[Transcript of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" episode Consequences at buffyology.com.]
Streams of bubbles rise through the water. Pan down to reveal BUFFY frantically clawing her way to the surface. Below her, the corpse of Deputy Mayor ALLAN FINCH grabs her ankle and pulls her down into the depths. She kicks and struggles, desperately trying to shake loose. Eventually she manages to break free of his icy grip and swim to the surface.
She bursts out of the water, sucking in a deep breath. There, kneeling on the dock above, she is FAITH, who smiles wickedly at her as she reaches down and shoves her back underwater.
Buffy wakes with a start from her nightmare, then calms as she realizes it was just a dream. She pushes the blankets back, gets up and walks out into the hall, where she can hear the news on the TV in her mother's room.
Buffy can see the TV from the hall. Footage plays of a police boat retrieving Finch's body from the harbor.
We go now live to our field reporter, who is standing by at the waterfront with this breaking news about the murder that has shocked the Mayor and residents of Sunnydale.
Fishermen discovered the body today, the victim of a brutal stabbing. Authorities and citizens alike were shocked when the slain man was identified as Deputy Mayor Allan Finch.
Buffy is shocked to learn that they not only found the body so quickly, but that he was also a public figure.
Still reeling from the news, Mayor Wilkins had this to say.
The news cuts to the Mayor RICHARD WILKINS at a press conference.
Mr. Finch was not only my longtime aide and associate, he was a close personal friend. I promise you I will not rest until whoever did this is found and brought to justice. Thank you very much.
JOYCE looks up and sees Buffy standing in the hall.
Oh, honey, you're up. (re: TV) Oh, it's just terrible, isn't it?
Buffy has nothing to say.
Opening credit sequence.
Buffy is sitting at the study table with Faith and GILES. WESLEY paces impatiently.
I want you to look into this. Find out everything you can about the murder of the Deputy Mayor.
But that's... I mean, that's... not really our jurisdiction, is it?
Faith is eerily calm.
It's no big, B. We'll get into it if he wants.
No, Buffy's right. The Deputy Mayor's murder was the result of human malice. There's nothing supernatural about it.
We don't know that for certain. I say it merits investigation.
Which I'm sure the police are doing. Meantime, if you ask me, there are better uses for the Slayers' time.
Ah, but I don't believe I did. (beat) Ask you.
Considering the success of your previous adventure...
CORDELIA walks into the library, distracting Giles.
Don't let me interrupt. Wait. Let me interrupt. I'm in a hurry.
What did you need?
Wesley turns toward her and is immediately taken by her beauty. He stares at her with open-mouthed wonder.
Psych class. Freud and Jung. Book me?
Happily.
Cordelia notices Wesley and smiles coyly.
Check out Giles: The Next Generation. What's your deal?
Wesley stammers nervously.
I... well... I'm a...
Faith is quite amused. She leans toward Cordelia.
New Watcher.
Oh.
Wesley turns to Buffy, irritated.
Does everybody know about you?
She's a friend.
Let's not exaggerate. So... you're the new Watcher.
Cordelia steps closer and Wesley holds out his hand.
Wesley Wyndam-Pryce.
I like a man with two last names. I'm Cordelia.
And you teach Psychology?
I take Psychology.
Giles hands Cordelia her books.
She's a student.
Wesley immediately drops Cordelia's hand as if shocked.
Oh, well. I... yes. In fact, I am here to watch... girls. Buffy and Faith, to be specific.
Cordelia is clearly quite taken with Wesley and she flashes him her thousand-watt smile.
Well, it's about time we got some fresh blood around here.
Well. Fresh. Yes.
Giles stamps the due date into the books.
Here we go.
Thanks. (to Wesley) So welcome to Sunnydale.
She turns and leaves, making sure to swing her hips provocatively for Wesley.
My. She is cheeky, isn't she?
First word: jail; second word: bait.
Ahem. Well, where were we?
Done. I mean, we were done, right?
Yep. Off to patrol. So we'll see ya.
One moment, girls. I'm your commander now and on the matter of this murder, I am resolved. Natural or super, I want to know.
Fine by me. Always ready to kick a little bad guy butt.
She touches Buffy's shoulder and the two of them walk out. Wesley smiles beatifically after them.
The Slayers walk into the empty room and Buffy pulls the door closed behind her. Faith checks the other door and they meet in the center of the room.
So you gonna rat me out? Is that it?
Faith, we have to tell. I can't pretend to investigate this. I can't pretend that I don't know.
Oh, I see. But you can pretend that Angel's still dead when you need to protect him.
I am trying to protect you. Look, if we don't do the right thing, it's only going to make things worse for you.
Worse than jail for the rest of my young life? No way!
Faith, what we did was--
Yeah. We. You were right there beside me when this whole thing went down. Anything I have to answer for, you do too. You're a part of this, B. All the way.
Faith walks out of the classroom, leaving Buffy to consider her options.
Buffy comes out of the classroom and walks toward the student lounge. She sees WILLOW sitting alone on a couch and goes to her.
Willow notices her coming, glances up for an instant, then takes a deep breath and goes back to her reading.
Hey.
Hey. Where's Faith? I saw her around. Figured you two were going to go kill some more nasty stuff.
Not right now. I think she bailed.
They both begin to talk simultaneously.
Willow, I was won--
Actually, I'm--
They both stop and Buffy takes a deep breath.
You go ahead.
I'm late. I'm meeting Michael. The warlock guy? We're still trying to de-rat Amy.
Okay.
Neither of them says anything for a long beat.
So see ya.
See you.
The red and blue strobes of a squad car illuminate the murder scene. A forensic expert takes blood and fiber samples from the dumpster while a cop holds a Maglite for him. Detective STEIN is interviewing a potential witness.
So... you heard the man scream about what time last night?
Oh, I'm not sure. Seven, maybe eight o'clock.
Can you be more specific, say between seven-thirty and eight o'clock?
Pan through scene to reveal ANGEL, watching from a distance. He notes the blood on the dumpster and flashes back to the previous night and Buffy's blood- covered hand.
Your hand.
Oh. It's okay.
He looks back at the murder scene, not sure what to think.
Mayor Wilkins slides a sheet of paper into the shredder while MR. TRICK looks on nervously.
It's not working.
It's supposed to do something besides shred?
It's supposed to cheer me up. Usually using the shredder gives me a lift. It's fun.
And today you're not getting the ya-yas.
No. Guess it'll take more than this to turn my frown upside down. I just don't understand why Allan would leave such a paper trail about our dealings. (considers) Do you think he was going to betray me? Oh now, that's a horrible thought. And now he's dead, I'll never have the chance to scold him.
Maybe this will change your mood.
He drops a copy of the coroner's report on the desk and the Mayor picks it up and opens it.
What is it?
Bombshell. The Deputy Mayor had wooden splinters in his wound. Struck right through the heart with a sharp, pointed object. Now, word is someone was fighting vampires not a block away from the scene. Any smart money says it was a Slayer who did this job.
Why? Do you think he talked? To them?
If he did, I'm thinking he said the wrong thing.
Well, this is exciting. A Slayer up for murder one. That's sunshine and roses to me. It really is.
He laughs as he taps the end of the report on his desk and sets it down.
Faith and Buffy break in and turn on the light. They both look cautiously around the office.
I'm telling you, we did the world a favor. This guy was about as interesting as watching paint dry.
Faith...
I'm joking. Jeez, lighten up a little, B.
Faith notices a picture of Finch with the Mayor and she picks it up and stares at it. Buffy goes through the papers in his inbox.
He came out of nowhere.
I know.
Whatever. I'm not looking to hug and cry and learn and grow. I'm just saying it happened quick, you know?
They don't find much of anything and Faith loses her patience.
You know what? Let's just blow. Who cares what this guy was about? It's kind of moot now, don't you think?
I don't think he was in that alley by chance. I think he was looking for us. I'd like to know why.
She opens a file drawer. It's empty.
So what? You think there's some big conspiracy?
Buffy closes the drawer and opens another. All the folders in it are also empty.
You were saying?
So his papers are gone. That doesn't prove anything.
Except that somebody didn't want us to prove anything.
Faith begins to get it.
Buffy opens the door and peeks out. The hall is clear and she steps out. At that moment, the Mayor's door opens further down the hall and Mr. Trick steps out with the Mayor right behind him. Buffy and Faith duck back into Finch's office and close the door quietly. They can still hear the voices in the hall.
Get as many men on it as you can.
Yeah. We'll be wanting to turn up the heat.
Buffy and Faith step off the sidewalk and into the street.
So the Mayor of Sunnydale is a Black Hat. That's a shocker, huh?
Actually, yeah. I didn't get the bad guy vibe off of him.
When are you going to learn, B? It doesn't matter what kind of vibe you get off a person. Because nine times out of ten, the face they're showing you is not the real one.
I guess you know a lot about that.
What is that supposed to mean?
It's just, look at you, Faith. Less than twenty-four hours ago, you killed a man. And now it's all zip-a-dee-doo-dah? It's not your real face and I know it. Look, I know what you're feeling because I'm feeling it too.
Do you? So fill me in 'cause I'd like to hear this.
Dirty. Like something sick creeped inside you and you can't get it out. And you keep hoping that it was just some nightmare but it wasn't. And we are going to have to figure out--
Is there going to be an intermission in this?
Just let me talk to Giles, okay? I swear--
No! We're not bringing anybody else into this. You gotta keep your head, B. This is all going to blow over in a few days.
And if it doesn't?
If it doesn't, (shrugs) they got a freighter leaving the docks at least twice a day. It ain't fancy, but it gets you gone.
Buffy stares at her incredulously.
And that's it? You just live with it? You see the dead guy in your head every day for the rest of your life?
Buffy, I'm not going to see anything. I missed the mark last night and I'm sorry about the guy. I really am! But it happens. Anyway, how many people do you think we've saved by now? Thousands? And didn't you stop the world from ending? Because in my book, that puts you and me in the plus column.
We help people! It doesn't mean we can do whatever we want.
Why not? The guy I offed was no Gandhi. I mean, we just saw he was mixed up in dirty dealings.
Maybe, but what if he was coming to us for help?
What if he was? You're still not seeing the big picture, B. Something made us different. We're warriors. We're built to kill.
To kill demons! But it does not mean that we get to pass judgment on people like we're better than everybody else!
We are better! (off Buffy's look) That's right, better. People need us to survive. In the balance, nobody's going to cry over some random bystander who got caught in the crossfire.
I am.
Well, that's your loss.
Faith turns her back on Buffy and walks away.
Joyce meets Buffy at the door with Detective Stein.
Buffy.
Buffy recognizes the detective as the officer that suspected her of Kendra's murder.
Joyce sits quietly while the detective questions her daughter.
Tell me again. You got home at what time last night?
Late. A little past one, I guess.
Pan around Detective Stein as he asks his next question, then pull back to reveal Faith.
Maybe you can explain to me what a girl your age is doing out all night.
Just hanging.
Hanging. By yourself?
No. I was with my friend Buffy.
We were at Faith's, watching TV.
What did you watch?
Some old movie.
Infomercial.
Hmm. That's funny because I got a couple of witnesses who put you near the alley.
Witnesses?
Stein eyes her suspiciously.
Somebody stabbed this guy through the heart.
Strange thing is, the weapon... it was made out of wood.
Any of this mean anything to you?
Yeah. That whoever did it wasn't hip to the Bronze Age.
Is that it? I'm kinda beat.
Yeah, I have enough for now. Buffy, if you know something, if you're protecting someone, I promise you it'll be better for everyone if you just come clean.
You mean am I covering for someone? Hardly. I'm not the throw- myself-on-the-sword type.
I wish I could help you.
Well, call me if you remember anything.
Detective Stein hands Faith his card.
Stein pulls the door closed and walks to his car. He gets in and drives off. Angel watches him from the shadows.
Willow taps the keys on her laptop. A rapping at her French doors draws her attention. She opens them to find Buffy.
Hey.
Hey.
I need to talk to you.
Good. 'Cause I've been letting things fester and I don't like it. I want to be fester-free.
Yeah. Me, too.
I mean, don't get me wrong. I completely understand why you and Faith have been doing the bonding thing. You guys work together. You should get along.
It's more complicated than that.
But see, it's that exact thing that's just ticking me off! It's this whole 'Slayers only' attitude. I mean, since when wouldn't I understand? You talk to me about everything. It's like all of a sudden I'm not cool enough for you because I can't kill things with my bare hands.
Buffy suddenly bursts into tears. Willow is stunned, thinking she's the cause and hugs her friend.
Oh! Oh, Buffy! Don't cry. I'm sorry. I was too hard on you. Sometimes I unleash. I don't know my own strength. It's bad. I'm bad. I'm a bad, bad, bad person.
Will, I'm in trouble.
Later. Buffy has explained the situation to Willow.
And Faith acts like she doesn't even care. The way she talks, it's like she didn't even make a mistake.
Do you think she's like in shock?
I don't know. And I think that detective knows more than he's saying. I think he knew that I was lying.
You have to go to Giles, Buffy. He'll know what to do.
Buffy nods, knowing that Willow is right.
Buffy walks in quietly.
Giles?
Giles comes out of his office.
Buffy.
I don't really know how to say this, so I'm just going to say it. I know I've kept things from you before but--
Faith comes out of the office behind Giles and gives Buffy a cold, hard look.
But I've been blowing off my classes. You know, in the sense of not attending. And--
It's okay, Buffy. I told him.
You told him?
I had to. He had to know what you did.
What I did?
Suddenly she realizes that Faith has put the murder on her.
Giles, no. That's just not what happened.
I don't want to hear it, Buffy.
No! It--
I don't want to hear any more lies.
You can't be serious! You're setting me up?
Get in my office, now. Faith, I'll talk to you in the morning.
Giles, please, you have to--
Now!
Buffy goes into the office. Faith turns to Giles before leaving.
Sorry.
Giles looks down for a moment, then goes into his office.
Buffy faces Giles, desperate.
Giles, I didn't do this. I swear. Look, I know that I messed up badly but the murder, it was--
Faith. I know. (off Buffy's stunned look) She may have many talents, Buffy, but fortunately, lying is not one of them.
Oh. Oh, god. I thought...
I'm sorry. I needed her to think that I was on her side. I don't know how far she'll take this charade.
Try far. Like all the way.
You should have come to me right off.
I know. Well, I wanted to.
But Faith wouldn't hear of it?
It's not all her fault, Giles. We both thought it was a vampire. I only realized it a second before.
Buffy, this is not the first time something like this has happened.
It's not?
The Slayer is on the front line of a nightly war. Now, it's tragic but accidents have happened.
What do you do?
Well, the Council investigates, metes out punishment if punishment is due. But I have no plans to involve them. I mean, it's the last thing Faith needs at the moment. She's unstable, Buffy. I mean, she's utterly unable to accept responsibility.
She's freaking. So then we just have to help her deal, right?
She's in denial. There is no help for her until she admits what happened.
I could talk to her.
Perhaps.
Or maybe I'm too close. Maybe one of the guys could.
We should meet. It may be that they're seeing a different side of her.
Okay.
In the meantime, no one else is to know. Understood?
Of course.
Pan past the office window to reveal Wesley, standing by the counter, listening intently to their conversation.
I mean, this is extremely delicate. If we scare her off now, we may lose her forever.
Wesley picks up the phone and dials an international number.
Yes, hello. Mr. Travers, please. Quentin Travers. (beat) Wesley Wyndam-Pryce calling. (beat) The code word? Monkey. (beat, exasperated) M-o-n-k... just put him on, will you? This is an emergency.
Willow, Buffy, Xander and Giles sit among the tables in the darkened cafeteria.
Well, maybe we should all talk to Faith together.
You mean, like that intervention thing that you guys did on me? As I recall, Xander and I nearly came to blows.
You nearly came to blows, Buffy. I nearly came to loss of limbs.
No, Faith is too defensive for a confrontation like that. She'll respond better to a one-on-one approach.
Well, I can be the one... on her one. (off their looks) Let's rephrase. I think she might listen to me. We kind of have... a connection.
A connection? Why would you think that--
I'm just saying it's worth a shot. That's all.
Buffy and Willow exchange a confused look.
No, I don't see it, Xander. I mean, of all of us, you're the one person arguably that Faith has had the least contact with.
Yeah, but we hung out a little recently and she seemed to be... responsive.
Willow suddenly knows exactly what Xander means. The realization that Xander slept with Faith strikes a blow to her heart.
When did you guys hang out?
Oh, she was fighting one of those apocalypse demon things and I helped her. Gave her a ride home.
And you guys talked?
Not extensively. No.
Then why would you...
The light dawns on Buffy also and her eyes widen with surprise. Giles follows shortly thereafter.
Oh.
Oh!
Giles and Buffy look at Willow, concerned.
I don't need to say 'oh'. I got it before. They slept together.
Buffy feels Willow's heartache. The tension is thick and Giles finally breaks it.
Fine, fine. Let's move on.
All right. Look, I know that you mean well, Xander, but I just don't see Faith opening up to you. (gently) She doesn't take the guys that she has a... 'connection' with very seriously. They're kind of a big joke to her. No offense.
Oh, no! I mean, why would I be offended by that?
However, if you still want to be of assistance, I need some help with research. There's still the business of the Mayor and Mr. Trick to attend to.
Yeah, they, they seemed pretty cozy the other night.
Yes. Willow, can you access the Mayor's files?
What? Oh, sure. I can try.
Good, yes, because clearly we need to take a harder look at him. He's obviously up to something.
What about Faith?
I don't know. I need time.
She needs help now. I owe her that.
CU on a stall with its door ajar. We hear the sound of sobbing coming from inside the stall. Reveal Willow inside, sobbing.
Xander sits on the steps, staring off into space.
Faith is lying on her bed, watching TV. She hears a knock at the door and she rolls off her bed to answer it. It's Xander.
What?
I just came by to see how you are, actually.
Faith looks at him with open hostility.
I'm sick of people asking me that, for one thing.
Can I come in? Just to talk. I promise.
Like you could make something happen if I didn't want it to?
Hey, yeah. Got me there. Pretty much not going to try to take you under any circumstances. (re: his biceps) See here, feel that. Probably like a wet noodle to you, huh?
She steps aside.
Five minutes.
That's all I need. For talking and conversation. I'm quick as a bunny.
Clock is running.
It's just... I heard about what happened and I thought you might need a friend.
So then go talk to Buffy. She's the one who killed a guy.
Yeah. I heard that version.
Version?
Either way, it sounds like it was an accident and that's the important part.
No, the important part is that Buffy is the "accidental murderer".
Faith, you may not think so but I sort of know you. And I've seen you post-battle. And I know firsthand that you're... like a wild thing. And half the time, you don't know what you're doing.
And you're living proof of that, aren't you?
See, you're trying to hurt me. But right now, you need someone on your side. What happened wasn't your fault. And I'm willing to testify to that in court if you need me.
You'd dig that, wouldn't you? To get up in front of all your geek pals and go on record about how I made you my boy toy for a night.
No. No, that's not it.
She steps close and runs her fingers around his face.
I know what this is all about. You just came by here because you want another taste, don't you?
No! I mean, it was nice. It was great. It was kind of a blur. But, okay... some day, sure, yay, but not now. Not like this.
More like how then? Lights on or off? Kinks or vanilla?
She takes his hand and puts it on her waist and Xander jerks away from her.
Faith, come on. I came here to help you. I thought we had a connection.
Faith laughs at his ridiculous gullibility. She takes him by his shirt, shoves him onto the bed and jumps on top of him. She straddles him and rips open his shirt.
You want to feel a connection? It's just skin. I see... I want... I take. (kisses him hard) I forget.
No. No, wait. It was more than that.
I could do anything to you right now and you want me to. I can make you scream.
She runs her tongue over his face, then kisses him forcefully, biting his lower lip and pulling at it.
I could make you die.
She kisses him again and slips her hands around his neck. When she pulls away this time, he's choking. Xander tries to pry her hands from his neck but doesn't have anywhere near the strength necessary. He begins to lose consciousness, then passes out.
Faith hears a noise behind her and looks up just in time to be knocked unconscious by Angel.
Faith is chained to the fireplace mantle. She looks over at Angel as she comes to.
Finally decided to tie me up, huh? I always knew you weren't really a one-Slayer guy.
I'm sorry about the chains. It's not that I don't trust you. Actually, it is that I don't trust you.
The thing with Xander... I know what it looked like but we were just playing.
And he forgot the safety word? Is that it?
Safety words are for wusses.
I bet you're not big on trust games, now are you, Faith?
You gonna shrink me now? Is that it?
No, I just want to talk to you.
That's what they all say. And then it's just, 'Let me stay the night. Won't try anything.'
You want to go the long way around... hey, I can do that. I'm not getting any older.
He turns his back on her and walks out into the atrium.
Buffy is waiting there and stands up when he comes out.
How's she doing?
It's like talking to a wall. Only you get more from a wall.
But you'll keep trying, right?
Sure. We're just getting started.
So what do I do?
Look, right now there's nothing that you can do.
Well, this could take awhile, right? So I'll just go to Faith's and I'll get some of her stuff. That way she'll see that we're on her side.
That's a good idea.
Okay. I'll be back.
Look, I... I don't want you to get your hopes up, Buffy. She may not want us to help her.
She does. She just doesn't know how to say it.
She killed a man. That changes everything for her.
Giles said with counseling they might not even need to lock her up.
That's not what I mean. She's taken a life.
I know.
She's got a taste for it now.
Mayor Wilkins and Mr. Trick are reviewing a security camera tape. On it, they see Buffy and Faith enter Finch's office.
Not one Slayer, but two. Right here in the building.
There was supposed to be a guard.
Shh. Here comes my favorite part. Where the Slayers see us in the hall together, thick as thieves. Oh, wait, we are thieves. And worse: and now they know it.
Well, they're not going to be much of a threat in jail.
Well, we don't have near enough evidence to put 'em away. No, you're going to have to come up with a more efficient solution. And Mr. Trick, you better think of it soon.
Angel paces before Faith.
I know what's going on with you.
Join the club. Everybody seems to have a theory.
But I know what it's like to take a life. To feel a future, a world of possibilities, snuffed out by your own hand. I know the power in it. The exhilaration. It was like a drug for me.
Yeah? Sounds like you need some help. A professional maybe.
A professional couldn't have helped me. It stopped when I got my soul back. My human heart.
Goody for you. If we're gonna party, let's get on with it. (re: chains) Otherwise, could you let me out of these things?
Faith, you have a choice. You've tasted something few ever do. I mean, to kill without remorse is to feel like a god.
Right now all I feel is a cramp in my wrist, so let me go!
She yanks at the chains angrily.
But you're not a god. You're not much more than a child. Going down this path will ruin you. You can't imagine the price for true evil.
Yeah? I hope evil takes MasterCard.
You and me, Faith-- we're a lot alike. Time was, I thought humans existed just to hurt each other. But then I came here. And I found out that there are other types of people. People who genuinely wanted to do right. And they make mistakes. And they fall down, you know, but they keep caring. Keep trying. If you can trust us, Faith, this can all change. You don't have to disappear into the darkness.
Angel suddenly reacts to a loud pounding on the door. It crashes inward and Wesley strides straight toward them, holding a large cross and flanked by three others. Angel rushes to head them off, but recoils from Wesley, who holds the cross in his face. One of his the others blindsides Angel with a right hook and he falls to the floor as another throws a net over him. The third starts to beat him with a crowbar while they tie Angel up. Wesley goes over to Faith and removes the shackles from her wrists. While she rubs them and watches Angel being beaten, Wesley takes out a set of heavy cuffs and chains and suddenly her wrists are bound once again.
What?
By the order of the Watcher's Council of Britain, I am exercising my authority and removing you to England, where you will accept the judgment of the disciplinary committee.
Wesley and the others drag Faith from the mansion, leaving Angel behind, entangled in a mass of net and rope.
A large stepvan cruises down a boulevard. Faith is chained to a bench on inside. Wesley and one of his men sit on the bench opposite her.
I'm sorry for the extreme measures. Unfortunately, this is a rather extreme circumstance.
Whatever.
Please believe nobody is rushing to judgment. The first priority of both myself and the Council is to help you.
Faith pulls at the ring securing her to the bench.
Now none of that. Tighten her restraints. Faith, there's no point in fighting this.
Faith kicks the man in the knee and he falls to the floor. She presses down on his face with her boot, crushing it.
Have to disagree with you on that one. Now unlock these or I'll pop this guy's head like a grape.
Wesley hesitates, his eyes moving to a wrench on the floor. Faith sees it too.
Don't even think about it.
She holds up her wrists to him. He takes out the keys and steps over to set her free.
Faith, you can't keep running.
She punches him hard in the jaw and he falls onto the wrench. He tries to swing at her but she easily blocks the blow.
Wrong again, Wes.
She headbutts him hard, knocking him unconscious, then kicks open the rear doors and jumps out onto the street. She rolls a few times and watches the van drive away then sprints off into the night.
Buffy arrives with Faith's things. Inside, she finds Faith gone and Angel struggling to free himself. She rushes over to help him.
Giles, Willow and Xander are there with Buffy and Angel.
It was the new Watcher. He had a couple of guys helping him.
Then he figured it out?
Which means that Faith will be soon on her way back to England to face the Watcher's Council.
And then what?
Most likely they'll lock her away for a good long while.
So we head them off at the airport and stop them.
Can I... I'm just wondering... why? (off Buffy's look) I'm not the most objective, I know. I kind of have an issue with Faith sharing my people. But she murdered someone and accused Buffy. Then she hurt Xander. I hate to say it but maybe she belongs behind bars.
She's out of control, I know. But Angel was getting somewhere with her. She was opening up. If we could just stop Wesley.
Wesley walks into the library.
That's no longer an issue.
You let her get away?
'Let' wouldn't be the way I'd phrase it, but... yes, she escaped.
Giles rolls his eyes in frustration.
That's good work. First, you terrorize her, then you put her back on the streets.
That was hardly my plan. I was trying to save her.
But you didn't! You probably destroyed her.
Buffy, that's enough.
I better find her before she does any more damage. We're going to need to split up. I'll check the docks. That's probably where she is. Giles, why don't you go to her motel? Xander, Willow, her haunts and be careful.
I'll try the airport.
Everyone ignores Wesley on their way out.
What can I do? I want to help.
You still got your ticket back to the mother country?
She turns her back on him, leaving him alone to contemplate his failure.
Buffy walks along the wharf looking for Faith. She passes underneath the gangplank of an old rusty cargo ship and stops when she hears Faith behind her.
You don't give up, do you?
She's on the ship at the top of the gangplank.
Not on my friends, no.
Yeah, because you and me are such solid buds, right?
We could be. It's not too late.
For me to change and be more like you, you mean? Little Miss Goody-Two-Shoes? It ain't gonna happen, B.
Faith, nobody is asking you to be like me but you can't go on like this.
Scares you, doesn't it?
She climbs over the railing and hops down to the dock.
Yeah, it scares me. Faith, you're hurting people. You're hurting yourself.
But that's not it. That's not what bothers you so much. What bugs you is you know I'm right. You know in your gut we don't need the law. We are the law.
No.
Buffy turns her back and walks away. Faith follows right behind.
Yes. You know exactly what I'm about because you have it in you too.
No, Faith, you're sick.
I've seen it, B. You've got the lust. And I'm not just talking about screwing vampires.
Buffy stops in her tracks.
Don't you dare bring him into this.
It was good, wasn't it? The sex? The danger? Bet a part of you even dug him when he went psycho.
No!
See, you need me to toe the line because you're afraid you'll go over it, aren't you, B? You can't handle watching me living my own way, having a blast, because it tempts you! You know it could be you!
Buffy stops and backhands Faith in the jaw. Faith doubles over, then stands up, an evil smile on her face.
There's my girl.
No. I'm not going to do this.
Why not? It feels good. Blood rising...
Buffy hears a noise above and looks up as a pallet of crates falls directly at Faith. Buffy shoves Faith out of the way and, in doing so, is struck by the crates herself. She falls to the ground, dazed.
Faith moves to help Buffy when Mr. Trick and three other vampires suddenly attack. Faith spins around and engages the four vampires, fighting like a demon released from hell.
Buffy starts to come out of her daze.
Oh, god...
Buffy pulls her legs out from under the pallet of crates and gets to her feet. She is immediately felled again by a devastating blow from Mr. Trick. Trick presses his attack and knocks Buffy backward with a series of deft and powerful kicks and punches.
Faith slams her stake through the chest of one of her attackers. As he explodes into ashes, she looks over at Buffy struggling with Mr. Trick.
Trick wraps a length of cord around Buffy's neck and begins to choke the life from her.
Faith can't go to her aid because her own attackers are still a threat. She turns back to the second vampire who charges her only to become intimately acquainted with her stake as well.
Trick yanks the cord around Buffy's neck and pulls her off the stack of crates. He drags her to her feet and swings her into another cargo pallet. She hits it hard and drops to the pavement.
Faith looks from Buffy to the last remaining vampire before her, considering her options.
Trick picks Buffy up and hurls her against the crates again. Buffy is fading fast. She doesn't have much time left.
I hear once you've tasted a Slayer, you never want to go back.
His fangs extend and he lowers them to the soft flesh of Buffy's neck. She struggles against him to no avail. Suddenly Mr. Trick looks up in wide-eyed shock.
Oh, no. No, this is no good at all.
He begins to fall and explodes into dust as Faith rips her stake from his back. The two Slayers stare at each other uncertainly as Buffy massages her bruised neck.
Buffy sits at the table while Giles pours her some coffee.
So she saved you.
She could have left me there to die, Giles, but she didn't.
She opted to come back to town with you. That... bodes well. She still has a lot to face before she can put this behind her.
I'm not going to give up on her.
Then I think she stands a chance.
Mayor Wilkins pulls on his overcoat, preparing to leave for the night. He picks up his briefcase and heads for the door. When he opens it, he is surprised to see Faith standing there, arms crossed.
You sent your boy to kill me.
That's right, I did.
He's dust.
I thought he might be... what with you standing here and all.
I guess that means you have a job opening.
The Mayor steps aside to allow her to enter and Faith walks into his office.
The door closes quietly behind her.