[Transcript of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" episode Faith, Hope And Trick at buffyology.com.]
Lunch hour. Pan at extreme low angle along the sidewalk past the stairs at the front of the school. Seniors are coming and going. Stop on two pairs of legs, one standing calmly, the other rocking back and forth, heel to toe. Pan up to reveal WILLOW and OZ. They are waiting for Xander and Cordelia so they can go. Oz is his usual reserved calm but Willow is hyper and fidgeting.
I'm giddy.
Oh, I like you giddy. Always have.
It's the freedom! As seniors, we can go off-campus now for lunch. It's no longer cutting. It's legal! Heck, it's expected! Wow, it's also a big step forward, a senior moment, one that has to be savored.
Oz looks around and spots XANDER and CORDELIA approaching.
You can't just rush into this, you know?
Xander takes one of Willow's arms and Oz the other and the two boys pull her bodily across the street.
Ohh!
She starts to resist, leaning backward with all of her weight.
No, I can't!
Oz and Xander lift her off the ground while Cordelia smiles at the spectacle.
You can.
See, you are.
Oh, but, no! What if they changed the rule without telling? What if they're lying in wait to arrest me and throw me in detention and mar my unblemished record?
They reach the other side of the street and Oz and Xander steady her on the sidewalk.
Breathe. Breathe.
Willow takes a breath and lets it out, calming herself.
Okay...
Oz takes Willow by the hand and Xander puts his arm around Cordelia. They walk into the small park in front of the school.
This is good! This is... hey, we're seniors! (with attitude) Hey, I'm walkin' here!
They see BUFFY just inside the park. She has laid out a blanket in the shade of a palm tree and is setting out serving plates of food and bottles of drinks. The group walks toward her.
Ahh. Buffy and food.
Maybe we shouldn't be too couple-y around Buffy.
Oh, you mean 'cause of how the only guy that ever liked her turned into a vicious killer and had to be put down like a dog?
Can she cram complex issues into a nutshell or what?
They move behind a tree just out of Buffy's view.
All right, prepare to uncouple...
They take a few more steps.
Uncouple.
They let go of each other as they come around the tree. Willow crosses in front of Xander so Buffy sees girls on the right, boys on the left.
Buffy: banned from campus, but not from our hearts. How are you and what's for lunch?
Oz climbs onto the bench while the others kneel on the blanket.
Oh, I just threw a few things together.
Cordelia is actually impressed with Buffy's effort.
When did you become Martha Stewart?
Buffy starts handing out drink bottles.
First of all, Martha Stewart knows jack about hand-cut prosciutto.
I don't believe she slays, either.
Oh, I hear she can but she doesn't like to.
Second of all, way too much free time on my hands since I got kicked out of school.
Oh, I know they'll let you back in.
Don't you and your mom have a meeting with Principal Snyder?
We're seeing Snyde-Man tomorrow.
Willow spots a guy walking through the park.
Oh, Scott Hope at eleven o'clock. He likes you. He wanted to ask you out last year but you weren't ready then. But I think you're ready now, or at least in the state of pre-readiness to make conversation or to do that thing with your mouth that boys like. (off Buffy's shocked look) Oh! I didn't mean the bad thing with your mouth, I meant that little half-smile thing that you... (glares at Oz) You're supposed to stop me when I do that.
I like when you do that.
SCOTT has finished talking with his friends and comes toward them. Buffy watches him approach and as he passes, he looks over at Buffy.
Hi, Buffy.
Hi.
Scott continues on his way and Willow breaks out into a huge smile.
I think that went very well. Don't you think that went very well?
He didn't try to slit our throats or anything. That's progress.
Hey, did you do that little half-smile thing?
Look, I'm not trying to snare Scott Hope. I just want to get my life back, you know, do normal stuff.
Like date?
Well...
Oh, you want to date. I saw that half-smile, you little slut.
Buffy punches him in the arm and none too lightly. Xander laughs at first, then winces in pain.
All right, yes, date and shop and hang out and go to school and save the world from unspeakable demons. You know, I want to do girlie stuff!
Pan down from overhead shot of the building, past the restaurant's mascot (a fat boy eating a burger) and stop on the drive-through. A black stretch-limousine pulls into the parking lot and heads into the drive-through lane. It stops at the speaker and mike as the limo's rear window lowers to reveal MR. TRICK, a well- dressed, impeccably manicured black man. The restaurant ATTENDANT's voice comes over the drive-through speaker.
Welcome to Happy Burger. May I take your order, please?
Diet soda. Medium.
That'll be eighty-nine cents at the window, sir.
Trick raises the window and the car pulls forward.
Mr. Trick isn't alone in the car, the other passenger hidden in shadow.
Sunnydale. Town's got quaint. And the people? (smiles) He called me 'sir'. Don't you just miss that? I mean, admittedly, it's not a haven for the brothers, you know. Strictly the Caucasian Persuasion here in the Dale. But, you know, you just gotta stand up and salute their death rate. I ran a statistical analysis and hello darkness. It makes D.C. look like Mayberry and ain't nobody saying boo about it. We could fit right in here. Have us some fun.
Trick's mysterious companion isn't amused.
We're here for one thing.
Trick looks down, disgusted, as the other touches his knee with a hand resembling a cloven hoof.
Kill the Slayer, yeah. Still, big picture...
Trick lowers the window again and hands the boy at the window a dollar. The boy hands him back the soda, a straw and his change.
Have a nice night, sir.
Right back at ya.
The Slayer. I'm going to rip her spine from her body and I'm going to eat her heart and suck the marrow from her bones.
Trick considers for a moment, smacking his lips.
Now I'm hungry.
Trick lunges out the window and we see him as a full vampire now. The boy is shocked and tries to backpedal but Trick already has him by the shirt. The boy screams as Trick pulls him out of the window and into the limousine. The car speeds off into the night with the boy's legs kicking out the window.
Opening credit sequence.
Pan past several couples dancing slowly to the music. It comes to rest on Buffy and ANGEL. They hold each other close and look deeply into each other's eyes as they move slowly to the music.
I miss you.
At a nearby table Oz, Willow, Cordelia and Xander watch them dance. Their faces are devoid of any expression.
Buffy moves her left hand with her Claddagh ring down Angel's arm to take his hand. The ring is loose on her finger, and before she can clasp his hand it falls to the floor. Angel and Buffy both look down at the ring.
As Angel reaches down to pick up the ring, the music fades out.
Angel stands up holding the ring with a sorrowful look in his eye. Buffy suddenly flashes back to the mansion and sees herself thrusting the sword through Angel, his surprised and pained face as the vortex closes and he disappears into Acathla's mouth.
I had to.
Angel looks down at the ring in his hand, then clenches it in his fist. Blood begins to ooze from between his fingers and drips to the floor. He looks intensely at Buffy.
I loved you.
Horrified, Buffy watches as the blood continues to drip and a bloodstain appears on his shirt, mid-chest. It spreads quickly and soon the front of his shirt is soaked. Buffy gasps and reaches out to him.
Oh, god! Angel...
Go to hell!
He stares at her, intensely furious. Buffy looks up to his face. It has turned green and one side is rotting. Angel smiles and laughs smugly as he looks down at her.
I did.
Buffy wakes with a start. Realizing it was only a dream, she looks over at her nightstand and pulls open the drawer. She takes out a chain on which she has placed her Claddagh ring and looks closely at it: two hands for friendship, a crown for loyalty and a heart for love.
JOYCE knocks on her door and pokes her head in.
Morning, sunshine! Ready to face the beast?
Principal SNYDER sits behind his desk, addressing Buffy and her mothers.
Here are the terms of your re-entry, Missy. Take 'em or leave 'em.
Buffy takes a letter opener from his desk and begins to idly play with it.
One: that you pass a makeup test of every class you skipped out on last year.
Buffy looks around absentmindedly and taps the letter opener in her hand.
Two: that you provide, in writing, one glowing letter of recommendation from any member of our faculty who is not an English librarian.
Buffy's tapping is beginning to annoy him.
Three: that you complete an interview with our school psychologist who must conclude that your violent tendencies...
He pauses for a moment, then snatches the letter opener from Buffy's hand.
...are under control.
I'm not sure I like your attitude, Mr. Snyder. I spoke with the school board and according to them--
I'm required to educate every juvenile who is not in jail where she belongs.
He turns his back to them and looks out the window.
Welcome back.
Joyce and Buffy give each other a big smile and Buffy stands up.
So let me get this straight. I'm really back in school because the school board overruled you. Wow. That's like having your whole ability to do this job called into question when you think about it.
I think what my daughter's trying to say is... (sing-song) Nyah,- nyah-nyah.
The two women turn and exit his office while Snyder just stares after them, expressionless. The intercom on his desk buzzes.
It's the Mayor on line one.
Snyder's eyes go wide with worry.
Willow and Buffy walk into the empty library.
It's so great that you're a schoolgirl again.
Giles say what he wanted? Do you think he's mad?
They stop at the counter. There are bowls and jars of various dried herbs arrayed across it.
No, I don't think so. I think he just needed to see you. (smiling) Have you ever noticed, though, when he is mad, but he's too English to say anything, he makes that weird cluck-cluck sound with his tongue?
Giles suddenly rises up from behind the counter and studies the arcane collection of jars.
Hi, Giles!
Oh, hi! Been there long?
Buffy, good timing. I could use your help. I trust you remember the demon Acathla?
Giles, contain yourself. Yes, I'm back in school but you know how it embarrasses me when you gush so. Let's just skip all that and get straight to work.
Well, I... of course, it's wonderful to have you back, it goes without saying. (off Buffy's look) But... you enjoy making me say it, don't you?
Okay, Acathla, huh? What are you doing, making him some demon pizza?
She picks up a bundle of sage, sniffs it and frowns. She holds it over for Willow to sniff, who smiles.
We need to make sure that he remains dormant and that the dimensional vortex is sealed tight. So I'm working on a binding spell.
Oh, a spell? Can I help?
Possibly, with the research. It's a very sensitive and--
Oh? Who's more sensitive than me?
--and difficult spell. It involves creating a protective circle around... well, I don't want to bore you with the details, but well, there's a litany that one has to recite in Aramaic and it's very specific. So I need to get a few details about your experience of defeating Acathla and Angel.
He starts ingredient hunting again.
Fire away.
I've put the time at about (checks his notes) 6:17, around, about half an hour after Xander rescued me.
Less. More like ten minutes.
Oh, was the vortex already open?
Barely.
I see. And Angel?
A big fight, Angel got the pointy end of the sword, Acathla sucked him into Hell instead of the world. That's about the it.
Giles makes a few notes.
Yes well, that... should be very helpful.
Buffy checks her watch.
Oh, no. I have to go take an English makeup exam. They give you credit just for speaking it, right? (off their look) Oh...
She heads out the door to take her exam. Willow picks up the bundle of sage and inhales.
Sage... I love that smell. And marnox root. You know, a smidge of this mixed with a virgin's saliva... (off Giles' look) ...does something I know nothing about.
These forces are not something that one plays around with, Willow. What have you been conjuring?
Nothing... much. Well, you know I tried this spell to cure Angel and I guess that was a bust. But since then, you know, small stuff: floating feather, fire out of ice-- which next time I won't do on the bedspread. Are you mad at me?
No, of course not, no. If I were, I would be making a strange clucking sound with my tongue.
Willow plays it off by smiling cutely up at him.
There is a live band playing for dancing couples. Buffy carries a tray of drinks over to an alcove furnished like a turn-of-the-century parlor with a love seat, a couple of armchairs, tables and a lamp with a pink shade. Willow and Oz are sharing some tender kisses as Buffy sits down.
Don't let me interrupt.
Willow and Oz look up from their kissing and Buffy smiles and hands Oz one of the drinks.
Thanks.
Willow notices Buffy's cheery mood and smiles as Oz passes her a drink as well.
Are you... (to Oz) Is she all glowy?
Buffy gives her an innocent "who me?" look.
Yeah, I suspect happiness.
I passed my English makeup exam, hangin' with my friends. Hello, my life! How I've missed you.
Scott Hope walks up, smiling at Buffy.
Hi, Scott. What are you doing here?
He gives Willow a sly smile.
You told me if I came after 8:00, I could run into Buffy.
Buffy shoots Willow an evil look. Embarrassed, Willow hides behind her drink, taking a big gulp.
I'm sorry. I'm a bad liar. It's not good for the soul... or the skin, actually. It makes me blotch.
Hi, Scott.
Hi.
Things are a bit awkward now and Scott looks around desperately for something to talk about.
Don't you love this song?
Yeah! Actually, I do.
He indicates the dance floor.
Well, would you like to...
Dance? Um...
Willow smiles at her encouragingly.
I don't know. (Willow frowns) I'm bad with... well... (fidgets) Thank you for asking, it's just that there's...
Okay, you know what? I'm just gonna go stand by the dance floor. If you change your mind, you can mosey on over and then if not, then you don't mosey. No harm, no foul, right?
Right.
Scott walks off and Buffy rolls her eyes, mentally kicking herself for the way she handled herself.
Come on, Buffy. I mean, the guy is charm and normal, which is what you wanted to get back to.
Plus bonus points for use of the word 'mosey'.
I just don't think I'm ready.
What's stopping you?
Just then, Cordelia and Xander arrive. Cordelia points to the dance floor as she and Xander sit down.
Check out Slut-O-Rama and her Disco Dave.
An energetically dancing couple. The girl's dancing style is contemporary and she is definitely a child of the late 90's, very fashion forward, her long dark hair accentuating her striking eyes and setting off her flawless skin. However, the guy is dancing way too fast for the music, with an unmistakable 70's disco influence. His clothes seem slightly dated as well.
What was the last thing that guy danced to? K.C. and the Sunshine Band?
Curious, Willow and Oz watch them. The couple continues to dance wildly.
Buffy begins to really wonder about them. The couple get close and the girl extends her arm, pointing at the door. The guy takes the hint and leads her out with his arm around her. Buffy watches them go, suspicious of his intentions. He waves to his buddy and heads for the door.
I don't think that guy thrives on sunshine.
She quickly puts down her drink and heads out after them. As she crosses the room, Scott sees her coming and steps up to intercept her.
Hi.
Buffy stops short, startled.
Hi. (realizes) Oh, no, I... I have to...
Oh. Sorry, my bad.
No. It's mine. Really, it's mine, but I... I have to go.
She hurries out leaving Scott very confused.
Buffy strides outside and looks around. Xander comes out right behind her followed closely by the others.
Where'd she go?
She takes a few steps down a nearby alley to check things out.
I bet it's nothing. They're probably just making out.
They hear a girl cry out, followed by the sound of breakage
Hey!
Xander pulls a stake out of his jacket. Buffy takes it from him and heads in the direction of the noise.
That's not what making out sounds like... unless I'm doing it wrong.
The group heads off after Buffy.
The couple from the dance floor. The boy has the girl up against a section of temporary chain link fencing that's leaning against the building.
Stop struggling. This won't hurt.
The boy's face morphs into a demonic visage and his fangs extend toward the tender flesh of the girl's neck. Suddenly she seizes him by the neck and smashes her elbow into his face. He staggers backward as she jumps onto a nearby crate, using it as a springboard to deliver a devastating kick to his head, dropping him to the pavement. As Buffy arrives, the girl looks up, smiling.
It's okay, I got it. You're Buffy, right?
Buffy is shocked. Before she can answer, the vampire comes up behind the girl and grabs her by the shoulders. She head butts him in the face and takes him by the arm.
I'm Faith.
FAITH twists the vampire around and shoves him into the chain link fence. By now the others have arrived as well and watch in wonder as this stranger takes on the vampire with as much strength and skill as Buffy herself.
I'm gonna go out on a limb and say there's a new Slayer in town.
Faith and the vampire continue to fight but it's obvious Faith is clearly the superior adversary and she's just playing with him. Finally, Faith snatches the stake from Buffy's hand.
Can I borrow that?
The vampire runs at Faith, throwing a punch as he comes. She ducks it, hooks her hand on his shoulder, turns him around and slams him back into the fence. She raises the stake and jams it cleanly into his chest and jerks it back out. The vampire instantly crumbles to ash.
Buffy and the others stare at her in confused amazement. Faith hands the stake back to Buffy.
Thanks, B. Couldn't have done it without you.
She saunters away, leaving the group speechless.
Faith has joined the gang and is relating one of her stories to them over a plate of muffins.
The whole summer it was like the worst heat wave. So it's about a hundred and eighteen degrees and I'm sleeping without a stitch on.
Xander stares at her body, licking his lips.
And all of a sudden, I hear this screaming from outside. So I go tearing out, stark nude and this church bus has broke down and there's these three vamps feasting on half the Baptists in South Boston. So I waste the vamps and the preacher comes up and he's hugging me like there's no tomorrow when all of a sudden, the cops pull up and they arrested us both.
She reaches for a muffin. Xander stares blankly into space, running the visuals through his mind.
Wow. They should film that story and show it every Christmas.
Cordelia is not pleased with Xander's new-found interest.
God, I could eat a horse. Isn't it crazy how slayin' just always makes you hungry and horny?
The others all turn their heads to Buffy. She stares back wide-eyed and suddenly uncomfortable.
Well... sometimes I crave a non-fat yogurt afterwards.
A look of sudden revelation dawns on Cordelia and she smiles.
I get it. (off Faith's confused look) Not the horny thing. Yuck! But the two Slayer thing. There was one and then Buffy died for like two minutes, so then Kendra was called and then when she died, Faith was called.
Faith gives her a nod.
But why were you called here?
Well, I wasn't. My Watcher went off to some retreat thing in England and so I skipped out. I figured this was my chance to meet the infamous Buff and compare notes. So B, did you really use a rocket launcher one time?
Yeah, actually, it's a funny story. There was--
So what was the story about that alligator? You said something... before.
Oh, there's this Big Daddy Vampire out of Missouri who used to keep them as pets. So he's got me rasslin' one of 'em, okay? The thing must have been twelve feet long and I'm--
So was this... also naked?
Well, the alligator was.
Xander is completely under Faith's spell, much to Cordelia's dismay .
Xander? Find a new theme.
I tell ya, I never had more trouble than that damn vamp. (to Buffy) So what about you? What was your toughest kill?
Buffy has another flashback to stabbing Angel in the chest with the sword and his look of surprise, pain and betrayal. She shakes herself out of her reverie.
Well, you know, (smiles weakly) they're all difficult, I guess.
Faith waits for a story and takes a drink.
Oh! Oh, do you guys remember the Three?
No reaction.
That's right, you never met the Three. Well, there was three--
Something occurring. Now, you both kill vamps and who could blame you but, I'm wondering about your position on werewolves.
Oz is a werewolf.
It's a long story.
I got bit.
Apparently not that long.
Hey, as long as you don't go scratchin' at me or humpin' my leg, we're five by five, you know?
Fair enough.
The vamps, though, they better get their asses to DEFCON One, (to Buffy) because you and I are going to have fun, you know. Watcherless and fancy-free.
Watcherless?
Didn't yours go to England, too?
Giles stands with his hands in his pockets, reminiscing.
There's a Watchers' retreat every year in the Cotswolds. It's a lovely spot. It's very serene. There's horse riding and hiking and punting and lectures and discussions. It's... it's a great honor to be invited. (bitter) Or so I'm told.
Oh, it's boring. Way too stuffy for a guy like you.
Maybe I should introduce you again. Faith, this is Giles.
I see him. If I'd have known they came that young and cute, I would've requested a transfer.
Buffy's hand shoots up in the air.
Raise your hand if 'eww'.
Xander raises his but plays it off by scratching his cheek.
Well, leaving aside for a moment my youth and beauty, I'd say it was fortuitous that Faith arrived when she did.
Aha!
The group turns to look at her.
Sorry. I just meant, "Aha! There's big evil brewin". You'll never be bored here, Faith. 'Cause this is Sunnydale, home of the big- brewin' evil.
Yes, well, I don't know how big an evil it is but two people have disappeared from the Sunset Ridge district.
He hands Buffy a newspaper and she and Faith quickly scan the article.
Well, I'm good for patrolling. Late-ish, though. I promised Mom I'd be home for dinner.
Buffy hands Xander the paper as Willow looks at Buffy and nods toward Faith hinting with her eyes. Buffy looks over at Faith and gets the hint.
To which you're also invited, of course... dinner with us.
Dyin' to meet the fam. I'm in.
Great! Great, then we can patrol, (less than thrilled) also together.
Hey, don't you have that Health Science makeup?
Oh, yeah. Actually, I could use a little coaching.
Willow barely acknowledges Buffy and hops off the table, smiling.
You know, you can hang out with us while she's testing. You want to?
Buffy feels like she's just become invisible to her friends.
Say yes and bring your stories.
He takes his things and heads out.
You guys go. It's fine. Fine! I'll just... sit.
Okay. (to Giles) Hey later, we will talk weapons.
She follows Xander and Willow out of the library leaving Buffy alone with Giles.
This new girl seems to have a lot of zest.
Buffy glares at him and he quickly changes the subject.
I've been having a little problem with the binding spell for Acathla. I'm lacking the requisite details to perform it correctly. Now, physical location. Acathla was facing south?
Buffy marks three points on the table.
Yes. Acathla, Angel, me... sword.
Now see, that's what I thought but I--
Giles, look, I've got makeup tests to pass, missing people in Sunset Ridge and a zesty new Slayer to feed. Next time I kill Angel, I'll video it.
She gathers up her things and walks out of the library.
Willow and Xander are giving Faith the tour.
And over here, we have the cafeteria where we were mauled by snakes.
Xander points to the floor.
And this is the spot where Angel tried to kill Willow.
Oh, and over there in the lounge is where Spike and his gang nearly massacred us all on Parent-Teacher night.
Faith is finding it all pretty incredible and smiles. They reach the stairs and Willow points up to the landing.
Oh, and up those stairs, I was sucked into a muddy grave.
And they say young people don't learn anything in high school nowadays but I've learned to be afraid.
Willow nods in agreement.
You guys are a hoot and a half. If I'd had friends like you in high school, I... probably still would've dropped out. But I might've been sad about it, you know? Hey, so what's up with B? I mean, she seems wound kind of tight. Needs to find the fun a little? Like you two.
Well, she--
Faith sees a drinking fountain on the wall.
Oh, water.
As she heads over to get a drink, Cordelia walks up behind Willow and Xander.
Oh, and then the alligator story! (to Willow) She's got something, doesn't she?
What is it with you and Slayers?
Xander spins around to face her, startled.
Maybe I should dress up as one and put a stake to your throat.
Please, god, don't let that be sarcasm.
He takes her arm and smiles sweetly at her.
Faith finishing her drink. Scott Hope comes out of the cafeteria and almost bumps into her. She steps back.
Oh, excuse me.
Sorry. (looks at him curiously) I know you from somewhere.
The Bronze. You're friends with Buffy, right?
Yeah. I'm Faith.
She holds out her hand and he takes it.
I'm Scott. Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you!
As they break off their handshake, Buffy comes hopping down the stairs and joins Xander, Cordelia and Willow.
Well, I'm two for two with makeup tests. Proud, yes, but also humble in this time of... (notices them all staring) We're looking at what?
She follows their gaze and sees Scott talking and laughing with Faith.
Does anyone believe that is her actual hair color?
She rolls her eyes in disbelief and walks away.
I haven't seen him laugh like that. Hey, maybe Faith and Scott could hit it off. (off Buffy's look) I mean, if you're done with him. Not that you used him.
She frowns, sighs and shuts up while she still can.
Well, I... hadn't definitely one hundred percent said no for all time. It's just, you know... you don't enter into these things lightly. There's repercussions to consider and... (off Willow and Xander's look) Why am I seeing a look?
You really do need to find the fun, B.
Buffy looks at Willow, annoyed at how quickly she's picked up Faith's nickname for her.
--uffy.
Buffy sighs and walks over to Faith and Scott.
Hey!
Hey, Buffy! Faith has been telling me tall tales.
She's funny. (takes her arm) And she's leaving. We have to go.
Oh...
Bye.
Buffy pulls her away and down the hall.
He's a cutie. Is he seeing anybody?
Buffy ignores her and continues down the hall.
The warehouse is Trick's lair and we finally see his shadowy partner: an ancient and fearsome vampire named KAKISTOS. His monstrous visage is marred by a hideous scar sealing one of his eyes shut. The lights are low and candles are burning everywhere. Trick is typing away on his lap-top computer.
Mr. Trick, talk to me.
Check this out. This town, this very street, wired for fiber optics. See, we jack in a T-3, twenty-five hundred megs per, we have the whole world at our fingertips.
Kakistos stares at him, not really understanding.
What I'm saying is, we stay local-- where the humans are jumpin' and the cotton is high-- but we live global. I mean, you know, you get the hankering for the blood of a fifteen-year-old Filipina and I'm on the Net and she's here the next day, express air.
I want the blood of the Slayer.
On that note, there's good news and bad. Rumor has it that this town already has a Slayer, which makes two. I'm not real sure how that happened.
I don't care if there're a hundred Slayers! I'll kill them all! (re: his blinded eye) She's going to pay for what she did to me.
Yeah, she is.
There's a knock at the door and he puts on a welder's glove and goes to answer it.
I'm running a computer check on every hotel, rooming house and youth hostel in town. Meanwhile, as soon as the sun goes down, we're out in force. Food's here, boys.
He opens the door, avoiding the bright daylight outside. A pizza man looks in.
You guys order a piz--
Trick lunges out with his gloved arm and yanks the hapless delivery guy inside. The pizza falls to the floor along with the delivery man as Trick slams the door shut again. He snarls and bends down for lunch.
Joyce is serving dinner to Buffy and Faith.
So you're a Slayer, too. Isn't that interesting! (smiles) Do you like it?
God, I love it!
As Buffy holds out her hand for the serving bowl, Joyce sets it down on the table out of reach, oblivious.
Uh, Mom?
Joyce waves her off and scoops more food onto Faith's plate.
Just a second, honey. You know, Buffy never talks that way. Why do you love it?
Buffy gives up and grabs a pair of tongs to serve herself.
Well, when I'm fighting, it's like the whole world goes away and I only know one thing: that I'm going to win and they're going to lose. I like that feeling.
Joyce smiles at that and takes her seat.
Well, sure. Beats that dead feeling you get when they win and you lose.
I don't let that kind of negative thinking in.
Right. Right. That could get you hurt. Buffy can be awfully negative sometimes. (to Buffy) See, honey, you gotta fight that.
I'm working on it.
Oh, Faith, can I get you another soft drink?
Oh, you bet.
Right.
Joyce heads off into the kitchen for the drink.
She's really cool, huh?
Best mom ever. Excuse me.
Buffy gets up and follows her mom into the kitchen. Faith picks up a bottle of hot sauce, gives it a sniff and grimaces.
Joyce takes out a bottle of cola and opens it.
I like this girl, Buffy.
She's very personable. She gets along with my friends, my Watcher, my mom. (peeks into the dining room) Look, now she's getting along with my fries.
Now, Buffy...
Plus at school today, she was making eyes at my not-boyfriend. This is creepy.
Does anybody else think Faith is creepy?
No, but I'm the one getting single-white-femaled here.
It's probably good you were an only child.
Mom, I'm just getting my life back. I'm not looking to go halfsies on it.
Well, there are some things I'd be happy to see you share. Like the slaying. I mean, two of you fighting is safer than one, right?
I guess.
Unless, I mean, you heard her. She loves the slaying. (sotto) Couldn't she take over for you?
Mom, no one can take over for me.
But you're going to college next year. I think it would be--
Mom, the only way you get a new Slayer is when the old Slayer dies.
When she sees the panicked expression on her mom's face, Buffy realizes she's said too much.
Then that means you... (upset) When did you die? You never told me you died!
No, it was just for a few minutes.
Joyce starts to pace nervously.
Oh, I hate this. I hate your life.
Mom, I--
Look, I know you didn't choose this, I know it chose you. I have tried to march in the 'Slayer Pride' parade, but... (serious) I don't want you to die.
Buffy wraps her mom up in a warm hug.
I'm not going to die. I know how to do my job. Besides, like you said, I've got help now.
Buffy looks into the living room to see Faith picking at everything in sight and stuffing it into her mouth.
I've got all the help I can stand.
Buffy and Faith are on patrol.
Didn't we do this street already?
Funny thing about vamps. They'll hit a street even after you've been there. It's like they have no manners.
You've been doing this the longest.
I have.
Yeah. Maybe a little too long.
Excuse me? What's that supposed to mean?
Nothing.
You got a problem?
I'm five by five, B, living entirely large, actually wondering about your problem.
Well, I may not sleep in the nude and rassle alligators...
Maybe it's time you started, 'cause obviously something in your bottle needs uncorking. What is it? The Angel thing?
Buffy stops in her tracks.
What do you know about Angel?
Just what your friends tell me: big love, big loss. You ought to deal and move on but you're not.
I got an idea: how about from now on, we don't hear from you on Angel or anything else in my life. Which, by the way, is my life.
What are you getting so strung out for, B?
Why are your lips still moving, F?
Did I just hear a threat?
Would you like to?
Wow. Think you can take me?
Yeah. (looks over Faith's shoulder) I just hope they can't.
She shoves Faith to the side as a vampire attacks, sending her to the ground. Buffy takes on the two attacking vampires, punching, kicking and pounding them to the ground. A third comes out of the shadows and Faith gets up and joins in the fight.
Both Slayers fight for all they're worth with Buffy staking one of the vampires before turning her attention back to the other.
Faith's assailant punches her hard in the face but she isn't fazed in the least. She blocks two more punches with her arms and then backhands him in the head.
My dead mother hits harder than that!
Faith throws him through couple of sheets of drywall then jumps on top of him, raining blows down in his head and neck. Buffy kicks her vampire across the alley and looks over at Faith.
Faith! Stake him already and give me a hand!
A fourth vampire seizes Buffy by her jacket and throws her to the ground. She lands on her stomach near a shattered piece of wood. The two vampires both lunge for her.
Faith keeps pounding her victim, accentuating her words with punches.
This is me... you un... dead... bastard!
Buffy reaches desperately for the piece of two-by-four in front of her.
For Kakistos we live! For Kakistos you'll die!
FAITH!
Faith pays her no attention and just keeps pounding the vampire to a pulp.
Buffy finally manages to snag the board and she swings it up against the head of one of the vampires, then kicks the other one off of her. She leaps to her feet and looks over at Faith.
Faith!
The vampire Buffy kicked lunges at her from behind and she instinctively turns and jams the makeshift stake home. The vampire crumbles to ashes and she drops the hunk of wood, reaches into her jacket for a proper stake and heads over to Faith. Faith is still beating the dazed vampire senseless. He's not even fighting back anymore.
You... can't... touch... me!
Buffy takes her by the waist and yanks her off of the vampire, then rams the stake through its heart. As its dust fades away, she rounds on Faith.
What is wrong with you?
What are you talking about?
I'm talking about you 'living large' on that vampire!
Gee, if doing violence to vampires upsets you, I think you're in the wrong line of work!
Yeah, or maybe you like it a little too much.
I was getting the job done.
The job is to slay demons! Not beat them to a bloody pulp while their friends corner me!
I thought you could handle yourself.
She turns and walks off and Buffy lets out an exasperated sigh.
Buffy and Giles walk out of the cafeteria toward the library.
What you must realize, Buffy, is that you and Faith have very different temperaments.
Yeah and mine's the sane one. The girl's not playing with a full deck, Giles. She has almost no deck. She has a three.
You said yourself that she killed one. She's just a plucky fighter who got a little carried away. Which is natural. She's focused on the slaying. She doesn't have a whole other life here as you do.
She doesn't need a life. She has mine.
I think you're being a little--
No, I'm being a lot. I know that. But she nearly got us both killed. The girl needs help.
All right. I'll see if I can reach her Watcher at the retreat. They're eight hours ahead now. I guess they're probably sitting down to a nightcap.
Buffy continues on toward the library but Giles stops, reminiscing.
I wonder if they still kayak. I used to love a good kayak. (Buffy wanders back) You see, they don't even consider... (off her look) Sorry. I digress. The vampires that attacked you, can you furnish me with some details that might help me trace their lineage? I mean, ancient orr modern dress. Amulets, cultish tattoos...
No tats. Crappy dressers. And... oh, the one that nearly bit me mentioned something about kissing toast. He lived for kissing toast.
A spark of recognition in Giles.
You mean 'Kakistos'?
Maybe it was "taquitos". Maybe he lived for taquitos. (off his look) What?
Kakistos.
Giles rushes off to the library.
Is that bad?
Giles moves behind the counter.
'Kakistos' is Greek. It means the worst of the worst. It's also the name of a vampire so old that his hands and feet are cloven.
He goes into his office and comes out with a book, setting it on the counter and leafing through it.
Now, this guy shows up two days ago, right? Right around the same time my bestest new little sister makes the scene.
You think he and Faith are connected?
Giles, there are two things that I don't believe in: coincidence and leprechauns.
Well, Buffy, it's entirely possible that they both arrived here by chance simultaneously.
Okay, but I was right about the leprechauns, right?
As far as I know, yes.
Good. Okay, you get England on the phone. I'm going to talk to Faith, see if 'khaki trousers' rings--
Kakistos.
Kakistos rings a bell. Or an alarm.
Right.
Right.
She heads out while Giles continues reading.
Buffy strides toward the lounge and is about to leave the school when Scott approaches her.
Hi.
Scott!
How are you?
Okay. You know, I gotta--
I know, be somewhere else, right? Think of this as my last-ditch effort. I realize that one more is going to qualify as stalking. (nervously) I've given a lot of thought-- some might say too much thought-- to how I might be a part of your life. It begins with conversation. We all know this. Maybe over a cup of coffee or maybe at the Buster Keaton festival playing on State Street all this weekend.
Buffy is struck by how sweet he is and smiles warmly. She takes a moment to consider his offer.
You know, come to think of it, I don't think I've given a fair chance to Buster Keaton. I like what I've seen of him so far. I think it might be time to see a little more.
Keaton is key. Oh!
He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small box.
I got you a little present. The guy in the retro shop said that it represents friendship and that's something I would very much like to have with you.
Buffy takes the box and opens it. It's a Claddagh ring.
You like?
She immediately has an anxiety attack and drops the box. The ring falls free and hits the floor. Giles arrives just in time to see it fall.
I can't. I can't do this.
Scott bends down to pick up the box and the ring. He looks at her sadly.
Okay. I get the message.
He turns and leaves. Buffy just stands there as if in a trance and Giles reaches out to her.
Are you all right?
She shoves his hand away, not realizing who it is at first, then wipes away a tear and looks up at him.
Uh... Giles, I... yeah, I'm fine. Did you reach the retreat?
Yes, I did.
What did her Watcher say?
Her Watcher is dead.
Buffy stares at him in shock.
Establishing.
The hotel MANAGER is negotiating with Faith.
The room's eighteen dollars a day. That's every day.
Yeah, I know. I'll get it to you by tomorrow, I swear.
It's not like I own the place.
But I bet you will someday.
Not if I listen to broads like you.
Buffy appears at the door and steps in.
Roommates are extra.
I'm just visiting.
The manager heads out and Buffy pulls the door shut.
So what brings you to the poor side of town?
Cloven Guy. Goes by the name Kakistos.
What do you know about Kakistos?
That he's here.
Faith's face betrays her. She's scared.
We're not happy to see old friends, are we? What'd he do to you?
It's what I did to him, all right?
She puts her bag on the bed and starts to stuff her things into it.
And what was that? Faith, you came here for a reason. I can help.
You can mind your own business. I'm the one that can handle this.
Yeah. You're a real bad-ass when it comes to packing. What was that you said about my problem? Gotta deal and move on? Well, we have the 'moving on' part right here. What about dealing? Is that just something you're going to dump on me?
You don't know me. You don't know what I've been through. I'll take care of this, all right?
Like you took care of your Watcher?
Faith stops cold. She lets go of the doorknob and looks down sadly, then turns to Buffy.
He killed her, didn't he?
They don't have a word for what he did to her.
There's a knock at the door. Faith looks through the peephole and sees that it's the manager again, looking very strung out.
Oh, what now?
Faith, you run, he runs after you.
That's where the head start comes in handy.
She opens the door to find Kakistos standing behind the dead manager, propping him up. Faith steps back into the room aghast. Kakistos drops the manager's corpse and smiles at her.
Faith.
Faith's hotel room. Kakistos roars and takes Faith by the neck. She tries to break free but he is too strong.
No!
Buffy rushes up between them and shoves Faith back into the room, forcing Kakistos to let go, and slams the door on his arm. He snarls in anger and pain and yanks his arm out. Buffy slams the door shut, locks it and puts on the safety chain.
I just bought us a little more...
Kakistos punches through the door and reaches for Buffy.
...time!
No! Nooooo!
Scream later! Escape now!
Buffy runs for the bathroom dragging Faith behind her. Behind them, Kakistos kicks in the door.
The bathroom window shatters and Faith scrambles through. Buffy jumps through right behind her.
Let's go!
She takes Faith's hand again and they start to run. They reach a fork in the alley and take the left one. Mr. Trick and his thugs reach the intersection a moment later and one of them follows the girls. Trick signals for two of the others to double back while he and a fourth take the right fork.
Buffy crashes through a window with Faith. They scramble to their feet as the vampire chasing them runs past.
We're okay. What happened?
Faith is too traumatized to speak.
Faith, what happened?
I... I was there when he killed my Watcher and I saw what he did to her... what he was going to do to me. I tried to stop him but I... I couldn't. And I ran.
Faith, first rule of slaying: don't die. You did the right thing. Okay? You didn't die. Now you do the math. One of him, two of us.
Faith shakes her head in terror.
No.
Yes.
No.
Buffy turns around to follow her gaze. On the floor lie the bodies of the Pizza Man and others.
This is his place.
He drove us here.
A vampire appears at the entrance, growling softly. They girls run through the warehouse and the vampire gives chase. Two others close in from the sides, trying to head them off. Buffy kicks a bucket into the face of one vampire. She engages the other two as Kakistos strides into the building, his one-eyed gaze fixed on Faith. Buffy takes a crowbar to a female vampire while she watches Kakistos advance on Faith.
Faith! Don't die!
Buffy throws her the crowbar and Faith catches the it in mid-air but before she can swing it at Kakistos, he punches her hard and knocks her into the wall. She hits the floor, dazed.
Trick calmly walks in, watching the fight with approval.
Still fighting for her life, Buffy throws a vampire across the room.
Kakistos calmly steps up to Faith who is cowering against the wall. He reaches down and takes her by the shirt, lifting her off the floor.
No!
Kakistos punches Faith squarely in the face.
Buffy flips over a low-standing table, landing behind a vampire, and cleanly stakes him. She looks over with concern at Faith being beaten by Kakistos. Behind her, the unconscious vampire female begins to stir.
Kakistos finally hits Faith hard enough to knock her from his grasp onto the floor. Buffy has had enough. She dashes over and kicks him in the leg and spins around to backhand him only to be squarely blocked. She spins again and this time her blow strikes home.
The female vampire stands and Trick walks up behind her.
If we don't do something, the Master could get killed.
He considers his own words for a moment and decides that wouldn't be such a bad thing.
Well, our prayers are with him.
As the two vampires turn to leave, Buffy tries to stake Kakistos but the stake won't easily penetrate his thick hide and has no effect on him. He yanks Buffy by the hair, lifts her and throws her away.
Trick shakes his head.
There's a reason these vengeance crusades are out of style. It's the modern vampire who sees the big picture.
Buffy backhands Kakistos, landing a hard punch and he swings at her, but she ducks. She tries to stake him again and this time it penetrates deeper but still has no effect on him. Again he grabs her by the head and shoves her back into the wall. Faith snaps out of her daze and sees the ancient vampire looming before her, but facing Buffy instead of her.
I guess you need a bigger stake, Slayer!
Faith spots a fallen wooden beam with a jagged edge lying nearby. She lifts it up over her shoulder and before Kakistos can turn his attention back to her, she thrusts the beam through his chest and out his back. Stunned, he looks down at it and back up at this girl who has killed him before exploding into ashes. Buffy stares in amazement at Faith who is gasping for air. She steps over to Faith and they both consider Kakistos' ashes.
You hungry?
Starved.
With that, they turn and leave.
Giles stands up from his desk and comes out into the main room where Buffy and Willow are waiting.
The Council has approved our request. Faith is to stay here indefinitely. I'm to look after you both until a new Watcher is assigned.
Good. She really came through in the end. She had a lot to deal with but she did it. She got it behind her.
I'm glad to hear it.
Buffy looks down for a long beat.
Angel was cured.
I'm sorry?
When I killed him, Angel was cured. (to Willow) Your spell worked at the last minute, Will. I was about to take him out and... something went through him... and he was Angel again. He didn't remember anything that he'd done. He just held me. But it was... it was too late and I had to. So I told him that I loved him... and I kissed him... and I killed him.
Giles and Willow don't know what to say. They now realize the extent of Buffy's pain.
I don't know if that helps with your spell or not, Giles.
Yes, I believe it will.
I'm sorry.
It's okay. I've been holding on to that for so long. Felt good to get it out. (beat) I'll see you guys later.
She walks dejectedly out of the library and Willow watches her friend go, considering.
Giles, I know you don't like me playing with mystical forces but I can really help with this binding spell.
There is no spell.
Giles disappears into his office and Willow stares after him, confused. Slowly the realization dawns on her.
Scott exits a classroom and Buffy is waiting behind the door for him. She steps out into the hall when she sees him pass by.
Scott.
Hello.
Hey. I was, um, I was waiting for you to get out of class.
Oh. Why?
There was someone a while ago and the ring sort of confused me. But I liked what you said about friendship. I liked it a lot. And Buster Keaton. Big fun. And I'm capable of big fun even though there's no earthly way you could possibly know that about me. Wow. If I knew I was going to go on this long, I probably would've brought some water. (sighs) What I'm trying to say is... if you would still like to go to the film festival-- and I would understand it if you didn't-- I'd pretty much love to go with you.
I don't know, Buffy. I'm really going to have to think about this.
Buffy nods in understanding. He starts down the hall and makes it a few steps before stopping and turning back to her.
Okay. You know what? I thought about it and I'm in. When do you want to go?
Well, I have one thing that I have to do tonight and then I'm good.
Good.
Buffy smiles back at him warmly.
Buffy enters the great room where Acathla stood. She stands in the place where she slew Angel, looking down at the floor. The tears start, slowly at first, then spilling down her cheeks. She crouches down and looks at her Claddagh ring.
Goodbye.
She gently places the ring on the floor and reflects for a moment before standing back up, considering the room around her. She turns around and slowly makes her way toward the door. CU: the ring on the floor, then
A moment later, a beam of bright of light illuminates the ring on the floor, shining intensely. The ring begins to vibrate, trembling madly against the marble. Suddenly the room is awash with blindingly bright white light and a dimensional portal opens above the ring. A body falls through and hits the stone floor with a bone- jarring thud. The light fades as the portal closes and we see a naked man trembling on the cold stone floor. He tries to rise but is too weak to do more than lift his face. Reveal Angel, looking dazed and bewildered. His breathing is shallow and labored and he shivers violently as he looks up at the room around him.