[Transcript of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" episode The Gift at buffyology.com.]
Series of cuts from past episodes, starting with the first and moving more and more rapidly through every single episode up to present. Open on the Sunnydale High library.
You are the Slayer. Into each generation a Slayer is born...
Why don't we start with 'Hi, I'm Buffy.'
Xander.
Cordelia.
Willow, right?
Mister Giles.
Angel.
A huge book with VAMPYR on the cover slams onto the library counter.
The cuts come quicker now, one a second detailing the first season: the Master, the Anointed One, Darla, Joyce...
Now faster, the second season: Spike, Ethan Rayne, Drusilla, Kendra, Ted, Jenny Calendar, Xander kissing Cordelia, Willow kissing Oz, Jenny's death at Angelus' hands, Buffy killing Angelus...
Now so fast, the images are nearly a blur, the third season: Mr. Trick, Spike, Gwendolyn Post, Amy the Rat, Faith, the Mayor, Wesley, Vampire Willow, Angel feeding on Buffy, the high school exploding...
So fast now that the eye can't pick out individual images, the fourth season: the Initiative, Kathy, Harmony, Oz, the Gentlemen, Anya, Tara, Adam, Faith, the final Initiative battle, Sineya, the First Slayer...
A final speeding blur, music rising to a screaming crescendo, the fifth season: Dawn, Joyce, the monks, Spike, Glory, Riley, Ben, April, Joyce's grave, the Buffybot, the Knights of Byzantium...
The blur of images and riotous music drops us into scene: a dark alley.
POV: someone being chased; the camera races down the alley and turns the corner.
It's a TEEN GUY. He rounds the corner and stops; the alley is a dead end. Slowly, fearfully, he turns.
A hulking VAMPIRE steps around the corner, a wicked smile crosses his demonic features.
Gave me a pretty good run there. Bet the blood's just pumpin'.
The boy backs away, frightened.
Bet it's hot.
Don't hurt me.
Don't hurt you?
One of the doors along the alley opens and BUFFY's head pops out.
Hey, what's going on?
The vampire glares at her.
Help me! Call the police!
Get outta here, girl.
Buffy saunters out into the alley.
You guys havin' a fight? 'Cause you know... fighting's not cool.
Get out of here!
No. No, she wants to stay. I don't mind a little appetizer.
Have you ever heard the expression, "biting off more than you can chew"?
The vampire frowns and shakes his head.
Okay. How about the expression, "Vampire Slayer"?
What the hell you talkin' about?
Wow. Never heard that one. Okay. How about, "Oh, god! My leg, my leg!"?
The vampire has had enough. He snarls and lunges at her. She ducks, punches him in the face and kicks him in the knee; something in his knee collapses with a sickening snap and he falls to the ground, screaming in pain.
Oh, god! My leg!
See? Now we're communicating.
The vampire seizes Buffy and slams her against the wall. The guy cowers in the corner of the alley as Buffy and the vampire fight furiously. Buffy punches, kicks and jabs, beating the creature back. With one massive kick, she sends the vampire reeling. He lands on his back atop a pile of wooden crates which shatter around him.
One of the chunks of wood flies toward Buffy and she snatches it out of the air. As the vampire lunges at her again, she rams the piece of wood through his chest. The boy watches in shock as the vampire screams and turns to ash before his eyes.
Buffy drops the makeshift stake and stares at the pile of dust as the boy trembles in the background.
Wow. Been a long while since I met one who didn't know me.
She turns to go, then pauses and looks back at the kid.
You should get home.
How'd you do that?
It's what I do.
But you're... you're just a girl.
Buffy pauses in the doorway.
That's what I keep saying.
She exits the alley through the door from which she came.
Opening credit sequence.
Buffy enters through the back door of the magick shop, walks down the hall and into the main room. XANDER sits at the reading table with GILES beside him, both going through books. SPIKE sits behind them on the ladder leading up to the loft, smoking a cigarette.
Something goin' on out back?
Vampire.
Oh.
Anything?
Nothing you want to hear. The ritual is--
Explain it again.
There's nothing new to--
Go through it again.
Pull back to reveal WILLOW sitting at the table with ANYA standing behind her.
The Key was living energy. It needed to be channeled, poured into a specific place at a specific time. The energy would flow into that spot, the walls between the dimensions break down. It stops, the energy's used up, the walls come back up. Glory uses that time to get back into her own dimension, not caring that all manner of hell will be unleashed on earth in the meantime.
But only for a little while, right? The walls come back up, no more hell?
That's only if the energy is stopped. And now the Key is human... is Dawn.
"The blood flows, the gates will open. The gates will close when it flows no more." When Dawn is dead.
I have places to be!
Everyone looks over at TARA who is curled up in a chair off to the side. She falls silent again and they return to their conversation.
Why blood? Why Dawn's blood? I mean, why couldn't it be like a lymph ritual?
'Cause it's always got to be blood.
We're not actually discussing dinner right now.
Blood is life, lackbrain. Why do you think we eat it? It's what keeps you going. Makes you warm. Makes you hard. Makes you other than dead. Of course it's her blood.
Pretty simple math here. We stop Glory before she can start the ritual. We still have a couple of hours, right?
If my calculations are right. But Buffy--
I don't want to hear it.
I understand that--
No! No, you don't understand. We are not talking about this.
Giles stands up and yells at Buffy, furious.
Yes, we bloody well are! (quieter) If Glory begins the ritual... if we can't stop her...
Come on. Say it. We're bloody well talking about this. Tell me to kill my sister.
She's not your sister.
No. She's not. She's more than that. She's me. The monks made her out of me. I hold her and I feel closer to her than... (beat) It's not just the memories they built. It's physical. Dawn... is a part of me. The only part that I...
We'll solve this. We will. Don't have another coma, okay?
Buffy favors Willow with a wan smile.
If the ritual starts, then every living creature in this and every other dimension imaginable will suffer unbearable torment and death... including Dawn.
Then the last thing she'll see is me protecting her.
You'll fail. You'll die. We all will.
I'm sorry. I love you all... but I'm sorry.
Okay! All in favor of stopping Glory before the ritual. Suggestions, ideas? Time's a-wastin'.
When you say you love us all...
Shut up!
Willow. I bet you've got some dark spell a-brewin'. Make her a toad? Little hoppy toad, we can hit her with a hammer?
Hoppy toad.
What about Ben? He can be killed, right? I mean, I know he's an innocent but, you know, not like Dawn-innocent. We could kill a... regular guy. (beat; with self-disgust) God...
It's doubtful he'll surface again this close to the ritual. We can expect it's Glory we're dealing with.
We don't have to kill her. We just have to stop her from doing the ritual. I mean, there's only the one time that she can do it, right?
Yeah. We get her on the ropes, we just gotta keep her occupied till it's too late.
Okay. But I'm still not hearing enough ideas. She's a god. Let's think outside the box.
Why don't you go think outside the bleedin' box?
Yes, Anya, apart from your incredibly uninfectious enthusiasm, have you anything else to contribu--
The Dagon Sphere!
Sorry?
When Buffy first met Glory, she found that magickal glowy sphere that was meant to repel Glory. We've got it in the basement. It might drive her away or hurt her. Oh!
Anya hurries over to a display case and points at the giant troll hammer.
And Olaf the Troll God's enchanted hammer. You want to fight a god, use the weapon of a god.
Buffy walks over to check out the hammer.
Nah, that thing's too heavy to--
Buffy easily lifts it.
Yeah. Good.
I like this. (to Anya) Thanks.
Here to help. Want to live.
Xander looks lovingly at Anya.
Smart chicks are soooo hot.
You couldn't have figured that out in tenth grade?
Well, we have some ideas, if we could actually get Glory on the run but...
But we still have no idea how to find her.
Big day. Oh, it calls me! I have to be there! Big day!
Everyone looks at Tara, the light starting to dawn.
BEN enters the back room of the warehouse, followed by MURK. He's still wearing Glory's ceremonial robe and carries a stack of clothing. A few minions are in the background.
DAWN sits on the floor with her knees drawn up to her chest, her eyes closed.
They said you have to put this on... for the ceremony.
What if I don't?
Come on, just--
What if I don't like the color?
Look, I... I wish there was another way.
And I wish you'd fall on your head and drown in your own barf so... (shrugs) I guess we're both disappointed.
I think... it'll be quick.
Actually, sir, the bleeding is quite a slow process to give the portal time to--
Thank you... for the information. (to Dawn) I'll do what I can to--
Change.
What?
Change. Be her. I don't want to look at you.
Dawn, I don't think you want to--
Be Glory. Be Glory. (yells) Glory! Glory! Glory!
Will you just stop...
Suddenly he's gone and GLORY stands before Dawn.
...shouting already? (beat) Huh.
Glory holds out Dawn's dress then looks down at her.
So what's the hubbub, bub? What do you got against old Benjy?
He's a monster. At least you're up front about it.
Don't be so hard on the boy. He just wants to live. Most guys would do the same. Besides, he's probably the reason your sis and her little cartoon pals are still alive. That little nagging pinch of humanity that makes me go for the hurt instead of the kill, lowering myself to trade blows with the Slayer when I should have just put my fist through her heart. It's gotta be Ben.
Or maybe you just can't take her.
Glory tosses the dress to Dawn, who takes hold of one end. Glory holds onto the other end and yanks on it, pulling Dawn to her feet.
Hmm, funny thing. You've been here for a few hours now and I haven't seen big sis galloping in to save you. She probably knows what a terrible mistake that'd be.
She's not afraid of you.
Oh no, sweetie baby. I'm talking about the ritual. 'Cause you know, I bleed you, the portals open but once you die, they close. The faster you die, the better for your sorry species.
Dawn cringes as Glory cups her face with her hand.
I'm bettin' Buffy knows that. Since she's not really your sister, I'm guessing she isn't going to show. And if she does... it might not be to save you.
Dawn winces in pain as Glory's fingers tighten on her head. She throws Dawn across the room where she crashes to the floor, stifling a sob.
Buffy...
Buffy punches the heavy bag, raining blows down on it in a steady rhythm. Giles enters.
You sure you're not going to tire yourself out?
I'm sure.
We're... still working on ideas. Time's short but best leave it to the last moment. If we go in too early and she takes us out, no chance of getting her to miss her window.
Then we wait.
Buffy gives the bag one last punch. She hits it so hard the chain breaks and it crashes to the floor.
I imagine you hate me right now.
No answer.
I love Dawn.
I know.
But I've sworn to protect this sorry world and sometimes that means saying and doing... what other people can't. What they shouldn't have to.
Buffy turns to face him.
You try and hurt her and you know I'll stop you.
I know.
Buffy walks over to the sofa in the corner and sits. Giles joins her. Buffy's tone is world-weary and resigned.
This is how many apocalypses for us now?
Oh, well... six, at least. Feels like a hundred.
I've always stopped them. Always won.
Yes.
I sacrificed Angel to save the world. I loved him so much. But I knew... what was right. I don't have that any more. I don't understand. I don't know how to live in this world if these are the choices. If everything just gets stripped away. I don't see the point. I just wish that... (tearful) I just wish my mom was here.
She gets up, walks away, then turns to face Giles.
The spirit guide told me that death is my gift. Guess that means a Slayer really is just a killer after all.
I think you're wrong about that.
It doesn't matter. If Dawn dies, I'm done with it. I'm quitting.
She walks out, leaving Giles sitting on the sofa alone.
Dawn now wears the ritual gown. She has her other clothing folded in a neat pile and carries it over to a chair. She carefully sets the clothes down on the chair and arranges her sneakers neatly in front of it.
Glory stands off to the side. A minion approaches her and whispers.
Okay, campers, it's almost stab time. (to minions) You two, get her.
They move toward Dawn, who backs away, terrified.
No. No! Buffy!
She continues to scream as the minions seize her arms and drag her away. Glory watches them go with a smile.
See you in a few.
The minions drag Dawn into the construction area where the crazy people are still working. Sparks fly from welding torches as Dawn looks up at the huge tower made of a conglomeration of scrap metal. At the top, a narrow walkway protrudes out into space. We see the tower first from Dawn's perspective, on the ground looking up; and then a longer shot from the side.
The minions lead Dawn to the stairs at the base of the tower and they begin to climb.
Giles walks over to the basement door and opens it. He calls down to Xander and Anya.
Any luck? Have you found the Dagon Sphere?
Anya emerges from behind the stairs, wearing a only a bra and quickly slipping on her blouse.
I'm sure it's here, just be a minute!
Xander emerges also, fastening his pants.
Yeah, we're on it! Let's look over here, where we didn't look yet.
Time is a factor.
Yes. Yes. Not to worry.
The door closes as Anya picks up a clipboard and examines it.
So are you more... relaxed?
No.
No? I mean, it sounded like you... arrived.
No. Yes. I had the pleasure moment and the blissful calm that comes right after it but that only lasted a couple of seconds and now I'm terrified again.
Well, you don't have to be.
Xander turns and pulls down a drop-cloth, revealing the BUFFYBOT. It stands there, lifelike and staring at nothing. Xander recoils in momentary shock.
What?
Spike's sex-bot. Why didn't they just melt it down into scrap?
Maybe Willow wanted it.
I don't think Willow feels that way about Buffy. I mean, I know she's gone through a lot of changes but--
To study it.
Right. Robotics. (embarrassed) Science.
Pervert.
Other pervert.
And don't frighten me like tha-- aah!
She shrieks and stares into a box, terrified.
God, who would put something like that there? Is this supposed to be some sort of sick joke?
She pulls a small pink toy rabbit out of the box.
I mean, things aren't bad enough! This is an omen.
Xander tries to calm her.
No, no, it's an omen. It's a higher power trying to tell me through bunnies that we're all going to die. Oh, god.
No, it's not.
Xander wraps his arms around her from behind.
It's okay.
No, you see, usually when there's an apocalypse, I skedaddle. But now I love you so much that instead I have inappropriately- timed sex and try to think of ways to fight a god... and worry terribly that something might happen to you. And also worry that something'll happen to me. And then I have guilt that I'm not more worried about everyone else but I just don't have enough! I'm just on total overload and I honestly don't think that I could be more nervous than I am right now.
Care to wager on that?
Xander holds up a small velvet box. He opens it, revealing an engagement ring.
Anya stares at it in shock. Xander lets her go and she turns to face him, still looking at the ring.
Anya... you want to marry me?
Anya stares at him a moment, then slaps him across the face.
Can I take that as a "maybe"?
You're proposing to me!
Yes...
You're proposing to me because we're going to die and you think it's romantic and sexy and you know you're not going to have to go through with it because the world's going to end!
I'm proposing to you, Anya, because it's not.
You can't know that.
I believe it. I think we're going to get through this. I think I'm going to live a long and silly life and I'm not interested in doing that without you around.
Oh. Okay.
Okay?
Yes. I mean, yes.
Xander takes the ring from the box as Anya holds up her hand. Then she stops him.
No.
No?
After. Give it to me when the world doesn't end.
Xander smiles as Anya wraps her arms around his neck and kisses him deeply.
Willow sits at the table reading her spell books while Tara naps behind her. Buffy enters and sits next to Willow.
Will, what do you got for me?
Some ideas. Well, notions... or theories based on wild speculation. Did I mention I'm not good under pressure?
I need you, Will. You're my big gun.
I'm your-- no! I was never a gun. Someone else should be the gun. I could be a cudgel... or a pointy stick.
You're the strongest person here. You know that, right?
Well... no.
Will, you're the only person that's ever hurt Glory. At all. You're my best shot at getting her on the ropes so don't get a jelly belly on me now.
Well... I do sort of have this one idea. But, last few days, I've mostly been looking into ways to help Tara. I know that shouldn't be my priority...
Buffy leans over and hugs her best friend.
Of course it should.
Willow smiles at Buffy gratefully.
Well, I've been charting their essences. Mapping out. I think... if I can get close enough, I may be able to reverse what Glory did. Like take back what she took from Tara. It might weaken Glory or make her less coherent. Or it might make all our heads explode.
Buffy.
Buffy looks up. Across the room, Giles, Xander, Spike and Anya are gathered.
I'll try to work it.
Buffy nods and heads over to the others.
Willow crouches down beside Tara.
Don't worry, love. It won't be long.
Tara slaps her hard across the face.
Bitch! I'm supposed to work on the factors!
Willow doesn't react, knowing Tara didn't mean any real harm. The anger passes and Tara becomes anxious.
I'm, I'm not... I'm not...
Tara rests her hand on Willow's cheek and begins to cry. Willow's eyes brim with tears as well.
I'm going to bring you back.
The others. Giles holds the Dagon Sphere.
No. No, that's good. That could be pivotal. (to Anya and Xander) Thank you, guys.
Well, you're going to need some--
Way ahead of you. We have time?
Yes, if you hurry.
Okay. I'll grab some weapons, too.
Buffy takes the sphere from Giles and examines it.
I'm looking for something in a broadsword.
Don't be swingin' that thing near me.
Hey, I happen to be--
A glorified bricklayer?
I'm also a swell bowler.
Has his own shoes.
The gods themselves do tremble.
Spike, shut your mouth. Come with me.
Buffy hands the sphere to Giles and strides out. Surprised, Spike follows her.
Buffy enters but Spike lingers in the doorway. She starts up the stairs.
The weapons are in the chest by the TV. I'll grab the stuff upstairs.
Uh, Buffy... if you want to just hand them over the threshold, I'll...
Buffy turns around, confused, then nods when she realizes Spike can't come into the house.
Come in, Spike.
Surprised, he takes a tentative step over the threshold and smiles.
Hmm. Presto. No barrier.
They share a momentary look, then Spike walks into the living room and opens the weapons chest.
Won't bother with the small stuff. Couple of good axes should hold off Glory's mates while you take on the lady herself.
We're not all going to make it. You know that?
Yeah. Hey, always knew I'd go down fightin'.
I'm counting on you... to protect her.
Till the end of the world. Even if that happens to be tonight.
I'll be a minute.
Yeah.
Buffy turns and heads up the stairs.
I know you'll never love me.
Buffy pauses and turns back to him.
I know that I'm a monster. (beat) But you treat me like a man. And that's... (nods) Get your stuff. I'll be here.
She turns and continues up the stairs.
The top of the tower. The minions tie Dawn to the tower with rope. The wind blows strong around her.
POV: Dawn looks down between her feet. Glory's insane victims move around like ants far below.
She will come to you soon.
Xander and Anya watch over Tara as she examines a display case and mutters to herself. Willow enters from the back as Buffy and Spike come in the front carrying weapons.
We on schedule?
Giles hefts his own axe.
Yes, it's time.
Will?
Willow nods and goes over to Tara.
Tara? Baby? Is there somewhere you should be?
They held me down.
No one's holding you. It's the big day, right? Do you want to go?
Tara looks anxiously from Buffy to Willow and back again, then turns and begins to walk toward the front door. Spike packs up the weapons as Giles unsheathes a sword.
You're a killer. This is all set down.
Tara continues out with Willow following at a distance.
Stay close but don't crowd her. We'll follow in a minute. (to others) Everybody knows their jobs. Remember, the ritual starts, we all die. (beat; cold) And I'll kill anyone who comes near Dawn.
Buffy turns and walks out. Xander and Anya hesitate a moment, then follow her.
Well, not exactly the St. Crispin's Day speech, was it?
We few... we happy few.
We band of buggered.
Giles and Spike gather up the weapons and leave the shop. Giles takes a last look around, then shuts off the lights and locks the door behind him.
Tara walks along the sidewalk, picking at her bandaged hand. Willow is a few paces behind, the others following a dozen yards after that.
Tara rounds a corner and pauses, gazing upward for a moment, then continues on. The others follow, now all in a group. Spike carries a crossbow, Anya a baseball bat.
The group stops as one and stares upward in open-mouthed shock at the tower rising into the sky above them.
Shpadoinkle!
What is that?
The portal must open up there.
Will, you're up.
Need anything?
Could use a little courage.
Spike offers her his flask.
The real kind. But thanks.
Spike nods and puts the flask away.
The sparks of arc-welding shower down around the continuing contruction. Glory's insane victims cross back and forth like zombies as they work relentlessly to complete the tower.
Tara enters and rips the bandage off her hand, tossing it aside. She immediately goes over to a pile of bricks and picks one up.
Suddenly Tara is grabbed from behind and spun around. It's Glory and she's not happy.
You. What are you doing here?
Willow appears between Glory and Tara.
She's with me.
Willow puts one of her hands on Glory's head, the other on Tara's, forming a link between them. The instant the connection is complete, all three of them scream in agony as massive bolts of energy arc between the three women.
The energy discharge flares intensely then the three of them are hurled apart by a sudden blast of power. Willow crashes into a pile of wood, Tara into a concrete wall and Glory against the base of the tower.
Glory sits up, dazed, as several minions rush to her aid.
What the frickin' hell did that bitch do to me?
You look fine. Truly.
Glory clutches her head, as if in pain.
She made a little... she made a hole. I need a brain to eat.
Take mine, oh groove-tastic one!
I said a brain, you worthless dirt!
She puts a hand to her forehead and begins to walk. She stumbles and the minions follow her with concern.
Big day. I got places to be. Big day. Need a brain.
She puts out a hand to steady herself and looks up. A smiles spreads across her face.
I suppose I could always use yours.
Okay, then.
FAST ZOOM on Buffy, standing in front of Glory, defiant.
Come and get it.
Glory smiles cruelly at Buffy, then looks away and shakes her arms, as if trying to get her balance.
You don't seem very well.
Glory shrugs out of her ceremonial robe. She's wearing a black t-shirt and black jeans beneath.
Your little witch bitch... gave me kind of a headache there. But if you think this is going to last more than eight seconds--
I noticed you're talking, whereas in your position, I would attack me.
Oh, most sweaty-naughty-feelings-causing one, should we--
Go guard the girl! This is a... this is a...
Diversionary tactic?
Go guard!
The minions scurry away, pull the crazies away from their work and gather them around the stairs leading up to the tower.
Glory sways unsteadily on her feet.
It's strange. You're not as blurry with speed as usual either.
The witch...
It's not her.
Buffy produces the Dagon Sphere from behind her back.
Might be this.
Glory's eyes go wide with alarm.
I heard it's supposed to repel you. So my guess is... you probably shouldn't touch it, either.
Buffy tosses the sphere at Glory, who instinctively catches it. The sphere lights up and seems to warp the space around itself as it touches Glory's hand. Glory's face contorts in pain for a moment, then she crushes the sphere to dust. The light inside winks out as it shatters.
You're gonna wish you--
Buffy punches her in the face and she stumbles backward. Buffy kicks her, then punches her again and again and again-- a vicious onslaught-- driving Glory back with each blow.
As the minions watch their god being beaten down, they grow more and more anxious.
Stand fast! Kill anyone who dares approach! This will be our day of glory!
Well punned.
Well, it just called out to me.
Suddenly an arrow slams into Murk's chest and he falls over, dead.
Spike smiles, lowering his crossbow, Anya and Giles beside him. They all rush forward and engage the minions.
Spike drops the bow and charges two minions at once, slamming them to the ground, snapping the neck of one and beating the other mercilessly.
Giles guts a minion with his sword.
Dawn looks down, hope coming to her as she sees her sister fighting to save her.
Buffy flips Glory over and slams her down on a pile of bricks. She brings her fist down but Glory rolls aside and Buffy's hand shatters the bricks beneath. Buffy tries to punch her again but Glory seizes her by the arms and hurls her the length of the construction site.
Dazed, Willow sits up among broken pieces of wood, sees Buffy fighting Glory, then searches for Tara. She spots her lying about twenty feet away, unconscious.
Tara!
Willow crawls over to Tara and draws her into her arms.
Tara?
Tara's eyes flutter open and she looks up at Willow.
Tara?
W... Willow?
Tara?
Willow! I got so lost.
I found you.
Willow and Tara share a kiss and then hug each other desperately.
I will always find you.
Nearby, Glory strides purposefully toward Buffy, fully recovered, her eyes blazing with rage.
You know what?
Buffy punches but Glory effortlessly grabs her fist.
I'm feeling a little better. And now? I'm a little bored.
Oh, I'm sorry. 'Cause you're about--
Glory kicks Buffy, neatly separating her head from her shoulders. Buffy's head falls to the ground, exposing a nest of wires and electronic circuitry in her neck.
Glory stares in bewilderment as Buffy's body topples over in a shower of sparks.
Hey, wow. The Slayer's a robot. (looks around) Did everybody else know the Slayer was a robot?
Glory smiles in triumph just as the real Buffy appears behind her.
Glory?
Glory stops smiling and turns. Before she can even register Buffy's presence, Buffy swings the troll hammer at Glory's head in a roundhouse blow, sending the hell-god shooting across the room and into a concrete wall.
You're not the brightest god in the heavens, are you?
Buffy! I'm up here!
Buffy looks up as Dawn screams at the top of her lungs.
Buffy!
Buffy runs toward the tower, leaps over a pile of bricks and onto the stairs. A minion confronts her but she decks him and tosses him over the side.
Glory picks herself up and sees Buffy running up the stairs.
Oh, no you don't!
Buffy! I'm up here!
Midway up the tower. The stairs end and the only way up from here is by ladder. Buffy runs up the stairs onto the landing just as Glory appears in front of her and knocks her to her knees. Buffy hits Glory with the hammer again, sending her reeling. Glory recovers and kicks Buffy into the scaffolding.
They exchange several more blows before Glory kicks the hammer out of Buffy grip. It flies across the landing and becomes entangled in a chain hanging off the side of the tower. Glory grabs onto another chain and swings around the tower to the other side, kicking Buffy aside as she tries to reach the hammer.
Buffy!
Buffy tries to continue climbing upward but Glory kicks her in the leg and she gasps in pain. Buffy knocks the god backward and resumes her relentless climb up the outer scaffolding to rescue her sister. She leaps up, grabbing a vertical pipe with both hands and pulls herself hand over hand up the side of the tower in an incredible display of strength. Glory follows suit but she's much stronger and quicker and within seconds she's above Buffy and kicking her back down; Buffy loses her grip and slides down to the previous level.
Unfazed, Buffy runs up a ramp, kicks Glory in the face, runs back down the ramp again and manages to free the hammer. She swings it at Glory and lands several wicked blows. The enchanted hammer is starting to have an effect. Glory is starting to feel the blows.
Glory hits Buffy in the head, causing her to lose her balance. She drops the hammer and her arms pinwheel as she tries to keep from falling over the edge. At the last second, Buffy grabs onto Glory and pulls her off the tower with her. They both tumble into space and drop 80 feet to the ground below.
Glory and Buffy both hit the concrete with a thud; the hammer lands nearby with a mighty clang.
Spike tears through the minions one at a time but for every one he dispatches, two more take its place. Even with his vampire strength and stamina, it's starting to be too much for him to handle.
Buffy and Glory get to their feet and face off. Glory is fine; Buffy staggers in pain, the beating and the fall taking its toll on her.
Buffy seizes Glory and pushes her up against a concrete wall, then backs away.
You lost your hammer, sweet cheeks. What are you gonna hit me with now?
Buffy looks at the wall behind Glory just as it shatters and a massive wrecking ball sweeps through, pole-axing Glory with a massive blow.
Whatever's handy.
She turns and runs back toward the tower stairs, grabbing the troll hammer as she goes.
Outside, Xander sits behind the controls of the wrecking crane. He shuts down the engine and sits back, satisfied.
And the glorified bricklayer picks up a spare.
Spike, Anya and Giles take refuge behind a pile of building material.
Has anyone noticed we're going backward?
Spike straightens up to peek over the top of the pile. A brick hits him square in the forehead. He ducks down again, annoyed.
It's crossed my mind.
The group of crazies and minions stands between them and the stairs, glaring at them.
As long as... Buffy can keep Glory down... long enough, it doesn't matter. There's only a few minutes left to start the ritual.
At the base of the stairs, Buffy hits Glory with the hammer, one massive blow after another. Glory tries to fight back but can't, she just stands there, reeling each time Buffy hits her.
Dawn looks up from watching the fight far below and gasps at the sight of DOC standing serenely before her on the platform.
You. You can help me! Untie me. Please. Help me. She's coming.
Doc walks forward, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
Well, it seems she's running a bit late, is the thing. And if her splendidness can't be here in time to bleed you... (whispers) Hey, kid. Want to see a trick?
He produces a gleaming knife and holds it up in front of his face, winking cruelly at her. Dawn cringes as Doc advances on her.
Spike, Anya and Giles crouch behind their cover, looking up at the tower anxiously. Xander leaps over a fence and joins them.
How're we doing?
So far, it's a tie.
We haven't gotten up to Dawn but then neither has anyone else.
Spike gazes up at the top of the tower.
Someone's up there.
Okay, we gotta charge or something.
We tried that.
Suddenly Spike looks around in confusion as Willow's voice sounds in his head.
Spike. Can you hear me?
Yeah, loud and clear.
Willow, on the other side of the site with Tara. She stares intently as she communicates telepathically with Spike.
Is there someone up there with Dawn?
Yeah. Can't tell who.
Are you talking to us?
Get up there. (firm) Go now.
Spike looks dubiously at the crowd of minions.
Yeah, but--
GO!
Acting on faith, Spike stands up and charges. The others stare at him in surprise.
Willow grasps Tara's hand and together they combine their power, sending it outward in an explosive burst.
The crowd of minions and crazies suddenly parts in two like the Red Sea. Every one of them is hurled violently to the side by an unseen force as Spike runs through the center and up the stairs.
Spike mounts the stairway landing, then runs up the ramp and begins climbing the ladder.
Doc removes a pocket-watch from his suit coat and checks the time: 7:30.
Well. What do you know? It's just about that time.
Spike appears on the platform behind Doc.
Spike!
Doc whirls around as Spike strides forward.
Doesn't a fella stay dead when you kill him?
Look who's talking.
Come on, Doc. Let's you and me have a go.
I do have a prior appointment.
This won't take long.
No, I don't imagine it will.
Spike lunges forward and Doc deftly sidesteps, seizes Spike by the neck and thrusts the knife into his back.
Buffy relentlessly pounds Glory with the hammer, swinging it like a baseball bat and whipping Glory's head from one side to the other as each blow lands with a mighty clang. Glory's nose and mouth drip blood and she begins to feel something completely alien to her: fear.
She gives Buffy an anguished look.
You're just a mortal. You couldn't understand my pain.
Then I'll just have to settle for causing it.
She hits Glory with the hammer again, a titanic blow. Glory reels to the side, recovers and turns back.
You can't kill me.
No... but my arm's not even tired yet.
She hits Glory again.
The bloody knife falls to the floor of the platform. Spike stands between Dawn and Doc.
You don't come near the girl, Doc.
I don't smell a soul anywhere on you. Why do you even care?
I made a promise to a lady.
Oh?
Doc's tongue shoots from his mouth, directly at Spike. He manages to duck aside but Doc drops to his knees and sweeps Spike's legs out from under him. Dawn watches anxiously as they grapple. They get to their feet and Doc whips Spike around, pinning his arms behind him.
Then I'll send the lady your regrets.
Spike shoots Dawn an agonized look.
No...
Doc pushes Spike over the tower's edge.
No!
Spike tumbles into space, falling a dozen or more stories to land in a broken heap on the concrete below.
Glory falls to her knees. She looks up at Buffy, gasping, on the verge of tears.
Stop it.
You're a god.
Buffy hits Glory again. She falls backward on the floor. Buffy's gaze is steel: without pity, without remorse.
Make it stop.
Buffy stands over Glory and brings the hammer down over and over and over again, pounding her into pulp. Blood splashes up onto Buffy's face with each thunderous blow.
Pan down to Glory, her formerly beautiful face now a mask of blood and gore. She suddenly morphs into Ben and Buffy pauses in mid-swing.
I'm sorry...
Tell her it's over. She missed her shot. She goes. If she ever-- ever-- comes near me and mine again...
We won't. I swear.
Buffy drops the hammer and runs up the stairs to her sister.
Ben lies still and coughs weakly. He smiles painfully.
I guess we're stuck with each other. Huh, baby?
His breath comes in ragged gasps as Giles kneels beside him.
Can you move?
Need a... a minute. She could've killed me.
No, she couldn't. Never. And sooner or later Glory will re- emerge and make Buffy pay for that mercy... and the world with her. Buffy even knows that and still she couldn't take a human life. She's a hero, you see. She's not like us.
Us?
Giles reaches down and puts his hand over Ben's nose and mouth, holding them shut. Ben struggles weakly as Giles calmly smothers him. It doesn't take long before Ben is dead.
Dawn screams as the knife bites into the flesh of her abdomen. It slices across her smooth skin and blood wells up in the cut.
Shallow cuts... shallow cuts...
He makes another cut and Dawn cries out again.
Let the blood... flow... free.
Dawn's blood drips down over her feet, onto the platform.
Dawn.
Buffy!
Doc whirls around as Buffy strides forward.
This should be interesting.
Doc moves to intercept Buffy but she doesn't even acknowledge his presence. She casually shoves him over the side of the tower. He disappears with a fading scream as Buffy rushes over to her sister.
Buffy, it hurts.
I got it. Come here. You're going to be okay.
Several drops of Dawn's blood drip over the edge of the platform. They fall through the air and suddenly a small circle of intense light appears and starts to expand.
Buffy leads Dawn, limping across the platform, to the ladder. Dawn stops and turns to Buffy.
Go!
Buffy, it's started.
Buffy turns and watches as the maelstrom of light grows larger, the size of a swimming pool now.
A huge bolt of lightning streaks from the portal and opens an enormous hole in the middle of the street, engulfing dozens of people.
Another bolt hits the Sunnydale City Hall and reduces it to an ashen shell in the blink of an eye. Inside, a horde of biomechanical demons appear, wailing and screaming as they struggle to free themselves and emerge into this reality.
The portal hovers beside the tower, lightning crackling out of it and raining devastation down on the city.
Giles stares upward in horror as the ground begins to shake. The crazies and minions fall to the ground. Xander and Anya hold on to each other and stare up at the portal, terrified. Willow and Tara hold each other and calmly look into each other's eyes in anticipation of their imminent death.
Spike has barely recovered from his fall when a gaping hole appears in the ground next to him. He barely rolls aside in time to avoid being engulfed by the spreading pit.
Anya suddenly pushes Xander out of the way as a section of the tower collapses and comes raining down on her, burying her under a heap of debris.
Anya!
Xander desperately hauls away the chunks of metal and rock to find Anya, still and unresponsive.
Buffy turns back to Dawn as she stares at the portal.
I'm sorry.
It doesn't matter.
Dawn tries to run past Buffy but Buffy holds onto her.
What are you doing?
I have to jump. The energy.
It'll kill you.
I know. Buffy, I know about the ritual. I have to stop it.
No.
The tower shakes beneath them and they struggle to maintain their balance.
I have to. Look at what's happening.
The portal expands, the sky filled with arcing bolts of energy. Buffy looks up as a huge dragon flies out of the portal and buzzes the tower with a screeching alien cry.
Buffy, you have to let me go. Blood starts it and until the blood stops flowing, it'll never stop.
Buffy stares at Dawn in absolute anguish.
You know you have to let me. It has to have the blood.
Dawn's words suddenly trigger a flash of realization in Buffy.
A series of images from the past.
Spike in the magick store:
'Cause it's always got to be blood.
Buffy and Dawn in the hospital, their bloody hands clasped together:
It's Summers blood. It's just like mine.
Buffy in the magick store:
She's me. The monks made her out of me.
Buffy in the Mojave Desert with her spirit guide:
Death is your gift.
Death...
CU: Buffy's face.
...is your gift.
Buffy turns around slowly and stares at the roiling rift. The sun rises behind it, casting the dimensional portal in hues of pink, orange and red.
A feeling of utter calm and peace descends on Buffy. She turns back to Dawn, who stares at her, wide-eyed. She suddenly realizes what Buffy intends to do.
Buffy... no!
Dawnie, I have to.
No!
Listen to me. Please, there's not a lot of time. Listen...
Long shot of Buffy and Dawn on the platform. Buffy holds her sister, talking intensely to her. Dawn begins to cry as lightning crackles around them.
CU on Buffy. She strokes the side of Dawn's face, then lovingly kisses her on the cheek. Tears pour down Dawn's face.
Buffy turns and runs across the platform as Dawn watches, stricken.
When she reaches the edge, Buffy swan-dives into the maelstrom of supernatural energy. She hangs there motionless, suspended by the titanic forces in the portal as they tear into her body. Her face contorts in agony.
As Buffy writhes in pain, suspended in the spitting energy of the portal, we hear her final words to Dawn in voiceover.
Dawn, listen to me. Listen. I love you. I will always love you. But this is the work that I have to do.
The portal suddenly shrinks into a microscopic point and disappears. The sun rises over Sunnydale.
Willow and Tara, holding each other up, stumble forward. Behind them, Giles stands next to Xander who carries Anya in his arms.
Tell Giles... tell Giles I figured it out. And I'm okay.
Pull back to reveal Buffy's lifeless body lying at the base of the tower amid the debris.
Spike staggers forward and falls to the ground, avoiding the sunlight.
Willow stares; all her strength leaves her and she collapses against Tara, her body wracked with grief.
And give my love to my friends.
Xander stares down at the body of the best friend he's ever had, his face an emotionless mask. Anya watches weakly for a moment before dropping her head back onto Xander's shoulder.
You have to take care of them now.
Giles looks down at the woman he has come to love as a daughter, his grief emanating from him in waves. He silently begins to cry.
You have to take care of each other.
Even Spike covers his face with his hands, his sorrow powerful and real.
You have to be strong.
Dawn runs down the stairs, wincing at her wounds, and stops short at the sight of her sister's body.
Dawn, the hardest thing in this world... is to live in it. Be brave. Live. For me.
The sun shines down on a fresh grave set amid a grove of willow trees.
Slow zoom on the headstone adorned with flowers.
BUFFY ANNE SUMMERS
1981-2001
BELOVED SISTER
DEVOTED FRIEND
SHE SAVED THE WORLD
A LOT