[Transcript of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" episode Graduation Day (part 1) at buffyology.com.]
The students pick up graduation caps and gowns. CORDELIA and XANDER sign for theirs.
I can't believe this loser look. I lobbied so hard for the teal. No one ever listens to me. A lone fashionable wolf.
I like the maroon. Has more dignity.
Dignity? You? In relation to clothes? I am awash in a sea of confusion.
I just want to look respectable in this, considering I'm probably going to die in it.
Excuse me?
I'm telling you, I woke up the other day with this feeling in my gut. I just know there's no way I'm getting out of this school alive.
Wow, you've really mastered the power of positive giving-up.
I've been lucky too many times. My number's coming up. And I was short! One more rotation and I'm shipping state-side, you know what I mean?
Seldom, if ever.
As they part ways, we
WILLOW and another student sign each other's yearbooks. She calls to him as he moves off.
Bye! We'll keep in touch!
HARMONY walks down the stairs and hands Willow her yearbook. Willow looks up at her with a compulsive smile.
Willow, will you sign my yearbook?
Yeah. You have to sign mine, too.
You know, I really wish we would have gotten to know each other better.
Me, too.
I mean, you're so smart. I always wanted to be like that.
Thanks. You're so sweet.
I hope we don't lose touch.
No, we'll hang out.
Bye!
Bye!
Harmony leaves as BUFFY walks down the stairs.
Oh, I'm going to miss her.
Don't you hate her?
Yes, with a fiery vengeance. She picked on me for ten years, the vacuous tramp. It's like a sickness, Buffy. I'm just missing everything. I miss P.E.!
The head into the student lounge.
I think it's contagious. The whole senior class has turned into the Sixties... or what I would have imagined the Sixties would have been like without the war and the hairy armpits.
You don't feel it?
No, I don't. I guess I'll miss stuff but I just don't get the whole graduation thing. I mean you get a piece of paper and nothing changes. I don't even think I'm going to go.
Willow stares at the soda vending machine.
Old trusty soda machine. I push you for root beer, you give me Coke. (frowns at Buffy) What do you mean, not go? Why not?
Ascension. Mayor becoming a demon, snacking upon populace. I was planning on fighting him.
You can't do both?
Xander comes over and sits next to them.
Both what?
Go to graduation and fight the Mayor.
The Mayor? What, you guys didn't hear?
Hear what?
Guess who our commencement speaker is?
Siegfried?
No.
Roy?
No.
One of the tigers?
Come out of the fantasy, Will.
I don't believe this.
Lends credence to my whole "I'm gonna die" theorem, doesn't it?
The Mayor at graduation? A hundred helpless kids to feed on. Got any other surprises for us?
The office is obviously the product of an eccentric taste. Heaps of books and manuscripts share space with a wide variety of ancient relics. A knock sounds at the door and a PROFESSOR LESTER WORTH goes to answer it. He's balding, wears glasses and sports a bow tie.
Just a moment!
He opens the door to find FAITH standing on the stoop, smiling.
Hi, I'm looking for Professor Worth.
Oh, well, that's me but I should ask you to come back during office hours. Students generally make an appointment
I'm not from the college. I work for Mayor Wilkins. I'm Faith.
Oh, well, come in, please. I was so surprised when he called. Didn't expect a politician to be interested in my research.
He's a big fan, Professor.
Oh, Lester's fine.
We alone here, Lester?
Well, yes. Lifelong bachelor. I like my space.
I hear that.
Faith slides a gleaming hunting knife from beneath her coat.
You want to turn and face the wall, Lester?
What are you doing?
I'll make it quick.
Put that away. I'll scream.
Who wouldn't?
Please...
Sorry, friend. Boss wants you dead.
Why?
You know, I never thought to ask.
Faith stabs the professor in the chest, twisting the knife savagely. The old man gasps and drops to the floor, dead.
Opening credit sequence.
MAYOR RICHARD WILKINS tidies up his protÈgÈ's apartment.
And everything went smoothly with Mr. Worth?
Not if you're Mr. Worth.
Well, that's swell. You know how I feel about loose ends. And the big day is so close, you can smell the excitement in the air. Say, are you ever coming out of there?
I don't know.
Oh, come on.
Faith comes out of the bedroom, barefoot, in a pink and white dress.
Wow! Aren't you a vision?
I feel wicked stupid in this.
You look lovely. Perfect for the Ascension. Any boys that manage to survive will be lining up to ask you out.
It just isn't me, though.
Not you? Let me tell you something. Nobody knows what you are. Not even you, little Miss Seen-It-All. The Ascension isn't just my day. It's yours too. Your day to blossom, to show the world what a powerful girl you are. I think of what you've done, what I know you will do... (caresses her face) No father could be prouder.
I hope I don't let you down.
Impossible. Now come on, change back into your street clothes. I'll buy you an Icee.
Faith smiles happily like a little girl.
Willow locks her bike as star athlete PERCY WEST greets her.
Hey, Rosenberg!
Hey, Percy.
Check it out! History final.
B-minus, that's great!
I'm a scholar. I'm like a scholar.
Congratulations.
Hey, listen. Thank you. I mean, for helping me, being so patient. And also, for not kicking my ass like you did in the Bronze.
You know, Percy, that was actually... for your own good.
I know, I know.
OZ sidles up to her.
Hey.
Hey. (to Percy) History's important, you know.
No, I totally get that now. And I got the grades, I'm graduating tomorrow and I can forget all this crap.
He cheerfully leaves.
On the bright side, after graduation, he may not have the chance to forget it all.
Ha-ha.
I was trying to keep things light.
But things aren't light. I mean, it's bad enough we have to fight the Mayor. I don't want him eating Percy and the whole class. We have to find a spell or something to stop the Ascension.
Then we will.
Xander tries to sneak in late to class. The teacher, MR. MILLER, spots him immediately.
Thank you for joining us, Mr. Harris.
Xander gives him a double thumbs-up.
Look, I realize that you've all finished your finals and you're ready to move on. But you haven't graduated yet. This is still a class and everyone will participate. Mr. Harris, would you care to begin?
Ummm... E?
No. There's no E.
The chalkboard to reveal a game of Hangman in progress. Mr. Miller draws in the head.
They always go for the E. Next! Steven.
ANYA sits directly to Xander's right. She smiles at him.
Hi.
Hey.
So, I was wondering... maybe if you were free this weekend, maybe we could do some entertaining thing.
Would that be along the lines of you telling me about all the men you destroyed back in your demon days? 'Cause pencil me in.
Well, we could do something else you like. We could watch sports of some kind.
I don't know...
Men like sports. I'm sure of it.
Yes. Men like sports. Men watch the action movie, they eat of the beef and enjoy to look at the bosoms. A thousand years of avenging our wrongs and that's all you've learned?
I'm trying, okay? You don't need to take my head off.
Xander realizes he's gone too far.
I'm sorry. Look, I don't even know if I'm going to make it to the next weekend. I'll tell you what... I survive the Ascension and maybe you and I can do some sports-related... (off her look) What?
Anya's face has gone white with terror.
GILES and WESLEY are fencing. Buffy stands to the side, holding up a newspaper headline: "PROFESSOR FOUND MURDERED"
Faith.
You're sure?
One of her pieces. I recognize the brush work.
Giles takes the paper and holds it in one hand, reading while easily parrying Wesley's light attacks.
Brutally stabbed. Mr. Worth, visiting Professor of Geology. There's nothing in here that bellows motive.
Random killing, perhaps? Fit of rage? Everybody does seem to be going a bit mad lately. Faith has something of a head start.
Doesn't read. I think it's homework.
Giles stops sparring.
The Mayor wanted the good professor out of the way.
Which leads to the question, how come? I'm going to destroy the entire city but I take the time to kill harmless Lester first?
Tying up loose ends? Lester had something or knew something.
Then I want to know, too. The Mayor's trying to hide. I say we go seek.
Wesley whips his sword around in a grand flourish.
Ah. By attempting to keep a valuable clue from us, the Mayor may have inadvertently led us right to it.
What page are you on, Wes? 'Cause we already got there.
Yes, well, you will go tonight. Look over his apartment. Anything of note, report back here.
I just love it when you take charge, you man you.
We... was that a yes? I have trouble keeping track.
I'll go.
Be careful. If Faith should show up...
I don't think she'll show. Been there, killed that. She's not much for follow-up.
Nonetheless, keep watch. Faith has you at a disadvantage, Buffy.
Because I'm not crazy or because I don't kill people?
Both, actually.
I hear you. I can't kill her, fun as it may sound. I can make her cry uncle though and I mean to.
Don't let your feelings about Faith interfere with your work.
Stopping Faith is my work. Take a beat to love the synergy.
Faith is a footnote. Our priority is stopping the Ascension.
Xander enters, pulling Anya by the arm.
Easier said than done, monarchy boy.
Xander, if you don't have something constructive to add--
You guys want to know about the Ascension? Well, meet the only living person who's ever been to one.
Later. The group is gathered around the reading table.
About eight hundred years ago in the Kastka Valley above the Urals, there was a sorcerer there who achieved Ascension. He became the embodiment of the demon Lo-Hash. (wistful) I was there cursing a shepherd who had been unfaithful. His wife had wished that all his sheep would lie with--
Can we get back to the chase?
Sorry. Lo-Hash was... it decimated the village within hours. Maybe three people got out. I've seen some horrible things in my time. I've been the cause of most of them, actually, but this...
I'm sorry, but Lo-Hash was a four-winged soul killer, am I right? (Giles nods) I was given to understand that they're not that fierce. Of all the demons that we've faced--
You've never seen a demon.
Buffy raises her hand.
Excuse me? Killing them professionally, four years running.
All the demons that walk the earth are tainted, are human hybrids like vampires. The Ascension means that a human becomes pure demon. They're different.
Different?
How?
Well, for one thing, they're bigger.
Chairs are being readied in rows for the commencement address. Principal SNYDER shows the Mayor the arrangements.
Kids are here. Parents off to the side there. We'll go up, they'll play the processional and then you'll give the address.
It all looks wonderful.
As long as nobody makes any trouble.
Oh, stop worrying. You just make sure the kids show up. Anybody who doesn't feel like coming to graduation... well, they'll just have to live without a diploma.
They'll be here, sir.
Call me Richard. You've done a great job here. I know things are... well, different here in Sunnydale. We've both seen all sorts of things. What's important is that we keep it under control and that's what you've done.
I believe in order.
Sunnydale owes you a debt. It will be repaid. Yessir, we'll mark that invoice paid in full.
The Mayor walks away and Snyder watches after him, worried.
Giles and Wesley are still questioning Anya as Willow and Oz enter.
It doesn't sound like Lo-Hash. The rituals are all different.
I wish that was a relief.
What's going on?
How come Evil Girl's in the mix?
Anya witnessed an Ascension.
Oh, okay then.
What about the spiders? The Mayor had a box of spiders that he had to eat. The Box of... I want to say Grav-Locks?
Gavrock.
It doesn't ring a bell.
Well, there must be something that you can remember that would be helpful.
They all look up as Mayor Wilkins strolls into the library. The group stands up as one, instantly on guard. Buffy slips the newspaper out of sight.
So this is the inner sanctum. Faith tells me this is where you folks like to hang out, concoct your little schemes. I tell you, it's just nice to see that some young people are still interested in reading in this modern era. So what are kids reading nowadays?
The Mayor walks to the table and picks up a book. Giles stands his ground as the Mayor approaches him.
"The Beast will walk upon the earth and darkness will follow. The several races of man will be as one in their terror and destruction." Aw, that's kind of sweet. Different races coming together.
You never get even a little tired of hearing yourself speak, do you?
That's one spunky little girl you've raised. (cold) I'm going to eat her.
Giles snatches Wesley's sword from the tabletop and thrusts it through the Mayor's chest. The Mayor staggers back in surprise but quickly regains his balance and composure.
Whoa! Well now, that was a little thoughtless.
He draws the sword back out of his chest.
Violent outbursts like that? In front of the children? You know, Mr. Giles, they look to you to see how to behave.
Get out.
The Mayor takes a handkerchief and slowly wipes the blood from the sword, then tosses it back to Giles.
I smell fear. That's smart. Some of your deaths will be quick, if that's worth anything. (smiles) Well, see you all at graduation. You don't want to miss my commencement address. It's going to be one heck of a speech.
Students crowd the hallway as Xander runs after Anya.
Anya, wait! Where you going?
Anywhere. If there's a lunar shuttle going up anytime soon, I'm on it.
We need you here. You might be able to help.
Or I might be able to live. You can't stop the Ascension, Xander. You were right the first time. The only thing any sane person can do now is run.
Anya runs out, brushing past Cordelia.
What's her saga?
She's freaking.
About what?
The Mayor is going to kill us all during graduation.
Oh. (beat) Are you going to go to fifth period?
I'm thinking I might skip it.
Yeah, me too.
Buffy hurriedly packs a set of suitcases, throwing the clothes into them without stopping to fold them. JOYCE pokes her head in the door, then stops, concerned when she sees the suitcases.
Buffy, I'm home. Do you want to go to-- What are you doing? You're running away again? And you're taking my clothes?
Mom, I need you to leave town. Tonight.
Buffy, I'd miss your graduation.
Yeah, that's sort of the idea.
There's no way. I wouldn't dream--
Mom, graduation is a pointless ceremony where you sit around and listen to a bunch of boring speeches until someone hands you a piece of paper that says you graduated which you already know and maroon does nothing for my complexion, so don't argue, okay?
What? Is some terrible demon going to attack the school? (Buffy glares at her) Oh, I see. You know, Buffy, looking back on everything that's happened, maybe I should have sent you to a different school.
Just promise me that you'll be far away from here.
I'm not leaving you to face an awful monster. If I go anywhere, you're going with me.
You know that I can't.
Well, then I can't either.
Mom, I know that sometimes you wish I were different.
Buffy, no...
I wish I could be a lot of things for you. A great student, a star athlete... remotely normal. I'm not. But there is something I do that I can do better than anybody else in the world. I'm going to fight this thing but I can't do it and worry about you.
Buffy, I just can't--
You stay, you'll get me killed. You'll have to trust me on this. Can you do that?
Amy the Rat nibbles some food in her cage. Oz types on the computer while Willow lies on the bed, reading.
Oh, this is so frustrating.
Nothing useful?
No, it's great. If we want to make ferns invisible or communicate with shrimp, I've got the goods right here.
Our lives are different than other peoples'.
Oh, who am I kidding? I'm not going to find a spell to stop the Ascension. I'm no witch. I can't even change poor Amy back to a person.
But you got the swinging Habitrail going. I think Amy is in a good place emotionally.
Oz...
What?
Could you just pretend to care about what's happening? Please?
You think I don't care?
I think we could be dead in two day's time and you're being Ironic Detachment Guy.
Would it help if I panic?
Yes, it would be swell. Panic is a thing people can share in times of crisis. And everything's really scary now, you know, and I don't know what's going to happen. And there's all sorts of things that you're supposed to get to do after high school and I was really looking forward to doing them and now we're probably just going to die and I would like to feel that maybe you would--
Oz leans forward and kisses her slowly.
What are you doing?
Panicking.
She smiles and leans in for more.
Buffy collects papers and books and puts them in a box. ANGEL appears at the front door and stumbles over the door jamb.
Ow.
Stealthy.
Not my best entrance. I think they were mopping in the halls.
What are you doing here?
I checked in with Giles. He asked me to back you up.
He's afraid I'll run into Faith.
And you're not?
It's going to happen sooner or later.
Angel looks at the papers in her hands.
What's that?
A report. Excavation of some old lava bed. Guy was a volcano- ologist or something.
Anything in there that connects him to the Mayor?
I looked through it but the only thing I understood were the commas. Going to bring it to Giles, see if he can do better.
Let me give you a hand.
Angel takes the box and they leave the apartment.
You know what? Thank you, but I can take it from here.
It's all right. I'll walk you there.
Look, I don't need an escort. I'm a big girl. Superpowers, remember? I don't need you crowding me.
I didn't think I was.
No, of course you don't. You just show up at the prom and then you disappear into the ozone. For all I know, you left town.
Are you mad at me for being around too much or for not being around enough?
Duh. Yes.
Which?
What?
I don't get you.
No, you don't, not anymore.
Are you just making this harder to make this easier on yourself?
Could we stop with the brain-teasers? I just wish it was over, done.
It's not that simple. I mean, once the Mayor--
I know, world in peril and we have to work together. This is my last office romance, I'll tell you that.
I'll get out of your face.
He drops the box at her feet and turns away.
Isn't it even a little hard for you?
How can you ask me that? Just because I'm not acting like a brat doesn't mean I don't feel--
It's nice to know what you think of me!
What do you expect me to say when you just attack?
I just can't do this anymore. I can't have you in my life when I'm trying to move on.
Suddenly, Angel arches his back in pain as an arrow slams through his back, the point protruding from his chest. He falls into Buffy's arms.
Angel!
Behind a neon sign atop the building, Faith and a VAMPIRE look down at the couple as Angel collapses to the ground.
Faith starts packing up her crossbow.
Missed the heart.
Meant to.
Angel sits in a chair while Giles cuts the arrow shaft where it enters Angel's back.
There.
Buffy grasps the point.
Okay, ready?
Yeah.
On three. One.
She rips the arrow out and Angel groans in pain.
I knew you were going to do that.
Not too much blood here.
I heal pretty fast. I should be all right.
Buffy swabs the wound.
I'm just glad Faith's such a suck shot.
You sure it was her?
Well, I've narrowed down my list of one suspect.
Wesley is sitting at the table nearby, reading.
Fascinating.
What?
It seems our Mr. Worth headed an expedition in Kaui, digging in old lava beds near a dormant volcano.
I'm not fascinated yet.
He found something underneath. A carcass, buried by an eruption.
A carcass?
A very large one. Mr. Worth posits that it might be some heretofore undiscovered dinosaur.
A demon?
Yes, that would be something that the Mayor would want to keep a secret. If it's the same kind of demon he's turning into and it's dead, it means that, well, he's only impervious to harm until the Ascension. In his demon form, he can be killed.
Great. So all we need is a million tons of burning lava. We're saved.
Well, it's a start, anyway.
Okay, you've been a real klutz today. You need--
Damn.
Angel shakes his head as if trying to clear his vision and then abruptly falls to the floor, semi-conscious. Giles sniffs the arrowhead.
We'll have to run some tests.
My shoulder's completely numb.
You're burning up.
It's poison. I can feel it.
Call the others. Get them here. We need to move him to the safety of his own bed before the sun comes up.
Will you be able to find out what this is?
The Council has all the known toxins on file, mystical or otherwise. I'll contact them immediately.
Thanks. (to Angel) You're going to be okay.
Clothes are scattered on the floor and draped over Amy's cage. Pan to Willow's bed where she is lying in Oz's arms. They've just made love and he tenderly strokes her hair.
I feel different, you know. I guess that makes sense. Do you feel different? Oh no, you've already... probably no big change for you. It was nice. Was it nice? Should this be a quiet moment?
I know exactly what you mean.
Which part?
Everything from 'it's different'.
As they kiss, the phone rings and Willow answers.
Hello. (beat; to Oz) We've gotta go.
The Mayor places the Box of Gavrock on his desk as Faith enters.
He's dropped, boss.
Applause, applause.
Right in the back. He pitches over and Buffy's freaking, looking around all panicked. It's a good time.
Well, that should keep her occupied for a spell.
What's next?
The Ritual of Gavrock. I have to ingest several of the inhabitants of this box.
Ingest?
Eat.
You're wicked gross.
Well, you don't have to watch. Just, you know, go home, take it easy. It's a big day tomorrow.
You gotta give me something to do. There's no way I'm sleeping. Don't you need anyone dead? Or maimed? I can settle for maimed.
You little firecracker!
My mom used to call me that when I was little. I was always running around.
She falls suddenly silent and the Mayor observes her with concern.
Tomorrow-- at the Ascension and all that-- am I going to get to fight?
If everything goes smoothly, you won't have to. But how often do things go smoothly?
So you'll still need me in there?
Always.
When I was a kid, a couple of miles outside of Boston there was this quarry and all the kids used to swim there and jump off the rocks. And there was this one rock like forty feet up. I was the only one that would jump off it. All the older kids were too scared.
Not you though.
Nah. I could do it easy.
Get some rest.
Good luck with your spiders there.
Oz, Willow and Xander are gathered in the lab. Oz peers through a microscope while Willow tears a page out of a notebook and hands it to Xander.
They should have all this at the magick shop. I can run a trace analysis, see if it's a mystical poison.
I'm a little short on cash.
Just tell them it's for me.
Right.
Xander walks down the darkened school hallway and finds Anya waiting for him.
Xander.
What are you doing here? I thought you'd be in Aruba by now.
Hey, I'm packed. My car's right outside. I just... I had to...
What?
You could come with me.
Come with you? You mean that?
Why not? We could just get in the car and drive. No one would miss us. We could take turns driving. Keep each other awake. You're going to die if you stay here.
I guess I might.
When I think that something could happen to you, it feels bad inside, like I might vomit.
Welcome to the world of romance.
It's horrible. No wonder I used to get so much work.
Well, I'm sorry I give you barfy feelings.
Come with me.
I can't.
Why not?
I've got friends on the line.
So?
That humanity thing's still a work in progress, isn't it?
Are you really going to be that much help to them? I mean, you'll probably just get in the way.
Your stock is plummeting here, sweetheart.
Fine! You know what? I hope you die.
Xander shakes his head and walks off. Anya calls after him.
Aren't we going to kiss?
Angel lies in bed, sweating, while Buffy holds his hand, soothing him with a cool, wet rag.
It'll be okay. You'll be okay.
She looks up as the door opens. She heads into the main hall as Wesley enters, looking upset.
Giles stands up, anxious to know what the Council had to say.
Did you reach the Council?
Yes. They couldn't help.
Couldn't?
Wouldn't. It's not Council's policy to cure vampires.
Did you explain that these were special circumstances?
Not under any circumstances and yes, I did try to convince them.
Try again.
Buffy, they're very firm. We're talking about laws that have existed longer than civilization.
I'm talking about watching my lover die. I don't have a clue what you're talking about and I don't care.
Buffy, we'll find a cure.
The Council's orders are to concentrate on--
Buffy interrupts Wesley, her voice dripping venom.
Orders? I don't think I'm going to be taking any more orders. Not from you, not from them.
You can't turn your back on the Council.
They're in England. I don't think they can tell which way my back is facing.
Giles, talk to her.
Giles stands at Buffy's side.
I've nothing to say right now.
Wesley, go back to your Council and tell them, until the next Slayer comes along, they can close up shop. I'm not working for them anymore.
Don't you see what's happening? Faith poisoned Angel to distract you, to keep you out of the Mayor's way, and it's working. You need a strategy.
I have a strategy. You're not in it.
This is mutiny.
Buffy stares at him for a long beat.
I like to think of it as graduation. Giles, I can't stay here any longer. I'm going to see if I can help the others.
Of course.
You'll watch him?
I'll call if there's any change.
Buffy, you don't know what you're doing.
Get a job.
She leaves without another word.
Buffy, Willow, Xander and Oz work to identify the poison.
Finding the poison wasn't that hard. It's a mystical compound. The Latin name translates roughly to Killer of the Dead. Used on vampires.
And the cure?
There aren't a lot of instances of it being cured.
But there are some?
One or two. Pretty vague accounts. How is he?
Hold it.
You got something?
I'm not sure.
Be sure.
Okay. Killer of the Dead. That's our boy and here's a vamp that walked away from it.
Does it talk about the cure?
Damn.
Nothing?
No, it's in here but...
Willow reads over his shoulder.
Wait... "completely reversed the effects". Oh...
What?
Come on guys, the suspense is killing Angel.
The only way to cure this thing is to drain the blood of a Slayer.
Buffy takes a long beat, considering.
Good.
Good? What did I miss?
No, it's perfect. Angel needs to drain a Slayer? Then I'll bring him one.
Buffy, if Angel drains Faith's blood, it'll kill her.
Not if she's already dead.
Willow is at the computer terminal and Oz stands over her shoulder as she types.
Leasing agreement. It should be recent. It won't be in her name but if the Mayor's putting her up, it might be in his.
Maybe he's charging it to the city?
Right, cross-reference Realty with Municipal Funds.
You want to drive?
Sorry.
Oz caresses her hair causing Willow's fingers to momentarily stutter on the keyboard.
Buffy and Xander head for the book cage.
Someone should take over for Giles after a while. Watch Angel.
I don't mean to play devil's advocate here but are you sure you're up to this?
It's time.
We're talking to the death.
I can't play kid games anymore. This is how she wants it.
I just don't want to lose you.
I won't get hurt.
Xander looks into her eyes.
That's not what I mean.
Buffy smiles and hugs him briefly.
Just get me an address.
Their gaze locks for a beat, then Xander leaves. Buffy holds up Faith's assassin's knife, considering.
Faith works out, delivering one massive blow after another into a punching bag.
Buffy washes her face and stares at herself in the mirror.
Angel moans in his delirium.
Faith's workout ends. She's pumped up, adrenaline flowing, ready for action.
Buffy's reflection in the mirror becomes hard, cold and resolved. She turns to leave.
Willow is still at the computer. She finds what she's looking for: Faith's new address.
I got it.
Faith is relaxed, reading a comic book while music blares from the stereo.
Reveal Buffy behind her, across the room. She flips the stereo off.
Thought I'd stop by.
Is he dead yet?
He's not going to die. It was a good try, though. Your plan?
Uh-huh. The Mayor got me the poison. Said it was wicked painful.
There's a cure.
Damn. What is it?
Your blood. As justice goes, it's not un-poetic, don't you think?
Come to get me? You going to feed me to Angel? You know you're not going to take me alive.
Not a problem.
Well, look at you. All dressed up in big sister's clothes.
You told me I was just like you. That I was holding it in.
They approach each other until they're standing face to face.
Ready to cut loose?
Try me.
Okay then. Give us a kiss.
Buffy punches Faith in the jaw, sending her reeling. Faith recovers, holding her face and smiling. She launches herself at Buffy with a psychotic rage and the fight is on. It's like a clash of two titans-- the Slayers almost evenly matched in speed, agility and strength-- and their battle leaves Faith's apartment in shambles.
Faith knocks Buffy to the ground and stands over her, smiling wickedly.
Not getting tired are you? I'm just starting to feel it.
In response, Buffy barrels into Faith and they both crash through the window onto the outside terrace. Faith is slightly dazed from the fall and Buffy takes the opportunity to handcuff Faith's wrist to her own.
Stick around.
Oz and Willow watch over Angel.
Buffy...
Giles pours over his books, looking for anything that might help them fight the Mayor. He stumbles across something that jogs his memory and heads into the stacks.
Right, right...
Something about the demon?
The local villagers near the volcano site made reference to the Legend of Ollokai. Might be a bastardization of Olvikan.
Who's Olvikan?
I know it's a demon, a very old one. Might have a picture...
Boy, it's a good thing no one ever wanted to check any of these books out, huh?
Yes, very convenient.
Giles flips rapidly through the pages in the first half of the book while Xander does the same with the second.
Come on Olvikan. Hey...
Giles stops flipping the pages as Xander unfolds a page from the book, then again like a centerfold. Their faces pale as they stare at the picture.
We're going to need a bigger boat.
CU on the Mayor's desk where one of the hideous spiders from the Box of Gavrok is pinned, unmoving, to the desk with a knife. Pan up to reveal the Mayor with two long, hairy spider legs protruding from his mouth. He chews and swallows with gusto. A vampire watches uneasily.
My god, what a feeling! The power of these creatures... it suffuses my being. I can feel the changes begin. My organs are shifting, merging, making ready for the Ascension. Plus these babies are high in fiber. And what's the fun in becoming an immortal demon if you're not regular, am I right?
A second vampire bursts into the room.
We don't knock during dark rituals?
Sir, there may be trouble. At Faith's.
The fight continues in earnest. Buffy knocks Faith backward delivering one devastating blow after another. Faith staggers, dazed, then looks around for a way to escape, but she's handcuffed to Buffy and unable to get away.
What's the matter? All that killing... you afraid to die?
Faith spins Buffy and uses her legs as leverage to snap the handcuff chain. Faith picks up a length of pipe and faces off against Buffy. Buffy takes out Faith's knife. At the sight of her knife, Faith's face twists with rage.
That's mine.
You're about to get it back.
They engage again, Faith knocking Buffy back with the pipe and blocking the knife's deadly arc. Faith pushes Buffy to the edge of the terrace and holds her over the edge.
Man, I'm going to miss this.
Buffy breaks Faith's grip, spins her around, and plunges the knife into Faith's belly. Faith's eyes go wide in shock and pain and they stare at each other for a long beat.
You did it. You killed me.
Faith shoves Buffy away from her and climbs onto the ledge surrounding the terrace, looking down at the five-story drop.
Still won't help your boy, though. Should have been there, B... quite a ride.
Faith lets herself fall backward off the ledge, dropping through space and landing in the bed of a moving truck. Her fall is somewhat broken by a pile of tarps in the bed of the truck but it's a devastating fall nevertheless. Buffy scrambles to the low wall in time to see the truck rumble away with Faith's broken and bleeding body in tow.