[Transcript of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" episode Family at buffyology.com.]
Miss Kitty Fantastico drops into frame and bats at her cat toy.
Tell me a story.
Okay. Once upon a time, there was... a kitty. She was very little and she was all alone and nobody wanted her.
This is a very upsetting story.
Oh, but it gets better. 'Cause one day the kitty was running around the street and a man came and swooped her up and took her to the pound.
TARA's hands reach into frame and lift the kitten up onto the bed. WILLOW is under the covers, smiling happily.
And at the pound there were lots of other kitties... and there were puppies and some ferrets.
Were there dolphins?
Yes, many dolphins at the pound.
She hands the kitten to Willow who nuzzles it.
Was there a camel?
There was the front of a camel. A half-camel.
Did the kitty get chosen by some nice people?
Well, now you've ruined the ending.
Willow's eyelids droop.
I'm sleepy.
Do you mind if I keep the light on? I was going to look up some spells.
That's fine. I don't need to be snuggled.
Vixen.
Willow smiles back as Tara gathers her books together and sets them aside.
You've been Spell Gal night and day lately.
Well, I just want to keep up with you. And I'm-- well, I just like to be useful, you know? To the gang? I just never feel useful.
You are. You're essential.
Tara smiles and crawls into bed with Willow, snuggling against her and turns out the light.
Do you think Buffy found out anything tonight at the factory?
I don't know. If there was something, I figure she'd call us.
BUFFY and GILES sit and quietly discuss Buffy's encounter with Glory and the monk's revelation regarding Dawn.
I don't know what to say.
Tell me about it.
She has no idea?
No. She thinks she's my kid sister.
Are you going to tell her?
Buffy gets up and looks upstairs toward Dawn's room.
How can I? She'd freak and that's the last thing we need. We have to keep her safe.
This woman, this... whatever she was... she knows you now. Should we be thinking about sending Dawn away?
Away where?
I don't know... your father's?
Yeah, he's... in Spain with his secretary. Living the cliché. I called him when Mom got sick. He hasn't even...
I'm sorry.
When he bailed on us, I remember Dawn cried for a week. (beat) Except she didn't. She wasn't there but I can still feel what it was like. They sent her to me, Giles. I think I have to take care of her. I want to.
Do we tell the others?
No. No one. They'd act weird around her and it's safer for everyone if they don't know.
Yes. We have to find out who this woman is and what she needs Dawn for. I mean, if she comes after you--
She'll come. (re: Dawn) She'll come for us.
A pile of rubble and twisted steel girders explodes from within and GLORY stands up.
Okay. Now I'm upset.
Opening credit sequence.
Buffy carries a cardboard box down the hall while XANDER and RILEY move a refrigerator out of her dorm room. Xander cries out in pain as they go through the doorway.
Ow! Thumb! Necessary opposable thumb!
Sorry. Crybaby.
You know what, you guys, just leave it here.
Got it.
DAWN staggers out of the room under a mountain of boxes. Buffy moves to help her.
I don't need help.
Just be careful.
Buffy heads into her room where ANYA, Giles, Willow and Tara are helping with the packing and the moving.
But we just helped her move this stuff in a few days ago. (sees Buffy) And it was fun!
People help each other out, Anya. It's one of our strange customs.
Giles, I noticed you were doing the smallest amount of helping that can actually be called helping.
Well, I saw myself in more of a patriarchal sort of role. You know, lots of pointing and scowling. (to Xander and Riley) You two, stop that!
Xander and Riley are wrestling in a headlock in the corner.
He started it!
He called me a bad name. I think it was bad. It might have been Latin.
Tara watches them playing and smiles.
Stop it or you're going to break something.
Or I'm going to break something.
Riley and Xander immediately settle down.
Still can't believe you're giving up this cherry corner suite.
Just a few days after we moved ya in!
It's no big. You know, with Mom not being well, I'm hardly ever here. Just figured I'd save a little cash for the semester, that's all.
I think that's smart.
Still, it's hard to give up. You got the two entrances-- lot of opportunity for bawdy French farce. And everybody loves bawdy--
Where's Dawn?
I think she just walked out.
Dawn!
Buffy heads for the door just as Dawn walks in.
Some of your CDs are my CDs.
I know. Come help me fold.
Buffy moves over to the bed and lifts a box off and onto the floor, wincing in pain.
Starting to feel that fight?
Nothing like gettin' your ass kicked to make your ass hurt.
You'll totally take her next time.
'Cause you'll have back-up, baby. She's messin' with all of us.
Yes, we'll find her weaknesses and then--
Yeah, you learn her source and we'll introduce her to her insect reflection. (off their puzzled looks) Um... that was funny if you studied Taglarin mythic rites (sotto) and are a complete dork.
Huh. Then how come Xander didn't laugh?
I don't know that Taglarin stuff.
Tara picks up a box and carries it out, feeling humiliated.
Tara meets Willow who's on her way back in.
Hey, you want to start taking stuff down to the car?
Yeah.
Okay.
Tara heads off down the hall with her box.
Stupid...
Willow looks over her shoulder to make sure Tara is out of earshot, then turns to the others.
Okay, guys. Now remember, you have to be at the Bronze by eight.
They all look confused.
Bronze?
Tomorrow night... Tara's birthday?
Right! Right.
We have to bring presents, right? Birth is a present thing?
I got something picked out, yeah.
You guys can all still come, right? I mean, I know there's this new evil and all but...
No, no. We'll be there. I could definitely use a break from all this craziness.
An INTERN wheels a woman into the Emergency Room strapped to a gurney and muttering incoherently. BEN approaches to assess the patient.
What's the story?
Another crazy. Got her family out there.
Let me guess... no history of mental problems?
Yeah. That makes like five this month.
They told me Sunnydale was going to be interesting...
Aren't you off?
Yeah, as of now. Have fun.
Ben enters, goes to his locker and changes out of his scrubs. Pan across the rows of lockers to reveal a LEI-ACH DEMON, silently stalking Ben. The demon's forked tongue flicks out intermittently as it moves stealthily toward him.
Suddenly, a hand shoots into frame and covers the demon's mouth. It's Glory.
I need a favor.
She yanks the hapless demon back into the shadows.
Anya hands a customer her package.
Thank you for coming. We value your patronage. Please come back again for more purchases!
Could we perhaps be a little less effusive, Anya? We don't want to frighten the people.
I'm just so excited. They come in. I help them. They give us money in exchange for goods. You give me money for working for you. I have a place in the world now. I'm part of the system. (smiles) I'm a workin' gal.
Yes, well, why don't you start organizing the shipping orders.
Oh, no. That's boring. I just want to do the money parts.
The door bell jingles and Buffy and Xander enter.
Well, sure I forgot about the party. There's kind of a lot going on. It's not, you know... the most thrilling social event of the season.
Yeah. It's a big deal for Willow, though. I mean, you are going to be there?
Yeah. Barring monsters. (to Anya) Hey.
Anya waves and smiles at Xander.
Hi!
Give me sugar. I've come to buy sugar.
He embraces Anya and kisses her deeply.
Mmmm... we value your patronage.
So any breakthroughs on the identity of Miss Congeniality?
Well, I've narrowed it down some.
He indicates the reading table which is overflowing with thick books.
Your definition of narrow is impressively wide.
Well, you didn't give me much to go on. She looks human so the mug shots aren't any use. And you can't be more specific about what she's like?
She was kinda like Cordelia, actually. I'm pretty sure she dyes her hair.
Ah, yes, that one! Of course. Our work is done.
There must be something on her.
She sits down and picks a book off the stack.
The answer's somewhere here. It's right in front of us and we're too blind to see it!
He bangs his fist dramatically on the table and Buffy and Giles roll their eyes.
I'm helping. I'm reading. (whispers) I'm quiet.
They each turn to the books and start reading. It isn't long before Buffy's attention wanders.
So what'd you get her?
Huh?
Tara. You said you got her present already.
Yeah... that was a tangled web of lies, sweetie. I'm not really sure what kind of thing she'd... I mean, I don't really know her that well.
I know.
I mean, she's nice.
Yeah! Yeah, nice. Nice... it's just... I sort of--
I don't necessarily get her but she's really nice.
There's just that thing.
That thing!
That thing of not understanding...
Half of what she says?
As for example. But she's super nice!
You betcha!
Think there'll be a lot of Wiccas there? Heavy Wiccan crowd?
Well, that's sort of her deal. Her and Willow are all Wiccy. Swingin' with the Wiccan lifestyle.
Which is cool.
Oh, yeah.
I just hope we fit in. Not awkward.
With Willow, it's like she's got this... whole new thing in her life but she's still Willow so I can always figure her out. But Tara, I just know she likes Willow and she already has one of those.
Buffy shuts her book and moans with frustration.
I have a present-buying headache. Tara's damn birthday is just one too many things for me to worry about.
Relax. You should take a few minutes. Train or stretch out.
He points to the back room.
You should do something to work off the tension.
Buffy and SPIKE fight fiercely, hammering each other with one vicious blow after another. The battle rages until Spike throws Buffy into the stone wall of the crypt and snarls with rage.
You want me, Slayer? Come and get me!
Oh, I'm coming. I'm coming right now!
She launches herself at Spike as we
Spike and HARMONY in bed, having sex. Spike groans with pleasure as he and Harmony climax. Panting, Harmony smiles up at Spike.
What are you thinking?
All about you, baby.
She smiles and pulls him down on top of her.
Oh, you're my little lamb.
Giles comes down the ladder from upstairs while Xander and Buffy continue their research.
Come up with anything yet?
Well, candles, maybe. Or bath oils of some kind.
I saw a really cute sweater at Bloomy's but I think I want me to have it.
And you are talking about what on earth?
Tara's birthday. We're at a loss.
You're in a magick shop and you can't think what Tara would like. I believe you are both profoundly stupid.
Well, we don't really know what kind of things witches like. I mean, what? Are we going to get her some cheesy crystal ball?
You bloody well better not. I've got mine already wrapped.
One of the browsing CUSTOMERs approaches the reading table and points at the books.
Are all these magick books?
Private collection. Books for sale are against the wall over there.
So all these books got spells in 'em? Turn people into frogs, things like that?
The group shares a bewildered look.
Yeah, we're building a race of frog people. It's a good time.
So... you all witches or... Hey! Don't do a spell on me now.
Was there something in particular you were looking for?
The door opens and Willow and Tara enter in mid-conversation.
Her insect reflection! That is so good.
I just thought that'd be funny, you know, if her center of power was--
Well, what do you know? (off Tara's shocked look) What's the matter? You don't have a hug for your big brother?
Resume. Willow looks to Tara, surprised.
Brother?
Willow, this is Donny.
Willow extends her hand and DONNY shakes it, smiling.
Nice to meet you.
And these are my friends.
What? All of you hang out? Wow. (to Tara) That's more people than you met in high school.
How did you find-- I mean, how come you came?
Well, duh, birthday girl. We came down in the camper, been all over the campus.
We?
The door opens and MR. MACLAY, a severe-looking man in a black overcoat enters, followed by BETH, a young blond woman.
Look what I found!
Dad. Hi.
Tara hesitantly goes over to him and awkwardly hugs him. Willow and the gang share a look of surprise at this strange turn of events.
Well, here's my girl.
It's such a surprise.
Yes.
Cousin Beth...
Hey.
One of your dorm-mates said I might find you here.
He looks pointedly at the gang.
Oh, these are friends. This is Mr. Giles. He runs the shop.
Willow is subtlely disappointed that Tara didn't introduce her to her father first.
How do you do.
Pleasure. (to Tara) Well, I don't mean to interrupt your plans-- I know we've come on you kind of suddenly-- but I thought we could have dinner.
Okay.
Why don't I pick you up at six and we'll... do some catching up.
Yes, sir.
Despite his cheerful demeanor, Maclay's eyes are hard and cold.
Forgive me for running out. We're double-parked.
Maclay, Donny and Beth turn and head for the exit. Donny waves as he goes.
Nice to meet you all.
When they're gone, Willow smiles at Tara.
That's so weird. Your whole family.
Yeah.
They seem nice.
You know, they're okay. Families are always...
They make you crazy.
Usually. Want to get into research mode?
Sure.
Buffy enters as Riley comes down the stairs.
Honey, I'm home.
Did you have a good day at work?
It's a rat-race.
They kiss tenderly.
I squared away the rest of your stuff. Wouldn't even know you ever left.
Oh, you're a god. You're like the god of boyfriends.
Nah, I just like when you owe me favors.
Well, this earns you a big favor. There could be outfits.
Oh... be still my heart.
As he leans in for another kiss, Dawn comes down the hall.
See ya later.
Whoa! Whoa! Where do you think you're going?
I'm going to Melinda's for dinner?
Since when?
Nowish?
You can't. It's not safe for you to walk there.
It's across the street. What's the big deal? I'm just going to go--
No. It's family night and besides, Melinda's a bad influence. I don't like you hanging out with someone that... short.
I'm so glad you're moving back into the house. This is the source of my gladness.
Dawn shoots her sister a sour look and stalks off.
She makes me crazy.
That's kinda the word I was searching for.
They sit down on the sofa next to each other.
What? She shouldn't be going over there.
Yeah, a lot of young people nowadays are experimenting with shortness. Gotta nip that in the bud.
She can't be running out whenever she'd like.
It's more than that.
What do you mean?
You tell me.
We all have to be careful. This demon chick is... exciting and new... and I don't know what I'm up against.
If we're in trouble here, I could contact Graham, maybe get the government boys on this.
No! I don't want them anywhere near this.
Just a suggestion.
Look, the fewer people that are involved, the safer I will feel.
Riley shakes his head in frustration.
Every time I think I'm getting closer to you... I gotta take off.
He gets up and heads for the door and Buffy goes after him.
Wait! What?
I'll call you later.
Riley! I want you to help. I'm not--
Yeah. I know you've got a lot on your mind. You decide you want to let me in on any of it, you let me know. I'll come running.
He walks out the door, leaving Buffy alone with her thoughts.
Tara enters to find her father waiting for her in her room.
The door wasn't locked. I was a little early.
He picks up one of Tara's crystals.
I suppose you wanted me to see all these... toys. You don't even try to hide it anymore. I'd hoped maybe you'd gotten over the whole witchcraft thing. That if we let you go, you'd... get it out of your system. Then they told me to look for you in the... that store.
I didn't... I didn't know that you were coming.
Of course we came. We hadn't heard from you in months. Your birthday's getting closer and closer. You know what that means.
Tara shakes her head.
I don't think it's... it won't mean that--
You're turning twenty. It's the same age your mother was when she... (beat) Do your friends even know?
Y-yes.
Are you lying to me?
Tara's eyes drop to the floor.
Tara, you're coming home with us. You know it's the only way.
Home?
You can't control what's going to happen. You have evil inside of you and it will come out... and letting yourself work all this magick is only going to make it worse. Where do you think that power comes from?
It... it doesn't feel evil. Sir.
Evil never does. I don't feel much like eating right now. I'll give you some time but we need to be gone by morning.
He moves toward the door.
Your family loves you, Tara. No matter what. How do you think your friends are going to feel when they see your true face?
He leaves Tara alone to ponder her future.
CU on the Lei-Ach demon, unconscious and chained to a rack of clothes. A high- heeled shoe bounces off its head, then another. The demon awakens, snarling and struggling against the chains.
Finally. I thought you were going to nap the whole day away.
The demon growls menacingly at her.
Stop whining. You know, I remember when the Lei-Ach were a proud warrior race, not sneaking around hospitals looking for weak sickly types to suck the bone marrow from. But! Let's talk about my problems for thirty seconds, if that's perfectly all right with you. Blonde. Short. Strong for a human. And massively rude! Broke my shoe, took my monk! Do you have any idea who I'm talking about?
The demon growls incoherently at Glory but she understands perfectly.
A Slayer? Oh, god, please don't tell me I was fighting a Vampire Slayer. How unbelievably common. If I had friends and they heard about this... and you know she's going around telling everybody. I mean, she's probably just--
Glory suddenly leaps out of her chair and seizes the demon by the throat.
Pay attention! I am great and I am beautiful and when I walk into a room, all eyes turn to me because my name is a holy name and you will listen!
She cups the demon's head in her hands, smiling.
Get your friends. Find the girl. Kill the girl. Okay, baby?
The demon nods.
You have the cutest little suppurating sores. Has anyone ever told you that?
Tara sits, depressed, pondering all she's about to lose, when Willow walks in.
Hey.
Hey.
Was dinner fun?
Tara nods and stands to face her.
Well, there's Scooby-age afoot. Giles called a meeting about our spankin' new menace.
Oh. You should go. They don't need me for that. You can fill me in.
No. No, you have to come. This demon chick is supposed to be really powerful and I was thinking maybe we can try that spell, you know, the one to find demons?
That didn't work.
Yeah, but we only tried it once and I think I got some ingredients wrong.
Well, I'm tired. We can do it tomorrow?
Are you sure you don't want to--
Look, my family's here, okay? I can't just... not everything is about your friends and stuff.
Stung, Willow turns to go.
Sorry.
No! No, I mean... there's just so much going on. I'm just really tired.
Okay.
I'll see you in the morning. You can fill me in.
Great. We'll be demon hunters.
Willow opens the door and leaves. When she's gone, Tara turns to her desk, picks up one of her spellbooks and starts flipping through it.
The shop is closed to the public and the gang is gathered around the reading table. Dawn stands near a bookshelf in the back of the store, perusing a book. Willow bustles in and takes her seat.
Hey! Am I late? Did I miss any exposition?
No, no. Nothing earth-shattering to relate. I just had a few thoughts and wanted to make sure that we're all on the same page.
Can I buy one of these?
No.
With my own money?
I let you come. Now sit down and look studious.
Dawn reluctantly goes to the table and sits down with the others. While Giles conducts his briefing, we move toward the back of the store to reveal Tara hiding in the shadows.
Now first of all, I want to talk to you about safety. Now this creature could be--
Will be.
Will be coming after Buffy and possibly all of us...
Giles' voice fades out as we focus on Tara.
Blind Cadria, desolate queen, work my will upon them all, your curse upon them, my obeisance to you.
She lifts her hand to her mouth and blows a handful of dust into the room. The dust transforms into an orange mist whose tendrils snake toward the group gathered around the table.
Now I may have a lead on this monk Buffy spoke of. There are a few orders that I've read up on--
The mist splits into six strands and each strand simultaneously shoots into each person's eyes. They all flinch and look at each other in confusion.
I'm sorry. Where was I?
The monk.
Yes, I'd like us all to start looking at these orders. It's possible whichever one this monk belonged to was wiped out entirely.
Satisfied her spell has worked, Tara slips back into the shadows.
Willy's Demon Bar. Pan across various people and demons drinking at tables, chatting quietly. The BARTENDER paces behind the bar. He talks to a customer off screen as he pours him a drink.
You shouldn't be coming in here. You got a rep with these monsters. But you come in here... night after night. Are you lookin' to get killed?
Reveal Riley sitting on a bar stool, watching the bartender pour.
I come for the ambiance. What can I say? This place just reeks of class.
Riley downs his shot with a grimace.
Yeah, well, if Willy was here--
Well, Willy's not here. Hit me.
The bartender scowls and pours.
Drinking alone?
SANDY, a beautiful brunette woman with a low-cut blouse sits down next to Riley.
It's not a good sign.
So they tell me. I buy you a drink, neither one of us has that problem any more, now do we?
Vodka tonic.
Vodka tonic.
The bartender puts a napkin in front of Sandy and walks off.
I'm Sandy.
Riley.
This place is such a dive.
No, no, it's great. You just have to close your eyes, plug up your nostrils, it's fine.
We could go somewhere else. Someplace more... private.
Riley sighs and stares off into the distance.
Oh, Sandy, Sandy. It's no good. My heart belongs to another. Besides, I don't go out with vampires.
Sandy shoots him a sour look and uses her straw to stab at the ice in her drink.
Never interested in my intellect.
Spike sits in his armchair holding a mannequin head with a long blonde wig, caressing its cheek. The door opens and he quickly hides the head under his chair as Harmony enters, carrying several shopping bags.
Hi, baby!
Hello, sweetbreads. Have fun?
It was so exciting. You wouldn't believe it. I went to April Fool's and absolutely everything was on sale.
You paid for it?
Oh, no. I just killed the clerk. Still, a bargain's a bargain.
Spike can't believe how vapid she is.
Oh, I ran into Carol Beets. You know. She sired Brandon, Brandon from the sewer gang... and she said the Lei-Ach demon was recruiting his brethren to kill the Slayer!
She suddenly has Spike's full attention.
How's that?
Apparently, he got recruited by some big nether-wig and now he's on a mission. You think they might actually do it? Kill her?
God, that would be... pleasant.
Well, if they do, I think we should do something... like a gift basket or something.
Spike leaps up and grabs his jacket.
Where are you going?
To get a decent seat. If the Slayer's going to die... I'm going to watch.
Tara walks across campus and stops when she sees her cousin Beth approaching. Beth looks surprised and pleased.
Tara.
Beth, what are you--?
I was looking for you.
I'm sorry we didn't get to have dinner.
I just... wanted to see if everything was okay. See if you needed any help with anything... packing.
Beth, I'm not... I'm not coming back with you.
You're not?
I don't think so.
You... selfish bitch.
Tara is shocked.
What?
You don't care the slightest bitty bit about your family, do you? Your dad's been worried sick about you every day since you've been gone. There's a house that needs taking care of... Donny
and your dad having to do for themselves while you're down here living god knows what kind of lifestyle. I can't wait till your little friends find out the truth about you. And they will, you know. No matter how innocent you act, they'll see.
No, they won't.
They will. Unless you do some kind of spell on them... (off Tara's look) You did!
No!
You did something to them. I'm telling your father.
She starts to turn away but Tara grabs her by the arm.
No! No, it wasn't anything!
You think you can just go around cursing people? Your dad's going to pop.
It was just so they wouldn't see. So they wouldn't see the demon part of me. Please don't tell Dad. It's harmless.
Buffy stretches on the mat.
Willow takes a book off a shelf then goes to answer a knock at the door.
Tara?
She opens the door to reveal three Lei-Ach demons leering at her. But Willow doesn't see them at all. She looks around in confusion, then closes the door and turns away.
I thought I heard something.
She shrugs and goes back the bookshelf.
Outside, the lead Lei-Ach demon grins malevolently.
Tara sits on a bench, absorbing Beth's angry words.
Don't you see how out of control you are? You've been lying to these people for a year and now you've put a spell on them. Is that right? Is that a human thing to do? Now, I'm telling your father. If he doesn't force you to come home-- and I think he should-- I know he's going to tell your friends the truth. If I were you, I'd tell them first. And then I'd tell them goodbye.
Dawn plays with a glass snow-ball as a Lei-Ach demon skulks behind her. She doesn't notice a thing. Another demon walks toward the reading table where Anya is stacking books.
Do I get paid overtime for this?
She stands up and walks past the demon, not noticing it.
Certainly not. Dawn, would you close the door?
Giles, Willow and Xander are oblivious to the demons moving among them as well.
I didn't open it.
The lead demon turns, sniffs, and extends its tongue as it moves off toward the training room in the rear of the store.
Buffy works out hard, punching a bag. She pauses to stretch as the demons walk in behind her. Buffy frowns and looks toward the door.
Buffy's POV: an empty room.
Buffy turns back to the punching bag as the lead demon moves behind her.
Suddenly Buffy whirls around and blocks the demon's blow. She can't see it but she knows it's there and fights ferociously. She falls to the floor, struggling, with the demon on top of her.
Giles!
Buffy pushes at the invisible creature bearing down on her.
Giles gets up from his desk at Buffy's cry for help.
Something's in here!
Xander gets up as well and rushes toward the back. One of the demons stops him before he reaches the doorway and Xander grapples with his unseen opponent.
Willow stares in confusion as Dawn runs over to Giles.
Xander flies backward as the demon throws him. He lands on his back on the floor, holding his neck, trying to pry loose the demon's hands as it chokes him. Willow picks up a chair as Anya comes out from behind the counter with an antique magnifying glass raised as a weapon.
Willow brings the chair down hard and it connects with nothingness. Xander gasps for air as the blow breaks the demon's hold on his neck.
Where'd it go?
Willow looks around, frightened, then suddenly flies backward and lands on a display table with a bone-jarring crash.
Giles pushes Dawn toward his desk.
Under there. Go.
Willow?
Dawn looks with concern at her friend as she crawls under the desk.
As Buffy wrestles with the first demon, Spike enters through the rear door, grinning, as Buffy breaks the demon's grasp and shoves it off of her. She stands up and a second demon seizes her around the waist from behind. Spike stops grinning as the first demon gets up, then he rolls his eyes in exasperation and hurries forward. He tackles the first demon and yanks it aside, landing on the floor on his back with the demon on top of him.
Buffy punches the second demon over her shoulder, then flips it and runs it into the wall headfirst. It crumples to the floor, dead.
Buffy's POV: the training room is empty. She rushes toward the sound of struggle coming from the shop.
Spike lies on the floor with the demon in a stranglehold.
You're welcome!
As Buffy exits, the demon punches Spike in the face.
Buffy enters the shop area and rushes forward.
Where'd it go?
She swings her weapon about randomly.
Giles suddenly reels backward from an unseen punch.
Anya retreats behind the counter and lifts her weapon cautiously.
It's over there!
How many are there?
I've already been injured once this month!
Shut up!
Silence as Buffy looks around, extending her senses.
The front door opens and Tara enters, anxious.
Buffy, behind you!
A demon stands immediately behind Buffy. She turns as it reaches for her and throws her onto the table. She rolls off the other side of the table and onto the floor.
The demon punches Spike in the face several times; he careens backward into the wall. As he recovers, he notices a rack of weapons hanging on the wall near him and grabs a wickedly sharp hook. The demon rushes at Spike but he kicks it and it falls to the floor. Spike raises the weapon and buries it in the demon's back.
Buffy stands up, looking around frantically.
Tara, where is it? Can you see it?
Oh, god.
Tara realizes that her spell has blinded the gang to all demons, not just herself. She rushes forward as the demon punches Buffy full in the face, drops her eyes and concentrates.
Blind Cadria, lift your veil. Give evil form... and break my spell.
Buffy's eyes flash with light and suddenly she can see the demon, rushing at Tara. It hits Tara in the face and she goes down in a heap. The creature turns back to Buffy. No longer at a disadvantage, Buffy lays into it, pounding it down with one tremendous blow after another.
Mr. Maclay enters the shop, followed by Donny and Beth.
Tara!
The demon looks up and charges Mr. Maclay. He staggers backward and trips, falling backward to the floor. Buffy trips the demon and it falls, its head resting on a stair riser. She plants one foot on the back of its neck and, using the riser as leverage, twists her foot, snapping its neck with a crunch.
Mr. Maclay stares at the dead demon in utter shock.
Dawn peers out from under the desk as Giles gives her his hand and helps her up.
What in god's name is that?
Spike staggers out of the back room.
Lei-Ach demon. Fun little buggers. Big with the marrow-sucking.
Mr. Maclay gets up and stares down at Tara who sits on the floor, head hanging in shame.
I don't understand.
Buffy folds her arms and stares hard at Tara as well.
I'm not sure I do either.
I'm sorry. I'm s-s-so sorry. I was... I was trying to hide.
Willow comes forward and kneels beside Tara.
I didn't want you to see... what I am.
Tara, what?
What do you mean, what you are?
Tara tries to speak but can't.
Demon. The women in our family have demon in them. Her mother had it. That's where the magick comes from.
Tara looks down as Willow stares at her in surprise.
We came to take her home before... well, before things like this started happening.
You cast a spell on us to keep us from seeing your demon side. (to Buffy) That's why we couldn't see our attackers.
Buffy looks over at Dawn.
Nearly got us killed.
Tara scrambles to her feet.
I'll go. (to Buffy) I'm very sorry.
The camper's outside.
Willow grabs Tara's arm, stopping her.
Wait! Go? I... she just did a spell that went wrong. It was just a mistake.
That's not the point and it's not your concern. She belongs with us. We know how to control her... problem.
Willow looks at Tara in distress.
Tara... look at me. I trusted you more than anyone in my life. Was all that just a lie?
Tears stream down Tara's face now.
No!
Well, do you want to leave?
It's not your decision, young lady.
Willow turns on him, fire in her eyes.
I know that! (soft, to Tara) Do you want to leave?
Tara shakes her head, crying.
You're going to do what's right, Tara. Now, I'm taking you out of here before somebody does get killed. (to others) The girl belongs with her family. I hope that's clear to the rest of you.
It is.
Buffy narrows her eyes at Tara for a moment, then turns to face Maclay.
You want her, Mr. Maclay? You can go ahead and take her.
Tara drops her eyes; this is what she expected. Maclay nods with satisfaction.
You just gotta go through me.
Tara looks up in shock.
What?
You heard me.
Buffy stares him down.
You want to take Tara out of here against her will? You gotta come through me.
Dawn moves to stand beside her sister and gives Maclay a steely look.
And me!
A smile breaks across Tara's face.
Is this a joke? I'm not going to be threatened by two little girls.
You don't want to mess with us.
She's a hair-puller.
Giles walks up behind the two girls.
And you're not just dealing with two little girls.
Tara can't believe what's happening.
You're dealing with all of us.
Except me.
Except Spike.
I don't care what happens.
This is insane. You people have no right to interfere with Tara's affairs. We are her blood kin! Who the hell are you?
Giles, Dawn, Buffy, Willow, Xander, and Anya surround Tara protectively.
We're family.
Tara's tears are tears of joy now. Willow smiles at her with love.
Maclay is furious.
Dad... you gonna let 'em just...? Tara, if you don't get in that car, I swear by god I will beat you down.
And I swear by your full and manly beard, you're going to break something trying.
Donny looks at Xander, realizes he's not joking, and turns away, cowed.
Well. I hope you'll all be happy hanging out with a disgusting demon.
Anya raises her hand.
Excuse me. What kind?
What?
What kind of demon is she? There's a lot of different kinds. Some are very, very evil. And some have been considered to be useful members of society.
She smiles proudly at Xander who puts his arm around her.
Well, I... I... what does it matter?
Evil is evil.
Well, let's just narrow it down.
Oh... why don't I make this simple?
He walks up to Tara and taps her on the shoulder. When she turns, he punches her square in the nose.
Both Tara and Spike reel backward in pain. Tara grabs her nose, Spike his head.
Ow!
Hey! (realizes) Hey...
Tara holds her nose.
He hit my nose!
And it hurt! Him, I mean.
Tara looks at her in surprise.
And that only works on humans.
There's no demon in there. That's just a family legend, am I right? Just a bit of spin to keep the ladies in line. Oh, you're a piece of work. (beat) I like you.
I'm not a demon.
You're not a demon.
He hurt my nose.
Aww.
Yeah, you're welcome.
Having had enough, Spike stalks off.
Mr. Maclay, I would say your business here is finished.
Tara. For eighteen years your family has taken care of you and supported you. If you want to turn your back--
Dad... just go.
Maclay scowls, then turns and heads for the door. Donny follows as Maclay pauses at the door.
Magick.
Beth gives Tara a withering look.
Are you happy now?
A slow smile spreads across Tara's face as we
Tara's birthday party. People talk in groups. Xander hands Tara a drink. Willow laughs at Xander's joke. Dawn races through the crowd and Buffy stops her. Willow blows bubbles while Tara opens her presents, admiring a crystal ball from Giles. Dawn runs over to Tara, holding a broom with a red bow tied around the handle. The gang hangs out, talking, playing pool.
Buffy leans against a post, watching the action with a smile. Behind her, the door opens and Riley enters, a gift box under his arm. He approaches Buffy.
Sorry I'm late.
You came.
Of course I came.
They kiss.
Tara talks to Anya, who wears a party hat.
No, see, 'cause your insect reflection represents your insignificance in terms of the karmic cycle.
Anya nods, understanding, then ponders for a moment.
But it's still not funny.
Xander, Buffy, Dawn and Giles talk together. Riley brings three blue plastic cups from the bar and gives one to Buffy and one to Giles. Xander already has a one. Dawn watches the crowd, fascinated.
This place is so cool. Except I have to wear this stupid stamp on my hand.
That's to keep you from boozing it up.
Oh, please. Only losers drink alcohol.
A beat as the others guiltily lower their cups to the table.
Tara and Anya.
So what's an eagle reflection?
Umm...
Willow approaches, smiling.
My dance?
She takes Tara's hand and leads her onto the dance floor as a slow song starts. They sway slowly to the music together.
Good birthday?
Best birthday.
I still can't believe you didn't tell me about your family and all that.
I was just afraid if you saw the kind of people I came from, you wouldn't want to be anywhere near me.
See... that's where you're a dummy. I think about what you grew up with and then I look at what you are. It makes me proud. It makes me love you more.
Every time I-- even when I'm at my worst... you always make me feel special. How do you do that?
Magick.
They embrace, putting their heads on each other's shoulders and swaying to the music. Pull back as Tara and Willow slowly rise off the dance floor, floating in air, floating in bliss.