[Transcript of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" episode Phases 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.
OZ is hunched over, inspecting Catherine Madison's cheerleading trophy. He stares at its eyes as he moves his head from one side to the other. WILLOW walks in from outside and comes up to him.
Hi.
Oh, that's what I was going to say.
What ya looking at?
This cheerleading trophy. It's like its eyes follow you wherever you go. I like it.
He turns his attention back to Willow and they start down the hall together.
So did you like the movie last night?
I don't know. Today's movies are kind of like popcorn. You know, you forget about them as soon as they're done. I do remember I liked the popcorn, though.
Yeah, it was good. And I had a really fun time with the rest. (beat) I mean, the part with you.
Oh, that's great. My time was also of the good.
Mine, too. (beat; awkward) Well, then...
Oz raises his eyebrows expectantly. Willow looks past him and sees BUFFY down the hall.
Oh, there. (points) I have my friend. So I will go to her.
I'll see you then. Later.
LARRY and some other jocks walk the other direction and stare hard at Willow and Buffy's backsides as they move off. Larry bites his fist and turns to Oz.
Man! Oz, I would love to get me some of that Buffy and Willow action, if you know what I mean.
That's great, Larry. You've really mastered the single entendre.
Larry notices a pretty girl coming down the hall and ignores the insult in favor of her. As she walks by he taps her books and they fall out of her hands.
Hey!
Oops!
She bends down to pick up her books, and Larry and the other jocks stare at her legs.
Oh! Oh, thank you, Thighmaster!
The girl gives them a dirty look and stalks off.
So Oz, man, what's up with that? Dating a junior? Let me guess. That little innocent schoolgirl thing is just an act, right?
Yeah. Yeah, she's actually an evil mastermind. It's fun.
I mean, she's gotta be putting out or what's the point? What are you going to do, talk? (laughs) Come on, fess up. How far have you gotten?
Buffy and Willow are walking and talking about Willow's impending boyfriend.
Nowhere. I mean, he said he was going to wait until I was ready, but I'm ready. Honest. I'm good to go here.
Well, I think it's nice that he's not just being an animal.
It is nice. He's great. We have a lot of fun. But I want smoochies!
Have you dropped any hints?
I've dropped anvils.
Ah, he'll come around. What guy could resist your wily Willow charms?
At last count? All of them. Maybe more.
Well, none of them know a thing. They all get an 'F' in Willow.
But I want Oz to get an 'A', and... oh! one of those gold stars.
They sit on a bench.
He will.
Well, he better hurry. I don't want to be the only girl in school without a real boyfriend.
Buffy looks away. Willow realizes her insensitivity.
Oh, I'm such an idiot. I'm sorry. I shouldn't even be talking about... do you want me to go away?
I wish you wouldn't.
How are you holding up anyway?
I'm holding. I was going on two minutes there without thinking about Angel.
Well, there you go.
But I would do a lot better if you and Xander and I could do that 'sharing our misery' thing tonight.
Great. I'll give Xander a call. What's his number? (rolls her eyes) Oh, yeah, 1-800-I'm-Dating-A-Skanky-Ho.
Meow!
Really? Thanks. I've never gotten a 'meow' before.
Well-deserved.
Darn tootin'. I'm just saying, Xander and Cordelia? I mean, what does he see in her anyway?
CORDELIA and XANDER are making out in big way. Suddenly Xander breaks off.
But what could she possibly see in him?
Excuse me? We didn't come here to talk about Willow. We came here to do things I can never tell my father about because he still thinks I'm a good girl.
I just don't trust Oz with her. I mean, he's a senior, he's attractive-- okay, maybe not to me-- and he's in a band. And we know what kind of element that attracts.
I've dated lots of guys in bands.
Thank you.
Do you even want to be here?
I'm not running away.
Because when you're not babbling about poor, defenseless Willow, you are raving about the all-powerful Buffy.
I do not babble. I occasionally run-on, every now and then I yammer--
Xander?
Yeah?
Look around. We're in my daddy's car, it's just the two of us, there is a beautiful, big full moon outside tonight. It doesn't get more romantic than this. (insistent) So shut up!
He yields to reason and they start making out again.
Outside. Pull away from the car into the bushes revealing a large, hairy beast watching and growling menacingly.
Opening credit sequence.
Cordelia and Xander are still kissing passionately. Xander hears some rustling outside and breaks off.
Did you hear that?
What is it now?
I thought I heard something.
Is Willow sending out some sort of distress signal that only you can hear?
He waits a moment and hears nothing.
Huh.
He smiles at her sheepishly, and they go back to it. An instant later Xander hears more rustling, louder this time and pulls back again.
Okay, now I know I heard something.
All right, that's it. You know, your mind hasn't been here all night. How about I just drop you off--
A hairy arm ending in wicked claws punches through the convertible top. Cordelia screams and makes a grab for the keys.
Get us out of here!
The creature on the roof of the car snarls as it paws at them. The keys aren't in the ignition and Cordelia frantically searches for them on the floor.
Where are the keys?
We should be moving! Let's go!
Oh, I got 'em! Got 'em!
She fumbles with the keys but manages to get them into the ignition and starts the car, slamming it into reverse and gunning the engine. Then she slams on the brakes, sending the creature tumbling into a nearby tree. Cordelia shifts the car into drive and speeds away, a gaping hole in the ragtop flapping in the wind.
Told you I heard something.
Buffy inspects the hole in the car's roof.
And you're sure it was a werewolf?
Well, let's see... six feet tall, claws, a big old snout in the middle of his face like a wolf. Yeah, I'm sticking with my first guess.
Seems wise.
Oh, and then there was that little thing where it tried to bite us.
It was so awful.
She rests her head on Xander's shoulder. He wraps his arm around her waist.
I know.
Daddy just had this car detailed.
GILES walks up behind Buffy with a newspaper.
So what's the word?
Well, it seems there were a, a number of other attacks by a wild dog around town. (re: paper) Several animal carcasses were found mutilated.
You mean, like bunnies and stuff? (upset) No, don't tell me.
Oh, don't worry. I mean, they might not look it but bunnies can really take care of themselves.
Yeah?
Yeah.
Yes, fortunately no people were injured.
That falls into the 'that's a switch' column.
Well, for now. But my guess is that this werewolf will be back at next month's full moon.
What about tonight's full moon?
Pardon?
Well, last night was the night before the full moon, traditionally known as... 'the night before the full moon.'
Meaning the accepted legend that werewolves only prowl during a full moon might be erroneous.
Or it could be a crock.
Unless the werewolf was using last year's almanac.
Looks like Giles has some schooling to do.
Yes, I must admit I am intrigued. Werewolves, it's... it's one of the classics. I'm sure my books and I are in for a fascinating afternoon.
Giles heads off mumbling to himself.
He needs to get a pet.
The class is seated on the bleachers listening to the female self-defense coach.
Sunnydale is becoming more dangerous all the time, and a full moon like tonight tends to bring out the crazies, but with some simple basics of self-defense each of you can learn how to protect yourself.
Here's a suggestion: move away from the Hellmouth.
What you want to do is gain advantage of the situation as quickly as possible.
Willow smiles at Buffy's suggestion. Behind her Oz reaches up and turns the tag sticking out of her sweatshirt back inside. She looks back at him curiously. He pats her on the back.
Tag.
Willow smiles at Buffy.
Xander and Cordelia.
Your attacker may have the benefit of surprise.
Would you look at that? He's all over her.
Cordelia looks over at Buffy, Oz and Willow.
But if you plan ahead,...
Psst! Hey, buddy, this is a public forum here.
...then you can turn that advantage to yourself.
I think you splashed on just a little too much Obsession For Dorks.
By being prepared, you have the power. Okay, everyone get into your assigned groups.
The students all get up from the bleachers and go down to the floor. Larry takes off his sweat jacket and goes to the table to check which group he's in. Xander sees his arm all wrapped up in a bandage just above the elbow.
What happened?
Oh, last week some huge dog jumped out of the bushes and bit me. Thirty-nine stitches. They ought to shoot those strays.
I've been there, man. (holds up his finger) My cousin Jordy just got his grownup teeth in? Does not like to be tickled.
Xander laughs. Larry just shakes his head and then goes over to THERESA KLUSMEYER, who is doing stretching exercises.
Theresa! Be still my shorts. We're in the same group. I may have to attack you.
No, actually, I think in our group there are a few of us.
And I'm one of the few.
Willow comes up behind her quickly, takes her arm and pulls her aside. Buffy keeps her eye on Larry another moment, then turns to Willow.
Don't forget, you're supposed to be a meek little girlie-girl like the rest of us.
Spoil my fun.
Later. Everyone is lined up and paired off, girls in front, boys in back. The teacher is using Buffy as an example for the rest of the students.
Okay, everyone, listen up. I want to show you what to do should you be attacked from behind. In this situation, bend forward, using your back and shoulders to flip the assailant over to the ground.
The other girls all bend over, too. The boys follow Larry's lead and put their arms around the girls' necks. Buffy grabs Larry's arm and feigns a few attempts to flip him over. Willow gives her a smile and nod.
Oh, Summers, you are turning me on.
He grabs her butt cheek hard with his other hand. That's it for Buffy: she immediately flips him over hard onto the mat. Larry groans in pain as he lies there. Willow shoots Buffy a look as she and Oz stand back up. The teacher notices also.
That works, too.
Giles is demonstrating the phases of the moon to Buffy and Xander and Willow using a large earth globe with a smaller moon globe attached by a bar.
And while there's absolutely no scientific explanation for lunar effect on the human psyche, the phases of the moon do seem to exert a great deal of psychological influence. And the full moon seems to bring out our darkest qualities.
And yet ironically led to the invention of the moon pie.
Oh... (chuckles) yes, the moon pie. You see, the werewolf is such a potent extreme representation of our inborn animalistic traits that it emerges for three full consecutive nights: the full moon and the two nights surrounding it.
Quite the party animal.
Quite. And it acts on pure instinct. No conscience; predatory and aggressive.
In other words, your typical male.
On behalf of my gender, hey!
Yes, let's not jump to any conclusions.
I didn't jump. I took a tiny step and there conclusions were.
The point is that our wolf-man could also be a wolf-woman or anyone who was bitten by a werewolf.
So then I'm guessing your standard silver bullets are in order here?
No. No bullets. No matter who this werewolf is, it's still a human being who may be completely unaware of his or her condition.
So tonight we bring 'em back alive.
The moon is full and several cars are parked there with couples making out. Giles walks by some cars holding his flashlight out in front of him. Buffy meets up with him.
Anything yet?
Yes. And you won't believe what I saw. Brittany Podell was making out with Owen Stadeel, but she goes with Barrett Williams. If she ever found... (off Giles' look) No, no sign of the werewolf. How about you?
The same. I thought we might... I thought we might knock on a few windows, ask if anyone has seen anything yet.
Giles, no one's seen anything.
Oh, yes. No, of course not, no. Yes.
He sets off to continue looking. She waits a moment and then heads off into the bushes herself. Buffy scans around with her flashlight as she walks into a small clearing. Suddenly she hears a noise like a latch releasing and yelps as her feet are swept out from under and she's enveloped in a net. Below her CAIN, dressed in safari gear points his scoped, double-barreled rifle up at her and pulls back the hammer.
Gotcha!
Cain takes a closer look at what he's caught.
What the hell?
Giles! Giles!
Giles runs into the clearing.
Hey! (sees the gun) Whoa!
Hands are good right about there.
Who are you? What are you doing?
The name's Cain. I'm the one with the gun, which means I'm the one who gets to do the interviewing.
Ahem. Hey, before we get all chummy here, how about we do something about me being in this net thing?
Cain sighs, lowers the flintlock and leans it against a boulder. He pulls out his buck-knife and cuts the rope holding the net. It falls and Buffy hits the ground fairly hard. Giles reaches down to untangle the net.
You all right?
Yeah.
Gotta say, I'm impressed.
Excuse me?
Well, it's good to get the fruit while it's fresh.
You'd be wise to take that back.
Hey, what a man and a girl do in lovers' lane at night is nobody's busi--
Giles makes a move toward Cain but Buffy holds him back.
Oh, okay, hey, enough, repulsive brain. It's not what you think. (beat) We're hunting werewolves.
Cain laughs.
Okay, it's funny if you don't believe in werewolves.
No, it's funny thinking about you two catching one. I mean, this guy looks like he's auditioning to be a librarian and you... well, you're a girl.
I assure you she's quite capable.
Uh-huh. Let me ask you something, sweetheart. Exactly how many of these animals have you taken out?
As of today?
I tore a tooth from the mouth of every werewolf that I killed. (indicates his necklace) This next one will bring the total to an even dozen.
So you're just going to kill it?
Well see, that's the thing. Their pelts fetch a pretty penny in Sri Lanka and it's a little hard to skin 'em when they're alive.
You hunt werewolves for sport?
No. I'm in it purely for the money.
And it doesn't bother you that a werewolf is a person twenty- eight days out of the month?
That's why I only hunt 'em the other three. I'd really love to stay and chat but I'm on a tight schedule. Any idea where else the boys and girls like to get together around here?
You're looking for a party?
No, but the werewolf is. They're suckers for that whole sexual heat thing. Sense it miles away. Since this little doggie ain't here, I guess he found another place.
Sorry. Wish I could help you.
But you don't know squat? (shakes his head) Gee, what a surprise.
He gathers up his net and leaves. Buffy turns and heads back to the car.
Where are we going?
I think I know where to look. We just have to make it there before mein furrier.
Theresa is walking home, alone. As she passes a house with a fenced in front yard overgrown with weeds, she hears rustling and stops to look around. Seeing nothing, she continues.
POV: Through the weeds and fencing, we watch Theresa walking along the sidewalk.
POV: Back to scene as she stops again, searching the night for the source of the rustling noise. When she hears a low growl, she decides it's time to run, keeping her attention riveted behind her. With her attention elsewhere, she fails to see ANGELUS and barrels into him, screaming in fright.
Everything okay?
Yeah, I just-- I thought I heard something... behind me.
He walks around to have a look, then turns back to her.
No one there.
Oh. I guess I was wrong. I could have sworn that--
It's okay. It can get pretty scary out here, all alone at night.
Yeah.
Hey, don't I know you from somewhere? Don't you go to school with Buffy?
Oh, you know Buffy?
Yes, I do. Very well. Come on, I'll get you home.
As they walk off together, she steals another quick look behind her, still not entirely convinced there is no danger.
The band of the night is in mid-song as we pan to Cordelia and Willow sitting on opposite sides of a couch by a low table.
I mean, with Xander it's always, 'Buffy did this', 'Willow said that'. Buffy, Buffy. Willow, Willow. It's like I don't even exist.
I sometimes feel like that.
And then when I call him on it, he acts all confused, like I'm the one with the problem.
His 'do I smell something?' look.
All a part of his little guy games. It's like he's there but then he's not there and he wants it but then he doesn't want it.
He's so busy looking around at everything he doesn't have, he doesn't even realize what he does have.
Well, he should at least realize that you have Oz.
I'm not sure I do. (confused) Oz and I are in some sort of holding pattern, except without the holding or... anything else.
What's he waiting for? What's his problem? (rolls her eyes) Oh, that's right, he's a guy.
Yeah, him and Xander. Guys.
Who do they think they are?
A couple of guys.
Suddenly the werewolf crashes down onto the table in front of them from above. The girls scream and run in opposite directions as panic sets in around them. The werewolf crouches, confused by all the noise.
Giles and Buffy roll up in his Citr–en as patrons flee for their lives.
Looks as though your hunch was right.
Who could resist Sunnydale's own house of hormones?
She opens the door and gets out just as Willow runs by.
The werewolf, it's in there.
Buffy makes a dash for the door before the bouncer can close it.
Coming through!
She rushes through the door.
The bouncer slams the door shut with a thud, leaving her alone in the club. As she looks around, we see the place has been trashed by the panicked crowd. Tables and chairs are lying everywhere, spilled drinks are splattered on the floor. Buffy sees a shadow behind a bead curtain and makes for it. As she walks she takes off her backpack and pulls out a heavy-duty chain.
The bead curtain that leads to the stage office is swinging gently. She climbs the few steps to the office and goes in. She ducks through another door to the stage, the chain wrapped around her forearm, ready for use. She cautiously steps out onto the stage.
Suddenly, the werewolf leaps out from behind the stage curtains, snarling. Buffy spins around to face it and drops her backpack. She quickly unravels a length of chain from her arms and gets ready. She whips the chain out and it wraps itself perfectly around the werewolf's neck. It begins to struggle and yanks at the chain, pulling Buffy into and over the drums. The chain falls from the werewolf's neck and it makes a dash for a window.
The werewolf comes crashing through the window and lands in the alley, bolting quickly out of sight.
Later. The Bronze employees are back and begin to straighten things up. Buffy stuffs her chain back into her backpack as Cain looks on.
You let it get away.
I didn't let it do anything. I had the chain around its neck.
Chain? What were you going to do, take it for a walk?
I was going to lock it up.
That's beautiful. This is what happens when a woman tries to do a man's job.
Buffy ignores him and puts on the backpack as Giles comes up behind Cain.
Now, you look here, Mr. Cain. This girl risked her life trying to capture a beast that you haven't as yet been able to find.
Uh-huh. And Daddy's doing a great job carrying her bag of milk bones.
Giles throws down his bag, but restrains himself. Cain steps closer to Buffy.
You know, sis, if that thing out there harms anyone, it's going to be on your pretty little head. I hope you can live with that.
I live with that every day.
Cain is disgusted.
First they tell me I can't hunt an elephant for its ivory... now I've gotta deal with People for the Ethical Treatment of Werewolves.
Pillock! Right, let's move out.
He grabs his bag and goes, Buffy following behind.
The werewolf pads into a pool of light next to a trailer and stops to sniff the air. It looks down and sees a large splotch of blood in the gutter. Curious, it continues along the side of the trailer and is startled when Theresa falls to the ground from behind the trailer with a vampire bite clearly visible on her neck. The werewolf looks down at her, but makes no move to eat her.
As the werewolf sniffs her corpse, Angelus steps out of the shadows, his fangs dripping blood. He snarls at the werewolf. The werewolf bares its fangs at Angelus and the two square off over Theresa's body. Finally, Angelus slowly backs away, leaving the werewolf alone with the dead girl.
Buffy approaches Giles' car.
Giles?
When she doesn't see anyone in it she runs up to the car.
Giles!
She reaches the open window and looks in. Giles starts awake and sits up.
I didn't see you there. I thought something had happened.
Oh, no, I'm...
Buffy opens the passenger door and gets into the car. A newscast is playing on the radio.
I'm okay. I'm just fine... any sign of the werewolf?
No. I'm guessing you didn't see anything either from that vantage point of having your eyes closed.
It's going to be light soon, so we'd better--
Wait.
Police say that the incident was apparently connected to the animal mutilation which occurred two nights ago. The coroner's office has identified the body as that of Sunnydale High School student Theresa Klusmeyer, age seventeen. The authorities ask that anyone with further information...
Buffy, we're going to get this thing. We have another whole night. There's nothing more we can do now. It's nearly sunrise. That werewolf won't be a werewolf much longer.
Buffy looks down, defeated.
Looking down on the city of Sunnydale from atop a hill. The sun is coming up in the distance.
The werewolf lies asleep on the ground in the woods. Pan from its rear paws over to its head. When the sunlight hits the werewolf, it morphs back into human form: Oz. He wakes up, opens his eyes and looks around confused. He sits up and stares around at the forest, then looks down at himself and realizes he's naked.
Huh.
Oz is on the phone with his aunt.
Aunt Maureen. Hey, it's me. What? Oh! It's... actually it's healing okay. That's pretty much the reason I called. I wanted to ask you something. Is Jordy a werewolf? Uh-huh. And how long has that been going on? Uh-huh. What? No, no reason. Thanks. Yeah, love to Uncle Ken.
He sets the receiver down and turns it off. The realization that he's a werewolf starts to sink in.
Oz walks slowly among the other students as he makes his way to the library. He looks down and around at everyone, still trying to deal with his recent revelation. When he reaches the library, he stares at the door for a long moment.
Buffy paces. Willow is sitting at the table with Giles behind her and Xander is leaning against the counter.
I can't believe I let that thing get away. Cain was right. I should have killed it when I had the chance.
Oz comes in and overhears her comment.
Killed what?
The... the werewolf. It was out last night.
Is everybody okay? Did anyone get bitten or scratched?
No, we're fine.
Gladness.
Yeah, but he got someone. Theresa.
'Got', as in...
Buffy just looks at him and briefly raises her eyebrows.
Oh, I'm sorry.
And I could have stopped it.
Well, we have one more night.
Another night?
Oh, yeah. Believe me, I'm going to give that wolfie something to howl about.
But while we hang here doing nothing, there's a human werewolf walking around out there, probably making fun of us.
The way werewolves always do.
But there's really no way to tell who it is.
Oh, sure there is. Giles knows stuff and I'm practically an expert on the subject.
On account of once you were a hyena?
I know what it's like to crave the taste of freshly killed meat, to be taken over by those uncontrollable urges.
You said you didn't remember anything about that.
I said I didn't remember anything about that. Look, the point is I have an affinity with this thing. I can get inside of its head.
He closes his eyes and starts to "be" the werewolf.
I'm a big, bad wolf. I'm on the prowl. (sniffs) I'm sniffing, I'm snarling, I'm a slobbering predator, I'm... (opens his eyes) Wait a second! It's right in front of us.
Oz's eyes go wide with fear.
It's obvious who I am. I'm Larry! The guy's practically got wolf-boy stamped on his forehead. You got the dog bite, you got the aggression, not to mention the excessive back hair.
Oz is relieved.
And he was awfully gleeful about tormenting Theresa.
Still, that doesn't necessarily mean that--
I'm going to go talk to him. Going to force a confession out of him.
With that Xander stands up and leaves the room.
Good. Go. In the meantime, we need to cover our bases. Willow, check the student files. See if anybody else fits the profile. Buffy?
Where are we going?
If none of that works, I think I may have an alternative.
Yeah, me and the werewolf alone in a cage for three minutes. That's all I ask.
She follows Giles into his office.
Are you okay?
Oz comes back to earth.
What?
You kind of knew Theresa.
Oh yeah, I'm trying not to think about it. It's... it's a lot.
It is. But we can do stuff to help. Sometimes it feels good to help.
Uh-huh.
Buffy comes back to the office door, but holds back, not wanting to interrupt Willow and Oz.
Well, like... looking up stuff. I'm going to be doing that most of the night. You could help me, help together?
I can't. I'm busy.
Oh. So...
I... I gotta go.
He jogs out of the library. Willow watches him go, dejected. Buffy looks sadly at her friend from the office doorway.
Larry is at the sink, splashing water onto his face. He grabs a towel and dries off as he heads for his gym locker. Xander is there waiting for him and kicks his locker closed to get his attention. Larry takes the towel from his face and looks at Xander, startled.
Harris. Sheesh. Next time wear a bell.
Why so jumpy, Larry?
Geeks make me nervous.
Is that really it or is there something you're hiding?
I could hide my fist in your face.
I know your secret, big guy. I know what you've been doing at night.
You know, Harris, that nosey little nose of yours is going to get you into trouble someday... like today.
He grabs Xander by the shirt and lifts him up.
Hurting me isn't going to make this go away. People are still going to find out.
All right. What do you want? Hush money? Is that what you're after?
XANDER I don't want anything! I just want to help!
What, you think you have a cure?
No, it's just... I know what you're going through because I've been there. That's why I know you should talk about it.
Yeah, that's easy for you to say. I mean, you're nobody. I've got a reputation here.
Larry, please, before someone else gets hurt.
Look, if this gets out, it's over for me. I mean, forget about playing football. They'll run me outta this town. I mean, come on! How are people going to look at me after they find out I'm gay.
Xander looks at him, completely floored by Larry's admission. However, Larry looks like a heavy burden has just been lifted and smiles.
Oh, wow. I said it. And it felt... okay. (whispers) I'm gay. (louder) I am gay.
I heard you the first time.
I can't believe it. It was almost easy. I never felt I could tell anyone. And then you, you of all people, you bring it out of me.
It probably would have slipped out even if I wasn't here.
No, because knowing you went through the same thing, made it easier for me to admit it.
The same thing...
Larry puts his arm around Xander.
It's ironic. I mean, all those times I beat the crap out of you, it must have been because I recognized something in you that I didn't want to believe about myself.
Larry, no, I am not--
Of course, of course not. Don't worry. I wouldn't do that to you. Your secret's safe with me.
He gives Xander a thumbs-up and smiles.
Wow.
He drapes the towel around his neck, closes his gym locker and walks off. Xander stares after him in disbelief.
Willow is net-surfing on her laptop. Buffy comes out of Giles' office and goes over to her.
So what's the scuttlebutt? Anybody besides Larry fit our werewolf profile?
There is one name that keeps getting spit out. Aggressive behavior, run-ins with authorities-- about a screen-full of violent incidents.
Okay, most of those were not my fault. Somebody else started 'em. I was just standing up for myself.
They say it's a good idea to count to ten when you're angry.
One... two... three...
I'll keep looking!
I, um... noticed you were looking solo.
Yeah. Oz wanted to be someplace that was away... from me.
I'm sorry.
I can't figure him out. I mean, he's so hot and cold. Or lukewarm and cold.
Welcome to the mystery that is men. I think it goes something like: they grow body hair, they lose all ability to tell you what they really want.
It doesn't seem like a fair trade.
She stands up and puts her laptop in its case.
Well, if you want to up the speed quotient with Oz, maybe you need to do something daring. Maybe you need to make the first move.
She slides off of the table and Willow follows her as she gets her stuff for class.
Well, that won't make me a slut?
I think your reputation will remain intact.
Willow and Buffy come out of the library.
It used to be so much easier to tell if a boy liked you. He'd punch you on the arm and then run back to his friends.
Those were the days.
Hey.
They stop. He taps Buffy on the arm. She looks up at him.
I'll see you guys later. (off Buffy's look) Cordelia asked me to look over her history homework before class. I think that means I might have to do it.
Wow, those two gals are hanging out a lot together. This would be a good time to panic.
Buffy lets out a laugh and they start down the hall.
So how'd it go with Larry?
What's that supposed to mean?
I think it's supposed to mean, 'so how'd it go with Larry'?
She stops at her locker and reaches for the combination lock.
He's not the werewolf. Can't we just leave it at that? Must you continue to push and push?
I'm sorry. I was just wondering.
Well, he's not.
Okay.
Okay.
But there goes our lead suspect. Which then puts us right back at square boned.
You're not boned, you're Buffy. Eradicator of Evil. Defender of... things that need defending.
Tell that to Theresa. She could have used my defending before she was ripped apart by that...
Werewolf?
Nowhere in any of the reports did it say anything about her being mauled. I mean, they were linked to the animal attacks from the other night, so we just assumed werewolf.
What else should we have assumed?
Theresa is laid out in her coffin with a scarf around her neck. Buffy pulls it back and sees the ragged bite.
Vampire.
So that's good, right? I mean in the sense of the werewolf didn't get her and... (off Buffy's look) No. There is no good here.
No good. Instead of not protecting Theresa from the werewolf, I was able to not protect her from something just as bad.
She pages through the guest register, then picks up the pen to add her own name.
She had a lot of friends...
Buffy, you can't blame yourself for every death that happens in Sunnydale. If it weren't for you people would be lined up five deep waiting to get themselves buried. Willow would be Robbie the Robot's love slave, I wouldn't even have a head... (matter of fact) and Theresa's a vampire.
Theresa opens her eyes, sits up, looks over at them and snarls. Buffy turns around and sees her hop out of the coffin. She lunges at Theresa, grabs her and
tries to wrestle her to the floor, but Theresa throws her down instead. She dives after Buffy and tries to pin her but Buffy rolls her over and gets on top. She makes a quick grab for a wooden easel holding a flower wreath and breaks off a leg. She's about to thrust it into Theresa's chest when she speaks.
Angel sends his love.
Buffy is caught off guard and hesitates a moment. Theresa kicks Buffy's arm and sends the stake skittering away. She seizes Buffy by the shoulders, wrestles her onto her back and pins her. Buffy struggles as Xander takes the easel and jams one of its legs through Theresa's back. She bursts into ashes and Buffy stares up at Xander, horrified.
He tosses the easel aside and helps Buffy up.
Angel.
Are you okay?
She hugs Xander for comfort.
This isn't happening. He's going to keep coming after me.
Don't let him get to you. He's not the same guy you knew.
They hold each other for a moment, sharing a warm look between them, then she breaks and heads out the door.
Oh, no, my life's not too complicated.
He shakes his head and follows her out.
Cain's van is parked with the curtains drawn.
The van is set up like a small hunter's lodge with hunting equipment and traps hanging from the walls and a lab bench full of reloading equipment. He reaches down, picks up a small iron pan and sets it on the bench. He has a Bunsen burner going and he takes a small long-handled melting cup and holds it over the flame. When the silver in the cup becomes molten he takes it over to a mold and pours the silver into it. He sets the melting cup aside and breaks open the mold. Inside is
a perfectly formed bullet. He holds the gleaming object up to inspect it in the dim light.
Establishing.
Oz dumps a box full of shackles and locks out onto the table. He looks at them and considers a moment, then with a strengthened resolve starts to put one on. He's about to lock it when there's a knocking at the door. He ignores it but the knocking is insistent. He looks at the door in frustration and sets the lock and shackles down. When he opens it, he finds an irate Willow standing there, flushed.
Willow! What are you doing?
She pushes her way inside.
I had this whole thing worked out. And I had it written down but then it didn't make any sense when I was reading it back.
Willow, this is not a very good time.
I mean, what am I supposed to think? First, you buy me popcorn and then you're all glad that I didn't get bit. (soft) And you put the tag back in my shirt. (harsh) But I guess none of that means anything because instead of looking up names with me, here you are all alone in your house doing nothing by yourself.
Willow, we'll talk about this tomorrow. I promise.
He tries to lead her out but she shakes him off.
No, damn it! We'll talk about this now! Buffy told me that sometimes what a girl makes has to be the first move and now that I'm saying this, I'm starting to think that the written version sounded pretty good, but you know what I mean.
I know, I know, it's me. I'm going through some... changes.
Well, welcome to the world! Things happen. Don't you think I'm going through a lot?
Not like me.
Oh what, so now you're special? You're special boy... (re: shackles) with chains and stuff. Why do you have chains and stuff?
Oz doubles over in pain and hugs his chest.
Willow, please! Get outta here!
She stares at him confused. He falls behind the couch out of her view. There he begins to rapidly grow hair and mutate into a werewolf.
Oz? Oz, what is it?
She slowly approaches the couch. Oz's fingers grow longer and hairier.
What's wrong?
She hears Oz moaning in pain, then looks carefully over the edge of the couch. Oz the werewolf leaps to his feet and snarls at her. She screams and jumps backward away from him.
Willow screams and bolts through the dining room. Oz gives chase as she runs down the hall and out the back door.
Willow runs. The werewolf races around the corner chasing after her. She leaps a wooden fence and drops to the other side just as Oz reaches the fence behind her. She grabs a metal trashcan and smashes it into the werewolf's face as it tries to climb over after her.
Cain's van rolls slowly along. He looks up and sees the werewolf trying to leap over the fence.
There you are.
He pulls the van over to the side of the road.
Giles opens a guncase, undoes the straps and pulls out the stock. He takes the barrel and scope assembly and clicks them into place. Buffy walks up behind him.
Sorry I'm late. I had to do some unscheduled slayage in the form of Theresa.
She's a vampire?
Was. Angel sent her to me. A little token of his affection.
Buffy, I'm so sorry.
She holds up her hand to cut him off.
Not now, Giles. We can all have ourselves a good cry after we bag us a werewolf.
He plugs in the laser sight and holds the tranquilizer gun up to check the scope.
Willow dashes through the trees with the werewolf not far behind. She hops over a log, but then trips and falls to the ground. She rolls to face the werewolf in terror. It doesn't attack, but instead sniffs the air. It picks up the direction of the scent and rushes off. Willow quickly gets to her feet and runs the other way.
Giles checks the trigger mechanism of the gun.
All set. Let's go find this thing.
One question: how exactly do we find this thing?
Willow comes racing into the library.
It's Oz! It's Oz!
What's Oz?
The werewolf.
Are you certain?
Can't you just trust me on this? He said he was going through all these changes. Then he went through all these... changes.
Where is he now?
In the woods.
Let's go.
Go where? You're not going to kill Oz! Yeah, he's a werewolf, but he doesn't mean to be.
Don't worry, Willow. We're not going to hurt him.
They all start out of the library.
I put enough Phenobarbital in this thing to sink a small elephant. It should be enough for a large werewolf.
He grabs his coat from the counter and holds the door open for the girls.
The werewolf has found what it's looking for. So has Cain and he cocks the hammer on his rifle and lifts it to his shoulder. The werewolf sniffs the pile of meat Cain has left out for him.
That's it. Let me see you. Come on... suppertime.
The werewolf is on top of the bait now and Cain takes aim.
Good, doggy. Now play dead.
He is about to pull he trigger when he receives a paralyzing kick to his side. He falls to the ground and the gun fires wild; the werewolf looks up from its meal at
the commotion. Buffy grabs Cain's gun and wrestles him for it. She flips the rifle over and he follows, landing on his back and letting go of the gun in the process. As he tries to get up Buffy swings the butt of the rifle around and knocks him down and out.
The werewolf comes at her and she ducks the lunge. Giles and Willow arrive to see the werewolf lift Buffy off her feet. She pushes him back using Cain's gun to keep the wolf's fangs from her throat. Giles tries to get a clear shot but the werewolf turns and holds Buffy up between them.
Careful!
Damn it!
He continues to try for an opening, but is frustrated. Buffy raises the rifle high and smashes it down on the werewolf's head. It drops her and falls back stunned. It quickly gets up and swipes at her, knocking the gun from her hands. Then the werewolf shoves Buffy away and into Giles and Willow, bowling them over.
As it comes for them, Willow scrambles for the tranquilizer gun and brings it to bear. The werewolf charges and Willow pulls the trigger. The dart hits the creature square in the chest and it staggers backward before dropping to the ground, unconscious.
I shot Oz.
You saved us.
Giles takes the gun from Willow as Buffy retrieves Cain's gun. Cain is coming around, holding his aching ribs.
No wonder this town's overrun with monsters. No one here's man enough to kill 'em.
Oh, I wouldn't be too sure of that.
Cain turns to see her with his rifle. She takes the barrel in her hands and bends it into a nice arc before his eyes. She hands the rifle back to him as he looks at her in astonishment.
How about you let the door hit you in the ass on the way out of town?
Cain makes a move to go but stops to give her another appraising look. She stares back at him, hard and cold, and he thinks better of making an issue of it and leaves.
Buffy turns her attention to Willow who is crouched down next to Oz.
You think it'll be okay?
They both look up at Giles.
He'll be a little sore in the morning, but... he'll be Oz.
Xander and Buffy walk past the trophy case and into the lounge.
This is all so weird. I mean, how are we supposed to act when we see him?
Well, it's gotta be weird for him, too. Now that we know so much.
All I know is I'll never be able to look at him the same again.
He's still a human being. Most of the time.
Who are we talking about?
Oz. Who are you talking about?
No one.
He sees Larry's jock friends by the stairs knocking a girl's books out of her hands and laughing. Larry comes down the stairs behind her and quickly reaches down to help her pick up her books.
Hey, let me get those.
Thanks.
His friends seem surprised and so is Buffy. Larry comes over to them.
Hey! Xander. Look, about what you did. I owe you.
What'd you do?
It's really nothing we should be talking about. (to Larry) Ever.
I know, I know. It's just, well, thanks.
Larry walks off, leaving Buffy puzzled.
That was weird.
What, it's not okay for one guy to like another guy just because he happened to be in the locker room with him when absolutely nothing happened and I thought I told you not to push.
All I meant is that he didn't try to look up my skirt.
Oh, oh, yeah, that's the weirdness.
Weirdness abounds lately. Maybe it's the moon. That does stuff to people.
I've heard that.
Willow walks through the lounge.
Certainly going to put a strain on Willow and Oz's relationship.
What relationship? I mean, what life could they possibly have together? We're talking obedience school, paper training... Oz is always in back burying their things and that kind of breed can turn on its owner.
I don't know. I kind of see Oz as the loyal type.
All I'm saying is she's not safe with him. If it were up to me--
Xander... it's not up to you.
Willow approaches Oz who is sitting on a table.
Hey.
Hey.
Did you want to go first?
I spoke to Giles. He said I'll be okay. I just have to lock myself up around the full moon. Only he used more words than that. And a globe.
I'm sorry about how all this ended up. With me shooting you and all.
It's okay. I'm sorry I almost ate you.
It's okay. I kind of thought you would have told me.
I didn't know what to say. I mean, it's not everyday you find out you're a werewolf. That's fairly freaksome. It may take a couple days getting used to.
Yeah. It's a complication.
So... maybe it'd be best if I just... sorta...
What?
Well, you know, like, stayed out of your way for awhile.
I don't know. I'm kind of okay with you being in my way.
You mean, you'd still...
Well, I like you. You're nice and you're funny. And you don't smoke. Yeah okay, werewolf... but that's not all the time. I mean, three days out of the month I'm not much fun to be around either.
You are quite the human.
So I'd still if you'd still.
I'd still. I'd very still.
Willow breaks out into a huge smile.
Okay. (beat) No biting, though.
Agreed.
Willow walks off, happy as a lark. Oz is watching her go, when she suddenly turns back and plants a kiss right on his lips. As she once again heads off to class, he chuckles to himself.
A werewolf in love.