[Transcript of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" episode Tough Love at buffyology.com.]
PROFESSOR LILLIAN fiddles with a slide projector. The door opens and BUFFY enters as the other students leave and approaches the professor.
Professor Lillian?
Buffy.
I'm sorry that I missed the lecture today. (beat) Was it good? (off his look) Of course it was. (re: slide projector) Do you want me to try?
Yes, thanks, the slide is stuck in the... thing.
Okay. I just... came by to tell you that I have to drop this class. All my classes, actually. I'm not finishing the semester. I wish it... I just... I can't be in school right now. I have to take care of my sister.
Yes, I thought you might. I was very sorry to hear about your loss.
I have these forms from the registrar's office that I need you to sign.
Oh, yes.
He puts the papers on the table, then signs them and hands them back.
Thanks.
Is there something else?
No. Yes. I wanted to tell you... how much I enjoyed this class. I mean, I know that I wasn't the best student but I really learned a lot and I really like poetry. I really do.
The stuck slide pops out of the projector and goes flying across the room. Buffy looks up, embarrassed.
Oh, sorry.
I'm glad you like poetry, Buffy.
I wish I had time for it. But I just... don't right now.
Well, maybe short poems.
Yeah! Like those Japanese ones that sound like a sneeze?
Haiku?
Right. Maybe those. And hopefully I'll be back next semester. When I'm more myself again.
BEN rushes anxiously down the hospital corridor. He approaches a DOCTOR with a clipboard.
Benjamin. This is a pleasant surprise.
I'm sorry I'm late.
You're not late.
Ben looks at his watch.
But sir--
You can't be late to a job that you don't have. Interestingly enough, I've decided to give your job to someone who'll actually do it. Honest to god, Ben! I've been calling you for two weeks. Where the hell have you been? I didn't want to... I'm sorry to fire you but I need somebody I can count on.
I haven't been here... (realizes) I haven't been here in two weeks. There's an explanation for this. Which... I can't exactly give you. I can I just tell you it's not my fault.
Sure. You can also tell me that the dog ate your homework, or maybe eating Twinkies made you do it or... maybe that there's really a wicked demonic creature living inside you that takes control of your body and forces you to do its bidding. (sighs) Take responsibility for your actions, Ben!
I... this... (angry) You know, forget it. Just forget it.
Ben cleans out his locker, angrily throwing clothes into a bag while talking to himself.
This is so unfair. You're taking everything away from me. Everything I worked for, I earned, I care about. These are my choices, this is my life and you're ruining it! (beat) No. No. Not here. Not now, please! I'm Ben. I'm Ben. I'm Ben!
He slams his hand against the locker in frustration.
CU: his hand as it suddenly shifts and becomes a woman's hand.
Pan up to GLORY standing in Ben's clothes. She looks around and smiles.
I'm hungry.
Opening credit sequence.
Glory leans back in her bubble bath with a smile. JINX, SLOOK and MURK kneel next to the tub, blindfolds over their eyes. One holds a tray with a wine glass on it, another holds a large box of chocolate.
They got this part right, that's for sure. Lot of sucky things in this dimension-- bubble baths? Not one of 'em. Know what I mean?
I am in thunderous agreement, oh glittering, glistening Glorificus.
I wasn't talking to you.
Begging your pardon and begging in general but... were you talking to me?
Eww. Yeah, right. Like any of you have ever bathed anyway.
Oh, but we do, your scrumptiousness. We bathe in your splendiferous radiance, your aromatic--
How about you shut up and listen to me, you disgusting little fools? (beat) Okay. Now I asked for the Key and you brought me a vampire. A pulseless, impure, follicly-fried vampire. (to Slook) Loofah!
Slook produces a large loofah and hands it to her. She lifts her glistening leg out of the water and begins scrubbing it.
So what I think we have here is a failure for you to do your frickin' jobs, pardon my French.
She shoves the loofah back into Slook's hand.
Mimosa.
Murk holds out his tray and Glory takes the glass. She sips it and smiles.
Mmm... vitamins. (brisk) So I think you better rack your little minion brains and tell me everything that you saw when you were spying on Buffy and her wacky pals. Everything. Then I'll figure out who the Key is.
Dawn and Buffy sit in her principal's office.
You lied to me?
Didn't lie... exactly.
Really. What about all the times I asked you how school was and you said "fine"?
Well, it was! (sotto) You didn't ask if I was in it when it was fine.
Buffy sighs and looks to Principal STEVENS who sits behind her desk.
I don't know what to say. I'm sure you're aware that the past few months, you know, have been kind of hard for Dawn. Not that I'm saying that's an excuse.
I understand. Your mother was a lovely woman and we'll all miss her very much. I know how difficult it must be.
It is. Especially for Dawn. She's just a kid.
Well... I think we both know that Dawn is a lot more than "just a kid."
Dawn and Buffy look alarmed.
She's a talented young girl... with a sharp mind. (to Dawn) When she puts the effort in.
Look, I realize that there's been some ball-dropping but I'm sure this will all--
Dawn, why don't you wait outside for a few minutes?
Dawn looks over at Buffy, who gives her a nod. Dawn gets up and leaves. The principal turns to Buffy with a stern look.
XANDER and WILLOW sit at the table reading. In the background, an older couple is browsing. Reveal ANYA on the other side of the table, intently watching the customers.
Honey.
Anya whirls around to face him.
Old saying: "A watched customer never buys."
They would if they were patriotic.
Xander and Willow both put down their reading material, look at Anya, then look at each other.
Okay, I'm goin' in. (to Anya) Patriotic?
Yes. I've recently come to realize there's more to me than just being human. (proud) I'm also an American.
GILES appears, holding a cup of tea.
Yes, I suppose you are, in a manner of speaking. You were born here, your mortal self.
Well, that's right, foreigner. (to Xander) So I've been reading a lot about the good ol' us of A, embracing the extraordinarily precious ideology that's helped to shape and define it.
Democracy?
Capitalism. The free market depends on the profitable exchange of goods for currency. It's a system of symbiotic beauty apparently lost on these old people. Look at 'em. Perusing the shelves, undressing the merchandise with their eyeballs. All ogle, no cash. It's not just annoying, it's un-American.
Giles peers past her at the customers.
Appalling. Almost as if they no longer think money can buy happiness.
Totally un-American. Oh, and you know what else is un- American? French people.
You don't say.
From what I hear, they don't tip. Now, French old people? That's really the bottom of the barrel, you know?
How's about we try being a bit less prejudiced and a bit more inclusive? (indicates Willow) Not us, just you.
Fine. I'm going to make those fogies buy things.
As Anya approaches the customers, Buffy enters, followed by Dawn.
Hey, what's up? It's Dawn Giovanni and the Buffster.
Hi.
Hey, everybody.
I trust everything went well at the university?
Yep, I'm all dropped out.
Good on you. Welcome to the real world. Lot of fun to be had on the outside. You'll see.
Well, it's just for now. I mean, I'm thinking that I'm probably going to go back next semester.
And that's cool, too. Whatever you choose, you've got my support. Just think of me as... as your... (frowns) You know, I'm searching for supportive things and I'm comin' up all bras so... something slightly more manly, think of me as that. (beat) Seriously. Whatever you need.
Thank you. Actually, I need to talk to Giles alone for a minute.
Cool. That's cool.
Dawn, why don't you get started on your homework? If you need help... (to Willow) Will, could you? (she nods) Okay.
Buffy and Giles walk out as Dawn opens her schoolbag.
Buffy sits on the sofa, dejected.
I just don't know what I'm going to do. I mean, she's messing up... I'm messing up... it's a mess.
You're just going to have to put your foot down with her.
I try. It's just... my foot's not used to being put down. I want you to do it. You can be the foot-putting-downer.
No, Buffy, I don't think I can.
Please? Pretty please? (desperate) I mean, your foot is way bigger than mine! And you're so much more a grownup than me. Dawn needs an authority figure. A strong guiding hand. She'll listen to you.
Just like you always have.
I listen! (off his look; pouts) I do.
Well, then perk up your ears. I may be a grownup but you're her family. Her only real family now. She needs you to do this.
Right. She needs me. Me, the... grownup. The authority figure. The strong guiding hand and stompy foot that is me.
That's the spirit.
Okay. I can do this.
I know you can.
They take a few steps toward the door, then Buffy whirls around to face Giles.
Please?
No.
He takes her by the shoulders and turns her around. She takes a deep breath.
Okay. Here we go. Early to bed, early to rise, balanced breakfast, hospital corners. It's a new beginning.
Buffy and Giles enter.
Discipline. Authority. Order.
She stops at the sound of giggling; Xander, Anya, and Willow are lying on the floor, head-to-toe, forming a triangle. Dawn stands in the middle. She sees Buffy and stops laughing.
What is this? I thought I told you to do your homework!
The others quickly get up from the floor.
I was.
Please don't lie to me.
I'm not.
Giles, Xander, and Anya tactfully fade away into the shop.
We were acting out a geometry problem, 'cause I read this really neat article that said kids learn math better if you stimulate their visual learning pattern. You know, using the right side of the brain instead of just the left?
Buffy is not amused.
Stuff like that.
Uh-huh.
So we made a triangle with our bodies and that's when I called Xander obtuse and he got really grumpy and then Dawn said we were "acute" triangle and, well, hilarity ensued.
Right. Well, you know what I think? I think maybe Dawn should do her homework at home.
Both Willow and Dawn stop smiling at the rebuke.
But it was working. I was really learning.
Please get your stuff.
Dawn scowls and looks to Willow.
Fine. Don't listen to me.
Please don't be grouchy with her. Who among us can resist the allure of really funny math puns?
It's really important that Dawn finishes her schoolwork right now.
Yeah, I know, but we were having good clean educational fun and then all of a sudden it was all gloom and doom and the outlawing of human triangles.
It's really important that Dawn finishes her schoolwork right now.
I know it is and I'm a big fan of school. You know me! I'm like, (sings) "Go school! It's your birthday!" Or something to that effect.
Look, Willow, I know that you mean well but you just don't understand and there's no way that you could.
I do so understand. You're stressed out.
I'm more than stressed out. I'm freaked out.
Yeah, well, maybe you need a break to de-freak. Hey, you could go to the World's Culture fair if you want to, with me and Tara.
I don't think so.
Come on. You can bring Dawn. It'll be fun. Good, educational- type fun in a discipliney sort of way.
I can't do it, Will. Don't worry. It's not like I don't have a life. I do. I have Dawn's life.
Buffy walks over to the table and picks up Dawn's bag without breaking stride.
Ready?
Dawn sullenly turns and falls into step behind Buffy. She casts a look over her shoulder at Willow as they leave.
Glory smiles triumphantly at her minions.
So it's her. Under our noses all this time. I like the detail work those monks did. Quirks, foibles, passions... it's all so cute, so... human. You know? Pretty convincing really. (beat) But not convincing enough.
She slowly stands up and looks each minion in the eye.
You all know your assignments. I think it's time to collect the Key.
TARA looks in the closet for clothes while Willow sits on the bed putting on her shoes, both getting ready to go to the fair.
It wasn't anything, really. Buffy was just a little crabby at Dawn about her schoolwork.
Well, it's understandable.
Yeah, sure it is. I'd totally be blowing off classes if I were in Dawnie's shoes.
Sweetie, you wouldn't blow off a class if your head was on fire. And I meant Buffy.
Buffy what?
Understandable about the crabby. She has to look after Dawn now.
Yeah, but not in a Miss Minchin's Select Seminary for Girls way. I mean, she's just going to make Dawnie more rebellious.
I had to deal with my brother's problems after... I mean, you can't really know what it's like to--
Yeah, I know that.
Tara frowns and sits on the bed next to Willow.
I didn't mean to--
No, I just... I know I can't know what you went through. But I just... it's no big.
I made you mad.
No. No.
All I meant was--
No, it's okay. This whole Buffy thing, let's just forget it.
No, please. I mean, tell me if I said something wrong otherwise I know I'll say it again. Probably often and in public.
No, I was Snippy Gal. It's just... I know I can't... on some level... (sighs) It's like my opinion isn't worth anything because I haven't been through... I didn't lose my mom, so I don't know.
Well, I'm not the expert. I mean, I've only lost the one. Do I act like... the big Knowledge Woman?
No.
Is that no spelled Y-E-S?
S-O-R-T of. I mean, I just feel like the junior partner. You've been doing everything longer than me. You've been out longer... you've been practicing witchcraft way longer.
Oh, but you're way beyond me there! In just a few... I mean, it frightens me how powerful you're getting.
That's a weird word.
"Getting"?
It frightens you? I frighten you?
That is so not what I meant. I meant it impresses... impressive.
Well, I took Psych 101. I took it from an evil government scientist who was skewered by her Frankenstein-like creation before the final-- but I know what a Freudian slip is. (beat) Don't you trust me?
With my life.
That's not what I mean.
Can't we just go to the fair?
I don't feel real multicultural right now. What is it about me that you don't trust?
It's not that. I worry, sometimes. You're changing so much, so fast. I don't know where you're heading.
Where I'm heading?
I'm saying everything wrong.
No, I think you're being pretty clear. This isn't about the witchcraft. It's about the other changes in my life.
I trust you. I just... I don't know where I'm going to fit in... in your life when...
When I change back? Yeah, this is a college thing, just a little experimentation before I get over the thrill and head back to boys' town. (beat) You think that?
Should I?
I'm really sorry that I didn't establish my lesbo street cred before I got into this relationship. You're the only woman I've ever fallen in love with so how on earth could you ever take me seriously?
Willow heads for the door.
Willow, please!
Have fun at the fair.
She slams the door behind her.
A couple of Glory's minions peer in the living room window.
Buffy folds dish towels on the table while Dawn does her homework and occasionally scowls at Buffy.
Okay, so I think the next step is to make a chart. A schedule. I'll write down all the things you're supposed to do and when you have to do them and then I'll leave a box next to it, which you can mark with an X when you've accomplished the task.
Dawn stares at her sullenly.
What? You want gold stars? (rolls her eyes) Okay. You can have gold stars.
I don't want gold stars. I don't want any of this.
I'm just trying to give you a normal life.
Well, good luck.
Dawn returns to her schoolwork. Buffy stands and stares at her. Dawn pauses, looks up warily.
What? What am I doing wrong now?
This is for real, Dawn.
No, it's not. I'm not real so why would my exciting graph of chores be real? Who cares if a Key gets an education anyway?
It's a chart. Not a graph. And you are real.
Yeah? Those monks put grades K through eight in my head. Can't we just wait and see if they drop nine in there, too?
Buffy slams her hand down on the table, making Dawn jump and wince.
Damn it, Dawn. This is serious.
Why? Why should I care about any of this?
Because they'll take you away!
Beat. Dawn unfolds her arms, scared.
Take me away? What do you mean?
They'll take you away from me. That's what your principal told me when you weren't in the room. If I can't make you go to school, then I won't be found fit to be your legal guardian.
Where would I go?
I don't know. Dad maybe... or foster care... I didn't really want to ask.
You could've told me that.
I just did.
Balloons and paper lanterns hang from trees. People walk around, some in costume, some holding carnival prizes. A group of cheerleaders runs by, waving pompoms. Several of Chinese men dance with a large paper dragon. Flags of various nations hang from an overhead wire.
In the midst of the festival, Tara sits alone on a park bench, dejected.
Giles hands a cup of tea to Anya, who works on the store's paperwork. Pan over to Willow, sitting on the floor, buried in a pile of cushions.
CU: Tara's hand resting on the bench. Another hand appears and slips into Tara's. The fingers entwine.
Tara smiles, looks down at her hand, then looks up. Her smile fades, replaced by a look of terror.
Is this seat taken?
Willow listlessly approaches Giles and Anya.
I hope this isn't a return. Everyone wants petrified hamsters and they're never happy with them.
Giles notices Willow's expression.
You all right?
Yeah.
Ah yes, because your good mood is both obvious and contagious.
I had a fight with Tara. It was awful.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Me, too.
You two don't quarrel much, do you?
Never. Until today.
Well, now it's over.
Over? How can it be over? I just found her!
The quarrel is over.
Oh. Yeah.
Giles walks over to the back door while he talks.
You'll feel better when you've made your apologies and you'll know that you can fight without the world ending. I know it all seems bleak now but as they say, this too...
Giles quickly opens the door and Slook falls into the room.
...shall pass.
Willow and Anya both stare at the minion in shock. Giles seizes Slook by the ear, dragging him into the shop and throwing him into a chair.
Wow!
Now, what do we have here?
Oh, he's one of those things that work for Glory!
Yes. How helpful.
I do indeed work for the god. Let me go if you do not wish to incur her anger.
Well, she's not here. What a marvelous opportunity for you and me to talk.
I will not betray Glorificus. I will never talk, no matter what heinous torture--
Actually, you're talking quite a lot, just not about the right things. Tell us why you're here.
No words shall pass my lips that will bring peril to Glorificus.
Girls, get the twine that's on the counter. Let's tie him up.
Slook immediately begins to sob and plead.
No, no! I'll tell you! Anything! Please! Whatever you want! Anything!
What happened?
He changed his mind.
I'm... I'm supposed to watch. We're watching the Slayer's people while Glory fetches the Key.
All three share a look of alarm.
Glory knows who the Key is?
Oh, god.
We've got to call Buffy.
Too late. Too late. Glorificus will find the witch and there's nothing you can do to stop her.
Witch? What do you mean?
Tara!
Willow starts for the door.
She's the new one among you. It wasn't hard to figure out. The Glorious One will have found her by now.
Willow, wait! I'll go with--
No! Call Buffy and go look in Tara's room. I'm going to check the fair.
Glory sits beside Tara, still holding her hand as Tara recoils with unabashed fear.
Oh, this is nice. Just hangin' out, just us girls. You like that sort of thing, don't you?
CU: Tara's hand. Glory squeezes and we hear bones cracking. Tara gasps in pain.
Don't make a sound.
Tara looks to the people walking past them. None of them notice anything amiss. Just two women sitting on a park bench.
Nah. They won't help you. I'd kill them. You know that.
Three bicycle cops ride by; Tara stares after them, desperate. Glory smiles and takes in the humanity around them.
There's no one here that can stop me. I'll kill her and them. I'll kill him and her and her... and it'll all be your fault.
Glory's nails dig in and blood begins to leak from between their fingers. Tara whimpers softly and hyperventilates in agony but desperate to stay quiet.
Kinda funny, isn't it? All these people here and no one who can do a thing. Not a person who can help you. But that's people for ya. They're pretty worthless. But Keys on the other hand... Keys are worth a very lot.
Glory smiles and licks some of Tara's the blood from their clenched hands. Her face contorts with disgust and she spits it out.
You lying little tramp! You're not the Key! You're nothing! Just another worthless human being!
I didn't--
I hate being lied to. It makes me feel so betrayed. (considers) Hey! You want to make it all better? If you tell me who the Key really is... I'll let you go.
Tara says nothing and Glory gives her hand another squeeze; more bones shatter in Glory's vice-like grip.
Think about it. You think your hand hurts? Imagine what you'd feel with my fingers wiggling in your brain. It doesn't kill you. What it does is make you feel like you're in a noisy little dark room... naked and ashamed... and there are things in the dark that need to hurt you because you're bad... little pinching things that go in your ears and crawl on the inside of your skull. And you know that if the noise and the crawling would stop... that you could remember how to get out.
Glory's eyes glaze over for a moment, then she snaps back to reality.
But you never, ever will.
Glory wrenches Tara's hand again and this time Tara can't help but cry out in pain.
Who... is... the Key?
Tara steels herself and looks Glory in the eye, but says nothing.
Fine. Let's get crazy.
Willow tears through the crowds, desperately searching for Tara.
Tara! Tara!
She spots Tara and Glory on the bench and runs toward them.
By force of heart and mindful power, by waning time and waxing hour...
Glory puts her hands on either side of Tara's head.
I echo Diana when I decree... (beat) what is it, what is it?
Light begins to stream from Glory's fingers as they sink into Tara's brain. They both cry out-- Tara in agony, Glory in ecstasy.
Noooo!
Willow almost reaches them but is suddenly blocked by the long Chinese dragon train. The rest of her spell suddenly hits her.
That she I love must now be free! Tara!
The crowd clears in front of Willow. Tara sits alone on the bench with her head lolling listlessly to one side and a blank stare in her eye.
No!!
Willow runs over to Tara and shakes her by the shoulders. Tara doesn't react or even look at her.
Tara, Tara, are you okay?
It's dirty. It's all dirty. And all over me!
She begins brushing imaginary dirt off her clothes.
Dirty. Dirty. I'm bad. Bad.
Tara. Oh, I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry.
Willow pulls Tara's head down onto her shoulder and rocks her gently.
Giles, Anya and Xander wait with Willow and Tara in the exam room. Tara sits on the edge of an exam table wearing a hospital gown. She looks straight ahead with a glazed expression. Her broken hand is splinted and bandaged. Willow turns to the doctor.
Can she go home now?
Unfortunately, no. Hospital policy dictates we keep her for the night.
But does she have to? I can take care of her at home.
It's poisoned. Why don't I tell you that? It has to be checked, though.
She your sister?
It has to be verified, of course. Anyone can tell you that. Of course. (beat) Of course, of course.
Willow looks sadly at Tara.
She's my everything.
Well, you can get her released first thing in the morning but she's got to spend one night in the psych ward. Just for observation. We'll keep an eye on her, do a couple basic tests, then you can take her home. Does that sound fair? (Willow nods) Well, sit tight then and I'll send a nurse by in a few minutes to pick up Tara.
The doctor leaves and Xander sighs in frustration.
Man, words cannot express how much I hate this place.
It's dreadful.
It's like communism.
Buffy enters at a run.
Hey. Will, I'm so sorry.
She hugs Willow, looking over her shoulder at Tara. As Buffy and Willow pull apart, Willow has tears in her eyes. She looks at Tara who gives her a huge smile.
They kill mice!
Tara...
Buffy hugs Tara, who doesn't react. Buffy pulls back slowly and looks at Willow.
I'm sorry it took me so long but Dawn's safe with Spike so I can stay as long as you need.
I'm so scared.
Buffy caresses Willow's cheek, hurting for her friend.
SPIKE leads Dawn through the underground cavern. He moves a little slowly and with a slight limp, still recovering from his encounter with Glory. Dawn holds a flashlight.
Nothin' to be worried about, kid. No one's going to hurt you.
Oh yeah? Same no one who did that to you?
She points at the side of his face which is one huge bruise.
What, these? It's just a few bruises. Nothin' to write home about. (off her look) Hey, chin up, platelet. Don't get scared. Maybe Glory doesn't want to kill you. Maybe it's something--
Worse?
Spike silently concedes the point. Dawn sits down on a rock, nervously holding herself.
Hey.
He puts out a hand to touch her hair but pulls it back quickly as she turns back toward him.
You want to know what I'm scared of, Spike? Me. (tearful) Right now Glory thinks Tara's the Key. But I'm the Key, Spike. I am. And anything that happens to Tara is 'cause of me. Your bruises, your limp... that's all me, too. I'm like a lightning rod for pain and hurt and everyone around me suffers and dies. I must be something so horrible to cause so much pain... and evil.
Rot.
What do you know?
I'm a vampire. I know something about evil. You're not evil.
Maybe I'm not evil. But I don't think I can be good.
Well, I'm not good and I'm okay.
A nurse tries to settle Tara into a wheelchair. She pushes at the nurse's hands, resisting.
Don't! Please don't with that treachery!
She calms down slightly as the nurse goes around behind the wheelchair and begins to wheel her out. Tara looks up at Willow.
I told the cat and now I beg my mother, sitting all alone.
Bye, Tara. I'll see you tomorrow. I love you.
Tara whimpers as the nurse wheels her out and Willow tries to run after her but Xander blocks her way.
Willow. No. It's just for one night.
Yeah, I know but... it's a whole night. I don't think I can sleep without her.
You can sleep with me.
Everyone stares at Anya.
Well, that came out a lot more lesbian than it sounded in my head.
Will, you just have to rest. Okay? Right now there's nothing you can do.
Yes, there is.
She walks purposefully out the door with Buffy in pursuit.
No! No way.
Buffy chases Willow out into the hallway and stops her.
You cannot even think about taking on Glory.
You saw what she did to Tara. I can't let her get away with it.
No. You have to let her get away with it. Even I'm no match for her. You know that.
But maybe I am.
She turns to go but Buffy grabs her arm.
You're not. And I won't let you go.
This is not your choice. It's mine.
This is not the time.
When, Buffy? When is? When you feel like it? When it's someone you love as much as I love Tara? When it's Dawn, is that it?
When we have a chance. We'll fight her when we have a chance. You wouldn't last five minutes with her, Willow. She's a god.
Fine. I'll wait.
It's the only way.
Yeah.
Willow starts to walk away.
Can I do anything?
Just let me be alone.
Willow runs in and heads straight for the stairs that lead up to the loft. She kneels and begins pulling stuff off the shelves. She opens a drawer and takes out a jeweled dagger and puts it in a bag along with various vials and potions. She pauses a moment, then takes a large black leather-bound volume off the tallest shelf.
The cover reads: Darkest Magick and the book has a metal clamp locking it shut.
Willow takes a small axe from the shelf and snaps the lock. As the lock breaks, the book's pages flip open as if blown by a mysterious wind.
Glory walks down the stairs followed by her three lead minions. She's a bit unsteady on her feet.
You know, I think I'm a little buzzed from eating that witch! What a mind she has. Mmm, nummy treat.
Is your grace not the slightest bit concerned about--
What? About the Slayer? Don't be stupid. I know I'm closing in. The Key's as good as mine. Girl like Buffy's got just so many friends. All I gotta do it rip through 'em one by one until I finally...
She stops as the walls begin to shake and rattle. Glass knick-knacks topple and shatter on the floor. Glory and her minions look around in confusion as the lights dim.
Did anybody order an apocalypse?
The front door suddenly slams open and Willow floats into the room amid a maelstrom of wind and energy. Her eyes have gone completely black and her face is twisted into a rictus of rage.
She mutters spells under her breath as Glory's minions scatter for cover.
Kali, Hera, Kronos, Tonic... Air like nectar, thick as onyx. Cassiel, by your second star...
Oh. It's the lover. That's so cute.
She walks toward Willow, smiling malevolently.
...hold mine victim as in tar.
The air around Glory shimmers and she stops short, as if she's run into a wall. Disconcerted, she looks at Willow in surprise. Willow stares at her with dead- black eyes, her voice a menacing growl.
I... owe... you... pain!
Blue lightning flashes out of Willow's hands and envelopes Glory. Glory's body is wracked with pain and she contorts and screams in agony.
Buffy and Dawn sit together in the cavern. Spike stands a little ways off. Dawn is crying.
It's all my fault.
No. Sweetheart, it is not your fault.
How's Willow?
She was looking to go all paybacky on Glory for a minute but I cooled her down a little. Actually, a lot.
So she's not going to do anything rash then?
No. I explained that there was no point.
Mm-hmm.
What?
So you're saying that a powerful and mightily pissed-off witch was planning on going and spilling herself a few pints of god- blood until you what? Explained?
Buffy frowns, getting Spike's point.
You think she'd... no. I told Willow it would be like suicide.
I'd do it. Right person. Person I loved. I'd do it.
Think, Buffy. If Glory had done that to me?
Buffy glances at Dawn and Spike, then jumps up and races out.
Willow stares at Glory, seething with hatred for the hell-god.
Shatter!
All the mirrors and windows in the room instantly shatter and the glass shards whicker at Glory, slicing her dress to ribbons but otherwise not harming her. Glory looks down at her dress and laughs.
Is that it? Is that the best you can do? You think I care about all this? The apartment, the clothes?
She pulls off the remains of her dress, leaving just the black negligée underneath, then backhands Willow, sending her flipping backward over the sofa to land on the floor in a crumpled heap.
Now sucking on your girlfriend's mind? That was something to treasure.
Willow gets to her feet, galvanized into action. A small trickle of blood oozes from her mouth and down her chin.
Willow looks at her satchel on the other side of the room. It shoots across the floor toward her and opens.
What's this? Bag of tricks?
A clutch of daggers rise out of the bag and orient themselves toward Glory.
Bag of knives.
The daggers shoot at Glory, who bats them casually aside.
Spirit of serpents now appear...
Glory picks up a coffee-table and throws it at Willow, knocking her down again. She struggles to her knees, still fighting.
...hissing, writhing, striking near.
A snake materializes out of the carpet near Glory's foot and encircles her leg. Glory glances down with contempt and shakes her foot. The snake disappears in a puff of smoke and Glory approaches Willow, shaking her head.
Now this is getting weak.
She seizes Willow by the throat and yanks her into a sitting position.
And so are you, honey. Aren't ya?
Willow spits in her face and Glory's gaze hardens. She drags Willow over to one of the daggers on the floor. Glory picks it up and shoves Willow against the wall, holding her by the throat and raising the dagger overhead.
No!
Know what they used to do to witches, lover? Crucify 'em.
The knife starts to descend but suddenly Glory's arm is brought up short.
They used to bow down to gods.
Buffy kicks her in the stomach and breaks her grip on Willow, who collapses to the floor.
Things change.
Buffy cartwheels across the room and power-kicks Glory in the face, throwing her off-balance, then spins around to punch her. But Glory has recovered from her momentary surprise and easily blocks Buffy's blows. She pins Buffy's arm behind her back and hurls her across the room.
That witch barely slowed me down!
Buffy kicks the sofa and it flies forward and pins Glory against the wall. Then she runs over to Willow and helps her up.
Glory throws the sofa across the room and comes for them. Buffy knows when she's outmatched and beats a hasty retreat, helping Willow along with her. Willow looks over her shoulder at Glory and hisses a final spell at the hell-god.
Thicken!
The air around Glory thickens again, rendering her temporarily immobile as Buffy and Willow run out.
This isn't over, you hear me? It isn't over!
Willow, Tara, Dawn, and Buffy sit on the bed. Tara cradles her bandaged hand and stares blankly at the wall. Buffy opens a paper bag.
Chicken salad?
Right here.
Buffy hands Willow her sandwich and gives everyone else theirs as well.
Eggplant, that's me. Salami with... eww, peanut butter? Dawn.
Yeah, like eggplant is normal. It's what, half egg, half plant? 'Cause that's just unnatural.
What's Tara got?
Oh, I got her tuna. Does she like...?
Willow draws Tara's attention to the sandwich.
Tara?
Dawn unwraps the sandwich to show Tara. Tara anxiously looks to Willow, then back at the sandwich.
Plastic and their six sisters. Six sick sisters. (anxious) Willow?
It's okay. Let's just start slow today. Buffy, could I have that?
Buffy hands her a cup of applesauce and a plastic spoon. Willow opens it.
Here you go.
Willow spoons some applesauce into Tara's mouth. She eats it uncertainly.
That's my girl.
Buffy watches with sympathy as Willow continues feeding Tara.
Can I help?
Willow nods and gives Dawn the cup and spoon. Tara gives Willow an anxious look but accepts the food from Dawn.
What are you going to need?
I don't know. They gave me a lot of stuff to keep her calm. They said I might have to restrain her at night. But sometimes she's fine. She looks at me and... she's fine.
I'm sorry I couldn't--
It's okay. I can do this. I'm going to take care of her. Even if she never... (beat) She's my girl.
I understand.
I know you do. (to Tara) Hear that, baby? You're my always.
She kisses Tara softly on the forehead and smiles.
Suddenly the entire dorm room wall smashes to pieces and sunlight floods the room. Dawn and Buffy jump up in shock.
Buffy pulls Dawn behind her as Glory appears in the gaping hole in the wall.
I told you this wasn't over.
No. The place is cracking! It's cracking! Cracking, no, no, no!
Dawn looks anxiously at Tara as Willow tries to calm her.
No, Tara, it's okay.
Tara gasps and looks up at Dawn in awe.
Oh, look at that! Look at that. The light! Oh, it's so pure! Such pure green energy! Oh, it's so beautiful.
Glory smiles triumphantly and Dawn gasps, terrified. Buffy's worst fears are realized. Glory has found her Key.