[Transcript of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" episode Revelations at buffyology.com.]
It's an especially crowded night. Dingoes Ate My Baby are on stage finishing the last song of their set.
OZ looks out into the crowd, a smile for WILLOW on his face. She is sitting at a table with XANDER and CORDELIA and several other people.
The song ends with Oz's last chord understated and fading. The crowd begins to applaud and cheer as DEVON takes his bows. Oz lifts his guitar from his shoulder, leans the instrument against the back wall of the stage and heads down to join the gang at their table.
Oz! Hey! Have a seat... except we don't have any seats.
It's okay. I'll just scrunch in.
Willow nudges over a bit to make room for Oz and bumps into Xander. She gives him a nervous look. Xander quickly scoots away, pushing up hard against Cordelia.
Xander, why are you giving me a lap dance?
What? I just like you.
He strokes her arm and she pulls it away from him and squirms around a bit to get comfortable again.
And that's very beautiful. I think it's great when two people like two people and want to be close to them instead of anyone else.
Oz smiles to himself, enjoying the eternal mystery that is Willow.
Here, here!
Yeah. Well put. (re: cup) Hey, can I snag a sip?
Sure.
Yeah, you got it.
Xander and Willow both reach for the drink at the same time and their hands touch. They look at each other in surprise and instantly jerk back their arms as if shocked. In doing so, they knock a tray of drinks out of the hands of the waitress standing behind them. Xander slips off of his stool and tries to catch them, but of course he's too late and can only look down at the drinks spilled all over the floor. Around him the crowd begins to applaud his graceful maneuver. He raises his hands to the crowd in acknowledgment.
Thank you! Thank you. (waves) We're here through Saturday. Enjoy the veal.
Willow is terribly embarrassed and tries to hide her face.
Why are you guys so hyper?
Oz takes a drink from Willow's cup.
Hey! Speaking of people and things they do that aren't like usual, anyone notice Buffy acting sort of different?
Oz grimaces at the drink and puts the cup back on the table.
Let's see, killing zombies... torching sewer monsters and... no, that's pretty much the same old Buffster.
Well, I just mean, you know, she's off by herself a lot more and she's kind of... distracted.
Think maybe she has a new honey?
A boyfriend? Why wouldn't she tell us?
Excuse me? When your last steady killed half the class and then your rebound guy sends you a dump-o-gram? It makes a girl shy.
But we're the best of Buffy's bestest buds. She'd tell us.
BUFFY appears at Willow's shoulder.
Tell you what?
About your new boyfriend, who we made up. Unless we didn't?
Willow gives her an inquiring and hopeful look.
This was a topic of discussion?
Well, raised but never discussed.
So are you dating somebody or not?
Buffy pauses, considering what she should say.
I wouldn't use the word 'dating' but I am going out with somebody. Tonight, as a matter of fact.
Really? Who?
FAITH puts her hand on Xander's shoulder and pulls him aside a little so she can squeeze in.
Yo, what's up? (to Buffy) Hey, time to motorvate.
Buffy wraps her arm around Faith's waist.
Really, we're just good friends.
The two Slayers head out of the club arm-in-arm.
Buffy and Faith both roll into frame, side by side, each with a vampire on top of them, fighting as they go.
GILES sits on a nearby bench and calmly watches them fight for their lives.
Buffy is driven to the ground as her assailant rain blows down on her. Faith rolls away from them, pulling her attacker with her.
Giles takes off his glasses and absently begins to clean them.
The two Slayers start to gain the upper hand, beating the creatures back with sheer force.
Giles watches and takes notes.
Faith hurls her vampire across the clearing, sending him slamming into a wooden bench while Buffy kicks her attacker repeatedly in the head, beating him down to the ground.
Giles sips coffee from a mug.
With violent precision, Faith and Buffy corral the vampires so that they are back to back between them; then the Slayers plunge their stakes into the two demons in tandem resulting in a large explosion of ash. After the dust settles, they high-five and head over to Giles.
Synchronized slaying.
New Olympic category?
What do ya think?
Giles is about to reply when he's cut off.
Sloppy.
All three turn to look as a woman walks into frame. She is upper-class British, very proper, like Giles; dressed formally, hair pulled up into a severe bun.
You telegraph punches, leave blind sides open and for a school- night slaying, take entirely too much time. Which one of you is Faith?
Depends. Who the hell are you?
Gwendolyn Post, Mrs. Your new Watcher.
The two Slayers exchange a surprised look, then turn to Giles who is staring at GWENDOLYN POST, too dumbfounded to speak.
Opening credit sequence.
Gwendolyn idly peruses some books in Giles' collection while Faith argues with her.
I'm telling you, I don't need a new Watcher. No offense, lady. I just have this problem with authority figures. They end up kind of dead.
She nods and takes a seat next to Buffy.
Duly noted and fortunately it's not up to you. (to Giles) Mr. Giles, where do you keep the rest of your books?
I'm sorry. The rest?
Yes, the actual library.
Giles gives her a confused look.
Oh. I see.
I can assure you, Mrs. Post, this is the finest occult reference collection--
--this side of the Atlantic, I'm sure. Do you have Hume's Paranormal Encyclopedia?
Giles looks away. While his collection is superior, it is still not complete.
The Labyrinth Maps of Malta?
Buffy looks hopefully at him.
It's on order.
Well, I suppose that you have Sir Robert Kane's Twilight Compendium?
Oh! Yes, I do.
He holds up a dusty old volume.
Of course you do. I have been sent by the Council for a very important reason. Faith needs a Watcher. I am to act in that capacity and report back.
Excuse me, Mary Poppins, you don't seem to be listening.
Faith, if the Council feels that you need closer observation, then we will all, of course, cooperate.
Now that Giles has taken Gwendolyn's side, Faith goes quiet. She's still far from thrilled about the prospect, however.
The Council wishes me to report on the entire situation here. (to Giles) Including you.
Giles is caught off guard by that.
Ha! Academic probation's not so funny today, huh, Giles?
Giles glares at her and she smiles innocently, as only Buffy Summers can.
The fact is, there is talk in the Council that you have become a bit too... American.
Me?
Him?
A demon named Lagos is coming here to the Hellmouth. (condescending) Mr. Giles, an illustration of Lagos, if you please.
Oh, yes. Uh...
He sits at the table and begins to thumb through one of his books.
Perhaps later.
Giles stops looking and starts to seethe.
Lagos seeks the Glove of Myhnegon. No record of this glove's full power exists but we do know it is highly dangerous and must not fall into the hands of a demon. Lagos must be stopped.
What do you propose?
Well, if it's not too radical a suggestion, I thought we might kill him. I suggest two Slayers at full strength for a coordinated hunt.
Buffy looks between Faith and Gwendolyn, not quite sure what's happening here. Faith merely stares evenly at Gwendolyn, her face an expressionless mask.
We believe the glove to be buried in a tomb somewhere, so Lagos will be headed for the cemetery.
There is more than one in Sunnydale.
I see. How many?
Twelve within the city limits.
Well, we'll just have to take them one at a time.
Giles puts his glasses back on and starts to peruse his books again.
Anything in your books that might pinpoint the exact location of the tomb would be useful but then we cannot ask for miracles.
Giles pointedly drops the book on the table and struggles to maintain his composure.
We will begin tomorrow at sunset. Faith... with me, please.
She smiles thinly at Faith and walks from the library. Faith looks at Buffy, unsure, then follows her out. Giles visibly relaxes when they've gone.
That was bracing.
Interesting lady. Can we kill her?
I think the Council might frown upon that. (beat) Well... how do you feel about a spot of training?
ANGEL and Buffy are practicing T'ai Chi in front of the great fireplace. Angel concentrates on the exercises and Buffy watches his moves and does her best to mirror them. Their movements are slow and sensuous and soon their hands are touching and flowing together. He slides his arms down around her and she turns to face him, their lips nearly meeting. Then Buffy abruptly pulls away and walks over to the couch and gathers up her things.
I gotta go. Big night for us Slayer types.
Angel turns away, confused and hurt as Buffy pulls on her backpack.
People to see, demons to kill. Better hurry before somebody figures out what we're doing.
What are we doing?
Training. (sotto) And almost kissing. (beat) Sorry. It's just... old habit. Bad, bad habit to be broken.
It's hard.
It's not hard. (with resolve) Cold turkey. That's the key to quitting.
They stare at each other for a long moment, recognizing that it's not that easy at all.
You think they make a patch for this?
You have to go.
I really do.
She makes it a couple of steps before turning to Angel again.
I'm going to try and vent a little hormonal angst by going out there and killing a Lagos, whatever that is.
The name Lagos captures Angel's attention.
Lagos?
Some demon looking for some all-powerful thingamabob and I gotta stop him before he unleashes unholy havoc... and it's another Tuesday night in Sunnydale.
Be careful.
Buffy nods and leaves the mansion. Angel watches her go and when she's gone, he gets up to start some work of his own.
Giles sits at the large table reading through a book with a dozen other volumes open and spread out in front of him. Willow and Xander are helping him. Giles slams the book shut in frustration.
Oh, this is intolerable. There's not a word here about Lagos or the glove. We don't have time for this near-missing. Just find out all you can about the demon, its strengths, its weaknesses, its places of origin and most importantly, what it plans to do with this blasted glove.
Hey, you're not the Watcher of me.
Then go home. But if you choose to stay, then work.
Giles turns and disappears into his office. Xander realizes now is not the time for jokes and obediently returns to the stacks to work. Willow surreptitiously approaches him.
It's late. I'm tired. What does he want from us, anyway?
The number of a qualified surgeon to remove the British flag from his butt?
They sit down on the floor and Xander picks up a book and thumbs through it.
My eyes are all blurry.
She leans forward and rests her head in her hands for a moment, then starts rubbing her temples.
Ohh...
She moans in pain and Xander looks over at her, concerned. He sets down his book, scooches a bit closer and reaches over to do the rubbing for her. When she feels his fingers at her temples, Willow drops her own hands into her lap and lets him minister to her, moaning softly.
Oh, stop.
Right. Stop means no... and no means no, so... stop.
He stops his massage and picks the book up again to continue his research. Suddenly Willow reaches for him, grabs his face and plants a hard kiss on his lips. Xander responds and puts his arms around her and pulls her closer. They kiss passionately for a while before Giles walks by, his attention riveted on a book in his hands. Lost in each other, Willow and Xander don't notice him at all.
Willow, Xander...
They stop kissing and quickly scramble to their feet.
...you can stop your studying.
They cover their mouths in guilt but aren't sure if they've been caught since Giles is looking away from them at a bookcase.
I've got what I need.
What have you got?
The probable location of the Glove of Myhnegon. (faces them) It's housed in the Von Hauptman family crypt.
Yeah, that's that big one over at the Restfield Cemetery.
Yeah, well, that's great, Giles. How'd you find it?
I looked.
Where's Buffy at?
I'm not sure.
Well, I'll go check out this crypt. Tell her heads-up if she stops by.
Yes, by all means, go.
Xander bolts out of the library.
And I'll just keep studying. I think we're on the verge of a big Lagos breakthrough.
No, I'd say we're done.
He walks away leaving Willow riddled with guilt and halfway convinced that they've been caught.
Faith and Buffy walk as people and cars go by.
Ronnie, deadbeat. Steve, klepto. Kenny... drummer. Eventually, I just had to face up to my destiny as a loser magnet. Now it's strictly get some, get gone. You can't trust guys.
You can trust some guys. (off her look) Really, I've read about them.
Yeah. So what about you?
You mean like, "me and guys" me?
Mmm-hmm.
Not much to tell these days.
Yeah, but you gotta have stories. I mean, I've had my share of losers but you... you boinked the undead. What was that like?
Life with Angel... was complicated. It's still a little hard for me to talk about.
Well, try.
Look, Faith, all the Angel issues are still kind of with me so if you don't mind, I'd rather not.
Yeah, whatever. (beat) You know what? We're oh for six tonight. Why don't we just blow this off?
Yeah. I am kinda beat. But Shady Hill's pretty close.
I'll swing through it. It's on my way, anyway.
Alone? I don't know if I'd--
I got Miss Priss on my back now. I don't need another baby- sitter. I'll holler if I'm having any fun.
Okay.
Later.
Thanks.
Buffy watches her go before turning and heading home.
Faith walks around a hedge and into frame, scanning the graveyard as she goes. Suddenly the lid of a stone coffin slams into the ground in front of her. She jumps back, startled but unhurt. In front of her is LAGOS, a warrior demon, tearing things out of the coffin and throwing them aside as he rummages through it.
Son of a bitch. It's my lucky day.
She runs toward him and a powerful kick to Lagos' back. He hardly budges and turns his head to see who is disturbing him. Faith grabs his arm and whips him around to face her. She backhands him in the face and immediately follows through with a flurry of blows to his head and chest. Unfazed and tired of the interruption, Lagos seizes her by the neck and throws her thirty feet across the cemetery and into the side of a mausoleum. She falls to the ground as Lagos turns his attention back to the open coffin. Faith scrambles to her feet and charges him again. Lagos senses her coming this time and turns to face her. He slams his fist into Faith's diaphragm, sending her airborne once again. She hits the ground hard and struggles for breath. Lagos once again ignores her and goes back to his rummaging. He pulls the last of the coffin's contents out, sees that it's nothing he wants and throws it aside in disgust. He stomps right past Faith on his way out of the cemetery, not sparing her so much as a glance. Faith lies on the ground, struggling to recover from the tremendous blow to her abdomen.
Xander makes his way through the gravestones to the Von Hauptman family crypt. He's obviously nervous about being in a cemetery alone at night in Sunnydale. He finds the crypt and checks it out from behind a bush, ensuring no one and nothing else is around. He steps out from behind the bush and cautiously makes his way toward the crypt.
Hey, Giles, here's a nifty idea: why don't I alleviate my guilt by goin' out and gettin' myself really, really killed?
He stops in his tracks when he hears a furtive noise. A second later he hears the sound of stone grinding against stone and it's coming from inside the crypt. He quickly ducks behind a group of bushes, crouches down and waits to see who or what will emerge. A dark figure soon exits the crypt and pulls the door closed. In its arms, it holds something wrapped in a bundle of rags. As the shadowy figure approaches Xander's position, he sees that it's Angel. Shocked, Xander waits for Angel to move past him before emerging from his hiding place and following, stake in hand.
Xander sneaks down the stairs to the main gallery and tiptoes over to a window where he can see inside. There, to his dismay, he sees Buffy with Angel, kissing passionately.
Angel and Buffy are kissing passionately. Buffy abruptly breaks off and takes a couple of steps backward.
Oh, god...
Buffy...
What am I doing? What are you doing?
I don't know.
Shame on you! (beat) Oh, god, I... I don't even know why I came back here.
She starts to pull on her jacket but Angel steps over and takes it from her hands.
It's good you did.
Buffy looks up at him, waiting for an explanation.
I think I have what you're looking for.
He leads her by the hand over to a pedestal where the bundle of rags lies.
Great... just, wherever this was gift-wrapped, remind me not to shop there.
He unwraps the rags to reveal an ancient-looking glove made of leather and chain mail. There are small spikes along the plates that cover the back of the hand and the forearm. Ringed around the opening are ten hinged claws, made of steel and very sharp.
Glove of Myhnegon.
The world's ugliest fashion accessory.
She reaches out to touch it but Angel quickly stops her.
No, don't. Once you put it on, the glove can never be removed.
So... no touching. Kinda like us.
Angel gets the hint and releases her hand. He re-wraps the glove in the rags.
You hold on to it. I'll tell Giles in the morning. At least he'll be happy.
Giles is reading a book at his desk. Gwendolyn enters frame as Giles finds something of interest in the book.
Ah! Yes. There we are.
In the book is a sketch of a battle scene with an inset of the glove. It only vaguely resembles the real thing. He holds the book for her to see.
There's a wood engraving. See? The Glove of Myhnegon.
Yes, engraved by Father Theodore of Wolsham.
Yes.
Based, I believe, on very sketchy and unreliable folk legends. The pictures are fun to look at, Mr. Giles, but one really ought to read the nice words as well.
Giles is infuriated but tries not to let it show. In the kitchen, the tea kettle begins to whistle.
Ah, yes. Some tea, perhaps?
He goes into the kitchen to pour the tea while Gwendolyn sits down at the bar. She takes the teabag provided by Giles out of her cup and takes her own tea out of her purse.
I know that you must find me tiresome but it's insidious, really. A person slips up on the little things and soon everything has gone to hell in a handbasket. For example, Buffy, your Slayer...
Giles struggles to control himself.
Mrs. Post... I can assure you that Buffy is both dedicated and industrious and I am in complete control of my Slayer.
Suddenly his apartment door bursts open and Xander runs into the room.
Giles! We have a big problem. It's Buffy.
Gwendolyn shoots Giles a meaningful look.
Will you excuse us?
He walks stiffly from the kitchen and nods to Xander to follow. They go to the far side of the room and whisper between themselves while Gwendolyn prepares her tea.
Would you like some assistance?
Giles and Xander stop whispering and look at her.
Thank you. That won't be necessary.
Giles turns to Buffy as she enters the library.
Lagos is out of luck. I got the magic mitten thingy.
She stops when she sees Xander, Cordelia, Oz and Willow sitting at the study table with somber expressions.
What's with all the tragedy masks?
Better take a seat, Buffy.
Xander places a chair at the head of the table, then steps over to Cordelia. Buffy slowly sits down.
What's going on?
We know Angel is alive. Xander saw you with him. It would appear that you've been hiding him and that you lied to us.
Shocked, Buffy has nothing to say.
Nobody's here to blame you, Buffy. But this is serious. You need help.
It's not what you think.
Hope not. Because I think you're harboring a vicious killer.
Buffy recoils from Xander, stung by his words.
This isn't about attacking Buffy. Remember, 'I' statements only. 'I feel angry.' 'I feel worried.'
Fine. Here's one: I feel worried... about me! Last time around, Angel barely laid a hand on Buffy. He was way more interested in killing her friends.
But he's better now.
Better for how long, Buffy? I mean, did you even think about that?
What is this, Demons Anonymous? (starts to leave) I don't need an intervention, here.
Oh, don't you? You must've known it was wrong seeing Angel or you wouldn't have hidden it from all of us.
Buffy is desperate and defensive.
I was going to tell you, I was. It was just that I... I didn't know why he came back. I just wanted to wait.
For what? For Angel to go psycho again the next time you give him a happy?
I'm not going to... we're not together like that.
But you were kissing him.
Oz's statement hits home for Willow as well, sending a fresh wave of guilt through her over her betrayal of Oz.
You were spying on me? What gives you the right?
What gives you the right to suck face with your demon lover again?
It was an accident.
What? You just tripped and fell on his lips?
It was wrong, okay? I know that and I know that it can't happen again. But you guys have to believe me. I would never put you in any danger. If I thought for a second that Angel was going to hurt anyone--
...you would stop him. Like you did last time with Ms. Calendar.
Xander's words cut deep and Buffy is at a loss.
Buffy, I feel that when it comes to Angel, you can't see straight. And that's why we're, we're all going to help you face this.
But he's better now. I swear. Look, you guys, he's the one that found the Glove of Myhnegon. He's keeping it safe for us in the mansion.
Right! Great plan. Leave tons of firepower with the Scary Guy and leave us to clean up the mess.
He heads for the door but Buffy grabs him and spins him around to face her.
You would just love an excuse to hurt him, wouldn't you?
I don't need an excuse. I think lots of dead people actually constitutes a reason.
Right. This is all nobility. This has nothing to do with jealousy.
Hello? Miss Not-Over-Yourself-Yet?
Buffy glares at Cordy.
Don't you start with me.
Giles, no one's doing the 'I' statements!
That's enough! Everybody. Now, Buffy knows our concerns and her actions, however ill-advised, can be understood. Our priority right now is to retrieve the Glove of Myhnegon and try to destroy it. Now, all of you, back to classes.
One after the other they all stand up, gather their things and go. Giles walks into his office. Buffy follows him and stops in the doorway.
Thanks for the bail in there.
No response from Giles.
I know this is a lot to absorb but Angel did find the glove and that was a good--
Giles interrupts and his tone is cold, hard and angry.
Be quiet. I won't remind you that the fate of the world often lies with the Slayer. What would be the point? Nor shall I remind you that you've jeopardized the lives of all that you hold dear by harboring a known murderer. But sadly, I must remind you that Angel tortured me... for hours... for pleasure. You should have told me he was alive. You didn't. You have no respect for me or the job I perform.
Buffy looks away, shamed. She lingers a moment, then quietly leaves.
A knock at the door. Faith opens it, stake raised and ready. She is surprised to see Gwendolyn standing there and lowers the stake as Mrs. Post enters.
A word of advice? Vampires rarely knock. Especially in daylight.
Oh, right.
So... this is your home.
Yeah. The decorator actually just left.
Faith, do you know who the Spartans were?
Wild stab: a bunch of guys from Spart?
They were the fiercest warriors known to Ancient Greece. And they lived in quarters very much like these. Do you know why? Because a true fighter needs nothing else. I'm going to be very hard on you, Faith. I will not brook insolence or laziness. And I will not allow blunders like last night's attack. You will probably hate me a great deal of the time.
You think?
But I will make you a better Slayer and that will keep you alive. You have to trust that I am right. God only knows what Mr. Giles has been filling your head with.
Giles is okay.
His methods are unfathomable to me. I find him entirely confounding. But that is not important. Let him have his games and secret meetings.
What meetings?
Oh, I don't know. Something with Buffy and her friends.
Oh, right. I guess that doesn't include me.
And why does he let her socialize so much? It hardly seems... no matter. Would you like to do some training?
Training? As in kicking and punching and stabbing?
Yes, that's the idea.
I'm your girl.
The bell rings. Buffy walks around the corner and stops when she sees Willow at her locker. She takes a steadying breath and heads over to her friend.
Hey.
Hey!
So on a scale of one to a million, how much are you hating me right now?
Zero. You were scared, you kept a secret, you know? It's okay. I mean, secrets aren't bad. You know, they're normal. They're better than normal. They're good. Secrets are good. Must be a reason why we keep them, right?
Yeah, I guess.
So, are you going to the Bronze tonight or are you going to sneak away for a not-so-secret rendezvous with Angel?
None of the above. I'm going to try and kill this Lagos guy. Peace offering to Giles.
Well, Angel has the glove now, right?
Yep. But Lagos doesn't know that. I figure sooner or later he's bound to show up at that crypt looking for it.
Ah, but instead he finds a Buffy in a not-so-good mood.
That's my brilliant plan.
Xander shoots pool. He retrieves the cue ball from a side pocket and continues practicing. Faith approaches the table.
You look pissed.
Rough day.
Tell me about it.
Rather just shoot.
Don't think I don't know what you and your pals were talking about behind my back today.
Yeah? And what was that?
More about this glove deal than you're saying.
The Glove of Myhnegon? Right. How'd you like a hit of some real news: Angel's still alive.
Faith is surprised.
The vampire?
Back in town. Saw him myself. Toting the popular and famous glove.
Angel. Guy like that, with that kind of glove, could kill a whole mess of people.
Said the same thing to Buffy myself. Weird how she didn't seem to care.
Buffy knew he was alive? I can't believe her.
She says he's clean.
Yeah, well I say we can't afford to find out.
Now she has Xander's full attention.
I say I deal with this problem right now. I say I slay.
Can I come?
He puts down the cue stick and they head out.
Giles is reading at his desk. He hears footsteps and turns around to find Gwendolyn.
You wanted to see me, Mr. Giles?
Yes. I do apologize for bringing you in at this late hour.
Please. A good Watcher must be awake and alert at all hours.
Would you like some tea?
He tosses his glasses onto his desk and steps over to his tea server.
God, yes, please. I'm completely knackered. I spent the afternoon training with Faith. She doesn't lack for energy.
She's your first Slayer, I take it?
If you're questioning my qualifications...
No, I'm not. I have the utmost respect for your methods... in my own American way. I also have the glove. Oh, not actually on me, but I believe it's safe. It's in a mansion on Crawford Street. A friend of Buffy's is keeping it there.
Well. We must get to it. Immediately. Hide it before someone else finds it.
Or better still, destroy it.
Destroy it?
Yes, I didn't think it could be done either but... it involves transforming fire into Living Flame and immolating the glove.
Gwendolyn reads the passage in the book indicated by Giles.
It's complex but I believe I have all the necessary materials.
He goes back to his desk and checks his gathered inventory.
Well, I must say, Mr. Giles... good show.
She steps up behind him and hits him across the back of the neck with a wooden tribal statue. His knees give and he stumbles, but doesn't fall. He turns to face her, a confused look on his face.
Good show, indeed.
She swings the statue again and hits him hard on the temple. He drops to the floor, unconscious.
Buffy and Willow wait for Lagos in front of the Von Hauptman family crypt.
Not to downplay my own slaying abilities, which in some circles are considered formidable, but shouldn't Faith be here?
I tried calling but no one was home. Look, if you're feeling any demon-o-phobia, please, splitting is totally an option. You're not the one in trouble with Giles.
That's true.
How long do you think he can stay angry at me, anyway?
The emotional marathon man?
Yeah. I can't really blame him. It's weird, though. Now that my secret... Angel... it's all out in the open... I feel better.
Well, sure you do. This big burden's been lifted. I mean, keeping secrets is a lot of work. (beat) One could hypothetically imagine.
You have no idea.
None whatsoever. But... can I ask you a question? When you were with Angel and nobody knew about it, did that make it feel, you know, sexier somehow?
Not really. It's too much pressure. After a while, it even makes the fun parts... not so fun.
Oh.
What makes you think all this secret stuff is sexy, anyway?
Nothing. I'm just wondering. Gotta keep asking the big old questions when you're blessed with this girl's thirst for knowledge and... okay. There's something I have to tell you.
What?
Okay. This will make me feel better, right? You know, I always consider myself a good person. Floss, do my homework, never cheat. But lately-- and please don't judge me on this-- but I want you to be the first to know that... there's a demon behind you.
Buffy spins around and attacks Lagos. She fares no better than Faith: her punches and kicks have little effect and the blows the demon lands on her are devastating.
Willow stands by, unable to help and scared for her friend.
With all her strength, Buffy kicks Lagos in the gut, following up with a series of roundhouse kicks to the head and crotch. Lagos finally doubles over in pain and Buffy notices the battle-ax Lagos carries on his back.
Now we're talking.
Buffy pulls the ax from its sheath and swings it around as Lagos straightens back up. In the blink of an eye, Lagos is decapitated. Willow is ecstatic.
Yes!
Sorry about that. So what were you saying?
Oh, I... I opened my SAT test booklet five minutes early. Just doesn't seem important now, does it?
Your secret's safe with me. (re: Lagos) Come on. Let's go bring Giles some happiness.
Buffy shoulders the battle-ax and the two girls head for the library.
Faith and Xander rush in and head for the cage and the weapons cabinet within.
Good old Sunnydale library. Fully equipped with reference books, file cards... and weapons.
Beauty.
I call crossbow.
You got it.
They gather an array of weapons and Xander takes some bolts for the bow. They close the doors when they have what they want.
All right, ready to go?
That I am.
As they head out, Xander hears a low moan from Giles' office.
Wait.
What?
Xander hurries into the office and finds Giles semi-conscious on the floor. He drops the crossbow and kneels down to help him.
Oh, my god. It's Giles! Giles, can you hear me? What the hell happened?
Gee, let me guess.
Stop. Hold it. Just think a minute.
Yeah, I'm thinking. Thinking Buffy's ex-meat did this.
Xander picks up the phone and dials 911.
It's not Angel's style.
The guy's a demon! How much more proof do you need?
Bite marks would be nice. (into phone) Yeah, I have a medical emergency. Sunnydale High.
Screw this waiting crap.
Faith, if we leave, Giles could die!
Yeah and he's gonna have a whole lot of company, unless I do something permanent.
Wait!
For what? You to grow a pair? You handle the baby-sit and I'm gonna kill Angel.
Before Xander can say more, Faith is gone.
Damn it!
He waits on the phone, holding Giles' head.
Angel has a fire going in an urn and several small bowls of powders in various colors strewn across a small table.
Exorere, Flamma Vitae. Prodi ex loco tuo elementorum, in hunc mundum vivorum. (Arise, Flame of Life. Come forth from your place in the elements, into this world of the living.)
He shakes some of a green powder into his hand and throws it into the fire. The flame instantly turns green.
Exorere, Flamma Vitae. Prodi ex loco tuo elementorum, in hunc mundum vivorum.
He does the same with the red powder to the same effect.
Buffy and Willow enter.
Giles is going to be psyched that we showed up stuffy old Mrs. Post.
They stop at the sight of the paramedics with Giles on a gurney. Buffy tosses the battle-ax over the counter and runs to Giles' side.
Oh, my god.
Sunnydale Medical...
What happened?
...Caucasian male, mid-forties...
Giles...
...blunt object head trauma. Notify ER, we're bringing him in.
What happened?
No time for this.
Wait... Buffy, you must... must destroy the glove.
You want him to live? Get out of the way.
She and her partner quickly roll Giles from the library.
Use... Living... Flame...
Move!
They slam the library doors open with the gurney and turn down the hall. Willow looks at Xander, a million questions in her eyes. Buffy also turns to Xander for an explanation. He just stares coldly at her.
What happened?
Your boyfriend's not as cured as you thought.
What makes you think that Angel had anything to do with this?
You saw what you saw.
So you just assume?
I didn't. Faith did.
What did you tell her?
Only what everyone knows. She's a big girl. Came to her own conclusions.
How much of a head start does she have?
Ten minutes.
Go through Giles' research. Figure out how to destroy the glove.
She stares at Xander for a second, wondering how he could actually do such a thing, and then runs from the library. After she's gone, Willow looks at Xander accusingly. He tries to say something but Willow cuts him off.
Shut up and help me.
She enters Giles' office and Xander follows.
The red Living Flame burns intensely in the urn. Angel turns around to get the glove but stops when he sees Gwendolyn walk in.
What do you want?
Gwen Post. Mr. Giles sent me.
What for?
To help you destroy the glove. (re: urn) Is that the Living Flame?
Yes.
Look, I'm sorry to be so abrupt but Lagos is on his way here now. If you're performing the ritual incorrectly, it will only make the glove more powerful.
All right.
Good. Where is the glove?
It's in the trunk.
As he turns around to retrieve the glove from the trunk, Gwendolyn picks up a shovel leaning against the table and slams it into the side of his head. Angel falls to the floor unconscious.
That's what I love about this town. Everyone's so helpful.
Gwendolyn hurries over to the trunk but finds it locked.
Bugger.
She tries yanking at the old padlock but it doesn't give.
Bugger!
She takes the shovel and jams it into the padlock and it breaks easily. As she reaches down to remove it, Angel stands up behind her, his fangs extended and his eyes glowing a feral yellow.
Okay... that hurt.
Gwendolyn looks up at him in surprise and holds up the shovel. She breaks the handle over her knee.
It was supposed to kill you. If you'd been human, it would have. But I believe this is your poison.
She swings at Angel's midsection with her makeshift stake, but he sidesteps her to avoid the blow. Angel parries several more strikes, then delivers a stunning below to her head. She drops to the floor and starts to crawl away. Realizing she's absolutely no match for a vampire of Angel's caliber, she tries to make a run for it. Angel circles around the Living Flame, lifts her by the neck and throws her against the wall. She slides to the floor, semi-conscious. At that moment, Faith arrives holding a long club with a steel hook embedded in the business end.
Mrs. Post!
Angel drops Gwendolyn and, with a snarl, turns to face his new adversary.
I can't believe how much I'm gonna kill you.
You're not getting that glove.
You want to bet?
Angel kicks the club from her hands and Faith body checks him, but he easily absorbs the blow.
Gwendolyn begins to come around and warily watches the fight.
Faith and Angel trade blow after blow, each one taking a tremendous punishment from the other but Faith eventually gains an advantage and presses it. She hurls Angel across the room and he crashes down on a coffee table, shattering it. He is stunned and helpless and Faith raises her stake. After a moment's hesitation, she brings it down-- but Buffy catches her arm mid-swing.
What?
Buffy takes her by the waist and throws her away from Angel.
Willow and Xander grind and mix the powders to invoke Living Flame.
Think we got it?
Well, it's either the catalyst for Living Flame or just some really smelly sand. We'll have to test this.
I'll double-check.
He reads through his book, then looks up at Willow, concerned.
What?
I know what the glove does.
He shows her the book and points to a passage. She quickly absorbs the information.
There's no time to test this.
Xander blows out the candles on the table and pours the contents of the mixing bowl into a plastic bag. Willow spins the neck of the bag to seal it, and they both race out of the library.
Buffy is squared off against Faith, ready to fight.
I can't let you do it, Faith.
You're confused, Twinkie. Let me clear you up. (points at Angel) Vampire. (points at herself) Slayer. (points at Angel) Dead vampire.
There's a lot that you don't understand.
Faith... she doesn't know. She's blinded by love.
Faith, no.
Trust me.
Faith looks back and forth between them.
Faith, we can figure this out...
Faith hooks a kick to Buffy's face. She takes it hard, falling to her knees. Faith kicks Buffy twice in gut but Buffy recovers and knocks the stake from Faith's hand. The fight is on, Slayer against Slayer, neither girl holding anything back. Buffy beats Faith backward out into the atrium.
Xander and Willow run into the mansion and find Gwendolyn lying by the wall, still dazed.
The glove! It's in the trunk.
We'll get it.
Help Faith.
The fight continues, each girl briefly gaining an advantage, then losing it.
Xander rushes to the atrium to intercede in the fight while Willow helps Gwendolyn to her feet.
Xander runs out through the broken doors.
What are you... stop! Guys, listen!
Xander jumps between them and Faith takes him by the shirt and throws him into a lamppost. He bounces off it and hits the stone walkway hard. Buffy punches Faith hard the head and she cries out in pain.
Gwendolyn makes a beeline for the trunk. She throws the lid open and unfolds the rags wrapped around the glove. Reverently she takes the glove out of the trunk and cradles it in her hands.
Finally.
Willow is confused by her actions. Gwendolyn swings the glove around in a wide arc, hitting Willow full in the face and she falls to the marble floor, unconscious.
Buffy seizes Faith by the throat and Faith struggles to pry Buffy's hands off her.
Gwendolyn reverently holds the glove in her hands, then slowly slides her right arm into the it. Once inside, she makes a fist with the clawed fingers. Suddenly the metal claws surrounding the glove's opening begin closing, puncturing her arm one at a time until all ten have become permanently embedded in her flesh. She holds up her gloved arm and smiles maniacally at the sight, seemingly oblivious to the pain. She extends her arm above her, up toward the huge skylight and recites the Gaelic spell that will invoke the power of the glove.
Taou huogan maqachte milegaing! (Be mine, the power of Myhnegon!)
Lightning strikes and thunder booms.
The sounds of the gathering storm cause Buffy and Faith to stop fighting. They look above them, nervously.
Gwendolyn pants with anticipation as lightning strikes again above the skylight.
Buffy and Faith stare at Gwendolyn, the truth slowly dawning on Faith. The two Slayers realize the fight is not with each other and let go of one another. Faith heads into the main hall.
What's going on?
Gwendolyn lowers her gloved arm and looks over at Faith, smiling wickedly.
Faith! A word of advice: you're an idiot.
Faith and Buffy stare at her in disbelief. Gwendolyn once again raises her arm to the sky and utters the words that will call forth the power of the glove.
Tauo freim! Tauo freim! Tauo freim! (Be free! Be free! Be free!)
On the floor, Willow wakes up and turns around just as a blindlingly bright bolt of lightning smashes through the skylight and strikes the glove. Shards of shattered glass fall everywhere but Gwendolyn ignores them and rejoices in her new-found power. She turns to face the Slayers and extends the glove toward them.
A bolt of energy leaps from the glove at the two girls. They scramble out of the way as the bolt hits a tree in the atrium, instantly setting it ablaze.
Angel regains consciousness and quickly assesses the situation.
Willow gets to her feet and begins backing away, stiff with fear, staring at Gwendolyn in shocked horror. The would-be Watcher spins around and aims the glove at her.
Thinking fast, Angel jumps to his feet and rushes toward Willow. A lightning bolt shoots through the skylight, hits the glove and is redirected at Willow. Angel reaches her just in time and tackles her to the floor, out of harm's way. The bolt hits the fireplace and leaves a deep scorch mark in the marble.
Buffy comes up with a plan.
Can you draw her fire?
You bet I can.
Go do it.
Faith gets to her feet and runs into the mansion.
Gwendolyn sees her coming and Faith ducks into a hallway and keeps running. Gwendolyn aims the glove at the other end of the hallway, waiting for Faith to emerge.
Tauo freim!
Another lightning bolt strikes the glove and leaps toward the hallway just as Faith runs out. She dives behind the couch, avoiding the blast from the glove. Thrilled with the power that is now hers, Gwendolyn holds the glove up before her, staring at it with lust in her eyes.
There's nothing you can do to me now.
Outside, Buffy sifts through the broken glass, finds a large shard, gets to her feet and runs into the mansion.
I have the glove. With the glove comes the power.
I'm getting that.
Gwendolyn looks over at Buffy in surprise. Buffy whips the glass shard at her and it flies like a spinning blade, slicing cleanly through her upper arm, severing it and the glove from her body.
With nothing to control it now, the power of the glove becomes erratic; small bolts and sparks leap from it in random directions. Another bolt of lightning strikes through the skylight and, not having a target this time, hits Gwendolyn in the chest. She screams horribly as her body writhes in pain. Everyone watches helplessly as the lightning bolts keep coming. Buffy shuts her eyes, blocking out the gruesome sight. A moment later, with one final brilliant lightning strike, what's
left of Gwendolyn Post vanishes in a bright flash of energy, leaving the mansion once again in relative darkness.
Buffy opens her eyes as Willow and Angel get to their feet. Xander makes his way in from the atrium, holding his head and Faith stands up from behind the couch.
All that is left in the center of the room are bits of glass and framework from the skylight, a cloud of smoke slowly rising from the floor. The Glove of Myhnegon with Gwendolyn's severed arm still firmly in its grip lies there as well. One by one, the ten claws release.
The next day. Willow and Oz sit across from Xander and Cordelia.
So there's no more glove thingy?
No. Little Living Flame, little mesquite, gone for good.
Sounds like we missed a lot of fun.
Then we're telling it wrong.
What do you think Buffy and Angel are going to do?
Boy, do I don't know.
Well, he saved me from a horrible flamey death. That sort of makes me like him again.
Well, as long as she and Angel don't get pelvic we'll be okay, I guess.
Xander straightens up as Buffy enters.
What are you guys talking about?
Oddly enough, your boyfriend. Again.
He's not my boyfriend. Really, truly, he's... (sighs) I don't know.
She looks hesitantly over at Xander and Cordelia.
Are we cool?
Yeah! Just seeing the two of you kissing after everything that happened, I leaned toward the postal. (beat) But I trust you.
I don't. Just for the record.
Buffy smiles wryly at Cordelia, not surprised at all. Behind her, Giles clears his throat and she turns to face him. He's leaning against the wall with a large bandage on his left temple.
Let me guess: Gwendolyn Post, not a Watcher.
Yes, she was. She was kicked out by the Council a couple of years ago for misuses of dark power. They swear there was a memo.
Well, I better go. (to Xander) Little more damage control.
She gets up and heads out of the lounge.
The whole Angel thing is so weird.
Yes, well, we'll have to see how that unfolds, won't we?
Faith is lying on the bed, flipping through a magazine and watching Dragnet in black and white. There's a knock at the door.
Come in.
Buffy opens the door, peeks in, and then enters the room.
Hey. The place looks nice.
Yeah, it's real Spartan.
How are you?
Five by five.
I'll interpret that as good.
Faith doesn't respond, just continues paging through her magazine.
Look, Gwendolyn Post, or whoever she may be, had us all fooled. Even Giles.
Yeah, well, you can't trust people. I should've learned that by now.
I realize this is going to sound funny coming from someone that just spent a lot of time kicking your face... but you can trust me.
Faith tosses the magazine aside.
Is that right?
I know I kept secrets but I didn't have a choice. I'm on your side.
I'm on my side and that's enough.
Not always.
Is that it?
Yeah, I guess.
All right. Well, then, I'll see you.
Faith goes back to watching the TV. Buffy takes the hint and turns to go. Faith looks at her, reconsidering.
Buffy?
Buffy turns to her, hopefully.
Yeah?
Long beat; Faith changes her mind again.
Nothing.
Buffy lowers her eyes, disappointed. Slowly, she turns back to the door, opens it and leaves.
Buffy pauses for a moment on the stairs, trying to think of something she might have said or done differently, then continues on.
Faith sits on her bed, staring out the window, alone.