[Transcript of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" episode New Moon Rising at buffyology.com.]
WILLOW and TARA walk across campus.
Do you like cats?
I'm more of a dog person myself. But I'm not like, "Death to all cats!" Why?
'Cause I was thinking of getting one.
Can you have one in the dorms?
No, but this would be a sneaky cat.
That would be cool. You mean it'd be sort of like a familiar?
Actually, I was thinking it would be sort of like a pet. You know, we could name her Trixie or Miss Kitty Fantastico or something.
And we could make kitty go bonkers with string and catnip and stuff?
Absolutely.
Fun! I'm in.
So you're not allergic or anything?
Nope.
Good, because... I want my room to be Willow-friendly.
Me, too.
She smiles and takes Tara's hand as they continue walking.
So I'm excited about the Scooby meeting... I think. What's it about?
I'm not sure. Probably just your garden-variety disaster.
BUFFY, Willow, GILES, Tara, XANDER, ANYA and RILEY have gathered for a debriefing on Buffy's recent activities.
Zippo. Patrol's been totally uneventful. My kill count's way down.
She means there's been less bad-guy activity.
Well, we know what that often indicates.
Buffy doesn't make her quota... bad Slayer!
Well, I wish it were that innocuous but with Adam around, I feel he's involved somehow.
When things get slow, it's usually because there's some extra evil brewing.
Except the weird thing is, we've been busy at the Initiative. Our squads are pulling a lot more captures. We got demons coming out our ears.
That's a metaphor.
I got it, thanks.
I'm over-helping, aren't I?
So the activity's shifted but not stopped. That's fascinating.
To an extremely bored person, maybe. (beat) Well, that was a thrilling hour.
Everyone starts to get up.
You know, I really don't appreciate your snide remarks, Anya. Now I have a great deal of experience in these matters...
The door opens and Buffy and Riley turn and look.
...and if I say there is a matter of some import brewing, I...
He turns and follows everyone's gaze. Tara looks confused; Willow looks dumbstruck.
OZ stands in the doorway, smiling, as if he'd never been gone.
Hey.
Opening credit sequence.
Resume.
Oz.
Oz looks around, uncomfortable.
Oz.
When did you get back?
Pretty much now.
Xander steps forward.
Oz, man. Hate to sound grandma but... you don't call, you don't write.
Yeah, sorry.
They shake hands.
So are you here here or are you just passing through?
Well, let's not bombard the poor chap with questions right off. Can I get you something? Tea?
I'll pass, thanks.
Riley looks at Buffy, confused, as Oz moves to Willow.
Look, I'm going to Devon's to see if he's got a place I can crash. But I was hoping that we could talk. Later. Tonight.
I guess so.
I'll come by your place?
Okay.
It's great to see you guys again. Really.
He turns and leaves. Willow is beside herself with shock and confusion.
Everyone's uncomfortable now.
Buffy goes to Willow and touches her arm.
You okay?
I just... I realized I'm late for study group.
Tara, wait.
No, no, it's okay. You should be with your friends and I should go.
Wait...
Riley and Buffy walk through the graveyard on patrol. He's wearing his battle fatigues and Buffy has a long leather coat and a white cap on.
So I was missing something this afternoon, wasn't I? (beat) I mean, breakups are tough but when Oz walked in, it seemed like emotions were running extra high.
Oz and Willow had a rough breakup.
A demon's snarl erupts from the bushes.
Hold that thought.
Buffy ducks and Riley punches the demon over her head. He lifts Buffy by the waist and she kicks the demon in the face. Between the two of them, they make short work of the creature.
Man, that was record time.
It's no fun when they're that easy.
Speak for yourself. (into radio) Base, this is Agent Finn. We have an HST down. Please send a retrieval team to Sector 72.
We'll get there as soon as we can.
Riley puts the radio away and picks up his bag and they continue their stroll, picking up the conversation where they left off.
So I was just about to say something fascinating.
Oz and Willow.
Right. They had a rough breakup. Some stuff came up and Oz pretty much bailed overnight. It left Will really devastated.
I remember.
The thing is, before that they were doing great. I mean, she was totally dealing with Oz being a werewolf. It wasn't even--
Whoa, wait. Oz is a werewolf and Willow was dating him?
Yes. Hence the high emotions.
You're kidding me. Gotta say I'm surprised. I didn't think Willow was that kind of girl.
What kind of girl?
Into dangerous guys. She seems smarter than that.
Oz is not dangerous. Something happened to him that wasn't his fault. God, I never knew you were such a bigot.
She starts to walk away and Riley stops her.
Whoa, hey! How did we get to bigot? I'm just saying it's a little weird to date someone who tries to eat you once a month.
Yeah, well love isn't logical, Riley. It's not like you can be Mr. Joe Sensible about it all the time. (beat) God knows I haven't been.
I'm not talking about you.
How about we don't talk about this at all? Okay? Let's just patrol.
She walks off, angry. Confused, Riley follows her.
Willow opens the door for Oz.
Hey.
Hey. (beat) So... you want to come inside?
Actually, I want you to come outside. I want to show you something.
They walk across the campus commons, an uneasy silence between them. Willow finally breaks it.
Oz... this is all so weird. I feel like... this isn't really happening. Like it's a dream or something.
It's real. Look up.
What?
Look at the sky.
Willow looks up. The moon is full and bright in the sky.
I guess you stopped keeping track of them after I left.
Full moon.
She looks at Oz then back up at the moon.
Full moon.
Full moon, but how? I mean, you did it! How did you do it? Where did you go?
It's a long story.
She looks up again, her joy building.
Oh, my god, Oz!
She hugs him and he holds her close. Willow pulls back, not smiling anymore.
This is... I mean, it's wonderful for you.
I talked to Xander and he said you didn't have a new guy.
No. No new... guy.
Oz smiles and takes her hand.
I know what I put you through and I'm not going to push. But I am a different person than when I left. And I can be what you need now. That's what I want. That's why I'm here.
GRAHAM MILLER and two Initiative commandos patrol in the woods. One of the soldiers nudges Graham.
Sir.
Graham slips his handgun from its holster and aims at the rustling bushes.
A werewolf-like creature leaps from the bushes. It barrels into Graham and sends him crashing into a nearby tree where he drops, unconscious. One of the commandos attacks the beast but it easily overpowers him and leaps on his chest. The hapless soldier screams in agony as he's ripped to pieces. The second soldier is immediately set upon by a second creature identical to the first.
Graham fights for consciousness. He glimpses the creature's face, mouth dripping blood, before darkness overtakes him.
The demons survey their work. Not realizing that Graham is still alive, they crash back into the trees, satisfied.
We linger on the sudden silence, then close in on the woods, to reveal an ominous presence hidden there: ADAM. He has been watching the battle, observing. His henchman, the vampire JAPE, stands at his side.
Three down. Six billion to go... give or take. I told you those demons could get it done.
They were efficient.
Efficient? They were death on legs. You're telling me it's not enough?
Adam's mind turns, calculating plans for his own personal holocaust.
It's not enough.
Willow sits on her bed with Oz's gift in her lap. Oz reclines on the end of the bed.
I love this.
A woman in Tibet traded it to me for a Radiohead record. Got a lot of mileage out of the barter system.
So Tibet was your favorite?
Well, it's where I stayed the longest. This warlock in Romania sent me to the monks there to learn some meditation techniques. Very intense. All about keeping your inner cool.
Good, 'cause you were such a spaz before. (smiles) So that's it? You keep your cool and no more wolfie?
No, there's more. I take some herbs and stuff. Some chanting. A couple of charms.
He indicates a chain of beads around his wrist.
It's incredible. You've been all around the world. You've had this... complete mind/body transformation. I've just been here. (chuckle) Same old Sunnydale.
Doesn't mean you haven't gone through a lot.
It's true. Some of it, you know, was me telling myself I hated you and cursing your name. Not literally.
Well, thanks for that.
And, I don't know, I think I'm getting better at my spells and stuff.
Silence as Oz looks at her. Willow fidgets, looks out the window.
It's so light out.
Yeah, we talked all night.
Well, I believe a manly-sized breakfast is in order, don't you?
He puts his hand on hers and looks into her eyes.
Or we could just sleep a little while. Whatever you want.
I'll have the less-confusing waffles right now.
Breakfast it is.
They both get up.
Let me just freshen up.
She takes her toothbrush and toothpaste and heads for the bathroom. Oz watches her go, smiling. A knock at the door and Oz gets up to answer it. It's Tara. She's surprised to see Oz.
Oh, sorry. I'll come back.
Are you looking for Willow? She's just in the bathroom down the hall.
No, no, it's okay.
I saw you at Giles' yesterday.
Yeah. Sometimes Willow takes me with her to the Scoobies.
You sure you don't want to come in?
Tara just shakes her head and leaves. Oz shuts the door confused. Moments later, Willow comes back in and sees his expression.
What?
Your friend came by. The blonde girl? But she wouldn't stay. So what do you think? Where you want to go?
Willow is stricken, imagining what Tara must have thought.
Riley and Buffy sleep. The alarm goes off and they slowly stir. Buffy yawns and Riley turns to her and rubs her stomach.
Morning.
Morning.
She sits up and pulls away, getting out of bed, wearing one of his shirts. Riley gets out of bed and pulls on pants, then drops to the floor and does some pushups. Buffy comes back from the bathroom wearing pants. She continues to dress as she watches him.
Those like regulation? Do you have to do those every morning?
No, just a good way to start the day.
Buffy stuff her clothes into a bag.
Great, then you can have your perfectly-balanced breakfast and then you can call your mother.
Riley stands up.
Okay, I'm up less than a minute and somehow I've managed to piss you off.
I should go home.
No, come on. Is it that whole thing about Willow last night? Look, I only said what I said because I'm concerned. I don't want to see her get hurt.
You sounded like Mr. Initiative. Demons bad, people good.
Something wrong with that theorem?
There's different degrees of--
Evil?
It's just... different with different demons. There are creatures-- vampires, for example-- that aren't evil at all.
Name one.
The door opens. It's FORREST. He looks grave.
Rye, we need you downstairs. Beta Team got hit.
Bad?
We lost Willis.
Riley winces.
Graham?
He's walking. We're going on a hunt.
Riley turns to get a shirt.
What kind of demon was it?
Does it matter?
He and Forrest leave Buffy to herself.
Willow sits morosely on her bed, holding a stuffed animal. Buffy bustles in with her bag.
Hey.
Hey. You okay?
Yeah, I just... I don't want to talk about it. I want to hear about you and Oz. You saw him, right?
I was with him all night.
Buffy raises her eyebrows.
All night? (grins) Oh, my god. Wait. Last night was a wolf moon, right?
Yup.
Either you're about to tell me something incredibly kinky or--
No kink. (smiling) He didn't change, Buffy. He said he was going to find a cure and he did. In Tibet.
Oh, my god. I can't believe it! (beat) Okay, I'm all with the "woo-hoo" here and you're not.
No, there's "woo" and "hoo". But there's "uh-oh," and "why now"? And... it's complicated.
Why complicated?
Willow sighs and steels herself.
It's complicated... because of Tara.
You mean Tara has a crush on Oz?
No.
The reality suddenly hits Buffy like blow.
Oh!
Willow flashes her a nervous smile as Buffy stands up and moves to the other side of the room.
Oh. Um... well... that's great. You know, I mean, I think Tara's a really great girl, Will.
She is. And there's something between us. It wasn't something I was looking for. It's just powerful. And it's totally different from what Oz and I have.
Buffy babbles, clearly trying to cope with this unexpected revelation.
Well, there you go. I mean, you know, you have to... follow your heart, Will. And that's what's important, Will.
Why do you keep saying my name like that?
Like what, Will?
Are you freaked?
What? No, Will, d--
She stops herself and sighs, sitting back down on the bed next to her best friend.
No. No, absolutely no to that question. I'm glad you told me. What did you say to Oz?
I was going to tell him but then we started hanging out and... I could just feel everything coming back. He's Oz, you know?
Yeah. I know.
I don't want to hurt anyone, Buffy.
No matter what, somebody's going to get hurt. And the important thing is, you just have to be honest or it's going to be a lot worse.
Willow nods, knowing she's right.
SPIKE sleeps, lying on top of a coffin covered with a blanket. The sound of footsteps slowly approach as a green-scaled hand reaches into frame for Spike's throat. He seizes it before it gets there and smiles without opening his eyes.
From the sound of those massive mud flaps, I'd peg you as a demon. Which means you're in for a world of...
He opens his eyes and takes in Adam.
...pain.
Shocked, Spike leaps to his feet.
Spike. I want you to come with me.
Do you? (shrugs) Well, let's go then.
Spike turns as if to leave, then spins around and punches Adam in the gut to absolutely no effect. Spike shakes his hand in pain.
Ow.
Adam steps forward and Spike retreats.
Come. You're going to help me with my problem.
Why is that exactly?
I'm going to help you with yours.
Despite himself, Spike is intrigued.
Tara opens her dorm room door to find Willow standing there.
Hi.
Hi.
Tara stands back so Willow can enter, then closes it behind her.
I can only stay for a minute. I have class.
Me, too. I have class, too.
I just want you to know that what you saw this morning... it wasn't--
No, it's okay. I always knew that if he came back--
We were just talking. Nothing happened.
Oh. (beat) Really?
But, you know, it was intense. Just talking. We have a lot to talk about. (frowns) I kinda feel like my head's going to explode.
Whatever, you know, happens... I'll still be here. I'll still be your friend.
Of course we'll be friends! That's not even a question.
But I'm saying I know what Oz means to you.
How can you when I'm not even sure? I mean, I know what he meant to me. But he left and... everything changed. I changed and then we--
What?
Tears course down Willow's cheeks.
I don't know. I just... life was starting to get so good again and you're a big part of that. (crying) And here comes the thing I wanted most of all and... I don't know what to do. I want to know but I don't.
Tara brushes the tears off Willow's cheek.
Do what makes you happy.
Willow hugs her and Tara strokes her hair.
Oz examines a bulletin board with class schedules posted on it. Suddenly he senses something. His nose wrinkles and he involuntarily calls Willow's name as Tara walks by. She stops and looks at him, startled. Confused, he approaches Tara.
Hey. I thought I sm-- heard Willow.
Tara nervously clutches her books to her chest.
Hey. (re: Oz's books) You're coming back to school here, huh?
Pretty much. Feeling... oddly motivated.
He sniffs the air again and looks around, confused.
That's... that's great. I mean, that's great for you and Willow, right?
I hope so.
Good, that's... because--
Is that her sweater?
I just hope that you guys'll be very happy.
Oz moves closer to Tara, suspicious now.
You smell like her. She's all over you, do you know that?
He starts to become angry.
I can't. I can't talk about this.
She tries to walk away but Oz grabs her by the arm.
But there's something to talk about?
Tara just gasps and stares at him.
Are you two involved?
I have... have to go.
'Cause she never said anything to me like that. We talked all night and she never--
Tara starts to back away, scared.
No, stop! (yells) Is she in love with you? Tell me! Is she?
He shakes her by the shoulders, then lets her go, panting. His hand suddenly sprouts fur and claws. Tara's eyes go wide with fear.
Oz looks up at her. The transformation is upon him.
Run.
Tara careens through the hallways, the werewolf in close pursuit. She runs into a classroom, up to the top tier of seats, to the back door but finds it locked. The werewolf charges into the room, snarling, and Tara runs down the other side. She tries to get away but is cornered. She screams and throws a chair at him. As soon as the chair hits him, he collapses to the floor, unconscious. Tara stands there panting and amazed.
CU: a tranquilizer dart sticks out of the werewolf's hide.
Within moments, Riley, Forrest and a group of Initiative soldiers rush in. Riley hefts a tranquilizer gun.
Are you okay?
What's going on?
We'll take it from here.
Riley and the others put Oz in a bag and drag him out.
This thing looks like it may be one of the demons that took out Graham's guys the other night.
We'll take it back. We'll make an ID. If it is, we'll put him down.
You don't understand, t-t-t-that's--
Listen, we know what we're doing. You're in shock.
But--
We'll handle it.
He walks off without another word.
No...
Adam briefs Spike on his plans.
Well, that sounds like a lot of fun.
You see my problem, though. Total annihilation of the humans doesn't help me. I'll be needing heavy casualties on both sides.
I get that. I'm still not sure how the Slayer fits in.
The humans need a leader... a champion. The Slayer can do that.
Yeah... the thing about the Slayer is, she is a whiny little thing but when it comes to the fighting, she does have a slight tendency to win.
Then I guess you should be on her side.
Spike smiles tolerantly.
This all goes down, the chip comes out, yeah? No tricks.
Scout's honor.
You were a Boy Scout?
Parts of me.
Willow sits in the school library, trying to study but not accomplishing much. She looks up as Tara runs in, nearly hysterical.
What's up? You okay?
Oz. We were talking and he changed. Right in front of me.
What? It's daylight.
I know but it happened.
Oh, my god... are you all right?
I'm fine. Riley and the commando guys, they stopped him. But they don't know it's Oz. I tried to tell them but... they took him away.
When? Just now?
I think they might hurt him.
I have to go. I have to find Buffy.
I know.
Xander and Anya are on the sofa with Giles. Willow paces while Buffy talks on the phone.
Tara said they took him right before she found me.
So that's good, right? I mean, they probably haven't had time to eviscerate him yet.
Anya, you can help by making this a quiet time.
Once again, we're faced with the fairly daunting prospect of having to infiltrate the Initiative.
It'd be great if we knew someone dating a man on the inside. Someone with connections.
Buffy hangs up phone and turns to the group. Xander points at her.
Oh, wait!
He's still not answering his pages. I left him another message.
So what do we do?
Well, we need to move fast. So we make a plan without Riley... and hope he calls.
Oz, still in werewolf form, paces in a steel cage, growling and throwing himself against the bars. Riley, Forrest and scientists in lab coats watch him with interest. The lead SCIENTIST approaches.
What's the word, Doc? Is this the animal that took apart our men?
We don't know yet, soldier.
What's the holdup? I thought Graham gave you a full description.
The holdup is that he described characteristics present in over 40 known varieties of demon. So we're cross-checking DNA evidence: hair, fibers...
And how long is that going to take?
I have no idea.
I don't need a bunch of tests to know that this thing's a killer.
He takes out his gun and points it at Oz who suddenly stops growling and shifts back into himself. Riley lowers his gun and steps back, shocked, as Oz looks up at them panting and closing his eyes.
Later. Oz is strapped to an examination table with two scientists leaning over him. The first scientist shines a flashlight in his eyes while Riley looks over his shoulder. Oz is naked and groggy.
Hey, he's coming to. Oz!
He won't be able to talk for a while. We gave him Haldol to keep him quiet.
Why? He's not a threat now.
I allowed you to stay as long as you let us do our work, Agent Finn. Only Colonel McNamara can place a cease order on medical testing and he's told us to proceed.
I always suspected that stuff about werewolf transformations being based on a lunar cycle was campfire talk.
He injects Oz with a hypo and he groans. The doctor hefts another instrument that appears to be a stun gun.
Oh, hey, that's enough. Come on, the guy's a student. I know him.
The lead scientist points to Riley and turns to the armed guard.
Take him out.
Yes, sir.
Riley is furious as the soldiers escort him away.
The second scientist places the tip of the instrument on Oz's chest and zaps him with electricity. Oz screams and instantly shifts into werewolf form.
See that? Transformation related to negative stimulation.
Buffy is worried now.
Something's wrong. Riley usually returns my phone calls by now.
We can't wait much longer.
I know. (beat) Okay. Xander, you and I are going to go in. We've done it before.
I'm going with you.
No. Look, it's too dangerous, Will. Besides, I need you to help Giles hack into the city's electrical grid. We've got to try to power down the Initiative.
Giles can do it without me. I can give him all the instructions. I can show him exactly what to do.
Of course.
I can't just sit here.
Buffy looks at Xander, then decides.
Okay. Okay, you can back us up. Now the only way I know into the Initiative is through the elevator in Lowell House but my clearance is long gone.
So we grab a guy, make him take us.
Or you could just use the back way.
Everyone turns to Spike, standing by the front door.
Hell of a lot less bother.
How did you get in?
Door was unlocked. You might want to watch that, Rupert. Someone dangerous could get in.
Or someone formerly dangerous and currently annoying.
Now, now. None of that or I won't help you get Red's mongrel back. (off their surprised look) Bad news travels fast with us demons. We all like a good laugh.
Short of cash, Spike?
I happen to be seeking monetary gratification, yeah. But I also get a kick out of jackin' up those Army ginks myself. I know how to find the big guy who can take you to Oz.
Uh-huh. So what's the going rate on a wild goose chase, Spike?
Fine, if you're not interested. But I was stuck in that hole, remember? And I've heard things from other guys who've gotten out. I can get you in. No alarms, no cameras... no waiting.
Everyone looks to Buffy.
Oz huddles in the corner of the cell, naked and shivering. A large bruise colors his shoulder.
The door opens and he looks up, squinting into the bright light. He frowns as Riley enters and hands him some clothes through the bars.
Oz. Put these on, man.
Riley helps Oz through the darkened Initiative staging area. Oz is clothed but weak and he leans on Riley for support. Suddenly the lights snap on all around them and they're surrounded by soldiers with guns. Forrest and Graham step forward. Graham points his pistol at Riley.
End of the line.
A guard opens the hallway door and lets COLONEL McNAMARA in. He enters and stands before Riley's cell. Riley snaps to attention as the colonel unlocks the door and walks inside.
McNAMARA
At ease.
Permission to speak, colonel.
McNAMARA
Denied. Being new around here, Finn, I had a look at your record and Professor Walsh's notes. Until recently you were an exemplary soldier headed straight for the top. Then you meet this girl-- this Slayer-- and suddenly you begin to exhibit signs of disloyalty, you abuse your command. But tonight... to release a lethal HST back into the population...
Riley shakes his head.
Sir, the prisoner--
McNAMARA
You will speak when I tell you to!
Riley snaps back to attention.
McNAMARA
Tomorrow I am going to institute a court-martial to investigate the extent of your involvement with the Slayer and her band of freaks. (beat) They're anarchists, Finn... too backward for the real world. You help us take them down and you just might save your military career. Otherwise, you'll go to your grave labeled a traitor. (beat) No woman is worth that.
McNamara turns and leaves Riley to ponder his future.
Buffy, Willow, Xander and Spike make their way through the woods, armed to the teeth. Buffy and Willow wear white lab coats while Spike and Xander wear the uniform of Initiative soldiers.
I've mentioned how much I'm going to kill you if this is a scam, right?
Look, would I wear this if I wasn't on the up-and-up?
You do sorta look like an evil olive.
Guys... check it out.
Xander points to a doorway set into a cement casing and obscured by the undergrowth.
Adam works at a computer bank. The metal part of his head is open and wires run into his skull from the computer.
Spike pulls the doors open.
For a nasty town like Sunnydale, nobody seems to mind their locks.
You first.
Spike rolls his eyes and enters.
An alert sounds on his computer and Adam turns to a schematic of the tunnels under the Initiative.
Anya works feverishly at the computer while Giles looks over her shoulder and consults a hard-copy map.
Try typing in X-H-4-J-7 for the emergency shutdown command. That covers the entire electrical grid for the university and outlying area.
Anya types it in.
Adam's screen flashes red. "EMERGENCY POWERDOWN IN PROGRESS"
Buffy, Spike and the others make their way through the hallways of the Initiative. The lights suddenly go out and, after a moment, blue emergency lights snap on.
The campus goes black section by section.
The power in Giles' apartment goes out but the computer stays on, operating off battery. Anya smiles proudly and holds up her hand.
Slap my hand now!
Beg your pardon?
In celebration.
Oh... yes.
He slaps her hand.
Ow!
Buffy kicks in the door and rushes into the room. Colonel McNamara sits up in bed and reaches for his gun but Buffy and Xander hold crossbows on him. He sits back, angry.
Hey! You know who I am?
McNamara looks from her to Xander, to Spike and Willow in the doorway.
McNAMARA
Yeah.
Then you know I'm pretty good with this thing. Take us to him.
McNAMARA
Finn stays in the brig. Helping an HST escape is a court-martial offense. You're only going to make matters worse.
Buffy is surprised.
Riley tried to help Oz escape?
McNAMARA
That's who you came for? The wolf?
Guess we're two for one.
Get dressed.
Dressed as a lab tech, Buffy makes her way down the hallway alone, past the sentry outside the brig. As she passes him, she drops a pen.
Hey, you dropped--
He bends to pick it up for her and Buffy knees him in the face; he drops to the floor, unconscious. Buffy bends over him, takes his key-card and uses it to open the door.
She enters the brig and Riley stands up, shocked.
How'd you get in?
Buffy opens the cell door.
Talk later. Stealthy escape now.
She turns to go but Riley stops her.
Buffy... I leave now, I can't ever come back.
Buffy says nothing, just looks at him. He smiles.
I just wanted to hear that out loud.
They both dash out of the brig to rejoin the others.
The gang walks through the complex with Buffy holding her crossbow to the McNamara's head.
Hold it!
The corridor in front of them suddenly fills with heavily armed soldiers. Oz sits in his cell nearby, watching. More soldiers appear behind them. They're surrounded.
Stay back... or I'll pull a William Burroughs on your leader here.
No one has a clue what she means.
You'll bore him to death with free prose?
Was I the only one awake in English that day? (deliberate) I'll kill him. (to McNamara) Get him out.
The Colonel nods to one of the soldiers who drops his gun and lets Oz out of the cage. Willow starts forward.
Oz...
Will, get back.
Oz looks down at his hand which is in mid-transformation. Willow steps back, shocked. Oz concentrates and his hand shifts back to normal. Riley steps forward and supports him.
Let's go.
Still holding the colonel hostage, they back down the hall. The soldiers follow, weapons raised as the group enters the elevator and the doors close between them.
Everyone stands silently until the elevator stops. The elevator empties except for Riley, Buffy and McNamara. Riley opens the elevator control panel and rips out
the wires as he and McNamara glare at each other. Buffy backs out of the elevator, still covering the colonel with her crossbow. Riley follows.
McNAMARA
You're a dead man, Finn.
No, sir. I'm an anarchist.
He decks McNamara and walks away.
Buffy and Riley set up a makeshift campsite in the ruins of Sunnydale High School. They have coolers and a camp lantern and Riley spreads a sleeping bag on the floor of the old library. Buffy pours him a drink from a thermos.
I hope everybody else is okay. It was better to split up, right? I mean, we're just too findable in a big clump.
It was better. Besides, I think it's mostly me the Initiative wants now.
Probably. So what should we do?
We'll be safe for tonight at least. The campus is still blacked out so that ought to slow the Initiative down. I'll figure out my next move tomorrow.
Quite a day, huh? (he nods) You woke up to a big bowl of Wheaties. Now you're a fugitive.
She sits down next to him.
I don't know. I'm sorry it ended that way. But I am glad it's done. I'm glad I know where I stand, finally. (beat) I was wrong about Oz. I was being a bigot.
Buffy shakes her head.
No, you weren't. You were thrown. You found out that Willow was in... kind of an unconventional relationship and it gave you a momentary wiggins. It happens.
Still... I was in a totally black and white space-- people versus monsters-- and it ain't like that... especially when it comes to love.
Buffy looks up at him and comes to a decision.
I have to tell you some stuff... about my past. And it's not all stuff that you're going to like.
Riley looks a little apprehensive. He can tell this is important.
You can tell me anything.
I think so. (smiles) I think I can.
Oz and Willow sit in his van in front of Devon's house.
This thing looks pretty good, considering you drove it overseas.
Well, it broke down outside of Mexico City and I traded my bass to have it fixed and garaged. (beat) I shouldn't have come back now. I just thought I'd changed.
You have changed. (smiles) You stopped the wolf from coming out. I saw it.
Oz can't meet her eyes.
But I couldn't look at you. I mean, it turns out the one thing that brings it out in me is you. Which falls under the heading of ironic in my book.
It was my fault. I upset you.
He finally looks up at her.
Well, so we're safe then, 'cause you'll never do that again. (beat) But... you're happy?
I am. I can't explain it--
It may be safer for both us if you don't.
I missed you, Oz. I wrote you so many letters... but I didn't have any place to send them, you know? (beat) I couldn't live like that.
It was stupid to think that you'd just be waiting.
I was waiting. I feel like some part of me will always be waiting for you. Like if I'm old and blue-haired and I turn the corner in Istanbul and there you are, I won't be surprised. Because... you're with me, you know?
I know. (beat) But now is not that time, I guess.
No.
A long beat as they look at each other and remember good times past and wonder about the future.
What are you going to do?
I think I better take off.
When?
Pretty much now.
Willow nods, tears streaming down her face. Oz leans over and they share one last hug.
Tara sits in her darkened dorm room, pensively staring out the window. There's a knock at the door. She gets up to answer it and finds Willow, holding a lit candle.
No candles? Well, I brought one. It's extra flamey.
Tara doesn't say anything. Willow steps forward and hands her the candle, then closes the door.
Tara, I have to tell you--
No, I understand. You have to be with the person you love.
I am.
Tara eyes go wide.
You mean...?
I mean. (beat) Okay?
Oh, yes.
I feel horrible about everything I put you through. And I'm going to make it up to you. Starting right now.
Right now?
Willow smiles and nods. Tara blows out the candle and we