent-Teacher Night. Buffy is doling out the punch into cups. Willow saunters over.
What kinda punch did you make?
Lemonade. (hands her a cup) I made it fresh and everything.
How much sugar did you use?
Willow takes a sip.
Sugar?
Willow's mouth puckers with sour-overload and she quickly puts the cup down.
It's very good.
Okay, now all I have to do is keep my mother and Snyder from crossing paths for the rest of the night.
Hi, Mrs. Summers.
Hi, Willow. Hi, honey. Did you do all this?
Yeah! Here, have some lemonade. (spots Snyder) Right after Willow shows you the library. I have to stay here and hostess.
Great, the library. (remembers the group in the library) Oh, no, Giles and everyone--
--is locked in there studying. Right. French class it is!
Willow leads Joyce away as Snyder approaches Buffy.
Was that your mother?
She grabs a cup and a ladle full of lemonade and turns toward him.
Here. (fakes a spill) Oh! Oh, sorry! Um, yeah! Yeah, I was gonna introduce you, but she wouldn't have said much. Y'know, she doesn't speak a word of English.
Snyder doesn't believe a word of it and heads after Joyce and Willow. Buffy lets out a worried moan and looks up at the clock: 6:15.
(TIME CUT) DISSOLVE TO:
8:45. Cordelia storms in.
Giles has us locked up in that library working on your weapons. Even slaves get minimum wage.
She stares at Buffy's face.
What?
You're starting to look a little slagged. What, are you just skipping foundation entirely now?
Cordelia, I have at least three lives to contend with, none of which really mesh. It's kind of like oil and water and a... third unmeshable thing.
Yeah, and I can see the oil. (sees Joyce talking to Willow) Is that your mom? Now that is a woman who knows how to moisturize. Did it, like, skip a generation?
Well, I believe that I have seen every classroom on campus and just as I get there all your teachers miraculously have stepped out.
Willow smiles over Joyce's shoulder, proud of herself. Buffy panics as Snyder enters the lounge again.
Oh, but you haven't seen the boiler room yet. And, you know, that's really interesting, what with the boiler being in the room and all.
Snyder approaches the group and Joyce offers her hand to him.
Hi. I'm Joyce Summers. I'm Buffy's mother.
Principal Snyder. I'm afraid we need to talk. My office is down here.
Joyce follows Snyder to his office. Cordelia watches them go with a huge smile on her face.
He didn't look very happy.
But you did such a good job.
When they're done talking...
What?
My guess? Tenth high school reunion, you'll still be grounded.
Buffy shoots her a hateful look.
Cordelia, have some lemonade.
Giles and Jenny continue their research while Xander keeps whittling stakes.
Oh, there you are.
There who is?
Our new friend Spike. He's known as 'William the Bloody'. Earned his nickname by torturing his victims with railroad spikes. Very pleasant. Well, here's some good news: he's barely two hundred. He's not even as old as Angel is. (frowns) Oh.
That's a bad look, right?
I think your suggestion of running away this Saturday might've been a good one. Spike has fought two Slayers in the last century and... he's killed them both.
Snyder returns with Joyce. She approaches her daughter, barely restraining her fury.
In the car, now.
Willow gives Buffy a look of sympathy before Buffy turns to follow her mom out. She turns her head to look back at Snyder, who's going around turning off the lights. Joyce waits for Buffy to join her and they walk out of the room. As Snyder switches off the final bank of lights, two vampires suddenly come crashing through the window, followed by several more. Students and parents panic and begin to run for the exits. As Buffy runs back into the room, she notes that the vampires have lined up, like an invading army.
What can I say? I couldn't wait.
Spike attacks. Buffy grabs a chair and throws it at him, tripping him up.
Buffy runs out of the room and grabs her mother's hand. She turns down the hall to the right, but more vampires come in that way, so she reverses direction.
In the lounge, Spike grabs hold of a man.
Nobody gets out! Especially the girl!
Another vampire is guarding the exit. Buffy heads in yet another direction.
Everybody, this way! C'mon! C'mon!
Snyder and several others run past her as she shoves a cleaning cart into the two vampires chasing them. Willow and Cordelia come running out of the lounge and nearly trip over them. They head to their right, but a vampire grabs Cordelia and she screams. Willow grabs a bust from a display pedestal and cocks it back for a swing.
Hey!
The vampire looks up and Willow swings the bust hard into his face, knocking him off of Cordelia. Willow grabs her hand and pulls her into a closet.
The hall outside the library. At the sound of screaming and fighting, Giles, Jenny and Xander come running out.
What the hell...?
They see Buffy's group running toward them.
Spike and an army! Look out!
Giles looks behind them and sees a vampire running at them. Jenny screams.
Back!
They run back into the library and hold the door shut as the vampire slams into it. Buffy opens the door to the science lab.
In here! Now!
The group piles into the lab and Buffy follows, slamming the door as the two vampires smash into and start hammering. Snyder and another man maneuver a storage cabinet in front of the door while Buffy runs over to the other door to the room and locks it. Then the power goes out.
Giles, Jenny and Xander look up from barricading the doors as the lights go off and the emergency lights come on.
Outside the lounge. Spike is still holding on to the man he grabbed up earlier.
We cut the power. Nobody got out.
And the Slayer?
She either went that way or that way. I saw two others.
You don't know? (to the man) I'm a veal kind of guy. You're too old to eat. But not to kill.
He snaps the man's neck like a twig and drops the dead body to the floor.
I feel better.
Giles tries the phone but it's dead.
They've cut the phones. (has an idea) Wait a minute. There's an old boarded-up cellar behind the stacks. You can get out that way. (to Xander) Find Angel. He knows about Spike. We need him.
No, I'm not going anywhere until I know that Buffy and Willow are all right.
No one will be all right unless we get some help!
Xander concedes and goes.
Cut to the classroom. Buffy is trying to maintain control of the group of parents.
Who are those people and what do they want?
I didn't get much of a look, but is there something wrong with their faces? I--
Yes! PCP! It's a gang on PCP! We've gotta get out of here.
He grabs a desk, sets it in front of a window and starts climbing.
You can't go outside! They'll kill you!
You don't tell me! I tell you!
They will kill everybody in this room. Nobody goes out, nobody comes in until I say so. Do you hear me?
Who do you think you are?
I'm the one that knows how to stop them.
She looks up and walks across the room, trying to find a way into the ceiling. Joyce grabs her by the shoulders.
Buffy, are you crazy? Look, I know you've been accused of fighting and other things, but those guys are serious. You can't go out there.
I know. That's why I'm going up there.
She grabs a stool, sets it on a lab table, climbs up and pushes a ceiling panel aside. She looks down at her mom.
Don't worry, Mom.
She lifts herself up into the ceiling.
Spike is looking for Buffy.
Slaaayer! Here, kitty, kitty. I find one of your friends first, I'm gonna suck 'em dry. And use their bones to bash your head in.
He smashes in a classroom door with one kick.
Willow and Cordelia are holding their breath, trying to avoid detection. Cordelia is holding a broom for defense.
Are you getting a word picture here?
Oh, God, oh, God!
Willow claps her hand around Cordelia's mouth to keep her quiet.
Just as Spike is about to kick the supply closet door open, he's distracted by one of his thugs.
Spike! Listen...
They listen and hear noises in the ceiling.
Buffy crawling along through a maze of conduits and wires.
Spike grins wickedly.
Someone's in the ceeeeeiling!
Giles stuffs several stakes into his jacket pockets, grabs a battle-ax from the table and heads toward the door.
Hey-hey-hey! What are you doing?
Giles starts to push his way through the barricade they constructed.
There are at least three vampires in that hall! God only knows how many others in the building!
Listen, I am the Watcher! I am responsible for her and I have... I have to go!
He starts pushing things aside again.
Rupert!
He stops and turns to her.
Be careful.
Push these back as soon as I--
With a tremendous crash, Buffy breaks through the ceiling and drops to the floor. Jenny stumbles back in surprise as Giles raises the ax.
Buffy! You're all right!
How are the others?
Principal Snyder, my mother and four others are locked in the science room across the hall. Willow and Cordelia ran the other way. I don't know if they're... Where's Xander?
He got out through the stacks. He's getting Angel.
Buffy slings Xander's bag over shoulders and Jenny helps Buffy put crosses and stakes into it.
Good. Okay, I'm gonna take the vamps out in the hall. After that you get my mother and the others out the same way.
Let me help you.
Giles, my mother's in that room. If I don't make it out of here, I know you'll make sure she does.
Bloody right, I will. Fair enough. What's your plan?
Well, they split up to hold us here, so I'm gonna take them one on one. Set 'em up and knock 'em down.
She grabs a stool and positions it under the hole in the ceiling. She hops up on the stool and lifts herself back up into the ceiling.
Watch your back!
Snyder is pacing, furious.
Why don't you sit down?
This is my school. What I say goes, and I say this is not happening.
Well, then I guess the danger's over!
I'm not waiting for them to open the doors. I'm gettin' out!
Don't be an idiot!
I'm beginning to see a certain mother-daughter resemblance.
The man climbs up to the window and lifts the sash.
No! Look, you heard what Buffy said!
She's a student. What does she know?
He takes off his jacket and goes to help the man. The two of them begin bending back the metal slats blocking the window.
A vampire throws himself against the science classroom door. It doesn't budge. He sees Spike looking at him, questioning.
Yeah. Door's solid.
Use your head.
He grabs the vampire by the shoulders and shoves his head into a fire emergency case containing an ax. He pulls the ax out, thrusts it into the vampire's hands and continues down the hall. He passes two others pounding on another door.
You! Come with me!
One of the vampires follows him.
The vampire begins swinging the ax at the door. Joyce casts a worried look at Snyder and the other man. They get two slats bent aside.
I did it!
The man starts to pull himself through the opening. Snyder helps, but lets go when the man begins to kick and scream while struggling with something outside. Snyder watches in fear as the man is pulled through the window and then jumps down, cowering. Joyce quickly climbs up, bends the slats back and closes the sash.
Spike is listening for activity in the ceiling. He pinpoints Buffy's position.
Buffy is making her way back through the tight passageway.
Xander and Angel come across the man who was pulled out of the science lab window. He lies dead on the grass.
You know a lot about this Spike guy, so ... you got a plan?
Angel seizes Xander by the throat.
Good plan.
Angel drags him into the building by the neck.
The girls are still huddled in fear.
I think he's gone.
He could come back!
What are we gonna do?
Pray.
Buffy keeps crawling through the tight passageway.
Spike finds two metal poles and throws one to the other vampire as he goes back into the hall.
He listens for a moment and then shoves the pole up into the ceiling. The other vampire follows suit.
The pole punches through the ceiling tile inches from Buffy's face. She begins backing up.
The vampire has almost chopped his way through the door to the science classroom. He steps around the corner to alert the others.
Hey! Guard the door! I'm almost finished!
As he continues chopping, Buffy plummets through the ceiling behind him. She pulls him down with her as she drops and quickly dispatches him with a stake. Joyce is looking through the hole in the door but can't see much of anything. Buffy stands up and looks through the hole.
Buffy! Are you okay?
I'm fine, mom.
Buffy, look, get out of here, okay? We'll be all right!
Look, just hang on for one more minute until I tell you to open the door.
She quietly makes her way to the adjacent hall, stake in hand. She peeks around the corner and sees the other vampire standing there with his back to her. She hears a noise behind her and whirls around, stake poised to strike. It's Sheila.
Sheila! Where've you been?
Sorry I'm late. There's some really weird guys outside.
Shh! Yeah, I know. They're trying to kill us.
Sheila picks up the dead vampire's ax and smiles.
This should be fun.
Spike, still poking the poles into the ceiling. Angel walks into the hall dragging Xander by the neck. Spike is stunned to see him.
Angelus!
Angel wraps his arm around Xander's neck.
Spike!
I'll be damned!
He tosses his pole aside and they greet each other with a hug and a laugh.
I taught you to always guard your perimeter. Tsk, tsk, tsk. You should have someone out there.
I did. I'm surrounded by idiots. What's new with you?
Everything.
Yeah. Come up against this Slayer yet?
She's cute. Not too bright, though. Gave the puppy dog 'I'm all tortured' act. Keeps her off my back when I feed.
People still fall for that Anne Rice routine. What a world!
I knew you were lying.
Angel shuts Xander up with a bone-crushing squeeze.
Undead liar guy.
Angel grabs him by the hair and shirt and holds out his exposed neck.
Wanna bite before we kill her?
Buffy and Sheila, about to round the corner.
Stay behind me.
She quietly moves into the adjacent hall and quietly steals up behind the vampire, holding her stake at the ready. Behind her Sheila, vampire ascendant, raises the ax.
The vampire, Sheila, raises her ax over Buffy. Giles, looking through the library door window, yells out a warning.
Buffy! Look out!
She spins around and grabs the ax from Sheila in mid-swing. She swings it around and hits Sheila in the jaw with the butt of the handle. The other vampire attacks and ducks as Buffy swings the ax at him, burying it in the wall. The vampire smiles as he straightens back up, thinking he avoided her blow, but then looks down in surprise at the stake protruding from his chest. He collapses to the floor and bursts into ashes. Buffy turns her gaze on Sheila who turns tail and flees down the hall. Buffy lets her go and rushes back to the classroom door.
Mom, now!
Okay, come on, let's go!
Everyone rushes out of the classroom and into the library.
C'mon! Hurry!
Get them out!
You're coming too!
In a minute! Go!
Buffy runs off, disappearing around a corner.
Buffy!
Spike and Angel.
I haven't seen you in the killing fields for an age.
I'm not much for company.
No, you never were. So why are you so scared of this Slayer?
Scared?
Yeah. Time was you would've taken her out in a heartbeat. Now look at you. I hope this tortured thing is an act, right? You're not... housebroken?
I saw her kill the Master. Hey, you think you can take her alone? Be my guest. I'll just feed and run.
He snarls and lowers his fangs toward Xander's neck.
Don't be silly! We're all friends. We'll do it together. Let's drink to it.
They both slowly lean in toward Xander's neck. At the last moment, Spike smashes Angel in the face, staggering him.
You think you can fool me? You were my sire, man! You were my... Yoda!
Things change.
Not us! Not demons! Man, I can't believe this. You Uncle Tom! (grabs his pole from the floor) Come on, people! This isn't a spectator sport!
The gathered vampires attack with a roar. Xander flies out the exit door and runs for all he's worth. Angel follows as the assembled vampires give chase. Spike remains behind. He senses someone behind him and turns to face Buffy.
Fe, fi, fo fum. I smell the blood of a nice ripe... girl.
Do we really need weapons for this?
I just like them. They make me feel all manly.
He drops the pole and slowly steps toward Buffy. She drops the ax.
The last Slayer I killed... she begged for her life.
Buffy slowly approaches him, sizing him up.
You don't strike me as the begging kind.
You shouldn't have come here.
No. I've messed up your doilies and stuff. But I just got so bored. (smirks) I'll tell you what. As a personal favor from me to you I'll make it quick. It won't hurt a bit.
No, Spike. It's gonna hurt a lot.
The fight is on.
Angel and Xander fight furiously with the vampire horde.
Buffy and Spike exchange several blows. He throws her into the wall.
Joyce is following everyone out through the stacks when she stops, concerned about her daughter.
Come on, everyone. This way!
Xander avoids several punches and kicks. His own punch misses and he gets kicked to the ground from behind.
Buffy and Spike fighting furiously.
A vampire has Xander by the neck. Angel punches her off of him. These vampires are young and weak and they begin to realize Angel is far too powerful to defeat. As a group they retreat and head off across the school grounds into the night.
Buffy ducks a blow and lands four of her own, rapid-fire. Spike grabs her arm and shoves her into the wall. She slides down it quickly as Spike's next punch misses her head and goes straight through the wall. She maneuvers behind him and kicks him high and hard in the neck.
Now, that hurt!
He pulls his arm out of the wall, ripping a stud out with it, and swings it into Buffy's face. She flies back and collapses to the floor, stunned.
But not as much as this will.
He stands over her and draws back the stud to finish her, when he's suddenly hit in the head with the ax. He goes sprawling to the floor and looks up at his attacker. Joyce stands above him with the ax in her hands, ready to swing again.
You get the hell away from my daughter!
Spike holds the stud above his head to protect against any more blows. Buffy gets to her feet.
Women!
Realizing he's beat, Spike gets up and runs through the lounge and out the broken window.
Nobody lays a hand on my little girl.
Buffy wraps her mother up in a big hug.
The police are everywhere. The camera pans down to the Police CHIEF talking to an officer.
Take care of this.
The officer nods and leaves. The Chief walks over to his car as Snyder approaches.
Hello, Bob.
It's over. They all got away. I got a body inside and I got another one on the south lawn. And it looks like he was pulled right through the window.
I told him not to go through that window.
Giles and Jenny coming out of the building.
Well, another wonderful fun-filled evening.
Yes. You know, I will understand if you decide to start avoiding me.
Jenny smiles and takes Giles' arm and they walk off together.
Angel and Xander.
So when you gave him my neck to chew on, why didn't you clock him before he had a chance to clock you?
I told you. I couldn't make the first move. I had to see if he was buying it or not.
And if he bit me, what then?
We would've known he bought it.
Hey, what's the deal with you being Spike's sire? What's a sire?
Snyder and the Chief.
I need to say something to the media people.
So?
So? You want the usual story? Gang-related? PCP?
What did you have in mind? The truth?
Right. Gang-related. PCP.
Buffy and Joyce.
So what did you and Principal Snyder talk about anyway?
Principal Snyder said you were a troublemaker.
Buffy looks down in shame.
And I could care less.
Buffy looks back up, shocked and hopeful.
I have a daughter who can take care of herself... who's brave and resourceful and thinks of others in a crisis. No matter who you hang out with or what dumb teenage stuff you think you need to do, I'm going to sleep better knowing all that.
Buffy beams, glad her mother is proud of her.
About how long till this wears off and you start ragging on me again?
Oh, at least a week and a half.
Very cool!
Later. The last police are gone and the school is dark and quiet. The camera pans over to the utility closet.
Cordelia is kneeling in prayer. Willow stares at her in disbelief.
And if you get me out of this, I swear I'll never be mean to anyone ever again. Unless they really deserve it. Or if it's that time of the month, in which case I don't think you or anyone else can hold me responsible.
Ask for some aspirin.
And can you please send some asp-- hey!
Sunlight is streaming through a high window and Spike is standing beside a large iron cage. Drusilla walks around the cage toward him.
Spike, did she hurt you?
It was close, baby, but...
Oh, come here.
She pulls his head down onto her shoulder and strokes his cheek and neck.
A Slayer with family and friends. That sure as hell wasn't in the brochure.
You'll kill her and then we'll have a nice celebration.
Yeah, a party.
Yes. With streamers... and songs.
How's the Annoying One?
He doesn't want to play.
Figures. Well, suppose I better go make nice.
He walks over to Collin and kneels before him.
You failed.
I, uh... I offer penance.
Penance? You should lay down your life! Our numbers are depleted, the feast of St. Vigeous has been ruined by your impatience!
I was rash and if I had to do it all over again... Who am I kidding? I would do it exactly the same, only I'd do this first.
Spike seizes Collin and carries him over to the cage.
No!
Vampire #1 tries to stop him, but Spike kicks back and knocks him out. He sticks Collin in the cage and closes the door, locking it. Drusilla watches with glee as Spike starts pulling the chain, lifting the cage up from the floor.
From now on, we're gonna have a little less ritual and a little more fun around here.
He gives the chain a final yank and the cage is lifted into the sunlight. Collin screams in horrible agony and erupts into flame. Drusilla smiles at Spike. He smiles back. They step closer together and hold hands.
Let's see what's on TV.
The camera pans up to the cage as they go. The last remnants of Collin are still steaming.