[Transcript of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" episode Innocence 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.
The JUDGE kneels in a corner facing a set of storage racks. SPIKE wheels into frame and stops about twenty feet from him. He pushes himself a few feet closer and turns around.
I'm not happy, pet. Angel and the Slayer are still alive. They know where we are, they know about the Judge. We should be vacating.
DRUSILLA floats in, as if on a cloud.
Nonsense. They'll not disturb us here. My Angel's too smart to face the Judge again.
What's Big Blue up to anyway? He just sits there.
I am preparing.
Yeah. It's interesting to me that 'preparing' looks a great bit like sitting on your ass. When do we destroy the world already?
My strength grows and with every life I take it will increase further.
So let's take some. I'm bored.
Drusilla starts moaning.
Dru?
Drusilla collapses to the floor and begins to cry.
Angel...
Dru? What is it? Dru!
CU on Drusilla's face.
Darling... do you see something?
Her crying slowly melts into an evil smile.
BUFFY stirs in ANGEL's bed and reaches over for him. When she doesn't find him, she opens her eyes, suddenly wide awake. She sits up in bed. Outside it's still raining hard and lightning strikes. She looks around the room again but Angel is nowhere to be seen.
Angel?
The rain has finally let up. Angel falls to the pavement and props himself up on his hands.
Buffy...
It's too much for him and he collapses to the ground.
Oh, no...
A HOOKER standing in a doorway smoking sees him and slowly walks over to him.
Hey. You okay? You want me to call 911?
He suddenly stands up, dead calm and no longer distressed.
No. The pain is gone.
You sure?
Yeah.
He spins around, vampire ascendant, seizes her and violently rips out her neck, feeding on her life's blood. Angel, once again the savage vampire Angelus, drops her corpse, tilts his head up and blows out the smoke he inhaled through her neck from her lungs.
I feel just fine.
Opening credit sequence.
Buffy quietly opens the kitchen door, looks around, and carefully closes it behind her. She keeps an eye out for her mother as she moves to the stairs. Once there she starts up, stomping rather loudly so that JOYCE will hear her.
Morning.
Buffy stops her ascent and backs down a few steps. Her mother walks over to the base of the staircase.
Morning.
So did you have fun last night?
Fun?
At Willow's.
Yeah. (smiles) Yeah, fun at Willow's. You know, she's a fun machine.
You hungry?
No. I'm just going to go take a shower.
Well, if you hurry, I'll run you to school.
Thanks.
Joyce folds her arms and looks up at Buffy curiously.
Is something wrong?
Buffy startles but quickly regains her composure.
No. What would be wrong?
I don't know. You just look...
She shakes her head, smiles and goes into the dining room. Buffy breathes a sigh of relief and heads up the stairs.
XANDER enters and GILES looks up at him.
Well, the bus depot was a total washout. And may I say what a lovely place to spend the night. What a vibrant cross-section of Americana.
JENNY, CORDELIA and WILLOW look at him, concerned.
No vampires transporting boxes?
No, but a four-hundred-pound wino offered to wash my hair. What's up? Where's Buffy?
She never checked in.
If the bus depot is as empty as the docks and the airport...
Do you think this Judge guy's already been assembled?
Yes.
Then Buffy could be... okay, we gotta find 'em. (beat) We gotta go to that place, that factory. That's where they're holed up, right? Let's go.
And do what? Besides be afraid and die.
Well, nobody's asking you to go, Cordelia. If the vampires need grooming tips we'll give you a call.
Cordelia has a point. Now, if Buffy and Angel were... harmed, then we don't stand to fare much better.
Yeah? Well, those of us who were born with feelings are going to do something about this.
Xander...
No, Xander's right! My god, you people are all... well, I'm upset and I can't think of a mean word right now, but that's what you are and we're going to the factory!
Yeah!
Buffy walks into the library.
Buffy!
We were just going to rescue you.
Well, some of us were.
Well, I would have.
Where's Angel?
He didn't check in with you guys?
No.
What happened?
The Judge, is he...
No assembly required. He's active.
Oh, damn it.
He nearly killed us. Angel got us out.
Why didn't you call? We thought...
Well, we had to hide. We got stuck in the sewer tunnels and with the hiding, we just split up. No one's heard from him?
I'm sure he'll come by.
Yeah, I'm sure you're right.
Buffy, the Judge, we must stop him.
I know.
What can you tell us?
Not much. I kicked him. It was just like a sudden fever. If he'd got his hands on me...
In time, he won't need to. The stronger he gets, he'll be able to reduce us to charcoal with a look.
Also, not the prettiest man in town.
I better continue researching, must look for a weak spot. The rest of you should get to your classes.
Yeah, I better go, too.
They all start out and Buffy is the first one out the door.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Buffy, wait up!
I'll go on the net and search for anything on the Judge.
Thank you.
After classes I'll come back and help you research.
Yeah, you might find something useful if it's in an 'I Can Read' book.
Xander looks like he's ready to kill her.
Buffy is about to go up the stairs when Willow catches up and stops her.
You don't think Angel would have gone after the Judge himself, do you?
No, he'd know better than that. Maybe he just needed... I don't know. I just, I wish he'd contact me. I need to talk to him.
As they start up the stairs, Jenny looks around the corner and watches them.
Drusilla is laid out on her back on the big table. Spike wheels himself around to her. She looks up at the ceiling blissfully.
Are we feeling better, then?
I'm naming all the stars.
You can't see the stars, love. That's the ceiling. Also, it's day.
I can see them. But I've named them all the same name. And there's terrible confusion.
Did you see any further? Do you know what happens to Angel?
Angelus appears in the door.
Well, he moves to New York and tries to fulfill that Broadway dream. It's tough sledding, but one day he's working in the chorus when the big star twists her ankle.
You don't give up, do you?
As long as there's injustice in the world, as long as scum like you is walking... well, rolling the streets... I'll be around. Look over your shoulder. I'll be there.
Yeah. Angel, look over your shoulder.
Angelus turns around and the Judge places his hand on Angelus' chest.
Hurts, doesn't it?
Well, you know, it kinda itches a little.
Don't just stand there. Burn him.
Gee, maybe he's broken.
What the hell is going on?
Realization dawns on Drusilla's face.
This one... cannot be burnt. He is clean.
Clean? You mean, he's...
There's no humanity in him.
I couldn't have said it better myself.
Angel...
Yeah, baby. I'm back.
Spike is dumbfounded.
Is it really true?
It's really true.
He laughs and walks around the table.
You've come home.
No more of this 'I've got a soul' crap?
What can I say, hmm? I was going through a phase.
He strikes a match on the table and lights a cigarette.
This is great! This is so great!
Everything in my head is singing! We're family again. We'll feed. Grrr. (to Spike) And we'll play.
I've got to tell you, it made me sick to my stomach seeing you being the Slayer's lap dog.
Angelus snarls and seizes Spike by the shirt. Then he kisses him on the forehead and steps back. Spike bursts into laughter. Angelus and Drusilla join in.
How did this happen?
You wouldn't believe me if I told you.
Oh, who cares? What matters is now he's back! Now it's four against one, which are the kind of odds I like to play.
Psst. We're going to destroy the world. Want to come?
Yeah. Destroying the world. Great. I'm really more interested in the Slayer.
Well, she's in the world, so that should work out.
Give me tonight. Hmm?
What do you mean?
Lay low for a night. I guarantee you by the time you go public she won't be anything resembling a threat.
You've really got a yen to hurt this girl, haven't you?
She made me feel like a human being. That's not the kind of thing you just forgive.
Cordelia walks by the counter looking through a book. Xander lies on top of the counter, also studying a book. Giles is in his office reading through yet another book. Willow is on the phone with Buffy.
Okay. No, no, he didn't, but I'm sure he'll... well, Buffy, he probably has some plan, and he's trying to protect you. Well, I don't know what. I'm not in on the plan. It's his plan. No. Don't even say that! Angel is not dead.
Say 'hi' for me.
Yeah, of course we'll be here. Okay, bye. (hangs up; to Xander) Say 'hi' for me?
What's the word?
She's checked every place she can think of. She even beat up Willy the snitch a couple of times. Angel's vanished.
But he does do that on occasion, no?
Oh, yeah but she's extra wigged this time. I guess because of her dreams. God, what if something really happened to him?
Is she going to join us here?
Yeah. She's just stopping at home first.
Xander slams his book shut and jumps off of the counter.
Nada.
He heads for the stacks with it.
The stacks. Xander finds Cordelia on his way to return the book to its place.
Did you find anything?
This book mentions the Judge, but nothing useful. Big, scary, no weapon forged can stop him, took an army to take him down. Blah, blah, blah.
We need some insight, a weak spot.
Well, we're not going to find it here.
She shelves the book as Xander comes over to her.
Sorry I snapped at you before.
Well, I'm reeling from that new experience.
I was crazed. I wasn't thinking.
I know. You were too busy rushing off to die for your beloved Buffy. You'd never die for me.
No, I might die from you. Does that get me any points?
No.
Come on, can't we just kiss and make up?
I don't want to make up.
He starts to go but she stops him.
But I'm okay with the other part.
Xander smiles back and they start to kiss. After a few moments, Cordelia giggles and smiles and they pull apart. Reveal Willow standing behind them, a look of horror on her face.
Willow, uh...
She darts off and Xander runs after her.
We were just... Willow! Willow!
Cordelia realizes they've been found out and begins to consider the implications.
Willow runs out of the library with Xander right behind her.
Willow, come on!
Willow stops and confronts him, shaking her finger.
I knew it! I knew it! Well, not 'knew it' in the sense of having the slightest idea but I knew there was something I didn't know. You two were fighting way too much. It's not natural!
I know it's weird...
Weird? It's against all laws of God and Man! (disgusted) It's Cordelia! Remember? The 'We Hate Cordelia' club, of which you are the treasurer?
Look, I was going to tell you.
Gee, what stopped you? Could it be shame?
All right, let's overreact, shall we?
But I'm--
Willow, we were just kissing. It doesn't mean that much.
No. It just means that you'd rather be with someone you hate than be with me.
She runs away down the hall and Xander reluctantly turns to go back into the library.
Buffy walks up the walkway to the porch. She looks at her door a moment, then turns and goes away.
Buffy opens the door, comes in and closes it behind her. She walks over to the bed and sees it's been made. One of Angel's shirts is laid out. She goes over to the bed and reaches for the shirt. Behind her Angelus steps over to a statue, picks up a necklace hanging from it and puts it on. Buffy turns to him and throws herself into his arms.
Angel!
Hey!
She kisses him and they hug.
Oh, my god! I was so worried!
I didn't mean to frighten you.
Where did you go?
Been around.
Oh. Oh, my god! I was freaking out! You just disappeared.
What? I took off.
But you didn't say anything. You just left.
Yeah. Like I really wanted to stick around after that.
What?
You got a lot to learn about men, kiddo. Although I guess you proved that last night.
What are you saying?
Let's not make an issue out of it, okay? In fact, let's not talk about it at all. It happened.
I don't understand. Was it me? (meek) Was I not good?
You were great. Really. (snide) I thought you were a pro.
How can you say this to me?
Lighten up. It was a good time. It doesn't mean we have to make a big deal.
It is a big deal!
It's what? Bells ringing, fireworks, a dulcet choir of pretty little birdies? (laughs) Come on, Buffy. It's not like I've never been there before.
He reaches his hand up to her face and she jerks back.
Don't touch me.
I should've known you wouldn't be able to handle it.
Tears are streaming down her face. She has never felt such pain.
Angel! I love you.
Love you, too. I'll call you.
He smirks and walks out the door.
ENYOS KALDERASH lectures Jenny.
You know what it is, this thing vengeance?
Uncle, I have served you. I have been faithful. I need to know--
To the modern man, vengeance is a verb, an idea. Payback. One thing for another. Like commerce. Not with us. Vengeance is a living thing. It passes through generations. It commands. It kills.
You told me to watch Angel. You told me to keep him from the Slayer. I tried. But there are other factors. There are terrible things happening here that we cannot control.
We control nothing. We are not wizards, Janna. We merely play our part.
Angel could be of help to us. I mean, he may be the only chance we have to stop the Judge.
It is too late for that.
Why?
The curse. Angel is meant to suffer, not to live as human. One moment of true happiness, of contentment, one moment where the soul that we restored no longer plagues his thoughts and that soul is taken from him.
Then, if somehow, if... if it's happened... then Angelus is back.
I hoped to stop it but I realize now it was arranged to be so.
Buffy loves him.
And now she will have to kill him.
Unless he kills her first! Uncle, this is insanity! People are going to die.
Yes. It is not justice we serve. It is vengeance.
Jenny grabs her coat and bag and turns to leave.
You are a fool! We're all fools.
Willow walks down the hall. Xander comes out of the bathroom, sees her and jogs over.
Will...
She crosses her arms and turns to face him.
Hey.
Where'd you go?
Home.
I'm glad you came back. We can't do this without you.
Let's get this straight. I don't understand it, I don't want to understand it. You have gross emotional problems and things are not okay between us. But what's happening right now is more important than that.
Okay.
What about the Judge? Where do we stand?
On a pile of really boring books that say exactly the same thing.
Let me guess: 'no weapon forged'?
'It took an army.'
Yeah, where's an army when you need one? (off Xander's look) What?
Whoa. Whoa! I... I think I'm having a thought. Yeah, that's a thought. Now I'm having a plan.
The lights suddenly go out.
Now I'm having a wiggins.
What's going on?
Let's get to the library.
Angelus appears behind them.
Willow. Xander.
Angel.
Thank god you're okay. Did you see Buffy?
Yeah. What's up with the lights?
I don't know. Listen, I think I have an idea.
Forget about that now. I... I've got something to show you.
Show us?
Yeah. Xander, go get the others.
Okay.
Xander heads off to the library.
And Willow. Come here.
She slowly does as he asks.
What is it, Angel?
It's amazing.
Xander running for the library. Suddenly he stops and turns around, realizing something is wrong.
Jenny appears in the hall opposite Angelus holding up a cross.
Willow, get away from him.
What?
Walk to me.
What are you talking about? It's Ang--
Angelus steals up behind Willow and seizes her by the throat. She lets out a frightened yelp as Xander runs in from an intersecting hallway.
Don't do that!
Oh, I think I do that.
Angel...
He's not Angel anymore. (to Angelus) Are you?
Wrong. I am Angel. At last!
He tightens his grip on Willow.
Oh, my god.
I've got a message for Buffy.
Why don't you give it to me yourself?
Angelus spins around with Willow to face Buffy as she appears out of the shadows.
Well, it's not really the kind of message you tell. It sort of involves finding the bodies of all your friends.
As he tightens his grip on Willow's throat, she lets out a pained yelp.
This can't be you.
Gee, we already covered that subject.
Angel, there must be some part of you inside that still remembers who you are.
Dream on, schoolgirl.
Xander takes the cross from Jenny and starts toward Angelus.
Your boyfriend is dead. You're all going to join him.
Leave Willow alone and deal with me.
He pinches her cheek hard.
But she's so cute and helpless. Really a turn-on.
Angelus senses Xander behind him and turns. Xander shoves the cross into Angelus' and as he reels back in pain, he drops Willow and she falls backward into Xander's arms. Angelus pushes Jenny away and starts to back down the hall. When he reaches Buffy he takes her by the shoulders. She gasps in fright.
Things are about to get very interesting.
He kisses her hard, shoves her into the wall and backs out the door.
Buffy, you okay?
Buffy says nothing, just stares hard at the door where Angelus was.
Buffy?
Giles is pacing while he and the rest of the group discuss this latest development.
And we're absolutely certain that Angel has reverted to his former self?
Yeah, we're all certain. Anyone not feeling certain here?
Giles, you wouldn't have believed him. He was so... he came here to kill us.
What are we going to do?
I'm leaning toward blind panic myself.
Rupert, don't talk like that. The kids.
I'm sorry. It's just that things are bad enough with the Judge here. Angel crossing over to the other side... I wasn't prepared for that.
None of us were.
Willow moves over to Buffy.
Are you okay?
Buffy shakes her head 'no'.
Is there anything I can do?
I should've known. When I saw him at the house, he was different. The things he said...
What things?
It's private.
But you didn't know he had turned bad?
How did you?
What?
Well, you knew. You told me to get away from him.
Well, I saw his face.
If only we knew how it happened.
What do you mean?
Well, something set it off. Some event must've triggered his transformation. Well, if anyone would know, Buffy, it should be you.
I don't.
Well, did anything happen last night that might--
Giles, please, I can't.
She gets up and runs from the library.
Buffy, I'm sorry but we can't afford to... Buffy!
Giles, shut up.
Buffy runs out of the library and down the hall.
This is great. There's an unkillable demon in town, Angel's joined his team, the Slayer is a basket case... I'd say we've hit bottom.
I have a plan.
Oh, no! Here's a lower place.
I don't know what's up with Angel but I think I may have a way to deal with this Judge guy.
What do we do?
I think... I think I may need Cordelia for this one.
Willow lowers her eyes for just an instant.
And we may need wheels.
Well, my car is--
It might have to be bigger.
No problem. I'll get Oz. He has a van.
Good. Okay.
Care to let me in on the plan I'm a part of?
No.
Why not?
Because if I tell you, then you won't do it. Just meet me at Willow's house in half an hour. And wear something trashy... (looks at her outfit) ...er.
He looks at her awkwardly for a moment and then heads out. Incensed, Cordelia follows him.
I'm not sure what we should do about Buffy.
Assuming they don't attack tonight I think we should just let her be.
I agree.
I can imagine what she's going through.
No, I don't think you can.
Drusilla is preening with Miss Edith.
You should've seen her face. It was priceless. I'll never forget it.
So you didn't kill her then?
Of course not.
Now, I know you haven't been in the game for a while, mate, but we still do kill people. Sort of our raison d'etre, you know.
You don't want to kill her, do you? You want to hurt her. (smiles) Just like you hurt me.
Nobody knows me like you do, Dru.
She'd better not get in our way.
Don't worry about it.
I do.
Spike, my boy, you really don't get it, do you? (chuckles) You tried to kill her but you couldn't. Look at you. You're a wreck! She's stronger than any Slayer you've ever faced. Force won't get it done. You got to work from the inside. To kill this girl... you have to love her.
Buffy walks in and gently closes the door behind her. She unbuttons her coat and takes her cross necklace in her hand. It sparkles in the light. She lets go of it, letting it swing, then looks down at the claddagh ring on her finger. She takes it off and bursts into tears. She goes to her bed and lies down, clutching the ring and crying uncontrollably. Pull back as she curls up and eventually falls asleep, dreaming.
20
20
She and Angel are in bed making love. Buffy runs her hand down his back over his tattoo. We see that they both have their devotional rings on.
I love you.
She opens her eyes and for an instant sees his snarling vampiric visage.
A funeral in bright daylight. Buffy looks over at Angel, his face bathed in sunlight.
You have to know what to see.
She looks at him, not really understanding and then back down at the grave. She looks over at the other people attending the funeral as Jenny lifts a veil from her face.
Buffy wakes with a start, eyes open wide. The realization hits her: Jenny.
Buffy heads straight to Ms. Calendar's classroom.
When Buffy enters, there are students sitting at the computers but she ignores them. Jenny and Giles smile in greeting.
Oh, Buffy.
Buffy ignores Giles and walks straight to Jenny, wraps her hand around her throat and shoves her back onto her desk.
Buffy!
What do you know?
Should I get the principal?
No, I'll deal with this. You're all dismissed!
The students quickly hurry out of the room. Buffy let's go of Jenny and steps back.
Did you do it? Did you change him?
For god's sake, calm down!
Did you know this was going to happen?
You can't go around accusing everybody--
I didn't know... exactly. I was told... (whispers) Oh, god. I was sent here to watch you. They told me to keep you and Angel apart. They never told me what would happen.
Jenny!
I'm sorry, Rupert. Angel was supposed to pay for what he did to my people.
And me? What was I supposed to be paying for?
I didn't know what would happen until after. I swear I would've told you.
So it was me. I did it.
I think so. I mean, if you...
I don't understand.
The curse. If Angel achieved true happiness, even just a moment of... he would lose his soul.
How do you know you were responsible for...
Buffy gives him a meaningful look.
Oh.
If there is anything that--
Curse him again.
No, I can't. I mean, those magicks are long lost even to my people.
You did it once. It might not be too late to save him.
It can't be done. I can't help you.
Then take me to someone who can.
Enyos smokes his pipe as the door opens behind him.
I knew she would bring you. I suppose you want answers.
Not really.
Enyos spins around, terrified.
But thanks for the offer.
Pan down from high POV of a group of soldiers standing at attention. The sergeant moves the soldier off in formation march.
Moving shot: down behind a barbed-wire security fence and pan over behind a supply building as Oz's van pulls up.
Wait here. When you guys see that window open get out the ladder, come up, we'll pass you the package, okay?
Okay.
Be careful.
Xander opens the side door and gets out. Cordelia follows him.
The fence. Xander cuts several links, pushes the fence aside and squeezes through. Cordelia is right behind him.
The security here really is a joke. I should report it.
Who am I supposed to be again?
You're supposed to be a girl. Think you can handle it?
Cordelia slaps him on the arm as they move along the side of the building and look out from behind some stacked crates. The coast looks clear, so they continue on past a truck. A group of soldiers can be heard quickly marching by. Xander peeks out from behind the truck, then steps over to the door and is about to reach for the knob when he is stopped by a SOLDIER on guard duty.
Halt! Identify yourself right the hell now.
Private Harris with the... 33rd.
The 33rd are on maneuvers.
Right! I'm on leave. From them.
You always spend your leave snooping around the armory, pal? And who is she?
Hi. I'm not a soldier. (to Xander) Right?
Look, I... I just want to give her the tour. You know what I'm saying...?
The tour.
Well, you know the ladies. They like to see the big guns. Gets them all hot and bothered. Can you cut me some slack, give me a blind eye?
And why should I?
Well, if you do, I won't tell Colonel Newsome that your boots ain't regulation, your post wasn't covered and you hold your gun like a sissy girl.
He snatches the soldier's M-16 and presents it back to him properly.
You got 20 minutes, nimrod.
I just need five. (beat) Forget I said that last part.
The guard checks his watch. Xander opens the door to let Cordelia in, gives the guard a thumb's-up and follows her in.
Cordelia is amazed by what just happened.
Okay, what was that? And who are you?
Remember Halloween, I got turned into a soldier?
Yeah.
Well, I still remember all of it. I know procedure, ordnance, access codes, everything. I know the whole layout for this base and I'm pretty sure I can put together an M-16 in 57 seconds.
Well, I'm sort of impressed. But let's just find the thing and get out of here.
Okay.
He starts looking around the shadowed warehouse.
So does looking at guns really make girls want to have sex? That's scary.
Yeah, I guess.
Well, does looking at guns make you want to have sex?
I'm seventeen. Looking at linoleum makes me want to have sex.
Willow and OZ wait anxiously.
I wish they'd hurry.
So do you guys steal weapons from the army a lot?
Well, we don't have cable so we have to make our own fun.
I get you.
Do you want to make out with me?
What?
Forget it. I'm sorry. (beat) Well, do you?
Sometimes when I'm sitting in class... you know, I'm not thinking about class, 'cause that would never happen. I think about kissing you. And it's like everything stops. It's like, it's like freeze frame: Willow kissage.
He nods his head and smiles to himself and Willow glows and waits expectantly.
Oh, I'm not going to kiss you.
What? But freeze frame!
Well, to the casual observer, it would appear that you're trying to make your friend Xander jealous or even the score or something. And that's on the empty side. See, in my fantasy when I'm kissing you, you're kissing me. It's okay. I can wait. (sees the window open) We're up.
He gets out of the van. Willow watches him and smiles.
Jenny enters, followed by Buffy and Giles.
Oh, my god.
She rushes to her uncle. He's laid out on the bed, dead and covered with blood. Buffy looks up at the wall behind him. A message is written there in blood:
He's doing this deliberately, Buffy. He's trying to make it harder for you.
He's only making it easier. I know what I have to do.
What?
Kill him.
Angelus walks down the metal spiral staircase. The Judge slowly moves to Spike.
I am ready.
About time.
Drusilla sits on Spike's lap and kisses him. The Judge walks off in disgust.
Have fun.
Too bad you can't come with, huh? I'll be thinkin' of you.
I won't be in this chair forever.
Angelus takes Drusilla's hand and they start out after the Judge.
What happens if your girlfriend shows up?
I'm going to give her a kiss. (to the Judge) Don't you look spiffy!
Spiffy?
Drusilla smiles up at Angelus and Spike is left behind all by himself.
Xander and Oz lift a long crate onto the desk and set it before Buffy and Giles.
Happy birthday, Buffy. I hope you like the color.
She looks down at the box as Giles wedges a crowbar into the lock.
Giles, we go to the factory first, but they might not be there. They're on the offensive. We need to figure out where they'd go.
Giles lifts on the crowbar and breaks the clasp.
Agreed.
This is good.
Jenny Calendar appears in the doorway.
Do you... is there something I can do?
Get out.
I just want to help.
She just said get out.
Buffy looks up at Giles and he looks sadly into the crate. Jenny hesitates for a moment, then turns and leaves.
Do you want me to show you how to use it?
Yes, I do.
The warehouse is deserted. Buffy walks up to the table.
I knew it.
We haven't a bead on where they would go?
I don't know... somewhere crowded, I guess. I mean, the Judge needs bodies, right?
The Bronze?
It's closed tonight.
There's not a lot of choices in Sunnydale. It's not like people are going to line up to get massacred.
Uh, guys? If I were going to line up, I know where I'd go.
Pan across a group of people at the refreshment stand in the center of the mall. The area between the shops is crowded with people. Customers are moving between the floors; we follow a woman up one side and over to the doors.
The doors open and the Judge, Angelus and Drusilla walk in flanked by their vampiric troops. A man is walking up the stairs and the Judge reaches out with his hand, an arc of energy leaping outward to the man. The man freezes, a look of surprise on his face and he quickly begins to combust. He disappears in a puff of flame and smoke.
Lock the exits, boys.
The vampires hurry down the stairs to do Angelus' bidding.
It's all yours.
The Judge smiles.
An elevator. The doors open and Buffy strides out. Giles and Xander follow carrying the crate on their shoulders. The others bring up the rear.
Everybody keep back. Damage control only. Take out any lesser vamps if you can. I'll handle the Smurf.
The Judge. He extends his arms and his deadly energy arcs out to and through the mall customers, freezing them in their tracks. A broad smile spreads across the Judge's blue features while Angelus and Drusilla enjoy the show.
Oh, goody!
Suddenly a crossbow bolt hits the Judge in the chest and breaks his concentration. The arcs of energy disappear leaving the crowd dazed but alive. The Judge yanks the bolt from his chest.
Who dares?
Angelus and Drusilla look over at the refreshment stand. Pan up from the floor, past Willow, Oz, Giles and Cordelia, past Xander opening the crate and up to Buffy standing on the top level, holding the crossbow.
Think I got his attention.
You're a fool. No weapon forged can stop me.
That was then.
Xander hands her the weapon from the box and she raises the LAWS anti-tank missile to her shoulder.
This is now.
She powers it on and Angelus and Drusilla exchange a look of concern. Buffy sets her sights and opens the trigger guard. The rest of the team takes cover behind the snack counter. Angelus and Drusilla decide to play it safe and run for cover. Buffy takes aim. The Judge just looks at her, unconcerned.
What's that do?
Buffy pulls the trigger and the rocket shoots across the mall and slams into the Judge's chest. He explodes into hundreds of pieces and disappears in a conflagration of flame and smoke. The crowd panics and Angelus and Drusilla are hurled over the railing to the floor below by the shockwave. Bits of charred Judge fall all around them.
Buffy looks up from the rocket launcher's sights and looks over at them in satisfaction. Enraged, Angelus gets up and runs off. Flustered and confused, Drusilla runs off in the opposite direction. The team looks over the counter at what's left of the Judge as the smoke cloud from the explosion billows its way up to the ceiling.
Best present ever.
She hands the weapon down to Xander.
Knew you'd like it.
Do you think he's dead?
We can't be sure. Pick up the pieces and keep them separate.
They all start to collect what's left of the Judge.
Pieces? We get the pieces. Our job sucks!
A side corridor of the mall. Angelus looks up at Buffy. Frightened customers are running every which way. Buffy sees him, jumps down from the refreshment stand and starts to give chase. Angelus struggles past some customers and runs.
Mall floor. Parts of the Judge lie everywhere and are still burning. The smoke reaches the sprinklers and water cascades down.
The water rains down on Buffy, soaking her as she searches for Angelus. Suddenly he comes at her and hits her from behind. She falls over backward.
You know what the worst part was, huh? Pretending that I loved you. If I'd known how easily you'd give it up, I wouldn't have even bothered.
That doesn't work anymore. You're not Angel.
You'd like to think that, wouldn't you? It doesn't matter. The important thing is you made me the man I am today!
Buffy kicks him in the face. He blocks her next swing and punches her in the face and in the gut. Then he grabs her and swings her around to throw her, but her footing is good and she regains her balance. He kicks her in the face and this time she falls to the floor.
Willow bends down to pick up a piece of the Judge's armor. She's been soaked to the skin by the sprinklers. Pan from her over to Oz who has found an actual body part.
Uh... arm.
Angelus. He grabs Buffy as she tries to get up and heaves her over onto her back again. She rolls around to her feet and comes at him. She swings but he blocks and
hits her instead. He follows up with a backhand punch, sending her back to the floor again.
Not quittin' on me already, are ya? Come on, Buffy. You know you want it, huh?
She leaps up and kicks him in the face. He staggers backward and then snaps forward as Buffy knees him in the chin and then delivers a series of punches to his gut. She ends with a punch to his face. But he isn't fazed and lunges at her. The fight continues, Buffy's rage giving her an advantage. She manages to stun Angelus and pulls out a stake, standing ready to finish the job.
Angelus straightens up and faces her. For a long moment, Buffy doesn't move, then lowers the stake and stares at him.
You can't do it. You can't kill me.
Her anger boils over and she kicks him squarely in the groin. Angelus grabs his groin and moans as the pain overwhelms him. He collapses to his knees as Buffy turns her back on him and walks away.
Give me time.
3
Giles pulls up in his ancient car to drop her off. He looks over at her and shuts off the engine. The only noise is that of the crickets outside. Giles breaks the silence.
It's not over. I suppose you know that. He'll come after you, particularly. His profile... well, he's likely to strike out at the things that made him the most human.
You must be so disappointed in me.
No. No, I'm not.
But this is all my fault.
No. I don't believe it is. Do you want me to wag my finger at you and tell you that you acted rashly? You did. And I can. I know that you loved him. And... he has proven more than once that he loved you. You couldn't have known what would happen. The coming months are going to be hard-- I suspect on all of us-- but if it's guilt you're looking for, Buffy, I'm not your man. All you will get from me is my support. And my respect.
Buffy smiles at him through her tears.
An old black-and-white romance movie is playing on TV. The actors are slow dancing, very much in love.
Joyce walks in holding a plate with two cupcakes-- one with a candle-- and a large coffee mug.
Did I miss anything?
Just some singing and some running around.
Joyce sets the plate and mug down and looks around for the matches.
I'm sorry I didn't have time to make you a real cake.
No. This is good.
Joyce sits back on the couch with her feet up.
But we're still going shopping on Saturday. So what'd you do for your birthday? Did you have fun?
I got older.
You look the same to me.
She strikes a match and lights the cupcake candle.
Happy birthday. (smiles) I don't have to sing, do I?
No.
Well, go on, make a wish.
Buffy stares at it for a long moment.
I'll just let it burn.
Joyce reaches up and strokes her daughter's hair and Buffy leans over and rests her head on her mother's shoulder. Joyce holds Buffy tight as the movie comes to an end.