[Transcript of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" episode Blood Ties at buffyology.com.]
The shop is closed for the evening and BUFFY, GILES, TARA, XANDER, WILLOW and ANYA gather around the reading table and discuss the Glory situation.
Look, I know Mom wants to gather and make with the merry tomorrow night but with everything that's going on...
This is exactly what you need. A 20th birthday party with presents and funny hats and those candles that don't blow out. (sotto; to Tara) Those used to scare me.
Me, too.
I just don't think this is the best time to break out the party piņata. We need to stay focused if we're going to find a way to stop Glory.
We're going up against a god. An actual mightier-than-thou god.
Well, you know what they say, the bigger they are--
The faster they stomp you into nothing.
She's right. I've thrown everything I've got at her and she just shrugs it off.
Then we have to find something heavier to throw.
That might pose some difficulty. From what the Council's been able to discover from the Book of Tarnis and other sources, Glory and two of her fellow hell-gods ruled over one of the more seriously unpleasant demon dimensions.
There's more than one?
Oh, there are thousands of demon dimensions. All different.
All pushing on the edges of our reality, trying to find a way in.
I guess Glory found one. The question is why?
There's nothing to indicate that here. Just vague references to chaos and destruction.
Giles' teakettle whistles and he gets up to pour the tea.
Okay, so we know where Glory's from. What do we know about her? You know, she's tough, yeah, but no bolts of lightning, no blasts of fire... shouldn't a god be able to do that kind of stuff?
Usually, yes, but being in human form must be severely limiting her powers. All we have to worry about right now is she's immortal, invulnerable and insane.
A crazy hell-god? And the fun just keeps on leaving.
From what I've been able to gather, her living in this world is seriously affecting her mental state as well. She's only been able to keep her mind intact by extracting energy from us. Well, from the human brain.
She's a brain-sucker?
She... (reads) "absorbs the energies that bind the human mind into a cohesive whole." Once drained, all that's left behind is--
Crazy people.
Which is, I'm afraid, why there's been a marked increase in the ranks of the mentally unstable here in Sunnydale.
At least vampires just kill you.
We have to find a way to stop her.
Oh, well, Tara and I can work on some tactical spells.
I can do some research. I know way more about demon dimensions than Giles does. (off Giles' look) Well, I do.
This is great long-term planny stuff but what about this Key thingy Glory's looking for?
Buffy and Giles exchange a look.
Yeah, I mean, shouldn't we be trying to find it before she does?
I don't think that's what we should be worrying about right now.
They've got a point. Whatever Glory's planning on opening with the Key, I'm guessing it won't be filled with candy and flowers.
So where should we start looking? Do we know where it used to be kept? Who saw it last?
We did. Giles and me. We know where it is.
You what?
You know and you didn't tell us?
There were... reasons.
Look, if Glory knew that you guys knew where it was, I... I just didn't want to put you in that kind of danger.
As opposed to the other kind we're always in?
You should have said something.
Will, there's... (beat) You're right. (to Giles) It's time.
Are you sure?
If they're going to be risking their lives, they deserve to know.
Know what?
There's something that you need to know... about Dawn.
ORLANDO holds up his sword before a blazing fire. Two of his fellow Byzantine Knights watch him intently. They all chant in unison.
The link must be severed. Such is the will of God.
The Key is the link. The link must be severed. Such is the will of God.
The Key is the link. The link must be severed. Such is the will of God.
You really think he is going to help you?
The knights turn as one, their swords at the ready, to find JINX, DREG, and a third demon from their order watching them, armed for combat.
I fear your faith is gravely misplaced.
The demons attack but the fight is brief; the knights quickly kill Dreg and his companion, leaving only Jinx alive. He cowers and tries to back away as Orlando advances but he trips and falls over onto his back. Orlando towers over Jinx and raises his sword high for the killing blow.
Shall we test your faith now?
As he brings the sword down, a hand appears and stops the blade cold. GLORY smiles cruelly at Orlando.
Never send a minion to do a god's work.
She backhands Orlando, hurling him 30 feet across the clearing. He crawls across the ground toward his sword as Glory takes the other two knights apart, piece by piece. She stabs one knight with his own sword, then uses it to kill the other, then turns to Orlando. Just as his fingers touch the hilt of his sword, Glory snatches it away from him. She looks at it with appreciation, then points the tip of the blade at his face.
Hey, nice sword. Bet it hurts.
Opening credit sequence.
Willow and Tara stand outside the magick shop, creating runic symbols on the street with colored sand, as DAWN approaches.
You guys doin' a spell?
Dawn, hey. Yeah, we're doing an early warning incantation. If anything hell-godishly powerful comes within a hundred feet of the shop, then screechy siren things will, you know, screech.
This should give us a heads-up so we can hide the... Key.
We already put one up around your house.
Cool. Can I help?
Willow and Tara exchange a look.
Well, I don't think Buffy would like the Black Arts bumpin' auras with the littlest Summers.
Yeah, whatever.
Dawn continues on into the store.
How can she not be real?
She's real, she's just... kinda new.
Willow throws a last handful of dust down and the runes on the street flash brightly and disappear.
Dawn enters to find Anya and Xander researching. Anya stares at Dawn like she's a particularly colorful species of insect.
Hey. We on the case?
Yeah. Right on top, perched, ready for action. How's my sweet, fancy Dawn doing?
Xander reaches over and tickles Dawn's belly. She giggles and tries to fight him off.
Fine. What's up with you? Did you get into the sugar again?
You make a very pretty little girl!
Anya, you want to help me with that thing?
Xander needs help with his thing!
Xander pulls Anya away as Dawn stares at them in amazement. Giles and Buffy enter from the training room. Buffy drinks bottled water, having just completed her daily routine. Giles stops at the counter and takes out a small notebook. He makes an entry in his Watcher diary.
I'm not sure our regular workout is challenging you any more. Perhaps we should make it harder.
You always think harder is better. Maybe next time I patrol I should carry a load of bricks... use a stake made of butter.
Very amusing.
Dawn notices the notebook lying open on the counter.
I'm sure Dawn feels that way about her schoolwork sometimes.
That true? How was school today?
The usual. Big square building filled with boredom and despair.
Just how I remember it.
Giles closes the diary and slides it off the counter out of sight.
So what's the homework sitch?
We have to imagine what we'll be like ten years from now and write a letter to our future self. The teacher's clearly so out of ideas. Want to help?
Maybe later. I have some stuff I have to do first.
Is it about that weird girl that came to the house?
Glory. And no it's not.
Like you'd tell me anyway. "Dawn's too young and Dawn's too delicate."
Right. A young delicate pain in my butt.
I just think you're freakin' out 'cause you have to fight someone prettier than you. That is the case, right?
Glory is evil. And powerful. And in no way prettier than me.
I just think you're getting soft in your advanced age. She didn't look that tough to me.
Glory interrogates Orlando. He's strung up, face bloody and bruised.
Okay. One more time. Just between me and you. Our itsy-bitsy little secret. Where... is... the Key?
Even if I knew, I'd die a thousand deaths before I'd tell you.
Well, you won't need a thousand, sweetie. I'll make the first one last. Long time.
She's picks up his sword and turns back to him, shaking her head.
What is it with you religious types? It's intimacy, isn't it?
She cradles his face and runs her hands seductively down his chest.
Oh, you're just scared of letting someone in! Shh, shh, shh. It's okay. I know how difficult the first time can be. You don't have to be afraid. Just relax. You may not have the info I want... but you've still got something I need.
She grips his head with both hands and her fingers sink through his skull. Light streams out of the holes and Orlando screams in agony.
A huge pile of brightly wrapped gifts adorns the coffee table. Buffy squeals with delight.
Prezzies!
The whole gang has gathered for Buffy's impromptu birthday party. Willow has a party hat on and holds a bottle of soap bubbles. She blows a stream of bubbles throughout the room.
See? Just what you needed.
You are very, very wise. Now gimme, gimme, gimme!
Tara hands her a gift and Buffy begins ripping off the paper.
This is extremely suspenseful! I want the presents.
Buffy removes a dress from the package.
Oh... it's beautiful. Thank you, guys.
Well, we thought you'd get lots of crossbows... other killy stuff.
Yeah, so we figured less killy, more frilly.
Anya snatches the dress from Buffy.
Gotta look. Oh, it's just so lovely! I wish it was mine! (off everyone's look) Oh, like you weren't all thinking the same thing.
She reluctantly puts the dress down.
I'm fairly certain I wasn't. (sotto; to Xander) I've got one just like it.
Here. Open mine.
Dawn hands over a present and Buffy looks at her sister suspiciously, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth.
It's not going to explode, is it?
She opens it and removes a photo of herself and Dawn in a frame covered with seashells. Buffy stares at it, a mixture of emotion washing across her face.
It's when we visited Dad that summer in San Diego. I put the shells on it myself. We picked them off the beach.
I remember.
JOYCE smiles and an awkward silence fills the room. Dawn looks uncomfortable.
Well, geez, don't get all movie-of-the-week. I was just too cheap to buy a real present.
Thank you.
Buffy gets up and hugs Dawn. She looks meaningfully at her mother over Dawn's shoulder.
Later. Joyce and Giles sip wine in the kitchen. Buffy pours herself a glass of water.
It still seems to me like there's a lot you don't know about this. I mean, is she dangerous?
No.
Well, now, wait just a second. I assume you're talking about her existence rather than her intentions.
Exactly.
Pan across to the doorway to reveal Dawn listening in from the dining room. Buffy glances down the hall and sees Dawn.
Dawn? What are you doing in there? Party gettin' slow?
Dawn picks up a stack of plates from the table.
We need plates. Cake time.
She walks off and Buffy smiles nervously.
Tara and Willow prepare the cake while Xander and Anya stand in the doorway kissing. As Dawn enters, Anya pushes Xander away and Willow and Tara stop what they're doing. Dawn puts plates on the table next to the cake, smiling. She stops smiling when she sees Tara's face, then turns around to look at Xander and Anya.
Why does everybody start acting all weird when I'm around?
Me? Me not weird.
Tara looks worried and Willow concentrates fiercely on licking the frosting off a cake candle.
I'm not an idiot. I know you're talking about me.
No, we really weren't.
We were talking about sex.
Buffy, Joyce and Giles enter.
They were talking about me, just like everybody is.
Again, not so much. In fact, none.
We were talking about sex. I mean, you know us, sometimes we like to pretend stuff--
Anya!
You know, like say there's a fireman or a shepherd--
You know what? Let's not have this exchange of images right now.
Oh. Right. Of course. Can't let Dawn hear anything. (angry) Fine. I'm just going to go to bed. That way I won't accidentally get exposed to... like words.
She storms out of the room. Willow holds up a plate in the awkward silence that follows.
Cake?
Dawn storms into her bedroom and slams the door.
Later. Dawn climbs out her window and down the trellis, onto the back porch. The curtains are drawn and the party-goers are silhouetted inside the house. Watching the windows apprehensively, Dawn heads off across the back lawn and runs right into SPIKE. The vampire has a crumpled package under his arm. Dawn yelps in surprise.
Jeez! Lurk much?
I wasn't lurking. I was standing about. It's a whole different vibe.
What is... (sees package) Are you giving Buffy a birthday present? Oh, my god. Weird. And chocolates? Lame. And the box is all bent and well, you know she'd never touch anything from you anyway.
Spike leans over her, menacing.
Shouldn't you be tucked away in your beddy-bye? All warm and safe where nothing can eat you?
Is that supposed to scare me?
Little tremble wouldn't hurt.
Sorry, it's just... come on. I'm badder than you.
Are not!
Am too. You're standing in the bushes hugging a bent box of chocolates and I'm--
What? Sneaking out to braid hair and watch Teletubbies with your mates?
No. I'm breaking into the magick shop... to steal things.
Magick shop, eh? (thoughtful) All number of beasties between here and there. Bet they'd really go for a Little Red Riding Hood like you. Bet that wouldn't sit too well with big sister.
Dawn looks around at the deep shadows uncertainly.
I can take care of myself. (beat) You want to come steal some stuff?
Yeah, all right.
Dawn stands by the door keeping a lookout while Spike kneels, trying to pick the lock.
Do you know how to do that or not?
Give us a sec. I usually just burst through doors.
The lock clicks open.
That's right! (smug) Who's bad now?
She shoots him a withering look, flips on her flashlight and walks inside.
Girl with a mission, eh? What's the caper? Jewels? Ancient artifacts? Or just plain hard cash liberated from the till?
A book.
All this for a book?
Dawn strides confidently to the counter and moves behind it.
I don't want the book, just what's inside. I think it was Giles' notes. He was standing here and when I turned around, it was gone.
She begins feeling under the edge of the counter. Never one to miss an opportunity, Spike pockets some of Giles' merchandise.
Dawn finds the hidden drawer and pulls it open, revealing the book. She smiles in triumph.
Later. Spike and Dawn are sitting on the floor, several candles providing enough light to read by. Spike is happily puffing away on a cigarette while Dawn peruses Giles' Watcher diary.
Where did he learn to write so bloody small? From a fruit fly?
Wait, here's something. (reads) "Tarnis, 12th century. One of the founders of the monks of the Order of Dagon. Their sole purpose appears to have been as protectors of the Key."
Brown-robe types are always protecting something. It's the only way they can justify giving up girls.
He looks around and spots Olaf's troll hammer in a display case.
Hey! Troll hammer.
Spike pulls it out of the case but falls over as the weight of the hammer drags him to the floor with it. Embarrassed, he glances over to see if Dawn noticed but she has her back to him, engrossed in her reading.
Didn't go with my stuff anyway.
He continues perusing the shelves, bored, as Dawn reads.
"The Key is not directly described in any known literature but all research indicates an energy matrix vibrating at a dimensional frequency beyond normal human perception. Only those outside reality can see the Key's true nature." Outside reality... what's that mean?
Second-sight blokes, mostly, or even just your run-of-the-mill lunatics.
He stubs out his cigarette in one of Giles' relics and resumes his seat beside Dawn as she begins to come to a realization.
Various individuals Dawn has encountered over the last few months.
There! There's no one in there.
I know what you are.
What else does it say about this Key? Is it made out of gold? Maybe we can hock it, split the take.
"The Key is also susceptible to necromanced animal detection, particularly those of canine or serpent construct."
The Sobekite reptile demon crashes through the storefront and rears up before Dawn, its eyes flashing red.
Dawn holds the book, pondering. Spike reaches over and takes it from her.
"The monks possessed the ability to transform energy, bend reality." Blah, blah, blah. Good lord, Giles writes as dull as he talks, doesn't he? (reads) "They started work but the Council has suggested to us that they were interrupted, presumably by Glory. They obviously did manage to accomplish the taste..." (corrects himself) "...accomplish the task. They had to be certain the Slayer would protect it with her life so they sent the Key to her... in human form. In the form of a sister."
CU on Dawn as her eyes go wide in shock and the color drains from her face. Spike frowns and looks over at her.
Huh! I guess that's you, niblet.
Buffy's birthday party. Willow and Tara sit on the sofa, facing Buffy in an armchair.
Not even a card, huh?
I wasn't really expecting one. No contact with civilians. There's probably a code name for it. You know, like radio silence? It's "greeting card silence".
Sorry.
Maybe it's time to start a new tradition. Birthdays without boyfriends. It could be just as much fun.
Preaching to the choir here, baby.
Yeah, some of my best--
Her eyes go wide as she sees something over Buffy's shoulder.
Oh, my god...
Buffy turns to look behind her, then bolts out of her chair.
Reveal Dawn, standing in the doorway, a bloody butcher knife in one hand, blood streaming down her other arm from a hideous gash.
Is this blood?
Joyce and Giles turn to look.
Dawn!
Oh, baby!
What did you do?
This is blood, isn't it? It can't be me. I'm not a Key. I'm not a thing.
Buffy's face goes pale with shock.
Oh, sweetie, no. What is this all about?
What am I? Am I real? Am I anything?
She begins to cry and Joyce hugs her. Buffy watches grimly, tears pooling in her own eyes.
Later. Buffy sees the others out.
If you need anything...
Thanks.
Willow hugs Buffy and leaves. Giles pauses at the door.
Perhaps I should stay, you know, just in case.
This is a family thing. We should deal with this.
Okay.
Giles leaves and Buffy closes the door behind him.
Dawn sits on her bed with Joyce as Buffy enters. Dawn stares at the her hands, not looking at Buffy or her mother.
Why didn't you tell me?
Joyce looks at Buffy for guidance.
We were going to. It just...
Dawn shoots her an angry look.
We thought it would be better if we waited until you were older.
How old am I now?
You're fourteen, sweetheart. You know that.
No. The monks. When did... when did they...?
Six months ago.
Dawn chokes back tears.
I've only been alive for six months, huh?
Honey, you've been alive a lot longer than that to us.
You don't know that! You don't know anything. I'm just a Key, right? Everything about me is made up.
Dawn... Mom and I know what we feel. I know I care about you. I know that I worry about you--
You worry about me because you have to. I'm your job. Protect the Key, right?
I worry because my sister is cutting herself!
Yeah? How do you know? Maybe this is just another fake memory from my fake family.
Sweetheart--
Get out.
Dawn...
Get out, get out, get out!
Joyce and Buffy get up to leave and Dawn curls up, hugging a stuffed animal to herself and sobbing quietly.
Willow, Xander, Anya and Giles look to Buffy, who is galvanized into action by Dawn's plight.
We need answers, Giles. We need to find out everything we can about the Key. What it's for, who created it.
And why Glory has a big girl-god jones for it.
This isn't about her. It's about Dawn. She deserves to know where she came from. She needs to know or it's just going to eat away at her.
Giles looks down at the papers scattered across the counter.
How did she find these? How did she get in here?
Anya turns from the shelves, holding a small cup in one hand and a cigarette butt in the other.
Eww! Who's been using the Urn of Ishtar as an ashtray?
The realization hits Buffy.
The door slams open and Buffy strides into the mausoleum. Spike sits atop one of the crypts, painting his fingernails black.
Morning, sunshine. If you've come around for eggs or sausage, I'm fresh out.
Buffy grabs the massive concrete lid of the crypt and yanks it out from under Spike so that he tumbles backward into it. He sits up, confused.
Hey, careful! (re: nails) These are wet.
Buffy jams the lid back onto the crypt so that it slams into Spike's chest, pinning him against the opposite end.
How could you let her find out like that? From books and papers? You hate me that much?
I was just along for the ride. Not like I knew she was a mystical- glowy Key thing. Nobody keeps me in the bloody loop, do they?
Buffy lifts the thousand-pound slab of concrete up and slams it back down, furious.
You could have stopped her.
Spike heaves the crypt lid off of him and tosses it aside, where it shatters on the floor.
Oh, yeah, here it comes. Something goes wrong in your life, blame Spike. News flash, blondie: if kid sis wants to grab a midnight stroll, she'll find a way sooner or later. I just thought she'd be safer with Big Bad looking over her shoulder.
Buffy glares at him silently for a moment, knowing he's right but still fuming.
She shouldn't have found out like that.
You didn't think you could keep the truth from her forever, did you? (angry) Maybe if you had been more honest with her in the first place, you wouldn't be trying to make yourself feel better with a round of Kick the Spike.
Buffy turns and storms out, slamming the door behind her.
Joyce knocks on the door, then enters. Dawn is still lying on her bed with her back to the door.
Honey? You're going to be late for school.
I'm not going. Blobs of energy don't need an education.
You want me to make you some soup? I think there's some chicken and stars--
I'm not sick! I'm not anything.
Honey, calm down, okay.
She puts her hand on Dawn's back.
Don't tell me what to do. (beat) You're not my mother. (off Joyce's hurt look) I changed my mind. I'd rather be at school.
She grabs her coat and backpack and leaves.
BEN enters with a tray full of pill cups. The ward is full of Glory's victims: normal people turned into raving lunatics. They are all in restraints, strapped to their beds.
All right, fellas, today we've got blues, greens, and... oh, hey, chartreuse. It's a party.
Orlando laughs hysterically from his bed.
It won't stick. The birds have been pecking too hard.
Ben looks over at Orlando and notices the runic tattoo on his forehead.
Byzantium...
Yes, they've arrived.
Jinx appears from the shadows.
Unfortunate but not completely unexpected.
How many?
Their numbers are few for the moment but they will grow. The Knights of Byzantium are like ants. First you see one, then two, then the picnic's ruined. No matter how many we kill, they'll keep coming... wave after wave. It's time to set old animosities aside. Your fate is directly linked to her magnificently-scented Glorificus. She's been extremely forgiving of your considerable foibles up until now but if you persist in your defiance, she'll be forced to--
To what? What is she going to do? Send a six-pack of minions to bore me to death? Glory can't lay a finger on me. You know it, I know it, she knows it. So save the threats or I'll finish the job I started on your head.
He shoves past Jinx and walks out of the ward.
Dawn sits on her bed, looking through her diaries-- the chronicles of the last seven years of her young life-- realizing now that they are all a fiction, constructed memories.
Buffy and Joyce discuss how to handle the situation with Dawn.
We can't just let her sit up there all alone.
She needs time. We can't force her to be all right with this.
That's your answer? Just leave her alone and hope that everything works itself out?
No, but if I were her, I'd want a little bit of time right now. I wouldn't want my mother and my sister coming at me from all sides.
Her school called today. She was suspended.
Dawn is on the stairway above, listening.
She yelled at a teacher. The things she said, Buffy... I mean, she's never used language like that
She probably feels like she can say or do anything right now. She's not real. We're not her family, we don't even know what she is.
Tears pool in Dawn's eyes when she hears her sister's words, not realizing the context in which they were spoken.
Dawn runs back into her room, crying. She slams the door, looks around, then begins to trash her room. She overturns the bookshelves, tears posters off the walls, sweeps her desk clear. She pauses a moment, then begins to tear the pages from her diaries. She throws them into the wastebasket, then throws the whole book in. She does the same with all her other diaries as well.
Joyce stares at Buffy in horror.
How can you talk about Dawn as if she's a thing?
I'm not! I'm just saying that's probably how she feels.
Well, then we have to show her that it isn't true. She needs to know that she's still a part of this family and that we love her.
It's not that simple! We're not going to be able to fix this with a hug and a kiss and a bowl of soup! Dawn needs to know where she came from, she needs real answers.
What she needs is her sister, Buffy, not the Slayer.
The Slayer is the only thing standing between Dawn and this god from the bitch dimension that wants to shove her in some kind of lock and give her a good twirl. Mom, I need to be out there, doing my job--
A shrill beeping noise cuts her off.
Oh, my god... Glory. It's Willow's spell.
She gets up and runs toward stairs.
Wait. It's not Glory.
Buffy kicks in Dawn's door and rushes in, followed by Joyce. The beeping is not Willow's spell but rather the smoke detector. Dawn's wastebasket is on fire. Buffy grabs a blanket from the bed and tosses it over the flames, smothering them.
Damn it. Dawn!
Buffy...
No. She could have burned the house down.
Buffy... she's gone.
Joyce indicates Dawn's open bedroom window. The curtains flutter in the breeze.
Buffy has called her friends to the store and briefs them on what has happened. Even Spike is there to help.
She tore up her room... she burned all of her diaries.
The Dawnmeister Chronicles?
She's been keeping those since... I mean...
Since she was seven. I remember too, Will. We have to find her. Fast. Before Glory or the Knights of Hack-n-Slash figure out what-- who-- she really is. Mom's going to stay at home in case she shows up. I figure we split up and sweep the city. Anya, will you stay here in case she shows up? Xander, Giles, you guys take the center of town. Willow, Tara, west side. Spike, you and I'll get the east side.
Just find her... please.
Dawn stares pensively at the swing-set.
A bright sunny day. A small girl sits on a swing, while an older girl pushes her.
Bet you can't push me all the way around!
Oh, yes I can!
No, you can't!
The swing-set is dark and empty. Tears stream down Dawn's face as she turns and walks away.
Xander and Giles search the back alleys. Giles pokes around, looking behind boxes, inside dumpsters, etc.
There's so many things I remember. Seeing Dawn, hanging with her, listening to Buffy complain about her. Mostly that last one. How could it be that all those things never really happened?
Well, it takes some getting used to. The idea of a bright fourteen- year-old actually being living energy thousands of years old...
I'm guessing some kind of super-powerful in her raw form.
People have killed, died for it... summoned armies to control the Key.
You know... she kinda has a crush on me.
Your point being?
Well nothing... just saying, powerful being, big Energy Gal digging the Xan-man. Some guys are just cooler, you know?
Giles rolls his eyes and walks off.
Buffy and Spike make their way through the playground.
Dawn! Dawn!
Yeah, that should do it.
Shut up.
The niblet scampered off to get away from you. She hears you bellowing, she's going to pack it in the opposite direction. Can't say I blame her.
You were right. This is my fault. I should have told her.
Look, she probably would have skipped off anyway, even if she never found out. She's not just a blob of energy, she's also a fourteen-year-old hormone bomb. Which one's screwing her up more right now, spin the bloody wheel. You'll find her just in the nick of time. That's what you hero-types do.
Buffy looks at him hopefully.
You'll find her.
And then what?
Dawn walks dejectedly down a side alley. She steps aside as an ambulance goes past, siren wailing, lights flashing. She stares after it, thoughtful.
Establishing.
Dawn makes her way down the busy hallway. She looks around to make sure no one's watching, then slips though a door.
Dawn enters the ward. The patients begin to mutter nervously as she approaches.
It's here. It's here. It's here.
Can't stop.
It's here. It's here.
Make it stop. The skin's too tight.
Can't hear it. What's the frequency? Empty. All spilled out.
Dawn approaches Crazy #1's bed.
Please. You see me, right? Look at me.
Crazy #1 stares at her, fearful.
Can't stop it!
You know what I am, don't you? You all know!
Can't hear it, can't hear it, can't hear it.
Tell me! What am I?
The Key.
Dawn whips her head around to Orlando.
I found it. Thank you. Thank you.
You know what the Key is? Where did I come from? Who made me? What am I?
Thank you, thank you...
Please!
Destroyer! Cracked bones... the sun bleeding into the sky! The Key is the link.
Dawn shakes her head and backs away.
No, no...
The link must be severed. Such is the will of God. Such is the will of God.
Dawn turns and runs away.
Such is the will of God.
Can't hear it.
Dawn runs to the door and pulls it open to find Ben on the other side. He looks at her in surprise.
Dawn sits at a small table, sulking. Ben walks over carrying two cups. He sets them down then takes a seat across from her.
Two steaming cups of chocolate goodness courtesy of... whoever I swiped it from out of the cupboard. Couldn't find any marshmallows. I'll try to steal some for next time.
Don't like 'em anyway.
What? Is that even possible?
Too squishy. When I was five, Buffy told me they were monkey brains and I...
Dawn, was your mom brought back in? Is that why you're here?
No. (bitter) My mom's just fine.
Is there anybody I can call? Your sister?
I don't have a sister.
Oh... you two have a fight? It's okay, I know how that goes. I've got a sister, too. They can be a real pain sometimes. I tell you, there've been a lot of nights I wish she didn't exist either.
It's not Buffy. It's me. I'm the one that doesn't exist.
Look, I know it can feel that way sometimes but when you're older--
No, you don't understand. It's not real. None of this. They made it.
Dawn--
I'm nothing! I'm just a thing the monks made so Glory couldn't find me. I'm not real.
Ben stares at her in shock and fear. He stands up and backs away.
You're the Key?
How do you know about the Key?
Go! Before she finds you. Don't ask me how she knows because she always knows. Just go.
Wait! Calm down. Just tell me--
You don't understand, you're a kid. You stay, she'll find you. She finds you, she'll hurt you.
What's wrong with you?
You're what she's been searching for. I am telling you: run. You don't know. You... (looks around nervously) Oh, god... oh, god no. She's coming. I can feel it. You've gotta get out. No... oh, no, she's here!
He grabs Dawn by the arms and she screams.
She's here!
Suddenly Ben's face shifts and twists and he's no longer Ben; now Glory is standing in front of Dawn, holding her and wearing Ben's surgical scrubs. It's as if Ben disappeared completely, forced out by Glory who looks at Dawn, confused.
Hey, don't I know you?
Dawn sits at the table again, this time fearful. Glory is at the lockers with her back to Dawn. She's nude, changing out of Ben's surgical scrubs.
Ugh, cotton! Could a fabric be more annoyingly pedestrian?
She reaches into one of the lockers and takes out a red silk blouse. She slides it over her head, smiling.
Now this is what I'm talkin' about. Makes your skin sing.
You're Ben...
It's an eensy more complicated than that. Family always is, isn't it?
Glory still has her back to Dawn and Dawn looks anxiously toward the door.
You'd never make it. I'd rip out your spine before you got half a step. And those little legs? They wouldn't be much good without one of those, would they, Dawnie?
In an instant Glory appears behind Dawn. Her speed is phenomenal, inhuman.
Now what I'm trying to noodle is what in the world was the Slayer's little sis doing here with gentle Ben?
You don't remember?
Remember what? You were talking to him, not me. Oh, he wasn't being naughty, was he?
A hospital security guard enters the lounge.
Excuse me, ma'am. This area's for hospital personnel--
In one fluid motion, Glory turns around, grabs the guard's head and twists it, snapping his neck, killing him instantly. He falls to the floor and Dawn gasps in horror.
Rude! I was talking! What do you say we find a nice place off the beaten where you and I can have a long uninterrupted chat?
She seizes Dawn by her sweater and yanks her out of the room.
Buffy and Spike meet up with Willow and Tara, Xander and Giles.
We looked but no Dawn.
What about the carousel?
Checked there, too.
Nothing?
Sorry, Buff.
Anything could have happened to her. Not just Glory. (beat) We better check the hospital.
Glory brings Dawn to a lab. X-ray displays line one wall, racks of beakers and flasks, the other. She shoves Dawn against the counter.
Okay. Small talk over. I'm in a bit of a crunch here so let's cut right to the ooey-gooey center. Your sister, the Slayer, has my Key. It's mine, I want it. Do you know where she squirreled it away? (sweetly) There's ice cream and puppy dogs in it for you if you start singin'.
I'm not sure. What does it look like?
Glory smiles fondly and puts her hands over her heart.
Well... the last time I caught a peep, it was a bright green swirly shimmer. Really brought out the blue in my eyes. But then those sneaky little monks pulled an abracadabra so now it could look like anything. You see the predicament I'm in.
Maybe...
Yes?
Well, maybe if you... told me more about it, I'd know if I've seen it.
Glory gazes intently at Dawn for a moment.
Okay.
Buffy turns away from the desk and walks over to the gang.
She wasn't brought in.
Which is a happy thing, right?
I don't know, I...
A janitor rushes past, followed by a group of security guards.
...found him on the floor in the break room. You guys gotta see him. His head's almost twisted clean off.
Buffy stares after them.
Glory.
Dawn and Glory are actually having a pleasant discussion about the nature of the Key.
So this Key thing... it's been around for a long time?
Well, not as long as me but yeah. Just this side of forever.
Is it evil?
Totally!
Dawn gasps in dismay.
Well, no. Not really. I guess it depends on your point of view.
What's it for? I mean, if it's a Key, there's gotta be a lock, right?
Yes. We have a winner.
So what does it open?
Glory's eyes narrow suspiciously.
I smell a fox in my henhouse. Is that why you've been playing sugar and spice with old Uncle Ben? Trying to get a peek at Glory's unmentionables?
No, I--
Shh! I kinda want to hear me talking right now. Me talking!
She approaches Dawn, menacing her.
You know what I'm starting to think? I'm thinking that maybe you... don't have any idea where my Key is. Very irritating. Irrational. Know what I mean, tiny snapdragon? Like... bugs under my skin. And say, I'm feelin' a little...
She leans over and rubs her forehead, scowling as if she has a headache.
What's wrong with you?
Glory turns back to Dawn, a sly smile on her face.
Hey. Hey! This doesn't have to be a complete waste of my precious time. I've been meaning to send the Slayer a message and I could use a little pick-me-up. Two birds, one stone, and (claps her hands) ...boom. (cold) You have yummy dead birds.
The door slams open and Buffy strides in, followed by Spike, Xander, Willow, Giles and Tara.
Get away from my sister.
Hey, we were just talking about you.
Dawn runs over behind Buffy.
Conversation's over, hell-bitch.
Buffy lays into Glory with a furious series of blows, then hurls her into a sample rack. Enraged, Glory kicks Buffy across the room. Spike seizes Glory from behind, wrapping her up in a bear hug. Buffy pounds her in the face while Spike holds her pinned.
I thought you said this skank was tough.
Glory easily breaks Spike's hold, spins him around by one arm and throws him into the wall. She picks him up, head-butts him and tosses him into the X-ray display. He falls to the floor, a battered and unconscious wreck.
If he wakes up, tell your boyfriend to watch his mouth.
Buffy's eyes flare with anger.
He is not my boyfriend.
Buffy lays into Glory again, beating her back through sheer force of will.
Tara and Willow stand to the side, watching intently. They both hold small leather bags and are quietly chanting in Latin.
Buffy shoots a kick to Glory's head but Glory seizes Buffy's foot and wrenches it to the side.
Hey, those are really nice shoes.
Glory whips Buffy's foot away. Buffy executes a mid-air back-flip and kicks Glory in the face with both feet on the way down.
Giles, now!
Buffy dives out of the way and Giles fires his crossbow. The bolt shoots across the room and hits Glory in the abdomen... where it bounces harmlessly to the floor. Glory looks at him, annoyed.
Oh, please. Like that's--
Xander rushes up behind her and smashes a tire iron into her head with all the strength he can muster. The blow barely registers. Glory turns to him, seriously pissed.
Hey! Watch the hair.
She rips the tire iron from his grasp and hurls Xander across the room and into the wall. He crashes to the floor on top of Giles. Glory singles each of them out with her searing gaze.
Time to start the dyin'! Start with the whelp!
Glory whips the tire iron like a javelin at Dawn.
Dawn!
Buffy throws herself in front of her sister and the iron bar spears her in the chest. She falls to the ground, stunned and in extreme pain. Dawn crawls over to her big sister, crying. Buffy tries to sit up and push Dawn behind her, still trying to protect her from Glory.
Buffy!
Get back!
Nice catch. Is that the best you little crap-gnats can muster? 'Cause I gotta tell ya, so not impressed.
Buffy pulls the tire iron out of her body with an agonizing groan of pain. Glory approaches Buffy menacingly, her attention squarely on the injured Slayer. She
doesn't notice Tara and Willow flanking her. The two witches simultaneously throw a handful of shimmering powder into the air over Glory's head. It rains down over the goddess' body. She stops and turns to Willow, her eyes flashing with rage.
Look what you did to my dress, you little--
Willow claps her hands once and shouts in Latin.
Discede! (Disperse!)
Glory explodes into a cloud of dust and disappears as Willow collapses to the floor, suddenly weakened, her nose gushing blood.
Tara runs over and kneels next to Willow, helping her sit up.
Willow!
Buffy stares in shock for a moment, then turns to Dawn.
Dawn...
Buffy pulls Dawn to her and hugs her, looking back at Willow and Tara.
What did you do to her?
Teleportation spell. Still working out the kinks.
Where'd you send her?
Don't know. That's one of the kinks.
The lights of the city glitter far below. A cloud of dust appears and materializes into Glory. She looks around, then looks down.
Oh, sh--
Glory falls like a rocket.
Pull back to an extreme long shot of a flaming ball of light streaking toward the ground.
Giles and Tara help Willow up as Xander starts to come around.
That was an incredibly dangerous spell for an adept of your level.
Yep. Won't be trying that one again soon.
Spike sits up and pushes the remains of the X-ray display off of himself. He shoots Buffy an annoyed look.
Buffy checks over Dawn to make sure she's okay. Other than a few cuts and bruises, she's fine.
Are you okay? Did she hurt you?
Why do you care?
Because I love you. You're my sister.
No, I'm not.
Yes! You are.
She takes Dawn's arm and lifts it up, pointing to a bleeding cut on her wrist.
Look, it's blood. It's Summers blood.
Buffy presses her hand against the bleeding wound on her shoulder, wincing a little. She clasps her bloody hand in Dawn's bloody hand.
It's just like mine. It doesn't matter where you came from or how you got here. You are my sister. (beat) There's no way you could annoy me so much if you weren't.
Dawn looks at Buffy for a moment, tears streaming down her face, then hugs her tightly.
I am so scared.
Me, too. Come on.
Buffy and Dawn stand up.
Wait. Ben. He was here, he was trying to help me. He... (confused) I... I think he might have left before Glory came... (frowns) I can't remember.
It's okay. Don't worry about it. Next time we see him, we'll thank him. I have to get you back home though. Mom's freaking out.
Dawn's eyes widen in fear.
Oh. Is she mad about the whole fire thing?
I think you sorta have a get-out-of-jail-free card on account of big love and trauma.
Really? Okay. Good.
They head out, holding hands.
You think she'd raise my allowance?
Don't push it.