[Transcript of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" episode Surprise 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.
BUFFY sleeps fitfully, then wakes with a start and puts her hand to her head. She reaches over and turns on the lamp with a sigh, then takes a sip of water from a glass on her nightstand. Noticing the glass is empty, she gets up to fill it.
Buffy walks out of her room holding the glass and heads down the hall. Behind her, DRUSILLA stalks her. Buffy opens the door to the bathroom and suddenly finds herself at
A slow ballad is playing as Buffy ventures in. She finds WILLOW sitting at a table with a large cup of cappuccino and an organ grinder's monkey.
L'hippo a piqué ses pantalons. (The hippo stole his pants.)
The monkey squeaks as Buffy looks at Willow curiously. Willow smiles at her and waves. Buffy hesitantly returns the greeting.
Buffy continues on and finds her mother holding a large cup and saucer. JOYCE sees her coming and turns to face her daughter.
Do you really think you're ready, Buffy?
What?
Joyce drops the saucer. Buffy watches it fall and shatter on the floor. Joyce just turns and slowly walks away. Buffy watches her go, then looks around the room again.
She walks past Willow again and through the crowd to the stage. It's empty, no band tonight. She turns around and smiles warmly.
ANGEL is standing at the pool table. He smiles and starts toward her as Buffy moves toward him.
Drusilla suddenly appears behind Angel in full demonic form and thrusts a stake into his back. He arches backward in pain a silent scream contorting his features.
ANGEL!
They reach for each other but before she can touch him his hand begins to disintegrate. The rings on his fingers fall to the floor. His body crumbles to dust. Drusilla lowers the stake and steps up to Buffy.
Happy birthday, Buffy.
Buffy wakes from her nightmare with a start and quickly sits up, surprised and confused.
Opening credit sequence.
A knock at the door.
Hold on.
He reaches for the knob and opens it. Buffy is standing there with a worried look on her face.
Hey. Is everything okay?
That's what I was going to ask you. You're okay, right?
Sure. I'm fine. What's up?
He holds the door for her and she enters and sets her bag down. He goes to put on a shirt.
I had this... dream that Drusilla was alive.
What happened?
She killed you. Right in front of me.
It was just a dream. It wasn't real.
But it felt so real.
He puts his hand on her cheek.
It wasn't. I'm right here.
Angel, this happened before. The dreams that I had about the Master, they came true.
Still, not every dream you have comes true. I mean, what else did you dream last night? Can you remember?
I dreamt... I dreamt that Giles and I opened an office supply warehouse in Vegas.
See my point?
Yeah, I do, but... what if Drusilla is alive? We never saw her body.
She's not. But even if she was, we'd deal.
What if she is--
He kisses her and she responds. A moment later they break off and look at each other.
What if what?
I'm sorry. Were we talking?
Angel leans over her again and they embrace passionately as they kiss. Buffy suddenly breaks off and looks down.
I'm sorry. I have to go to school.
She turns and quickly heads for the door.
I know.
He kisses her again then leans his forehead against hers.
Oh, god, you feel--
He guides her to the door.
You have to go to school.
Right. I know. This is me. I'm going.
She shuts the door and backs into it and wraps him up in her arms again. After a while they stop and look lovingly at each other.
You still haven't told me what you wanted for your birthday.
Surprise me.
Okay. I will.
This is nice. I like seeing you first thing in the morning.
It's bedtime for me.
Well then I like seeing you at bedtime... you know what I mean.
I think so. What do you mean?
I like seeing you. The part at the end of the night where we say good-bye... it's getting harder.
Yeah. It is.
Willow and Buffy walk beneath the trees.
'I like you at bedtime?' You actually said that?
I know, I know.
Man, that's like... I don't know, that's moxie or something.
Totally unplanned. It just... came out.
And he was into it? I mean, he wants to see you at bedtime, too?
Yeah, I think he does. Well, I mean he's cool about it.
Well, of course he is. 'Cause he's cool. I mean, he would never... you know...
Push.
Right. He's not the type.
Will, what am I going to do?
What do you want to do?
I don't know. I... I mean, 'want' isn't always the right thing to do. To act on want can be wrong.
True.
But, to not act on want... what if I never feel this way again?
Carpe diem. You told me that once.
'Fish of the day'?
Not carp. (smiles) "Carpe." It means 'seize the day.'
Right. I... I think we're going to. Seize it. Once you get to a certain point, then seizing is sort of inevitable.
Wow...
Yeah.
Wow...
The school bell rings.
Oh...
Wow!
Willow stares at Buffy as they head for class.
Wow.
Yeah.
Buffy glances to the side and sees OZ sitting at a bench with his guitar.
Hey, speaking of 'wow' potential, there's Oz over there. What are we thinking? Any sparkage?
He's nice. Hey, I like his hands.
Mmm. A fixation on insignificant detail is a definite crush sign.
Oh, I don't know, though. I mean, he is a senior.
You think he's too old because he's a senior? Please. My boyfriend had a bicentennial.
That's true. I guess... I just...
You can't spend the rest of your life waiting for Xander to wake up and smell the hottie. Make a move. Do the talking thing.
Well, what if the talking thing becomes the awkward silence thing?
Well, you won't know until you try.
She walks off leaving Willow to consider her options. She looks at Oz, then Buffy's back, then Oz again. She finally makes her decision and walks around the bench, standing next to him.
Hey.
Hey.
She has his full attention.
Do you guys... have a gig tonight?
Oh, no. Practice. See, our band's kinda moving toward this new sound where... we suck. So... practice.
I think you guys sound good.
Thanks.
I bet you have a lot of groupies.
It happens. Now I'm living groupie-free nowadays. I'm clean.
Oh.
She fidgets at the lull in conversation.
I'm going to ask you to go out with me tomorrow night and I'm kinda nervous about it, actually. It's interesting.
Oh. Well, if it helps at all, I'm going to say yes.
Yeah, it helps. It creates a comfort zone. (beat) Do you want to go out with me tomorrow night?
Willow cringes and slaps her forehead.
Oh! I can't!
Well see, I like that. You're unpredictable.
Oh, it's just it's Buffy's birthday and we're throwing her a surprise party.
It's okay.
But you could come. If you want to.
Well, I don't want to crash.
No, it's fine! Well, you could be m-- (beat) my date.
All right. I'm in.
Willow smiles back and after a moment indicates she has to go. Oz nods to give her leave. She heads off, a huge grin breaking across her face.
I said 'date'.
CORDELIA swings the door open to find XANDER standing behind her.
So... Buffy's party. Mañana.
Well, just because she's Miss Save-The-World and everything, you have to make a big deal? I have to cook! And everything.
You're cooking?
Well, I'm chips and dips girl.
Horrors! All that opening and stirring.
And shopping and carrying.
Well, then you should have a person who does such things for you.
Well, that's what I've been saying to my father but does he listen?
So, uh... you're going and I'm going. Should... we maybe... go?
Why?
I don't know. This... thing with us, despite our better judgment, it keeps happening. Maybe we should just admit that we're dating.
Groping in a broom closet isn't dating. You don't call it a date until the guy spends money.
Fine. I'll spend then we'll grope. Whatever. I just think it's some kind of whacked that we feel we have to hide it from all our friends.
Well, of course you want to tell everybody. You have nothing to be ashamed of. I, on the other hand, have everything to be ashamed of.
You know what? 'Nuff said. Forget it. It must've been my multiple-personality guy talking. I call him Idiot Jed, glutton for punishment.
He turns and stalks off.
Further down the hall. GILES walks out of the lounge and notices Xander.
Oh, good morning. (sotto) Is everything in order for the party?
Absolutely. You ready to get down, you funky party weasel?
Giles glances at the stairs and sees JENNY CALENDAR and Buffy coming down.
Here comes Buffy. Now remember: discretion is the better part of valor.
You could have just said, 'shh!' God, are all you Brits such drama queens? (to Buffy) Buffy, I feel a pre-birthday spanking coming on.
I'd curb that impulse if I were you, Xander.
Jenny and Buffy sit at a table in the lounge.
Check, cancel spanking.
You all right, Buffy? You seem a little fatigued.
Rough night. I had a dream that Drusilla was alive and she killed Angel. It just really freaked me out.
You fear it was more of a... portent?
See, I don't know. I don't want to start a big freakout over nothing.
Still, best to be on the alert. If Drusilla is alive, it could be a fairly... cataclysmic state of affairs.
Again, so many words! Couldn't you just say, 'we'd be in trouble'?
Go to class, Xander.
Gone. Notice the economy of phrasing: 'gone.' Simple. Direct.
Giles glares at him and he hurries away.
Maybe I should get gone, too.
Don't worry unduly, Buffy. I'm sure it's nothing.
I know. I should keep my Slayer cool but... it's Angel, which automatically equals maxi-wig.
He gives her a reassuring smile as she goes.
DALTON enters carrying a large wooden box.
I have your package.
Just put it on the table... near the other gifts.
Dalton walks to the table as SPIKE rolls into view in a wheelchair. Drusilla follows him, guiding the chair.
Are you dead set on this, pet? Wouldn't you rather have your party in Vienna?
But the invitations are sent.
Yeah. It's just I've had it with this place. Nothing ever comes off like it's supposed to.
My gatherings are always perfect. Remember Spain? Hey... the bulls?
I remember, sweet. But Sunnydale's cursed for us. Angel and the Slayer see to that.
Shhh... (into his ear) I've got good games for everyone. (licks his cheek) You'll see.
She walks over to the table and inspects the roses and other flowers that have been woven into the backs of the chairs.
These flowers... are wrong. They're all... wrong! I can't abide them!
She screams and rips at them.
Let's try something different with the flowers then.
She looks at him and calms a bit. Then she eyes the boxes on the table and slowly walks around to them.
Can I open one? Can I?
Spike smiles at her and she smiles back.
Can I? Oh...
Just a peek, love.
She excitedly reaches for the latch on one of them.
They're for the party.
He wheels himself over to her as Drusilla lifts the lid and gasps in wonder.
Do you like it, baby?
It reeks of death.
She sighs and kneels in front of Spike.
This will be the best party ever.
Why is that?
Because... it will be the last.
She slams the lid of the box shut.
Joyce gets up from the far side of the island and takes her plate over to the sink. Buffy finishing her breakfast.
Mall trip for your birthday on Saturday. Don't forget.
Space on a mom-sponsored shopping opportunity? Not likely.
So does 17 feel any different than 16?
It's funny you should ask that. You know, I woke up feeling more responsible, mature and levelheaded.
Really? It's uncanny.
I now possess the qualities one looks for in a... licensed driver.
She looks at her mom hopefully.
Buffy...
You said we could talk about it again when I was 17.
Do you really think you're ready, Buffy?
She shoots her mom a surprised look and Joyce drops her plate. Buffy watches it fall and shatter on the floor.
Jenny Calendar walks to her desk with an armful of papers. She sets down her mug and a couple of other things and begins to go through them. Behind her a tall man, ENYOS KALDERASH approaches.
Jenny Calendar.
Jenny spins around, startled. She stares at him in surprise.
You startled me.
You look well.
Yes, I'm fine. I know I haven't written as much lately. I've been busy.
I cannot imagine what is so important to make you ignore the responsibility to your people.
Well, I've been working and--
The Elder Woman has been reading signs. Something is different.
Nothing has changed. The curse still holds.
The Elder Woman is never wrong. She says his pain is lessening. She can feel it.
There is...
There is what?
A girl.
What? How could you let this happen?
I promise you. Angel still suffers. And he makes amends for his evil. He even saved my life.
So you just forget that he destroyed the most beloved daughter of your tribe? That he killed every man, woman and child that touched her life? Vengeance demands that his pain be eternal as ours is! If this girl gives him one minute of happiness, it is one minute too much!
I'm sorry. I thought--
You thought what? You thought you are Jenny Calendar now? You are still Janna, of the Kalderash people! A Gypsy.
I know... Uncle. I know.
Then prove it. Your time for watching is past. The girl and him, it ends now! Do what you must to take her from him!
I will see to it.
Buffy sits at the research table while Giles paces behind her.
...and then my mom broke the plate. It was just like my dream. Every gesture, every word. It was so creepy.
Yes, well, I'd imagine it would be... fairly unnerving.
He sits on the end of the table. Xander and Willow come bounding in.
Hey! It's the woman of the hour.
It's Happy Birthday Buffy!
She jumps over to the table, hugs Buffy's and gives her a big smile. Buffy just looks down at the floor.
Not Happy Birthday Buffy?
It's just that part of the nightmare that Buffy had the other night actually transpired.
Which means Drusilla might still be alive. Giles, in my dream, I couldn't stop her. She blindsided me. Angel was gone before I knew what happened.
Even if she is alive, we can still protect Angel. Dreams aren't prophecies, Buffy. You dreamt that the Master had risen but you stopped it from happening.
You ground his bones to make your bread.
That's true. Except for the bread part. (to Giles) Okay, so, fine. We're one step ahead, but I want to stay that way.
Absolutely. Let me read up on Drusilla, see if she has any particular patterns. Why don't you meet me here at 7:00? We'll map out a strategy.
What am I supposed to do until then?
Go to classes, do your homework, have supper...
Right. Be that Buffy.
She gets up from the table, grabs her bag and heads out of the library.
Well, that's not a perky birthday puppy.
So much for our surprise party. I bought little hats and everything. Oh, well. I guess I'll tell Cordelia.
No, you won't. We're having a party tonight.
Looks like Mr. Caution Man but the sound he makes is funny.
Willow frowns and nods in agreement.
Buffy's surprise party will go ahead as we planned. Except I won't be wearing the little hat.
But Buffy and Angel...
May well be in danger... as they have been before and, I imagine, will be again. One thing I've learned in my tenure here on the Hellmouth is that there is no good time to relax. And Buffy's turning 17 just this once and she deserves a party.
You're a great man of our time.
And anyway, Angel's coming. So she'll be able to protect him and have cake.
Precisely.
He goes into his office and Willow and Xander leave with a happy bounce in their step.
Buffy heads down the hall toward the library. Jenny sees her and calls out.
Buffy.
Oh, my god! I didn't see you there.
Sorry. Giles wanted me to tell you that there's been a change of plans. He wants to meet you someplace near his house 'cause he had to run home and get a book or something.
'Cause heaven knows there aren't enough books in the library.
He's... very thorough.
Oh, which is not to brag. It's kind of manly in an obsessive- compulsive kind of way, don't you think?
You know, my car's here. Why don't I drive you?
Okay.
Jenny follows her out to the parking lot.
Jenny's Beetle rolls slowly along.
Are we goin' to the Bronze?
I'm not sure. Giles gave me an address. I'm just following his directions.
They round a corner and Buffy notices something going on in the shadows.
This looks funky. Stop for a sec.
A truck is parked in an adjacent loading area. A man jumps off of the truck bed while another walks across the loading dock.
No, Buffy, maybe you shouldn't.
Sorry. Sacred duty, yada yada yada.
She gets out of the car and goes to investigate.
What is this?
Buffy walks up to the truck and stops by the cab. She sees Dalton carrying a wooden box.
Every time I see you, you're stealing something. You really should speak with someone about this klepto issue.
The truck's engine starts. Buffy turns and reaches for the door handle as Dalton makes a hasty escape. The truck door swings open before Buffy can reach it and a vampire kicks out at her, hitting her in the arm, but not hard. She pulls him out of the cab and onto the ground. Dalton lifts the box into the back of the truck. The other vampire gets up from the pavement and Buffy punches him, knocking him back down again. She backs up toward the truck to get around him, but a third vampire standing in the bed grabs her by the jacket and lifts her up. He wraps her up in a strangle hold and she pushes him back into a large box, stunning him and
breaking his grip. She snaps her head back hard into his. The other vampire has climbed onto the truck bed also and charges her. She takes on both vampires at once, kicking punching and slamming them into the crates in the truck.
Angel peeks out from behind a pillar and looks around.
Where is she?
The others peek out from behind the pool table and look up at him.
Shhh! I think I hear her coming.
Buffy punches one of the wooden bed retainers and breaks off a piece. She jams it into the chest of one her attackers and he bursts into ashes. The other grabs her from behind, lifts her up and carries her onto the loading dock. He throws her at a door. She hits it and rolls away.
The gang hears the fighting going on outside and looks toward the window as it shatters and Buffy and the vampire crash through onto the floor. Buffy scrambles to her feet and kicks the vampire as he comes for her. He stumbles back a few steps and Buffy grabs a drumstick from the drum set, spins around with it, thrusts it into the vampire's chest and pulls it back out. The vampire explodes into ashes. Oz watches in open-mouthed astonishment and Cordelia jumps up from behind the pool table with her arms raised high.
Surprise!
That pretty much sums it up.
Xander shakes his head in disgust at Cordelia. Buffy hops down from the stage as Angel rushes over to her.
Buffy, are you okay?
Yes, what happened?
There were these vamps outs-- (looks around) What's going on?
A surprise party.
He blows on a party favor.
Happy birthday.
You guys did all this for me? (to Angel) That is so sweet.
You sure you're okay?
Yes, I'm fine.
Are you okay?
Yeah. Hey, did everybody see that guy just turn to dust?
Well... sort of.
Yep. Vampires are real. A lot of them live in Sunnydale. Willow will fill you in.
I know it's hard to accept at first.
Actually, it explains a lot.
Jenny walks into the Bronze carrying Dalton's box.
Hey, can somebody give me a hand here?
Angel and Giles take it from her and set it on a table.
Those creeps left this behind.
What is it?
I have no idea. Can it be opened?
Yeah. This looks like a release right here.
She works the latch and opens the box. Inside is an arm clad in armor. Buffy looks over at Giles in disgust. Suddenly the arm shoots up, seizes Buffy by the throat and begins choking her.
Resume. Buffy struggles with the arm as Angel tries to pull it off her. Between them all, they manage to wrench it off. Angel stuffs it back into the box while Buffy steps back and tries to catch her breath. Giles slams the lid shut.
Well, clearly the Hellmouth's answer to 'what do you get the Slayer who has everything?'
Good heavens. Buffy, are you all right?
Man, that thing had major grip.
What was that?
It looked like an arm.
It can't be. She wouldn't.
What? Vamp's version of 'snakes in a can' or do you care to share?
Angel?
It's a legend-- way before my time-- of a demon brought forth to rid the Earth of the plague of humanity... separate the righteous from the wicked... and to burn the righteous down. They call him the Judge.
The Judge? This is he?
Not all of him.
Still needing backstory here.
He couldn't be killed, yes? An army was sent against him. Most of them died... but finally they were able to dismember him but not kill him.
The pieces were scattered... buried in every corner of the Earth.
So all these parts are being brought here.
By Drusilla. The vamps outside were Spike's men.
She's just crazy enough to do it.
Do what? Reassemble the Judge?
And bring forth Armageddon.
Is anybody else going to have cake?
We need to get this out of town.
Angel.
What?
You have to do it. You're the only one that can protect this thing.
What about me?
What? You're just going to skip town for a few months?
Months?
She's right. I gotta get this to the remotest region possible.
But that's not months.
I gotta catch a cargo ship to Asia, maybe trek to Nepal...
You know, those newfangled flying machines really are much safer than they used to be.
I can't fly. There's no sure way to guard against the daylight. I don't like this any more than you do, Buffy, but there's no other choice.
When?
Tonight. As soon as possible.
But it's my birthday.
I'll drive you to the docks.
Drusilla confronts Dalton who stand before her, his eyes lowered.
You lost it? You... lost my present.
I know. I'm sorry.
It was a bad turn, man. She can't have her fun without the box.
The Slayer. She came out of nowhere. I didn't even see her. She--
Drusilla cuts him off by putting her finger to his lips. She stares into his eyes, then lifts off his glasses and drops them to the floor. She stomps on them and grinds them into the concrete. She lifts her head with her eyes closed.
Make a wish.
What?
She holds two fingers up to his eyes.
I'm going to blow out the candles.
You might give him a chance to find your lost treasure. He is a wanker but he's the only one we've got with half a brain. If he fails, you can eat his eyes out of the sockets for all I care.
I'll get it. Please. I swear.
Drusilla thrusts both hands at him and pulls them back at the last instant and up into raised fists, and smiles at him evilly. She bends down and picks up his glasses.
Okay.
She unfolds them and sets them back on his nose and pats him on the head.
Hurry back, then.
She steps over to Spike and sits in his lap. Dalton breathes a sigh of relief and leaves to begin his task.
Buffy and Angel make their way to a ship. Angel carries the box on his shoulder and they walk arm in arm. Buffy leans into him and he kisses her on the head. When they reach the gangplank Angel sets the box down. They take a few steps away from the box and embrace.
I should go the rest of the way alone.
Okay.
But I'll be back. I will.
When? Six months, a year? You don't know how long it's going to take or if we'll even...
Hey... if we'll even what?
Buffy looks up, tears pooling in her eyes.
Well, if you haven't noticed, someone pretty much always wants us dead.
Don't say that. We'll be fine.
We don't know that.
We can't know, Buffy. Nobody can. That's just the deal. I have something for you. For your birthday. I... I was going to give it to you earlier, but...
He reaches into his pocket and gives her an intricately designed silver ring.
It's beautiful.
My people-- before I was changed-- they exchanged this as a sign of devotion. It's a claddagh ring. The hands represent friendship, the crown represents loyalty... and the heart... well, you know. Wear it with the heart pointing toward you. It means you belong to somebody. Like this.
He shows her an identical ring on his own finger. She touches his hand, leans over and kisses the ring.
Put it on.
He takes the ring from her and slips it onto her finger.
I don't want to do this.
Me either.
So don't go.
They kiss and she buries herself in his arms.
Buffy... I--
Two vampires suddenly leap at them from cargo netting on the ship overhead. One pulls Buffy off of Angel and hurls her away; the other begins to fight with Angel. Buffy rolls to her feet as the vampire swings at her and misses. She delivers a vicious series of blows to his gut. As Angel and Buffy fight furiously with the two vampires, Dalton drops out of the cargo netting, runs over to the box, grabs it and makes his escape.
Angel! The box!
Buffy continues fighting desperately with her attacker as Angel shoves his aside runs after Dalton. Angel tackles Dalton but is distracted both by the other vampire making a run for the box and the sight of Buffy's attacker swinging her around and into the water.
Buffy!
He jumps into the water after her.
Giles is busy researching the Judge. He looks up from his books.
They should be back by now.
Maybe Buffy needed a few minutes to pull herself together. Poor Buffy, on her birthday and everything.
It's sad, granted. But let's look at the upside for a moment. I mean, what kind of a future would she have really had with him? She's got two jobs-- Denny's waitress by day, Slayer by night-- and Angel's always in front of the TV with a big blood belly and he's dreamin' of the glory days when Buffy still thought this whole "creature of the night" routine was a big turn- on.
You've thought way too much about this.
No, no. That's just the beginning. Have I told you the part where I fly into town in my private jet and take Buffy out for prime rib?
Willow looks up as Buffy enters the library.
Xander...
And she cries?
What happened?
Dru's guys ambushed us. They got the box.
Where's Jenny?
She took Angel to get clothing. I had some here.
And we needed clothes because...
We got wet. Giles, what do we know?
The more I study the Judge, the less I like him. His touch can literally burn the humanity out of you. A true creature of evil can survive the process. No human ever has.
What's the problem? We send Cordy to fight this guy and we go for pizza.
Can this guy be stopped? Without an army?
'No weapon forged can kill him.' Not very encouraging. If we could only stop them from assembling him.
We need to find his weak spots and we need to figure out where they'd be keeping him.
This could take time.
Better do a round robin. Xander, you go first.
Good call.
Xander heads for the phone.
Round robin?
It's when everybody calls everybody else's mom and tells them they're staying at everyone's house.
Thus freeing us up for world saveage.
And all-night keggers! (off their look) What, only Xander gets to make dumb jokes?
Mom, hi. (beat) Xander. Yeah, Willow and I are going to be studying all night long, so I'm not going to be coming home.
Later. The research is going hot and heavy. Xander walks over to Willow at the counter with another open book.
I think I read this already.
I can't get over how cool Oz was about all this.
Gee, I'm over it.
You're just jealous 'cause you didn't have a date for the party.
No, I sure didn't.
Angel? Any luck?
As Angel comes down out of the stacks, Giles notices Buffy asleep in his office and holds up his hand to silence Angel. Angel follows his gaze and sees Buffy as well.
Seems Buffy needed some rest.
Yeah. She hasn't been sleeping well. Tossing and turning. (off their look) She told me. (beat) Because of her dreams?
Close to CU on Buffy and lose focus.
Buffy enters, taking in the party decorations. All around, candles on tall sticks have burned way down. She sees Jenny walking the other way but is distracted by several large boxes sitting on the floor. She approaches them.
Now, now.
Buffy spins around to see her on the upper level holding Angel in front of her.
Hands off my presents.
She puts a sharp blade to Angel's neck.
No!
Buffy wakes from her nightmare with a start.
Angel!
Buffy, it's okay. I'm here. I'm right here.
She hugs him close, worried.
Drusilla stands at the top of the spiral staircase and claps her hands.
More music!
She bobs her head to the gothic beat as she descends the steps. The party is going well. She makes her way to the head of the table and begins to dance. Spike rolls in with a large box in his lap.
Look what I have for you, ducks.
Ahh... the best is saved for last.
She takes the box from him and hands it to two vampires and they take it over to where the other boxes have been assembled into the shape of a body. They raise the box and set the head in place. Almost immediately a bright light emanates through the cracks in the boxes. Drusilla smiles in anticipation.
The front of the now unified boxes opens like a pair of twin gates to allow the JUDGE to step out. He is a fearsome blue-skinned demon with small horns protruding from his forehead and a deadly look in eye.
He's perfect, my darling. Just what I wanted.
She steps back to Spike and takes his hand.
Drusilla looks up at the Judge in awe and sighs. The Judge steps out of his box. After his long sleep, he has difficulty keeping his balance. He points at Drusilla.
You!
Spike rolls protectively in front of Drusilla.
Ho, ho, ho. What's that, mate?
You two stink of humanity. You share affection and jealousy.
Yeah. What of it? Do I have to remind you that we're the ones who brought you here?
Would you like a party favor?
She indicates her guests. The Judge's gaze settles on Dalton.
This one is full of feeling. He reads. Bring him to me.
Dalton turns to leave but one of the other vampires grabs him and keeps him from running.
What's with the bringing? I thought you could just zap people.
My full strength will return in time. Until then... I need contact.
The Judge steps over to Dalton.
No. No! NO!
The Judge places his hand on Dalton's chest and he begins to smoke. Drusilla watches with excitement. The Judge's hand begins to burn into Dalton, who quickly combusts, disappearing in a flash of flame and smoke.
Do it again! Do it again!
The Judge smiles as he feels his power begin to return.
Buffy and Angel stride out of the cage. Giles looks down at them from the stacks.
Buffy, what's happening?
She had another dream.
I think I know where Spike and Drusilla are.
That's very good, however you do need a plan. I know you're concerned, Buffy but you can't just go off half-cocked.
I have a plan. Angel and I go to the factory and do recon, figure out how far they've gotten assembling the Judge. You guys check any places the boxes could be coming into town. Shipping yards, airports, anything. We need to stop them from getting all the boxes in one place.
Yes. Yes, well, actually, that's quite a good plan.
This thing is nasty and it's real, Giles. We can't wait for it to come get us.
Right.
Buffy grabs her bag and she and Angel make tracks for the door.
Establishing.
Buffy and Angel sneak quietly along the upper level. They look down at the party going on below.
I saw this. The party.
They watch the Judge move into view flanked by Spike and Drusilla. The Judge stops, sensing something.
What? What is it?
The Judge looks around, then his eyes find Buffy and Angel and a low growl emanates from deep within him.
We've got to get out of here.
They try to make a run for it but suddenly there are vampires heading them off on both sides and they are quickly captured.
Buffy and Angel are brought before Spike, Drusilla and the Judge.
Well, well. Look what we have here. Crashers.
I'm sure our invitations just got lost in the mail.
Drusilla licks her fingers.
It's delicious. (to Angel) I only dreamed you'd come.
Leave her alone.
Yeah, that'll work. Now say 'pretty please'.
The girl.
Chilling, isn't it? She's so full of good intention.
Angel puts himself between the Judge and Buffy.
Take me!
No!
Take me instead of her!
You're not clear on the concept, pal. There is no "instead". Just first and second.
And if you go first, you don't get to watch the Slayer die.
Angel's captors pull him back as the Judge reaches for Buffy. Angel looks around desperately for a way out while Drusilla wraps her arms around Spike and smiles. Angel sees the chains holding up Spike's video monitors and Buffy preparing to defend herself.
Don't touch him!
Buffy kicks the Judge in the chest and knocks him back as Angel shakes off his captors and lunges for the chains. When the Judge is directly beneath the monitors, Angel releases the chains and they crash to the floor on top of the Judge, with enough force to knock a hole in the floor. Buffy struggles free and runs to Angel. She looks down at the hole in the floor.
This way!
Buffy jumps down into the sewers below.
Buffy rolls away from the hole as Angel drops down behind her. They get to their feet and start down the tunnels.
Enraged, Drusilla gives the order to pursue.
Go!
Two of her minions rush to give chase.
Buffy and Angel duck into a side passage and pull the door closed behind them as their two pursuers drop through the hole above and start after them. The vampires look around and, not seeing anyone, they start down the tunnel, checking the side corridors as they go. They rush past Buffy and Angel's closed door. When they've gone, Buffy opens the door and checks. Seeing no one she steps over to a ladder and starts up.
She lifts a manhole cover up, pushes it aside and quickly climbs out into the pouring rain. Angel follows right behind.
Come on. We need to get inside.
Angel opens the door, and they both rush in. He turns on the light and Buffy closes the door behind them. He takes off his heavy coat and lays it aside. Buffy is soaked through to her skin without a coat or jacket.
You're shaking like a leaf.
Cold.
Let me get you something.
He gets some things from his armoire and hands them to her.
Put these on. Get under the covers, just to warm up.
Buffy walks over to his bed and sits down. She looks up at him and he faces away to give her privacy.
Sorry.
Buffy takes off her top shirt and winces in pain.
What?
Oh... it's okay. I just have a cut or something.
Can I... let me see.
Buffy clutches her shirt to her chest.
Okay.
Angel turns around and sits down on the bed behind her. He gently touches her back and looks at the cut.
It's already closed. You're fine.
Buffy leans back into him and he puts his arms around her.
You almost went away today.
We both did.
Angel... I feel like I lost you. You're right, though. We can't be sure of anything.
Shhh. I...
She turns around to look at him.
You what?
I love you. I try not to but I can't stop.
Me, too. I can't either.
They start to kiss. After a long moment Angel breaks off.
Buffy, maybe we shouldn't...
Don't. Just kiss me.
He leans into her again and they sink down onto the bed, their passion mounting.
Later. Angel and Buffy are both in bed, asleep in each others arms having made love. Outside lightning strikes and Angel wakes with a start and gasps for air as he sits up.
He gets out of bed and hurries off.
Angel crashes through the door into the rain. He stumbles over some trashcans and falls to the pavement. Something is wrong and he has no idea what it is. He cries out in pain and fear.
Buffy!
Buffy stirs slightly but keeps sleeping.
Buffyyyyy!