[Transcript of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" episode Bad Girls at buffyology.com.]
FAITH and BUFFY fall backward onto a fresh grave, fighting a pair of leather- clad vampires. Unfazed, Faith resumes her conversation with Buffy.
So what? You're telling me never?
Faith! Really, now is not the time!
I'm curious! Never ever?
Both Slayers kick the vampires off them and roll to their feet.
Come on, really. All this time and not even once?
Faith blocks a punch from her attacker, grabs onto his shoulder and flips him forward.
How many times do I have to say it? I have never...
She backhands her attacker.
...done it...
The vampire staggers backward into a lamppost and Buffy spins toward him.
...with Xander!
She slams her stake home and the creature bursts into ashes. Buffy looks over at Faith, still fighting.
He's just a friend.
Faith leaps at the vampire, rolls in midair, and comes down hard on him, driving her knee into his back. She raises her stake and plunges it into his back, dusting him instantly. She gets up and sidles over to Buffy.
So? What are friends for? I mean, I'm sorry, it's just all this sweating, nightly, side-by-side action and you never put in for a little after-hours...
She thrusts her pelvis forward and imitates sex. Buffy raises her eyebrows.
Thanks for the poetry. And, no. I love Xander. I just don't... love Xander. Besides, I think it ruins friendship to do that stuff.
Buffy takes a closer look at the boot prints on the muddy ground.
You think too much.
She grabs Faith's arm, pointing down.
Hey. There's one more.
How do you know?
I think too much.
The two girls follow the extra set of prints to a large gravestone.
Okay. Count of three. One...
Faith jumps the gun and rolls over the gravestone. The vampire isn't there but he charges her from the shadows. He dressed in the same leather as his predecessors. Annoyed, Buffy watches the fight start.
Three.
The vampire blocks Faith's blow and catches her leg right before her follow-up kick connects with his head. He spins her around and throws her against a gravestone and she hits the ground hard.
Buffy moves behind the vampire as he looks down at Faith and pulls out two swords, one a long blade, the other short. He hears Buffy coming and spins around
to confront her. She stops in her tracks, brandishing her stake. The vampire whips the long sword at her and slices off the tip of the stake. Buffy jumps back in surprise and quickly drops what's left of the stake as the vampire brings his sword down on her. She high blocks the blow and wrenches his arms around, forcing him to drop the swords. The creature blocks Buffy's blows and seizes her by the shoulders, lowering his fangs toward her neck.
Faith moves in behind him and thrusts her stake into his back. He screams and crumbles to dust between the two girls, revealing a smiling Faith. Buffy collapses against a gravestone catching her breath and Faith takes a step toward her, raising her hand for a high five.
Nicely diverted, B!
She stops mid-step when Buffy doesn't return the gesture.
Diverted? That was me fighting for my life, Miss Attention Span.
This isn't a Tupperware Party. It's a little hard to plan.
The count of three isn't a plan. It's Sesame Street.
Hey, they're toast and we're here so it couldn't have been too bad, right? Who were those guys, anyway?
I don't know. They didn't seem local. Look, why don't we grab the weapons. Maybe Giles...
The swords have disappeared. Buffy looks at Faith, alarmed.
MR. TRICK drops the two swords on the Mayor's desk.
Check these out.
MAYOR RICHARD WILKINS is reading the funnies and ignores Trick for the moment. He chuckles and shakes his head.
I just love the Family Circus! That P.J., he's getting to be quite a handful.
He drops the paper on his desk and Deputy Mayor ALLAN FINCH gives him a nod and weak smile. The Mayor looks at the swords lying on his desk.
Well, I haven't seen anything like this in... well, a good long while. (to Trick) Where's the owner of these fine implements?
The common term is 'slain'. But I've been seeing this breed around. Are we expecting any trouble?
Do you like Family Circus?
I like Marmaduke.
Oh! He's always on the furniture. Unsanitary.
Nobody can tell Marmaduke what to do. That's my kinda dog.
I like to read Cathy. (off their looks) So what about these swords? What should we do about that?
Well, let's just keep an eye out. We've got the dedication coming up in a few days. We certainly can't have anything interfering with that.
Well, maybe we should postpone the... dedication.
The Mayor gives him an incredulous look.
I believe the Honorable Mayor hates that idea.
The dedication is the final step before my Ascension. I have waited longer than you can imagine for this. After the Hundred Days, I'll be on a higher plane and I'll have no more need for... well, let's just say I won't be concerned with the little things. Mr. Trick, watch these people. Anything you find out about them, well, let's just see that that information reaches the Slayers. Who knows? With any luck, they'll kill each other. Then everyone's a winner. Everyone, of course, meaning me.
Opening credit sequence.
XANDER and OZ sit on the couches across from WILLOW and Buffy. The table between them is piled high with college acceptance letters and application forms.
Willow, what are these?
They're early admission packets.
Xander goes through a stack, reading off the university names.
Harvard... Yale... Wesleyan... Some German polytechnical institute whose name I... can't pronounce. Is anyone else intimidated? Because I'm just expecting thin slips of paper with the words 'no way' written in crayon.
They're typing those now.
Willow and Buffy are paging through some of the brochures.
I'm so overwhelmed! I got in! To actual colleges! And they're wooing me! They're pitching woo!
The wooing stage is always fun.
But it's weird. Now, rejection I can handle because of the years of training, but this...
I feel your pain, Will. Like right now, I'm torn between the fast- growing fields of appliance repair and motel management. Of course, I'm still waiting to hear back from the Corndog Emporium, so...
He crosses his fingers and then holds his hands together in a sarcastic gesture of prayer. Buffy giggles.
Well, I think it's great. Early admission. (to Willow) Now there's nothing standing between you and a brilliant future.
Well, if I may suggest, graduate. Getting left back: not the thrill ride you'd expect.
CORDELIA approaches and zeroes in on Xander.
That's so cute! Planning life as a loser? Most people just turn out that way but you're really taking charge.
The comedy stylings of Miss Cordelia Chase, everyone. Who, incidentally, won't be needing a higher education when she markets her own very successful line of hooker wear.
He eyes her typically revealing outfit.
Well, Xander, I could dress more like you but... oh, my father has a job.
Xander stares at her back as she strides away, more hurt than he lets on.
I'm not going to waste the perfect comeback on you now. But don't think I don't have it. Oh, yes! Its time will come! (to gang) So... life beyond high school. Anyone, please... chime in.
I hear it's nice. And a place I'll never go if I don't pass Mrs. Taggart's chemistry test tomorrow.
Oh! I can help. Chemistry's easy. It's a lot like witchcraft, only less newt. So what do you say? Study jam, my house, tonight?
I'm there.
The bell rings and they all head to class.
Oh. I have to go see Giles, report on last night's patrol.
Oh, yeah. He said he wanted to talk to you.
What about? Is he okay?
He's looked better.
Giles is sitting on the study table facing the doors with his arms crossed and looking very annoyed while WESLEY WYNDAM-PRYCE, a somewhat foppish, well-tailored young man goes through some books in a box on the table.
Of course, training procedures have been updated quite a bit since your day. Much greater emphasis on field work.
Really?
Oh, yes. Not all books and theory nowadays. I have, in fact, faced two vampires myself. Under controlled circumstances, of course.
Well, no danger of finding those here.
Vampires?
Buffy enters.
Controlled circumstances. Hello, Buffy.
Wesley looks at her and smiles condescendingly.
Well... hello.
Buffy gives him a quick look-over.
New Watcher?
New Watcher.
Wesley takes a step toward her and holds out his hand in greeting.
Wesley Wyndam-Pryce.
Buffy makes no move to return the gesture but continues to eye him critically. He awkwardly lowers his hand.
It's very nice to meet you.
Buffy steps over to Giles, never taking her eyes off Wesley.
Is he evil?
Evil?
The last one was evil.
Oh, yes. Gwendolyn Post. We all heard. No. Mr. Giles has checked my credentials rather thoroughly and phoned the Council but I'm glad to see you're on the ball as well. A good Slayer is a cautious Slayer.
Is he evil?
Not in the strictest sense.
Well, I'm glad that's cleared up. As I'm sure none of us is anxious to waste any time on pleasantries, why don't you tell me everything about last night's patrol?
Vampires.
Yes?
Killed 'em.
Anything else you can tell me?
Buffy glances at Giles. He indicates that she should cooperate.
One of them had swords. I don't think he was with the other two.
Swords?
He sets down his diary and begins to rifling through his books.
Swords...
He finds the book he wants and begins to leaf through it.
One long, one short?
Yes, both pointy. (to Giles) With, like, jewels and things.
Sounds familiar.
It should.
He holds the book out to Giles, who takes it and reads.
El Eliminati. Fifteenth Century--
Fifteenth Century duelist cult, deadly in their day. Their numbers dwindled in later centuries due to an increase in anti-vampire activity and a lot of pointless dueling. They eventually became the acolytes of a demon called Balthazar, who brought them to the New World... specifically here.
You seem to know a lot about them.
I didn't get this job because of my looks.
I really, really believe that.
I've researched this town's history extensively.
So why have we not seen them before this?
They were driven out a hundred years ago. Happily, Balthazar was killed. I don't know by whom.
And they're back 'cause...?
Balthazar had an amulet purported to give him strength. When he was killed, it was taken by a wealthy landowner named... I don't want to bore you with the details.
A little bit late.
Named Gleaves. It was buried with him and I believe the few remaining Eliminati are probably looking for it. For sentimental value.
And you don't think that this amulet poses any threat?
Oh, no, not at all. Nonetheless, we may as well keep it from them. Buffy, you will go to the Gleaves family crypt tonight and fetch the amulet.
I will?
Are you not used to being given orders?
Whenever Giles sends me on a mission, he always says 'please'. And afterwards I get a cookie.
She grins at Giles who smiles modestly.
I don't feel we're getting off on quite the right foot.
They all look up as Faith walks in.
Ah, this is perhaps Faith.
Faith stops and gives Wesley a quick look-over.
New Watcher?
BUFFY & GILES
New Watcher.
Screw that.
She turns around and walks out.
Now, why didn't I just say that?
Buffy, would you...
I'll see if I can get her back. Don't say anything terribly interesting while I'm gone.
Wesley watches her go and he and Giles both reach into their pockets for handkerchiefs, take off their glasses and begin to clean them.
They'll get used to me.
Giles notices their identical action and immediately stops.
Buffy catches up with Faith.
Faith, wait. Look, I know this new guy's a dork but... well, I have nothing to follow that. He's pretty much just a dork.
You're actually gonna take orders from him?
That's the job. What else can we do?
Whatever we want. We're Slayers, girlfriend, the Chosen Two. Why should we let him take all the fun out of it?
Oh, that would be tragic. Taking the fun out of slaying, stabbing, beheading...
Oh, like you don't dig it.
I don't.
You're a liar. I've seen you. Tell me staking a vamp doesn't get you a little bit juiced. Come on, say it.
She folds her arms, waiting for Buffy's answer. Buffy can't help but smile and looks down to hide it.
You can't fool me. The look in your eyes right after a kill? You just get hungry for more.
You're way off base.
Tell me that if you don't get in a good slaying, after a while, you just start itching for some vamp to show up so you can give him a good...
She throws some mock punches.
Again with the grunting. You realize I'm not comfortable with this.
Hey, slaying's what we were built for. If you're not enjoying it, you're doing something wrong.
What about the assignment?
Tell you what: you do the homework and I'll copy yours.
She grins and heads off campus.
Buffy slowly approaches the crypt and turns on her Maglite. She steps up to the door and opens it.
The large room is dark and dusty. In the center are two stone coffins. There are several drawers on one wall and a few urns on shelves. Buffy moves to the first coffin, pushes the heavy lid aside and looks inside. All she finds is a skeleton and a pile of hair and fibers.
Strike one. No amulet there.
She goes to the next coffin and pushes the lid aside. The body in this one is desiccated and mummified. The clothes are still more or less intact and around its neck hangs the amulet.
Game over.
She reaches in for the talisman but jerks back when she hears noises coming from outside. Through the door, she hears low voices and sees torches approaching. She quickly jumps up onto the first coffin, rolls into it and twists off her Maglite just
as VINCENT, the leader of the Eliminati, pushes the crypt door open. Buffy pulls the lid of the coffin back into place, unnoticed.
Vincent approaches the open coffin and his troops follow.
Inside her coffin, Buffy looks over with apprehension at the skull beside her.
Vincent looks into the open coffin, sees the amulet and yanks it from the body's neck. He smiles at his troops and the Eliminati start to make their way out.
When Buffy hears the door close, she pushes the lid back and climbs out, only to be startled by Faith's hand on her shoulder.
Faith!
What are you doing, hiding in there?
Looking for the amulet. Wasn't counting on the Special Guest Stars. Six against one. (re: coffin) Hence the hiding.
Well, it's six against two now, so come on.
She rushes out of the crypt with Buffy close behind.
The girls emerge in time to see the last two Eliminati jump down through a manhole into the sewers below. Faith heads straight for it.
Wait. Stop. Think!
No, no, no!
It's a manhole. Tight space, no escape, six against two, not unlike three against one.
And there might be more, so come on.
She grabs Buffy by the arm but Buffy pulls free.
You're just going to go down there. That's your plan?
Who said I had a plan? I don't know how many's down there but I want to find out. And I'll know when I land. If you don't come in after me, I might die!
She shrugs and smiles crazily at Buffy and, without further hesitation, jumps in. Buffy is ticked but knows she can't let Faith go it alone so she jumps in after her.
Wesley is at the study table going through a pile of books while Giles paces nervously.
These are all the diaries, then? Yours included?
That's everything. Knock yourself out. Please?
Wesley flips through one of the books.
Oh, yes! Here's your first entry. 'Slayer is willful and insolent.' That would be our girl, wouldn't it?
Well, you have to get to know her.
'Her abuse of the English language is such that I understand only every other sentence.' Oh, this is going to make fascinating reading.
She should be back by now.
Not to fret. My mission scenario has her back in one minute. Shouldn't be any trouble.
Buffy and Faith have their hands full fighting the Eliminati.
We're surrounded!
You noticed that too?
The two girls fight for all they're worth, cutting a swath through the vampire cult.
Faith spins around just in time to rocked by a stunning blow from Vincent. She recovers and counterattacks with a roundhouse kick to the head. Another vampire attacks and grabs Faith from behind.
Let me go!
The creature shoves Faith hard into the concrete wall, dazing her. Seeing her predicament, Buffy whips her stake into the vampire's back and he bursts into ashes.
Faith gives Buffy a grateful smile just as Buffy is seized from behind. She struggles as Vincent approaches, pointing his sword at her chest.
Let's settle this honorably.
Using the vampire holding her for leverage, Buffy kicks the sword out of Vincent's hand. She shrugs off the creature holding her as Vincent strikes at her with his other sword. She seizes his arm but he reverses and pushes her down against the edge of a pool of water.
Well, then, let's just settle it.
He dunks her head under the water. She struggles to get up but can't get a good grip on anything in the filthy water. As Faith struggles with her own vampire, she notices Buffy's peril.
Buffy! (to vampire) You son of a bitch!
Vincent holds Buffy's head under water. She begins to weaken from lack of oxygen and stops struggling. Vincent holds her under for another few seconds, then lets go and turns his attention to Faith. Buffy remains motionless, head under water. Vincent grins sadistically at Faith, who struggles with her captor to no avail.
Suddenly Buffy leaps up with Vincent's sword and swings it at his head. He's amazingly quick, however, and ducks in time.
I hate it when they drown me.
He faces her with his short sword. She makes quick work of it, knocking it out of his hand with her first swing.
Faith breaks the vampire's hold on her, spins around and smashes the creature's face. He staggers against the wall and she throws him across the room.
B! Gotta go!
Buffy come this far. She's not ready to leave yet.
We came for the amulet.
She whips the sword at Vincent's waist, deftly snagging the amulet's chain and sliding it down the blade into her hand in the wink of an eye. Vincent begins to realize she's much more than just a girl and makes a hasty retreat.
Tell me you don't get off on this!
Buffy smiles at her.
It didn't suck.
Wesley has the amulet in hand and inspects it under a magnifying glass while Giles looks on.
Well... looks authentic enough. Of course, there are tests to be made before actual verification.
How about verifying that your 'nearly extinct' cult was out in magnum force last night? Faith and I got into a serious party situation.
Are you all right?
I had to lather, rinse and repeat about five million times to get the sewer out of my hair but otherwise, I'm of the good. (pointed) Thank you for asking.
Perhaps there were a few more than we'd anticipated but I'd expect you to be ready for anything. Remember the three key words for any Slayer: preparation... preparation... preparation.
That's one word three times.
The school bell rings and Buffy gets up.
I have a chem test. So sad that I'm actually happy about that. Giles, we need to talk.
She starts toward the doors. Wesley stands up and when he speaks, Buffy stops but doesn't face him.
Buffy... I must ask you to remember that I am your Watcher. From now on, anything you have to say about slaying you will say to me. The only thing you need discuss with Mr. Giles is overdue book fees. Understood?
We'll talk.
Of course.
Buffy leaves for her test.
You're not helping.
No. I feel just sick about it.
He goes into his office leaving Wesley stewing.
MRS. TAGGART passes out the exam booklets. Buffy is talking quietly to Willow and Xander.
It was intense. It was like I just... let go and became this force. I just didn't care anymore.
Yeah, I know what that's like.
I don't think you can! It's kind of a Slayer thing. I don't even think I'm explaining it well.
You're explaining it a lot though.
Mrs. Taggart hands Xander and Willow their tests and Buffy turns around.
All right. You have one period to fill out your test booklets. Periodic charts are located on the back. You're on the honor system so remember, no talking.
Buffy turns back to Willow and Xander.
You see, the thing was, Faith knew I didn't even want to go down there--
Ms. Summers?
Buffy spins around and sheepishly faces front.
You have one hour.
She gives Buffy another hard look and then leaves the room. Buffy immediately turns back to Willow and Xander.
Okay, so the best part--
Buffy. Test? You know. Remember? The thing you didn't come over to study for?
Right. Got it.
She turns back to her test but can't resist and turns around again.
Sorry. Okay, so we're down there, in the sewers, and Faith's got three of them on her at once--
Hey! Whoa! Can we resume Buffy's 'Ode to Faith' later, like when I'm not actively multiple-choicing?
How come your eye twitches every time I say Faith's name?
Xander looks up at her, eye twitching.
What? (nervous) No, it doesn't.
Buffy leans in closer, intently watching his face.
Faith.
His eye twitches and he slaps his hand over it.
Cut it out! We got a test to take, okay? And I'm highly caffeinated and I'm trying to concentrate. Some of us actually care about school, you know.
Buffy looks over at Willow but she's concentrating on her test. Buffy finally realizes that she's not going to be allowed to continue her story and settles down to take the test. She opens the booklet but is interrupted-- along with the rest of the class-- by Faith rapping on the window pane, trying to get Buffy's attention. Faith lifts the sash and leans in.
Hey, girlfriend. (looks around) Bad time?
Faith wipes the dust from the window, fogs it with her breath and draws a heart with a stake through it. She looks at Buffy, smiles, and raises her eyebrows. Buffy hesitates only a moment before deciding to blow off the test. She slides down from her lab stool and heads for the window. Willow and Xander are shocked.
No, she can't! (to Buffy) You can't! Can you?
Buffy ignores her and climbs out the window. Faith lowers the sash leaving Willow absolutely speechless.
The Slayers walk away from the building.
What's up?
Vampires.
Faith, unless there's a total eclipse in the next five minutes, it's daylight.
Good for us, bad for them. Found a nest.
Buffy smiles, suddenly understanding.
Has potential.
Only a few rays of sunlight are penetrate the gloom. There are vampires lying all over the floor waiting out the day.
Buffy and Faith kick in the door and bright sunlight washes onto one of them, who immediately bursts into flaming ashes. The rest of the group scrambles to their feet and begin to run.
Rise and shine, people.
It's your wake-up call.
They both whip out stakes and wade into the fray.
Faith and Buffy are on the floor dancing together sensually. It doesn't take long before three boys move over and surround them. The girls pretty much ignore the guys and continue to dance with each other. And dancing is a loose term for what they are doing. Faith and Buffy are all over each other, their moves highly sexual.
ANGEL watches from the shadows, concerned.
Eventually, Buffy notices Angel and he turns to leave when she does. Buffy squeezes past the crowd to go after him. Faith doesn't miss a beat and starts to paw at the boys, keeping them well-entertained.
When Buffy reaches Angel, she jumps on him and wraps her arms around his neck and her legs around his hips.
Hey! You're not leaving, are you?
Angel glances over at Faith and the boys.
I saw you making friends.
Them? Boys. I like you.
Angel says nothing and Buffy hops off him.
What's the matter? You're not afraid of little me, are ya?
We better sit down. Come on.
He leads her away to a small alcove behind the stairs.
I can sense this is a business trip.
Angel sits and Buffy plops down next to him.
What's the what?
Balthazar.
She snuggles up to him.
Dead demon.
Not as dead as you think.
He gets up and sits across from her, putting some distance between them.
Word on the street puts him in the packing warehouse on Devereau. He's looking for--
His amulet. It's supposed to restore his strength.
From what I'm hearing, that's not something we'd like to see happen.
No problem. We got the amulet.
I know. I spoke to Giles but he said you gave it to someone.
At that moment, Wesley pokes his head around the stairs.
Ah. There you are.
Ah. Speak of the really annoying person.
You're certainly giving me a run for my money. I think we ought to establish that if you're going to go out slaying, you leave me a number where I can contact you.
Where's the amulet?
Wesley snaps his head around and looks at Angel in surprise.
Who are you?
A friend. Do you have it?
It's somewhere safe.
Buffy reaches into Wesley's jacket and pulls out the amulet.
How did you know?
It pooches your jacket.
She tosses it to Angel.
Now, hang on a minute...
Walking around with this thing is like wearing a target.
You're going to put it somewhere safe. (to Wesley) That's actually safe?
Yeah. I'll do it now.
I'll do some recon on Balthazar.
If I may... Balthazar is dead. Am I the only one that remembers that?
They ignore him and Angel leans over and gives Buffy a kiss.
Be careful.
You know me.
I mean it.
They both head off in opposite directions.
What's going on?
Buffy walks onto the dance floor where Faith is still gyrating with the guys.
Buffy pulls Faith out of the crowd and toward the door. Faith lets herself be led away but calls back to the boys.
Call me!
BALTHAZAR is enormously obese with very pale, slimy skin. He sits suspended in a tank of filthy water, while one of the Eliminati pours ladle after ladle of it over him in an effort to keep his skin moist.
Let me tell you what I see. I see fear... and remorse... and the pitiful look of faces that cry out for mercy! But what I don't see is what I want to see, and that's... my... amulet!
Lord Balthazar, we found it! We had it! But the Slayers--
Already I'm bored.
He holds out his hands and the air between them shimmers. The vampire floats over to Balthazar, who seizes him by the throat and squeezes until his neck breaks and he slumps lifelessly to the floor. Vincent watches, worried that he may be next.
Vincent... come here. (beat) Closer.
Vincent leans toward him.
Closer.
Vincent leans close enough to be spat upon. Balthazar puts his hands on Vincent's shoulders.
Let me tell you... what I want to see.
Faith and Buffy find the packing warehouse. They peer in through a crack in the door and see Balthazar surrounded by the Eliminati.
Okay, we got ten, maybe twelve bad guys and one big demon in desperate need of a Stairmaster.
I say we take 'em all, hard and fast and now.
We need a little more firepower than none. We should head back to the library.
Well, I guess Jacuzzi Boy isn't going anywhere. (looks around) I just wish we had...
Across the street at the end of the alley she spots Meyer's Sport and Tackle shop. She points Buffy in that direction.
Ah. That is too good.
They head for the store.
Faith kicks in the front door and they walk inside, looking for anything useful. Faith finds the archery counter.
Ah. Score.
She finds a small crossbow, complete with 4x optical sights, on display beneath the glass countertop. She smashes the glass with her elbow and takes it out.
Think they're insured?
She breaks another glass case, takes a pair of nunchakus out and stuffs them down her pants.
Strangely, not my priority. When are you gonna get this, B? Life for a Slayer is very simple: want... take... have.
Buffy is unsure at first, spies a case of hunting knives. She walks to the case, shatters the glass and hefts an ornate dagger, smiling.
Want... take... have. I'm gettin' it.
Faith smiles as well now that Buffy has finally come around to her way of thinking. She turns around and sees a compound hunting bow under the glass of another display case and kicks it in. Buffy spares Faith the briefest of glances as she takes the bow out and looks it over.
Suddenly a gunshot rings out and the two girls whirl around to find two police officers, guns drawn.
Drop the weapons and get down on the ground! Now!
The COP takes a step closer, warily eyeing the two girls.
I said drop the weapons or I fire.
Buffy sets the dagger on the counter and the cop turns his attention to Faith. She reluctantly tosses the crossbow aside.
Now spread 'em.
You wish.
Hands in the air where I can see 'em. Slow!
Faith smiles playfully at him and does as she's told as does Buffy.
Good. (to partner) Now cuff 'em.
The other cop holsters his gun and reaches for his cuffs. Faith smiles provocatively at Buffy.
I like him. He's butch.
Buffy and Faith are in the back seat with their hands cuffed behind their backs. A heavy steel mesh separates them from the officers in the front seat.
That's some artillery you two were putting together. You with one of them girl gangs?
Yeah. We're the Slayers. (to Buffy; sotto) You want to get outta here?
She slides down in the seat. Buffy realizes what she's up to and isn't sure it's a good idea.
We can't save the world in jail.
Buffy realizes she has a point and slides down as well. Faith raises her legs and Buffy follows her lead.
One, two...
They slam their legs into the steel mesh and it buckles, tears free at the edges and hits the officers in the back of the head. The cruiser spins out of control and smashes into a parked car. Steam shoots from the cruiser's radiator and we see that both officers are have been knocked unconscious. Buffy climbs out of the door followed a moment later by Faith, clutching one of the officer's keys. They turn back-to-back and fumble with the keys, trying to unlock the cuffs.
We should call an ambulance.
Five people already have, the racket we made, and they're fine.
She's right. One of them is already regaining consciousness as she unlocks Buffy's cuffs.
Come on. Let's get outta here.
She starts to run but stops when Buffy doesn't immediately follow.
Come on!
Buffy sees that the other officer is coming to as well, then takes off after Faith.
Buffy enters through the back door, bringing the paper in with her. She is engrossed in an article as JOYCE enters from the dining room.
Admit it.
Buffy looks up surprised.
Some days don't you want to just wake up and say to hell with the diet? Want to make waffles? Big Saturday brunch?
No, thanks. I'm not really that hungry.
So what did you and Faith do last night?
Nothing... nothing really important.
Don't worry. I'm not going to meddle in your slaying. Just as long as you're careful.
I am.
You sure about those waffles?
Buffy looks up and closes the paper.
Yeah. But if you want them, I can help you make them.
No. (sighs) They only don't have calories if I make them for you. (off her look) Mom logic. You done with the paper?
Yeah.
She gets up and leaves the kitchen and Joyce settles in with the paper.
Let's see what's happening in Sunnydale.
Mayor Wilkins is posing with a troop of young Boy Scouts. They have huge smiles on their faces as the photographer snaps the picture.
There we go.
The Scouts file out of the office.
Thanks a lot, fellas. Thanks a heap. Hey, have fun on that camping trip, now. Don't forget to roast a wiener for me.
Allan Finch shoos the last of the Scouts out and closes the door securely. The Mayor chuckles as he closes the window blinds.
Here we go. (beat) All right, you can come out now.
The door to the private bathroom opens and Mr. Trick walks into the office.
Backbone of America, those little guys. Seeing the hope and courage on their bright little faces, I swear I could just... eat 'em up. So any news about the Eliminati?
Wilkins opens the liquor cabinet and Vincent leaps out, seizing him by the neck. He pushes the Mayor over the desk and raises his sword to attack.
In the name of Lord Balthazar, die!
Mr. Trick casually punches Vincent in the head. Vincent falls backward onto the floor, unconscious. The Mayor coughs as he sits up and straightens his tie.
Thank you, Mr. Trick. That was very thoughtful of you.
Why do they always gotta be using swords? It's called an Uzi, ya chump! Could have saved your ass right about now.
Trick tosses the sword to Finch who holds it like it's contagious. He looks down at Vincent, shocked.
You know, it's curious how he could've gotten all the way into my liquor cabinet. Allan, don't we have security working in this building?
Sir, I... I had no idea...
There's no need to swoon, Allan. But try to keep things secure. (to Trick; re: Vincent) Lock him up.
He wakes up, he's just going to try and kill you again.
Yes. Yes, I expect he will.
One of the Eliminati pours stagnant water over Balthazar.
Vincent made a noble effort. Man to man, as befits a true warrior, he had courage, he had honor... and I have jack to show for it! It's been a hundred years since my enemy crippled me. Now ultimate power is within his grasp. And I shall not let it be! Forget about honor! Forget about everything but getting my amulet! Bring the Watchers to me! Find the Slayers and kill them! Kill everything that gets in your way! Go! Gooooo!
Buffy and Willow are sitting on her bed and Buffy is sniffing a small felt pouch that Willow gave to her.
You like it?
It smells good. What is it?
Willow smiles with pride.
Just a little something we witches like to call a protection spell.
Good deal, protection. I'm surprised, though, because usually spell stuff's more...
Stinky? Yeah. That's why I added lavender. Give me time and I may be the first wicca to do all my conjuring in pine fresh scent. So what's the plan? (off Buffy's look) For tonight's slayage? We're going, aren't we?
Buffy shifts uncomfortably.
Yeah.
Great!
But... there's a 'but'. And that's 'but you shouldn't come... tonight.' Is that cool?
Willow is hurt but tries to cover.
Well, sure. Makes sense, you know. You'll be facing big, hairy danger.
Biggest and very hairy.
You'll be risking your life.
Right. And why risk yours?
Because I'm your friend?
I know, Will, and that's exactly why I don't want you going. It's too dangerous.
But I've done this sort of thing before! Like a million times and I can totally handle myself. (re: pouch) Besides, minty fresh protection. So?
There's a knock at the door and Faith enters.
Ready? Time to motor. Hey, Willow.
Willow understands now. She's not going with Buffy because Faith is.
Hi.
Faith paces impatiently near the door. Buffy stands up, apologetic.
I really should... but we'll hang out later, right?
Willow tries to hide how much Buffy has hurt her.
Yeah. You, you go ahead. I'll just get my stuff.
Buffy wants to say something. She gives the pouch a reassuring squeeze and follows Faith out. Willow watches her go then looks down at her own pouch.
Stupid...
She throws the pouch across the room.
Buffy are locked and loaded for battle. Faith has the compound hunting bow and readies an arrow.
You're quiet tonight.
I just want to get this done.
Yeah. I'm dying to test out the longbow. I think it might be my new thing.
I can't believe you went back for that stuff.
Hey, how do you feel about getting some ribs? You know, after we're done?
Suddenly one of the Eliminati flips down from above and lands in front of them.
Wesley is inspecting the pictures on the wall while Giles sits at his desk fidgeting with his glasses.
I didn't say you had emotional problems. I said you had an emotional problem. It's quite different.
My 'attachment' to the Slayer is not a problem. In point of fact, it's been a very--
The way you've handled this assignment is something of an embarrassment to the Council.
If you want to criticize my methods, fine. But you can keep your snide remarks to yourself. And while you're at it, don't criticize my methods.
The fact is, you're no longer qualified to act as Watcher. It's not your fault. You've done well. It's simply time for somebody else to take the field.
Now's a good time to start.
Wesley follows Giles' gaze out into the main room where four vampires have come for them.
The vampire roars and charges Buffy. She sidesteps him, grabs him and shoves him into the back of a truck. Buffy jumps on him and they begin to struggle. Another vampire joins in as Faith struggles with her bow but they are in too close quarters for it to be effective.
Screw it!
She drops the bow but holds onto the arrow and ducks a kick from the demon. As he spins out of his kick, Faith plunges the arrow home and he bursts into ashes. Buffy gets up, holding her stake, her attacker a pile of dust as well.
I think we've got more coming!
We're never going to make it to the warehouse.
If they keep coming one at a time, we got a shot.
Another cult vampire lands in front of them and slashes at Faith with his sword. She reacts instantly, catching his arm and shoving him into a crate, then pulling him off and swinging him backward onto a pile of wood. Buffy steps right in and stakes him. The two Slayers continue along the alley at a brisk pace.
As they reach the end of the building, an arm reaches out and grabs Buffy by the shoulder. Instantly, she hurls him against a dumpster and he slumps to the ground, dazed by the impact. It's Allan Finch but Faith is caught in an adrenaline rush and doesn't realize he's human.
Faith, no!
Faith slams her stake through Finch's heart, and yanks it back out. Finch grabs his chest in pain and surprise as blood streams out of his punctured but still beating heart. Faith backs away in shock as Buffy kneels down to help him. Faith stares
in shock at the sight of Finch's hands covered in blood. He spasms as he goes into shock.
Don't move!
I didn't... I didn't know. I didn't know.
We need to call 911. Now!
Faith is paralyzed with fear. Finch shakes harder as his blood loss increases. He looks desperately up at Buffy.
Don't move, it's okay...
She tries to apply pressure to the wound but the blood jets out of his chest.
I need something to stop the...
Finch begins to convulse. His eyes go wide with fear as his life slips away. A thin stream of blood trickles from the corner of his mouth as he tries to say something. He's too weak to talk and Buffy can only watch in despair as he slumps back against the dumpster, dead. His eyes stare sightlessly at Buffy, a silent accusation.
Finch lies dead against the dumpster. Faith begins to panic and pulls Buffy to her feet.
We gotta go! Come on, we gotta go!
They run from the scene but Buffy stops to look back. Faith grabs her arm.
Come on.
Faith climbs up some crates and jumps over a nearby wall but Buffy decides to continue down the alley to a low fence. She climbs over it and heads off into the night.
Buffy makes her way down an alley. She starts as Angel appears out of the shadows.
Angel!
Buffy, I've been looking for you.
He takes her hand when he notices the blood on it. Buffy jerks it back.
Your hand.
It's okay.
I've just been to the warehouse. I was waiting for you. They got Giles.
Buffy's face pales with worry.
Faith slowly approaches Finch's body. In the distance, we can hear a police siren wailing in the night. Faith kneels next Finch and touches the wound. She snaps her hand back as if shocked. Her expression is one of guilt and horror as she realizes she's made the worst mistake of her life: killing another person.
Wesley and Giles are held before Balthazar. He's ignoring them for the moment as he tends to his other needs.
The front! The front! Moisten the front!
He groans as a ladle full of water is poured down his chest. Giles look on in disgust at both the vampire and Wesley's near-panic.
Oh, god! Oh, god!
It doesn't seem too promising, does it?
Stay calm, Mr. Giles. We have to stay calm.
Well, thank god you're here. I was planning to panic.
What is that thing?
That would be your demon. You know, the dead one?
There's no need to get snippy.
Balthazar finally turns his attention to the Watchers.
Bring them closer.
Two of the Eliminati shove them forward.
You know what I want.
If it's for me to scrub those hard-to-reach areas, I'd like to request you kill me now.
One of the vampires pounds him on the back.
Ow.
Are you out of your mind? This is hardly the time for games!
Why not? They're going to torture us to death anyway.
You're not wrong about that.
Now, hold on. We can deal with this rationally. We have something you want. You have something we want.
Hmm... a trade. Intriguing. (considers) No. Wait. Boring. Pull off his kneecaps!
Two of the vampires seize him.
No, no! The Slayer gave it to someone. A tall man, a friend of hers. I can tell you everything.
Quiet, you twerp! They'll kill us both.
But I'd like to have my kneecaps.
You will tell us everything!
Yes! Sir.
What is this friend's name?
I didn't actually catch it.
Look... tell you what. Let Captain Courageous here go and I'll tell you what you need to know. How's that deal?
There is one deal! You will die quickly or you will die slowly! The man who has my amulet-- what is his name?
His name is Angel.
Angel walks into their midst, his vampire ascendant, and throws the two vampires holding Giles and Wesley across the room. Another one moves in to control the Watchers but Giles headbutts him and he falls.
Suddenly Buffy is there as well, making quick work of the Eliminati vampires. She picks up a dropped sword and Buffy uses it to slice through Giles' bonds. Giles grabs Wesley and pushes him out of harm's way.
Buffy immediately turns her attention back to the fight at hand, engaging another vampire with the sword.
Unacceptable! Unacceptable!
Angel ducks a blow from one vampire and holds him off while another attacks.
Giles unties Wesley's hands as a vampire roars behind him. Giles ducks in time to avoid a blow from the vampire's sword and grabs the blade, elbowing the vampire in the face. He flips the sword around and slams it through the vampire's head, then spins around in time to defend against another attack.
Wesley struggles against a vampire but it isn't long before he's pinned from behind.
Giles!
Giles raises the sword and brings it down.
Down!
Wesley ducks as the blade catches the vampire behind him in the neck and separates his head from his body. The headless creature falls away from Wesley and crumbles to dust and Wesley stands up in shock.
Buffy is still engaged with several vampires. She manages to hold her own but there are too many for her to make much headway.
A vampire flies across the room, slams into a wall and crumples to the floor. Angel barely has time to register his success before another attacks him.
Enraged, Balthazar holds out his arms and the air starts shimmering. Angel suddenly finds himself floating through the air toward the obese vampire. Balthazar seizes his head in both hands; Angel can't break his grip.
Buffy sees Angel's predicament and looks to an electrical cable hanging from a lamp directly above Balthazar. She grabs it, yanks hard and the lamp falls sparking into Balthazar's tank. Balthazar releases Angel and writhes in agony as he is electrocuted.
Giles and Wesley stare in shock as the circuit breakers kick in and Balthazar goes limp, his body smoking.
Buffy rushes over to Angel. He's shaken but fine. Suddenly, Balthazar's eyes whip open and he sucks in a deep breath.
Slayer! You think you've won. When he rises... you'll wish I'd killed you all.
He lets out a final dying wheeze and goes still. Buffy looks at Angel, confused.
Mayor Wilkins kneels in the center of an inverted pentagram with his hands out to his sides. Five candles burn at each point. He recites an incantation.
Potestatem matris nostrū in tenebris invoco. Maledictum filium tuum abomni periculo custodias nunc et in sūcula! (Our mother of darkness, I summon thee. Curse now your evil accursed son and protect him into the new age!)
The building begins to shake. The Mayor remains still, his eyes closed as Mr. Trick looks around nervously. Vincent is locked in a cage nearby. When it's over, the Mayor opens his eyes and checks his watch.
I don't understand why Allan would miss this. He's usually so punctual.
Did it work?
Let's find out. Open the gate.
You sure?
Oh! Hold on.
He takes Vincent's sword from Trick, sets it tip-down on the floor, and lets it fall through the cage bars into Vincent's hands. The Mayor takes several steps back.
Okay. Now we're ready.
Trick steps around to the front of the cage, unlocks the padlock and removes the chains. The Mayor waits calmly.
Trick pulls open the door and Vincent rushes out, heading straight for the Mayor. He raises the sword high and brings it down hard on the Mayor's head, slicing it in two. Amazingly, he does not bleed and his flesh shimmers around Vincent's sword. As Vincent removes the sword, the two halves of the Mayor's head rejoin and seal together again without so much as a scar. The Mayor stands before Vincent untouched.
Shocked and scared, Vincent backs away right into Mr. Trick who rams a stake through his back. Wilkins looks at Trick, energized.
Well!
He reaches into his jacket, pulls out his daily planner and opens it to today's to- do list which reads:
Greet Scouts Lumber Union Reschedule Call Temp Agency Become Invincible Meeting With PTA Haircut
He puts a check mark next to "Become Invincible" and puts the planner away.
This officially commences the Hundred Days. Nothing can harm me until the Ascension. Gosh, I'm feeling chipper! Who's for a root beer?
He turns around and leaves the room. Trick smiles and follows him.
Faith scrubs her shirt in the sink. A knock on the door and she looks up.
Faith, it's me.
Faith leaves the shirt in the sink and answers the door. Buffy breaks a long moment of silence.
Hey.
Hey.
Faith goes back to scrubbing her shirt. Buffy enters, closes the door and follows Faith to the bathroom.
So I... how are you doing?
I'm all right. You know me.
Faith, we need to talk about what we're going to do.
There's nothing to talk about. I was doing my job.
Being a Slayer is not the same as being a killer. (beat) Faith, please don't shut me out here. Look, sooner or later, we're both going to have to deal.
Wrong.
We can help each other.
I don't need it.
Yeah? Who's wrong now? Faith, you can shut off all the emotions that you want. But eventually, they're going to find a body.
Okay, this is the last time we're going to have this conversation and we're not even having it now, you understand me? There is no body. I took it, weighted it and dumped it. The body doesn't exist.
Getting rid of the evidence doesn't make the problem go away.
It does for me.
Faith, you don't get it. You killed a man.
No, you don't get it. I don't care.
Faith smiles at Buffy but the smile is hard, cold.
Buffy backs toward the doors and quietly leaves the room as she comes to the realization that her wild-child friend is in reality a dangerous sociopath.