[Transcript of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" episode Wrecked at buffyology.com.]
Cartoons play on the television. Pan to DAWN and TARA asleep on the sofa.
The TV finally wakes Tara up and she looks around in surprise as Dawn begins to stir.
What time is it?
Almost seven. God, I just closed my eyes for a minute.
Hmm. And now there's cartoons. Plus a mother of all night- wedgies.
Uh-oh.
It's not tragic. I'm sure as soon as I stand up--
No, Dawn. Why didn't anybody wake us up? Where is everyone?
Dawn opens the door to Buffy's room. The bed has not been slept in. Willow's bed is the same.
Willow didn't come home either. They were out all night. Where are they?
I'm sure they're fine, Dawnie. I'm sure they just lost track of time.
Rubble, bits of broken wood and plaster litter the floor.
BUFFY suddenly sits up with a gasp, naked and holding her skirt over her chest. She looks around panicked.
SPIKE stirs next to her. Buffy sees him and jumps to her feet, covering herself as best she can. Spike lies there, looking up at her, smirking. They're both covered with cuts and bruises.
When... when did the building fall down?
I don't know. Must have been sometime between the first time and the...
Buffy is revolted.
Oh. Oh, my god.
Opening credit sequence.
Resume. Buffy dresses hurriedly.
Shoe, need my shoe.
What's the hurry, luv?
Spike looks very pleased with himself.
The hurry is I left Dawn all night. And don't call me love.
You didn't seem to take issue with that last night. Or with any of the other little nasties we whispered.
Can we not talk?
I just don't see why you have to run off so quick. Thought we could...
He makes a lewd gesture.
Not gonna happen. Last night was the end of this freak show.
Buffy heads out but Spike catches her arm and pulls her down onto his lap.
Don't say that.
What did you think was going to happen? What? We're going to read the newspaper together, play footsie under the rubble?
Spike slips his hand under Buffy's skirt and she shudders with pleasure.
Not exactly what I had in mind.
Buffy pushes his hand away and struggles against him.
Stop!
Make me.
No! No!
She continues struggling, then gives up and kisses him passionately. She wraps her arms around him, grinds against him and moans with pleasure. Then she abruptly breaks off.
No, no. I have to--
Stay. I'm stuck here. Sun's up.
Buffy regards Spike for a moment, then gives in and goes back to kissing him. Spike lays her down on a pillow and moves on top of her, kissing her neck. She sighs in excitement.
I knew. I knew the only thing better than killing a Slayer would be fu--
What!
Buffy shoves him away and stands, furious.
Is that what this is about? Doing a Slayer?
Well, I wouldn't throw stones, pet. You seem to be quite the groupie yourself.
Shut up.
She wipes her mouth with the back of her hand, disgusted.
I'm just sayin'... vampires get you hot.
A vampire got me hot. One. But he's gone. You're just... (beat) You're just convenient.
That gets to him. Angry, Spike stands and pulls on his pants.
So what now? You go back to treating me like dirt till the next time you get an itch you can't scratch? Well, forget it. Last night changed things. I'm done being your whipping boy.
Nothing's changed. It was a mistake.
Bollocks! It was a bloody revelation. You can act as high and mighty as you like but I know where you live now, Slayer. I've tasted it.
He leans in to kiss her again but she pulls away from him.
Get a grip. Like you're god's gift.
Hardly. Wouldn't be nearly as interesting, would it?
Buffy pushes him away and starts to walk out but he blocks her.
No! Let me go!
Spike puts his arms around her and calms her. Buffy stands still, glaring at him.
I may be dirt but you're the one who likes to roll in it, Slayer. You never had it so good as me. Never.
Buffy shrugs his arms off.
You're bent.
Yeah and it made you scream, didn't it?
I swear to god, if you tell anyone about last night, I will kill you.
Right.
Spike pulls a pair of lacy white panties out of his jeans.
You're going to want these, too.
Buffy's had enough. She decks him and leaves.
Tara ladles pancake batter into a pan.
Pancakes?
Dawn enters and heads for the fridge and takes out a bottle of orange juice.
Sure. Should we call Xander? What if they're all in a ditch somewhere? Ditches are bad. Mom always used to talk about the ditches.
Nobody's in a ditch. We'll call but... we'll give them some time before we wake them up. (re: pancakes) Funny shapes, or...
The door opens and WILLOW and AMY enter, excited and talking.
It'll wear off in a day or--
Willow stops when she sees Tara.
Hey.
Hey. I just... Buffy didn't come home last night either so...
Hey, this is Amy. Amy, Tara. Tara, Amy.
How you doing?
Fine. I... I'd better get going.
Amy! Amy the Rat? (to Amy) Sorry.
No, that's fair. I was a rat.
Tara realizes what Willow means.
When...?
Last night. It's nuts. Everything's different. I mean, the Bronze, for one thing. And Willow! She's a freaking amazing witch now. I couldn't even keep up with her last night.
Amy...
No, it's true! (to Tara) I mean, I can do some transmography but she is messing with dimensions and everything. It was awesome! This blowhard dude, first she made his mouth disappear-- thank god-- and then...
Tara glares angrily at Willow.
I'm talking too much. Sorry. It's just been, you know, me and a bag of pellets for the last few years so...
No, it's fine. It's just I really need to go.
Tara, you left some stuff upstairs. It's in--
I'll get them later.
She abruptly turns and heads out down the hall and out the front door.
Tara!
On the way out, Tara passes Buffy coming in. Buffy looks at Tara, confused, then continues on into the kitchen.
Buffy! Where were you? Are you okay?
I'm fine.
You're not-- you're all sore and limpy.
I'm not... sore. I just... I had a fight, you know, the all-nighter kind.
Figured. I knew that's why you didn't call. So what's the big bad? Should we be worried?
No. I mean, I think you guys are safe. (to Willow) Tara was here?
I guess she stayed over with Dawn.
You guess? Where were you?
We went out. Kinda lost track of time.
Oh.
Buffy and Willow look at each other, guilty.
I never would have if I knew you weren't coming home.
No, of course. I mean, you know, it wasn't... intentional. And everyone's safe. (to Dawn) You are, right? You're okay?
Oh, yeah. I think my pancakes are burning but...
Willow goes over to the stove and turns it off.
Tara was making...
Willow looks suddenly drawn and exhausted.
I've... gotta get some sleep.
Me, too.
Yeah. I should go home. Dad's expecting me.
Okay. I'll call you later.
Yeah, good.
Amy leaves and Buffy looks over at Dawn.
You sure you're all right? I'm sorry about everything.
It's okay. You should rest. You're beat from monster-wrestling all night.
Yeah. Right. Thanks.
Yeah, I'm going to crash too. Night, Dawnie.
Willow follows Buffy upstairs. Dawn stands in the kitchen all by herself.
No problem. I'll just... go find some awake people.
Willow enters, closes the door and lies down on her bed without bothering to get undressed. She closes her eyes for a moment, then opens them again, bothered by the light streaming through the window. She waves weakly at the window.
Claudete.
Nothing happens. She tries again, louder.
Claudete!
Still nothing. Willow frowns, then gets up and closes the curtains the old fashioned way.
ANYA and XANDER sit at the reading table going through the books.
All these demons are starting to look alike. You got reptiles... reptiles with horns... reptiles with gills. And I'm still finding nothing of the 'steal a diamond, freeze a guy' variety. An, would you hand me that one next to you?
No response.
Great. We're not even married yet and already you've stopped listening to me.
He reaches across her to get the book. As he picks it up, a copy of Bride & Joy magazine falls out of it.
Xander narrows his eyes suspiciously and tips Anya's book down. She has another bridal magazine hidden in pages of the book.
Anya!
I'm sorry but this is pointless! We've been researching forever and we're not even close to finding out who robbed that museum.
Buffy saunters over to see what's going on.
What's up?
Anya has a theory. She thinks that Martha Stewart froze that guy.
Don't be ridiculous. Martha Stewart isn't a demon. She's a witch.
Please, she-- really?
Of course. Nobody could do that much decoupage without calling on the powers of darkness.
Guys, while this is fascinating, we still have work to do.
I know I do! I can't decide whether to put my bridesmaids in cocktail dresses or the traditional burlap with blood larva.
The traditional what?
Well, I was a demon for a thousand years. You don't expect me to turn my back on all the ways of my people.
Can I weigh in on this whole me wearing larva--
ANYA & XANDER
No.
Irritated, Buffy sighs and sits.
At least I'm not asking you to perform the groom's rite of self- flagellation.
Guys! There's something out there?
There is. And as much as I hate to admit that my bizarre bride- to-be has a point, we're getting nowhere here, Buff. Maybe it's time to try something new. You know? Hit the streets, get Spike on it.
No! No Spike. And no hit the streets. We stay put, you know? Away from distractions. We'll figure this out.
What about Willow? Can't she do something?
Maybe. But she's home sleeping.
Sleeping? She sick?
No, she was out late. With Amy.
And I'm bizarre? At least I didn't dump you to hang out with an ex-rat.
No, it's not like that. You know, she's just... helping Amy through a transition.
And making herself a playmate to do magick with. Someone who won't monitor her like Tara.
No, Willow's a grownup. Maybe she doesn't need to be monitored. (off Xander's look) You know, she's going through something but we're not her. I mean, maybe she has reasons for acting this way. And so what if she crossed a line? You know, we all do stuff. Stupid stuff. But then we learn. And we learn and we don't do it again. Okay? So who are we to get all judgey?
Not judgey, Buff. Just, observey.
Yeah, all we're saying is she's acting different. She's not herself.
Amy and Willow stroll through the crowd past the coffee shop.
So what do you want to do? It's going to be hard to top last night.
Yeah, I don't know if I can. I felt awful today and I couldn't do magick. Took me all day to get my powers back. I think we should just take it easy.
I have a better idea.
What?
I know this guy and he knows spells that last for days. And the burnout factor is like nothing.
Really? He's a warlock?
I guess. Look, I am not kidding you. This guy will blow your mind. He will take you to places that you can't even imagine.
Is it dangerous?
Would that stop you?
Amy leads Willow down the alley and stops, pointing into the empty space in front of them.
This is it.
Where? I thought you said the guy lived around here.
He does. You can't feel it?
What do you--
Amy takes Willow's hand and holds it out in front of them.
Here.
It's hot.
Amy grins, turns toward Willow and walks backward down the alley.
Come on.
The air ripples around her as she walks, then she disappears.
Willow stares in shock for a moment, then puts out her hand and walks forward. Her hand and arm, then her whole body, ripple and disappear.
Amy waits smiling for Willow in a seedy flophouse. Willow suddenly appears in the room with her and looks around in amazement.
Old furniture is scattered about the room with several strung out junkie types lounging about.
It's cool, isn't it? The place is cloaked.
Yeah.
Moves around a lot, too. Keeps Rack out of trouble.
Rack? Who's--
The far door opens and RACK emerges. A GIRL jumps up and runs over to him as he approaches Amy.
Rack! Rack, it's my turn.
A strung-out GUY shoves her out of the way.
No, man, you said I was up.
Bull! I've been here for hours!
Rack ignores them and smiles at Amy and Willow.
I believe these two are next.
Willow, Amy and Rack enter his private room. Amy takes off her jacket while Willow looks the place over nervously.
Thanks, Rack, for taking us. I know it's been a while. You'll never believe--
You were a rat.
How did you know?
I hope that taught you not to mess with spells you can't handle. You should leave that in the hands of a professional.
He rubs his hands together and magickal sparks shoot off his fingertips. Willow watches with interest. Rack notices and stands in front of her, smiling.
Oh. This one's givin' off vibes.
I don't mean to... vibe at you. If it's in a negative way.
No, no. I mean you have power, girl. It's just coming off you in waves.
Not so much.
Rack stares at her. Willow fidgets under his intense gaze, uncomfortable.
I mean, I can do stuff but I get tapped out quick and I've used practically every spell I know.
And what do you want me to do about that?
I don't know. I thought... Amy said--
Amy said. Amy said I could help you. But did Amy say how you could help me?
No. I have some money, a bit--
Not money.
Well, I could help you with your computer. I'm really handy--
Rack holds his hand out to her chest.
Just relax. I'm not going to hurt you. You gotta give a little to get a little, right?
Scared, Willow looks to Amy.
It's okay. It's over fast.
After a moment, Willow nods to Rack.
That's right. I'm just going to take a little tour.
He rests his hand on Willow's chest and a bolt of magick shoots from his hand into her. She gasps and closes her eyes. Amy avidly watches, excited, as Willow gasps in pleasure. After a moment Rack breaks off and opens his eyes. He leans over and whispers in Willow's ear.
You taste... like strawberries.
Willow's eyes are still closed, her face bathed in an expression of ecstasy.
Amy stands in the center of the room spinning with her arms held out to her sides. Rack reclines on a nearby sofa, looking into a crystal ball. Inside the ball, a tiny Amy spins and spins, faster and faster, becoming a blur.
Pan up to the ceiling to reveal Willow. She lies upside down on the ceiling, her shirt open , her breasts nearly exposed. She writhes sensuously, as if having a sexual experience.
Willow's POV: the sofas around the perimeter of the room shift and melt. Bright green grass sprouts from the floor and furniture.
Willow's POV:
A figure moves in the foliage.
A person's legs disappear into the brush.
MANDRAZ, a crimson demon, shoots out from under the bushes and snarls up
at Willow.Willow screams and falls from the ceiling. She crashes to the floor and looks around. All the foliage is gone. The room is back to normal.
The room blurs around her and she find herself standing amid a crowd of people. Her eyes have gone jet black.
Her surroundings undergo another sickening shift and she finds herself on the street in front of the Magic Box. She looks around wildly, panicked, then is abruptly back in Rack's lair again.
Willow's eyes open, back to normal. She frowns, starts to stand up, then panics again when she realizes she's in her bedroom at the Summers house.
Willow stands in the shower under the running water, weeping.
Willow walks out of the bathroom in her robe and approaches the box containing Tara's things. She takes a sweater and skirt from the box and lays it out on the bed. With a wave of her hand, the clothes fill out and take form as if someone is inside them. The outfit sits up and the invisible companion embraces Willow.
Dawn cooks at the stove with a pan. She uses her fingers to flip over a flat piece of bread in a pan as Willow enters.
Ow. Ow, ow! Ow.
She sucks on her fingers.
Or you could do it the hard way.
Spatulas are for wimps. I'm making peanut-butter-and-banana quesadillas. You want?
No, thanks. I'm more in water mode.
She takes a bottle of water from the refrigerator and sits. Dawn picks her food from the pan and drops it on a plate.
Ow. Ow. Ow. You sure? It's my own brand-new invention.
I'm sure. No... tummy's feeling kinda rumbly.
Dawn takes a dramatic first bite of her creation.
Your loss. Very delicious. Buffy called. She said she was going straight from the Magic Box to do some patrolling.
Oh, did she need help?
No, she was just calling to check in. For like the tenth time today. I think she's feeling all Joan Crawford 'cause of the other night.
Yeah, about that. I'm... I'm really sorry. I shouldn't have assumed Buffy would be here.
Right. Assume would make you an ass out of me. (beat) Or something. Anyway, please. It's cool. I mean, it's not like I even needed Tara to stay over. I'm so totally fine on my own. (anxious) But you are going to be around tonight, right?
Right. Totally! We can do something if you want. A movie maybe?
Really? But I thought you weren't feeling so good.
Well, nothing a little Dawnie time won't fix. If you feel like baggin' the peanut butter, I'll even buy you dinner.
Dawn grins, relieved.
Thank god! (re: quesadillas) Remind me never to invent that again. Yech.
She takes her plate to the trash and throws it away.
Great. This'll be great. I'll just grab the paper and see what's playing.
I'll leave a note for Buffy on the refrigerator. That's the first place she goes after patrolling. She's such a pig after she kills things.
Buffy enters. It's dark and quiet and she starts toward the kitchen but pauses when she hears a noise from upstairs.
Hello?
She starts up the stairs.
Willow?
She reaches the top and looks down the hall.
Dawn?
She heads for the master bedroom. Inside, Willow's chest of magick supplies sits open on the floor, lid open, magick supplies strewn across the floor. Buffy examines the chest, confused, then suddenly spins and seizes Amy, pinning her against the wall.
What's going on?
Uh-oh. (nervous) Busted.
Where's Willow?
She said I could-- wait!
Buffy snatches a baggie full of dried plants out of her hand.
What is this?
It's not what you think it is. It's sage!
Buffy opens it and sniffs.
That is what I think it is. What's going on? Where's Willow and Dawn?
I... I saw her but that was... I like your coat. When does the Slayer find time to shop?
Buffy shakes her and slams her against the wall.
So they didn't let you in?
Not that they know of.
What else did you take?
Nothing.
Buffy slams her against the wall again.
Ow!
What else?
She lets go of Amy and pats her down.
Please! Please, I need this stuff. Willow wants me to have it. She understands.
Buffy recovers several more plastic bags and glass vials from Amy's pockets.
Understands what? Breaking into someone's house for kitchen spices? No, I don't think so.
You should. She's as bad as I am. Worse. Bet she's at Rack's right now.
Rack's?
A place. He does spells, heavy stuff. Willow's his new favorite.
Buffy slams Amy against the wall again.
She's there? With Dawn?
Ugh, don't shake me again. Super strength. I think I'm gonna boot.
Then tell me where this place is and I won't.
Well, it's downtown but it moves.
What do you mean it moves?
It's downtown. I'm not sure where it would be tonight exactly.
Tell me how to find it.
You just kinda have to feel it out. Oh, god... I think I'm gonna--
Amy puts her hand over her mouth and runs for the bathroom.
Willow and Dawn head down the street together.
So the burger was good? You liked it?
Are you kidding? It was like a meat party in my mouth. (beat) Okay, now I'm just a kid and even I know that came out wrong. It was good. But you should have had something.
I will. I'll eat. I'm saving myself for popcorn. The other day, you had fun?
What other day? Give me a Mon or a Fri here, something to work with.
The other day with Tara.
Oh! Yeah. I mean, it was nice. But it wasn't a laugh riot. She's sad and everything.
Did she say something?
Not exactly. I can just tell by the way she was acting.
Oh.
Are you sure you're okay? You look a little--
No, I'm fine. And Tara's in her new place and everything, she's all settled in?
We really didn't get into... well... (looks around) Is this right? Is this the way to the movies?
Oh yeah. I'm just... took you the long way around. But we're almost there. I just have to make one quick stop first.
Willow turns down an alley. Dawn frowns but follows.
Willow and Dawn ripple through the wall and into the room. Dawn looks around nervously.
What is this place? Why is it hidden?
I don't know. It's cool, isn't it? Okay, you just hang here for a minute and I'll be back. (beat) You want me to conjure you a magazine or something?
Well, what about the movie? It starts at nine.
We'll make it. I'll just be a minute. And it doesn't matter if we miss the trailers.
Willow goes into Rack's room and closes the door. Dawn stands looking around awkwardly.
I like the trailers.
Resume. Dawn sits on one of the sofas in the outer room and nervously looks up at the clock. It reads 10:05.
A sleazy-looking guy sits down next to her and turns to her, a lit cigarette in his mouth. Disgusted, Dawn moves away from him. She stands in the corner, fidgeting and uncomfortable.
Rack reclines on the sofa and looks up at Willow with a mischievous smile.
What do you think, strawberry? Can you handle some more?
Magick sparks crackle across his fingertips. A bolt of energy leaps from his hand and envelopes Willow in a bubble.
Willow's eyes are closed, her face a mask of ecstasy.
Willow's POV: outer space, blackness all around, stars streaking past. She floats ethereally in the starscape and reaches out to touch the stars.
Willow frowns as a bright red rift appears ahead of her. Her frown changes to a scream as the demon Mandraz charges through the rift with a dead woman in his arms.
Rack leans back, smiling, as Willow screams in terror.
Spike is asleep. A large candle smacks him in the belly and he sits up, startled to find Buffy standing at the foot of the bed.
God, do you sleep through anything? I was like yelling and nothing.
Spike sits up completely naked and leers at her.
I'm a bit knackered. Had a long night. Someone should teach you how to use candles in foreplay, luv.
Buffy scowls and throws his pants at him.
Get dressed. Dawn's missing.
Again? Ever think about a Lojack for the girl? What's the story?
She went out with Willow.
Willow? That's kind of a sorry excuse to come by. If you want the touch all you need to do is--
Spike, Willow's into something, okay? Her and Dawn have been missing for hours. There's some guy named Rack.
Rack?
Yeah, he's some sort of--
I know who he is. He deals in magick. Black stuff, dangerous.
I've been all over downtown and I can't find his place.
Because he cloaks it. You can't feel it unless you're into the big bad-- a witch or a vampire or--
So let's go!
Spike stands up and Buffy turns around, not wanting to look at him naked.
Oh, that's right. Hide your blushing eyes.
Dawn is more nervous than ever. She looks up at the clock. It's now almost 11:00. She finally heads for the door to Rack's private room.
Hey, wait your turn.
The door suddenly opens and Willow exits, smiling.
Hey Dawnie. It's movie time.
Do you know how long I've been out here? It's too late for the movie. And that guy smells like--
Dawn stops when she sees that Willow's eyes are coal black.
Are you... are you okay?
Fine. Let's get outta here.
Willow leaves and Dawn anxiously follows her.
Willow is unsteady on her feet and occasionally bumps into Dawn as the girls make their way down an alley and away from Rack's lair.
So what do you want to do, cutie?
It's late. I just want to go home.
No way! I said we were going to have fun and we're going to have fun.
POV: something peers at the girls from the shadows and follows them down the alley.
I'm serious. I think we should just get out of here.
"I think we should just get out of here." Come on, Dawnie. It's grownup time. Do you want to play with the grownups or not?
Why are you acting this way?
Oh, don't get all weird on me. We're fine. Everything's fine.
Reveal Mandraz in the shadows behind the girls. The creature snarls and picks up the pace.
Buffy and Spike. They're searching the city, peering into alleys as they make their way down a city street.
Anything?
Not yet. I might pick up on it if you stop asking me about every two seconds.
Spike, if you're dragging this out...
What? So I can linger near your precious self? Get a grip.
Like you've never drawn things out before.
Maybe but we've been through this, haven't we? Things have changed.
Will you quit that? The only thing that's different is that I'm disgusted with myself. That's the power of your charms. Last night was the most perverse, degrading experience of my life.
Yeah. Me, too.
That might be how you get off but it's not my style.
No, it's your calling. Gave me a run for my money, Slayer. (beat) Now I admit it. You've had me by the short hairs. I love you. You know it. But I got my rocks back. You felt something last night.
Not love.
Not yet. But I'm in your system now. You're going to crave me like I crave blood. And the next time you come crawling, if you don't stop being such a bitch, maybe I will bite you.
Buffy's had enough.
That's it! I want you out of my life! Out of my work! Out of my home--
Too late for that. You invited me in already. And as for your work, you need me. Like tonight.
I'll find Dawn myself.
You really going to put your little sis in danger just to spite me?
Dawn and Willow. Dawn is nervous. She senses something's not right.
Willow. I'm serious. I'm going home.
Then go! God, I thought we were going to hang.
Well, you're not coming with me?
Well, I don't know. Maybe I could just... pop you back!
With magick?
She shakes her head in disgust, then stops when she hears a furtive noise behind them.
What's that?
What? I didn't--
I'm getting out of here.
Dawn begins to walk away very fast.
Aw, Dawnie, don't. It was probably a cat or something like that.
Dawn turns back to Willow just as Mandraz leaps out in front of her. She reels back in horror. Willow is disconcerted but not particularly worried.
Oh, it's okay. He's not real.
Seems real! Very! Real!
You summoned me, witch.
Now Willow isn't quite so sure of herself. She backs away with Dawn.
I didn't--
Did. You raised hell with your magicks.
Mandraz snarls and slashes Dawn's cheek with his claw. Willow pushes Dawn behind her, shielding her with her body. Mandraz looks lustily at Dawn's blood dripping from his claw.
Fresh.
Don't! She has nothing to do with it. It was me!
Yessss.
Dawn cowers behind Willow as the demon towers over them. Dawn kicks out her foot, catching the demon square in the chest. He falls backward into a pile of
garbage. Seizing the opportunity, Dawn and Willow run off into the night with Mandraz in hot pursuit.
Dawn and Willow round the corner onto the main street.
He's coming! He's too fast!
Willow spots a parked car and dashes toward it.
Open!
The car doors swing open for them.
Get in!
Willow and Dawn jump into the car with Willow in the driver's seat.
Close!
The doors close as Mandraz rounds the corner after them.
Drive!
The car starts up and takes off with a squeal of tires. Willow laughs with delight and Dawn stares at her in shock.
What are you doing?
Willow waves her hand over the steering wheel and the car veers crazily from side to side. Dawn holds on for dear life as the car zooms down the street and into an alley. Willow looks back over her shoulder at Mandraz chasing after them.
Take that, scuzz--
The car slams into a concrete pillar.
Resume. The front end of the car is crumpled and smoke curls from under the hood. Dawn lifts her head and groans. She looks around.
Oh, god.
She opens the door and climbs out, wincing in pain and holding her arm. Blood runs down her face from a head laceration. She limps slowly around to the front of the car, then rushes over to the driver's-side door. Willow is slumped over the steering wheel.
Mandraz suddenly leaps down right in front of Dawn. She screams and pushes him away, then drops to the ground and crawls underneath the car.
The demon snags Dawn's leg and starts to drag her back out.
Buffy and Spike. They hear Dawn's screams in the distance and head off toward the sound.
The alley. Dawn screams and kicks as Mandraz drags her out from under the car. She throws a handful of dirt in his face and his hold on her breaks. She tries to run away but he grabs her again. She struggles against him and he wallops her with a massive backhanded blow. She lands in a crumpled heap several dozen yards away.
Whimpering, Dawn crawls away from the creature but it's no use. He's on her again in an instant, snarling with rage.
Dawn!
Buffy races down the alley and tackles the demon, driving him away from her sister. Buffy rolls to her feet and lays into the creature with a tremendous rage of her own.
Spike kneels next to Dawn and helps with her injuries.
Buffy fights furiously with the creature. It advances on her but suddenly begins to shake and tremble.
Now you're scared? (shrugs) Better late than never.
Mandraz is more than scared, however. He screams as steam rises from him and he suddenly dissolves into a cloud of sparks and smoke.
Reveal Willow as the smoke clears, her fingers still crackling with magick. She staggers and leans against the wall for support. Her eyes are jet black again and blood streams down her face.
No, no!
Dawn...
Buffy goes to her sister who sits on the ground cradling her arm against her chest, tears running down her face.
What happened? Are you okay?
He was after Willow. She made the car drive.
Buffy tries to move Dawn's injured arm.
Don't! No, don't!
I need to see, okay? Let me see your arm.
She pulls Dawn's arm gently away from her body as Willow runs over and kneels next to her.
Dawn? Oh god, there's blood.
Okay, we need to get her to a doctor.
Spike nods and helps Dawn to her feet.
Is she okay? Is she okay?
Back off, Will. I got her.
Buffy and Spike help Dawn down the alley.
No, Dawnie!
I mean it. Stay away from her!
Willow runs around in front of them, blocking them. She's sobbing, desperate.
Dawnie! Dawnie, I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry. It was an accident! I didn't see. I'm so, so sorry.
Dawn glares at Willow, then slaps her hard across the face. Willow's head rocks back and her eyes go wide with shock.
Dawnie! Dawnie, don't!
Willow continues to cry and beg as they walk away from her. She falls to the ground, crying hysterically.
Dawnie, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry...
Spike looks at Buffy, nods and leads Dawn away. Buffy turns back to Willow.
Get up.
I screwed it up... everything... Tara...
Buffy takes Willow's arm and yanks her violently to her feet.
Yeah, you know what, you did screw up, okay? You could have killed her! You almost did!
I know! I know! I can't stop, Buffy! I tried and I can't.
You can.
I can't! I can't... god, I need help. Please! (sobs) Please help me, please.
Willow wraps her arms around Buffy and clings to her, crying out of control. Buffy reluctantly hugs Willow back but her face shows no sympathy.
Willow sits on her bed, a blanket wrapped around her, her eyes closed. Buffy appears in the doorway and leans against the wall with her arms crossed. Willow opens her eyes.
Is she okay?
She's sleeping. The ER doc gave her something for the pain. It knocked her out.
But she's going to be all right?
It's a fracture. It's going to take some time.
God, I'm... sorry. I'm so...
I just don't understand. I don't understand why you'd go to see somebody like Rack and I certainly don't understand why you'd drag Dawn into it.
I don't know. The magick, I... I thought I had it under control and then... I didn't.
Because of Tara?
No. It started before she left. (beat) It's why she left.
Seemed like things were going so well.
It was. But I mean... if you could be, you know, Plain Old Willow or Super Willow, who would you be? I guess you don't actually have an option on the whole super thing.
Buffy sits down next to Willow.
Will, there's nothing wrong with you. You don't need magick to be special.
Don't I? Buffy, who was I? Just some girl. Tara didn't even know that girl.
You are more than some girl. And Tara wants you to stop. She loves you.
We don't know that.
I know that. I promise you.
I just... it took me away from myself. I was... free.
I get that. More than you... but it's wrong. People get hurt.
If something had happened to Dawn tonight... something worse.
I know.
No, I don't think you do. I was out of my mind. I... I did things I can't even... (resolute) It won't happen again, I promise. No more spells. I'm finished.
Good. I think it's right. To give it up. (beat) No matter how good it feels.
It's not worth it. Not if it messes with the people I love. The magick wasn't all great. I won't miss the nosebleeds and the headaches and stuff.
There you go.
Or... keeping stinky yak cheese in my bra. (off Buffy's look) Don't ask.
Now I don't have to.
'Cause it's over.
Exactly. It's over.
They both nod and smile tentatively at each other. After a moment, they both look away and their smiles disappear.
Later. Willow lies in bed, her breathing ragged, a light sheen of sweat on her face. She stares at the ceiling, one hand clutching her belly, the other kneading her pillow.
Garlic cloves hang from the windows and the bed frame. Buffy sits on her bed, knees drawn up to her chest, a cross in her hands. She hugs herself and stares into space, trying to overcome her own demons.