[Transcript of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" episode A New Man at buffyology.com.]
Soft music plays. Only Buffy's bedside lamp is on and RILEY and BUFFY lie on her bed, kissing passionately.
We're not expecting anyone, are we?
Willow said she was going to be at the Science Library all night.
Is that right?
Riley continues kissing her and proceeds to slip his hand up the back of Buffy's shirt, lifting it, when suddenly WILLOW bursts through the door, breathing hard and panicked.
Apparently not.
Buffy stands up and straightens her shirt.
We got trouble.
What is it?
I was in the Rec Room. It came through the window.
Vampire?
Vampires don't breathe fire.
Buffy, Willow and Riley round the corner. Buffy carries a rifle-sized crossbow.
I should call for backup.
No time.
She hands him the crossbow and motions him down the adjacent hall. He splits from them toward the other door into the Rec Room. Buffy arms herself with a stake from her bag. She does not look happy as she and Willow head for the door.
We have to make this fast. I have better things to do tonight than kill.
Buffy enters and the room is in total darkness. She cautiously makes her way forward when suddenly the lights snap on and Buffy is amazed to a see a crowd of people and a "Happy 19th Birthday" party banner strung across the room. The crowd yells "Surprise!" which definitely describes Buffy's reaction.
Buffy quickly hides her stake. Riley, rushing in through the back door, quickly assesses the situation and also manages to hide the crossbow before anyone takes notice. Among the assembled crowd are XANDER, ANYA, GILES and several of Buffy's other dorm mates.
Guess you won't be killing anything tonight, after all.
Don't be so sure.
Opening credit sequence.
Everyone is enjoying the party. The table is lined with cake, snacks, punch, etc. Giles, Xander and Anya are gathered around the foosball table. Giles talks around a mouthful of cake as Xander and Anya listen.
Yes, this is a lively space. It's like the activity room we had at public school. One time I was up to a little bit of a prank with the dart board--
I'm bored. Let's eat.
Anya, we've talked about this.
I'm sorry, that was rude. Please continue your story. (to herself) Hopefully it involves treacle and a headmaster.
Go and eat.
Anya hurries off and Xander gives Giles an apologetic look before following.
Later. Giles sits in a chair against the wall, alone, looking a bit uncomfortable as the party continues around him. Willow approaches with a paper plate of cake.
Giles, hi. Are you having a good time?
Yes, there's a lot of new faces here, aren't there?
Yeah. Mostly kids from the dorm. A couple of Riley's friends.
Buffy walks up with Riley. She's beaming, clearly enjoying the party
Hi, Giles.
Giles gives her a warm embrace.
Buffy. Happy birthday.
Thank you.
Nineteen. It's hard to believe, isn't it?
There's somebody here I want you to meet. This is Riley Finn... my boyfriend.
Giles is taken aback but graciously shakes Riley's hand.
It's very nice to meet you, Mr. Giles. Did you help plan this? It was quite a surprise.
The first of many. Been... dating long?
Giles was the librarian at my high school.
Ah, I've seen the library. It's gone downhill since you left.
Yes. I'm embarrassed to say that I actually miss it at times.
So you're retired?
I'm sorry?
Or... you're working somewhere else now?
Well... sort of between projects right now. It's a personal--
Oh! Oh, look. Giles has no cake.
Oh, here, I'll get you a piece.
He hurries off to make the cake run leaving Buffy and Giles alone. Giles still seems to be recovering from the news about Riley.
Oh, he's just nervous. But this is so nice, having everyone together for my birthday. Of course, you could smash in all my toes with a hammer and it will still be the bestest Buffy Birthday Bash in a big long while.
Right. Actually, Willow and Xander did all the planning. I'm not sure I would have gone with the surprise party. (smiles) You know, you have enough things jumping out at you in the dark.
Professor Walsh says that adrenaline is like exercise but without the exorbitant gym fees.
Very witty.
You should meet her. She's absolutely the smartest person I've ever met.
Giles feels a bit slighted.
Perhaps we should have invited Professor Walsh to the party.
Oh, no. I mean, she's like forty. She's got better things to do than hang out with a bunch of kids.
Buffy doesn't realize she's just made Giles even more uncomfortable. Riley returns with another piece of cake and hands it to him.
Here you go, sir.
Establishing.
SPIKE smokes a cigarette and packs his things while Xander hovers over him hurrying him along. Anya lounges in the recliner, nonchalantly reading a comic book.
You own nothing. This shouldn't be taking so long.
Hang on. Let a fella get organized.
Spike spots a portable radio and picks it up.
That's my radio!
And you're what? Shocked and disappointed? I'm evil!
So what kind of place are you looking for?
I don't know. Maybe a crypt. Some place, you know, dark and dank. But not as dark and dank as this.
It's pretty depressing, isn't it?
I've known corpses with a fresher smell. In fact, I've been one.
That's it! Let's go.
Xander begins to drag Spike toward the stairs. Anya unplugs the reading lamp and presents it to Spike.
Wait. I want to give you something for your new place.
Xander takes it back from her and returns it to its original spot.
That's my lamp.
A gift is traditional. I've read about it.
That's among friends. With bitter enemies, we don't give them my lamp.
It's not going to have electricity anyway. It's a crypt, remember?
What about running water? A fridge to keep your blood fresh?
No.
Well, that's gotta suck. You should just get a hotel room or something.
Demon girl's got a point. I need fresh blood. If I had a few bob for a room with an honor bar--
Out! Before I get the Slayer over here to kick your ass out!
Don't know why she didn't come. Say good-bye, shed a few tears...
Well, she has an appointment with somebody who's actually still scary!
Professor MAGGIE WALSH sits behind her desk evaluating Buffy who fidgets nervously. Riley is present as well.
So... the Slayer.
Yeah. That's me.
We thought you were a myth.
Well, you were myth-taken.
Buffy's joke falls flat which only makes her more uncomfortable under Walsh's uncompromising gaze.
And to think all that time you were sitting in my class. Well, most of those times. I always knew you could do better than a B minus. Now I understand your energies were directed in the same places as ours, in fact. It's only our methods that differ. We use the latest in scientific technology and state-of-the-art weaponry and you, if I understand correctly, poke them with a sharp stick.
Well, it's more effective than it sounds.
Oh, I'm quite sure of that. As I'm just as sure that we can learn much from each other. I'm working on getting you clearance to come into the Initiative. I think you'll find the results of our operation most impressive. Agent Finn here alone has killed or captured-- how many is it?
Seventeen. Eleven vampires, six demons.
Buffy tries to sound impressed.
Oh... wow. I mean, that's... seventeen.
What about you?
Me?
How many hostiles would you say you've slain?
Buffy glances nervously between them, wondering how to break the news.
Giles dusts inside one of his book cases when he stops, suddenly remembering something. He holds the feather duster between his teeth and takes an old tome from the shelf. He opens it and sits down to read. As he reads, he begins calculating with his fingers
"Third new moon after the... nine-hundredth feast of Delthrox." (realizes) Oh... crap.
Moments later. Giles is at his work desk gathering supplies and putting them in his bag as he talks on the phone.
No, we can't wait for her, Willow. The Demon Prince Barvain is going to rise tonight. Well, where is she, exactly?
Buffy and Riley walk alongside a large flowing fountain. Riley is still stunned from Buffy's revelations.
Wow.
Those are my best stories. And I didn't tell you the "Buffy breaks her butt" stories.
But you've killed a... you did the thing with that... you drowned. And the snake! Not to mention the daily slayage of... (beat) Wow.
Buffy is clearly nervous that her superior abilities may end up alienating her from Riley.
It's no big, really. Hey, who wants ice cream!
Buffy. When I saw you stop the world from, you know, ending, I just assumed that was a big week for you. Turns out I suddenly find myself needing to know the plural of "apocalypse."
Look, if you'd been fighting since you were fifteen, you'd have a hefty resumé too.
Fifteen?
I know, "wow." The point is that we have different amounts of experience. You know? And plus, I do have that whole preternatural Slayer-strength deal.
I've seen. Don't get me wrong. The girls I grew up with could hold their own. But... I'm not even sure I could take you.
Buffy stops and looks up at him, smiling.
That all depends on your meaning.
Riley breaks out into a huge grin.
Walsh stands behind her desk going over a stack of papers. There is a knock on the door.
Yes?
The door opens and Giles steps inside.
Professor Walsh, I presume? You're hard to find. These halls are quite the labyrinth. I felt like Theseus and the Minotaur in the... labyrinth.
Can I help you with something, Mr...?
Giles, Rupert. I'm looking for Buffy Summers. I'm a friend of hers. And I was her high school librarian.
He offers his hand and she shakes it.
I'm sorry, Buffy's not here. But if I see her...
Giles looks at Walsh's framed credentials hanging on the wall.
Buffy's been very influenced by your class. She quotes you quite often. (smiles) Sometimes she sounds like an introductory textbook herself.
I don't lecture from the text book. But I'm glad she's inspired by the material. She's bright. All she's really been lacking is encouragement in the academic sect.
Oh, I think it's best if we let a young person find their own strengths. If you lead a child by the hand then they'll never find their own footing.
And if it's true about hiking, ergo, it must be true about life.
That's not ... I'm just saying Buffy is, well she's not the typical student. Once you get to know her, she's a very unique girl. I hope you're not going to push her.
I think I do know her. And I have found her to be a unique woman.
"Woman." Of course. How wrong of me to choose my own words.
She's very self-reliant, very independent--
Exactly!
--which is not always a good thing. I think it can be unhealthy to take on adult roles too early. What I suspect I'm seeing is a reaction to the absence of a male role model.
Absence?
Buffy clearly lacks a strong father figure.
Giles is speechless. Walsh has had enough of the conversation and dismisses Giles.
I'm sorry, I have things to do. I'll tell Buffy her friend was looking for her.
Walsh goes back to her paperwork ignoring Giles who walks out, angered and humiliated.
Xander and Willow and Giles are on the hunt for a demon. Giles is still fuming over his encounter with Walsh.
This prince demon guy was supposed to rise at sunset so aren't we like late?
Of course if I hadn't had to search the globe for our Miss Summers and do battle with that harridan...
And if you hadn't gotten lost on campus afterwards...
Never mind. I'll just have to take care of it myself. I've vanquished a few demons in my day without her. Of course, it wouldn't surprise me if we're entirely too late. Demon on the loose, carnage everywhere.
They reach a large mausoleum and step inside through the wrought-iron gate.
The interior of the crypt is unremarkable aside from the fact that it's rather neat and clean for a crypt.
Your better demons will clean up after themselves.
Giles scans the room with his flashlight.
I don't understand. There should be ruptured earth and broken stone. Oh well, apparently it hasn't happened yet. A bit of luck.
Giles sets his bag down on the floor and begins pulling out his supplies.
Or you know what I bet? I bet the Initiative took care of it.
Who?
Oh, Riley and his guys. Probably all over it.
Yeah. It has that "too neat" look. They must have cleaned up the place.
Giles stares at them, at a loss.
What?
Oh, they read hot spots. Areas of other-worldly energy. They must've picked this place up days ago.
Giles stands up and faces them, clearly confused.
Stop, both of you. What are you talking about? What's the Initiative? What on earth does it have to do with Buffy's new boyfriend?
Willow and Xander exchange a nervous glance.
You know. I'm sure you know. Riley's one of the commandos.
What? Well that's marvelous, isn't it? Here I am-- spent weeks trying to get a single scrap of information about our mysterious demon collectors and no one bothers to tell me that Buffy's dating one of them? Who else knows?
Xander tries to calm him down.
No one. No one else knows this. (beat) Anya and that's it!
And Spike.
Spike? Spike knew?
Only the basic stuff. You know, that Riley is a commando and Professor Walsh is in charge.
This is just getting better and better for Giles.
Professor Walsh? That fishwife?
You know, she's actually not that bad once you get to-- (off Giles' look) So the demon is a little late. We'll just, you know--
Oh, forget it. Go on. You two clear off. I'll stay a little longer just in case.
You sure? 'Cause we can stay.
No, go.
Eager to escape his wrath, Willow and Xander rush out. Giles sits down on a stone bench in silence for a few seconds.
Who am I kidding?
He stuffs his supplies back in his bag and heads for the door.
Nothing is going to happen.
He leaves, closing the door behind him, and all is quiet in the crypt for a moment. Then a man in a long trenchcoat steps into frame looking at the closed door.
I wouldn't say that.
Front closing shot of ETHAN RAYNE, Giles' old schoolmate gone bad.
I wouldn't say that at all. In fact, Ripper, old mate, I'd say something rather interesting was about to hap--
The door opens again and Giles enters, shining the flashlight inside.
Did someone--
Oh bugger, I thought you'd gone!
Resume. Giles slowly approaches Ethan, a menacing look on his face.
Ethan Rayne. You have no idea how much thrashing you is going to improve my day.
Ethan tries to bolt past Giles but Giles clubs him in the gut with the flashlight and Ethan falls forward. Giles jerks him back up and is ready pummel him, raising a fist. Ethan raises his hands to ward off the attack.
No, no, no! Wait, hang on! You can beat the crap out of me. Go ahead, I can't stop you. (Giles cocks his fist back) Or you can listen to what I have to say. Find out what's going on.
What are you talking about?
Something bad is happening. Bad for both of us.
Giles raises his fist again.
Bad for you.
No, no, listen! You have to listen! You're going to need time to prepare.
Dimly lit, slight honky-tonk feel to it. Juke box plays music in the background. Ethan and Giles sit at a booth as a waitress serves them draft beers. Ethan removes his coat.
Brilliant! Now isn't this more fun than kicking my ass?
No.
Oh. It's more fun for me.
Waitress moves away.
Just tell me what you want to tell me.
Oh, so crass? We used to be friends, Ripper. When did all that fall apart?
The same time you started to worship chaos.
Oh, religious intolerance? Sad, that. I mean, just look at the Irish troubles.
Annoyed, Giles starts to leave.
Oh, hang on, I'll tell you. Something's happening in the dark worlds. It's only been rumors out there but one thing's coming through clear: that something's harming demons and it's not the Slayer. Know anything about it?
What are they saying?
You know demons. It's all exaggeration and blank verse. "Pain as bright as steel"-- things like that. They're scared. There's something called "314" that's got them scared most of all. The kind of scared that turns to angry. I know we're not particularly fond of each other, Rupert but we are a couple of old mystics. This knew outfit, it's blundering into new places it doesn't belong. It's throwing the worlds out of balance and that's way beyond chaos, mate. We're headed quite literally for one hell of a fight.
Buffy spars with Riley. The two circle each other, looking for an opening in the other's defenses.
She throws several jabs and he blocks them, countering with a one-two combo Buffy easily avoids. He blocks her blows, then spins behind her, wrapping her up in his arms.
Are you holding back?
Are you?
Maybe a little.
Buffy suddenly spins out of the hold and throws Riley off his feet. He lands on his back and looks up at Buffy smiling down at him.
Maybe a little, too.
Riley smiles and kicks himself to his feet. They begin to circle again.
I'll go all out if you will.
Are you sure?
Here we go.
Riley steps in with a combination of hard swinging hooks that Buffy is quick to block. She ducks under his last punch and captures his legs in a scissor hold and takes him down with her. Riley quickly rolls out and scrambles to his feet. Buffy is quicker and is waiting for him. She hits him full in the chest with a side kick that launches him into the air and sends him sailing 40 feet across the room. He lands on a thick pile of mats. The impact upsets another large mat leaning against the wall and it falls on top of him.
Buffy is shocked and dismayed at what she's done.
Riley!
She runs over to him and tosses the cushion off of him.
Are you hurt?
Riley sits up, hand on his chest. He looks winded. Definitely humbled.
I don't think so.
I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to--
It's fine. I'm good.
Later in the evening. The table is cluttered with empty beer steins and shot glasses. Giles and Ethan are both quite drunk. Giles' speech is halting and slurred.
You know what gets me? This is what gets me. Twenty years I've been fighting demons. Maggie Walsh and her nancy ninja boys come in and six months later, demons are pissing themselves with fear. They never even noticed me.
Who's Maggie Walsh?
Oh, she's awful. She said I was an absent male role model. Absent my ass. I'm twice the man she is.
You know you're really very attractive.
Hmm?
He sees that Ethan is talking to the waitress, who is serving them another round. Ethan writes something on a napkin and hands it to her.
Here's my name and number. You give me a call, I'll show you a good time.
Yeah, thanks.
She heads off for other tables.
We gotta face it, we've changed. Well not you... you're still sadistic and self-centered.
Here's to me.
The world has past us by. Someone snuck in and left us a couple of has-beens in our place. This Initiative... I mean, their methods may be causing problems but they're getting the job done. What am I? I'm an unemployed librarian with a tendency to get knocked on the head.
Well, you won't have to worry about that anymore now, mate. (suddenly serious) When you went to the loo, I slipped a small pellet of poison in your drink. You'll be dead within the hour.
Long beat as the words sink in.
Just kidding!
They both burst out laughing hysterically.
I'm going to feel like hell in the morning.
Relax. Enjoy the night. We're just a couple of old sorcerers. The night is still our time. Time of magick.
They raise their glasses in a toast.
To magick.
It is very dim. The walls are black and strewn with a string of white Christmas lights that give the place a mystical look. TARA kneels on the floor pouring white powder in the design of a four-point star in a circle. Willow sits across from her holding a red rose.
I'm glad you wanted to get together. I know it's late.
Thanks. (beat) I was happy you called.
Willow places the rose on top of the circled star.
We'll start out slow.
Tara sits and links hands with Willow.
Okay.
Willow closes her eyes and Tara follows suit. They sit in silence.
Willow?
Yeah?
Start out slow doing what?
Willow opens her eyes.
Oh. We're going to float the rose, then use the magicks to pluck the petals off, one at a time. It's a test of synchronicity. Our minds have to be perfectly attuned to work as a single delicate implement.
Cool.
And it should be very pretty.
They hold hands again and close their eyes. A bright light comes to life on the circled star. At the same time, a soft breeze sweeps through the room and the rose starts to shudder. Slowly it begins to rise. When it is shoulder level with the girls they open their eyes and look at it.
It worked.
Now for the hard part. The petals.
They begin to concentrate again looking at the rose when it suddenly shoots off across the room. Surprised, they stand and watch as the rose ricochets off the walls; they duck to avoid it. It finally comes straight down on the four point star, petal-less and smoking.
What the heck was that?
I don't know but the petals are off...
Establishing.
An alarm buzzer goes off and Giles reaches over to shut it off.
He gets up and walks down the stairs.
I knew I'd feel like hell in the morning.
Giles reaches the stair landing and stops in front of a small mirror hanging on the wall. His reflection in the mirror is that of a demon: light brownish tan skin, with long horns sprouting from the sides of his forehead, curving back and around his hairy ears, ending in sharp points. As he yawns, we see a set of wicked fangs. He smacks his lips when the yawn is done and finally opens his sleepy eyes to see his new form for the first time. He reacts in horror.
Leaning closer to the mirror he rests a hand on the wall and his now-clawed hand punches right through it. Giles pulls his hand back in a state of disbelief. He rests against the banister and it instantly rips from the railing. He obviously has phenomenal physical strength. He looks at what he's done in shock.
Damn!
He tosses the banister aside, shattering a chair in the process. He looks around desperately, confused, then is struck by a thought.
Ethan.
Giles' voice has taken on a low gravelly quality. He goes to pick up the phone but the receiver shatters in his hand before he can lift it to his ear. He drops it and moves to pick up his shirt from the floor. He struggles to get his arms through the sleeves and his jutting, ridged, spine rips it down the middle.
And I liked that shirt!
He wraps a thick flannel blanket around his shoulders and heads for the door. He grabs the handle and the door comes off its hinges. Giles is beyond caring at this point and rushes outside.
Buffy and Willow have breakfast on campus. Buffy hasn't been in this good a mood in a long time. She's bubbly and her smile lights up the room. She happily stacks pancakes on her plate.
I like pancakes because they're stackable. (looks at Willow's plate) Oh, and waffles because you can put things in the little holes if you wanted to.
You should always have a new boyfriend. You're so much fun right now.
Hey, I didn't hear you come in last night. Where were you?
The Chem Lab, by myself. (beat) I was trying this new spell, floating a rose, when all of a sudden zing, zing, zing! Like all over the room. It was like a rose-based missile.
Yikes.
I know. I think there's something out there. I felt this presence... this dark magick energy blocking the spell. It's new.
Someone else doing magicks?
Maybe. If so, it's someone pretty powerful.
Hmm. I'll tell Giles about it. Or maybe I'll tell Maggie. She seemed kind of interested in learning the mystical side of the whole demon-hunting biz.
Tell Giles. He's feeling a little hurt right now. (off Buffy's look) How come you never told him about Riley being a commando?
I did. (Willow shakes her head) I didn't?
He says no. He's feeling neglected and out-of-the-loopy.
Well, I didn't at first because Riley said not to. And then "meow"-- cat out of the bag-- and I guess I just forgot that he didn't know. (cheerfully) I'll make it up to him when I see him. Tomorrow. I'm spending today with Riley.
Oh, yeah. I forgot that's what you always do on the days when the earth rotates.
It's just going so well, right now. I think. (stops smiling) I hope. I sort of kicked him across the room last night.
That's not good.
Well, we were sparring and he said not to hold back. And he's a little dented. But he said he was okay with it and I think he's okay with it-- do you think he's okay with it?
I'm sure he is. I mean, if he's not, you know, you had to do it. He's right. You can't walk around pretending you're less than you are. It wouldn't be right for you to hold back.
Right.
What?
I held back a little.
Giles quietly opens the door, steps inside and approaches Xander, who is sleeping in bed.
Still asleep? It's ten thirty in the morning.
He moves forward and leans down to gently shake the bed.
Xander. Xander, wake up.
Xander turns on his side and looks over his shoulder at him, eyes still closed.
Mom?
No, it's not mum. Now, when you look at me... you may be a little alarmed but there's no need, it's me, Giles. Now Ethan has turned me into a demon and I need your help.
Xander slowly opens his eyes.
Hello. Yes, it's me.
Xander's POV: A Giles-demon leans over him, speaking a demon language, nothing but a lot of guttural grunts and groans.
Xander leaps out of bed, screaming.
Xander, listen! Don't you understand me?
Xander's POV: More guttural grunts and groans.
Demon! Demon!
Please, don't you understand?
Xander grabs pots and pans from the shelves and throws them at him.
No, no! Don't! Xander! Xander, calm down! Ow! You're just a little overwrought. Ow!
That's right! Run for your life!
Giles runs across the lawn. Children play nearby and Giles crushes their toys scattered on the grass. A mother runs outside and grabs up her frightened child.
Oh, god. I'm sorry!
Call 911!
Bloody humans!
Buffy leads the way down the steps with Xander, Willow and Anya.
So it had pointy things. What kind of pointy things?
The pointy kind. And tufty ears. Oh, and it might have a saucepan-shaped bruise.
Giles will know what it... was.
They find Giles' door off its hinges and leaning against the inside wall.
Giles?
Xander checks the loft.
Looks like Xander wasn't the only one to get a visitor today.
He's not upstairs.
Oh, god, Giles.
Okay. There's a demon and Giles is gone. But it doesn't mean that he's hurt. I mean, there's no blood anywhere so maybe the demon just took him somewhere?
Anya picks up Giles' ripped shirt and holds it up for inspection.
I think it ate him up.
Giles lumbers through the graveyard, still wrapped in his blanket, in a miserable mood. He trudges past a stone mausoleum, not noticing Spike around the corner holding up a measuring tape to one of the walls. The vampire sees him and moves out behind him in a casual strut.
Well. What do I spy with my little eye? (Giles stops) A demon. That would be... oh, right... the things I can kill.
Spike. Wonderful. A perfect end to a perfect day.
Giles?
Go on, then. Let's get on with the fighting. (beat) You understand me?
Of course, I understand you.
I'm speaking English?
No, you're speaking Fyarl. I happen to speak Fyarl. And by the way, why the hell are you suddenly a Fyarl demon? You just come over all demony this morning?
As a matter of fact, I did. Thanks to Ethan Rayne. You have to help me find him. He must undo this and then he needs a... good being killed.
And I'm just supposed to help you out of the evilness of my heart?
Y-you help me and I don't kill you.
Oh, tremendously convincing. Try it again without the stutter.
Money. I could pay you money.
Oh, I like money. How much?
A hundred dollars.
A hundred dollars? You'll have to do a lot better than that. Two hundred.
Fine.
Right, then.
Right, then.
So what's first? (grins) I run and tell the Slayer what you've gotten yourself into?
No. When I find Ethan I can clear all this up without Buffy ever having to find out that anything happened to me at all.
Giles starts purposefully out of the cemetery and Spike follows.
Xander sits at Giles' desk looking through several open books. Willow points hopefully to an entry in a concordance.
Okay, that's a giant vulture. I'd have mentioned it if it was a giant vulture.
Buffy, even if we figure out what kind of demon got Giles-- I mean, how are we going to find it?
We'll figure it out. (to Xander) Oh, this one has tufty ears.
He looks at the page and dismisses it with a wave. Suddenly they all snap to attention at a furtive noise outside.
What was that?
Buffy withdraws a stake from her bag moves quietly to the door. As the door eases open, she cocks back the stake and prepares to attack
Riley.
Buffy?
Riley. What are you doing here?
There were 911 calls from a couple of different places. Including here.
You get 911 calls?
We have a tap into the system. It flags things with possible non- human causes. We check them out. (to Buffy) What are you doing here?
This is Giles' apartment. He's missing. The calls, did anyone see what did it?
Negative. (beat) No. Neighbors just heard, you know, growling, things breaking. Sounded like a struggle.
Poor Giles.
We'll get him back.
What are you working on?
We have stuff. Pictures...
We have nothing.
Riley sees that Buffy is worried and tries to reassure her.
I'll help. The whole Initiative. We'll do whatever you need.
Thanks. I just wish I knew what I needed. I keep thinking, "Let's ask Giles" and then I remember.
He'd be great right now. He'd find himself in a second. Nobody is cooler in a crisis.
Giles sits in the passenger seat while Spike drives his car, wrestling with the gearshift. The car sounds like it's being murdered.
If you can't find third gear, don't try for third gear!
I'm doing my best. I don't know if I'm driving this thing or wearing it.
It's perfectly serviceable.
Funny hearing a Fyarl demon say "serviceable." Had a couple of them working for me once. They're more "Like to crush. Crush now?" Strong though. You won't meet a jar you can't open for the rest of your life.
Giles growls.
What was that? Did you growl?
No. Listen, about this Fyarl demon. Do I have special powers? Like setting things on fire with my sizzling eye beams?
Well, you got the mucous thing.
What? Mucous?
Paralyzing mucous. Shoots out through the nose. Sets on fast, hard as a rock. Pretty good in a fight.
Are you making this up?
Maybe. But hey, you feel a sneeze coming on, you warn me.
Turn here.
He slams his arm against the door for emphasis and Spike makes a left turn. The Citroën makes it's disapproval known with a grinding of gears.
Down shift! Down shift!
Calm down, will you?
I'm not sure I can. I feel like I'm changing.
Fine with me. So long as you pay me.
I really like this feeling. Sort of a mindless need to destroy. This anger and rage.
Good times. Go with it.
No.
Oh, it's fun. I can't do it, do it for me. Now let yourself go.
I refuse to become a monster because I look like a monster. I have a soul. I have a conscience. I am a human being. Oh, stop the car!
The Citroën pulls to a stop at the corner of Main Street where Professor Walsh stands waiting to cross the street. Giles hops out of the car without his blanket and creeps up behind her. When he's close enough he roars and waves his claws in the air. Walsh looks over her shoulder and screams, running for her life as Giles chases her down the street past the Espresso Pump. He stops after a moment, watching in satisfaction as Walsh flees in terror. Giles hurries back to the car, ignoring the gaping stares of a few pedestrians.
Right. Let's go, then.
Xander points at the book he's holding and passes it to Willow.
That's the thing that attacked me.
A Fyarl demon. Sort of a foot soldier type. Works for other demons lots of the times. Very strong... ugh! And hey, mucous.
Mucous?
Riley's cell phone rings.
Agent Finn, go ahead.
How do I kill it?
Silver. A weapon made of silver.
Yes. I understand. (hangs up) The demon attacked Professor Walsh. Got out of a small, gray car. A Citroën.
It stole Giles' car.
Why would a demon steal a car?
Why would a demon steal that car?
A demon that steals a car has a reason. A purpose. But it doesn't sound like these Fyarl demons are really big independent thinkers. So Will, the spells that are going wrong... could they be caused by someone using magicks to control a demon? Making this Fyarl demon attack Giles?
Yes. Yeah, that would draw in a lot of dark energy.
Okay. Willow, Xander stay here. Whoever's controlling this demon may call and ask for a ransom. Give them anything they want.
You got it.
Riley, you and I are going to the magick shop. Maybe they needed supplies. (looking around) Something silver...
She picks up a letter opener.
A letter opener? It's not very sharp.
Then I'll have to put some muscle behind it.
Same tavern as before. Spike talks with the waitress that waited on Giles and Ethan the previous evening. He throws back a shot and places the glass on the bar. Giles sits at the end of the bar, looking on, hidden under his blanket.
Two of them. English like me, but older, less attractive. One of them gave you his number.
I threw it out. I mean, I took one look and saw that he was staying at that rat trap. No thanks.
Which rat trap?
The one by the highway. The Sunnydale Motor Inn.
Thank you.
Buffy kicks in the door (again). She hurries inside with Riley following and they move behind the counter.
Okay. Credit card slips, sales receipt. Help me look.
You shouldn't have done that to the door.
I do not have time to play by the rules tonight.
I have a master key. It opens every shop on Main Street.
Oh. Well... next time, absolutely.
Buffy opens a drawer and flips through credit card slips.
I don't know what I'm looking for.
I do. (angry) Ethan Rayne.
Who's that?
She hands the credit card slip to him.
Professional bad guy. He's gotta be the guy that made the demon attack Giles. At least we know who we're looking for.
Riley takes out his phone and dials a number.
Command, are you there?
What are you doing?
It's Agent Finn. I need a search. Local hotel registrations matching the name Ethan Rayne. R-A-Y-N-E. Call me back.
You can do that?
It'll take a couple of minutes.
Get in the car. Be ready to go.
He starts to follow her out of the shop but then stops her.
Buffy. Earlier, when I talked to Professor Walsh, she gave me very specific orders.
Yeah?
She said when we located the demon, I'm not supposed to bring you along.
Oh.
She turns to leave.
What are you doing?
I'm going to the car.
Buffy, I can't take you with me.
You're not taking me with you. I am going and I am letting you come along.
Buffy, it's not really your call. This is a military operation now.
Then call out the troops. Because nothing less than that is going to stop me. This demon did something to Giles and I'm going to kill it.
She exits leaving Riley no choice but to follow.
Giles growls softly while Spike drives.
How ya feeling, mate?
Like snapping necks until everyone is dead.
Now that sounds like a Fyarl demon. Good for you.
A set of bright headlights pull in behind the Citroën.
Hey, picked up a tail.
Yes. Just a little one. It hurts when I sit.
I mean someone is following us. Humvee. Military.
Well, speed up. Lose them.
I got it floored. Why'd you buy this car?
Well, do something. If they catch us, we'll both end up in a lab!
It's getting closer.
A second humvee suddenly swerves in front of the first, closer to the Citroën.
And it's got a friend!
Damn!
Giles slams his arm against the door and shatters the window.
Oh, sure! Dismantle the getaway car. That'll scare them.
Then slow down and I'll jump out. They'll follow you.
Hold on. These commandos, they're the same guys that are after me too.. Maybe I want you around to split their attention a bit?
I'll pay you another hundred dollars.
The Citroën screeches around a corner as the side passenger door opens and Giles tumbles out onto the street. He rolls toward the sidewalk as the car continues on. He gets to his feet and heads for the shadows by the time the military round the corner after Spike.
Establishing.
Ethan packs his suitcase, in a hurry to leave town, when Giles smashes through the door. Ethan whirls around, terrified of the demon glowering at him. Then recognition hits.
Giles?
Ethan sees that Giles is in deep "like to crush" mode and backs away slowly.
Now, calm down! It's okay. Good Giles.
Ethan tries to run but Giles seizes him by the throat.
No! No! Don't kill me!
Practically mindless now, Giles lifts him in the air.
I can't undo you if you kill me!
Giles doesn't seem to care and flings him across the room where he crashes head- first into a night stand, shattering it to pieces. As Ethan rolls, stunned, Buffy and Riley rush in and assess the situation.
You've got to stop it! It killed Ripper and now it's trying to get me!
Don't let him go.
Giles takes a step forward and Buffy knocks him back against the wall with a spinning kick.
What did you do to him? What did you do?
The humvee chases Spike and the vampire is definitely enjoying himself as he yanks the wheel sharply to the side, fishtailing the decrepit Citroën around a corner. He takes another sharp turn and this time the lead humvee looses control and spins out forcing the second humvee to screech to a halt to avoid a collision. Spike is quite pleased with his daring escape.
You just try and stop me, you stupid jar--
The Citroën crashes head-on into the side of a building. The driver's door opens and Spike staggers out.
I can kill demons. I can crash cars... things are looking up!
Giles charges Buffy and shoves her against the wall. She retaliates with a hard right cross. Ethan hits Riley and makes a break for it. Riley-- showing considerable restraint-- grabs him, throws him against the dresser and twists his arm behind his back.
You're only going to make him angry.
For once, Ethan seems to be telling the truth. Giles just keeps getting back up no matter how many times Buffy knocks him down. The two trade blows, destroying most of the hotel room in the process. After being knocked to the floor, Buffy sweeps Giles' legs out from under him and he topples to the floor. Before he can get up, Buffy crawls over his chest, straddling him. She raises the letter opener high over head, like a dagger.
This is for Giles!
For me?
She slams the blade deep into Giles' chest and his eyes open wide in shock. Looking into his eyes, Buffy realizes.
Oh, god! Giles! I'm so-- I'm so sorry! Please don't die!
Buffy pulls the letter opener from his chest and a pale blue ichor leaks from the wound.
Actually, I feel quite well. Except for the rage.
Buffy sees that Giles doesn't seem to be dying and is relieved.
I think he's okay. I-- (re: letter opener) Is this thing real silver?
Later. Riley guards the door and talks into his cell phone. Ethan sits cross-legged on the floor, remnants of a completed spell in front of him. Buffy stands behind him, holding him by the back of his collar. He looks quite depressed.
I really got to learn to just do the damage and get out of town. It's the "stay and gloat" that gets me every time.
Riley finishes his call. Giles stands in front of the dresser mirror checking himself, looking normal again except for the very ugly silk shirt he's wearing. Buffy comes up beside him.
You okay?
Oh, embarrassed, mostly. Ethan's wardrobe is not helping any. How did you know it was me?
Your eyes. (off his look) You're the only person in the world that can looked that annoyed with me.
Giles smiles at her and they share a moment. Ethan gets to his feet.
Is this going to go on much longer? I'd rather like to be going.
And why would I let you go?
Well, maybe because you have no choice. I'm human. You can't kill me. What's a Slayer going to do to me?
Riley steps up behind him as a couple of uniformed military MP's enter the room and cuff Ethan.
By the authority of the U.S. military, you're being taken into custody pending a determination of your status. (to MP) Take it from here.
Ethan looks stunned as they haul him out of the room. Giles is quite pleased.
They'll take Mr. Rayne to a secret detention facility in the Nevada desert. I'm sure he'll be rehabilitated in no time.
If you don't mind, I'm just going to go and watch them manhandle him into a vehicle.
He steps outside leaving Buffy and Riley alone. Riley moves close to her.
Thanks.
I told you I'd help.
You did. If I'd gotten here any later and if Giles had killed Ethan, I... never would have gotten him back.
You'd find some other way. (beat) You're really strong. Like Spider Man strong.
Yeah. But I don't stick to stuff. But... yeah.
And you're in charge. You're like make the plan, execute the plan. No one giving you orders.
I'm the Slayer.
He's silent for a moment and Buffy is unsure how he's going to react. Finally he smiles.
I like it.
Yeah?
But give me another... oh, week to get ready. And I'll take you down.
Buffy just cocks her eyebrow at him, issuing a silent challenge.
Buffy sits on the sofa, legs curled, barefoot, with a throw pillow in her lap. She watches Giles hook up his new cordless phone.
Nice phone.
Yes, fabulous technology. See, if anyone has information I need to know, they can simply tell me about it through this ingenious speaking tube. I'm very excited.
Buffy accepts the rebuke, knowing she deserves it.
I am sorry, Giles. I really thought I told you about Riley and the Initiative. (beat) And I know that it doesn't help. Look, I promise it won't happen again. I will tell you everything.
Buffy, I don't want to ask you to betray any confidences and I certainly don't want to interfere--
Uh-oh, you have "but-face." (off his look) You look like you're going to say "but."
But... this Initiative, I'm a little concerned. Ethan's not exactly a reliable source but I'm not sure that he's wrong about them.
He sits down next to her.
I'm not dating the Initiative. I'm dating Riley. He's a good guy.
And I believe that. But he's part of something we don't really understand.
You sure you're not just saying this because you don't like Riley's boss?
No, no. I'm not saying that at all. (considers) Though I do hate her quite a lot. I want you to have your personal life but... keep your eyes open. Make sure you know what you're getting into.
Riley walks with Walsh across the large complex.
So she walks in and the rules just suddenly break?
Umm... pretty much.
Be careful with her. She reacts on instinct. There's no discipline there. Her loyalties are uncertain.
They stop in front of a large and imposing security door with an electronic lock and keypad.
You won't be disappointed in her. She's good at what she does. She is the truest soul I've ever known.
Oh, no! Spontaneous poetic exclamations. Lord, spare me college boys in love.
I'm just saying she'll work out. You'll be proud of her.
You want to know what I think? (beat) I think you're probably right.
Riley smiles then moves off leaving Walsh alone. She turns and swipes a key card through the lock and steps inside the security door.
Walsh walks a short distance down a sterile white corridor and pauses in front of yet another secure door complete with keypad/electronic lock apparatus. She taps in a code, swipes the key card through the lock and opens the door. She disappears inside and as the door swings shut, we see a large number stenciled on it:
314