[Transcript of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" episode The Wish at buffyology.com.]
Pan along a bank of flowery foliage and stop on two pairs of legs: one, a green scaly pair, firmly planted on the ground; the other, a pair of human legs dangling and kicking wildly. We hear throaty gurgling noises and a low-pitched roar from the monster as we
BUFFY being held against the tree by her neck. The monster has writhing tentacles streaming from its head and mouth and its sharp teeth gleam from between the two center tentacles. Its scaly green skin glistens with slime.
Lying near a picnic table, XANDER is just coming around, after having been cold- cocked by the monster as well. WILLOW frantically searches through their bag of demon-killing implements.
Oh, god! Demon! Demon! What kills a demon?
Buffy struggles with the monster's clawed hand at her neck to no avail. She is having a hard time breathing and is making strangled gasps in Willow's general direction.
Oh, Nerf! Not Nerf. Knife!
Willow runs to Buffy's aid with the knife. She tosses the knife to Buffy, who blindly snatches it from mid-air behind her back and stabs the monster in the chest. The monster immediately falls over dead, taking Buffy down with it. Willow and Xander help her up.
Okay. That was too close for comfort. Not that slaying is ever comfy, but... you know what I mean? If you guys hadn't been here to help...
But we were and we did and we're all fine. (re: monster) Isn't he gonna go poof?
Hmmm, I guess these guys don't. We'll have to bury him or something. Makes you appreciate vamps, though. No fuss, no muss.
They sit down at the picnic table and enjoy a post-slay beverage.
So how come Faith was a no-show? I thought mucousy demons were her favorites.
Couldn't reach her... again. She hasn't been hanging out much.
I detect worry.
A little bit. Slaying's a rough gig. Too much alone time isn't healthy. Stuff gets pent up.
We should try to do more socializing with her.
Well, burial detail aside, does this cap us off for the day?
You got plans?
I cannot stress enough how much I don't have plans.
No luck reaching Cordelia?
I've left a few messages. Sixty... seventy... but you know what really bugs me? (to Willow) Okay, we kissed. It was a mistake. But I know that was positively the last time we were ever going to kiss.
Darn tootin'!
And they burst in, rescuing us, without even knocking? I mean, this is really all their fault.
Your logic does not resemble our Earth logic.
Mine is much more advanced.
At least tomorrow's Monday, another school day.
Well, that's good. You know, focus on school. That's the strong Willow way to heal.
Actually, I was more thinking Oz will be there and I can beg for forgiveness.
That works, too.
I want to be strong Willow. But then I think I may never get to be close to Oz again and it's like all the air just goes out of the room.
I know the feeling.
Right. I mean, you went through it with Angel and you're still standing. So tell us, Wise One, how do you deal?
I have you guys.
CORDELIA sits on her bed with the lights very low. She has a picture of herself, Xander, Willow and Buffy all with their arms around each other and is cutting each person off with a pair of scissors. She lets the pieces fall into a bowl on her breakfast tray. In the background, her answering machine plays back her messages.
Hey, it's Xander. If you get this, call me.
The remaining part of the picture in her hand is Xander and she cuts diagonally right through his face.
Hi! Xander. I... well, I'm in if you feel like calling. Bye.
Cordelia's eyes are heavy with tears. She sighs, takes a match and strikes it. She sets Xander's image on fire.
Hi, Cordelia. If you get the chance, if we could talk, I'm here.
She drops the flaming picture into the bowl, then holds the match to the others as well. They all burst into flame. By the light of the flame we can see just how tired and worn down Cordelia has become.
Hey again! It's me. I'm here. Again.
She stares into the flames as they consume the image of Xander.
Opening credit sequence.
Willow waits around the corner from Oz's locker, worried, peeking every few seconds to see if he's arrived. Buffy walks up behind her.
How's it goin'?
Oz hasn't been to his locker. There may be books in there that he needs but still he doesn't come.
Has Xander seen Cordelia?
I don't think so. But she is coming in today. Amy saw her last night at the mall.
How was she?
I don't know. Amy said she looked pretty... scary.
Cordelia pulls in with the top down on her convertible. She steps out of the car, looking gorgeous and dressed to kill. She confidently walks into school.
Cordelia walks in and stops when she sees HARMONY coming her way with some of her friends. When Harmony sees Cordelia, she hesitates for an instant but then approaches her, all smiles.
Cordelia! You look amazing.
Cordelia, confidence restored, exchanges a typical SoCal non-touch hug and kiss-- on both cheeks, of course. Harmony pulls a pretty, brunette girl to the front of the group.
Oh, you have to meet Anya. She just moved here and her dad just bought-- what was it?-- a utility? Or something.
ANYA looks over Cordelia's outfit appreciatively.
Nice bag. Prada?
Good call! Most people around here can't tell Prada from Payless.
God, Cordy, when I heard about... well, I mean, I couldn't believe it. But it was smart. You know, the injury thing? You take a week off, let everybody forget about the temporary insanity that was Xander Harris.
Cordelia raises her eyebrows at Harmony.
Xander who?
Oh!
They all exchange nervous laughter and one of the other girls speaks up.
You know what you have to do. Start dating. Get back on the horse.
Oh, absolutely! I am ready to ride!
Then I have just the stallion. He's so you.
Harmony leads her over to the stairs where JONATHAN is sitting, nursing a soft drink. He looks up as the most beautiful girls in school surround him. He is taken aback by the sudden attention and Cordelia realizes she's been had.
I'm pretty sure he won't cheat on you. At least not for a while. Plus, he's got a killer moped.
Harmony laughs and she and her group walk off, leaving Cordelia humiliated. Knowing what it's like, Jonathan gives her a sympathetic look, then goes back to nursing his soda.
OZ finally shows up at his locker. As he works the combination, Willow comes around the corner and pretends it's a chance meeting.
Oz! Wow.
He stops and slowly turns to face her.
Look at us, running into each other, as two people who go to the same school are so likely to do now and then.
Hey.
He turns to leave.
Oz, wait. Please?
He stops and reluctantly gives her his attention.
What I did... when I think that I hurt you...
Yeah. You said all this stuff already.
Right, but... I want to make it up to you. I mean, if you let me, I want to try.
Just... you can leave me alone. I need to figure things out.
But maybe if we talk about it, we could--
Look... I'm sorry this is hard for you but I told you what I need. So I can't help feeling like the reason you want to talk is so you can feel better about yourself. That's not my problem.
Oz goes leaving Willow alone with her guilt.
Cordelia walks down the stairs and sees Xander come out of the cafeteria at the far end of the hall. When he spots her, he stops. Cordelia looks for a way to turn this to her advantage and pulls an old boyfriend out of the crowd.
Hey, John Lee. Do I have something caught in my teeth?
She smiles to show him her teeth and angles her head so he can see. As she shifts her head back and forth, JOHN LEE dutifully follows her movement. From a distance, it looks to Xander like they are kissing. Finally, he's seen enough and goes back into the cafeteria. Once he's gone, Cordelia steps back from John Lee.
So... what's new? God, it's been like a gazillion years!
Look, the guys are kinda down on me lately. Coach has cut me back to second string. If anyone saw me hanging with Xander Harris' castoff on top of that... death, you know. But maybe... if you want to go someplace private...
What?
Think about it.
He leaves her and she can't believe what a social leper she's suddenly become. As she starts back down the hall, Anya bumps into her.
Hey.
Go ahead. Dazzle me with your oh-so-brilliant insults. Just join the club.
Hardly. Actually, I've been looking for you. Ever since we met this morning, I was like thank god there's one other person in this town who actually reads W.
But Harmony...
Oh, she follows me around. If that girl had an original thought, her head would explode.
Cordelia notices a pendant hanging from Anya's neck.
Is that Gucci?
No... it's an actual old thing. Sort of a good luck charm my dad gave me.
Too bad I didn't have one of those pre-Xander.
Can I just say... men.
Second it.
Apart from being without class, the guy's obviously blind. Deserves whatever he gets.
I'm not even thinking about him. I am past it. I am living my life.
Still, I mean... don't you kinda wish--
I don't wish. I act. Starting now, Xander Harris is going to get a bellyful of just how over him I am.
Cordelia sits at the bar, dressed in a sexy red dress that compliments her stunning figure to full advantage. She is pretending to have great conversation with a guy. Behind her, sitting on the couch beneath the stairs, Willow and Buffy look glum while Xander pretends to be having fun, forcing himself to laugh. He looks over at
Cordelia, who seems to be enjoying her conversation. Xander looks back at Willow and Buffy and forces out gales of laughter. Willow and Buffy can't figure him out.
Excuse me. I need to be both giving and receiving of mirth. Is it too much to ask for a little backup?
I'm here for you, Xand. I'm Support-O-Gal. I just... feel a little weird about this us-against-Cordelia thing. She's had a rough time.
It's true. Cordelia belongs to the justified camp. She should make us pay. And pay and pay and pay. In fact, there's just not enough pay for what we--
Look, you want to do guilt-a-palooza, fine, but I'm done with that. Starting this minute, I'm going to grab a hold of that crazy little thing called life and let it do its magical little healy thing. What's done is done. Let's be in the moment. Behold the beauty that is now. Who's with me?
He's actually making sense. We're young and free in America. How dare we be spun by love or the lack of same?
Absolutely. It's self-indulgent. I'm in. I'm on the joy train.
They all put on bright smiles and radiate them into the Bronze. Slowly their luster fades and they all end up looking glum again.
That didn't work. Who wants chocolate?
Willow and Xander both raise their hands.
I'm up.
She gets up and heads for the cappuccino bar.
Look at her. (re: Cordelia) Tears of a clown, baby. Or is it... grins of a sad person? Or maybe it's--
Out of habit, he puts his hand on Willow's shoulder.
Xander, your hand.
He jerks it away as if electrocuted.
Oops! Sorry. But why 'oops'? I mean, we always touch digits. It's a friend thing. Comfort. Like chocolate.
Maybe it used to be, but since we... it's different. I'm sorry. But if I want to make things right with Oz, my hands-- all my stuff-- has to be for him only.
Xander's not happy about it but he understands.
The cappuccino bar. While waiting in line, Buffy notices Cordelia talk briefly with Anya and say goodbye. As she goes, a boy bumps into her, jostling her wound. She winces in pain and puts her hand over it as she walks out. Buffy decides to follow.
Buffy catches up with Cordelia.
Hey, Cordelia, wait a second.
Did Xander send you to beg for him? Because if he did...
No. I'm a free agent, I promise. I just wanted to see how you are.
Never been better.
She turns to go. Buffy follows.
Cordelia, I know what it's like to be hurt by someone. Hurt so much that you don't think you're going to make it. But I told my friends how I felt and you know what? It got a little better.
Suddenly, a vampire drops down behind Buffy and swings at her head but she blocks it and beats him back with a devastating series of blows. She kicks him in the chest and he stumbles backward right at Cordelia.
Cordelia, look...
Cordelia has no time to react and gets knocked into a pile of garbage.
...out.
The vampire gets back to his feet and charges Buffy. She grabs him and knees him in the stomach, then flips him over onto his back. She pulls out her stake and slams it home and the vampire bursts into ash.
Buffy turns her attention back to Cordelia, who flicks a few pieces of trash from her dress and slowly climbs out of the garbage heap. Buffy looks at her apologetically.
Behind her, Buffy hears the laughter of a group of girls and quickly tosses her stake aside. Harmony and some of her friends walk by, look at Cordelia's garbage- stained dress and laugh even harder. After they've gone, Cordelia rounds on Buffy.
You know what I've been asking myself a lot this last week? Why me? Why do I get impaled? Why do I get bitten by snakes? Why do I fall for incredible losers? And you know, I think I've finally figured it out, what my problem is. It's...
...Buffy Summers. That's when all my troubles started. When she moved here.
Cordelia and Anya walk together and Cordelia winces in pain and holds her side.
Are you okay?
Oh, I just pulled some stitches last night. Know why? Surprise. It was Buffy's fault.
Anya follows Cordelia's gaze and sees Buffy and company sitting on a nearby bench. Harmony interrupts Cordelia and Anya.
Oh, hey, it's Garbage Girl. Loved the look last night, Cor. Dumpster chic for the dumped.
She and her troop rudely walk between Cordelia and Anya, giggling and smiling. Cordelia looks down in shame as Anya takes her pendant off.
Here. I think you need this more than I do right now.
Cordelia lifts her hair away from her neck and lets Anya put it on.
Yeah, I can use some luck. (eyes Buffy) And a stick with pointy, sharp bits. If that Buffy wasn't... I swear. She's a pain.
But Xander, he's an utter loser. Don't you wish--
I never would've looked twice at Xander if Buffy hadn't made him marginally cooler by hanging with him.
Really?
Yeah, I swear! I wish Buffy Summers had never come to Sunnydale.
Cordelia suddenly gasps as Anya turns back to face her. Anya's skin has become wrinkled and flushed, the color of a raw wound, revealing the vengeance demon Anyanka.
Done.
Cordelia looks around her. Anya is gone. Buffy, Willow and Xander are not sitting on the bench anymore. In fact, there are far fewer students in general. The school is old, dilapidated and in need of repair. Garbage and palm leaves are strewn about the quad.
Anya?
Out of habit, she touches her abdomen, then suddenly realizes that her injury has miraculously healed. Anya's pendant, however, is still around her neck. Slowly, she begins to figure it out.
'I wish Buffy Summers had never come to Sunnydale.' (smiles) She was like... a good fairy. A scary, veiny good fairy.
She laughs as she heads into the school.
The halls seem strangely empty; only a few students move from class to class. Everyone is dressed in dark, drab clothing-- Cordelia stands out in her bright turquoise dress. She spots Harmony and her friends at a bank of lockers and hesitates. Harmony closes her locker and turns to Cordelia.
Where have you been?
Cordelia gives them a careful smile.
Ted Chervin just totally went for third with Ginger in front of everybody.
Love the dress. It's so daring.
Harmony nods in agreement as John Lee walks up to them.
Cordelia.
Yeah?
Look, every guy on campus has probably asked but if you're not going to the Winter Brunch with anyone, I'd be honored and we'd have fun.
I'll get back to you.
Really?
Yeah.
Great!
He heads down the hall, a happy man. Harmony steps over to her.
Cordy, you reign!
I do? I mean, I do. So what's with the Winter Brunch thing?
The class is less than half full but even so, most of the students sit toward the back. The bell rings and the TEACHER hurriedly gathers his things.
All right. Now don't forget, tomorrow we have our monthly memorial, so there's no class.
He rushes out of the room. The students also seem to be moving rather urgently.
What's the rush?
Oh, you know, my mom hates it when I'm late.
Since when? Aren't we going out tonight?
Curfew starts in an hour.
Curfew? Come on, I'm in a really good mood! Let's go to the Bronze!
Harmony and her friends stop and give Cordelia an incredulous look.
Is that a joke?
Oh! The Bronze isn't cool in this reality. I've gotta make these little adjustments.
As the others leave, Harmony pulls Cordelia aside.
Cordy, what's with you? I mean, you wear this come-bite-me outfit, you make jokes about the Bronze and you're acting a little schizo.
You're right. I just... well, I bumped my head yesterday and I keep forgetting stuff. Not that I care, but Xander Harris, he's miserable, right? And that Willow freak he hangs with, not even a blip on the radar screen, right?
She smiles hopefully.
Well, yeah. They're dead.
Cordelia's smile fades. This isn't news she wanted. Harmony rolls her eyes and leaves the room.
The lot is completely empty and full of fallen leaves.
Okay. Not funny. (stops a passing janitor) Hey! You! Where did you put my car?
Pardon?
My auto! El convertablo?
You students aren't allowed to drive and you know it.
What?
Go on now, Miss. You better get in before the sun sets.
The janitor hurries off and Cordelia starts walking home, very confused.
The Sun Cinema is closed. The last open shop pulls a metal gate across its storefront. The street is dirty, a smashed car just sit abandoned in the middle of it. As she walks, Cordelia can hear sirens and screams in the distance. Suddenly, Xander appears in front of her, wearing only a white t-shirt and a black leather jacket. She stops short.
Well, what do ya know? Cordelia Chase.
What is this? Some kind of sick joke? Harmony told me you were dead.
Now, why would she say something like that? Let's think.
Listen to me. We have to find Buffy. She'll figure out a way to save us. She was supposed to be here and as much as it kills me to admit it... things were better when she was around.
Buffy? The Slayer?
No! Buffy the Dog-Faced Girl! Duh! Who do you think I'm talking about?
Bored now.
Willow appears behind Cordelia and slinks up to them in a black leather bodice with red lace trim.
This is the part that's less fun. When there isn't any screaming.
What's up with you two and the leather?
Play now?
It's not that I don't appreciate your appetite, Will, but I thought we agreed it was my turn.
Willow pouts and rubs her hand across Xander's chest.
No. No! No way! I wish us into Bizarro Land and you guys are still together? I cannot win!
Probably not. But I'll give you a head start.
His face morphs. Xander is a vampire.
No!
She drops her bag and runs.
I love this part.
They kiss passionately, then Xander turns his attention to the chase.
You love all the parts.
Willow walks leisurely behind as Xander runs after Cordelia. He jumps up, leaps over the smashed car and jumps down behind her. He seizes her by the neck and throws her down to the street. She rolls to a stop, unconscious.
No fun. She didn't even hardly fight.
Suddenly, a van comes screeching around the corner.
Aw, swell. It's the White Hats.
The van screeches to a stop next to Cordelia and GILES jumps out with a large cross in hand. The two vampires back away, hissing. Oz has the crossbow trained on them from the driver's seat. LARRY and NANCY jump out the sliding door, weapons at the ready.
I've got them! Get the girl!
Larry and Nancy pick Cordelia up and carry her into the van. Xander and Willow snarl with rage as they watch their prize being stolen from them. When Larry and Nancy have Cordelia safely inside, Giles hops back in, they slam the doors shut and take off.
Cordelia is laid out on the large center table.
How's she doing?
Her pulse is strong.
What was she doing wearing that? Everyone knows that vampires are attracted to bright colors.
That's Cordelia. It's better to look good than to feel alive.
Go and watch the perimeters in case they follow.
Acid rock blares loudly as Xander and Willow approach the club. A couple of the vampires standing outside feast on fresh victims caught out after dark. They enter the club and check out the happenings inside. There are several cages containing terrified people suspended a few feet from the floor and Willow reaches in to one and strokes his cheek. They head toward the back of the club, past the pool tables where a vampire has a wayward biker tied down. Xander runs his hand across the man's chest.
Slap my hand, dead soul man.
They shake hands and Xander and Willow continue on. A guard holds the curtain aside for them as they go by. Inside, the MASTER rises from his throne as his two favored vampires stand before him.
Ahh. Xander... Willow... hungry?
He grabs a nearby girl by the hair and lifts her off the floor. The girl whimpers in pain.
I've lost my appetite for this one. She keeps looking at me. I'm trying to eat and she looks at me.
He notices Willow is lusting for a kill and turns the young girl's head toward her.
Go on!
Willow smiles at Xander, who gives her a nod of approval. She turns to the Master and brings her vampire forth as the Master shoves the girl to her. She catches the waif in her arms sinks her fangs into the tender flesh of her neck. Xander relishes Willow's savagery.
I remember that lust for the kill. Now... what news on the Rialto?
Had a prime kill. An old crush, actually, till that want-to-slay librarian showed up.
He'll be dealt with soon enough.
Willow returns to Xander's side, licking her fingers.
Weird thing: girl kept talking about Buffy. 'Gotta get Buffy here.' Isn't that what they called the Slayer?
Buffy. Oh! Scary.
Someone has to talk to her people. That name is striking fear in nobody's hearts.
The Master isn't nearly so amused.
She talked of summoning the Slayer here? Now? At this time? And you didn't kill her?
Well, they had crosses.
The plant begins operation in less than twenty-four hours. You will find this girl. You will kill her before she contacts the Slayer... or I'll see you two kissing daylight.
Cordelia groans as she regains consciousness. Giles rushes down to her from the stacks and tries to keep her from getting up too fast.
Hey! Hey...
Giles! It's all my fault! I wasn't... I made this stupid wish...
Come on. Please lie--
No! You have to get Buffy. Buffy changes it. It wasn't like this. It was better. I mean, the clothes alone... but people were happy. Mostly. And... wait. Why are you here and she's not? I mean, you were her Watcher.
Giles is stunned by what he's hearing.
How do you know I was a Watcher? I've never...
A series of thumps and taps from outside.
What?
Giles looks around carefully.
What?
I thought I heard something.
He goes into the cage and takes a large cross and a stake from the weapons cabinet.
Now, I want you to start again and explain everything very carefully.
Before he can come back out of the cage, the door slams shut on him.
You're in a big cage.
She taunts him with the key. Reveal Xander with Cordelia pinned, his hand over her mouth.
Not too bright, Book Guy.
Willow turns back to Giles, who slams the cross against the cage, forcing Willow back. She snarls angrily as Xander forces Cordelia closer.
So you're a Watcher, huh? Watch this.
Xander lets go of Cordelia's mouth and sinks his fangs into her neck.
Giles rattles the cage, helpless to do anything for her.
Willow smiles at him, then turns around and savagely bites Cordelia on the other side of her neck. Together they suck her dry in minutes.
Xander reaches over and caresses Willow's hair. When Cordelia is dead, Xander pushes her lifeless body aside, letting it drop casually to the floor. He starts out of the library as Willow smiles at Giles and tosses the key to him.
Giles hyperventilates as he looks down at Cordelia's corpse, the latest victim of Xander and Willow, two of the most vicious vampires he's ever encountered.
Giles swings at the cage door with a double-bladed battle-ax. It soon gives way and he rushes out to check on Cordelia. He feels for a pulse but he's too late. Larry and Oz run in through the stacks.
They hit us right outside.
Nancy?
She's dead.
Giles takes the news as well as can be expected.
Would you mind... could you take her to the incinerator? I have some business to...
Larry and Oz set themselves to their grim task. Oz takes Cordelia's legs and Larry picks her up by the shoulders. Just as they are about to go, Giles notices the pendant around her neck.
Wait a moment.
He takes it off before the boys carry her body away.
The Master takes a fresh hot demitasse of blood espresso from the machine and sips it. He blows on it and takes another sip. Behind him, Xander and Willow report to him.
The deed is done.
You killed the girl that sought the Slayer?
It was too easy.
I felt cheap.
Excellent. The opening will commence as scheduled.
So you're pleased?
Ecstatic.
Then... can I play with the puppy?
Oh. (smiles) Be my guest.
Willow grins wickedly as the Master hands her the keys.
Giles talks on the phone with Buffy's Watcher.
Yes, I understand but it's imperative that I see her. Here. Well... when will you? Yeah, well, you are her Watcher. I'd expect her to at least check in to-- (beat) Yes, I'm aware that there's a great deal of demonic activity in Cleveland. Well, it happens, you know, that Sunnydale is on a Hellmouth. It is so! (beat) Well, just give her the message, if you ever see her again.
Willow approaches a jail cell set in the basement.
Bored now.
She walks over to a wall full of whips, chains and other instruments of torture.
Daytime's the worst. Cooped up for hours. Can't hunt.
She takes a pair of iron shears and knocks it along the bars of the cell.
But the Master said I could play.
Inside the cell, a figure begins to stir.
Isn't that fun, Puppy?
She unlocks the cell door and swings it inward.
Aw, Puppy's being all quiet. Come on. Don't be a spoilsport.
He groans in pain as she straddles him and grabs him by the hair, jerking his head up. It's ANGEL and he moans quietly. He seems constantly short of breath and bears the scars of many past sessions like this one.
Guess what today is?
She runs the tip of the shears along his chin and down his throat.
Today the plant opens. It's a big party.
She licks him from the base of his ear to his forehead and runs her sharp fingernails along his neck.
You remember I told you about the plant? All those people you tried to save? It's going to be quick for them. Not for you, though. It's going to be slow for you.
She flips him over onto his back and straddles his stomach. He lets out a pitiful moan.
That's right, Puppy... Willow's gonna make you bark.
He cries out when she rips open his shirt to reveal several very deep and bloody wounds on his chest. When she touches them he flinches.
Oh... maybe I went too hard on you last time.
Behind her, Xander strikes a wooden kitchen match with his thumbnail and tosses it onto Angel's chest. Angel cries out in pain.
Too hard? No such thing.
Watch it with those things. You almost got my hair.
Sorry. Got carried away.
He tosses her the box of matches.
Don't you want to?
No, thanks, baby. I just want to watch you go.
Willow smiles and turns her full attention on Angel. She lights another match and Angel screams in agony.
Giles sits in his office while Oz tunes the crossbow and Larry carves stakes.
Here it is! I've found it. Look.
He sets down a book which is opened to a page with a sketch of Cordelia's pendant.
It's what Cordelia was wearing. It's the symbol of Anyanka.
I don't think I know her.
Well, no. Anyanka is sort of a patron saint of scorned women.
What does she do?
She grants wishes.
So Cordelia wished for something? Well, if it was a long, healthy life, she should get her money back.
She said something about everything being different, that the... the world wasn't supposed to be like this. It was better. Before.
Okay. The entire world sucks because some dead ditz made a wish? (off their looks) I just want it clear.
She said the Slayer was supposed to be here, was meant to have been here already.
Certainly would've helped.
Yes. I tried calling her but... (stands up) Look, I'm going to have to research this Anyanka thing further. I have some more volumes at home. You two get some sleep.
Watch your back.
Giles drives along in his ancient Citroën. As he drives by a park he sees a bunch of people being herded into a stepvan. He stops the car, grabs a large cross and rushes over to help. He drives away the two vampires and yells to the people in the van.
Run!
When the people have all made it safely away, he turns back to his car as a third vampire slams the van door into his face, knocking him flat on his back. The vampires try to load up but the one at his feet suddenly finds himself launched through the air. The other two attack but meet with similar fates. The first one charges his attacker again and gets staked for his trouble. A moment later, the second vampire falls under the stake. The others flee as Giles looks up at his savior.
Buffy Summers?
That's right. Want to tell me what I'm doing here?
The Buffy of this world isn't the carefree teenager we know. She's a hardened warrior with scars both physical and emotional, attesting to the short but hard life she's led to this point.
Buffy looks around, bored out of her skull. Giles is on the stairs looking through a book and finally finds what he's looking for.
Ah! Yes! Here. (reads) 'In order to defeat Anyanka, one must destroy her power center. This should reverse all the wishes she's granted, rendering her mortal and powerless again.' You see? Without her power center, she'd just be an ordinary woman again and all this would be... well, different. Well, I'd say that my Watcher muscles haven't completely atrophied after all.
Great. What's her power center?
Well... it doesn't say.
Why don't I just put a stake through her heart?
She's not a vampire.
Well, you'd be surprised how many things that'll kill.
I don't want to kill her, Miss Summers. I want to reverse whatever effect she's had on this world.
You're taking an awful lot on faith here, Jeeves.
Giles.
Kill the bad fairy... destroy the bad fairy's power center... whatever... and all the troubles go away?
Yes, well, I'm sure it's not that simple, but--
World is what it is. We fight. We die. Wishing doesn't change that.
I have to believe in a better world.
Go ahead. I have to live in this one.
She strolls over to the chess table and uses it to spit shine her boot.
Cordelia said she knew that I was meant to be your Watcher. She said she knew you.
She's probably just a big fan.
The Master sent his most vicious disciples to kill her. Now, she must have posed some threat to him.
Buffy is suddenly very attentive.
The Master?
Supreme vampire around these parts. He lives on the outskirts of town in an old club.
You know where he lives and no one's ever tried to take him out?
People have tried.
Well, point the way. I might as well do some good while I'm in this town.
You can't just walk in there and--
Look, you want to stay here and play make-believe, fine. I'm not going to be any help to you anyway. There's only one thing I'm good at.
At least let's muster some kind of force.
I don't play well with others. Now, I'm going to ask you this once and then I'm going to get testy.
Giles gives in and tosses his book onto the desk.
Where's this club?
Buffy whips aside the curtains and exits the Master's sitting area. She strolls through the club and we see that the hanging cages, the ropes dangling from the pool tables and everything else for the most part put away as though the place were just closed for the day. Everything, that is, except for the dead boy in one of the cages.
Buffy descends the stairs and finds Angel's cell. He is shivering violently. He looks up at her and a look of recognition glimmers in his eye. Buffy, however, sees nothing remarkable and turns to leave.
Buffy.
She stops in her tracks.
Buffy Summers. (weak) It's you. I mean... you don't remember. How could you?
How did you know my name?
I waited. I waited here for you. But you never... I was supposed to help you.
You were going to help me?
The Master rose. He let me live... to punish me. I kept hoping maybe you'd come. My destiny.
Is this a get-in-my-pants thing? You guys in Sunnydale talk like I'm the Second Coming.
I'm sorry. I just meant--
Look, I don't have time for stories. Where's the Master?
They're at his factory. It starts tonight.
Factory?
I... I can take you there.
Buffy is wary but decides she can at least give him a chance. She kicks in the door to the cell and approaches Angel and reaches behind him to break his chains. In doing so, the cross around her neck hangs down directly in his face and he flinches from it. Buffy jumps back and drops the chains.
Oh, you gotta be kidding me!
She storms out of the cell.
Wait! I won't hurt you.
No. You'll leave that to your Master.
You don't believe I want to help you?
He makes a valiant effort to stand and opens his shirt to show her his wounds.
Believe I want him dead.
She stares at his wounds for a long moment, considering.
Pan from a control panel, across the crowd of gathering vampires, past a wooden cage full of people and a huge machine in front of it, then over to the Master on a stage.
Vampires, come! Behold the technical wonder which is about to alter the very fabric of our society. Some have argued that such an advancement goes against our nature. They claim that death is our art. I say to them... well, I don't say anything to them because I kill them. Undeniably we are the world's superior race. Yet we have always been too parochial, too bound by the mindless routine of the predator. Hunt and kill, hunt and kill. Titillating? Yes. Practical? Hardly. Meanwhile, the humans, with their plebeian minds, have brought us a truly demonic concept: mass production!
The vampires cheer.
We really are living in a golden age.
He is visibly moved by the proceedings. Willow smiles beatifically.
Giles has several bags and bowls of various herbs and powders laid out on his chess table. He takes a couple of them over to his desk where he has a large golden goblet already smoldering. He drops bits of herb into the goblet as he recites the ritual to summon Anyanka.
Oh... Anyanka... I beseech thee... (turns a page) In the name of all women scorned... come before me.
He looks around his apartment, anticipating her appearance. She does appear, but in the shadows under the stairs where he can't see her. Slowly she moves out into the dim light of the room, startling Giles.
Oh!
Do you have any idea what I do to a man who uses that spell to summon me?
Giles has no idea but he knows it's not good.
The Master shouts from the stage.
Bring on the first!
The vampires shove a couple people back from the gate of the cage, lift off the crossbar and open it. Oz realizes what's about to happen but can't do anything. Two vampires go into the cage and choose a victim.
You!
He points to the pretty Cordette. Xander and Willow look on as she is dragged out, screaming.
Nooo! No! Please! No! Help me!
Some of the men in the cage come to her aid but they are easily knocked aside. Once they have her outside, she is shocked with a cattle prod and her body goes limp. The gates to the cage are closed and the mortals all gather to watch in horror. The two vampires drag her to the mouth of the great machine. One of them lifts her into a long stainless steel pan resembling an autopsy tray and lays her down in it.
She's still alive, you see, for the freshness.
The machine is turned on and the pan moves along the conveyor to the blood draining station. On either side, four mechanical arms extend out and over the Cordette, each tipped with a very large needle. They descend toward her and plunge into her body, draining her blood in seconds.
At one end of the machine is a tap for sampling the blood and a glass fills for the Master to taste. In the cage Larry and Oz watch in horror.
At the back of the factory, Buffy and Angel peek around a corner.
On the conveyor, the Cordette lets out a few last whimpers and dies.
Xander and Willow watch with eager anticipation.
What's the plan?
Buffy holds up a stake.
Don't fall on this.
The arms extract themselves from the Cordette's corpse and her body moves along the conveyor toward disposal.
The blood-filled glass is passed up to the Master as Buffy and Angel calmly make their way through the crowd of vampires toward the stage. The Master smiles in anticipation of the first taste of blood from his new machine. He holds up the glass to his subjects in a toast.
Welcome to the future.
To the future! To the future! To the future!
Buffy raises her crossbow, takes aim at the Master and fires. Instantly, the Master pulls Xander in front of him and the bolt hits him in the shoulder. Buffy aims the crossbow again but it's knocked from her hand.
Panic sets in among the vampires as Buffy ducks a blow from a nearby vampire and brings her foot down, crushing his knee.
Angel attacks the vampire guarding the cage and shoves him aside, then throws the crossbar off the gate.
Uh-oh. Puppy got out.
Angel throws open the cage and starts pulling people out while Buffy continues to fight the vampire horde.
The crowd of humans streams into the fray. Oz breaks off one of the wooden cage bars and jams it into the back of a vampire. All around humans and vampires fight.
Xander and Willow decide it's time to join in and jump down from the stage.
Anyanka slowly approaches Giles, who bravely stands his ground.
Cordelia Chase. What did she wish for?
I had no idea her wish would be so exciting! Brave New World. I hope she likes it.
Buffy valiantly battles a dozen vampires and holds her own.
Giles nervously backs away from Anyanka.
You're going to change it back. (beat) I'm not afraid of you. Your only power lies in the wishing.
Anyanka seizes him by the neck and slams him against the wall.
Wrong!
Willow swings and misses Buffy and Buffy backhands Willow in the face and follows with a roundhouse kick to her stomach. Willow falls to the ground, dazed. Buffy senses something behind her and turns around in time to deck an oncoming vampire. She spins around again, this time to face Xander. She pulls his head down to meet her knee, sending him tumbling to the ground. As she engages her next target, Xander gets to his feet and charges Buffy. Angel sees him make his move and runs to Buffy's aid.
Buffy, look out!
Angel runs past Buffy and delivers an uppercut to Xander's jaw. Xander in turn pulls the crossbow bolt from his shoulder and lunges at Angel, impaling him through the heart. Angel's eyes go wide with shock and he turns to Buffy with his last breath.
Buffy...
He crumbles to ash.
Buffy is unmoved. To her, Angel is just another dead vampire. Without giving it further thought, she wades back into the fray.
This is the real world now. This is the world we made. Isn't it wonderful?
Buffy turns her attention back to Xander, who has just killed a man and throws the corpse aside. Xander sees her coming and advances on her in turn. He swings at Buffy and she bats his arm away and buries her stake in his chest. With a look of shock and bewilderment on his face, Xander disintegrates. Buffy turns around and starts looking for her next victim.
Willow sees her true love staked and starts for Buffy, enraged. Before Willow can get there, Larry and Oz engage her. Oz grabs Willow around the waist and throws his body against her, driving her backward into one of the broken and jagged bars of the cage. With a shriek, Willow explodes into ash.
Buffy turns to face the Master. He descends from the stage and shoves aside a vampire and mortal blocking his way. Without hesitation, Buffy heads right for him. The Master clears a path of people and vampires in his determination to get at the Slayer and Buffy does the same.
Anyanka pins Giles by the throat against the wall. Giles is beginning to choke when he notices the amulet around Anyanka's neck begin to glow green. He snatches it from her neck and she drops him. Giles backhands her in the face, sending her staggering across the room.
Buffy and the Master finally meet and the battle is on.
Giles rushes over to his desk, lays the amulet on it and searches frantically for something to smash it with. He picks up a marble paperweight as Anyanka gets up from the floor.
You trusting fool! How do you know the other world is any better than this?
Because it has to be.
The Master lands a devastating blow to Buffy's face, snapping her head back, dazing her. He takes her by the shoulders and pulls her to him.
Giles raises the paperweight and starts to bring it down on the amulet.
No!
The Master holds Buffy's head between his hands.
SLOW MOTION: the paperweight comes down.
The Master wrenches Buffy's head violently sideways, snapping her neck.
SLOW MOTION: the paperweight.
Buffy eyes go blank as her dead body sinks to the floor.
The paperweight smashes down on Anyanka's amulet and it shatters, emitting a burst of green light.
The Master watches with satisfaction as Buffy's corpse falls, then moves on.
Cordelia makes her wish but she no longer has Anya's pendant around her neck.
I wish Buffy Summers had never come to Sunnydale.
Anya turns back to face Cordelia.
Done.
Not yet aware that she has become mortal, Anya is confused when nothing happens.
That would be cool! No, wait. I wish Buffy Summers had never been born.
Done!
Still nothing. Anya looks down at herself in confusion.
And I wish that Xander Harris never again knows the touch of a woman. And that Willow wakes up tomorrow covered in monkey hair.
Done!
In fact, I wish all men-- except maybe the dumb and the really agreeable kind-- disappear off the face of the earth. That would be so cool! Or maybe...
Pan past Cordelia as she walks off to where the gang is sitting. Giles walks past the group and makes a point of checking his watch. They just smile at him and nod.
Xander, Buffy and Willow smile and talking happily among themselves.