[Transcript of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" episode Reptile Boy 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.
Establishing.
XANDER and BUFFY are listening to strange Hindi music on the TV while they braid WILLOW's hair.
Is she dying?
I think she's singing.
To a telephone in Hindi. Now that's entertainment!
The Hindi woman on TV dances around the room while singing into the phone.
Why is she singing?
She's sad because her lover gave her twelve gold coins, but then the wizard cut open the bag of salt and now the dancing minions have nowhere to put their big maypole fish thing.
Uh-huh. Why is she singing?
Her lover? I thought that was her chiropractor.
Because of that thing he did with her feet? No, that was personal.
Hmm. And we thought just because we didn't have any money or anyplace to go this would be a lackluster evening.
I know! We could go to the Bronze and sneak in our own tea bags and ask for hot water.
Hop off the outlaw train, Will, before you land us all in jail.
I, for one, am giddy and up. There's a kinda hush all over Sunnydale. No demons or vampires to slay, I'm here with my friends... (re: TV) So how does the water buffalo fit in again?
The lawn in front of the Delta Zeta Kappa fraternity house. Pan along the grass and then up to the house.
The balcony. A girl crashes through the glass door and rolls over the balcony railing, dropping to the ground below. A fraternity brother in a dark hooded robe rushes out onto the balcony after her. When he sees that she jumped, he quickly goes back inside.
The girl gets up, apparently not hurt from the fall, and begins to run as fast as she can. Five brothers, all wearing robes, come streaming out of the house after her. She runs into the trees, looks around for the best way to go and heads for a low wall to the north. She climbs over the it and drops down the other side into the cemetery. The fraternity brothers follow her over the wall one by one. She runs through the cemetery for all she's worth as the boys give chase. RICHARD, one of the brothers, has circled around ahead of her and she runs into him, screaming.
Callie! Callie, where're you going? The party's just getting started.
CALLIE sobs uncontrollably as he shoves her over to the others and they take her away. Richard takes a quick look around to make sure there's no one around, then pulls his hood over his head and follows the group back to the house.
Opening credit sequence.
CORDELIA is giving her friends a lesson in popularity.
See? Dr. Debi says when a man is speaking, you make serious eye contact and you really, really listen and you laugh at everything he says.
The stairs. Willow and Buffy descend and head down the hall.
You dreamed about Angel again?
Third night in a row.
What did he do in the dream?
Stuff.
Oh! Stuff! Was it one of those vivid dreams where you could feel his lips and smell his hair?
It had Surround Sound. I'm just thinking about him so much lately.
You two are so right for each other. Except for the...
Vampire thing.
That doesn't make him a bad person. Necessarily.
I'm brainsick. I can't have a relationship with him.
Not during the day, but you could ask him for coffee some night. It's the non-relationship drink of choice.
Xander rushes out of a nearby classroom and hurries to catch up.
It's not a date, it's a caffeinated beverage. Okay, sure, it's hot and bitter like a relationship that way, but--
What's like a relationship?
Nothing I have. Coffee?
Huh?
He approaches Cordelia as Willow and Buffy get a drink at the fountain.
There's really no comparison between college men and high school boys. (re: Xander) I mean, look at that.
So, Cor, you're datin' college guys now?
Well, not that it's any of your business, but I happen to be dating a Delta Zeta Kappa.
Oh, an extra-terrestrial. So that's how you get a date after you exhausted all the human guys.
You'll go to college someday, Xander. I just know your pizza delivery career will take you to so many exciting places.
Xander is uncharacteristically at a loss and retreats back to the girls. Buffy and Willow overheard the exchange and try to hide their smiles. The bell rings.
Oh! I told Giles I'd meet him in the library ten minutes ago! (beat) Aw, he won't be upset. There hasn't been much paranormal activity lately.
As Willow and Xander head for class, Buffy rushes off to the library.
GILES paces while he lectures her.
Just because the paranormal is more normal and less... para of late is no excuse for tardiness or letting your guard down.
I haven't let my guard down.
Oh, really? You yawned your way through weapons training last week, you skipped hand-to-hand entirely. Are you going to be prepared if a demon springs up behind you and does this?
As he speaks, he swings his arm over Buffy's shoulder from behind, but before he can even begin to attack her, she seizes his arm and wrenches it behind his back, forcing him to bend over and wince in pain. We note her bored expression.
Yes, well, I'm not a demon. Which is why you should let go now.
She lets him go.
Thank you.
He straightens up and rubs his wrist.
When you live on top of a mystical convergence it's only a matter of time before a fresh hell breaks loose. Now is the time that you should train more strictly, you should hunt and patrol more keenly, you should hone your skills day and night.
And the little slice of life that still belongs to me from, I don't know, seven to seven-oh-five in the morning-- can I do what I want then?
Buffy, you think I don't know what it's like to be sixteen?
No. I think you don't know what it's like to be sixteen. And a girl. And the Slayer.
Fair enough, no I don't.
Or what it's like to have to stake vampires while you're having fuzzy feelings toward one? Digging on the undead doesn't exactly do wonders for your social life.
That's exactly where being... different comes in handy.
Right! Who needs a social life when you've got your very own Hellmouth?
Yes! You have a duty, a purpose, you have a commitment in life. Now how many people your age can say that?
We talkin' foreign or domestic? How about none?
Giles has had enough.
Well, here's a hard fact of life: we all have to do things we don't like! And you have hand-to-hand this afternoon and patrol tonight. So I suggest you come straight here at the end of period six and you get your homework done. And don't dawdle with your friends. (Buffy pouts) And don't think sitting there pouting is going to get to me, because it won't.
She gives him her best pouty look.
It's not getting to me.
After school. Buffy is sitting on the stair railing watching Xander and Willow walk toward her.
Boy, what a long day.
And you skipped three classes.
Yeah and of course, they flew by. Buffy!
Aren't you supposed to be doing your homework in the library?
She takes Xander's arm.
I'm dawdling with my friends.
Works for me.
Cordelia bumps into Willow on her way out of school. She continues down the stairs without so much as an acknowledgment. A black BMW pulls up to the curb, the windows darkly tinted.
You okay?
Jeez.
They watch as Cordelia primps to her reflection in the car window. The driver's window lowers to reveal Richard.
Cordelia.
Hi, Richard. Nice car.
TOM, in the passenger's seat, notices Buffy sitting on the railing and points her out to Richard.
So we're having a little get-together tomorrow night at the house and it's gonna be a really special evening.
Cordelia not-so-flawlessly executes her fake laugh. Richard and Tom don't get it.
Excuse me?
Oh! I would love, love to go!
So, who's your friend?
Her? Oh, she's not my friend.
She's amazing!
She's more like a sister, really! We're that close.
Well, why don't you introduce us?
Cordelia realizes she's trapped.
Okay.
Buffy, Xander and Willow.
Okay, so tonight, Channel 59, Indian TV: sex, lies, incomprehensible story lines. I'll bring the betel nuts.
Cordelia walks up and takes Buffy's hand.
Come on. Richard and his fraternity brother want to meet you.
Well, I don't really want to meet any fraternity boys.
And if there was a god, don't you think he'd keep it that way?
Willow and Xander watch in amazement as Cordelia drags Buffy away.
I believe we were dawdling here!
Cordelia presents Buffy to Richard.
Hi, sweetheart. I'm Richard. And you are?
So not interested.
Buffy turns to leave but Cordelia stops her.
She's such a little comedienne.
What, she likes to play hard to get?
No, Richard. I think you're playing easy to resist.
Buffy successfully manages to break free of Cordelia and walks off, but Tom paces her.
Feel free to ignore him. I do all the time. I'm Tom Warner. I'm a senior at Crestwood College and I... and I just feel like a complete dolt meeting you this way so here I stand in all my doltishness.
Willow and Xander are listening to Tom's play for Buffy.
Right. Like she's gonna fall for that.
I'm Buffy Summers.
Oh, nice to meet you. Are you a senior here?
Junior.
Oh, me too. Except that I'm a senior and I'm in college. So we have that in common, and I major in history.
History stumps me. I have a hard enough time remembering what happened last week.
No, nothin' happened last week. Don't worry, I was there.
She's gonna walk away. (beat) Now.
So my friend invited your friend to a party we're having this weekend.
Cordelia's fake laugh resonates in b.g.
You know, actually he's not even really my friend. I only joined the fraternity because my father and grandpa were in it before me. Y'know, it meant a lot to them.
Okay, boots, start a-walking.
Oh, I know, I talk too much anyway. They're really dull parties full of really dull people so... would you like to come and save me from a really dull fate?
I wish I could but I'm sort of involved.
Well, sure, of course you are. (beat) Well, thanks for letting me ramble.
You know, people underestimate the value of a good ramble.
Giles comes out of the school looking for Buffy and sees her talking to Tom.
Buffy!
She turns to look and he points at his watch and goes back inside.
Oh, I gotta go. (smiles) It was nice to meet you.
Same here.
Buffy runs up the stairs and Xander hands her bag to her as she heads to the library. Tom watches her go.
I hate these guys. Whatever they want just falls into their laps. Don't you hate these guys?
Yeah, with their charmed lives and their movie star good looks and more money than you can count? I'm hating.
Giles comes out of the cage holding a sword in one hand and a stick in the other.
I'm going to attack you. A word of warning: for your own good, I won't be pulling any punches.
He adopts a fighting stance.
Please don't.
Lightning quick, she kicks the sword out of his left hand. He tries to counter by swinging the stick at her, but she sidesteps him. As the stick hits the floor, she pins his arm and stomps on the stick, breaking it. He tries to lunge at her, but she sidesteps again, and he runs into the reading table and slides across the top.
Good. So you're on patrol and I'll see you in the morning?
Buffy strolls through, keeping a careful watch. She spots a bracelet on the ground and bends down to pick it up. ANGEL suddenly appears behind her.
There's blood on it.
Hi. It's nice to... blood?
I can smell it.
Oh. It's pretty thin. It probably belonged to a girl.
Probably.
I was... just thinking, wouldn't it be funny some time to see each other when it wasn't a blood thing? (beat) Not funny "ha ha".
What are you saying-- you want to have a date?
No.
You don't want to have a date?
Who said 'date'? I never said 'date'.
Right. You just want to have coffee or something.
Coffee?
I knew this was going to happen.
What? What do you think is happening?
You're sixteen years old. I'm two hundred and forty-one.
I've done the math.
You don't know what you're doing, you don't know what you want...
Oh, no, I think I do. I want out of this conversation.
Listen, if we date you and I both know one thing's going to lead to another.
One thing already has led to another. Don't you think it's a little late to be reading me a warning label?
I'm just trying to protect you. This could get out of control.
Isn't that the way it's supposed to be?
He takes her by the shoulders and pulls her closer. She draws a startled breath.
This isn't some fairy tale. When I kiss you, you don't wake up from a deep sleep and live happily ever after.
No. When you kiss me, I want to die.
She pulls herself free and runs off.
Class is over and the students are leaving. Buffy slowly gets up from her desk and gathers her things. Cordelia comes into the room, searching for Buffy.
Buffy! Did you lose weight? And your hair... All right, I respect you too much to be dishonest. The hair's a little... (smiles) Well, that really isn't the point here, is it? The Zeta Kappas have to have a certain balance at their party and Richard explained it all to me, but I was so busy really listening that I didn't hear much. Anyway, the deal is they need you to go. And if you don't go, I can't. And I'm talking about Richard Anderson, okay? As in Anderson Farms, Anderson Aeronautics (choked with emotion) and Anderson Cosmetics. Well, you see why I have to go. Buffy, these men are rich. And I am not being shallow. Think of all the poor people I could help with all my money!
I'll go.
You'll go? (huge smile) Great! I'll drive. Oh, Buffy, it's like we're sisters! With really different hair.
A PLEDGE is taking the Oath of Brotherhood. The brethren surround him, hoods drawn over the heads, faces obscured.
I pledge my life and my death...
I pledge my life and my death...
To the Delta Zeta Kappas and to Machida whom we serve.
To the Delta Zeta Kappas and to Machida whom we serve.
On my oath before my assembled brethren...
He carves a symbol into the pledge's chest with the tip of a sword.
On my oath before my assembled brethren...
I promise to keep our secret from this day until my death.
I promise to keep our secret from this day until my death.
Richard finishes carving and lowers the sword.
In blood I was baptized. In blood I shall reign. In his name.
In blood I was baptized and in blood I shall reign. In his name.
You are now one of us.
In his name!
In his name.
Richard puts the sword aside and shakes the pledge's hand.
Brewski time!
A brother tosses Richard a beer. As he opens it he walks over to Callie, who is shackled to the wall.
So what's a girl like you doing in a place like this?
Let me go.
Let you go? Okay, let me think. Um, no! (laughs) God, I love high school girls. Mmm!
He walks off to join the party. Callie lowers her head and weeps.
The lounge. Willow and Buffy gather their things to go to class.
You're going to the fraternity party? What made you change your mind?
Angel.
He's going with you? (to Xander) She's got a date with Angel! Isn't that exciting?
I'm elated.
I'm not going with Angel. I'm going with-- ye gods-- Cordelia.
Cordelia? (to Xander) Did I sound a little jealous just then? 'Cause I'm not really. (to Buffy) Cordelia?
Cordelia's much better for you than Angel.
They all walk out of the lounge, talking as they go.
What happened with Angel?
Nothing, as usual. A whole lotta nothing with Angel.
Bummer.
I don't understand. I mean, he likes you. More than likes.
Angel barely says two words to me.
Don't you hate that?
And when he does, he treats me like I'm a child.
That bastard!
You know, at least Tom can carry on a conversation.
Yeah! Tom? Who's Tom?
The frat guy.
Oh, Buffy, I don't think so. Frying pan-- fire? You know what I'm saying?
Giles comes out of his office carrying a sword behind his back and looks around. Seeing there's no one there, he starts practicing a few thrusts to his front and back. He spins around and thrusts again.
Will you be ready if a vampire's behind you?
He thrusts the sword behind him, pretending he jus impaled one. He raises the sword above his head to run his imaginary fallen victim through. Buffy, Willow and Xander come in through the Embarrassed, Giles pretends nothing was happening.
I didn't see you three... creeping about.
He tosses the sword through the open cage door and kicks it shut.
How did it go last night?
Buffy gives him the bracelet she found in the cemetery.
Found this.
Giles reads the inscription.
I've seen something like that before.
It's broken in two. I don't know what the rest of the letters might have spelled. And there's blood on it.
I didn't see any.
Angel showed up. He could smell it.
The blood? There's a guy you want to party with.
Blood.
In Sunnydale. What a surprise.
Okay, here's what we're gonna do. She should probably make the rounds again tonight and we should try to figure out who that bracelet belongs to.
Yes, good idea. She'll patrol and we'll reconvene--
Uh, hello? She's standing right here. And she's not available.
Why not?
Buffy, this is a little more important than--
I've got a mountain of homework to do and my mom's not really feeling well and she could probably use my help and to be truthful I'm not really feeling all that well myself.
Willow can't believe what she's hearing and stares at Buffy.
Oh well, sorry, of course. If you're not well...
Oh, I'll take an early pass this evening, and one later on, but for the bulk of the evening...
Oh, you should stay home with your mother.
The three of them come out of the library. Xander gives Buffy a stern look.
Well, say it.
I'm not gonna say it.
You lied to Giles.
'Cause she will.
Look, I wasn't lying. I was just... protecting him from information that he wouldn't be able to... digest properly.
Like a corn dog.
Like you don't have a sick mother, but you'd rather go to a frat party where there's going to be drinking and older guys and probably an orgy.
Whoa! Whoa-ho-ho! Rewind. Since when do they have orgies and why aren't I on the mailing list?
There's no orgies!
I heard a lot of wild things go on at frat parties.
Okay, you know what? Look, seven days a week I am busy saving the world. Once in a great while I want to have some fun. And that's what I'm gonna have tonight. Fun!
Buffy and Cordelia are sitting at a table, talking.
This isn't about fun. This is about duty-- your duty, to help me achieve permanent prosperity, okay? Do's and don'ts: don't wear black, silk, chiffon or spandex. These are my trademarks. And don't do that weird thing with your hair.
What weird thing with my--
Don't interrupt. Do be interested if someone should speak to you. It may or may not happen, but do be polite. And laugh at the appropriate intervals. Do lie to your mom about where we're going. It's a fraternity and there will be drinking.
Xander and Willow come over to the table. Xander is munching on a power bar. Willow has a Coke.
So Cor, you printing up business cards with your pager number and hours of operation or just going with a halter top tonight?
Oh, are we feeling a little envious? You could belong to a fraternity of rich and powerful men... in the bizarro world.
Once again, Xander is left flustered and without a retort.
Do you guys want to join us?
Nah, I gotta... digest and all.
He and Willow head over to the couches and sit down.
Makeup, makeup... well, give it your all and keep to the shadows. We're gonna have a blast!
Buffy lets her head fall to the table, wondering how she's gotten to this point.
Xander and Willow on the couch.
I can't believe she lied to Giles. My world is all askew.
Buffy's lying, Buffy's going to frat parties... that's not askew, that's cockeyed.
Askew means cockeyed.
Oh.
He grabs her Coke and takes a swig. She grabs his bar and breaks off a piece.
Well, there's nothing we can do about it. We'll help Giles.
I'm goin' to the party.
What?
I gotta keep an eye on Buffy. Those frat guys creep me.
You want to protect her?
Mm-hm.
And prove that you're just as good as those rich, snotty guys?
Mm-hm.
Maybe catch an orgy?
If it's on early.
Willow nods her head and pops the piece of power bar into her mouth. Xander takes another swig of her Coke.
Cordelia arrives, screeching in to park and smacks the car in front of her.
Cordelia checks her hair and makes some last minutes adjustments to the masterpiece that is Cordelia.
Oh! Why do they park so darn close to you? Are you ready for this?
I don't know. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea.
Me, too. Let's go!
She gets out of the car and closes the door.
C'mon!
Two pretty girls walk through the main room of the frat house. A couple of football fraternity brothers, TACKLE and LINEBACKER (nicknamed for their team positions), watch them walk by.
Beaucoup babes!
Oh, yeah!
Pan across the room to Buffy and Cordelia.
You know what's so cool about college? The diversity. You've got all the rich people and all the other people. (spots Richard) Richard!
Richards sees them and walks over, handing them drinks.
Welcome, ladies.
Thank you.
Oh, is there alcohol in this?
Just a smidge.
C'mon, Buffy, it's just a smidge.
Buffy sets the drink down.
I'll just...
I understand. When I was your age I wasn't into grownup things either. Have you seen our multi-media room?
Oh, the one with the cherry walnut paneling and the two forty- eight-inch televisions on satellite feed? No. Want to show me?
What about--
Oh, her? She's happiest by herself.
They move off and leave Buffy standing alone.
A side window. Xander pokes his head in, looks around and climbs in. He loses his balance and falls through the window onto the floor. He hops back up and takes a drink from a tray that's being passed around by a half-naked pledge.
Cheers!
He walks into the next room, oblivious to Buffy standing behind him. She's looking the other way and doesn't see him either. He watches another girl pass by and then is distracted by a tray of hors-d'oeuvres being carried around by another pledge in drag. He reaches for the tray and follows it away.
Buffy turns around. She's bored and lonely and fidgets with her hands. She looks down at her drink and picks it up again. She stirs it idly for a moment, then realizes she really doesn't want it and puts it back down. She looks around the room at the people dancing.
The dance crowd separates for a moment and a handsome YOUNG MAN on the other side of the room looks directly at her and raises his drink to her. Tackle and Linebacker are standing behind him, watching.
She notices him, picks up her drink again and raises it. Tackle is drunk. He notices Buffy and starts to stagger toward her.
New girl!
Easy, man!
Dance!
Buffy looks up in wide-eyed surprise when she sees the huge guy coming for her.
C'mon, sweetheart, yeah!
Tom appears in the nick of time and takes her arm.
Can I have this dance?
C'mon!
Tom pulls her onto the dance floor just as Tackle is about to crash into her. He looks up surprised at her disappearance. He's soon distracted by another girl, however and forgets all about Buffy.
Thanks.
No. We're not all a bunch of drunken louts. Some of us are sober louts. I'm really glad that you decided to come.
Buffy drops her eyes, not sure what to say.
And you're not.
No, it's... I shouldn't be here.
Because you're seeing someone.
No.
You're not seeing someone?
Someone's not seeing me.
So why shouldn't you be here?
Because I have obligations. People that I'm responsible for, or to, or... with, or... (gives up) It's complicated.
You're big on responsibility. I like that. But there's such a thing as being too mature. You should relax. Enjoy yourself once in a while.
You think I'm too mature?
I talk too much. Have you picked up on that yet? Anyway, the Hulk is gone, so you don't have to dance with me.
Buffy smiles at him sweetly.
He might come back.
They continue dancing and Buffy begins to relax and enjoy herself.
Xander, talking with two college girls. Another hors-d'oeuvre tray passes by and he helps himself. Xander starts playing with the food like they're action figures.
Godzilla's attacking downtown Tokyo! Argh! Argh!
Richard is watching Xander with concern. Tackle and Linebacker join him.
Who's this dork?
Never seen him before in my life.
We got us a crasher!
The three of them approach Xander.
So have either of you seen a pair of girls here? One's about so high... (to the guys) Hey, guys!
New pledge?
New pledge!
Tackle and Linebacker grab Xander and drag him off chanting.
TACKLE & LINEBACKER
New pledge! New pledge! New pledge! New pledge! New pledge!
Buffy strolls out of the house alone. It's chilly and she rubs her arms a bit to keep warm. She steps on a piece of broken glass and looks down. There are several small pieces scattered in the lawn and she bends to pick one up. She looks up above her and notices the door to the balcony has been boarded up. As he steps out onto the patio, Tom notices Buffy bent over examining the glass.
You okay?
Buffy drops the glass and covers.
Yeah. I was... just thinking.
Richard comes out and hands them both drinks.
To my Argentinean junk bonds that just matured into double digits!
To maturity.
What the hell. I'm tired of being mature.
She gulps the drink as the two boys raise their eyebrows and drink theirs also.
Willow and Giles are playing word games, trying to figure out what the word on the bracelet might be. Willow types the words as they think of them.
Bent.
Sent.
Rent.
Uh, lent. Dent.
Went. Kent. Kent! That's it!
Her boyfriend's name was Kent?
No, Kent Preparatory School. Just outside of town. That's where I've seen these bracelets.
Willow begins typing furiously at the computer.
What are you doing?
Pulling up their school newsletter for the past few months. See if there's anything about--
A missing girl.
The most recent issue of the newsletter features a picture of Callie on the front page. The title of the article reads 'Callie Our Hearts & Prayers Are With You'.
Xander is being hazed. Linebacker grabs his cheeks to pucker his lips and smears lipstick on them. Everyone is laughing hysterically.
C'mon, dance, pretty boy!
They've put a skirt and a huge bra on him. He does his usual lame dancing while the party guests cheer him on.
Keep it movin'! (laughs) C'mon! Shake it, don't break it! Wrap it up and I'll take it!
Okay, big fun guys. Who's next?
Tackle puts a blonde wig on Xander's head.
You are, doll face! Keep on dancin'!
Buffy at the front door. She's woozy from the drink and steadies herself against the wall.
Oh! Keep it up! Yes! C'mon! Keep it goin'!
Buffy makes her way over to the stairs. She knocks down a drink but can't react fast enough to catch it. She looks up at the commotion in the next room.
Tom?
Through hazy eyes she sees Xander dancing with his back to her. Slowly she starts to make her way up the stairs to find a place to rest. In the other room, Tackle and Linebacker continue to goad Xander on.
Buffy pushes open the door, staggers in and bumps into a sculpture.
Oh, sorry...
She steadies herself and heads for the bed.
Okay. (crawls onto the bed) Nice bed. Just need to stop spinning for at least...
She lies down and falls asleep just as Richard shows up at the door. He pushes it open and peeks in. When he sees Buffy asleep on the bed, he walks in and rolls her over onto her back, smiling as he brushes his hand along her neck. He's suddenly yanked away from her and shoved against the wall.
Get away from her!
I wasn't doing anything!
I saw what you were doing.
I was just having a little fun.
Well, she's not here for your fun, you pervert. She's here for the pleasure of the one we serve.
In his name.
And that goes for the other one, too.
Pan from Tom down to Buffy on the bed and continues on to Cordelia, lying unconscious on the floor.
Giles picks up the printout of the newsletter's front page.
Callie Megan Anderson. Missing for over a week. No one's seen her, no one knows what happened to her.
This being Sunnydale and all I guess we can rule out something good.
I'm calling Buffy.
No!
Why not?
Because Buffy... and her mother...
Are sick. No, you're quite right. No, there's no point in disturbing them until we know more.
Willow turns her attention back to the PC. Some more information comes up.
You mean like, if there're others? Brittany Oswald, junior at St. Michael's... disappeared a year ago. So did Kelly Percell, sophomore at Grant.
A year.
Almost to the day.
An anniversary or perhaps some other event significant to the killer.
Killer? Now there's a killer? We don't know that there's a--
No, but this being Sunnydale and all. We need to know where Buffy found that bracelet and then we can begin our search there.
Giles reaches for the phone.
Good idea. Call Angel. (off Giles' look) He was there when Buffy found it. We're gonna need all the help we can get.
Giles agrees with her logic and starts dialing.
The party is over. Tackle shoves Xander out of the house. Linebacker throws him his clothes.
Party's over, jerkwater.
Wait, a friend of mine was here.
Y'know, in that light, with that wig on and all... you're still butt- ugly!
They laugh and close the door in Xander's face. He drops his clothes, pulls off the wig and throws it down. He undoes the bra, takes it off and throws it down, too.
Richard unsheathes a sword and stands behind a kneeling Tom. Tom has a series of symbols carved into his bare chest. Richard begins to carve another one into Tom's back. Pan over to the Buffy, Callie and Cordelia, shackled to the wall.
Buffy? Where are we?
In the basement, far as I can tell.
What's happening? What did they do to us?
They drugged us.
Why? What are they gonna do to us?
I don't know.
I want to go home.
No one's going home. Ever. (re: Tom) Look, one of them's different than the others. Nicer.
Tom.
Richard is finished carving the symbol. He gets up and turns to the girls. Two brothers help him on with his robe.
He's the one to watch out for.
Buffy shakes her chain a bit, assessing its strength. Tom looks at her.
She's last.
Last? For what?
Tom walks over to a large open-mouthed pit in the center of the room and picks up a bag.
Who's first? Answer me! Who's first?
Tom lets three stones drop out of the bag and into his hand.
Three stones. (looks at Cordelia and Callie) Three of us.
Cordelia begins to panic.
Buffy...
Stay calm. We'll get out of this.
Tom pours water over the stones.
Why'd I ever let you talk me into coming here?
Buffy can't believe her ears. Tom is done with his stone-cleansing ritual and faces the girls. He stares intently at Buffy.
Angel has arrived and is answering Giles' questions.
She found the bracelet in the cemetery. Near the south wall.
South wall.
Willow stares at the window in fascination. Angel casts no reflection in it.
What are you doing?
Oh! Sorry. The reflection thing that you don't have. Angel, how do you shave? (back to business) South wall. That's near the college and... the fraternity house!
A fraternity?
Willow nods nervously.
Could they be taking these girls? (Willow nods again) Let's get out there.
Giles and Angel start to go. Willow holds back.
Buffy...
We don't know that it's concrete. Let's not disturb her until--
Is there! With Cordelia. They went to a party at the Zeta Kappa house.
She lied to me?
Well...
Did... she have a date?
Well... why do you think she went to that party? Because you gave her the brush-off! (to Giles) And you never let her do anything except work and patrol! And I know she's the Chosen One, but you're killing her with the pressure. I mean, she's sixteen going on forty! (to Angel) And you! I mean, you're gonna live forever. You don't have time for a cup of coffee?
Angel and Giles are speechless.
Okay, I don't feel better now and we've gotta help Buffy.
She hurries out of the library. Giles and Angel follow shortly behind.
Xander walks past the few cars parked in front of the house. He's still wearing the skirt and carries his clothes in a bundle.
One day I'll have money. Prestige. Power. And on that day... they'll still have more.
He walks past Cordelia's car and it looks familiar to him. He walks around to the back of the car and checks and the license plate confirms it: QUEEN C. He looks up at the house a moment and then starts back toward it.
The ritual is continuing. Tom is standing on the basement stairs holding the sword.
Machida.
In His name.
We who serve You, we who receive all that You bestow, call upon You in this holy hour.
In this holy hour.
He walks toward Richard, holding the sword horizontally in both hands.
We have no wealth, no possession... except that which You give us.
Except that which You give us.
He places the sword on Richard's outstretched arms.
We have no power, no place in the world... except that which You give us.
Except that which You give us.
Richard hugs the sword to his chest, crossing his hands over his heart. Buffy and Cordelia whisper excitedly among themselves.
What are they, some kind of cult or something?
Yeah, a psycho cult.
You've gotta do something.
It's been a year since our last offering.
Richard lowers the sword and rests the tip on the floor.
A year in which our bounty overflowed. We come before You with fresh offerings.
Offerings? He's talking about us?
Do you see anyone else chained up in here?
Accept our offering, Dark Lord, and bless us with Your power. Machida!
Machida!
Tom tosses the stones one at a time into the pit in the center of the basement.
What's down there?
Come forth and let Your terrible countenance look upon Your servants and their humble offering. We call You, Machida.
In His name. Machida.
There's something down there and he's gonna throw us down there with it.
I don't think so.
No? Well, that's good! That, that's--
I don't think we go to it. I think it comes to us.
Ohhh! No!
Tom looks up, awaiting Machida's arrival. Close in on the pit as Machida suddenly rises out of it.
Oh, my god!
Buffy stares in wide-eyed horror at the massive anthropomorphic snake creature, green and covered with scales. It sees the girls and lets out a blood-freezing roar. Cordelia keeps screaming at the top of her lungs, hysterical with terror.
Resume. Buffy tries desperately to rip her chains from the ceiling.
C'mon, Buffy! Oh, my god!
Machida remains stationary and spreads his arms.
For He shall rise from the depths, and we shall tremble before Him.
Pan down and over to Tom.
He who is the source of all we inherit and all we possess. Machida.
Machida.
And if He is pleased with our offerings, then our fortune shall increase.
Machida. Let our fortunes increase.
And on the tenth day of the tenth month He shall be enhungered. And we shall feed Him.
Machida gazes over at the girls.
Feed him?
Machida rises before her.
Feed him!
Buffy renews her efforts to break the chains from the ceiling.
Oh, no!
Angel, Willow and Giles walk through the bushes from the street to the lawn.
Looks like everyone's gone.
A robed figure approaches them from behind. When a twig cracks under his feet, Angel instantly spins around to confront him.
Hey!
Xander lifts the hood from his head.
Hey! What are you guys doing here?
A bunch of girls are missing and the Zeta Kappas may be involved... and Buffy. Are you wearing makeup?
Xander smears the lipstick off with his fingers.
No. I think Buffy's still inside somewhere with Cordelia. Her car's still here.
Why are you wearing that?
Oh, I found it in their trash. I saw them through the window. They were wearing robes and went down to the basement. I was gonna use it to sneak in.
They may be involved in some kind of ritual.
With the missing girls.
Enraged, Angel's vampiric side come to the fore.
With Buffy!
Okay, that is the guy you want to party with.
Machida closes in on Cordelia and she screams. Buffy tries to distract him.
Hey, reptile boy!
No woman speaks to him!
You don't want her. Look at her. She's all skin and bones. Half an hour later you'll be hungry.
Tom strides over to Buffy, holding his sword. He backhands her across the face.
I told you to shut up! You speak again and I'll cut your throat.
With his robe back in place, Xander steps up to the front door holding his head down and knocks. Tackle answers.
Got locked out dumping the trash. Let me in. I don't want to miss the, uh... you know what.
Tackle absentmindedly waves him in.
Come on.
Xander walks in and throws off his hood.
Where are they?
He punches Tackle in the face sending him to the floor but really hurts his hand in the process. Linebacker rushes toward Xander but is brought up short as Angel steps inside and lays him out with one blow. They come under no further attack and Giles and Willow make their way cautiously inside.
Two brothers have unchained Cordelia and hold her still for Machida. Tom looks up when he hears the commotion upstairs.
Something's going on upstairs. Go. Go!
Several of them rush upstairs to see what's going on. Buffy looks up at her chains again, then back at Machida.
Feed, Dark Lord!
Machida rises above Cordelia, then moves in to take her from the brothers' grip. She screams and struggles to no avail. Buffy gives her restraints one final mighty pull and they finally break loose from the ceiling. She launches into Machida, delivering a vicious blow to the face. As he recoils in pain, Buffy fends off the brothers who attack en masse, Tom swinging his sword to defend his master.
Angel slams one of the brothers to the floor. Willow jumps over him, runs to the basement door and goes in. Xander is on Tackle's back, punching him and Giles is holding his own against the brothers as well.
That's for the wig! (punches) That's for the bra!
Willow comes running back out of the basement, looking slightly terrified.
Some guy's attacking Buffy with a sword! Also there's a really big snake!
Angel punches another brother and sends him reeling across the room, causing Willow to jump back as the unfortunate lad collapses in a heap right in front of her. Xander has really come into his own, unleashing his pent-up frustrations on Tackle.
That's for the makeup! And that's for the last sixteen and a half years!
His last punch lands squarely and knocks Tackle unconscious.
Guys! Buffy! Snake! Basement! Now!
She heads back into the basement as the others jump to follow. Angel casually punches out the last brother who tries to stop them.
Tom is enraged at Buffy's defiance.
You bitch! I'll serve you to Him in pieces.
He attacks her with the sword, but she catches the blade with the chains she still has wrapped around her wrists. As he struggles, she loops the chains around Tom's neck and yanks him toward her.
Tom, you talk too much.
She shoves him away and he shoots across the room and flips over a table, landing in a heap on the other side. Machida seizes Cordelia and starts to drag her away as the Gang rushes down the stairs. Buffy picks up Tom's sword and leaps onto the edge of the pit. She holds the sword above her head, ready to strike.
Let her go, wormy!
Machida ignores her and continues to menace Cordelia. Buffy slices downward and slashes into Machida, ripping a huge gash through his scaly hide. He drops Cordelia and rears back, screaming in pain. He sways in place for a moment, stunned that his food has managed to vanquish him and then simply collapses to the floor, dead. Buffy face wrinkles at the grossness of it all.
Willow runs over to free Callie from her restraints and Giles helps Cordelia up.
Cordelia wraps Angel up in a tight embrace.
You did it! You saved us! I've never been so happy to see anyone in my whole... (lets go) You guys. (cries) I just... hate you guys! The weirdest things always happen when you're around!
Angel finds Tom and lifts him up, roughly dragging him over to the others. Cordelia grabs him by the shirt.
And you! You're going to jail for fifteen thousand years!
She lets go of him and starts up the stairs. Angel shoves Tom up the stairs ahead of him. Giles puts his fists on his hips and gives Buffy a stern look. She looks down in shame.
I told one lie, I had one drink.
Yes, and you were very nearly devoured by a giant demon snake. The words 'let that be a lesson' are a tad redundant at this juncture.
I'm sorry.
Giles softens, realizing he's at least partially to blame himself.
So am I. I drive you too hard because I know what you have to face. From now on no more pushing, no more prodding. Just an inordinate amount of nudging.
Buffy smiles at him and then starts up the stairs. Giles takes her arm and joins her.
JONATHAN waits anxiously at the bar for a large cup of cappuccino.
C'mon, hurry!
Here you go.
She hands him the large cup and saucer and he takes it and a plate with a muffin over to Cordelia.
Thank you, Jonathan. (looks at the cappuccino) Did we forget something?
Um... cinnamon, chocolate, half-caf, nonfat.
Cordelia stares at him expectantly. He realizes his mistake.
Extra foam!
Cordelia takes the muffin and waves the cappuccino away. She walks past Xander, Willow and Buffy at their table. Xander is reading the Sunnydale Press.
Young men are the only way to go.
Says here that they've all been sentenced to consecutive life sentences. Investigators found the bones of missing girls in a huge cavern beneath the frat house. And older bones dating back fifty years. A surprising number of corporations whose chairmen and founders are former Delta Zeta Kappas are suffering from falling profits, IRS raids... oh, and suicides in the boardroom. Hmm. Starve a snake, lose a fortune. Boy, I guess the rich really are different, huh?
Have you heard from Angel? When he got so mad about you being in danger and changed into a grr, it was the most amazing thing I ever saw. I mean, how many guys can...
Willow trails off as Angel walks down the stairs and stands behind Xander.
Angel, Angel, Angel. Does every conversation we have have to come around to that freak? (notices Angel) Hey, man, how you doin'?
Buffy.
Angel.
Xander!
I hear this place serves coffee. I thought maybe you and I should get some. Sometime. If you want.
A smile touches the corners of Buffy's mouth.
Yeah. Sometime. I'll let you know.
Angel eyes her suspiciously. Buffy gets up and leaves with a big smile on her face.