[Transcript of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" episode Helpless at buffyology.com.]
The lights are low. The logs in the fireplace are burning steadily. Candles are lit throughout the room. Pan across a blanket upon which are the remains of a cozy picnic dinner.
Suddenly BUFFY hits the floor in front of the fireplace hard on her back. ANGEL crouches over her and she flips him over her head. He lands flat on his back and Buffy scrambles to her feet and spins around to face Angel. He hesitates for a moment, then lunges at her, throwing a punch that she easily ducks. They continue to fight; finally Buffy snatches a baguette from the blanket and rolls toward Angel, straddling him and plunging the long, thin breadstick at his chest, stopping just short of penetration.
Gotcha!
Uh! Right in the heart.
Satisfied?
I'm not sure that's the word.
Okay.
She sets aside the baguette, stands up and takes a few steps away.
I didn't mean 'satisfied' like...
No, I wasn't trying to...
'Cause we're not having satisfaction in the personal sense.
Of course.
I should go. Giles is...
...is waiting for you. I know.
Thanks. For the workout.
Am I going to see you this weekend? You probably have plans.
Right, birthday. Actually, I do have a thing.
Oh, a thing. A date?
Nice attempt at casual. Actually, I do have a date. Older man. Very handsome. He likes it when I call him 'Daddy'.
Your father. (beat) It is your father, right?
She gives him a reassuring grin and nods.
He's taking me to the ice show. Which should be big fun. I could use a little fun.
Buffy is sitting at the study table. There is a rather large collection of crystals of various colors, shapes and sizes on the table and GILES dangles a pink one in front of her.
This one?
Amethyst.
Used for?
Breath mints?
Charm bags, money spells and for cleansing one's aura.
Okay, so how do you know if one's aura's dirty? Somebody come by with a finger and write 'wash me' on it?
Giles sets down the crystal, takes off his glasses and props his arms on the table, fixing Buffy with his gaze.
Buffy, I'm aware of your distaste for studying vibratory stones but since it is part of your training, I would appreciate your glib- free attention.
Sorry. It's just with Faith on one of her unannounced walkabouts, I feel like somebody should be patrolling.
Well, Faith is not interested in proper training, so I must rely on you to keep up with yours.
I hate being the good one.
And as for patrolling, well, you'll be there soon enough. Why so anxious?
I guess it... I just have some... energy to burn.
Well, in due time. But for the present, if it's not entirely beyond your capabilities, try to concentrate.
He selects the largest blue crystal and sets it in front of Buffy. She sighs and stares into the crystal.
A VAMPIRE rolls down the slide and onto the ground, dazed. Buffy runs down the slide after him, ready to fight.
Wow, that was really funny-looking! Could you do it again?
I'll kill you for that.
For that? What were you trying to kill me for before?
The vampire lunges at her but she ducks and sends him slamming back into the carousel with a roundhouse kick to the chest. She strides toward him and raises her stake.
Okay, so here's the deal...
Suddenly, she is overcome by dizziness. She closes her eyes and steps back unsteadily, almost as though in pain. The vampire seizes the opportunity and rushes her, swings her around and throws her onto a picnic table. She rolls off it and onto the ground as the vampire jumps on top of her, straddling her. He wrenches her arm around, making her cry out in pain. Her stake is now pointed down at her own chest and the vampire uses his body weight to slowly push it down toward her.
Let me know if I'm not doing this right.
Her eyes go wide with terror as she struggles desperately for her life.
Opening credit sequence.
The vampire straddling Buffy leans hard on the stake, slowly pushing it closer to Buffy's heart. She struggles hard to keep him at bay but she's losing the battle. In a desperate attempt to throw him off her, she head-butts the vampire, stunning
him slightly. She then slaps him in the face and shoves him off of her. He rolls away and Buffy scrambles for the stake, rolls back onto her back and braces the stake against her chest pointing upward. The vampire jumps to his feet and lunges angrily for her, landing on top of her and impaling himself. He looks at Buffy in stunned shock even as he disintegrates into a cloud of ashes.
Buffy pauses, then raises herself to a sitting position and brushes the dust from her jacket.
Buffy is concentrating on a target set up against the railing. She raises a knife and throws it. It glances off the target and clinks as it hits the floor. Giles comes into the library with his briefcase and a cup of coffee and heads toward his office.
Bit early in the day.
Giles, something's wrong.
Wrong?
He notices the target with a few knives stuck awkwardly in it. None of them are anywhere near the center. Buffy throws a knife and misses
Perhaps you shouldn't... do that anymore.
On top of that, I got a bad case of the dizzies last night and almost let a vamp stake me. With my own stake!
Giles sips his coffee as Buffy throws yet another knife. It flies wild.
I'm way off my game. My game's left the country. It's in Cuernavaca. Giles, what's going on here?
Well, perhaps you've got a bad flu bug or something.
No. No, not sick. I can't get sick. My dad's coming to take me to the ice show. We do it every year for my birthday. If I cancel, it's going to break his heart.
Well, just take it easy for forty-eight hours. You know, forego patrolling until you feel yourself again.
Buffy picks up a couple more knives from the table.
No. No, I just need to spend a little more time training.
She throws one. This time it breaks one of the reading lamps. Before Giles can reprimand her, she bolts for the door.
I'm gone!
Thank you!
He goes into his office without looking at the damage.
OZ, XANDER, WILLOW and Buffy are eating.
An ice show? A show performed on ice? And how old are we again?
I went to Snoopy On Ice when I was little. My dad took me backstage and I got so scared I threw up on Woodstock.
Look, I know you guys think it's just a big, dumb, girlie thing but it's not. I mean, a lot of those skaters are Olympic medal winners. And every year my dad buys me cotton candy and one of those souvenir programs that has all the pictures and okay, it's a big, dumb, girlie thing but I love it.
It's not so girlie. Ice is cool. It's water but it's not.
I think it's sweet you and your dad have a tradition. Especially now that he's not around so much. Ixnay on the caramel corn, though, if you go backstage.
Buffy nods in agreement.
We're still talking party, right? I mean, some of us still love to relish celebrating in the birth of the Buff.
I don't know. I think it might be time to put a moratorium on parties in my honor. They tend to go badly. Monsters crash. People die.
But eighteen is a big one, Buffy. I mean, you can vote now. You can be drafted. You can vote not to be drafted.
I think I'll choose to celebrate this one with quiet reflection.
Where is it written that quiet reflection can't be combined with cake and funny hats?
A large birthday floral arrangement is on the island, complete with helium balloon and card. The tickets to the ice show are attached to the card. JOYCE is at the stove making dinner. She hears the front door close.
Buffy?
Present.
Buffy enters the kitchen, sees the flowers and smiles.
Oh, present!
They're not. They're from your father.
Buffy takes the card and tickets from the arrangement and stares at them with crushing disappointment.
His quarterly projections are unraveling and he can't afford to take off right now. He promises to make it up to you. It's all right there in the letter.
Buffy folds up the tickets and the card without even opening it.
If you want, I could ask somebody to cover for me at the gallery. I mean, if you want me to take you.
No. No, that's not necessary. I was just thinking it might be nice to have a quiet birthday.
The sign outside the dilapidated and abandoned building reads:
Sunnydale ArmsRooms for Let
Breakfast Included
Inquire Within
The place is dark and musty. A few of the wall lamps are lit and there's a fire going in the fireplace. It's clear, though, that no one has lived here for years. The furniture is torn and the books on the shelves are strewn about. A young man, BLAIR, is bricking shut one of the windows. QUENTIN TRAVERS, a senior member of the Watcher's Council, observes his progress. He turns as his assistant, HOBSON, comes down the stairs.
How much longer, Hobson?
Five, maybe six hours, sir.
Once you finish, you and Blair can get some rest. (beat) But sleep in shifts.
Travers looks meaningfully across the room at a tall wooden crate with a heavy padlock securing it.
We're getting very close. The Slayer's preparation is nearly complete.
Giles takes out the crystals again and carefully lays them on the table before Buffy.
You know, it's not just cartoon characters. They do pieces from operas and ballets. Brian Boitano doing Carmen is a life changer. Oh, he doesn't actually play Carmen but a lot of sophisticated people go.
Yes, I think we should start with the grounding crystal again.
He sets the largest blue crystal on the table in front of Buffy.
You know, it's usually something that families do together.
Now, look very carefully for the tiny flaw at its core.
If someone were free, they'd take their daughters or their student... or their Slayer.
She looks up at him hopefully.
Hmm? Yes but, Buffy, I think we should concentrate now. Now, look for the flaw at its center.
Buffy gives in and starts to concentrate on the crystal. At its center is a small stake-shaped flaw in an otherwise clear blue crystal. Faint wind chimes can be heard as Buffy slowly slips into a hypnotic trance. Giles leans closer and looks into her eyes.
Buffy?
Satisfied that she is caught in the crystal's thrall, he takes a small pouch from his briefcase, sets it on the table and opens it. Inside is a hypodermic needle, a test tube full of a clear yellow liquid and an alcohol-soaked gauze pad. Keeping a careful eye on Buffy, he takes the pad and wipes the alcohol on the inside of her elbow. He fills the syringe, primes it and injects the contents into her arm. Then he quickly puts everything away as she comes out of her trance and looks up at him.
Oh, I'm sorry. Did I zone out on you? It's just... I'm nursing that flu bug.
It's best to take care of that. Perhaps we should--
Call it a night? Yeah, that's a good idea. Thanks.
She gets up weakly and moans as she heads out of the library. Giles smiles to himself.
Good night.
Buffy and Willow walk down the stairs.
So how's it going with Amy the rat?
Good! She loves her new exercise wheel. She runs around, her nose wiggles--
I meant, how's it going changing her back into a human being?
Oh. Still working on it. But I just got her the cutest little bell...
They hear a BOY raising his voice and turn to see him talking to CORDELIA.
You don't do that to me! I waited for you at the Bronze all night!
And the big deal is?
You made me look like some kind of dork in front of my posse!
He grabs her arm and Cordelia slaps it away.
First of all, 'posse'? Passé! Second of all, anyone with a teaspoon of brains knows not to take my flirting seriously. Especially with my extenuating circumstances.
What circumstances?
Rebound! Look it up!
She turns to leave but he grabs her by the shoulders and pushes her against a tree.
Hey! I'm not through here.
Buffy immediately moves in and takes hold of the boy's arm.
Oh, I beg to differ.
She tries to wrench it back but finds she has absolutely no strength. He scoffs at her and shoves her away. Buffy falls backward, stumbling onto a bench and rolls off onto the ground. Cordelia shoves the guy off her and pounds on his chest.
What is wrong with you?
He quickly backs away but Cordelia won't relent.
God, the chick started it!
Willow helps Buffy up.
Are you okay?
Buffy slowly sits up, confused and worried.
Giles is heading toward the library with a stack of magazines as Buffy catches up with him.
Okay, I just got swatted down by some no-neck and rescued by Cordelia. What the hell is happening?
I'm sure it'll sort itself out.
You're not getting the big picture here. I have no strength. I have no coordination. I throw knives like...
A girl?
Like I'm not the Slayer.
Look, Buffy, I assure you given time we'll get to the bottom of whatever's causing this... anomaly.
Promise me.
Yes. I give you my word.
He heads down the hall to the library.
Travers and Giles are sharing a cup of tea.
You're having doubts. Cruciamentum is not easy... for Slayer or Watcher. But it's been done this way for a dozen centuries, whenever a Slayer turns eighteen. It's a time-honored rite of passage.
It's an archaic exercise in cruelty. To lock her in this... tomb... weakened, defenseless. (re: locked crate) And to unleash that on her... If any one on the Council still had actual contact with a Slayer, they would see... but I'm the one in the thick of it.
Which is why you're not qualified to make this decision. You're too close.
That's not true.
A Slayer is not just physical prowess. She must have cunning, imagination, a confidence derived from self-reliance. And believe me, once this is all over, your Buffy will be stronger for it.
Or she'll be dead for it.
Later. Hobson is working on the front door. He stops for a moment when Quentin and Giles approach and lets them through.
Rupert, if this girl is everything you say, then you've nothing to worry about.
Giles isn't so sure. He leaves without saying a word.
Sir, if you can spare me for a short spell, I'll need to make a run to the hardware store. I just need some--
He is suddenly interrupted by a horrific screaming coming from inside the crate. Blair hears it also and runs in from the next room.
Take care of it.
Blair and Hobson move toward the crate with Quentin hanging back. Blair opens the lock and removes it, pulling open the latch and jerking open the crate. Inside, is ZACKARY KRALIK, an enraged and snarling vampire, secured in a straightjacket and strapped to the back of the crate with a metal band across his forehead. The two men regard the vampire nervously.
Come on. Come on.
Blair steps over to a table and takes two pills from a bottle. He puts them on a spoon that's been secured to a long bar. Hobson stands behind him with a glass of water also on the end of a long bar. Blair extends the spoon to the vampire's mouth.
Kralik, your pills. Open your mouth.
Kralik opens his mouth and Blair pushes the spoon in, dropping the pills. Hobson steps up with the glass of water and pours it into Kralik's mouth. The vampire gulps deeply, some of the water spilling down the sides of his mouth.
That's enough. Close it up.
Hobson backs away and Blair slams the crate shut.
The gang is at the study table researching Buffy's condition.
Aha! A curse on Slayers.
Buffy looks up as Willow reads.
Oh, no. Wait. It's lawyers.
You know, maybe we're on the wrong track with the whole spell, curse and whammy thing. Maybe what we should be looking for is something like... Slayer kryptonite.
Faulty metaphor. Kryptonite kills.
You're assuming I meant the green kryptonite. I was referring, of course, to the red kryptonite which drains Superman of his powers.
Wrong. The gold kryptonite's the power-sucker. The red kryptonite mutates Superman into some sort of weird--
Guys? Reality?
Buffy. I know you are definitely, without a doubt, going to get your powers back.
Thanks, Will.
But what if you don't?
Okay... if I don't get my powers back, then I don't. I'll deal. (considers) And there's a whole lot of good sides to it.
Actually, this could open up so many...
Giles walks into the library and Buffy runs over to him.
Giles. Did you find anything?
No. Not yet.
Hobson enters and sits down on a cot. Suddenly Kralik begins thrashing and screaming in his crate downstairs. Blair wakes and sits bolt upright in his cot and they both sigh in relief when they realize he's awake but not loose.
It's your shift.
Blair gets up and goes to take care of their charge, pulling the door to the room closed behind him as Hobson lies down for a rest.
Blair opens the crate and Kralik glares hatefully at him.
Pills!
Yes.
He looks over at the pill bottle, then takes the water glass into the kitchen to fill it. Kralik takes a deep breath and, with a shattering scream, strains against his bonds, ripping the straightjacket at the seams.
It's coming!
He turns off the water and runs back to the crate. Kralik lifts his shoulder to make the tear in the straightjacket less conspicuous.
Pills!
Blair sets down the water, takes two pills from the bottle and puts them in the spoon. He holds it up to Kralik's mouth as the vampire continues to groan loudly, feigning pain.
Take them.
Pills!
They're right in front of you.
Where?
Here!
I can't see... can't... can't reach it.
Blair takes a careful step closer.
Open your eyes.
Kralik's arm suddenly shoots out and seizes Blair by the neck, lifting him from the floor and choking him.
Shh. Everything's okay now.
The fire is crackling nicely. Pull back to reveal Buffy and Angel sitting on the floor in front of the fireplace. Buffy unwraps a book, Angel's birthday gift to her. She opens it and leafs through it. It's a copy of Sonnets from the Portuguese, classic love poems by Elizabeth Barrett Browning to her husband, Robert Browning. On the title page, Angel has written simply "Always".
Thank you. That's beautiful.
You really like it?
Of course I do. It's sweet and thoughtful and... full of neat words to learn and say like 'wilt' and 'henceforth'.
Then why'd you seem more excited last year when you got a severed arm in a box?
I'm sorry. It's just suddenly there's this chance that my calling's a wrong number and... it's just freaking me out a little.
That's understandable.
Angel, what if I have lost my power?
You lived a long time without it. You can do it again.
I guess. But what if I can't? I've seen too much. I know what goes bump in the night. Not being able to fight it... what if I just hide under my bed, all scared and helpless? Or what if I just become pathetic? Hanging out at the old Slayer's home, talking people's ears off about my glory days, showing them Mr. Pointy, the stake I had bronzed.
Buffy, you could never be helpless or boring, not even if you tried.
Don't be so sure. Before I was the Slayer, I was... well, I don't want to say shallow, but... let's say a certain person, who will remain nameless, we'll just call her Spordelia, looked like a classical philosopher next to me. Angel, if I'm not the Slayer, what do I do? What do I have to offer? Why would you like me?
I saw you before you became the Slayer.
What?
I watched you and I saw you called. It was a bright afternoon out in front of your school. You walked down the steps... and I loved you.
Why?
Because I could see your heart. You held it before you for everyone to see. And I worried that it would be bruised or torn. And more than anything in my life, I wanted to keep it safe... to warm it with my own.
Buffy looks up into his eyes for a long moment, then leans into him and they embrace, holding each other close.
That's beautiful. (beat) Or taken literally, incredibly gross.
I was just thinking that, too.
Kralik still can't fully extricate himself from the straightjacket. However, Blair is lying in before him, soon to become a vampire. Kralik idly hums and licks his fingers while he waits for his new ally to awaken. He watches as Blair's face twists, his brow lowering, his teeth elongating. Blair stirs and slowly rises to his feet.
Ah, you're up. I was afraid I drained you too much. I do that sometimes.
Blair growls at Kralik but knows what he must do. He looks around for the ax he knows is there.
Ever have a tune you can't get out of your head? It keeps playing over and over and over? Drives me nuts.
Blair swings the ax and snaps the metal band holding Kralik's head. It falls to the floor and Kralik steps out of the crate.
Ah. Thank you.
He grunts as he pulls the straightjacket off and drops it.
Oh. That... is much better.
He pops a couple of pills into his mouth, then picks up the glass of water and steps back over to Blair.
It's a game, you know. We're not gonna play by their rules but... that doesn't mean we're not gonna play. (re: Hobson) Why don't you call your friend in? We'll discuss it over dinner.
Later that night. Giles opens the door and looks tentatively inside. Everything seems quiet.
Quentin?
He steps in and closes the door, still wary of the place but nothing seems amiss. He walks down the hall, looking up the stairs. It's too quiet.
Hello? Quentin? Hob...
The stair railing feels clammy and he looks down at his hand. It's covered with fresh blood. From the landing, he looks into the other room and sees the closed crate. He rushes down the stairs and looks for a weapon, grabbing one of the stair rail supports and breaking it off. He heads straight for the crate, intending to dust whatever's inside, but finds it empty. Alarmed, he looks around and then down at the floor. There he sees tracks of blood leading into the kitchen. He follows them, ready for anything. Holding his makeshift stake up and ready, he swings the kitchen door open but finds nothing but blackness. He searches for the light switch and flips it on to reveal what's left of Hobson lying on the kitchen table. Giles immediately drops the stake, backs out of the kitchen and tries not to vomit. Quickly, he regains his composure and flees the house.
Buffy is walking home, hugging her books close. She crosses the street and walks past a couple of guys hanging out by a car. They check her out appreciatively.
Let's find out. (to Buffy) Hey, sweet girl! How much for a lap dance for me and my buddy?
They laugh to themselves. Buffy begins to turn around but thinks better of taking them on in her weakened state. She continues on and the men make no move to follow her.
Walk me home, Angel? No, I'm fine. I can take care of myself.
She rounds a corner and hears someone humming but doesn't see anyone there. She stops and looks behind her.
Hummers. Big turnoff. I like guys that can remember the lyrics.
She turns back and runs right into Kralik. He holds onto her by the arms while she tries to pull away.
You know, I wish I could but my mind just isn't what it used to be.
Let me go.
You didn't say please!
She starts to struggle fiercely, to no avail.
Help me! Somebody, please!
She pulls out of her jacket and runs like hell but Blair heads her off. She screams and runs back toward Kralik, who makes no move to give chase. He has what he wants. Blair, however, continues to run after her.
Help me! Somebody, please!
Buffy runs down the alley behind a row of homes.
Somebody, please help me!
At the far end of the alley, she encounters a fence and tries to climb it but doesn't have the strength. She drops down, checks behind her, then notices that the fence has been cut at the base. She quickly drops down and crawls through just as Blair grabs her by the leg. She manages to slip through and takes off running. As Blair tries to squeeze through the fence, Buffy runs into the street and tries to flag down a passing car.
Stop! Please, I need help!
The driver honks his horn angrily and swerves around her, never slowing.
Please, stop!
She looks over at Blair, who has given up trying to squeeze through the fence and is now climbing over it. Another car honks at her and swerves around her closely followed by Giles in his Citroën. He pushes open the passenger-side door.
Hurry!
She jumps in and Giles guns it just as Blair reaches them. The vampire grabs onto the car and Buffy hits him repeatedly until he falls off and hits the pavement. Back by the fence, Kralik steps into the street and watches after them.
Buffy is sitting at the study table wrapped in a blanket.
When I hit him, it felt like my arm was broken, it hurt so much. I can't be just a person. I can't be helpless like that. Giles, please, we have to figure out what's happening to me.
Giles opens his briefcase and takes out the case with the syringe. He opens it and sets it in front of her with a deep sigh. His voice trembles as he speaks.
It's an organic compound of muscle relaxants and adrenal suppressers. The effect is temporary. You'll be yourself again in a few days.
Buffy is astounded. She reaches for the tube of liquid and touches it, then looks up at Giles with an expression of such profound betrayal that Giles cannot meet her gaze.
You?
It's a test, Buffy. It's given to the Slayer once she... well, if she reaches her eighteenth birthday. (beat) The Slayer is disabled and then entrapped with a vampire foe whom she must defeat in order to pass the test. The vampire you were to face... has escaped. His name is Zackary Kralik. As a mortal, he murdered and tortured more than a dozen women before he was committed to an asylum for the criminally insane. When a vamp--
Buffy stands up and throws the syringe case at him. It misses, smashing into the wall next to him. She sobs angrily.
You bastard! All this time, you saw what it was doing to me. All this time and you didn't say a word!
Giles knows she is right. He is ashamed of his actions.
I wanted to.
Liar.
In matters of tradition and protocol, I must answer to the Council. My role in this... was very specific. I was to administer the injections and to direct you to the old boardinghouse on Prescott Lane.
Buffy is shaking her head in disbelief, tears streaming down her cheeks.
I can't... I can't hear this.
Buffy, please.
Who are you? How could you do this to me?
I am deeply sorry, Buffy, and you have to understand...
He reaches out to her and she backs away from him in disgust. Her words are laced with anger and near-hatred.
If you touch me, I'll kill you.
You have to listen to me. Because I've told you this, the test is invalidated. You will be safe now, I promise you. Now, whatever I have to do to deal with Kralik... and to win back your trust--
You stuck a needle in me. You poisoned me!
Behind them, Cordelia walks into the library.
What's going on?
She sees Buffy's tear-streaked face and panics.
Oh, god! Is the world ending? I have to research a paper on Bosnia for tomorrow but if the world's ending, I'm not going to bother.
Buffy heads for the library exit.
You can't walk home alone, Buffy. It isn't safe.
Buffy stops but keeps her back to Giles.
I don't know you.
Did something take her memory? (to Buffy) He's Giles. (slowly) Gi-les. He hangs out here a lot.
Cordelia, could you please drive me home?
Of course.
Buffy turns and walks out.
But if the world doesn't end, I'm going to need a note.
She follows Buffy out of the library.
Joyce is paying bills when she hears a noise outside and looks up. She gets up from the table and opens the door and steps out.
She looks over the side of the porch and sees a figure lying on the ground shrouded in Buffy's coat.
Buffy?
She reaches down and touches the coat. Kralik flips over and leers up at her and she jumps back in fright.
Mother.
Buffy opens the door and walks in. The bouquet from her father is still on the island. She pushes it to the end and lets it drop into the wastebasket. She walks through the dining room and freezes when she sees the front door standing open. Taped to the doorframe is a Polaroid photo. She pulls it down and her blood runs cold when she sees Kralik holding her mother by the neck. On the reverse side of the picture is written one word:
Come
Buffy has a heavy leather bag open on her bed. She takes a knife and several stakes from her trunk and drops them into the bag. At her desk, she opens the drawer containing her Slayer stuff and removes a bottle of Holy Water which she drops into the pocket of her coveralls. She closes the bag and pulls it onto her
shoulder. The weight of the bag causes her to lean sideways as she leaves her room.
Joyce is tied to a chair and gagged.
Mother.
She looks toward him and he snaps another Polaroid of her.
May I call you Mother? My own mother was a person with no self-respect of her own, so she tried to take mine.
Joyce turns her head away from him as he takes another picture. She strains against the ropes but they are too tight. He continues to photograph her while he talks.
Ten years old, she had the scissors. You wouldn't believe what she took with those. But she's dead to me now. (chuckles) Mostly because I killed and ate her but also because I know I won't be alone much longer. I'll have your daughter. I won't kill her; I'll just make her like me. Different. She'll go to sleep and when she wakes up, your face will be the first thing she eats.
Joyce's eyes go wide with terror. Kralik stops to consider.
I have a problem with mothers. I'm aware of that.
The front door opens quietly and Buffy looks in. She holds her crossbow at the ready. The front rooms are empty and quiet so she steps in and shoves one of her stakes between the door and the frame, propping it open. Again she raises her bow and looks around the empty house.
A fire is burning in the sitting room fireplace. She walks once around the room and then sets her bag down on the old couch. She approaches a door and cautiously takes hold of the knob. She quickly pulls the door open only to find that it's been bricked up on the other side.
A hand reaches down and removes the stake Buffy left in the door. The door closes and the clicking latch echoes loudly. Pan up to reveal Blair.
As the door slams, Buffy spins around to face the threat.
Giles is on the phone trying to reach Travers but he's getting no answer. Suddenly Travers appears at the door and Giles sets the phone back down in its cradle.
I was just trying to reach you.
I was on watch over by the boardinghouse.
Then you know what's happened.
Yes.
He's killed Hobson and made Blair one of his own. Your perfectly controlled test seems to have spun rather impressively out of control, don't you think?
Travers gives him a long considering look, then pours himself some tea.
It changes nothing.
Well, then, allow me. I've told Buffy everything.
That is in direct opposition to the Council's orders.
Yes. Interestingly, I don't give a rat's ass about the Council's orders. There will be no test.
The test has already begun. Your Slayer entered the field of play about ten minutes ago.
Why?
I don't know. I returned there just as she entered.
Giles takes his keys and starts out of the office. Travers tries to stop him.
Now, Giles, we've no business--
Giles grabs him by the coat and shoves him up against the doorframe.
This is not business!
Giles lets his superior go and strides out of the library.
Buffy slowly moves out into the foyer. She tries the front door and finds it locked shut. Without her Slayer ability, she can't budge it. Blair growls softly behind her. Buffy spins around, aims the crossbow at him and pulls the trigger. The bolt flies right past his face and Blair yanks the bow out of her hands and throws it to the floor. He seizes her by the throat and begins to choke her to death. Buffy stomps on his foot and manages to break his grip. She shoves him aside and runs into the
sitting room, opens her bag and tries to reach in, but Blair blocks her. Buffy pulls a bookcase over on top of him. He struggles underneath, but can't lift it off. Buffy climbs over it, goes to her bag and reaches in. Blair snatches her ankle from beneath the bookcase and Buffy screams, looking around for a weapon. She spots the fireplace andirons, grabs the tongs and starts to pounding on Blair's arm. After several blows, he finally lets go and Buffy grabs her bag and runs out of the room. She stops in the hallway and looks around.
From somewhere in the house, Kralik taunts her.
Hide and seeeek... hide and seek!
The hall, the stairs and the adjacent room are empty save for Kralik's crate which is closed and apparently locked. As she approaches it, the door suddenly swings open and Kralik leaps out and seizes her by the throat. Buffy gasps in fright but doesn't struggle.
Why did you come to the dark of the woods?
He rips the bag out of her hands and looks inside. Inside is a smaller bow, several stakes and a few knives.
To bring all these sweets to grandmother's house?
He drops the bag and pulls her close. Buffy surprises him by holding up a cross. He leaps back from her in fear and she holds it out at arm's length, shaking nervously. Kralik stares at her for a while, smiling evilly, then suddenly grabs her arm and pulls the cross to his chest, rubbing it around and laughing as it burns his skin.
Oh, no. Just a little lower. Right... oh, yes. Yes. Oh! Thank you very much.
Buffy lets go of the cross and flees in terror. Kralik just smiles after her.
She runs into the kitchen and locks the door. Hobson's remains still litter the room, but she has no time to dwell on them before Kralik starts pounding on the door. She runs to the counter and rifles through the drawers looking for anything she can use. The pounding suddenly stops. Finding nothing useful, Buffy slowly steps back to the door and quietly opens it.
Buffy warily heads toward the stairs, then makes a dash for the second floor. Kralik punches his arm through the railing and trips her. She falls and cuts her forehead against the steps as she struggles to free herself from his grasp. She stabs Kralik's through the arm with a piece of discarded wood and charges up the stairs.
With Kralik close behind, Buffy tries doors along the upstairs hallway until she finds one unlocked. She runs in, slamming the door behind her.
The room is pitch dark. Buffy finds a string dangling from the ceiling and pulls it, illuminating the room. She stares in shock at the walls around her. They are covered with Polaroids of her mother. She rips one off the wall just as Kralik slams into the door. He punches through and reaches in, searching for the lock. Buffy runs out the opposite door into the hall.
Just as she reaches the end of the hall, Kralik steps out in front of her, wrapping her up in a deadly embrace.
If you stray from the path, you will lose your way.
He brushes his hand across her cheek. She tries to push him away but he's far too strong and he lowers his fangs to the soft, unmarked flesh of her neck.
I won't take it all. I won't take it all.
As she strains to keep him away, Kralik suddenly has one of his attacks. He grabs his head and begins to scream in pain. Buffy tries to get past him but he shoves
her into the wall, stunning her. He takes out his pill bottle and struggles to open it. Buffy regains her sense and grabs the bottle out of his hands. As Kralik moans in pain, she takes off down the hall at a desperate run.
No! No! No!
Kralik tries his best to chase her, the pain hobbling him. He almost catches her again but Buffy leaps into the laundry chute at the last second. Kralik looks down the chute for a moment and then staggers back the other way.
Buffy comes sliding out of the chute and crashes onto a table. It breaks beneath her and she falls to the floor in a cloud of dust.
Buffy?
Buffy gets up, scrambles over to her mother and tries to untie her but can't.
Buffy, we have to get out--
Buffy stops struggling with the ropes as the basement door smashes inward and Kralik charges down, demanding his pills.
Where are they? Where are they?!
He runs into the room and Buffy tries to get past him to the stairs. Kralik grabs her and shoves her against a wall, snatching his pills from her. He struggles with the lid for a moment, then swallows several of the pills with the help of a nearby glass of water. Slowly he begins to calm down and leers at Buffy.
You don't seem to understand your place in all of this. Do you have any idea...
He breaks off as he realizes something is very wrong. He looks down at the glass of water in his hand.
Oh, my! What have you...
He begins to shake violently and looks back up at Buffy.
My pills!
She takes the now-empty bottle of Holy Water from her pocket and holds it up for him to see. The glass shatters on the floor as his eyes go wide in pain and terror.
No. No...
Smoke begins to puff from beneath Kralik's clothes. Buffy watches without pity.
If I was at full Slayer power, I'd be punning right about now.
Kralik wails in agony and then crumbles to ashes from the inside out. Buffy closes her eyes and lets out a sigh of relief as she pockets the bottle and rushes over to her mother. She pulls the gag from her mouth and begins to work on the ropes again.
Buffy, thank god you're okay. Oh, that man...
I can't get these. They're too tight.
Can't you just...
Not right now. (looks around) Maybe there's some clippers around.
Suddenly Blair lunges at her from the shadows with Giles right behind him.
Oh, Buffy!
Blair grabs Giles and throws him against a bookshelf. Giles doubles over, but thrusts upward, plunging a stake into Blair's chest. He bursts into ashes and Giles slowly stands up. Long beat as he and Buffy look at each other meaningfully. Travers descends the stairs and looks around, satisfied.
Congratulations, you passed.
Buffy is sitting at the study table. Quentin Travers stands calmly before her as he speaks. Giles leans in the doorway to his office.
You exhibited extraordinary courage and clear-headedness in battle. The Council is very pleased.
Do I get a gold star?
I understand that you're upset...
Buffy looks up at him with smoldering fury.
You understand nothing. You set that monster loose and he came after my mother.
You think the test was unfair?
I think you better leave town before I get my strength back.
We're not in the business of fair, Miss Summers, we're fighting a war.
You're waging a war. She's fighting it. There is a difference.
Mr. Giles, if you don't mind--
The test is done. We're finished.
Not quite. She passed. You didn't. The Slayer is not the only one who must perform in this situation. I've recommended to the Council-- and they've agreed-- that you be relieved of your duties as Watcher immediately. You're fired.
On what grounds?
Your affection for your charge has rendered you incapable of clear and impartial judgment. You have a father's love for the child and that is useless to the cause. It would be best if you had no further contact with the Slayer.
I'm not going anywhere.
No? Well, I didn't expect you would adhere to that. However, if you interfere with the new Watcher or countermand his authority in any way, you will be dealt with. Are we clear?
Oh, we're very clear.
Travers bows slightly to Buffy.
Congratulations again.
She looks up at him with revulsion.
Bite me.
Yes, well... colorful girl.
He turns and leaves Giles and Buffy alone in the library.
Buffy reaches for a towel lying on the table next to a bowl of water and picks it up. Giles walks over to her and puts his hand over hers. She lets him take it from her hand and he dips it in the water, kneels down in front of her and gently dabs the gash on her forehead. She winces in pain, but doesn't pull away.
The whole gang is over for a visit. Buffy and Xander are making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Willow brings a jug of lemonade over to the island.
I can't believe Giles was fired. How could Giles get fired?
So how did you manage to kill Kralik?
Oh, she was very clever.
Buffy raises her eyebrows at her mother.
You go ahead and tell it, dear. You tell it better.
Buffy sighs.
Now when you say 'fired', do you mean 'fired'?
You're not cruising past that concept any time soon, are you?
Well, it's just... I mean, he's been fired! He's unemployed! He's... between jobs.
Giles isn't going anywhere, Will. He's still librarian.
Okay, but I'm writing an angry letter.
You know, nothing's really going to change. The important thing is that I kept up my special birthday tradition of gut-wrenching misery and horror.
Bright side to everything.
Buffy grabs a new jar of peanut butter and tries to open it.
I'll just feel better when I get my strength back.
Give you a hand with that, little lady?
You're loving this far too much.
Admit it. Sometimes you just need a big strong man.
He struggles with the jar for a moment, then turns to Willow.
Will, give me a hand with this?