[Transcript of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" episode Becoming (part 2) 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 is crouched over KENDRA's corpse, having just arrived and found her sprawled in a pool of her own blood. Behind her a POLICE OFFICER rushes in, gun drawn.
Freeze! (she faces him) Put your hands up. Back away from the girl slowly.
Another OFFICER arrives behind the first, gun drawn as well. She surveys the scene as Buffy rises slowly to her feet and raises her hands.
Look, I didn't do anything.
Do it! Now!
The second officer holsters her gun and crouches down to feel for Kendra's pulse.
This one's dead.
The first officer looks toward the mezzanine.
What about up there?
Buffy and Officer #2 look up at the stacks and see XANDER lying unconscious on the floor behind the railing.
Xander...
She starts to go to him, but Officer#2 grabs her and pushes her back.
Get her out of here!
Wait! Just see if he's okay! Please!
The second officer hands her off to the first, and then goes to check on Xander. Buffy offers no resistance and lets herself be led out.
Officer #1 leads Buffy out of library by the arm.
Please, you don't understand.
You'd do well to keep your mouth shut, missy.
Principal SNYDER walks up followed by two more officers.
But I didn't do anything.
Why do I find that so very hard to believe?
In there. (to Snyder) You know this girl?
Buffy Summers. If there's trouble, she's behind it.
You stupid little troll. You have no idea!
Attitude problem. Serious.
Look, I just want to know if my friends are okay.
All right, that's enough.
He spins her around and takes out his cuffs.
You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and--
Buffy glances over her shoulder and without warning backhands the officer in the face. He grunts in pain and stumbles backward into the lockers. She grabs him by the neck and pushes his head down, flipping him over onto his back. Snyder takes a shocked step back as Buffy sprints past him down the hall. He is too stunned by what he's just seen to move.
Officer #2 runs out of the library and sees her partner on the floor and Buffy running away. She raises her gun and takes aim at Buffy.
Stop! (to Snyder) Get down!
Buffy looks back and ducks down an adjacent hall as the officer takes a shot. The bullet shatters the window of an open door. The other two officers come out of the library, guns drawn and ready, and she waves them in Buffy's direction. They run in pursuit. She grabs the radio mike at her shoulder and begins transmitting an APB on Buffy.
All units, we have a fugitive on foot at the high school. Homicide suspect. Female, blond, approximately sixteen years old. Suspect is very dangerous.
Opening credit sequence.
Buffy emerges into the hall from a stairwell door wearing a wool cap and a long, dark coat. She averts her eyes from the doctors and nurses. On the wall, she finds a slot with a few patient histories and checks the names on them. There are none she's interested in. She continues slowly down the hall, avoiding the eyes of a passing doctor. She checks another series of slots for names on paperwork, but finds nothing. XANDER approaches from behind and touches her on the back. She gasps and spins around, but is very relieved to see him standing there.
Xander! (hugs him tightly) Ohhh...
He hugs her back and they hold each other for a long moment, then Buffy lets go.
I was so worried, I didn't know if you were okay. The cops were--
Yeah, I heard them chase you out. I was just coming out of it. (holds up his cast) Souvenir.
Well, what about the others? Are they okay?
Xander sees two police officers come into the hall behind her. He grabs her in another tight hug, embracing her as a lover would. Surprised, Buffy goes along with it, nevertheless. When she glimpses the cops she hides her face in Xander's shoulder while they head down the hall in the opposite direction. When the police have gone they separate again.
Okay. That was about equal parts protecting me and copping a feel, right?
She smiles but Xander doesn't smile back. He turns his gaze downward, looking very worried.
What is it?
WILLOW lies unconscious in a hospital bed. She has a bandaged cut on her forehead and a black eye, but otherwise seems unhurt. Pan up from her face to Buffy and Xander standing next to the bed.
The doctor said it was head trauma. She can wake up at any time, but the longer it lasts, the... less likely it is.
I never should've let her try to do that curse. Angel must've known.
She reaches up to Willow's face and brushes back a few stray hairs.
Where are her parents?
With relatives in Phoenix. I gave them a call. They're getting on a plane back.
Does Oz know?
Oh, man. I didn't even think. I'll call him.
At the sound of footsteps behind them, they turn to see CORDELIA enter the room. Xander runs to her and they kiss and embrace.
Hey.
Hey. How is she? The doctor told me that--
Yeah. We're... still waiting.
Are you okay?
I ran. I think I made it through three counties before I realized nobody was chasing me. Not too brave...
It was the right thing to do.
Did Giles keep up with you?
I didn't see Giles.
You mean he's not in the hospital?
No.
GILES is lying on the floor, unconscious. ANGELUS is also lying on the floor facing him and waiting for him to come to. Slowly, he begins to stir.
Hi, Rupert. I wasn't sure you were going to wake up. You had me worried.
What do you want?
I want to torture you. I used to love it, and it's been a long time. I mean, the last time I tortured somebody, they didn't even have chainsaws.
He strolls past Giles over to the statue of Acathla, the stone demon with the sword protruding from its chest.
Oh, yeah. Acathla. He's an even harder guy to wake up than you are. I mean, I performed the rituals, said all the right phrases... blood on my hand. Got nothing. Big doughnut hole for my troubles. I figure you know the ritual. You're pretty up on these things. You could probably... tell me what I'm doing wrong. But honestly, I sorta hope you don't... because I really want to torture you.
DETECTIVE STEIN questions JOYCE as to Buffy's whereabouts.
No. It's impossible. There... there's been some terrible mistake.
And you have no idea where your daughter is?
She said she was going to her friend Willow's house. Maybe she slept over.
Is that Willow Rosenberg?
Yes.
Second victim.
What?
Your daughter has a history of violence, doesn't she, Ms. Summers?
Well...
He hands Joyce his card.
You call us, okay? If she decides to stop by. Be best if she just comes in.
He walks out the door leaving Joyce very worried and confused.
The door is ajar and Buffy cautiously makes her way inside.
Giles?
She looks around, but doesn't see him. Behind her WHISTLER comes down the stairs from the loft.
I don't think he's here.
Who are you?
Whistler.
What are you doing here?
I'm waiting for you.
Why?
Because I need a date to the prom.
Buffy reaches out, yanks him up by the throat and shoves him against the wall.
I have had a really bad day, okay? If you have information worth hearing, then I am grateful for it. If you're going to crack jokes, then I'm going to pull out your ribcage and wear it as a hat.
Hello to the imagery! Very nice. (serious) It wasn't supposed to go down like this. Nobody saw you coming. I figured this for Angel's big day. But I thought he was here to stop Acathla, not to bring him forth. Then you two made with the smoochies... now he's a creep again. Now, what are you going to do? What are you prepared to do?
Whatever I have to.
Maybe I should ask, what are you prepared to give up?
You don't have anything useful to tell me, do you? What are you, just some immortal demon sent down to even the score between good and evil?
Wow. Good guess.
Buffy gets right up in his face.
Well, why don't you try getting off your immortal ass and fighting evil once in a while? 'Cause I'm sick and tired of doing it myself.
In the end, you're always by yourself. You're all you've got. That's the point.
Spare me.
She turns and stalks out of the house. Whistler calls after her.
The sword isn't enough. You gotta be ready. You gotta know how to use it!
Buffy walks along the street with her head down. A car drives by. She steps into the street and watches as the car goes. When she turns back she sees a police car coming, but doesn't run, instead hoping that the officer won't notice her. He does, though, and turns on his lightbar and gives the siren a brief squawk. He pulls the car over, stops and gets out. Buffy ignores him and keeps walking right past the front of the vehicle. It's the same officer who tried to cuff Buffy earlier and got pounded for his trouble. He draws his gun.
Hold right there!
Buffy spins around to face him.
Put your hands on your head! Do it!
She stares at his gun, frightened, and begins to raise her hands. Suddenly the gun is kicked out of the officer's hands and he's knocked unconscious by a violent flurry of blows. He collapses across the hood of his squad car. The cop's attacker turns and faces a shocked Buffy: it's SPIKE. He smiles at her.
Hello, cutie.
Spike takes a step toward Buffy and she immediately decks him twice in the face. He grabs her by the shoulders to restrain her but she brings her knee up into his gut.
Now you hold on a second!
He gives her a good shove as she reaches into her coat and pulls out a stake. Spike jumps back and holds up his hands in surrender.
Hey! White flag here. I quit.
Let me clear this up for you. We're mortal enemies. We don't get time-outs.
You want to go 'round, pet, I'll have a gay old time of it. You want to stop Angel... we're going to have to play this a bit differently.
Buffy is suspicious, not lowering the stake.
What are you talking about?
I'm talking about your ex, pet. I'm talking about putting him in the bloody ground.
This has gotta be the lamest trick you guys have ever thought up.
He's got your Watcher. Right now he's probably torturing him.
What do you want?
I told you. I want to stop Angel. (sarcastic) I want to save the world.
Okay, you do remember that you're a vampire, right?
Spike lights a cigarette and sits on the hood of the car to smoke it.
We like to talk big, vampires do. 'I'm going to destroy the world.' That's just tough guy talk. Strutting around with your friends over a pint of blood. The truth is, I like this world. You've got dog racing, Manchester United... and you've got people. Billions of people walking around like Happy Meals with legs. It's all right here. But then someone comes along with a vision. With a real... passion for destruction. Angel could pull it off. Goodbye, Picadilly. Farewell, Leicester bloody Square. You know what I'm saying?
Okay, fine. You're not down with Angel. Why would you ever come to me?
I want Dru back. I want it like it was before he came back. The way she acts around him...
You're pathetic.
He punches her in the face. She punches him right back.
I lost a friend tonight!
I wasn't in on that raiding party.
And I may lose more! The whole earth may be sucked into Hell, and you want my help 'cause your girlfriend's a big ho? Well, let me take this opportunity to not care.
I can't fight them both alone... and neither can you.
Buffy punches him hard in the jaw, making him flinch. He straightens up but doesn't retaliate.
I hate you.
And I'm all you've got.
The police officer begins to come around.
All right. Talk.
Okay, just let me kill this guy...
Buffy clears her throat loudly.
Oh, right.
Let's get inside.
They leave as the cop wakes up and rubs his head.
Willow is still unconscious. Xander is sitting in a chair at her bedside, holding vigil while Cordelia stands nearby.
Do you want some coffee?
I don't want to leave. She might...
I'll get it.
Thanks.
They clasp hands briefly and Cordelia goes to get the coffee. Xander looks at Willow again, deep in thought, then he leans over to the bed and gently takes her hand in his.
Come on, Will. Look, you don't have a choice here. You gotta wake up. I need you, Will. I mean, how am I going to pass trig, you know? And who am I going to call every night and talk about everything we did all day? You're my best friend. You've always...
He looks at her for a long moment, struggling with his emotions.
I love you.
Her face twitches and her hand gives a squeeze. Xander's eyes widen with hope.
Willow?
She's coming out of it slowly, her eyes still closed, but she speaks, her voice a rasping whisper.
Oz...?
Xander looks confused, then hurt just as OZ walks into the room.
I'm here.
She's just starting to wake up.
He moves out of the way as Oz takes her hand and leans over the bed. Willow still has her eyes closed.
Hey, baby.
Hi.
I'm going to go get a doctor.
Xander gives Willow one last look before leaving the room.
How you feelin'?
My head... feels big. Is it big?
No. It's head size.
He leans over her face and gently kisses her on the forehead, then leans back to look at her and strokes her hair. She tentatively opens her eyes.
Is everybody else okay?
Giles is bound to a chair, bleeding from various wounds on his head, neck and shoulders. Giles is barely conscious and obviously in tremendous pain. Angelus sits nearby polishing Giles' glasses.
Rupert, buddy... I'm here to tell you, I'm impressed.
He drops the cleaning cloth, gets up and goes over to Giles.
Hey, how you holdin' up?
He slides Giles' glasses back on.
Never... better.
Glad to hear it. Now... tell me when it hurts
Buffy and Spike eye each other suspiciously as they head up the walk to her house. Just then Joyce pulls up in her Jeep and sees them from her open window.
Buffy?
Buffy spares her a glance, but goes right back to watching Spike. Joyce throws the car into park and runs over to her.
Where have you been? Are you okay? The police were here! I've been looking for you!
Mom, let's go inside and I can explain.
Who is this man? (to Spike) Who are you? (to Buffy) Are you okay?
Mom! I'm okay.
Buffy, terrible things have happened. What were you doing?
What? Your mum doesn't know?
Buffy glares at Spike.
Know what?
That I'm ... in a band. A rock band with Spike here.
Right. She plays the triangle.
Drums.
Drums, yeah. She's hell on the old skins, you know.
Hmm. And what do you do?
Well, I sing.
You know what? Why don't we go inside, and, and we can talk about this.
She starts toward the front door and Spike follows.
I'm not sure how I feel about this.
Buffy turns around to convince her mother to hurry up and get inside when she's suddenly set upon by a vampire who pushes Buffy and Spike aside and launches himself at Joyce, snarling. She screams and jumps back as Buffy grabs the vampire by the shoulders and pulls him away from her mother. She pulls out Mr. Pointy while Spike gives him a series of punches to the face. Spike's last blow sends the vampire spinning around and staggering back toward Buffy who thrusts the stake into his chest. The vampire explodes into ash right before Joyce's dumbstruck eyes. Spike steps down from the porch and looks at the pile of dust.
One of Angel's boys.
Yeah, probably watching me. Or you.
Yeah. He won't get a chance to tattle on us now.
Buffy... what... is going on?
Buffy looks at her mother for a moment, exchanges a look with Spike and realizes that there's no avoiding it anymore. It's time for her mother to know the truth. She steps up to her mom and looks at her, hoping against hope for understanding.
Mom... I'm a Vampire Slayer.
Oz brings Willow a bowl of Jell-O. She's sitting up in bed and talking on the phone with Buffy. She takes the bowl from Oz with a smile, sets it down on her lap and begins to play with the spoon. Oz pulls up a chair and sits down. Xander and Cordelia stand nearby.
I'm okay, Buffy, really. I mean, I don't feel good, but... I'm awake and I know my name and who's President and how many fingers, so they don't think my brain got mushed at all.
Thank god. So sorry I can't be there.
I know. I'm sorry I didn't get to cure Angel.
Don't be. It just wasn't meant to be. I know I'm never going to get him back the way he was. It just makes it easier.
I guess. Any luck finding Giles?
Yep. I got a lucky break.
What?
You wouldn't believe me if I told you.
The living room. Joyce and Spike sit nervously together, an awkward silence hanging in the air. Neither wants to look at the other, but neither can they avoid it.
Xander, Angel and the others are holed up outside town. You remember that funky-looking mansion you showed me that time?
On Crawford Street, sure. That makes sense. What's the drill?
I'm going to hit it come daybreak.
You'll need backup.
No. You stay there. I'm covered.
Do you ... do you think Giles is still alive?
I think he is. I just wish he was here to tell me what to do.
The silence is deafening. Spike looks around some more. Finally Joyce speaks.
Have we met?
You hit me with an axe one time. Remember? 'Get the hell away from my daughter.'
Oh. So, do you live here in town?
Buffy walks into the room.
Is Willow all right?
Yeah. She's fine. (to Spike) All right, talk. What's the deal?
Simple. You let me and Dru skip town, I help you kill Angel.
Angel? Your boyfriend?
Forget about Drusilla. She doesn't walk.
There's no deal without Dru.
She killed Kendra.
Dru bagged a Slayer? (chuckles) She didn't tell me. Hey, good for her! (off Buffy's look) Though not from your perspective, I suppose.
I can't believe I invited you into my house.
So you didn't kill that girl?
Of course not.
Did she explode like that man out there?
She was a Slayer, Mom.
Like what you are...
Buffy gives her a thin smile and a nod.
Look, this deal works for me one way. Full stop. Me and Dru for Angel.
Honey, are you sure you're a Vampire Slayer?
I'll take her out of the country. You'll never hear from us again, I bloody well hope.
Fine. Get back to the mansion. Make sure Giles is all right.
I mean, have you tried not being a Slayer?
They both look at her, exasperated.
Mom!
Spike sighs in exasperation.
Be ready to back me up when I make my move.
He starts to head out the door, but Buffy stops him.
If Giles dies... she dies.
Spike can tell by her tone that she's deadly serious and with a final nod, leaves.
It's because you didn't have a strong father figure, isn't it?
It's just fate, Mom. I'm the Slayer. Accept it.
Joyce heads for the kitchen.
We should call the police.
No, we're not calling the police.
Well, now that we know that you're innocent, it's--
What? You thought I was guilty? Jeez, feelin' the love in this room!
No, I didn't think that. It's just... now we have proof.
We have my word, Mom. Not proof.
Look, I am sure that they will understand.
Get them involved, you'll get them killed.
Well, you're not going to hurt them, are you?
I'm a Slayer, not a postal worker.
Her mother picks up the phone but Buffy slaps her hand onto the switch hook.
Cops can't fight demons. I have to do it.
Do what? Buffy, what is happening?
Buffy has neither the time nor the inclination to explain the last two supernatural years of her life to her mother.
Just have another drink.
Buffy turns and starts to walk off. Joyce shatters her glass on the floor in anger. Buffy stops in her tracks, momentarily taken aback. She's never seen her mother like this before.
Don't you talk to me that way! You don't get to just dump something like this on me and pretend it's nothing!
I'm sorry, Mom, but I don't have time for this.
No! I am tired of 'I don't have time' or 'You wouldn't understand.' I am your mother and you will make time to explain yourself.
I told you. I'm a Vampire Slayer.
Well, I just don't accept that!
Buffy is getting pretty angry now as well.
Open your eyes, Mom. What do you think has been going on for the past two years? The fights, the weird occurrences? How many times have you washed blood out of my clothing? And you still haven't figured it out?
Well, it stops now!
No, it doesn't stop! It never stops! Do you think I chose to be like this? Do you have any idea how lonely it is? How dangerous? I would love to be upstairs watching TV or gossiping about boys or-- god!-- even studying! But I have to save the world... again.
Joyce takes Buffy by the shoulders.
No. This is insane. Buffy, you need help.
Buffy shrugs away.
I'm not crazy! What I need is for you to chill. I have to go!
No. I am not letting you out of this house.
You can't stop me.
Joyce grabs her arm.
Oh yes I--
Using just a tiny fraction of her strength, Buffy shoves her mother back into the kitchen island, knocking over several pots and pans. She heads for the door, opens it and steps out onto the porch. Joyce is stunned and not just a little bit awed by her daughter's power. But her resolve is firm.
You walk out of this house, don't even think about coming back!
Buffy gives her a long, flat, emotionless stare and then walks off into the night. Joyce can't believe it. She turns around and leans on the island with her head in her hands.
Willow is sitting up in her bed with Oz in the chair next to her. Xander is sitting on the far side of the room watching Cordelia pace.
So Buffy's going for the big showdown, huh? Wish we could help. (to Xander) You know, without dying.
I don't see how.
I want to try again.
Try what?
The curse. We never got to finish it. Maybe we can restore Angel's soul.
I don't like it. You're talking about messing with powerful magick and you're weak.
I'm okay.
You don't look okay. (to Cordelia) Does she?
You should listen to him. The hair, it's so flat, and the lips--
Could we stay on topic here, honey?
What?
Look, it's not a good idea.
There's no use arguing with me. Do you see my resolve face? (indicates her face) You've seen it before. You know what it means. This can help Buffy. If we turn Angel back soon enough, we can stop him from ever awakening Acathla.
Okay, I pretty much missed out on some stuff, didn't I? Because this is all making a kind of sense that's... not.
Go with Cordy to the library and get my things. She'll fill you in.
Sure. (kisses her hand; to Cordelia) I'll drive.
He walks out of the room with Cordelia close behind. Xander gets up.
Xander, go to Buffy. Tell her what we're doing. Maybe she can stall.
But I...
Resolve face.
Be careful.
Giles is still tied to the chair; his head hangs weakly.
You know, I can stop the pain. You've been very brave... but it's over. You've given enough. Now let me make it stop.
Giles is panting and shaking in agony.
Please!
Just tell me what I need to know.
In order... to be worthy...
Yes?
You must perform the ritual... in a tutu.
Angelus glares at him but Giles doesn't back down.
You pillock!
All right. Someone get the chainsaw.
Spike enters, now back in his wheelchair.
Now, now... don't let's lose our temper.
Keep out of it, sit 'n' spin.
Look, you cut him up, you'll never get your answers.
Since when did you become so levelheaded?
Right about the time you became so pig-headed. You have your way with him, you'll never get to destroy the world. And I don't fancy spending the next month trying to get librarian out of the carpet. There are other ways.
Enlighten me.
Spike calls out to another room in the mansion.
Drusilla? Sweetheart?
DRUSILLA glides into the room.
Do you want to play a game?
She leans over him, looking at Giles and Angelus, a demented and evil grin on her face.
The library is cordoned off with yellow crime scene tape. Buffy rips it down and heads toward the reading table, passing by the outline of Kendra's body on the floor. She pauses at the research table, considering the Orb, candles and other objects that were used in the attempt at cursing Angelus. Then she reaches under the table, pulls out Kendra's large duffel bag and opens it. As she searches for what she needs, Snyder strolls into the library.
You do know this is a crime scene, don't you? But then... you're a criminal, so that pretty much works out.
You know I didn't do it. The police will figure it out.
In case you haven't noticed, the police of Sunnydale are deeply stupid. It doesn't matter anyway. Whatever they find, you've proved too much of a liability for this school. (long beat; takes a deep breath) These are the moments you want to savor. You wish time would stop so that you could live them over and over again. (smile) You're expelled.
Buffy reaches into the bag and withdraws the sword blessed by the knight who first slew Acathla. She holds it up before her eyes, considering its polished razor- sharp blade. Then she looks up at Snyder and her eyes are cold. Snyder looks at Buffy, then the sword and suddenly realizes he may be in over his head. He retreats a step, afraid.
You never ever got a single date in high school, did you?
Your point being?
She abruptly turns and walks purposefully out of the library, leaving Snyder alone. Once she's gone, he takes out his cell phone and dials.
It's Snyder. (smiles) Tell the Mayor I have good news.
Drusilla kneels behind Giles, wiping the sweat from his forehead.
Is that better? Hmm? Poor thing. Let's see what's inside.
She runs her hand up the back of Giles' head and over the top. She closes her eyes and concentrates on reading his thoughts. It doesn't take long for her to discover something useful. She gasps and removes her hand.
Of course.
She stands up and moves around to face him. She holds up two fingers to hypnotize him.
Look at me.
Giles turns his head weakly to look away, trying to resist but he can't. She draws her fingers toward her own eyes, focusing his attention on them. Giles begins to lose himself in their infinite depths.
Be... in me.
In his weakened state Giles quickly falls under her spell. She looks into his eyes and smiles.
See with your heart.
Drusilla covers Giles' eyes with her hand, and when she takes her hand away, he is stunned to see JENNY CALENDAR kneeling before him. At first he can't believe it, knowing that Jenny is dead, her neck broken by Angelus, but his love for her is so great that his mind grasps at even the slimmest of hope that she has returned to him. It's only a matter of moments before he accepts that she is indeed back, alive and kneeling before him.
Jenny! I thought I'd lost you.
Shh. I'll never leave you.
We have to get out of here.
No-no-no. Slowly.
She brushes her hand over his temple, down his cheek and over his lips.
It can't be you.
Did you tell Angel? About the ritual?
No. (desperately) We have to get... him away from Acathla.
Why? Is he close to figuring it out?
Later.
Tell me what to do.
Giles looks at her, helpless and confused.
It's all right. We'll be together... finally. We'll have everything we never got to have... never got to feel. Just tell me what to do.
We have to get Angel away from Acathla.
Angel himself? He's the key?
His, his blood... he mustn't...
Shh. (kisses him) Mmm.
They kiss passionately. Pan over to Giles' face, then back again to reveal him kissing Drusilla. Reveal Angelus and Spike, standing off to the side, pleased with the results.
Blood. Of course. The blood on my hands must be my own. I am the key that will open up the door. My blood. My life. (considers) Okay, kill him.
But what if he's lying?
Yeah. Good point. All right, don't kill him. You know, I kind of like having you watch my back. It's like old times.
They both look over at Drusilla who is still kissing Giles. And she's really into it.
Drusilla...
She keeps kissing him.
Honey...
We are finished here, ducks.
She breaks off and looks back at them sheepishly.
Sorry. (smiles evilly) I was in the moment.
Giles opens his eyes, now realizing that he's been tricked; he's lost all hope. He's defeated.
Whistler walks into the kitchen and looks around. He spots a bottle of sherry and takes a sniff, but then sees that it's empty. He puts it back down and keeps looking around. Buffy walks in and finds him going through the refrigerator.
Whistler. What did you mean, the sword isn't enough?
You know, raiding an Englishman's fridge is like dating a nun. You're never gonna get the good stuff.
Tell me how to use it.
Angel's the key. His blood will open the door to Hell. Acathla opens his big mouth, creates a vortex. Then only Angel's blood will close it. One blow will send 'em both back to Hell. But I strongly suggest that you get there before that happens, because the faster you kill Angel, the easier it's going to be on you.
Don't worry about me.
It's all on the line here, kid.
I can deal. (sadly) I've got nothing left to lose.
She turns and heads out.
Wrong, kid. You got one more thing.
Pan along the dark façade to the street where Buffy strides toward the mansion with the sword wrapped in a cloth. Suddenly Xander comes running out of the bushes on the hillside and jumps into the street in front of her. She startles and takes a reflexive step back.
Xander!
Cavalry's here. (holds up a large rock) Cavalry's a frightened guy with a rock, but it's here.
Buffy holds up a stake. He tosses the rock aside and takes it from her.
That's better.
You're not here to fight. You get Giles out and you run like hell, understood? I can't protect you. (unsheathes the sword) I'm going to be too busy killing.
Now that's a new look for you.
It's a present for Angel.
Willow. She told me to tell you...
Tell me what?
Kick his ass.
Without a word she continues walking. Xander hesitates a moment, considering the ramifications of his lie, and then follows her.
Spike in his wheelchair, Angelus and Drusilla stand at one end near the large fireplace. Pan along the other side behind Acathla and the two vampires standing on either side. Angelus begins the ritual, chanting and moving slowly toward the statue.
Acathla... Mundatus sum... pro te necavi. Sanguinem meum... pro te effundam... quo me dignum... esse demonstrem. (Acathla... I am cleansed... here before you. My blood... flowing before you... makes me worthy... as I demonstrate.)
Cordelia and Oz are back with the Orb and the candles and they have everything set up on a tray table on the bed: the Orb surrounded by the candles within a sacred circle. Cordelia stands on one side and waves burning incense over the Orb. Oz stands on the other side with an open book of spells. Willow sits up in her bed holding the printout of the Romanian curse. Overhead shot closing to CU.
Are we ready?
Stinky herbs are a go.
Did I mention I didn't take Latin?
You don't have to understand it. You just have to say it. I hope.
Right.
Pan past Acathla's stone face and the sentry vampire standing next to him.
Now, Acathla...
Angelus. Drusilla hands him a ceremonial knife.
You will be free.
He draws the blade across the palm of his hand and winces in pain, but doesn't take his eyes off of the demon. He drops the knife.
And so will we all.
The sentry vampire. Buffy approaches quietly from behind. She raises the sword and decapitates him with one swift blow. His head falls to the floor as his body explodes into ash. Drusilla and Angelus turn on her. Buffy meets their gaze.
Hello, lover.
I don't have time for you.
You don't have a lot of time left.
Coming on kind of strong, don't you think? You're playing some deep odds here. Do you really think you can take us all on?
No, I don't.
Now Spike stands up behind Angelus with a determined look on his face and slams him hard across the back with a steel andiron. Angelus cries out in pain and collapses to the floor. Drusilla is shocked at Spike's betrayal. He continues to beat Angelus mercilessly with the poker.
Buffy starts for Drusilla but is attacked by another vampire. She engages him while Spike remorselessly pounds Angelus.
Painful, isn't it?
Enraged, Drusilla launches herself at Spike, taking him down to the floor with her.
Buffy continues to trade blows with her attacker, aided by Xander. She picks up a piece of shattered wood and renews her attack as Xander backs off to look for Giles.
Spike and Drusilla rise from the floor and face each other.
I don't want to hurt you, baby.
She grabs him by the throat and shoves him into the wall. He slaps her arm aside and punches her in the face, sending her reeling.
Doesn't mean I won't.
Willow casts her stones and gives Oz his cue. Cordelia keeps waving the burning herbs and incense.
Quod perditum est, invenietur. (What is lost, return.)
Not dead... nor not of the living. Spirits of the Interregnum, I call.
Xander pushes aside a curtain and finds Giles tied to a chair in an antechamber off the main hall.
Giles!
Giles' head is tilted back, and he is very weak. He lifts his head slowly as Xander crouches behind the chair and begins to untie the ropes.
Xander?
Can you walk?
You're not real.
Sure, I'm real.
It's a trick. They get inside my head, make me see things I want.
Xander has untied the ropes and moves around to look into Giles' face.
Then why would they make you see me?
You're right. Let's go.
He groans as Xander gets under his arm and helps him out of the chair.
Come on.
They make their way though the main hall as fast as they can and out the door.
Buffy and the sentry vampire continue to fight, trading one blow after another.
Drusilla swipes at Spike with her nails and rakes his cheek, drawing blood. She follows up with a punch that knocks him to the floor.
Angelus comes to and groans in pain. He rubs his eyes and looks up at Acathla. He staggers to his feet and approaches the demon.
Buffy blocks a kick from the sentry, punches him, spins around and punches again; he falls onto his back, dazed. Buffy quickly follows him down with her stake and jams it into his chest. He bursts into ashes.
Behind her Angelus takes the last few steps to Acathla and grabs the sword stuck in his chest by the hilt with his bloody hand. A blinding bright light emanates from it and Buffy looks up from her kill in time to witness Angelus pulling the sword from the demon's heart. Angelus whips the sword around in his hand admiring it. Buffy scrambles for her own sword.
Drusilla looks up from her battle with Spike and gazes at Acathla with a smile.
Oh... here he comes.
Spike comes up behind her and grabs her around the throat in a headlock, choking her.
Willow continues her chant, but it's taking a toll on her.
Gods, bind him. Cast his heart from the... evil... realm.
Buffy holds up her sword and faces off with Angelus.
You almost made it, Buff.
It's not over yet.
My boy Acathla here is about to wake up. You're going to Hell.
Save me a seat.
And then the battle is on, both thrusting, parrying and trading blows at lightning speed. The two combatants seem evenly matched, alternately pressing the attack and defending themselves from the onslaught. Angelus manages to land a blow to Buffy's upper arm, cutting her and drawing blood. He kicks her in her sword arm and she stumbles back a step.
Willow is getting weaker by the minute.
Return. I call on...
Willow?
Are you okay?
Without warning, Willow's head snaps back and she looks up with her eyes wide open, but distant. Her head snaps back down and she stares into the Orb. She begins to chant steadily in Latin and Romanian as though possessed.
Te implor, Doamne, nu ignora aceasta rugaminte. (I implore you, Lord, do not ignore this request.)
Is this a good thing?
Nici mort, nici al fiintei... (Neither dead, nor of the living...)
Hey, speak English!
Lasa orbita sa fie vasul care-i va transporta, sufletul a el. (Let this Orb be the vessel that will carry his soul to him.)
The fight has moved out into the atrium. Buffy hits the ground and scrambles back to her feet as Angelus slowly advances. She thrusts, and he parries. She spins around and swings at him, and he blocks her. Her sword bounces off of his and falls into a planting bed. Angelus stomps on the blade before she can raise it again and knocks it from her grip. He spins around and elbows her in the face, knocking her back into a stone table, which collapses and falls with her.
Acathla. Deep thundering come from him, heralding his awakening.
Spike is choking Drusilla. She begins to lose consciousness and slumps over in his arms.
Sorry, baby. Wish there was another way.
When she begins to fall he catches her, lifts her into his arms and starts to carry her out. On the way he passes the doorway to the atrium and glances outside. When he sees Buffy and Angelus, he stops for a moment. Buffy is backed up against the wall, unarmed, while Angelus slowly and deliberately advances on her. Spike is uncharacteristically taken aback by the grim tableau.
God, he's gonna kill her.
He watches for another moment, then shrugs and heads for the garage with Drusilla.
Angelus plays with his sword, idly pointing it at Buffy. She looks up at him, frightened.
Now that's everything, huh? No weapons... no friends... no hope.
Buffy closes her eyes and steels herself for the inevitable.
Take all that away... and what's left?
He draws the sword back and thrusts it directly at her face. With lightning-fast reflexes she swings up with both arms and catches the blade between the palms of her hands, stopping it mere inches from her skin. She opens her eyes and fixes him with a cold stare.
Me.
She shoves the blade away from her, smashing the hilt of the sword into Angelus' face. He staggers back and she hops to her feet, kicking him in the chest. She
reaches down and picks up her sword, swinging it in a deadly arc, which he parries at the last moment. The fight is back on, even more vicious than before.
Spike's car comes smashing through the garage door out into the bright morning sunlight. The windows have been painted black to keep out the deadly rays and he peers out through one small tinted hole in the front windshield. Drusilla is lying unconscious in the passenger's seat. Spike reaches over and pulls her to him, holding her close while he drives.
Buffy kicks Angelus through the door of the atrium into the main hall. He hits the floor and rolls to a stop. Before he can recover, Buffy leaps in and swings at him, slicing his hand.
The bed and tray table shakes with power and we close in tight on Willow's face.
Asa sa fie! Asa sa fie! Acum! (So it shall be! So it shall be! Now!)
Buffy has disarmed Angelus and she kicks him to his knees. He kneels before her, cradling his injured hand, Acathla at his back.
Acum! (Now!)
The Orb glows brightly for a brief moment, then goes dark. Willow suddenly deflates and looks around, confused.
Buffy raises her sword to dispatch Angelus and send him to hell, but hesitates when he suddenly gasps loudly and groans in pain. His eyes glow bright red for an instant.
He looks up at her, but quickly collapses to the floor, crying. Buffy stares down at him, still holding her sword raised above her head. Angel gets to his feet, his eyes heavy with tears, and looks into her eyes.
Buffy? (sobs) What's going on?
She just looks at him, confused but not yet ready to lower the sword.
Where are we? I don't remember...
Buffy looks into his eyes and comes to the dawning realization that the curse has worked and Angel-- her Angel-- has returned to her. She slowly lowers her sword.
Angel?
You're hurt.
She looks down at her cut and feels his gentle touch on her arm. She ignores it and steps close to him. He embraces her tightly. She can feel his love for her pouring off him in waves.
Oh, Buffy... god. I... I feel like I haven't seen you in months.
She closes her eyes and lets out a deep sigh of relief.
Oh, my god, everything's so muddled. I...
He sighs deeply and kisses her on the shoulder.
Oh, Buffy...
She cries into his shoulder and hugs him back. But her relief is short-lived; behind Angel, Acathla lets out a low rumble. Buffy opens her eyes and stares in shock as Acathla's stone face contorts. His brows angle down, his eyes glow red, his mouth opens grotesquely and the swirling vortex to Hell opens, small at first, but growing steadily in size and emanating a deep, red glow. To her horror, Buffy realizes that Hell is about to be loosed upon the earth and, soul or not, only Angel's blood can stop it. She steps back slightly from Angel and looks up into his face.
What's happening?
Shh. Don't worry about it.
She brushes her fingers over his lips and caresses his cheek, kissing him softly. He returns the kiss and it becomes more passionate.
Behind them the vortex has grown larger, threatening to engulf them. Buffy breaks off the kiss and looks deeply into Angel's eyes.
I love you.
I love you.
Close your eyes.
He looks at her, confused, and she nods reassuringly. He trusts her and closes his eyes. Choking back tears, she kisses him again gently, then steps back, draws the sword and slams it through his chest. Angel's eyes whip open in shock and pain and a bright light emanates from the sword. She steps away from him as he reaches out to her and looks down at the hilt of the sword protruding from his chest. He looks at her imploringly, reaching for her even as his eyes register her betrayal. She cannot bear to meet his gaze; she can only stare wordlessly at the sword protruding from his chest, her pain a monumental burning in her chest, as if she were the one impaled.
Buffy... why?
Behind him the power of the sword begins to swirl into the vortex. Angel is drawn back toward the vortex and when the two of them meet, it suddenly closes into Acathla's mouth without so much as a spark, taking Angel with it, taking him to Hell.
Buffy stares at the stone demon for a long moment, awareness slowing dawning in her eyes as she truly realizes what she has done, what she has lost. She begins to sob, her heart visibly breaking before our eyes.
Buffy walks across the street toward her house. She pauses for a moment and takes in her neighborhood on this idyllic California morning.
Joyce knocks on Buffy's bedroom door and then opens it.
Buffy?
The windows are open and some of Buffy's clothes are strewn on the bed. She steps in and looks around. The closets are empty and it's obvious Buffy has been there and gone. The room has an abandoned feel to it. Joyce sees a note lying on the bed and picks it up, worried.
She begins to cry as she reads and sits down on the bed, among her daughter's things, not sure what to do.
Xander and Giles walk up to Oz who is pushing Willow in a wheelchair with Cordelia at their side. Giles' walk is a bit unsteady.
Willow, are you sure you should be out of bed?
Look who's talking.
Yes.
Any word?
You guys haven't seen her either?
No.
But we know the world didn't end, 'cause... check it out.
Well, we went back to the mansion. It was empty and Acathla was... dormant.
I think the spell worked. I felt something go through me.
Plus the Orb did that cool glow thing.
Well, maybe it wasn't in time. Maybe she had to kill him before the cure could work.
Well then, she'd want to be alone, I guess.
Or maybe Angel was saved and they want to be alone together.
Perhaps.
Well, she's gotta show up sooner or later. We still have school.
Yeah. She'll be here in a while.
They all turn and head into the school.
Buffy across the street and behind a tree. She watches her friends as they enter the school. Her expression is sad, but set: determined. As the school doors close, separating her from the people who care for her, she resolutely turns from the school and walks away without so much as a glance back.
Buffy's reflection is visible in the window as the bus drives past her house. She calmly stares out the window as the bus drives on.
A two-lane road leading out of town. The bus passes the city limits and keeps going.