[Transcript of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" episode Buffy vs. Dracula at buffyology.com.]
CU on BUFFY. She lies in bed, unable to sleep. She glances at the clock, then at RILEY sleeping next to her. He's fast asleep but slumber eludes her. She considers a moment, then gets out of bed.
Buffy now fully-clothed runs through the headstones at breakneck speed. Pull back to reveal that she is running a vampire to ground.
She puts on a burst of speed and uses a headstone to vault herself into the air and onto the vampire's back, sending him crashing to the ground.
Buffy is immediately up and tearing into the creature with a series of devastating blows. She flips backward, her feet connecting squarely with the vampire's head in a flurry of blows that knocks it onto its back. Before it can recover, she whips out a stake and plunges it into the demon's chest.
As the vampire explodes into dust, Buffy straightens up, flushed and exhilarated.
Undressed again, Buffy carefully slips back into bed and curls up against Riley. She almost instantly drops off to sleep.
Opening credit sequence.
A bright, sunshiny day: blue sky, pounding surf and soft sand. Scattered swimmers enjoy the lovely day.
Buffy runs into frame and catches a football.
Ha! Touchdown! Oh, yeah. Go Team Me!
She dances happily with the ball, then throws it back to Riley. He catches it with a smirk, then throws it again.
Anybody ever told Team You the quarterback throws like a girl?
Buffy catches the ball with a pout.
I do?
She considers a moment, then whips the ball at him full-strength. It slams into Riley, knocking him flat. She winces.
Oh! Sorry!
He gets up and charges her. She runs away, giggling.
No! No, don't you-- (laughs) No!
Pull back to reveal XANDER, WILLOW, ANYA and TARA sitting on chairs and blankets in the sand, sunning themselves near a BBQ pit. Xander attempts to light the fire without much success.
I'm exhausted just looking at those two. All this splashing and jumping and running... shouldn't relaxing involve less exertion?
Absolutely. Exertion can lead to sweatiness.
Which can cause the pain and heartbreak of stinkiness. Better to just stay put.
I think we've just put our finger on why we're the sidekicks.
Buffy and Riley give up their football toss and run over to the gang.
Game over?
Buffy slayed the football.
He holds up the ball which no longer contains air.
Where's my burger?
Yeah, man. I'm starving! Cow me.
The fire's not cooperating. It's comforting to know that I lack the culinary finesse of a caveman.
Willow waves her hand at the BBQ pit.
Ignus incende.
A gout of flame suddenly leaps from the pit, toppling Xander. He pulls himself back up and stares in shocked amazement at the hearty fire burning brightly. Willow looks pleased with herself.
Willow! Check you out. Witch-fu!
It's no big. You just have to balance the elements so that when you affect one, you don't wind up causing--
The sky suddenly darkens and with a crack of thunder, rain pours out of black storm clouds that appear out of nowhere.
The girls shriek as they are drenched and everyone scrambles to gather up their things and get under cover.
I didn't do it! I didn't do it!
Establishing.
A panel truck pulls up to an ancient-looking stone castle and two MOVERS climb out, shrugging on coats to protect against the driving rain.
They move to the back of the truck and throw a tarp off a large wooden crate. They untie it and start to drag it off the bed of the truck.
Come on! Hurry it up. I'm gettin' soaked.
I'm tryin'.
Mover #2 slides the crate out and struggles to hold up the back end.
Jeez! This thing weighs--
The crate slips from his grasp and crashes to the ground. One side cracks open and black dirt spills onto the ground.
Nice! Good job.
Look at this. Guy's cartin' dirt around.
Leave it. We'll turn it on its side.
Dirt! Man, rich people are--
A clawed hand bursts through the crate and rips open Mover #2's throat. Mover #1 watches in shock as the other man falls to the ground, dying, then jumps back as the rest of the crate is torn asunder.
Willow types at her laptop as GILES watches over her shoulder.
There you go. All set.
Thank you, Willow. Obstinate bloody machine simply refused to work for me.
Just call me the Computer Whisperer. Let's get scannin'. I want to see this puppy go.
Giles hands her a huge stack of books. She looks dismayed.
Start with those.
Start? Where's finish?
Willow, it's essential that we begin to archive the library. I mean, most of these texts have no duplicates.
But now? Doesn't winter seem more like archiving season?
Well, you don't have to, Willow. I mean, you're welcome to leave if...
No. It's fine. It's just you've been Mr. Project all summer, you know? Labeling the amulets and indexing your diaries... I draw the line at making giant rubber band balls. That's when you'll just have to get a life.
That's what I'm trying to do, actually... is get a life.
It might go better if you left the house.
Willow... you mustn't repeat what I'm about to say. Especially not to Buffy.
Willow stops her computer work and turns to face him, apprehensive.
Uh-oh
You promise?
Oh, god. Well, I guess. Now that I know there's something to know, I can't not-know just because I'm afraid somebody will know I know... you know?
Did that mean yes?
Yeah.
We're doing all this because I want you and the others to have everything you need at your fingertips. (beat) You see, I'm going back to England.
Willow is stunned.
You're... what? But you can't! You're Buffy's Watcher.
Giles laughs quietly at that.
I mean, in a fired way but--
It's become quite obvious that Buffy doesn't need me anymore. And I don't say that in a self-pitying way. I'm quite proud, actually.
But what about the rest of us? We still need to be watched. Personally, I can't get through a day without a little hairy eyeball.
Well, I appreciate the sentiment but it's just not so. You'll be fine. You all will. And you know, we'll stay in touch. You can always call me whenever you like.
When are you going to tell Buffy?
Soon. It won't be easy but I know she'll understand.
Buffy looks very unhappy.
No way. This is so wrong.
She helps Riley clean his room. She examines a plate she's just pulled from under his bed. Something black and moldy grows there.
Take this away. Whatever it is.
It's tuna. Or... a Pop Tart.
He throws it out and moves to the dresser, picking through the clothes.
That's it. I'll face monsters but I'm done helping you clean.
You're not seeing the whole sexy Bohemian thing? 'Cause I had it on good authority that chicks dig slack.
Actually, I'm starting to miss the whole military fold-your- clothes-with-a-ruler experience.
A shadow crosses his face at the mention of his past life but he recovers quickly.
You should talk. Your drawer's a mess.
He lifts a sexy, frilly underthing out of Buffy's drawer.
Oh, no. That's my drawer. Sorry.
Buffy moves to him, flirtatious.
You sure that's yours? Looks kinda... snug.
Maybe you should try it on. You know, just so we can see who it belongs to.
Oh. I'd love to.
They kiss. Then Buffy draws away, regretful.
But I promised my mom I'd hang at the homestead tonight. She's bummed that I'm going back to the dorm... feeling all empty- nesty.
That's cool. I gotta get through all this. Hey, old mail! Bonus.
Riley starts to thumb through the mail. Something he sees stops him. His face clouds but Buffy doesn't pick up on it. She stands, ready to go.
I'd better scram. I'm late.
Okay. Say hi to your mom.
They kiss and Buffy's gone. Riley opens the envelope, his grave expression returning. It's not a bill, it's a letter. He reads it, clearly growing angry, then throws it out.
Buffy and JOYCE finish up dinner.
Thanks, mom. Everything was yummy.
Hey, you up for dessert? We could take a drive, get some ice cream?
Buffy gets up and starts clearing the table.
You know, I would but I kind of have to get out on patrol.
Now? It's eight-thirty.
Well, vamps don't really care what time it is. You know, dark equals dinner bell.
Right. Of course. You know, I'm going to have to get used to this place without you again. It gets so quiet.
You should get a pet. A loud one.
Not a cat. Too pathetic.
Understood. How about a rat? Amy makes a lot of noise on that little wheely thing.
Too creepy.
Then a puppy. One of those kinds with the smooshy face.
Maybe. I'll think about it.
Good. This was great, though.
It was.
You know, maybe we should make a regular date of this. When school starts.
Joyce smiles and nods. Buffy leans over and kisses her cheek.
I'm sorry. Duty calls. It's a total drag.
Buffy pounds on a vampire, smashing him across the face over and over.
As she fights, a peculiar mist coalesces into human form nearby.
The vampire lifts Buffy up over his head and slams her down on the ground. She is up instantly and, with a spectacular move, flips over and seizes the vampire in a headlock with her feet. She pulls him to the ground and slams a stake through his heart.
She stands up, panting but excited, and starts to head off across the cemetery. She stops when she senses someone behind her and turns. A voice comes out of the darkness.
Very impressive hunt.
A tall, pale-complected figure emerges from the shadows: the legendary COUNT DRACULA. He has a high patrician forehead and long flowing hair with deep-set eyes and a penetrating gaze. He is dressed in black with a black silk cape wrapped around him. He speaks with a heavy Eastern European accent.
Such power...
Buffy doesn't know what to make of this peculiar newcomer but she knows he's a vampire and that's really all that matters.
That was no hunt. That was just another day on the job. Care to step up for some overtime?
We're not going to fight.
Do you know what a Slayer is?
Do you?
Not the answer Buffy expected.
Who are you?
I apologize. I assumed you knew. I am Dracula.
Get out!
Willow and Xander talk while they look for Buffy.
Xand, what if somebody had a secret and that somebody promised somebody else that they wouldn't tell anyone?
News flash, Will. Everybody knows.
No, this isn't about me and Tara.
Oh... not that I wouldn't be all ears if you wanted to tell me a secret about you two. Even if it was very, very naughty.
Sorry. This is the non-naughty variety and I'm not telling you.
Okay. (beat) Want to see if Buffy's hanging around the headstones?
Sure. (beat) So if I was going to tell you-- which I'm not going to--
Buffy and Dracula. Buffy is highly amused by the situation.
So let me get this straight. You're... (mock accent) Dracula. The guy... the Count?
I am.
And you're sure this isn't just some fan-boy thing? 'Cause I've fought more than a couple pimply, overweight vamps that called themselves Lestat.
You know who I am. As I would know without question that you are Buffy Summers.
Buffy is surprised at the mention of her name.
You've heard of me?
Naturally. You are known throughout the world.
Buffy is flattered despite herself.
Nah... really?
Why else would I come here? For the sun? I came to meet the renowned killer.
Yeah, I prefer the term "Slayer". You know, "killer" just sounds so...
Naked?
Like I paint clowns or something. I'm the good guy, remember?
Perhaps. But your power is rooted in darkness. You must feel it.
Buffy considers for a moment.
No. You want to know what I feel? Bored.
Buffy lunges at Dracula with her stake but he instantly evaporates into mist and reforms directly behind her. She tries to stake him again and he disappears entirely. Buffy's confidence is shaken. She's never seen a vampire do this before.
Okay... that's cheating.
Xander and Willow walk up behind her.
Hey, Buff. What's up?
You look like you just saw--
Get out of here. Now.
Fine. I was going to give you a sip of my double-mint mocha but--
Behind you.
Dracula reforms and stands silently observing them. Willow and Xander turn and take in the Count and his caped attire.
Hi.
Nice. Look who's got a bad case of Dark Prince envy.
I have no interest in you. Leave us.
No, we're not going to "leave you". And where'd you get that accent? Sesame Street? (parody of Count on Sesame Street) One, two, three... three victims! Bwa ha ha ha
Xander, I'm pretty sure that's Dracula.
Xander's bravado evaporates and he quickly moves behind Buffy.
Wow, really? (to Dracula) Hey! Sorry, man. I was just jokin' around.
This is not the time. I will see you soon.
Dracula lifts his arms and his entire body morphs and shrinks into a bat which flies low over their heads and off into the darkness.
The three of them stand up and look around cautiously. Buffy suddenly covers her head and waves her arms frantically as the bat returns and flaps about her head for a moment before leaving for good.
Oh! Bat... bat!
Buffy, Xander and Willow excitedly tell the others about their encounter. It's obvious the three of them are a bit star-struck.
And then Buffy's all, "Look out!" and then frigging Dracula's standing right behind us.
And then he lunges at us like whoosh!
And he totally looks shorter in person.
I told you he'd heard of me, right? I mean, can you believe that? Count Famous heard of me.
I couldn't believe it the first 20 times you told us but it's starting to sink in now.
I'm sorry. Am I Repeato Girl? I was just... blown away.
It's not that surprising that he's heard of you, Buffy. You are the Slayer.
I guess. Just the way he said it, you know? He made it sound so--
Sexy? I bet he made it sound sexy.
He of the dark, penetrating eyes and the lilty accent.
I wonder if he knows Frankenstein?
You thought Dracula was sexy?
Oh! No... he... he was... yuck!
Right. Except for the whole tall, dark and handsome thing... yucko!
How would you know?
Well, we hung out a few times. (off his look) Back in my demon days... you know, once or twice. (sighs) He was pretty cool! You know, from a whole evil-thing perspective.
Xander's jealously is piqued by Anya's fond memories of the vampire.
Please! He was no big whoop!
No big whoop? What about that thing where he turned himself into a bat? That was awesome.
Up until now, Giles has been quietly watching the exchange with amusement but now he speaks.
Yes. It must have been... yes. I'm sorry I missed that.
Willow realizes that once again Giles is feeling excluded from the group.
Me too! The whole time I was thinking, "Gosh! I wish Giles were here. He'd know what to do." (to others) Didn't you? Think that?
Actually, I was more thinking, "Bat!"
How come he can do that?
I have no idea. There's a great deal of myth about Dracula. I imagine the trick to defeating him lies in separating the fact from the fiction.
Great point! That is so Giles! To think of something like that, you know, that we... would never...
She trails off when she realizes she's making no sense.
So we should take things slow with Dracula. I mean, he said that we would meet again but I would like to avoid that until we do some serious homework.
I don't know. I mean, he may have a bunch of swell party tricks but he's still just a vampire. I say we load up with stakes and crossbows and go after him now.
Second.
No, Buffy's right. Dracula's too slick to fall for the usual stuff.
So we hold off. No killing until we know exactly what we're dealing with.
You're not just saying that because of those dark, penetrating eyes of his... are you?
Buffy goes over to him.
No! His eyes were... there was... there was no penetration! (awkward beat) Cross my heart.
All right. Willow, you and Tara find out everything you can about the actual legend of Vlad the Impaler on the Internet and I'll check the library.
They all stand as the meeting begins to break up.
If the Initiative was still around, we'd be able to find everything on this guy in a few hours.
We may not be as fast but we'll find him. (to others) You guys, we'll reconvene here in the morning?
They all nod in agreement and head out.
What's your plan?
Big sleep. My Count encounter wiped me out.
I'm kind of wired. Maybe I should just let you get your rest.
Are you sure? I mean, maybe if you just lie down with me...
Nothing you are about to say will lead to rest.
I guess you're right. I'll see you in the morning?
With doughnuts.
Mmmm... heaven.
She leans up and kisses him softly.
See? A little sugar and I'm all yours. Dracula Schmacula.
Xander and Anya walk home through the business district.
I doubt he'd remember me. I was just a silly young thing. I mean, like 700 or so, but he did say that this guy I cursed was doomed forever, which was really sweet, don't you think?
Adorable.
It was a great spell. I made this jerk incredibly fat, like a human minivan.
As they walk past the Espresso Pump, we pan up to reveal a silver timberwolf keeping pace with them on the roof of the cafÈ.
You should just mention my name if you see him again.
Or better yet, why don't you just go sit on top of a crypt and flaunt your neck-cleavage until Dracula shows up? Then you two can talk private.
Oh, please! Don't tell me you're jealous?
Oh, no... just because you're panting over the guy.
I am not panting. Now stop being silly. I'll see you tomorrow.
She leans over and kisses him.
You don't want to come back to my place?
It's whites day, remember? The bleach smell makes me nauseous.
She walks off, leaving Xander disappointed.
Fine. I suppose Dracula doesn't use bleach, huh? He's a darks- only man.
He heads home alone, not noticing the wolf that slinks after him.
As Xander crosses the street and cuts across a lawn, Dracula coalesces out of the mist in front of him. Xander silently freaks out for a moment, then shrugs it off.
Great. Perfect. You know what? You're not so big. One round of old-fashioned fisticuffs, I bet you'd fold like a bitty baby.
He adopts a fighting stance.
Okay. Let's do it. But no poofing! Come on, puffy shirt. Pucker on up 'cause you can kiss your pale ass good--
Silence.
Yes, Master.
Xander looks appalled. That's the last thing he meant to say.
No, that's not--
Dracula raises his hand before Xander's face, hypnotizing him.
You will be my emissary. My eyes and ears in daylight.
Your emissary!
Serve me well. You will be rewarded. I will make you an immortal, a child of darkness that feeds on life itself... blood.
Blood! Yes! Yes! I will serve you, Your Excellent Spookiness. (off Dracula's look) Or Master! I'll just stick with Master.
You are strange and off-putting. Go now.
Xander eagerly obeys and turns to leave but turns back with a question.
But Master, how can I find--
Dracula is gone.
Brilliant! What an accent. Guy's a genius.
Xander giggles hysterically and scampers off into the night.
Riley enters the mausoleum where SPIKE has made his home. Candles burn and books lie open on the table but no one appears to be home. Suddenly Spike steps out of the shadows, armed with a crossbow.
Well, well... you can take the boy out of the Initiative. But you can't take the Initiative out of the boy.
I'd put that down unless you're bucking for one hell of a headache.
Spike smiles and sets the bow down on the crypt.
I can't be too careful. I've got quite a few demons after me these days.
I'm looking for some information. It might pay a little.
I'll play.
The vampire saunters over to a chair and sits down.
What can you tell me about Dracula?
Spike lets out a derisive snort.
Dracula? Poncy bugger owes me £11 for one thing.
You know him?
Know him? We're old rivals.
But then he got famous. Forgot all about his foes. I'll tell you what! That glory-hound's done more harm to vampires than any Slayer. His story gets out and suddenly everybody knows how to kill us, you know? The mirror bit--
But he's not just a regular vampire. He has special powers, right?
Nothing but showy gypsy stuff. What's it to you, anyway?
He's in town... making his presence known.
Drac's in Sunnydale, eh? I guess the old boy needed closure after all.
Actually, he's gunning for Buffy. But I'm out to find him before he gets another shot at her.
Tough talk, cowboy. But you're not going to catch him napping in a crypt. No, the Count has to have his luxury estate and his bug-eaters and his special dirt, doesn't he?
So you're saying I should check out mansions, that sort of thing?
No. I'm saying you should go home to your Super Honey... have a nice safe snog. You're out of your depth on this one, boy.
You've helped Buffy before so she has a problem with killing you now that you're helpless. (pointed) I don't.
Spike approaches Riley, suddenly dead serious.
I'd like to see you try.
Riley stands up and stares Spike down.
Would you?
Spike realizes that in his current state, Riley would actually have no problem killing him and backs down. With a final hateful look, Riley leaves the tomb. As he does, Spike calls out to him.
You're never going to find him. (to himself) Not before he gets to her.
Establishing.
Buffy lies in bed, sound asleep. Pan to her window where a strange mist pours in over the sill and floats along the floor. As it draws together into the shape of a man, Buffy starts awake with a gasp to find Dracula standing before her.
You are magnificent.
I bet you say that before you bite all the girls.
No. You are different. Kindred.
Kindred? Hardly--
Pull your hair back.
Confused, Buffy obeys, exposing her neck and the scar left by Angel's bite.
This isn't how I usually fight. (beat) You think you can just waft in here with your music-video wind and your hypno-eyes...
I have searched the world over for you. I have yearned for you. For a creature whose darkness rivals my own. (re: her scar) You have been tasted.
He was--
Unworthy.
Dracula's lust for Buffy is apparent.
He let you go. (long beat) But the embrace... his bite. You remember...
No.
Dracula cups her face in his monstrous hand and his breath comes in a lustful gasp as he lowers his fangs to her neck.
Do not fight. I can feel your hunger.
Buffy offers no resistance as Dracula sinks his fangs into the soft flesh of her neck. She gasps in pain... or is it pleasure?
Establishing.
Buffy wakes up, disoriented.
Later. Now fully dressed, Buffy approaches her bedroom mirror and fixes her hair. She hesitates, then pulls her hair back off her neck. She stares for a moment at the two fresh puncture wounds, then snatches up a scarf and quickly wraps it around her neck, covering them.
Riley holds out a doughnut to Buffy.
A jelly one. You want it?
No.
Xander runs in from the kitchen and snags the doughnut from Riley.
Got it. Got it. Mine, mine.
Willow looks up from her research.
Well, I think we have Dracula factoids.
Like any of that's enough to fight the Dark Master. (off their looks) ...bater.
A lot of it we already knew. Turn-offs: wood, fire, crosses, garlic. Turn-ons: nice duds, minions, long slow bites that last for days.
Yeah, I did a little research, too. Dracula likes to live in style. Which means we can rule out the usual dumps vampires haunt.
Ah, but he's smart enough to figure that we'd probably already know that. I'm guessing he's laying low.
Actually, my research backs Riley up. Drac isn't the lay-low type.
So we can check out the nicer places. Don't you think, Buffy?
No response.
Buffy?
She seems to come out of a fog.
Yeah. We'll check out all the swanky places first. What else did you guys get?
Well, Willow has most of it, actually.
Only because you gave me super-pointers! I never would have--
Just go ahead, Willow.
Okay. Dracula's modus operandi is different from other vampires. He will kill just to feed but he'd rather have a connection with his victims. And he has all these mental powers to draw them in. He can read and control minds... appear in dreams.
Uh-huh.
Makes sense. That stare... he just kinda looked right through you. Didn't you feel it, Buffy?
No... no I didn't.
Buffy didn't feel it! I think you're drawing a lot of crazy conclusions about the Unholy Prince. (off their looks) ...bater.
The point is, although he goes through the motions of an intimate seduction, the end result is the same: he turns them into a vampire.
Well, that is intimate. Dracula's gifting these ladies with his blood.
Xander notices a spider crawling across his desk. His attention is riveted on it while he speaks.
And blood... blood is life. (off their confused looks) According to them.
He slams his hand down over the spider.
Just be aware that he tends to form a relationship with his prey. It's not enough for him to take her. She must want to be taken. She must burn for him.
When no one's looking, Xander quickly scoops the spider into his mouth and eats it.
This conversation is too much for Buffy. She heads for the door.
That's... interesting. I'm going to go find him.
The others are taken aback.
You shouldn't go by yourself, Buffy. I mean, this guy's seriously dangerous.
It's cool. I got it.
She walks out the door.
Buffy walks out and Riley runs after her, taking her by the arm.
Hey. Take off that scarf.
What? No.
You're under the thrall of the Dark Prince!
I am not under the thrall of the Dark Prince.
Then take off the scarf.
Let go of me. This is ridiculous...
She pushes his hand off her arm and the scarf comes with it, revealing her neck wound.
Riley and the others stare at her, stunned. Buffy sits down and puts her head in her hands.
Why didn't you say anything?
'Cause she didn't want to worry us. Right, Buffster? It's nothing-- just a scratch.
Two deep, punctury scratches.
I'm not sure why I tried to hide it. There was this voice and it was telling me to cover it.
What'd I tell you? That's thrall!
You're saying Dracula has some sort of freaky mind-control over her? You're watching too many creature features, man.
It does seem like he has this control over me even though a big part of me is resisting.
Xander snatches a fly off a nearby bush and eats it.
No, it's okay. I shouldn't take this personally. I mean, well, with Angel it's understandable that there would be transference. I mean, they're both broody immortals...
Buffy gets up and goes to him.
I am not transfery. I swear to you, I'm your girl and I'm going to stay that way.
Okay. But you are not going anywhere near him again.
Riley's right. You should stay out of sight. Let the rest of us look for Dracula.
Well, I can't go home. He already got inside once.
You can come over to my place. I'll make sure you stay put.
Good. Riley and I can search for Dracula and Willow, you and Tara could do a protection spell at Buffy's house, to prevent him from returning.
Got it. How'd he get inside, anyway?
He seemed so nice and normal. A little pale...
A good Sunnydale rule of thumb? Avoid white-skinned men in capes.
I didn't. He was in a suit. A lovely suit. He came by the gallery and he was amazingly well-informed about art history.
Probably because he was around for most of it.
I'm not like this. I don't invite strange men over for coffee. It's just... it's been way too long. (quickly) Since I met anybody, you know, someone even remotely interesting. Oh, when you girls are older, you'll understand. It's hard to date. Sometimes you just feel like giving up on men altogether.
Willow and Tara share a knowing look and shy smile.
The sun sinks toward the horizon.
Riley and Giles leave having found no trace of Dracula.
Another bust.
Yes, and it's getting dark. I should have turned up a better lead. There must be an easier way to find him.
Too late to worry about that now. If we hurry, we can hit these last places.
Buffy sits on the couch, withdrawn, while Anya and Xander watch over her. Xander paces nervously back and forth.
How come I have to be here Slayer-sitting while the other guys get to look for Dracula? I mean, just because I'm--
What time is it?
She gets up and faces Xander.
Almost six. Look, I mean, I'm the one who knows him. I'm the one who got a really good look at him and so--
Xander pushes her backward into the closet and locks the door. Buffy shows no reaction.
What? Hey! Hey!
As Xander props a chair against the door, Anya bangs and shouts from inside. Xander turns to Buffy.
I'm supposed to deliver you to the Master now. There's this whole deal where I get to be immortal. You cool with that?
Buffy stands up.
Take me to him.
Xander and Buffy approach the castle and climb the broad stone steps to the main entrance.
Xander and Buffy enter.
Master? I deliver the Slayer. She who you most desire. Sorry! Whom.
Dracula turns from the hearth to regard Xander and Buffy.
So now comes the immortality, right? You do the thing and--
Leave us. We must not be interrupted.
You bet!
Xander scurries out of the room and Dracula turns to Buffy.
I knew you'd come.
Buffy walks toward Dracula in a daze.
Why? Because I'm under your thrall?
She whips out a stake, the daze only an act.
Well, guess again, pal.
Put the stake down.
Okay.
Buffy sets it down on the table without hesitation. She suddenly realizes just how much control Dracula has over her.
Right. That was not you. I did that. I did that because I wanted to. (beat) Maybe I should rethink that thrall thing.
She looks around desperately, realizing her predicament.
Oh...
Riley and Giles arrive at the castle.
I've lived in Sunnydale a couple years now and you know what I've never noticed before?
A castle?
A big honkin' castle.
The door opens and Riley and Giles enter. They look around for a moment, taking in their surroundings. Riley motions for Giles to head down one corridor while Riley takes the other.
As Riley moves off, a beautiful female vampire with glowing yellow eyes emerges from the shadows and smiles.
Dracula walks slowly toward Buffy and she backs away.
Stay away from me.
Are you afraid I will bite you? Slayer, that's why you came.
No. Last night... it's not going to happen again.
Stop me. Stake me.
I... any minute now.
Do you know why you cannot resist?
'Cause you're famous?
Because you do not want to.
Disconcerted, Buffy shakes her head.
My friends are--
They're here. They will not find us. We are alone. (whispers) Always alone.
There is so much I have to teach you. Your history, your power... what your body is capable of.
I don't need to know.
You long to. And you will have eternity to discover yourself. But first... a little taste.
I won't let you.
I didn't mean for me.
Buffy's eyes go wide with realization.
Riley searches for Dracula. He checks a door, finds it locked, then moves on. Suddenly, the door opens and Xander walks through.
Nobody harms my Master.
Your Master?
You want him, you come through me.
Riley drops Xander with one punch, then moves on.
Okey-dokey.
Giles tries a door and finds it unlocked. He cautiously enters.
Giles emerges into a darkened room. He steps inside and off into nothingness as he crashes to the floor below.
Good show, Giles. At least you didn't get knocked out for a change.
As he rolls over, groaning, and takes in his surroundings, three beautiful female vampires surround him and begin caressing him.
Oh! Ladies... you would be the Three Sisters, yes?
One of them licks his ear.
Excellent! Right. I'd heard that you were a myth. Obviously erroneous.
One of the vampires rips his shirt open and straddles him while the others continue to kiss him and run their hands over him.
Oh! That's... that... tickles! Oh, dear god...
Dracula opens his shirt sleeve.
What are you--
All these years fighting us, your power so near to our own, and you've never once wanted to know what it is that we fight for?
He runs a nail across his wrist, drawing blood.
Never even a taste?
Buffy is torn. A part of her clearly wants to give in to him while the other part continues to fight.
If I drink that--
I have not drunk enough for you to change. You must be near death to become one of us. And that comes only when you plead for it.
I'm not hungry.
No, your craving goes deeper than that.
He looks deep into her eyes and speaks words that ring familiar to Buffy.
You think you know. What you are. What's to come. You haven't even begun.
Buffy looks at him, then at his blood, the conflict within her raging. Finally, she takes his hand in hers, closes her eyes, lowers her lips to his wrist and drinks.
Find it. The darkness. Find your true nature.
Suddenly Buffy's eyes snap open as we
A rapid series of images: the First Slayer intercut with Buffy's own memories of her many battles; all scenes of extreme violence.
Buffy jerks her head away from Dracula's wrist, a stunned expression on her face.
Wow.
Suddenly she punches him in the chest, sending him sprawling across the great banquet table. Buffy snaps out of her daze, back to her same old self.
That was gross.
With a snarl, Dracula stands up.
You are resisting.
Looks like.
Come here! Come to me.
You know, I really think the thrall has gone out of our relationship. But I want to thank you for opening up my eyes a little.
What is this?
My true nature. You want a taste?
You cannot run from your darkness.
Who says I'm running? Come on, Drac. We did your little dance. Let's see if you're any good at mine.
With a cry of rage, Dracula charges Buffy who leaps right over him. She stuns him with a series of blows but he retaliates with a backhand that throws her 20 feet across the room. She lands on the table with a sickening thud.
Riley enters through the same doorway as Giles.
Buffy? Are you in--
He steps off into nothingness and barely manages to catch himself before tumbling to the floor below. He looks down and sees the Three Sisters on top of Giles.
Giles! Giles!
He takes out a cross and brandishes it at the demons, scattering them, then tosses it down to Giles for protection.
Come on! Grab my hand!
Giles staggers to his feet and moves drunkenly toward Riley.
Thank god you came.
Come on!
There was no possible escape.
He reaches up and Riley grabs his arm, hauling him up onto the ledge. Giles looks back down and points.
Oh! My shoe. Silly me, I'll just pop back--
Riley pulls him out of the chapel.
No, no, no sir. No more chick pit for you. Come on.
Buffy runs full-speed at Dracula and tackles him to the floor. She flips him over in a somersault and lands on top, raining blows down on him.
He checks her hand in mid-blow and tosses her off him. The fight continues to rage; the both of them seem evenly matched.
Dracula leaps up onto the banquet table and Buffy shatters a chair across his back, then knocks his legs out from under him with a follow-through kick.
Dracula cracks her across the face, sending her staggering against the wall where she rips a burning torch from its holder and brings it slamming down on the tabletop, barely missing Dracula's head.
She approaches him, wielding the torch like a club.
A guy like you should think about going electric. Seriously.
Dracula says nothing, merely dissolves into mist. Buffy watches uncertainly as the mist swirls around the room. She looks up as the vapor moves toward an elevated platform near the windows. Realizing where Dracula is about to solidify, Buffy drops the torch and runs for all she's worth toward the platform, snatching the stake from the banquet table on the way. She leaps high into the air, landing directly in front of Dracula just as he reforms. With one swift stroke, she plunges the stake into his chest.
Dracula's eyes go wide with pain and shock as the stake pierces his heart.
How do you like my darkness now?
She rips the stake out of his chest and Dracula tumbles off the platform, disintegrating into dust as he goes.
Buffy calmly descends the stairs just as Riley and Giles rush into the room.
Buffy! You okay?
Yeah. Chock full of free will.
Dracula?
Euro-trashed.
Xander runs in, torch in hand and spitting mad.
Where is he? Where's the creep that turned me into a spider- eating man-bitch?
He's gone.
Damn it! You know what? I'm sick of this crap. I'm sick of being the guy who eats insects and gets the funny syphilis. As of this moment, it's over. I'm finished being everybody's butt-monkey!
Check. No more butt-monkey.
It could have been worse. At least you weren't making time with the Dracu-babes like Giles here.
That was not making time! I was just about to kill those... loathsome creatures when Riley interrupted me.
Really? You were going to nuzzle 'em to death?
Riley, Buffy and Xander smile and head for the door.
Of course not! I was in complete... control.
Giles follows them out, leaving the great hall quiet and empty.
CU on the spot where Dracula disintegrated. A familiar mist starts to gather and solidify. It's Dracula, somehow still alive.
Just as he reforms completely, Buffy's hand shoots into frame and rams the stake through his chest again, sending him crumbling back to dust.
You think I don't watch your movies? You always come back.
She waits patiently for a moment and the mist starts gathering again.
I'm standing right here!
The mist quickly disappears. Dracula is gone. For now.
Buffy walks in and Giles gets up from his desk.
You wanted to see me?
Yes. Thanks for coming. Can I offer you some tea?
Oh, no thanks. (looks down) Oh! Cookies. How come I rate little cookie treatment?
Well, actually, I have something to tell you.
He sits and Buffy does the same.
Actually, I have something that I'd like to talk to you about, too.
Well, you go first, by all means.
No, go ahead.
No, I insist.
Buffy hesitates, then proceeds.
You haven't been my Watcher for a while. I haven't been training and I haven't really needed to come to you for help.
Giles looks away, hurt but trying to hide it.
I agree.
And then this whole thing with Dracula... it made me face up to some stuff. (beat) Ever since we did that spell where we called on the First Slayer... I've been going out a lot. Every night.
Patrolling?
Hunting. That's what Dracula called it. And he was right. He understood my power better than I do. He saw darkness in it. I need to know more... about where I come from, about the other Slayers. I mean, maybe if I could learn to control this thing, I could be stronger, I could be better. But... I'm scared. I know it's going to be hard. (pointed) And I can't do it without you. I need your help. I need you to be my Watcher again.
Giles is touched beyond words. Buffy sighs and smiles.
Boy, I just keep talkin', don't I? I'm sorry. You had something you wanted to say?
No. No, it's nothing.
He smiles and sips his tea.
Buffy leans into her mom's room as she walks by.
I'm outta here. Riley and I are going to the movies.
Okay. Have a good time.
Buffy rounds the corner and walks into her room.
Buffy stops short when she finds DAWN SUMMERS looking through her clothes. Dawn looks up at Buffy, annoyed. Buffy seems confused for a moment, as if she doesn't know who Dawn is.
What are you doing here?
Joyce calls out to Buffy.
Buffy? If you're going out, why don't you take your sister?
Buffy and Dawn turn toward their mother, horrified at the suggestion that they spend time together.
BUFFY & DAWN
Mom!