[Transcript of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" episode Into The Woods at buffyology.com.]
BUFFY waits anxiously for word on her mother's condition. DAWN sleeps, her head resting in Buffy's lap. RILEY sits next to Buffy, maintaining the vigil with her. Buffy looks up as GILES arrives.
Just me. Sorry. Can I get you anything?
No. Thank you.
Riley?
No, I'm fine.
Giles nods and takes a seat with them. Reveal WILLOW and XANDER sitting nearby as well.
What time is it?
There's a clock behind you, Will.
I know, but there's a watch right above your hand.
Xander pulls his coat sleeve up and shows her his watch.
That can't be right.
She turns and looks at the clock.
Oh...
Buffy sighs in frustration.
I can't stand this. (to Riley) What's taking so long?
It doesn't mean anything.
You think?
I'd worry more if your mom was out of surgery quickly. Might mean that they couldn't do much.
Buffy nods, then wakes Dawn as DR. KRIEGEL appears at the end of the hallway in surgical scrubs and walks toward them. Everyone stands to meet him.
CU on Buffy as she waits to hear her mother's fate.
Opening credit sequence.
Resume.
Okay, your mom's in recovery.
What happened? Is she all right?
Well, it was possible to visualize the tumor completely, which means I was able to get all of it. So barring complications in recovery, I think your mother's going to be fine. Of course, we're still going to have to watch your mother carefully and have her back in here for some follow-up testing but overall I'd consider the procedure a complete success.
Everyone smiles and hugs each other in relief.
Oh, my goodness, Doctor, thank you! Thank you so much!
Believe me, it's my pleasure.
Buffy rushes over and hugs him but in her relief forgets herself. The doctor gasps in pain as Buffy gives him a full-on Slayer embrace.
Sorry! Sorry.
Dawn, ANYA and Xander sit around the kitchen table eating Chinese take-out. Dawn dangles her chopsticks from her mouth like makeshift fangs.
When I was younger, I used to put my chopsticks in my mouth like this and then Buffy would chase me around the house yelling, "I'm the Slayer! I'm going to get you!"
That's disturbing. You're emotionally scarred and will end up badly.
No, it was great. I mean, she didn't actually stake me in the heart, you know.
Buffy's pretty cool like that. So what do you want to do now, Dawnster? Keeping in mind that I won't chase you because I'm old and I'm stuffed full of moo-goo-gai-starch.
Oh! We could play that game again-- Life-- that was fun!
For you. You always win.
Well, we can make a wager this time. You can give me real money. That would be different.
And after we teach her how to gamble, maybe we can all get drunk!
I don't think the bar would serve her but we could bring something in. (to Dawn) Strawberry schnapps tastes just like real ice cream.
Xander picks up the newspaper.
Okay. How's about a movie? They're showing them in theaters now. I hear it's like watching a video with a bunch of strangers and a sticky floor.
He spreads the paper open next to Dawn.
That one looks sad.
The chimp playing hockey? Is that based on the Chekov?
Anya rushes over and snatches up the paper.
There's a chimp playing hockey?
No. The other one. I don't want to see a sad movie.
We have to see the chimp playing hockey. That's hilarious. The ice is so slippery and monkeys are all irrational... we have to see this.
You pick, Dawn. This is your night. We are celebrating your mom's good news.
Anya nods, then points to the paper.
Go monkey. Choose monkey.
It's okay. You guys don't have to make a big deal for me. I'm only sleeping over here so Buffy and Riley can boink.
Xander is startled and tries to cover.
No... that's not it at all. They just need time to be tender... to relax.
He's not very convincing, is he?
Alone-time always translates to "get Dawn out of the house so we can have loud, obnoxious sex".
Oh... does that mean we can't?
Buffy and Riley dance by candlelight.
Can we put this song on repeat?
Whatever you want.
Can we put the whole night on repeat?
Absolutely.
Good. (sighs happily) Mmm, I can't believe how relaxed I feel. It's like all the tension's just left my body.
Oh, really? 'Cause I had that scheduled for a little later on.
Scheduled? Are you planning on seducing me, Mr. Finn?
Always.
They kiss.
I want tonight to be special for you.
It's more than special. It's perfect.
Well, I'm glad. You deserve it after everything you've been through.
Well, it's nothing compared to what my mom had to deal with.
It was a lot. And you were incredible.
Not really. Just covering for the weepy chicken within.
Don't sell yourself short. You stayed strong throughout, Buffy. You never even cried.
Oh, I cried. I cried so hard I didn't think I was going to be able to stop.
Riley looks surprised. She puts her head on his shoulder.
Oh...
That's all in the past now. Mom's out of the woods and I'm here with you. That's all that matters.
She lifts her head up and they kiss again.
Bare legs move together under bed sheets. Pan over to Buffy and Riley in bed, naked and kissing passionately. Riley is on top. Their breath comes in short, excited pants. CU on Buffy's face as she climaxes and gasps with pleasure as the orgasm rolls through her body.
SPIKE stands in the shadow of a large tree, smoking a cigarette and looking up at the window. He sighs in frustration.
Later. The sex is over and Buffy sleeps contentedly. Riley watches her for a moment, then slides out of bed.
Spike puts out his cigarette and turns to leave. He stops as the front door opens and Riley walks out. Oblivious to Spike, Riley closes the door quietly and walks off into the night. Curious, Spike follows.
Spike follows Riley to an old warehouse. Riley mounts the stairs and disappears inside.
JOYCE holds a mirror up to her bandaged head and looks critically at her reflection.
I don't know, Buffy. I think I'll look like I have a cat on my head.
Buffy holds up a wig.
But a very well-groomed cat.
I think maybe I'll... stick with a scarf.
Come on, wigs are fun. We can get you a whole bunch of different ones. You know, you can be like Sixties Mom, Action Mom... (wiggles her hips suggestively) French Maid Mom...
I must be getting better, 'cause you're making fun of me.
Well, you know... got a lot of time to make up for.
You have more important things to make up. I know you've been missing a lot of school.
I may have to take a few incompletes but I will make it through the semester.
Well, what about slaying and your friends? I want you to have your life back.
Right now I'd rather be here, styling your beautiful new plastic dream hair.
Fair enough, but you don't have to keep me company all night. Go out, have fun, get Riley to take you to a movie or something.
I gave Riley the day off.
I don't think he thinks of you as a chore, Buffy.
I know that. Look, I told him to make plans with his friends because I wanted to have you all to myself, okay? Besides, I can see him any time. And I'm sure he'll come over later looking for a little--
She suddenly stops herself, realizing who she's talking to. She gives Joyce a look of innocence
--Bible study.
Joyce isn't fooled. Her daughter's sex life is hardly a mystery to her.
Well, good. I mean, just as long as the two of you are spending some quality time with... the Lord.
We are. Absolutely.
The military demon hunters have set up shop in a local Sunnydale hotel suite. Hi- tech equipment and men dressed in black BDUs fill the room. GRAHAM MILLER approaches MAJOR ELLIS who studies a large map.
What've we got?
Belize. Last transmission. Infra-red scans say they're--
Breeding. They're not going to stay in that village for long. Looks like we got ourselves a hot spot. Tell the men to get ready.
What about Riley? Agent Finn. I'm telling you, sir, if we go in for a sweep and drop, he's definitely a guy we want on the team.
Well, let's bring him on board.
It might take a little convincing.
Why? What's he got here in Sunnydale that's so special?
Buffy sleeps-- alone. The door opens and Buffy stirs.
Riley?
Reveal Spike standing in the doorway.
It's me.
Buffy sits up, fully awake now, holding the sheet protectively to her chest. It's obvious she's naked beneath it.
Every time you show up like this, you risk all of your parts, you know that?
I wouldn't be here if I didn't have a good reason. As usual, I'm here to help you and I-- are you naked under there?
Buffy rolls her eyes in frustration.
Get out.
No, I'm serious. I mean, not about the naked part.
He cranes his neck trying to see under the bedcovers.
Get out or I will drop you out headfirst.
I want to show you something.
What?
You need to see this. But we need to move if we want to get there in time.
Buffy sits there for a moment with Spike looking at her, then raises her eyebrows, telling him with a look to turn around so she can dress. He scoffs.
Oh, please! Like I give a bloody damn.
He turns his back, then makes an agonized face, forcing himself not to look as Buffy reaches for her clothing.
Spike leads Buffy through the alley and up the stairs to the warehouse. Buffy looks at him warily as Spike opens the door for her.
They enter the warehouse to find a group of people lying all around the room on couches and on the floor, amid trash and broken appliances. Each person is being fed on by one or more vampires. They moan in pleasure and pain as the demons slowly drink their blood. Buffy stares in shock.
Don't stop, Slayer. This isn't what we're here for.
Two large male vampires oversee things. One of them slips some money into his jacket pocket.
Buffy looks expectantly at Spike and he nods toward staircase at the back of the room. As she starts up the stairs, one of the burly vampires grabs Spike and spins him around. The VAMPIRE snarls at Spike.
What do you think you're doing?
Just having a little look, mate. Keep it down.
He turns away but the demon grabs him again.
You can't go up there.
Spike seizes the vampire by the throat and shoves him to the floor.
I said keep it down.
The vampire takes Spike's measure and decides to stay put. Spike turns, adjusts his jacket and he and Buffy head up the stairs.
Spike leads Buffy through the debris-strewn corridor and points to a room at the far end. She looks suspiciously at him, then goes through.
Riley sits on a dingy mattress, bare-chested, with an emaciated female vampire sitting on his lap, drinking greedily from his arm. He doesn't see Buffy.
Harder.
The vampire eagerly drinks Riley's blood as Buffy gasps in shock and horror.
Riley looks up in surprise as his girlfriend's heart breaks.
Resume. The vampire continues feeding on Riley as he looks up at Buffy.
Buffy...
Buffy stares at him, backs away and runs out. Spike smirks.
Buffy!
We only came here because we care about you, friend. You need help.
Spike winks and follows Buffy out as Riley shoves the vampire aside and gets up.
Buffy hurries down the stairs. WHIP, the vampire running the show here, moves to intercept her.
Hey. Hey, hey.
He steps in front of her but she shoves him aside without a second thought. He slams backward into the wall, stunned at her strength. Buffy disappears out the door and into the night.
Spike descends the stairs a few seconds behind her and Whip growls as Spike passes him.
Buffy exits the warehouse and stops at the bottom of the stairs in a state of shock. Spike runs out, passes her, then turns back.
I thought you should know--
Buffy turns on him with a murderous look in her eye. Spike wisely holds his tongue as she runs past him down the alley.
Riley rushes down the stairs, buttoning his shirt. Whip grabs him as he heads for the door after Buffy.
Was that the Slayer? What the hell do you think you're doing, bringing the Slayer here?
Back off, man. I didn't know.
Nobody's going to risk coming here now!
I said back off!
Whip punches Riley in the gut and Riley pounds Whip to the floor, then runs out.
Buffy enters, closes the door behind her and leans against it, shell-shocked.
The door opens and Riley enters the darkened apartment. He closes the door and sighs, then turns on a lamp. Reveal Graham Miller and Major Ellis, and another Army commando. Riley doesn't turn around.
Get out.
I need to talk to you.
Riley turns to face them.
I'm not in a talkin' mood.
Then listen.
Riley, just give the man a chance. You don't like what you hear, we'll be on our way.
Talk fast.
We have a Code One in Belize. A demon tribe is taking apart missionaries in the rain forest down there.
And you're telling me this because?
We're going down to terminate their operation. We want you to join us.
Riley looks from one to the other, then away.
I'm a civilian.
You're a soldier.
I quit the government a long way back.
We're not government. We're Army.
Just like you.
It's not the Initiative, Finn. We don't do experiments. None of us give a damn what makes monsters tick. We just stop 'em.
What do you need me for?
I think you can handle yourself and I always need bodies. I'm not going to lie to you. It's the real deal. High risk, low pay and seriously messy. We ship out for Central America tomorrow, midnight. Now maybe civilian life is working out for you... and maybe not. Midnight. Tomorrow. The decision's yours.
Riley ponders the offer as the commandos leave.
Giles hangs a large banner in the store that reads:
Don't Forget!
Winter Solstice Hanukkah Christmas Kwanzaa &
Gruenthar's Ascendance Are Coming!
Xander, Anya, and Willow work behind the counter unpacking merchandise.
And so it begins. No longer a victim of crass holiday commercialization, I'm a purveyor of it.
Anya takes a jar out of a box with a frown.
Oh. Who ordered more chickens' feet? The ones we have aren't moving at all.
That's generally what happens when you cut them off the chicken.
I'm serious. Maybe we could do a... holiday promotion. One free with every purchase!
Oh, yes. (fake nostalgia) Dear holiday memories. Merry tykes by the fire, enjoying their new Christmas chicken feet.
Holding them tight as they fall asleep. Painting their little toenails.
Willow and Giles laugh and Xander smiles. Anya grins too, though she is not amused.
That's so very humorous. Make fun of the ex-demon. I can just hear you in private. 'I dislike that Anya. She's newly human and strangely literal.'
Anya, I don't say that. No one says that. No one talks that way.
There's nothing wrong with my idea anyway. I've been very good for this store. If it wasn't for me, Giles would be a terrified old man staring at a quarterly tax statement and wetting himself.
I say, that's an exaggeration.
Anya, you've helped out a lot but I have, too.
Yes, I forgot about all the vigorous sitting around.
Anya, you can back off a little. You get paid. Willow's doing this on her own time.
Willow smiles and nods triumphantly.
I'm sorry, Willow. Thank you for making time in your busy life to come in here and get in the way of mine.
Anya, play nice.
You know, fine. Take her side instead of mine even though I'm the one who sleeps with you and feeds you, bathes you...
She bathes you?
Only in an erotic, Penthousey way. Not in a sponge-bathy geriatric sort of--
Please! Stop, I beg of you.
They all look up as the door opens and Buffy enters. She has her weapons bag slung over her shoulder and she strides purposefully over to the counter.
I need to find out everything I can about a vamp nest downtown.
A nest? What sort of--
There were people there. It looked like they were paying vampires to bite them.
Now I know what to get for the person who has everything!
Who would pay to get bitten?
Oh, that's been going on for centuries. Humans hire vampires to feed off them. They, well, you know, they get off on the rush.
And the hazards of the underworld can become addictive to... some people.
Why don't the vampires just kill 'em?
Because they get cash, hot and cold running blood and they don't leave any corpses behind so they don't get hunted.
But still, it can be terribly dangerous for humans. I mean, people can end up dying accidentally or meeting a vampire who only pretends to play by the house rules.
You knew about this and you didn't tell me?
I hadn't seen it since my Ripper days. I had no idea it was going on in Sunnydale.
Well, it is. And I'm going to stop it.
She turns toward a large trunk and opens it, revealing a stash of weapons.
Buffy, even if I had known about this, I might not have told you right now.
Buffy rounds on him.
What? Why?
Well, I'm not sure this is where your efforts are best spent. Perhaps you should focus on a less ambiguous evil. Glory, for instance?
You said people are dying.
They're willing victims. I mean, there are people out there who deserve your help who aren't.
Vampires are vampires. And my job description is pretty clear. Are you coming with me or not?
What's the rush, Buff? If we're going into a nest, maybe we should come up with a strategy. Wait for Riley.
Buffy scowls at the mention of her boyfriend.
Back me up or not. I'm going.
She stalks out. Giles looks conflicted but he and Xander begin to collect their things.
Anya, will you mind the store?
Anya nods. The others gather up jackets and stakes and leave. Anya watches them go with a smile.
Have a nice day! Don't get killed.
Buffy and Giles descend the stairs. The building is deserted.
I don't understand. This place was doing serious business last night.
Willow and Xander examine a small cooking grill set up on a table. A flame still burns in it.
Well, I guess everybody jumped ship once the word got out that the Slayer found their crib. (beat) I just want to apologize for the use of the word 'crib.'
Do you think they'll set up shop again in town?
It's hard to say. I'm sure they'll lie low for a bit.
But they're around somewhere. There's gotta be a way to find these creeps.
Don't worry, Buff. You'll find them.
Yeah, I'm sure you'll get them next time, champ.
Buffy shoots them a baleful look and hurls the grill against the far wall. The fire instantly begins to spread among the trash and debris and engulfs the wall. Buffy stalks out as the others stare at her in shock, then follow.
Spike sits in his recliner holding a bottle of wine. As he pops the cork, sighs and lifts the bottle to take a swig, the door slams open and Riley stalks in.
Spike puts the cork back in the bottle and sets it aside.
What took you? Guess it takes a while to get back to full strength after those bites.
Riley seizes Spike by the shirt and yanks him up out of his chair.
Hey! Hey, let's be reasonable about this.
Riley slams him up against a support pillar and delivers a vicious head-blow.
You may have noticed, Spike, I left reasonable about three exits back.
Look, I'm not the one who got you into this. Don't kill the messenger.
Riley scowls. He raises his arm and plunges a stake directly into Spike's heart. Spike's eyes go wide with shock.
Why the hell not?
Resume. Riley holds the stake in Spike's chest.
Ow! Bloody hell! Oh, god! (realizes he's not dead) Hey...
He looks down at his chest as Riley yanks the stake out. Spike grabs his chest in pain and stares at the stake in surprise.
Plastic wood-grain. Looks real, doesn't it? Don't think I don't know what's going on with you, Spike. Stay away from her... or we'll do this for real next time.
He pats Spike on the cheek and walks away, leaving the vampire panting in pain against the pillar. His gasps slowly turn to chuckles and Riley turns back, angry.
Oh, man. You are really under it, aren't you?
What?
Look at you. All afraid I'm hot for your honey.
Because you are.
Well... yeah. But that's not your problem. Even if I wasn't in the picture, you're never going to be able to hold on to her.
Riley grabs Spike's wound and twists violently.
Ow! Bloody hell!
Maybe I didn't almost kill you enough.
Come on. You're not the long-haul guy and you know it.
Shut up.
You know it. Or else you wouldn't be getting suck jobs from two-bit vampire trulls.
Annoyed, Riley looks lets go of Spike and paces.
The girl needs some monster in her man... and that's not in your nature.
He pushes away from the pillar, still holding his chest, and sits in his chair.
No matter how low you try to go.
He reaches for the bottle and pops the cork again.
You actually think you've got a shot with her?
No, I don't. Fella's gotta try, though. (takes a swig) Gotta do what he can.
If you touched her... you know I'd kill you for real.
I had this chip outta my head, I'd have killed you long ago. Ain't love grand?
He sticks the cork back in and tosses the bottle to Riley. He catches it and takes a swig of his own.
Sometimes I envy you so much it chokes me. And sometimes I think I got the better deal. (sighs) To be that close to her and not have her... to be all alone even when you're holding her. Feeling her, feeling her beneath you... surrounding you. The scent... (beat) No, you got the better deal.
Riley looks over at Spike and takes another drink.
I'm the lucky guy. Yeah. I'm the guy.
He tosses the bottle back to Spike.
Buffy beats the tar out of her punching bag.
Anya goes over paperwork behind the counter while Xander looks toward the back room, concerned.
How long has she been in there?
A while now. Seems pretty gung-ho about it, too. Didn't even stop to say hello.
Yeah, when we went to deal with that vampire nest, she got all Rambo and torched the place. Something seriously bad is going on with her.
Oh, I don't know, maybe you're overreacting. I mean, who hasn't done stuff like that from time to time? I mean, I made this one guy spontaneously combust and he set his whole village on fire.
The door bell jingles and Riley enters.
Can you stop being scary for a minute and listen to what I'm trying to tell you?
Riley approaches and Xander and nods toward the back.
She in there?
She's training.
Would you guys mind clearing out? I need a minute alone with her.
Xander nods and goes to get his jacket.
A little after-hours hanky-panky in the training room, huh? Boy, Xander and I could tell you some stories...
Not now. Let's go, Anya.
They head for the front door.
There's a funny thing with the vaulting horse that you can tr--
Anya!
What? He started it.
In your world, maybe, but where the people are, this isn't the time for 'Tales of Anya and Xander's Sexcapades'.
Oh... well, maybe we can go home and, you know, have 'em.
Actually, I've got some stuff to take care of.
He walks past her and out the door. Anya follows, hurt.
Buffy is still attacking the bag as Riley walks in behind her. Buffy takes note of him but doesn't stop.
We need to talk.
I'm not ready to talk to you yet.
Riley removes his jacket and tosses it aside.
Too bad.
He takes hold of the punching bag and she stops.
I'm serious. Unless you want to fight.
So let's fight. We need to have this out, Buffy. Right now.
And say what, Riley? 'What were you thinking? How long have you been lying to me?' Nothing you say right now is going to make this better.
I realize that.
He grabs her arm and turns her to face him.
I don't expect... (angry) I just need you to hear me out.
Fine. Get your hand off of me.
He lets go of her arm and steps away.
I think when this thing started, it was just some stupid, immature game. I wanted to even the score after you let Dracula bite you.
I did not let Dracula--
I know. On some level I know that. But I was still spun. (beat) I don't know... I wanted to know what you felt. I wanted to know why Dracula and Angel have so much power over you.
Buffy shakes her head in disgust.
You so don't get it.
I wanted to get it, Buffy. I wanted to get you.
So this is my fault? "Hey, gee, Buffy's so mysterious... I think I'll go out and almost die. I think I'll go and let some other w--"
She breaks off and turns away again.
This isn't your fault. It's mine. I feel like hell for what I've put you through. It's just... these girls--
Vampires. Killers.
They made me feel something, Buffy. Something I didn't even know I was missing until--
I can't! I can't hear this.
Riley grabs her arm again.
You need to hear this.
Buffy rips her arm away and backs off.
Fine. Fine! Tell me about your whores! Tell me what on earth they were giving you that I can't.
They needed me.
They needed your money. It wasn't about you.
No. On some basic level it was about me. My blood, my body. When they bit me... it was beyond passion. They wanted to devour me, all of me.
Why are you telling me this?
It wasn't real. I know it was just physical. But the fact that I craved it... that I kept going back, even if it was fleeting... they made me feel like they had such hunger for me.
And I don't... make you feel that way?
Riley looks away, the answer obvious but unspoken.
How on earth can you compare me to that? How can you tell me you understand what those vampires are feeling? You aren't a passion to them-- you are a snack! A willing, idiotic snack.
No, I know exactly what they feel when they bite me because I feel it every time we're together. It's like the whole world falls away. And all there is is you.
And you think that I don't feel the same way about you? How dare you tell me what I feel!
You keep me at a distance, Buffy. You didn't even call me when your mom went into the hospital.
Oh, I'm sorry! You know, I'm sorry that I couldn't take care of you when I thought that my mother was dying.
It's about me taking care of you! It's about letting me in. So you don't have to be on top of everything all the time.
But I do. That's part of what being a Slayer is. (shakes her head) And that's what this is really about, isn't it? You can't handle the fact that I'm stronger than you.
It's hard sometimes, yeah. But that's not it.
Then what? What else do you want from me, Riley? I've given you everything that I have. I've given you my heart, my body and soul!
You say that but I don't feel it. I just don't feel it.
Well, whose fault is that? Because I'm telling you, this is it. This is me. This is the package. And if it's so deficient that you need to get your kicks elsewhere... then we really have a problem.
A silent beat as they stare at each other.
They want me back, Buffy... the military.
She looks up in shock.
It's deep undercover, no contact with civilians. Transport's leaving tonight.
Tonight? When were you going to tell me about this?
I'm telling you now.
Are you going?
I don't know. If we can't work this out...
Then what? This is goodbye?
Riley shrugs and Buffy shoots through the roof.
You are unbelievable! You're giving me an ultimatum?
No, I'm not.
Yes, you are! You expect me to get over it now or you're gone!
I don't, Buffy. That's not what I meant.
Well, I have heard enough. I will not take the blame for this.
She starts to walk away and Riley takes her by the arm again.
I'm not asking you to.
She yanks free of him.
Let go of me!
Or what? You'll hit me?
She stares at him, her anger radiating off her like a bonfire. He spreads his arms out in invitation.
Go ahead. Come on, do it.
Get out of my way.
I'm serious, Buffy. Hit me. Hit me.
He walks right up to her, challenging, but she dodges him and takes her jacket off a hook.
I'm leaving, Buffy.
She heads for the door without a word.
Unless you give me a reason to stay... I'm leaving tonight.
Buffy opens the door and walks out, closing it behind her.
Buffy walks down the dark alley behind the magick shop. Suddenly, Whip and Riley's junkie vampire emerge from the shadows behind her. Buffy slows, then stops and turns to face them.
The pyro act was a bad idea, Slayer.
Felt pretty good to me.
I'm not running. And you're not shutting me down.
More vampires appear, about ten in all, surrounding Buffy.
In fact... you're not gonna make it through the night.
Resume. Buffy looks around her, then faces Whip.
Walk away. I'm serious. Don't do this. Not now.
Whip lunges at her and she throws him across the alley with brutal force into a stack of PVC piping. The other vampires instantly attack.
Buffy is hell unleashed. Her anger fuels her strength, her reflexes and power are incredible, even for a Slayer. She is a maelstrom of legs and arms, blows flying faster than the eye can follow. She sends six of the attacking vampires reeling away from her.
One of the vampires picks up a large wooden plank with a jagged end and attacks Buffy with it. She effortlessly stuns him with a blow to the face, takes the makeshift staff from him and whips it backward, impaling a vampire about to attack from behind.
Buffy spins around as three of the vampires attack her at once and in the blink of an eye, she stakes all three in succession, leaving nothing but a cloud of dust to show the demons even existed at all.
Buffy pauses and turns to Whip. He snarls and makes a running leap at her. She stakes him with the staff in mid-air, then rounds on the one remaining vampire: Riley's whore. Buffy jams the staff to her throat and the emaciated creature stands there, trembling, staring at the Slayer with mortal fear in her eyes.
Buffy looks carefully at the demon and realizes this is the one she saw feeding off Riley. She pauses a moment, then slowly lowers the staff and steps back. The junkie vampire looks surprised, then turns and begins to run away down the alley.
Buffy watches her go, a vacant look on her face. Then, she suddenly raises the staff and hurls it like a javelin down the alley. It whickers in a deadly arc straight into the vampire's back. With a ghostly scream, the creature disintegrates.
So how'd that work out for ya?
Buffy turns as Xander emerges from the shadows.
Make you feel better?
What are you doing here?
I thought you might need to talk. Then I saw the skirmish happen. I was going to lend a hand but I noticed you grew a few extra ones.
Go home, Xander.
She turns and strides away.
Buffy.
I'm serious!
So am I. Something's up. You're acting like a crazy person.
Xander follows Buffy as she pushes aside a large metal door in the side of a warehouse and goes inside. He ducks inside after her.
Boxes and metal cans are stacked neatly on metal shelving all around. Buffy walks to a metal grating and leans against it as Xander enters behind her.
Take this, for instance. You don't want to deal, so you hide? It's not very Slayer-like.
Just leave me alone, Xander. You have no idea what's going on.
No? Good. So you and Riley aren't imploding?
Buffy turns to face him in surprise.
It doesn't take a genius. What I can't figure out is how you never saw it coming.
What? Who told you?
Nobody told me anything, Buffy. It was right in front of my Xander face. The guy would do anything for you.
The guy got himself bit by a vampire!
Now it's Xander's turn to be surprised.
He lied to me. He ran around behind my back and almost got himself killed! And now he tells me that he's leaving with some covert military operation at midnight unless I convince him not to. Now tell me that you understand because I sure as hell don't.
You going to let him go?
It's not my decision to make.
Of course it is.
Well, it's not fair.
Who cares if it's fair? In about twenty minutes, Riley's going to disappear-- maybe forever-- unless you do something to stop him.
What am I supposed to do? Beg him to stay?
Why wouldn't you? To keep Riley here--
I don't even know who he is any more. I mean, I thought he was... dependable.
Dependable? What is he? State Farm?
You know what I mean.
Yeah. I think you mean convenient. I think you took it for granted that he was going to show up when you wanted him to and take off when you didn't.
Look who's talking. Look who has Anya following him around like a lovesick puppy.
Oh boy, is this not about me.
Is she more than a convenience? 'Cause that would kinda be a surprise.
If you don't want to hear what I have to say, I'll shut up right now.
Good, 'cause I don't.
She starts to walk off but Xander stops her.
I lied. See, what I think, you got burned with Angel, then Riley shows up.
I know the story, Xander.
But you miss the point. You shut down, Buffy and you've been treating Riley like the rebound guy when he's the one that comes along once in a lifetime. He's never held back with you. He's risked everything. And you're about to let him fly because you don't like ultimatums?
Buffy's eyes begin to tear over as Xander's words finally get through.
If he's not the guy, if what he needs from you just isn't there... let him go. Break his heart and make it a clean break. But if you really think you can love this guy-- I'm talking scary, messy, no-emotions-barred need-- if you're ready for that... then think about what you're about to lose.
Buffy looks up at him, then looks around anxiously. Tears stream down her face.
Xander...
Run.
She turns and bolts out of the warehouse. Xander watches as the door slams behind her.
Buffy runs as hard as she can, down the streets of Sunnydale.
Riley stands next to a black helicopter, looking around, hoping Buffy will show.
Buffy runs through a residential neighborhood.
Riley checks his watch. Behind him, the helicopter's rotors begin to turn.
Buffy runs even faster.
The helicopter's rotors become a blur.
Buffy runs through a wooded park, down a set of stairs and across a grassy knoll.
Riley stares out into the night. Buffy's not there. He reluctantly turns and boards the helicopter, strapping himself in next to Graham.
Buffy emerges form the woods and runs up onto the helipad. The helicopter is already off the ground and rising fast. She looks up at Riley as he rises into the darkness and screams his name.
Riley! Riley!
Riley stares grimly out the front window. He doesn't see or hear Buffy on the ground, yelling up at him.
Riley! Riley!
Buffy watches helplessly as the helicopter rises and disappears into the night.
Later. Buffy walks down a residential street in a state of emotional shock.
Xander enters and faces Anya, a serious look on his face. Anya gets out of bed and approaches him.
I've gotta say something, 'cause I don't think I've made it clear. (beat) I'm in love with you. Powerfully, painfully in love. The things you do... the way you think... the way you move... I get excited every time I'm about to see you.
Anya smiles, her eyes glistening.
You make me feel like I've never felt before in my life. Like a man. (beat) I just thought you might want to know.
Anya grabs him and kisses him passionately.
Buffy enters the dark house and sits on the stairs.
Riley stares out the helicopter window at the town of Sunnydale twinkling in the velvet night below as he heads toward a future without Buffy.