[Transcript of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" episode All The Way at buffyology.com.]
The shop is filled with Halloween customers, including many laughing children. A large banner reads
Halloween Bone-Anza
ANYA moves through the crowd on roller-skates, wearing candy-striped shorts, a red blouse and Farrah Fawcett hair.
Everything on this table's half off. Including the table. (to second customer) Buy one eyeball, get the second one free!
GILES works the register dressed as a wizard. XANDER, dressed as a pirate, entertains several children. He holds up a jar full of glowing specks.
Arrr! Careful, me maties! These be fireflies spat from a volcano off the coast of Katmandu. Arr!
A BOY dressed as a fireman scoffs.
You're not a real pirate! Real pirates live on boats and don't look stupid.
Oh, a salty swabbie! Maybe you be fishin' for the taste... of me hook!
He shakes his hook in the boy's face who remains unimpressed.
Hello, Ahab! A little help please?
Arr! And help ye shall have! Arr!
Xander shoots the boy a menacing look and walks off, scratching his neck with the hook.
DAWN, not in costume, puts some supplies down on the table next to Anya.
So what are you supposed to be?
An angel.
Oh. Shouldn't you have wings?
Oh, no. This is a special kind of angel called a Charlie. We don't have wings, we just skate around with perfect hair fighting crime. Where's your costume?
Like I'm six years old? Halloween's so lame.
But you get to dress up and play games! Xander's going to teach me a new one after work called Shiver Me Timbers. Ever play?
TARA appears just in time to intervene.
Dawn, Willow could use some help in magickal texts.
I'm all over it.
How about you? Ever play Shiver Me Timbers?
I'm not really much for the timber.
WILLOW, on the other side of the room, holds up a book on witchcraft. She's talking sternly to a customer dressed as the Wicked Witch from the Wizard of Oz.
I'm just saying you might want to rethink the stereotype before someone turns you into a toad.
Annoyed, the woman grabs the book and walks away. Willow calls after her.
And while you're at it, why don't you try removing that broomstick from your-- Dawn!
Hey. Don't stop the invective on account of me.
If I see one more idiot that thinks witches are all hairy moles and rotted teeth...
A tiny little GIRL dressed as a witch tugs on Willow's leg.
Excuse me, do you have any candy corn?
Oh, look at you! You are just the cutest thing!
I thought you said--
I know, but look. With the hat and the wart! (smiles) Oh! Let's go fill your tummy up with sugary niblets, okay?
Willow takes her by the hand and leads away.
Dawn spots a large gold coin with a symbol of a dragon etched on it lying on a nearby table. She looks around furtively and slips it in her pocket, then casually walks away.
Buffy!
BUFFY sets a large cardboard box down on the counter.
We're running low on mandrake root. Check the basement.
Don't blame me if we have this conversation over and over...
Buffy trudges down the stairs still holding the box.
...and over... and over and over.
As Buffy reaches the bottom, SPIKE emerges from beneath the stairs.
Oh! (beat) Bell. Neck. Look into it.
Come with a nice leather collar, does it?
What are you doing lurking down here?
Came through the tunnels. Running low on burba weed. Stir it in with the blood. Makes it all hot 'n spicy. (off her look) What? I was going to pay for it. (off her look again) I mean, no. I was gonna nick it 'cause that's what I do. I go where I please and I take what I want and what's your excuse anyway? I thought you'd had it to the brim with customer disservice.
One-time deal to help out. And I mean straight time. No loop-d- loop mummy hand repeat-o-vision. Where's the mandrake root?
Spike takes a jar off a nearby a shelf.
Here. Only three to a jar. Tend to go a bit wonky if you cram them too close.
Thanks.
Feel like a bit of the rough and tumble?
What?
Me... you... (beat) Patrolling? Hello?
Oh. I should stay. Maybe tomorrow.
Awkward silence. They both turn to go.
It's not like I don't already have plans. Great Pumpkin's on in twenty.
He nods to her and leaves. Buffy shakes her head, exasperated.
So much easier to talk to when he wanted to kill me.
Buffy emerges from the basement carrying the jar of mandrake root. She closes the door and is immediately intercepted by Anya, who takes the jar from her.
Oh! Go help Giles.
Buffy heads to the front and finds Giles busily ringing up a customer. A long line has formed.
What happened to Xander?
He kept poking me with his hook. I sent him over to charmed objects. With any luck, he'll poke the wrong one and end up in an alternative dimension inhabited by a 50-foot Giles that squishes annoying teeny pirates. We've got a ton of bagging to do here.
Actually, Spike had a really good idea. You know, maybe I should patrol.
Buffy, you've been patrolling every night this week. Besides, it's Halloween. It's the one time of the year that supernatural threats give it a well-deserved rest. As should you.
Yeah, what about costumes that take over your personality? Or wee little Irish fear-demony thingies?
Yes, well, if anything calamitous should happen, history suggests it'll happen to one of us.
Right, exactly! So I should patrol to avoid any of that.
Giles shoves an item into her hand.
And I'm bagging.
Children in costume run around, shouting and laughing.
MR. KALTENBACH, an elderly man in a suit and hat walks down the street, carrying a large paper bag and humming Pop Goes The Weasel. He walks up the stairs and into his house.
Kaltenbach enters, still humming. He puts his hat on a hook and walks through the house. Toys line the shelves and tables, many of them carved out of wood.
He goes into the kitchen where a large pot steams on the stove. He sniffs it briefly, then puts the bag down on the counter.
Da da da, happy Halloween.
He looks out the window at the children.
Give you something special this year...
He opens a drawer and takes out a large butcher knife, testing the blade with his thumb while he continues humming.
Opening credit sequence.
Dawn stands at the door ushering the last of the customers out.
Come again!
She closes the door and leans against it with a sigh.
Ughh! In a zillion years.
Xander lies on his back on the floor. He weakly waves his hook.
Store go boom. Arr.
Everyone is absolutely exhausted. Anya is behind the counter counting the money.
That was the most incredible thing I have ever experienced. (off Xander's look) Except for that.
Dawn walks across the room to join Anya behind the counter.
What you all did for me tonight... the astounding heaps of money you helped me-- (Xander clears his throat) --us acquire. All I can say is, I hope we make as much tomorrow.
Tomorrow?
Post-holiday clearance. The cornerstone of retail.
Everyone groans. Giles gets to his feet with a grimace.
Brooms all around, then.
Or I could whip up a jaunty self-cleaning incantation. It'll be like Fantasia.
We all know how splendidly that turned out for Mickey.
He hands Willow a broom and dustpan.
I think I'm a little more adept than a cartoon mouse.
And you have more fingers, which is good 'cause there's no need to wear those big white gloves to overcompensate.
You know, if you had a real pegleg, you wouldn't just have a lame costume, you'd actually be lame. Which is completely different.
Xander stares at Anya. She and Dawn are behind the counter, doing a little dance.
You do this every night?
Every time I close out the cash register. The Dance of Capitalist Superiority.
I'm going to marry that girl.
What? She's fifteen and my sister so don't ev-- oh.
Xander stands up and goes over to Anya.
Hey, everybody. Can I... there's something Anya and I... want to tell you.
Now?
Now.
Xander puts his arm around her and turns to face the rest of his friends.
We're getting married.
Oh, my god!
Congratulations!
That... that's... wow.
It's a big wow.
I thought you were waiting for the right moment?
Xander smiles fondly at her.
I did.
They kiss. Dawn watches happily and Anya tosses a wad of bills into the air with a laugh.
Here, have some money!
Did you know about this?
No. Unless I blocked it from my memory. (beat) Much as I will Xander's vigorous use of his tongue.
Giles removes his glasses and begins to clean them. Buffy watches this with an expression of outrage.
Is that why you're always cleaning your glasses? So you don't have to see what we're doing?
Tell no one.
Buffy looks back over at Anya and Xander who are still kissing.
Giles, this is... we have to do something.
Music plays at an impromptu engagement party. Anya holds out her hand, showing off her ring to Dawn.
And he said he couldn't imagine the rest of his life without me and then he gave me this!
Which I'll be paying for the rest of my life.
Can I try it on?
Oh, absolutely not.
Giles and Buffy appear from the kitchen, carrying cups.
Where I come from, this sort of thing requires much in the way of libation.
Everyone takes a cup.
God save the Queen!
Sorry we couldn't do the big fancy. You kinda caught us with our parties down.
Oh, that's okay. This is just the first premarital celebration. There'll be lots more. With gifts.
Tara and Willow appear with bowls of snacks.
Sure, maybe we'll even have time to decorate for the next one.
Why wait?
Imperatus!
A shimmer passes through the room, leaving behind paper lanterns and streamers in its wake.
Dawn squeals with pleasure but Tara looks less than thrilled. Giles shares Tara's disapproval.
This is so much better than the way it usually looks. Thank you.
Willow pours snacks from a bag into a large bowl. Tara sits nearby.
The grocery store's still open. We could've bought decorations there.
Why bother? These are perfect. And extra biodegradabley. In a couple of hours, poof!
No, they're great, it's just why use magick when you can do something naturally?
Well, you can fight monsters naturally with sticks and stones. Don't recommend it though.
It's different.
How?
Because you're protecting people. Keeping them from being hurt.
Which makes them happy. Like pretty decorations made Anya happy.
That's not the point, Will.
Why are you being like this?
This isn't about me!
This is so about you. You're always coming down on me for doing magick that couldn't harm a fly. What's your problem?
Willow, I just wish that you would stop and think about what you're--
Tara stops when she notices Dawn standing in the door.
Sorry. Just checkin' on the chips.
It's okay. (pointed) We're done.
Willow takes the bowl of chips and walks out. Dawn gives Tara an anxious look, then follows Willow.
Buffy hugs Xander tight.
You're getting married! You!
Me! Choking.
Oh, sorry. (lets him go) I just... I can't believe it. Seems like only yesterday you had to pay a girl to date you.
Like I'd ever pay. (beat) Define 'date'.
Willow and Dawn approach carrying a bowl of snacks.
I was only out of commission for three months. (to Willow) How many other things have changed since I've been away?
Oh, I got a tattoo!
What!
Which is why we told her no.
Just a little one?
Over my dead body. The kind that doesn't come back.
Anya enters.
Fine. (to Anya) Congratulations. You're very lucky. Finding a guy like him.
Not as lucky as me.
Xander kisses Anya on the cheek.
See you guys tomorrow?
She starts to leave and Buffy grabs her arm.
Whoa! Tomorrow?
Yeah. I'm sleeping over at Janice's, remember?
That's tonight?
No. It's on the other Halloween. Come on, you said I could.
Buffy is unsure and looks to Willow who shrugs.
Well... I know I did, it's just, you know, now with Xander's party, I--
We're good. (to Dawn) But you have to get us some extra gifts for our reception.
Yes, please!
I don't know. Giles?
It's really not up to me.
Come on. It's four blocks away. I'll walk straight over. Not like I'm going to be roaming the streets. Please?
The street is busy with parents and costumed kids running and laughing. Dawn pauses, looks around, then takes off in a different direction.
She makes her way down a dark alley; distant police sirens provide backdrop. A rattling and banging nearby causes her to slow.
Hello?
She picks up a piece of wood and wields it like a club, creeping forward slowly. She rounds the corner to find two people making out.
Hey!
Oh!
Perv.
Sorry. I thought--
Dawn backs away right into her friend, JANICE. She turns around with a gasp, then smiles in relief.
Hey, Summers. Did you get over the wall okay?
Yeah. My sister thinks I'm staying at your house.
Ah. The Mominator thinks I'm staying at yours. (laughs) Can't believe they fell for that one. Like own a TV.
So where're we meeting?
The park. That's where all the monsters gather on Halloween.
ZACK stands on a swing, whooping with glee. Two other boys and two girls sit on a nearby bench with a stereo blaring. JUSTIN throws a rock and it hits Zack.
To infinity and-- ow!
Oops.
Nice shot.
Janice and Dawn walk up as Zack jumps down from the swing. He and Justin walk over to the girls. Zack sweeps Janice up in a hug.
Hey, baby.
Hey.
What took you so long?
We stopped for crimes and misdemeanors. Zack, this is my friend Dawn I was telling you about.
Zack leers at Dawn.
Hel-loooo.
Janice shoves him playfully.
Hey. Justin.
Dawn shakes his hand.
I know. I've seen you around at a couple of parties.
I've seen you, too.
Dawn smiles, happy that she's been noticed. The other couple gets up to leave.
Hey, we'll catch you guys later.
Alone at last.
So! What do you guys want to do?
Zack and Justin exchange a suggestive look, then look at the girls. Dawn smiles bashfully.
An egg smashes against the side of a house. Zack stands with Janice on the lawn with an egg carton.
Yeah, three points! Woo!
Dawn and Justin are nearby. Justin is crouched by a car, letting the air out of the tires. Dawn points to the Halloween decorations on the house.
Witches don't really look like that.
You got a lot of witch friends?
No! I mean, from stuff... that I've read and stuff. Some of them are supposed to be really pretty and you don't want to get them mad--
Zack runs past.
New target, come on!
Woo-hoo!
Justin jumps up and runs after Zack. Janice walks over to Dawn and they follow the guys, just out of earshot.
So?
He's okay.
Ho-hum okay or like "Oh, my god I think I'm gonna pee my pants" okay?
Pee.
They both laugh and run after the guys.
Zack kicks a mailbox off its post. He and Justin walk side-by-side, the girls about twenty feet behind.
So what's the verdict, cap'n? Is little Justin in love?
I don't know... she's cute.
Well, congratulations for having eyeballs. But what about, you know, going all the way? Do you think--
Zack looks back and notices that the girls are now within earshot.
--that the moon and the stars look lovely tonight?
Hey, you think when we're done with this juvie crap maybe we can do something else? I'm gettin' kinda bored.
Just one more.
Zack stops and looks across the street at old Mr. Kaltenbach's house.
Xander sits on the stairs with Giles, sharing a drink.
Anya is a wonderful former vengeance demon. I'm sure you'll spend many years of non-hell-dimensional bliss. Is she moving in with you? You know, with your combined incomes, you might think about a down payment on a house.
Like the kind you live in?
No rush. I'm sure you have plenty to think about with the arrangements for the wedding and so on. You've got the rest of your lives to plan the rest of your lives.
Yeah, yeah.
The two couples stand across from the house.
No way. You know who lives there?
Old man Kaltenbach.
Crusty old bastard.
Isn't he supposed to be... mental or something?
Total loony-tunes. (re:decorations)
Pumpkins...
very
dangerous.
Zack nudges Janice.
You go first.
What? Screw that!
Come on, show us how brave you are. Let's see those cute little girlie guts.
Janice shoves him angrily and he laughs.
Hey, lay off, man. If she doesn't want to--
I'll do it.
Go Dawn!
Look. You don't have to do this.
It's okay. I want to.
Dawn nervously walks toward the house as the others watch with anticipation.
She climbs the front steps, picks up the jack-o-lantern and raises it over her head. She turns and smiles at the others.
Suddenly, a hand grabs Dawn's arm. She shrieks in fear and drops the pumpkin. It smashes on the steps.
Dawn looks fearfully up at Kaltenbach as he leans toward her.
Shouldn't oughta mess with those. Sometimes they bite.
Justin runs over, followed by Zack and Janice.
Get away from her!
Don't make me go kung-fu on you, man!
The old man stares at them all for a moment, then laughs.
Come on inside, kids. Got somethin' special for ya. Daddy's got a treat!
He pushes the door open and gestures them inside. Zack smiles.
Cool.
No, no, no. We are so not going in there. Dawn, tell them!
Zack fiddles with a toy robot while Justin, Janice, and Dawn sit nervously on the sofa.
Dude, where'd you get the cool toys?
Used to design 'em back in '58. Nothing would give me more pleasure than to see a child's face light up when he'd open one of mine on a Christmas or a birthday. I was good. Jeepers, I was the best. And then that thing happened. One little mistake... and they took it all away from me. They... they took my toys.
He takes the toy from Zack and puts it down.
Time for the treats! Who wants to help Daddy in the kitchen? (to Dawn) How 'bout you, Sally?
Justin stands up.
Sally's not much for the cooking. Why don't I give you a hand.
Hands are good. Always use more hands. More hands.
Justin follows Kaltenbach into the kitchen as he begins humming Pop Goes The Weasel.
Zack sits on the sofa in Justin's seat and picks up a jack-in-the-box, turning the handle.
Okay, I say we get the funk out of here before Satan Claus tries to stuff us up the chimney.
What, and miss the big treat? That would break the old guy's little heart! Assuming it's still beating.
She's right. We should just get Justin and go.
Come on, the dude's a thousand years old. What's he going to do? Drown us in his drool cup?
The jack-in-the-box pops up. It has no head. Dawn's nerves ratchet up another level.
Hey. Where's its head?
Kaltenbach carefully closes the door leading back to the living room. He turns and walks over to the kitchen island. Justin looks through the cabinets.
Kaltenbach goes over to the counter and picks up the butcher knife. He raises it, looks at the gleaming blade and smiles.
Suddenly Justin is behind him, his face the demonic visage of a vampire. He puts his hand on Kaltenbach's shoulder.
Boo.
Kaltenbach's eyes go wide with fear.
Resume. Justin sinks his fangs into Kaltenbach's neck. The old man gasps and chokes as Justin feeds on him. Kaltenbach drops the knife and sinks to the floor, pulling a pan of Rice Krispy treats off the counter with him.
The sound of the pan hitting the floor makes the girls tense with alarm.
What the hell was that?
Justin?
Dawn runs toward the kitchen, stops when she sees the closed door.
Justin?
Dawn reaches out to open the door but jumps back when it pops open and Justin emerges, smiling.
Let's go.
What happened?
I swiped his wallet when he wasn't looking. Come on!
All four run for the door.
Dawn and Janice run out, panting.
Oh, my god! Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god!
The girls run off down the street. The boys come out behind them, walking more slowly. Justin holds his stomach and grimaces.
Dude, that guy was rank.
Bet a spritz of Dawn would wash that right out. So what do you think? Lunchables? Or should we go all the way and turn 'em?
Anya talks a mile-a-minute to Giles and Buffy. Xander sits next to her, fidgeting nervously.
So I was thinking maybe a June wedding but then I remembered that they always had the highest percentage of calls for vengeance. So now I'm leaning toward as soon as damn possible. I mean, mortal life being so short, we gotta get in as much marital bliss as we can before we wither and die. I mean, there's just so much to consider, though. Planning the wedding and new cars, house and babies. You have to plan for babies or they just run roughshod over your entire existence.
Yeah, y-you gotta know what to call 'em before they hit college.
Rupert is an exceptionally strong name.
Yeah, if we want our progeny to eat paste and have their lunch money stolen.
Look, all that matters is that they're happy. (to Anya) Everything else is thick gravy goodness.
I know.
Xander's smile seems frozen in place.
I mean, I am the luckiest ex-demon in the world. To be able to find the one person in all dimensions that I was meant to be with and have everything work out exactly as I dreamed. I mean, how often does the universe allow that to happen?
Buffy's smile is suddenly forced.
The door opens and Xander and Buffy come out onto the porch. Xander takes a deep breath and fans himself with his pirate hat.
Air. Sweet mother oxygen.
You okay?
Yeah. I just... it's just, I didn't think it would be so much.
But this is good. I mean, this is love and celebration and moving forward. Anya's right. This is the way life's supposed to work out.
Right. Deep pools of ooey delight. I'm wallowing, not drowning.
Definite wallow action.
He stands up again.
Okay. So once more unto the breach?
Oh, I think my breeches are wearing a little thin. I'm going to take Spike up on that offer to patrol. Gotta be something out there cruisin' for a smackdown.
Buffy heads down the stairs and Xander-- after taking a moment to compose himself-- opens the door and goes back inside.
Justin and Dawn walk down the street together.
So you're like what? A sophomore?
I wish.
Freshman.
Yep, way down there at the bottom of the rung. Actually? Kinda under those little rubber feet they use to keep the ladder steady.
Hey, those are important.
He hands her some money.
Here. The spoils of war. You earned it.
I did?
Yeah, for keeping me steady. And so begins your life of crime.
You're a little late. I steal all the time.
Really.
Totally. I haven't paid for lipstick since... forever.
Oh, be still my heart! Cute and bad.
Yeah, bad to the bone.
More like frozen! Here.
He takes off his Sunnydale letter jacket and wraps it around her.
Thanks.
My pleasure, Miss Summers.
They gaze into each other's eyes as Janice appears behind them.
Hey. Where's Zack?
He went to get the car.
You guys got a car?
Zack pulls a dying woman out of her car. He drops her on the pavement and takes off with the car.
Thanks for the ride!
Buffy. She walks down the street surrounded by kids in costume. She pauses, watching a couple walking arm-in-arm, then continues on.
An ambulance roars past, siren wailing. Buffy stops and frowns.
Crime scene. The police have found the woman's body. Buffy approaches the small crowd that has gathered as paramedics load the woman onto a gurney.
I'm losing her pulse.
Let's get her in!
Buffy sees the ragged and bloody holes on the woman's neck. She scowls and hurries away.
The phone rings and Giles answers it.
Summers residence. (smiles) Mrs. Penshaw, yes. (beat) No, Dawn said she was staying the night at your house. Well, yes, I realize that now but I don't believe that you called to check-- all right, let's just... if I hear anything, I'll let you know.
He hangs up.
Tara sits on the sofa watching as Xander, Anya, and Willow dance. Giles enters and turns off the music.
Hey, we were just gettin' our dance on.
That was Janice's mother on the telephone. Apparently Janice said that she was staying here tonight.
Ah, they're dipping into the classics. You gotta respect that.
Is Buffy still outside?
No, she was getting antsy. She went to find Spike to patrol.
Well, it's nice to be kept in the loop. Xander, Anya, you stay here in case Mrs. Penshaw calls again. Willow, Tara, you check downtown. I'll swing by Spike's, see if I can catch Buffy.
Giles grabs his jacket and leaves.
The car is parked. The back door opens and Janice gets out, giggling as Zack gropes her. He tumbles out after her.
Don't do nothing I would, dude.
Zack shuts the door as Janice grabs him by the front of his shirt and kisses him.
You're it.
She turns and runs into the forest.
I love it when they run.
His face becomes demonic and he runs after her.
Dawn and Justin sit in the front seat.
So...
Yeah.
It's cold. You okay? You want this back?
Nah. Cold doesn't really bother me.
What are you, Superman?
No, but... I do have a few special powers.
He leans over as if to kiss her.
Hey... does this work?
She twists the radio dial.
You gotta turn the ignition.
He turns the key and the radio starts up. Dawn smiles, nods.
I love this one.
He brushes her hair back from her face.
Another thing we have in common. (beat) You're shaking.
It's cold.
You want to go?
No. It's just... what do you expect--
Shhh. I just want to taste you.
He leans toward her again and this time she lets him kiss her.
Resume. Dawn and Justin still kissing. Dawn breaks off, dazed.
Shiver me timbers.
What?
Nothing. Just... wow.
Oh, my god. That was your first.
What? No.
It was! That was your first kiss.
I've been kissed before. I kiss all the time. Not that I'm a kiss- slut! Just, you know, with the lips and the pressing together and stuff? Big expert here.
Justin just looks at her with a sly grin.
Okay, okay, it was my first kiss. I know, I know. I suck, my lips are dry and my tongue's all horrible and sticky and I'm pretty sure I drooled on you... so just please tell me how awful it was.
Justin pulls her toward him and kisses her again briefly.
It was perfect.
Dawn smiles and leans into him again.
A band is on stage performing and people in Halloween costumes crowd the dance floor.
Willow and Tara enter and come upon a couple dancing suggestively together, dressed as Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia.
Do they know they're brother and sister?
Do you think she's here?
What?
Do you think Dawn might have come here?
It's where I'd be if I were fifteen and on the lam.
Really?
Well, not me at fifteen, 'cause hello! Spaz.
You?
Yeah. Hard to believe such a hot mama-yama came from humble, geek-infested roots.
They begin climbing the stairs to the balcony.
Infested roots... trying to turn me on?
I have to try now?
They kiss and continue on up the stairs.
Come on, let's look over here.
Do you see her?
No, there's too many people.
Maybe we can have security--
No, that'll take too long.
Willow stands at the railing and looks down on the people dancing. She closes her eyes.
One among many, many fade to one--
What are you doing? Will?
I'm just going to clear the crowd.
How?
I'll just shift everyone who isn't a fifteen-year-old girl into an alternate dimension.
What?
No, it'll be for like a fraction of a second. They won't even notice.
Will, no, you can't!
Why?
Well, what if something went wrong?
Well, it won't!
But what would Giles say?
Willow looks down at the crowd.
Sukut!
The entire Bronze suddenly goes mute although no one notices but Tara and Willow.
Are you taking his side now?
This isn't about sides.
You two have been talking about me behind my back.
No! God.
You know how that makes me feel?
Willow, you are using too much magick. What do you want me to do? Just sit back and keep my mouth shut?
Well, that'd be a good start!
If I didn't love you so damn much I would!
Tara storms off.
Takulum.
The crowd noise resumes.
Tara!
Dawn and Justin are still kissing. Dawn suddenly jerks back.
Ow!
Sorry.
It's okay. Long as it's not bleeding.
More kissing, then Dawn pulls back again.
Justin... could we...
It's just... god, you are so beautiful.
Dawn smiles and lets him kiss her some more. She moves her hand up his arm to his neck and face. Her eyes widen in shock when she feels the ridges on his brow.
Buffy strides in, stake in hand.
Get your gear together. We need to...
She stops as she realizes Spike is nowhere to be seen. The TV is on, playing a black-and-white horror movie.
Spike?
You know...
Buffy jumps and turns to find him right behind her.
...in civilized cultures, that's called trespassing.
Good thing you're uncivilized. We got trouble.
Giles found you?
Giles? No. Was he looking for me?
Yeah, it's Dawn.
Dawn? Why, what happened?
No, it's okay, Giles was by here earlier looking for you. Dawn and her little friend pulled a Houdini. Up to a bit of candy-corn mischief, I suspect.
Wait. She's out there running around by herself?
Yeah, kids these days, eh?
Buffy turns to Spike's trunk of weapons.
I did a sweep of the tunnels. Giles is poking about the cemetery.
We have to find her.
I don't think she's in there.
She tosses Spike a crossbow and he catches it with a frown.
Giles hunts for Dawn, flashlight in hand.
Mist... cemetery... Halloween. Should end well.
He trips on something and falls on his face.
Bloody brilliant.
He composes himself and resumes looking around. The sound of a girl screaming in the distance drifts through the graveyard. Giles heads off at a run.
Giles emerges from the trees to find Zack biting a girl.
Dawn!
The vampire lifts his head and growls. Giles pushes him off the girl and sends him tumbling down a nearby hill.
Dawn, are you all right?
Giles grabs the girl and realizes she's Janice, not Dawn.
Janice?
He bit me. That jerk bit me!
Like you weren't asking for it.
Giles turns to find Zack coming up behind him.
I feel certain she wasn't.
What do you know about it, grandpa?
Quite a bit, actually.
Zack swings at Giles, who ducks and tackles Zack. They tumble down the hill, entangled together while Janice watches in terror.
At the bottom, Giles rolls to his feet and trades blows with Zack. The vampire kicks Giles and he goes down. From his knees, Giles blocks another punch and hits Zack in the gut, then gets up and kicks him. Zack stumbles backward into a tree. He looks down in surprise to find a branch protruding from his chest.
Dude, that sucks.
He disintegrates with a scream.
Dawn. Where's Dawn?
Janice shrugs and holds her bleeding neck.
Dawn scrambles out the passenger door.
Dawn!
Get off me!
Dawn, wait! Wait!
Justin climbs out and runs after her. He catches her and turns her toward him.
I thought we could, you know, like hang out or something.
Hang out?
Yeah. I mean, you're not like other girls. You're different. There's something special about you. I knew it the first time I saw you.
Dawn wants to believe him despite his demonic appearance.
I just want to be close to you.
He puts his hand to her face and she gasps and jerks away.
Sshh. It's okay. It'll only hurt for a second.
Dawn closes her eyes as he bends over to bite her.
I bet you say that to all the girls.
Giles steps into the clearing.
Giles?
As Dawn turns to Giles, Justin seizes her by the throat.
Now, you have a choice, son. We can do this the easy way or we can do this the ha--
Giles stops as a bright light suddenly blinds him. He puts up a hand to shield his eyes.
Multiple car doors open, the headlights of the vehicles spotlighting Giles. He finds himself surrounded by approximately 12 vampires, closing in on him menacingly.
What were my choices again?
Giles faces off with Justin and Dawn as the other vampires advance.
A hand falls on Giles's shoulder and he turns to find Spike next to him.
So. This a private game or can anyone join in?
Buffy arrives as well.
Dawn, are you...
Buffy takes in the scene. Justin lets go of Dawn, who inches away from him.
Were you parking? With a vamp?
I didn't know he was dead!
Living dead.
Shut up!
How could you not know?
I just met him!
Oh! So you were parking in the woods with a boy you just met?
We've seen each other at parties.
Shut up. (to Dawn) I don't believe you!
Oh, like you've never fallen for a vampire?
That was different.
It always is when it's you.
GLENN, one of the vampires, clears his throat.
Excuse me! Can we fight now?
Hey, didn't anyone come here to just make out?
A guy and girl cowering amid the vampires raise their hands.
Aw, that's sweet. You run.
They instantly obey.
You scream.
Buffy, Spike and Giles fan out and engage the vampire gang.
Spike takes Glenn. Giles takes MARLA and CHRISTY, while Buffy attacks the rest.
Die, slayer!
KARL charges Buffy and she deftly steps aside and stakes him as he runs past.
Mm-hmm.
Your sister's the Slayer? I totally get it! I knew there was something about you.
Dawn knees him in the groin and runs off into the woods.
Giles has one of the female vampires on his back while he fights the other.
Giles!
Buffy throws him a stake. He catches it, stakes Marla, ducks a punch and then stakes Christy.
Giles pauses to catch his breath and is tackled to the ground by yet another vampire.
Glenn flattens Spike with a massive punch.
What is your malfunction, man?
Spike gets up and shoves the vampire down into the dirt.
It's Halloween, you nit! We take the night off. Those are the rules.
Me and mine don't follow no stinkin' rules! We're rebels!
He takes a swing at Spike who blocks, head-butts him, then kicks him in the chest. The vampire slams back against a tree trunk and slides to the ground.
No. I'm a rebel. You're an idiot.
He raises his crossbow and shoots Glenn through the heart; Glenn screams as he explodes into dust.
Give the lot of us a bad name.
He finishes reloading the crossbow just as another vampire tackles him to the ground.
Buffy fights a vampire near Justin's car. He throws her onto the trunk and she rolls off as his fist punches through the hood where her head was moments before. She starts to take him apart, piece by piece, pounding and pummeling him, finally slamming his head in the car door, decapitating him.
She runs off to find Dawn.
Dawn. She walks slowly through the forest, jumping at every noise. Justin appears behind her like a ghost.
Trick or treat.
Dawn screams and tries to run but Justin grabs her and pulls her to the ground. He lands on top of her, straddling her, holding her hands down.
Give me something good to eat.
I thought you really liked me.
He lets go of her hands and sits up, still straddling her.
I do. And you like me, too.
I do.
Justin smiles and leans down to take her life. Dawn looks at the sky, as if resigned to her death. As Justin's fangs brush the skin of her neck, he gasps in shock and disintegrates on top of her.
Dawn lies still on the ground, tears in her eyes, a stake in her hand.
Buffy says goodnight to Xander and Anya while Dawn sits by herself in the dining room.
Sorry about the party.
Don't worry about it.
It gave me more time to plan the bridal shower. Where do we order obscenely muscular male strippers?
Anya...
Well, I'm kidding. Jeez.
When Xander turns to leave, Anya mouths "we'll talk" to Buffy and follows him.
Guess I should bugger off. Something about big bads not venturing far from their crypts on Halloween.
Good fight.
Spike nods and leaves also.
So big monster mashing? Sorry we missed it.
Tara gives Willow a cold shoulder and hugs Buffy.
As long as Dawn's all right.
Yeah, that's what's--
I think I'm going to turn in. Good night.
She heads up the stairs and Willow anxiously follows her.
Tara... Tara!
Giles emerges from the kitchen holding an ice-pack to his mouth.
How's your face?
Oh, still ruggedly handsome. 'Grandpa' indeed.
She's taking it pretty hard.
Well, it's not surprising. Still, we can't ignore this kind of behavior. Something needs to be done before it spins out of control.
You're right. I'm glad you're here to take care of it. Don't be too hard on her, okay?
Buffy climbs the stairs leaving Giles staring after her in surprise. He reluctantly heads into the dining room and stands over Dawn. She looks up at him sheepishly.
We need to have a conversation.
Is this the part where you tell me you're not angry, just disappointed?
Pretty much. Except for the bit about not being angry.
Willow anxiously pleads with Tara while Tara draws down the bed.
I'm sorry, okay?
It's not that easy.
Well, what do you want me to do? Reverse time and take it back? 'Cause I could probably... (off Tara's look) Joke. I don't think I could really--
You know what? Can we not do this now? I'm tired.
She gets into bed.
Okay. Let's just forget it ever happened.
Willow goes over to the bureau and picks up a small flowering herb. She palms it and whispers to herself.
Forget...
A flash of light and the herb is dead and wilted. Willow turns off the light and climbs into bed with Tara who smiles at her and laughs.
Oh, your feet are cold.
Better warm me up.
Mmm.
Tara snuggles up against Willow.
This is how every day should always end... and start. And all the stuff in the middle.
She kisses Willow's cheek.
So you're not mad?
About what?
Willow smiles to herself and closes her eyes.