[Transcript of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" episode Forever at buffyology.com.]
BUFFY walks slowly among the caskets in the darkened showroom before finally stopping in front of a mahogany model at the front of the room. She stares down at it silently, then slowly raises the lid.
Suddenly the lights snap on, bathing the room in the harsh glare of the fluorescents. Buffy looks up sharply.
Buffy, you're here.
She lets the coffin lid drop and looks down guiltily as GILES, DAWN and the FUNERAL DIRECTOR enter the showroom.
You all right?
Yeah.
Did you find something?
Buffy indicates the casket next to her.
This one.
It's a fine choice. It speaks of your deep feeling for the deceased.
Giles, Buffy and the funeral director turn to leave but Dawn remains behind, staring at the coffin. Buffy stops and turns to her.
You don't like it?
No, it's not that. It's just... what if Mom... what if she'd like something else better?
Dawn...
I mean, how do we know for sure? She's the one who has to be in it forever.
Dawn, maybe it wasn't such a good idea you coming along.
It's fine. It's just...
I'm serious. You shouldn't have to deal with this stuff.
If you'd like a few more minutes to decide...
No. It's done. It's fine. (to Dawn) Okay? (off her nod) Okay.
Buffy turns and walks out and the others follow, leaving Dawn behind, staring at her mother's casket.
Opening credit sequence.
Dawn sits down at the dining room table where Buffy and Giles are working out the details for Joyce's funeral over dinner prepared by WILLOW and XANDER.
The prices are from different florists and the funeral home seems to be fairly competitive.
Let's just go with that. It's simpler.
Sure.
What color flowers?
White. They're nice?
Yes.
What about an announcement? People are going to be expecting a wake after the burial unless we say something.
Well, we could put a line in the program expressing your mother's preference not to have one.
There's no wake?
Mom didn't like them. (smiles) She said that pot-lucks are depressing enough as it is.
She said that? When?
Right before she went in for the operation. We had a talk about what she wanted... in case.
She never said anything to me.
I'm sure she just didn't want to upset you, Dawnster. Now you better get workin' on that dinner. You barely touched it.
You really should eat something.
Why should I? You're not.
This isn't about--
The phone rings.
I'm all phoned out. Will you? Unless it's my dad.
Of course. (into phone) Hello? Yes, yes they did. Thank you. The funeral is at 3:00 tomorrow. Do you know the Brown Brothers Mortuary?
Giles moves into the next room to get the information.
I can't believe he still hasn't called.
Your dad's still AWOL, huh?
The number he left for us in Spain is no good. I've left messages everywhere. How about a line that just says "Following the burial, there will be no wake"? Or gathering. "At the request of Joyce there will be no gathering"? That sounds lame.
What are we going to do? After, I mean. Are we just going to come back here?
I don't know. I guess so. (to Xander) How about "At the request of the family, there will be no wake"?
Good, yeah. It's got flow.
I don't want to be here.
Where does it go? Do you put it at the top or just like a small line at the bottom?
Willow comes back from the kitchen and starts clearing the table.
Can I go to your place tomorrow?
Tomorrow?
After everything.
Maybe you and Buffy should... I don't mind.
Can I?
Buffy looks up from her notes.
Huh?
Can I go to Willow's tomorrow after the service?
If you want to, I guess so.
I'll get my sleeping bag out of the attic.
Willow and Xander leave together.
You going home?
I'm going to stop by my mom's first. Been doing that a lot lately.
Yeah. I actually might stop by your mom's, too. (off her look) Well, I'm not going to my place. Those people are scary. (looks up) Speaking of...
SPIKE approaches, a bouquet of flowers in his hand.
You have got to be kidding.
I'm not going in.
And you're not leaving those. You actually think you're going to score points with Buffy this way?
This isn't about Buffy.
Bull. We're all hip to your doomed obsession.
They're for Joyce.
Like you care about her?
Willow tries to calm things before Buffy hears inside.
Guys, not here.
Spike is visibly upset now.
Care? Joyce was the only one of the lot of you that I could stand.
And she's the only one with a daughter you wanted to shag. I'm touched.
I liked the lady. You understand, monkey boy? She was decent. She didn't put on airs. She also had a nice cuppa for me. And she never treated me like a freak.
Her mistake.
Think what you want.
Spike drops the bouquet in disgust and stalks off. Willow bends down and picks up the flowers.
Unbelievable. Guy thinks he can put on a big show and con Buffy into being his sex monkey.
Xander... he didn't leave a card.
Pan across a wall covered with old black-and-white pictures of people and children: the Summers family history in photographs. Buffy sits on her bed staring at nothing. Further down the hall, we come across Dawn in her room, doing the same.
A group of about 30 people stand around the coffin. Buffy and Dawn stand together, mourning their mother. Xander, Willow, Giles and the rest of Buffy's friends flank them as the MINISTER reads the last rites.
We commend to almighty God our sister, Joyce Summers...
Willow takes Tara's hand.
...and we commit her body to the ground. Earth to earth... ashes to ashes... and dust to dust.
Dawn suddenly turns and buries her face in Buffy's shoulder. Buffy puts her arms around Dawn, and stares calmly at the coffin. There are no tears but we can tell it's taking everything Buffy has not to break down.
The first shovelful of dirt lands on the coffin.
The Lord bless her and keep her. The Lord make his face to shine upon her and be gracious unto her. The Lord lift up his countenance upon her... and give her peace.
Later. The ceremony is over and the group breaks up. One by one, the others hug Buffy and Dawn. Finally, Buffy and Dawn stand alone at the grave.
Dawn turns away from Buffy and walks over to Willow and Tara.
Tara approaches Buffy and taps her gently on the shoulder.
Hey, Dawn's kind of ready to go. Can we take her with us?
Yeah. She should probably get out of here.
What about you? We can wait if you want.
I'm fine. Thank you.
Tara rejoins the others, whispers to them and they turn to leave. Dawn looks back over her shoulder at Buffy as they lead her away.
Alone now, Buffy stares down at her mother's grave, frowning slightly.
TIME LAPSE: the daylight fades to darkness around her.
CU: the grave and Buffy's feet. Another pair of feet appears beside hers.
Reveal ANGEL standing next to her.
I'm sorry I couldn't come sooner.
Buffy doesn't look at him, never taking her eyes from the mound of freshly turned soil in front of her. She nods slightly and slips her hand into his. They stand there silently, holding hands, Buffy drawing strength from her one true love.
Dawn lies on her sleeping bag on the floor with Willow and Tara crouched on either side.
Oh, Dawn. I wish I could... help more. The only thing is... it'll get better. I promise.
You don't know that.
Sure she does. We're witches. We know stuff.
What? Life goes on and I forget Mom? (angry) Is that what you're saying?
Not forget, no! I, you...
She looks to Tara for help.
You make a place for her in your heart. It's sort of like she becomes a part of you. Does that make sense?
Dawn... hey, we don't have to talk about this now. You could just go to sleep.
No. I don't want to sleep.
Okay, we can just sit... or whatever you want.
Dawn goes over to a small table where Willow's magickal talismans are laid out.
Good. 'Cause I know what I want to do now.
Great! What are you up for?
You guys are witches and you do magick and stuff.
You want us to teach you something? Like a glamour... or I could make a stuffed animal dance.
I want to do a spell. I want to bring Mom back.
Anya and Xander are in bed, having sex. She's on top of him-- flushed and breathless, sweaty-- obviously in the final moments of orgasm. She sighs contentedly and rests her head on Xander's chest.
Mmm. That was different.
Xander lies back amazed and winded.
Yeah. It was more... intense.
It's because of Joyce.
Right. (beat) Huh?
Well, she got me thinking... about how people die all the time and how they get born too and how you kind of need one so you can have the other. When I think about it that way, it makes death a little less sad... and sex a little more exciting.
Again I say, huh?
Well, I just think I understand sex more now. It's not just about two bodies smooshing together. It's about life. It's about making life.
Right! When two people are much older and way richer and far less stupid.
Anya lifts her head and smiles at him, laughing.
Breathe. You're turning colors. I'm not ready to make life with you... but I could. We could. Life could come out of our love and our smooshing and that's beautiful. It all makes me feel like I'm part of something bigger. Like I'm more awake somehow. (smiles) You know?
Yeah, I do.
He cups her head in his hands and they kiss.
Willow and Tara react to Dawn's surprise announcement.
Of course you want to bring your mother back and I wish we could but it's not possible.
Why? You guys do magick for all kinds of things.
We do, but...
This is different. Magick can't be used to alter the natural order of things.
But all you do is mess with the natural order of things! You make things float and disappear and--
But we don't mess with life and death. (softer) Dawn, I know how bad you hurt.
You don't. They put her in the ground!
They did and it's awful and unfair but this isn't the way.
I'm not even sure it's possible, Dawn. I mean, I've... seen things on resurrection but-- there's books and stuff-- but I guess the spells... (to Tara) backfire?
That's not the point.
That's not the point. The point is it's bad because...
Because witches can't be allowed to alter the fabric of life for selfish reasons. Wiccans took an oath a long time ago to honor that.
So it's possible to bring someone back? They wouldn't have taken an oath if they didn't know they could do it.
Maybe they could but we can't.
She's right, Dawn. It's too dangerous.
You said you wanted to help me.
Willow just looks at Dawn helplessly. Disgusted, Dawn lies down on her sleeping bag with her back turned. Willow kneels beside her.
Dawn...
Willow touches Dawn's shoulder but she jerks away and turns over so her back is to Willow again.
Buffy and Angel sit on the ground under a nearby tree. Buffy has her legs curled under her and leans against Angel's shoulder. They both look at the grave as they talk.
The funeral was... it was brutal but it's tomorrow that I'm worried about.
What's tomorrow?
That's exactly what I don't know. Up until now, I've had a road map, things to do every minute, having to do with Mom.
Tomorrow the stuff of everyday living resumes.
And everybody expects me to know how to do it because... (sarcastic) I'm so strong.
You just need some time. I'm sure everybody understands that.
Time's not the issue. I can stick wood in vampires... but Mom was the strong one in real life. She always knew how to make things better, just what to say.
Yeah. You'll find your way. I mean, not all at once but...
I don't know. I keep thinking about it... when I found her. If I had just gotten there ten minutes earlier...
You said they told you it wouldn't have made a difference.
They said "probably" wouldn't have made a difference. The exact thing they said was "probably". I haven't told that to anyone.
Doesn't make it your fault. You couldn't have done anything different.
I didn't even start CPR until they told me. I fell apart. That's how good I am at being a grownup.
Buffy...
And it'd be okay if it was just me I had to worry about. But Dawn...
Look, it's okay. I know you don't feel like it now but you are strong, Buffy. You're going to figure this out. And you have people to help you. You don't have to do this alone.
Buffy looks up at the sky.
It's going to be light soon.
I can stay in town as long as you want me.
How's forever? Does forever work for you?
She turns her head to look at Angel, her longing for him surging to the surface.
That's a bad idea. I'm seriously needy right now.
Let me worry about the neediness. I can handle it.
They look at each other for a long beat, then Buffy leans in and kisses him.
They kiss softly for a moment. It gets more heated and they both pull away, breathing hard.
I told you. You better go.
I'm sorry.
No. I'm so grateful that you came, Angel. I didn't think I was going to be able to make it through the night.
Well, we still have a few more minutes until I have to go.
Good.
She rests her head on his chest again and leans against him. He wraps his arms around her and holds her tight.
Good.
BEN walks out of the hospital wearing a jacket over his hospital scrubs. He turns to find JINX lurking in the shadows.
Tell my sister I'm sick of running into her Jawa rejects.
She bade me come to you. The news of your relationship with the Slayer--
We don't have a relationship.
But you attempted to court her, did you not?
You're more fun when I hit you.
It's just, Glory would like to encourage this interest of yours in the Slayer. It might lead to more information about the Key.
And why would I share that with the most unstable one?
Time is running short, sir. Every moment you fight Glory, you're only fighting yourself, you see?
Fine. Let the best me win. Let Glory understand this: I won't help her find the Key. I would never do that to an innocent--
He breaks off, realizing he's said to much.
An innocent? The Key? That's an interesting choice of words.
No, that's not what I--
I understand, sir. I'm sorry to have bothered you. I'll take my leave.
He begins to leave but Ben grabs him.
You understand what? When I said it's innocent, I didn't mean that the Key is... it's not a person.
Of course not.
You're going to run and tell her, aren't you? Do you understand what's going to happen if she finds the Key? How many people are going to die?
Please, I heard nothing.
I can't let that happen. Don't you see?
Ben takes Jinx's dagger from his belt and plunges it into Jinx and twists it.
I can't.
He pushes Jinx to the ground and looks around nervously.
Dawn lies on the floor, covered with a blanket.
We're heading down to breakfast.
Dawn turns over and looks up at her.
I'm not hungry.
Oh. Okay. It's just... we have class after that and I didn't know if you want to go home or...
I was going to sleep some more. Giles said he'd pick me up whenever.
Oh, okay, great. Sure, hang out. I have a break around lunchtime. I can come back.
I might not be here.
Well, I'll try my luck.
Take care, Dawn.
Willow picks up her bag and walks to the door. She pauses for a moment and looks behind her at the bookshelf full of her witchcraft spellbooks. Her fingers twitch in a quick circular motion and then her hand clenches in a fist. One of the books slides halfway out of its place on the shelf.
Willow walks out and closes the door behind her.
Dawn sits, staring around the room. Finally, her gaze comes to rest on the bookshelf and the one book sticking out from all the others. She gets up and takes out the book. It's titled History of Witchcraft. She opens it and reads the table of contents.
Age of Levitation... War of the Warlocks... Resurrection-- A Controversy Born.
She flips the pages, finds the chapter and scans it quickly, then looks up with a thoughtful expression.
Dawn pretends to dust while really examining the merchandise. Anya hovers behind her. Dawn moves over to a cart full of books and dusts them while reading the spines. Anya follows, supervising as Giles walks over.
You don't have to do that, Dawn. Just relax.
Yes, sit down. We have some very amusing chicken feet you can play with.
That's okay.
Don't you watch television? I thought all children despise effort and enjoy cartoons.
I like being useful. It keeps my mind off things.
Then useful you shall be. I can always use a hand.
But you have a hand. A paid hand. A hand that isn't the hand of illegal child labor.
Anya...
But of course, it's wonderful that you find doing my job so distracting. (smiles) I am unthreatened. Proceed.
She walks away and Giles moves to help a customer.
Yes, carry on, Dawn.
Dawn stops him.
Is there anything I should know? Like off-limits stuff? Willow told me that some of the books and things are... kind of dangerous?
Quite right but they're all labeled and kept off the floor. Most of our more potent texts and potions are all up there.
He points up at a loft area full of bookcases.
If anyone asks you about anything in that area, just come and get me.
Okay. Anything else?
Oh, well, if you like, I could teach you how to work the cash register. You can ring up sales.
Cool.
Anya runs over, panicked.
Ring up sales? With the money? She gets to fondle the money?
Giles shoots her a look as the door chime sounds.
Customer! Hello, customer! I'll help you!
I'll just be a moment.
No problem.
Dawn watches to make sure both Giles and Anya are occupied, then she puts down her feather-duster and picks up her backpack. She climbs the ladder to the loft, looks over the books, grabs one and puts it in her pack. She picks up a small vial and it clinks against the others. Wincing to see if anyone heard, she puts the vial in her pack also, then begins to climb back down. At the foot of the ladder,
Dawn freezes until Giles walks past, absorbed in a book. She drops to the floor and turns to find Giles looking at her.
Dawn.
Uh-huh?
She quietly lets her backpack drop to the floor.
Do you want to come watch this transaction that Anya's doing? Then I'll let you try.
You got it.
Dawn kneels by her mother's fresh grave and opens a jar. She scoops some dirt from the grave into the jar and caps it, then she reaches over to smooth down the remaining dirt, looks around nervously, and brushes her hands off.
I hope it's just dirt you're after.
Dawn turns in surprise to find Spike standing behind her.
If the spell calls for anything more than that, you're into zombie territory and that's bad news.
Spike, I-I wasn't...
I know good and well what you're up to. That book you've got is infamous.
Please don't tell Buffy. I just... I have to get her back. I have to.
I'm not going to tell, lil' bit. (beat) I'm going to help.
A phonograph plays Tales of Brave Ulysses by Cream. Giles stands, sipping a glass of wine and listening to the song, remembering the night he and Joyce shared together listening to it.
Spike leads Dawn down the street, helping her in her quest to resurrect her mother.
I've never used this bloke's services myself but there's talk. Word is he knows everything there is to know about resurrection spells.
Dawn looks at him, nervous.
Come on now, no worries.
You don't have to be all nice to me. I know why you're doing this.
Do you now? Enlighten me.
Spike, I'm not stupid. You're like stalking my sister. You'd do anything to get in good with her.
Buffy never hears about this, okay? She found out what I was doing, she'd drive a redwood through my chest.
Then if you don't want credit, why are you helping me?
I just don't like to see Summers women take it so hard on the chin is all. And I'm dead serious. You breathe a word of this to Buffy, I'll see to it that you end up in the ground. Got it?
Yeah. Got it.
GLORY walks down the stairs into the living room, followed by MURK and several of her sycophantic minions.
Where is he? He should have been back hours ago.
I'm sure Jinx is on his way, your... new and improvedness. He's most loyal to--
Hey! He better be loyal.
The door opens and two more minions enter, half-carrying JINX between them. He's barely conscious.
Jinxie?
She rushes forward and takes one of Jinx's arms around her shoulders.
Oh, no, no! (to minions) Oh, mind the rug, honeys, blood's a bitch. (to Jinx) Was this the Slayer? I'll pull her wings off!
No...
They put Jinx down on the sofa.
It was Ben.
Ben? Ben! Oh god, you pointless, stupid lout! Oh, I hate you, I hate you. I hate youuuuu!
She screams, pulling out two fistfuls of her hair.
The Key! He told me.
Glory is suddenly calm and attentive.
The Key? What about the Key?
He indicated that it was a person, most... (searching for words) highest... you.
The Key's in human form?
I believe so... good one.
Ahh!
She hugs Jinx and he groans in pain.
Jinx, you robed stud, you're my man! I'm even going to let you slide on the lame toadying on account of you're dying and stuff. (to other minions) So the Key's all secreted away in a flesh wrapper! This narrows the search from now on in a serious way. I mean, we didn't have a clue. It could have been a log or a bicycle pump or whatever, am I right?
Jinx has fallen unconscious on the sofa. Glory looks down at him with disgust.
Uggh, get him fixed, would ya? I want to hear the whole story again, without all that annoying moaning.
A black cat jumps over a globe in the foreground and runs o.s. as the door opens to reveal Spike. He holds the door open for Dawn, who enters cautiously.
This place belongs to a magick guy? It smells like grandpa.
Spike closes the door. Piles of books and papers rise everywhere in the room.
Hey!
A door leads into another room, partly obscured by a curtain. Behind the curtain, stands a figure in silhouette.
Anybody home?
The curtains open and DOC, a small, elderly man walks out, wearing glasses and a bathrobe. He looks surprised to see them.
I know you.
I don't think so, mate.
No, no, you're that guy... hangs around down at the corner mart. Big into dominoes, aren't you?
Can't say as I am. Look, we came here because--
Doc starts laughing heartily.
That's crazy, isn't it? I mean, I'd swear, you were that guy. I mean, your hair's a different color and you're a vampire but other than that...
Maybe we should just go.
No. Now just because the lights are dim doesn't mean the juice is all gone. What can I do for you?
This one's mum kicked it a few days back.
Oh, I'm so sorry.
So we were wondering what's to be done about it. Heard you were the one to ask.
Oh... no, that's... you don't want to mess with that. I know some tonics, make the grieving fly by--
I don't want any tonics.
Either one of you witches? Got any experience with spells of this magnitude?
Dawn shakes her head.
Didn't think so.
Suddenly he reaches out and yanks a hair from Dawn's head. She gasps.
Ow!
Spike steps forward ready to defend Dawn but Doc ignores him and takes the hair over to a lamp and holds it up to the light. Dawn gives Spike an angry look, holding the side of her head.
Well, your mother's a good candidate, at least. Strong DNA.
Right.
Doc turns and begins examining the stuff on his shelves. He hums the theme from Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf. Dawn watches curiously.
Her eyes go wide with shock when she sees a greenish, scaly tail poke out from beneath his bathrobe.
Doc finally finds the book he's looking for and smiles triumphantly at Dawn, holding it up. He carries the book over to a table, still humming, and Dawn and Spike follow. Doc flips the pages, searching.
I've gathered some ingredients. But the spell I found... there's things on it I don't understand.
We've got the Ghora demon standing between you and success, that's the translation you were missing.
Ghora. I've heard of those. They local?
Yes, they like to stick close to the Hellmouth. (reads) Egg of the Ghora gives life. (to Dawn) It's key to the spell.
Can you buy it, this... egg or--
If it was as easy as making an omelet, everyone would try it. No. You have to steal the egg from the nest of the demon. (to Spike) And the Ghora won't be happy about it.
Where do we find this demon?
First things first. We'll need an image of your mother. A photo, a painting.
No problem.
Once you get all the ingredients together, put them in the center of a sacred circle with the photo of your mother. Then say this incantation (begins to write) three times. She won't appear, you know, poof! It'll take a while but she will come to you. Got it?
Got it.
Oh! Anything goes wrong, the only way to reverse the spell is to destroy the image of your mother, understand?
I'll do it right.
It's a tricky spell, girl. I can't say for sure your mother will come back exactly like she was. Sometimes these things... get a little off.
But she'll still be my mother, won't she?
More or less.
Good. (stronger) Good.
And the Ghora?
Oh, right, sorry. Go in the sewer entrance near Tracy Street. The opening's on the left. Can't miss it. Just follow that down.
Dawn takes out a wad of money and begins removing some bills.
No, no. Keep your money.
Oh. Thank you.
Still smiling, Doc shakes her hand.
You just keep in touch now. Let me know how it goes.
Dawn smiles slightly and nods.
CU: Doc's face. His eyes go completely black. Repulsed, Dawn jerks her hand away from him.
I will.
Spike and Dawn exit, closing the door behind them. As the door closes, Doc's happy smile vanishes.
Spike and Dawn walk down a dark alley. Spike carries an axe. They come to a spot where the wall looks all slimy and rough.
It's here. Just like he said.
Well, at least we know the old coot isn't completely daft. Look, you better let me snatch this egg thing on my own.
No way. I'm going.
No... you are not. I've got no idea what's down there.
You need me, Spike. Somebody's gotta get the egg while you distract the Ghora. Now come on.
She turns and strides into the opening. Spike shakes his head, sighs and follows her.
Well, what do you know... Bitty Buffy.
Dawn makes her way down stairs. The walls are stone, covered with vines. Spike follows close behind. The demon growls somewhere below.
They reach the bottom and look around.
A huge lizard-like demon, about the size of a Volvo is sleeping on a pile of rocks. Spike and Dawn move over to the wall and hide behind some vines.
Doesn't look so bad.
Wait till it wakes up. That's usually when the bad starts.
There are several eggs in the demon's nest about the size and shape of footballs but pink with purple spots.
I can't get to the eggs unless it moves. No way.
I'll make it move. You just be ready.
He strides toward the demon, lifting the axe.
Hey! Ghora! Heads up.
The demon wakes and sits up. Two more heads rise to join the first and all three stare balefully down at Spike.
Right then. Heads it is.
As Dawn moves forward., Spike hits one of the heads with his axe. The heads rear back and then strike at him.
Over here, triptych!
Dawn rushes over to the nest and tries to grab an egg but the demon's tail lashes out at her.
Dawn! Hey, get away from her!
Spike strikes at the demon again, drawing its attention. Dawn grabs an egg and runs back to the base of the stairs.
Spike, come on!
That's it.
Spike gives one last thrust and buries the axe in one of the demon's necks, then runs to rejoin Dawn.
As they start up the stairs, Dawn trips and drops the egg. It bursts open, leaking bright blue fluid.
Leave it, Dawn.
I can't. Mom.
It's too dangerous and I haven't got--
Before he can finish, Dawn turns and runs back to the nest.
--a weapon!
Dawn arrives at the nest but screams as the demon strikes at her, a set of 5-inch fangs snapping inches from her face.
Spike throws stones at the demon's head and it slams him to the ground with its tail. Dawn snatches another egg and runs off.
One of the demon's heads dips down and bites Spike in the abdomen. He screams in pain and shoves it off, then gets up, favoring his wound. Spike grabs the axe from the demon's neck and slams it into the demon's chest, then joins Dawn, backing away quickly as blue blood seeps out of the demon's wound.
No, that's it.
Spike! Sorry!
Did you get it?
Dawn holds up the egg to show him.
Don't be sorry, then.
He heads up the stairs, pulling Dawn after him as the demon's screams fade away.
Dawn has a sheet spread on the floor with a circle of lit candles on it. She kneels before it, pouring liquid from a vial onto her hands. She smears it on the sheet, drawing a circle around a cauldron in the center.
Osiris, giver of darkness... taker of life... god of gods... accept my offering. Bone, flesh, breath...
She completes the circle.
Yours... eternally.
CU: a picture of Joyce leans against the cauldron.
Bone...
The dark freshly turned earth.
...flesh, breath... I beg of you...
CU: Dawn's face, lit only by the candlelight.
...return to me.
Tara sits on the bed studying. Willow lies next to Tara, writing in her diary.
What did I have for breakfast this morning? Do you remember?
Hmm?
I want to say bagel but I think that was yesterday. You had two eggs sunny-side-up. (grins) I remember 'cause they were wiggling at me like little boobs.
Sassy eggs. What are you writing this for?
My journal.
Tara puts her book aside and lies down next to Willow. She puts her hand on Willow's.
That's new.
Yeah. I figured life goes by so fast, if you don't write stuff down it just gets... lost. And I want to remember.
Down to every last bagel.
Down to every last everything I do with you.
Tara looks past Willow to the bookcase.
Huh.
What?
What happened to History of Witchcraft?
Willow looks up, guilty.
I... it isn't there?
Dawn must have taken it.
No, she didn't! Did she?
This is bad. This is really bad.
But it's just a history book. It might answer some of her questions. I don't think she could do any harm with that stuff. Could she?
Well, it's not a how-to guide but it refers to specific resurrection spells and potions.
But I didn't... I mean... hey! How'd she know that?
I don't know but... god, what else did she take?
Nothing! I think... she took nothing else. But maybe she did and we should probably look. Because who knows? (sheepish) I don't.
No, no, we can't waste time on that now. We don't know what she's up to.
We have to call Buffy. Now.
The phone rings as Buffy enters. She tosses down her keys, pulls off her jacket and hurries over to the phone.
Hello?
The cauldron is filled with the blue goo from the Ghora egg. Pan up across the broken eggshell and the piece of paper with the spell written on it. Dawn kneels with her hands on her knees.
Bone... flesh... breath... yours eternally. Bone, flesh, breath, I beg of you, return to me.
Buffy rushes in.
Dawn! What have you done? What have you done?
She's coming. She's coming home.
Dawn turns and runs out of the room. Buffy reaches down and picks up the picture of Joyce, stares at it for a moment, realizing, then turns and follows Dawn.
Dawn rushes down the stairs with Buffy in close pursuit and runs into the darkened living room.
Dawn! You have no idea what you're messing with. Who knows what you actually raised, what's going to come through that door!
No, I know. It'll be her.
No! Now Tara told me that these spells go bad all the time. People come back... wrong.
Not Mom. He told me her DNA--
Buffy grabs Dawn by the arms and shakes her.
Who told you? Who helped you?
Nobody! Let me go.
You have to stop it. Reverse it.
No!
Dawn wrenches free of Buffy's grasp and grabs the picture of Joyce from her.
Dawn, you know this is wrong. You know you can't let this happen. Not to Mom.
But I need her. I don't care if she...
CU: a pair of feet walking. They wear pale blue pumps and shamble along, almost drunkenly.
I'm not like you, Buffy.
Dawn looks to Buffy desperately.
I don't have anybody.
What? Of course you do. You have me!
No, I don't. You won't even look at me. It's so obvious you don't want me around.
That's not true.
Yes, it is. Mom died and it's like you don't even care.
Buffy recoils as if slapped. Tears brim in her eyes, threatening to spill over.
Of course I care. How can you even think that?
How can I not? You haven't even cried. You've just been running around like it's been some big chore or something. Cleaning up after Mom's mess.
Buffy slaps Dawn hard across the face. Dawn yelps and puts her hand to her cheek, staring at Buffy, shocked and confused. Realizing what she's just done, Buffy covers her mouth in horror.
Dawn... I've been... working. I've been busy because I have to--
Dawn cries now, too.
No! You've been avoiding me.
Tears stream down Buffy's cheeks.
I'm not! I have to do these things because... because when I stop, then she's really gone. And I'm trying. Dawn, I am. I am really trying to take care of things but I don't even know what I'm doing. Mom always knew.
Nobody's asking you to be Mom.
Well, who's going to be if I'm not? Huh, Dawn? Have you even thought about that? Who's going to make things better? Who's going to take care of us?
Buffy...
I didn't mean to push you away. I didn't. I just... I couldn't let you see me... oh god, Dawnie...
In the background, a woman's shadow lurches past the window, silhouetted against the curtains. The girls don't notice.
I don't know what we're going to do. I'm scared.
Buffy...
A knock on the front door.
Buffy whirls around, no longer crying, smiling hopefully.
Mommy?
CRASH ZOOM on the front door.
Dawn suddenly realizes that their mother has come home again and her eyes go wide in alarm.
Buffy...
Mom?
Buffy runs to the door as Dawn snatches up the photo of Joyce. She stares at the photo for an instant, makes up her mind, then rips the photo in half just as--
Buffy pulls the door open.
There's nothing there. Just a darkened city street and the sound of crickets chirping.
Dawn approaches Buffy and puts a hand on her shoulder. Buffy's voice breaks.
Dawn...
She begins to sob and Dawn wraps her up in a hug.
It's okay.
They sink to the floor, holding each other tightly and crying.
It's okay...