[Transcript of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" episode Older And Far Away at buffyology.com.]
BUFFY packs her weapons bag while making her apologies to DAWN.
I'm sorry.
It's okay.
No, we're going to sit down and have a real dinner. Someday. I hate having to run out in the middle. It's just, you know, there's this thing out there. Definitely non-vampire.
I understand.
Buffy heads for the door.
Well, maybe when you get back we can set up for your party tomorrow.
Yeah. This could take a while though. I wouldn't wait up. Besides, Willow promised to be on birthday patrol, so there's nothing left for us to do.
Right.
Okay... so finish dinner, homework, and don't stay up too late, all right?
Okay.
Okay.
Dawn maintains her smile until Buffy leaves, then walks off, dejected.
Buffy walks among the headstones armed with a large battle axe.
As she passes a mausoleum, a large demon with red skin and a spiny crest leaps out of the shadows behind her. She instinctively brings the axe up to block as the demon swings at her with a large broadsword.
The blow dents the axe's handle and rips it out of Buffy's hands. As the creature swings at Buffy again, she seizes its arm and twists violently. It roars in pain and disappears into thin air.
Buffy looks around, confused as it reappears directly behind her. She instantly kicks it in the face and follows with a flurry of punches, staggering the demon and knocking its sword free.
She catches the sword in mid air as the demon charges her. She runs the blade straight through its abdomen. A flash of blue energy emanates from the wound as Buffy rips the blade back out. She falls backward to the ground, dazed. The sword embeds itself point-down in the grass.
The demon falls to his knees and dissolves into a stream of silver plasma which is instantly absorbed by the sword. The demon's face is briefly reflected in the sword's blade.
Buffy notices none of this as she regains her senses.
Run off, huh? Afraid to face a true warrior? (re: sword) Oh, shiny.
She smiles, pulls the sword out of the ground and deftly twirls it before walking off into the night.
Opening credit sequence.
ANYA dusts among the statues and bookshelves while XANDER and WILLOW sit at the reading table doing paperwork.
Do you think we should set up lots of candles for Buffy's party tomorrow?
Not if they're that horrible slug kind you keep trying to unload.
I don't know why people get so turned off by slug.
Honey, slugs get turned off by slug. (to Willow) Oh, actually, I wanted to talk to you about that.
Slugs?
No, the party. Or Tara... at the party.
Oh.
It's just... Buffy really wants her there. It seems important to her so I told her I'd ask you.
Oh... yeah, of course, she should totally be there. It'll be great.
Dawn enters holding her coat and smiling happily.
Hey!
Hey, Dawnie. Buffy out patrolling already?
Dawn nods, a frown briefly crossing her face.
So anything new about Warren and the Nerd Herd?
No, just a big monster hunt.
Man, a nerd goes into hiding, he really goes into hiding.
Does anybody want to come to the mall with me for birthday presents?
Oh, I would, honey, but I've got my group. You know, the whole Spellcasters Anonymous thing? We're still looking for a better name.
Oh. Well, yeah. No, that's good. You should do that. (to Anya and Xander) So what about you guys?
Stuck in Doing-the-Booksville.
I'd love to go with you but I gotta finish this new shift schedule for the crew by tomorrow morning.
Sorry. It just looks like one of those nights. You know?
Yeah.
You okay going on your own?
Yeah. Somehow I'll manage to pull it off.
Willow smiles and goes back to her work. Dawn watches them awkwardly for a moment, then heads out alone.
Dawn enters and looks around cautiously. The house seems empty.
Buffy?
No response. She heads up the stairs.
Dawn as she enters and closes the door behind her. She puts her purse on the bed and takes a handful of jewelry from her coat pockets, most with the price tags still attached. She takes off her coat, revealing a stylish leather jacket beneath.
She checks out the jacket in the mirror; the merchandise security device is still attached to the sleeve.
The bored students listen listlessly to the TEACHER's English Lit lecture.
...if we can come up with things Jim lost during his years in Shanghai and things he gained. Who wants to--
A student enters from the hall and hands the teacher a piece of paper.
Excuse me.
The teacher reads the note and looks up at Dawn.
Dawn? They need you in the guidance office.
Alarmed, Dawn gathers her things and leaves.
Dawn sits across the desk from the school's counselor, who just happens to be Anya's friend HALFREK, a vengeance demon, although now she appears as a beautiful young woman with a conspicuous blue pendant around her neck.
I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. Just a follow-up after your... your loss. And since I'm new here, I thought it would give us a chance to know each other.
Great.
So I've been looking through your file and... your grades have slipped a little.
I have really hard classes this quarter.
Yeah, still. Teachers say that you seem a little distracted lately.
I'm not. I'm fine.
Okay. It's just I know it must seem weird, talking to a stranger about stuff, but I want you to know that if something's going on, something's up, my job-- the most important part of my job-- is looking out for you.
She smiles warmly. Surprised, Dawn tentatively returns the smile.
I'm really okay.
I know there's been... a lot of loss.
Yeah. Kinda. I mean, yes. People keep... people have a tendency to go away and I miss them. And sometimes... I wish I could just make them stop. Going away. (beat) But seriously, it's no big deal. I'm fine.
CU: the kitchen table is piled with several trays of hors d'oeuvres.
We're feeding an army!
No, they couldn't make it.
Anya prepares the food while Buffy watches.
So who's coming. You invite anyone else?
Just you guys. Willow, Tara. The gang. Oh, and Sophie from work.
Xander and Anya exchange a look.
What? Like I'm one of those losers who can't make friends outside her tight little circle? No. I'm friendly. We bonded instantly. Peas in a pod. Bonded peas.
Really? What's Sophie's last name?
Okay, shut up.
Don't worry about it, we're all over the new friend thing.
What... new friend thing?
Well... we invited someone for you. (off Buffy's horrified look) A guy.
Dawn enters and jumps on the idea.
For Buffy? Really?
Don't worry. It's not a setup.
Right. No. Just an attractive single man with whom we hope you find much in common. And if you happen to form--
An...
--a romantic relationship leading to babies--
An...
--and many double dates with us so we have someone else to talk to-- yay!
I assume this was an act of kindness? That'll help with the not throttling.
Hey, I'm just going to get this stuff out there. People should be here soon.
He picks up the trays of the food and makes a hasty retreat.
Buffy opens the door for TARA, who smiles and holds out a small wrapped gift.
Hey! You made it!
Of course, sweetie. So how're you doing?
Oh, you know. Better. Mostly. Sometimes.
So is... (sotto) Spike coming?
No. He may be a chip-head but he still doesn't play too well with others. Besides, I'm definitely not ready to...
Come out?
Yeah. I'm all... stay-inny.
Tara smiles and nods sympathetically.
Willow stands in front of the mirror and nervously adjusts her clothes.
How are you doing?
The word "gulp" comes to mind.
Just remember, we're all here to...
Willow appears at the top of the stairs and heads down.
...I have to, with the thing that I... coming!
Buffy ducks into the kitchen as Tara and Willow face each other awkwardly.
Hey.
Hey.
Hey. How are you?
Fine, thanks. I'm... I'm fine. How are you?
Great! I mean... fine. I'm... Finey McFine. Fine.
You look...
Thanks.
I mean... great.
Thanks. You do, too. Is that a new--?
Oh, yeah.
It's nice.
Thanks.
Awkward silence.
I'm going to get something to drink.
Oh, yeah, great. You should.
Tara heads for the kitchen and Willow quietly berates herself.
You don't want to get thirsty.
Buffy fills paper cups from a large pitcher of margaritas. She looks up as Tara enters.
Hey, how did it--
Yes, please.
She grabs a cup from Buffy and downs it one big gulp. Shocked and amused, Buffy grins, then turns to answer the back door as someone knocks.
SPIKE enters carrying a 6-pack of beer under one arm, followed by CLEM, a jowly, floppy-eared demon. He's looked better: his face is still swollen and bruised from the beating Buffy gave him earlier.
Spike.
Yeah. Willow mentioned the shindig. Figured we're all part of the team. Thought I'd swing by.
Buffy frowns at Clem.
Wait, what kind of team is this?
Hi. We met once before.
Yes, yes we did.
You know-- more, merrier, that whole thing.
Hi, I'm Clement. Clem.
Tara.
Xander enters from the living room, followed by RICHARD, a young blonde guy. Xander introduces him to Buffy while she stares daggers at him.
Buffy, Richard.
Hey.
He was wondering where the best place was to park his car.
Oh, that's easy, just--
Buffy will show ya.
He shoves Richard toward Buffy and they look at each other awkwardly.
Okay... (to Tara) I'll be right back.
Buffy casts a glance at Spike. He raises an eyebrow, amused as she takes Richard's arm and leads him toward the front. Richard pauses in the doorway.
The guy with the--
Skin condition! He doesn't like to talk about it.
They head outside and Spike kicks the door closed behind them.
Stupid git!
I don't know. He seemed... cute. Was he cute? I mean, I'm not a very good judge but... I think he seemed cute.
I think he seemed cute, yeah.
Spike shoots them both a withering look.
Xander reclines on the sofa with Dawn and Anya.
If we get Buffy, can she start on opening the presents? It's been enough time, hasn't it?
Not yet, sweetie.
I think Buffy's busy right now.
Buffy's making a new friend. A grown-up friend.
What, you mean the guy you invited to set her up with?
Nothing.
It's not like I don't understand why you invited him. I was there, remember? I can hear you when I'm in the room, you know? I do understand these things.
Yes, you do!
She pats Dawn on the head.
You know I'm in high school, right?
Yes, you are!
Dawn stares at Anya in disbelief.
Buffy comes down from upstairs. Spike intercepts her in the foyer and backs her into a corner.
You want to slip away for a minute, luv?
What?
I'll let you blow out my candles.
Here? Now? I don't think so.
Oh, what? You worried about Richard? You don't want to make your new boyfriend jealous, huh?
Shut up. He's... sweet.
Oh, shut up, he's sweet.
Maybe he's not the jealous one.
Buffy pushes past him and down the hall.
You think he'll take you out on his ten-speed, pet? Maybe he'll let you ride in that little basket in the front. Jealous my ass.
Later. Buffy sits on the sofa, looking skeptically at a strange device with two round knobs on the side.
Um...
See? It's a battery-operated back massager. And it's portable so you can take it with you on patrol.
Wow.
It's like instant gratification for all your little acheys.
Buffy glances at Spike. He cocks an eyebrow and smirks.
Great! Thanks! What's next?
Here, do mine.
Dawn hands her a large box which Buffy enthusiastically unwraps. She opens the box and stops, shocked.
Dawn...
It's Dawn's stolen leather jacket.
Do you like it?
It's... gorgeous.
I was so nervous. I was afraid you wouldn't like it.
Buffy frowns when she sees the security tag.
It still has the security tag on it.
Alarmed, Dawn covers quickly.
Huh. That's so weird. I can't believe they didn't take that off.
Happy birthday, Buffy!
Everyone turns as Xander and Anya wheel in a large hand-carved wooden chest.
Oh, my god!
Xander and Anya place the chest in the middle of the room and stand back proudly.
Did you guys make that?
Buffy dumps the jacket in Dawn's lap and goes over to inspect it. Dawn sits back on the sofa, hurt.
Well, Xander did the building. I offered helpful suggestions while observing from a safe distance.
Buffy kneels down and opens the chest.
Holds basic weapons, plus a few non-basic ones too. (loud) Plus, there's a handsome CD holder.
Angry, Dawn folds the jacket back into the box.
We wanted you to have something no one else would have.
A Xander Harris original.
The doorbell rings.
I love it. Thanks, you guys!
Buffy leans across the chest and kisses Xander on the cheek as Tara answers the door.
Buffy?
Oh! Sophie!
A nervous-looking young woman stands in the doorway. SOPHIE smiles hesitantly at Tara.
Welcome! We're somewhere between presents and cake. (to Anya) There is going to be cake eventually, right?
Hey. My mom told me to say thank you right away 'cause, otherwise I usually forget. So thank you. And also I can't have any chocolate or peanuts or egg yolks.
Is this the friend you brought from work?
Yes.
And sometimes dairy.
No problem.
Sophie looks around at the others and Clem gives her a friendly wave.
Our friend is better.
We can do official introductions now that everyone's officially here. Dawnie, you mind getting the door? Sophie, this is Anya... and Willow...
Dawn stands in the doorway for a moment, fuming, then closes the door.
Halfrek steps out of the shadows and smiles with satisfaction as her face shifts from human to demon.
Wish granted.
Loud rock music plays and Sophie and Clem dance together. Willow sits with Xander and Anya, talking. Dawn sits off to the side, bored and trying to look happy.
Buffy runs into Richard in the hall.
Hey.
Hi.
Great party. Everyone's having fun.
I hope so.
I mean, look what time it is and no one's even thinking about leaving. I... can't tear myself away.
Yeah?
Yeah. Can I get you a drink?
Buffy notices Spike watching from the living room.
I'm good, thank you.
Okay.
I think I'll just... head back in.
Well, I'll look for you.
Okay.
Richard heads into the kitchen and Spike smirks.
Oh, Buffy. Can I get you a soda pop? I think I'm in love.
He tries to take her hand but she pulls away, trying to stifle a laugh.
Stop it. Someone's going to see.
She tries to head for the kitchen but Spike blocks her way. He runs his hand down her arm, then moves her hand to his thigh.
Tara appears in the kitchen door and Buffy yanks her hand back, embarrassed, then pushes past him and into the kitchen.
I had... a muscle cramp. Buffy was helping.
She looks down at his crotch.
A muscle cramp? In your... pants?
What? It's a thing.
Right.
Anya sits on Xander's lap, kissing and being sickeningly sweet to each other.
No, you go.
No, you go.
No, you go.
Okay! It's just a beer run. I'll go.
Well, I can't really drink beer, 'cause, you know... barley. But I'll go with you to get some.
Perfect. Here we go. The beer-gettin'.
No one moves. After a moment Willow leans over and puts her head down on the table and Xander and Anya resume their kissing.
Dawn, Buffy, Richard and Anya play Monopoly around the coffee-table.
This sucks. I'm out.
She gives her money to Anya.
No way. I think you're doing fine.
Clem, Xander, Spike and Tara play cards at a table nearby.
You want to try poker?
Still say it's weird without the kittens.
No kittens! (off Richard's look) He's quirky.
Look, we've already been playing for like three hours. It's like two-something in the morning. You can't bail now.
Yeah, come on, Buffy. Stay. I want to bankrupt somebody.
Oh! We should totally have a slumber party.
Oh, I don't know... I guess as long as everyone's staying up anyway...
Spike shoots Buffy a suggestive look and she glares at him.
Must be some late-night activities to keep us busy till morning.
How's that cramp, Spike? Still bothering you?
What? Oh. Yeah.
Maybe you want to put some ice on it?
Tara smiles innocently. Spike frowns and looks back down at his cards.
Everyone goes back to playing, all thoughts of leaving seemingly gone. Dawn looks around at everyone and smiles happily.
Sunlight streams in the windows. Willow and Sophie are asleep on the sofa. Xander, Dawn and Clem watch cartoons on TV. The Monopoly game, food, cups, presents, etc. litter the room.
Buffy and Spike sit on the floor beside her new weapons chest. She shuffles the deck of cards as Richard enters from the kitchen.
Hey, Xander, we gotta be at work in a few minutes.
Okay.
I can't be late today.
You should definitely go. Let's find your coat and get you on your merry way.
Spike...
I don't know why I'm not leaving.
Me either. Besides, Richie, you can't skip breakfast... growing boy like you. Me, I used to love breakfast. In the old days, I probably would have eaten by now.
He looks meaningfully at Richard.
Of course, with that new diet of yours, you want to be careful what you try puttin' in your mouth now, Spikey.
Yeah? I don't know... tummy's making all kinds of gurglies. Maybe I ought to just feed on whatever's around... even if it doesn't go down well. (to Richard) You work out?
Okey-dokey.
Buffy gets up and hauls Spike to his feet and pushes him toward the door.
'Scuse us.
Hey, Mister Passive-Aggressive Guy. Seriously, you want to take it down a notch or two in there?
What? Poor dainty Richard can't take a joke?
We do not joke about eating people in this house!
What are you going to do? Beat me up again?
I should have thrown you out the second you got here. I was insane to ever think you could just hang out with my friends.
And I was insane to think... (beat) No, wait. You were right. You're insane.
Tara pours milk into a cereal bowl as Willow enters.
Oh, hi.
Hey. Breakfast. Didn't really plan for a sleep-over.
I know, me either. It's weird. I have class and I know I should go but...
I know. It's like I want to leave but I don't want to.
Exactly.
Tara looks down and hides her own smile.
I think it's time for you to go.
Yeah, well, can't. Daylight.
Okay. I'll go.
I'll get the door.
Fine!
Fine!
I'm actually trying to move right now.
Me, too.
They glare at each other, motionless. Buffy sighs and frowns.
Well... this can't be good.
Everyone is gathered, watching each other apprehensively.
There's something keeping us in this house.
Or someone.
Has everyone tried to get out?
What if we just like as a group got up and threw ourselves at the door?
All right. Count of three. One... two... three!
No one moves.
Here we go!
Still nothing. Buffy looks around. Dawn sits off to the side, sullen.
Hence the problem.
I really need to go. I mean, I have a job to get to.
I have to open the Magic Box.
I have a shift at the Doublemeat. (beat) Actually, I'm okay here.
Yeah, I'm fine.
Willow and Tara have class. I gotta be at the site.
I know, I know. We all have places that we'd rather be.
Dawn looks up at that, a flash of anger crosses her face.
Things we'd rather be doing.
I think the first priority has to be to find a way out.
Sure. Of course you all want to leave. 'Cause being stuck in here with me, that would really suck, right?
No, Dawnie! It's just... we have more important things to do.
Yeah, I know. Important. Whatever that means, right?
Dawn runs up the stairs. Everyone turns to Buffy.
Dawn jumps on her bed and stares at the wall, crying. Buffy enters, followed by Tara, Willow, Xander and Spike.
Dawn?
What?
Did you do something?
Me?
Do you know something? 'Cause we want you to feel like you can tell us.
What would I know?
Look, we're not accusing you of anything. It's just... you were kind of taking it personal down there.
Oh. Okay. So you've all just decided that somehow I'm responsible. Great. Here's me baskin' in the love.
No, it's just, you know, you're upset 'cause we all want to leave. And now we can't leave. Only thing missing is a cornfield. There... isn't a cornfield, is there?
Dawnie, it's okay. We're not going to be mad.
Yeah, only I didn't do anything!
You sure?
You want me to ask my other self?
Dawn, we're just trying to figure out what's going on.
Figure it out yourself. I'm done being talked to like a kid.
Well, sometimes we do something that seems like a good idea at the time like, say, invoke the power of a musical amulet? And it turns out not so much.
God! I didn't do anything! I wish I had. I'm glad you're trapped. How else can I get anybody to spend any time with me?
Dawn, if you want us to spend time with you--
I don't. Get out. (yells) Get out, get out, get out!
She turns her back to them and, one by one, they leave her room.
I think she's possessed.
She's a teenager.
Phones are all out. We're totally cut off.
She's just so angry.
It happens. We all went through it.
I know. I just can't figure out why she didn't come to me.
Well, you have been a little busy lately.
Hey, I don't want to keep you all from the touchy-feelies, but maybe the encounter group can meet later. Say when we're not trapped in a house?
Even if Dawn does know something, she's obviously not going to help us right now. We need another way.
I think magick's going to be our best bet. Something general, you know? Cast a wide net.
Tara nods but Willow looks alarmed.
But... Willow.
No, I'll do it. It's just... obviously I didn't bring any supplies.
Well, we don't have any in the house. We got rid of everything.
Actually... not everything. I... might have... kept one or two things. Sort of. (off their shocked looks) Just in case.
That's great! (beat) In a very bad way.
Tara sighs and stands up.
Just... bring me what you have. (firm) But I'm doing this alone. You need to stay away from it.
Buffy and Xander watch as Tara mixes ingredients, using kitchen implements and bowls. She scoops a damp mixture of herbs from one bowl into another and mashes it down.
Willow, Spike and Anya stand in a row in front of the door.
So we're supposed to just wait?
It won't take long.
Sophie, Richard and Clem wait in the dining room doorway.
All right, somebody want to tell me what's going on here? We're trapped in a house by... by what? Some unseen force or something? Who knows what she's doing in there and I have to tell you... (points to Clem) I don't think that's a skin condition.
Tara sets her potion on fire, then blows out the match. Red smoke billows up out of the bowl. It curls away toward the living room.
Release!
Instead of going to the door, it drifts into the living room and swirls around the demon sword Buffy brought home earlier.
Try the door!
Spike steels himself and curls his hand into a fist.
The last of the magick swirls into the sword and releases the demon trapped inside. Its essence oozes out of the sword onto the floor like quicksilver.
Spike tries mightily to open the door but he can't.
No. Can't.
The demon re-forms and hefts his sword with a growl. Sunlight glints off the blade.
As Clem, Sophie, Willow, Spike, Anya and Richard stare at the closed door, concentrating, the demon attacks them with a roar. Everyone scatters, screaming.
The demon swings the sword, slashing Richard across the belly. Spike seizes the creature by the arm and struggles with it.
Buffy, Xander and Tara enter from the kitchen. Buffy tackles the demon, both sprawling across the living-room floor, followed closely by Spike.
The demon melts into the floor beneath Buffy and disappears. She shares a puzzled look with Spike, then turns to where Xander, Tara and Anya tend to the injured Richard.
The demon instantly reappears behind Buffy, raising his sword high with both hands. Buffy spins and grabs its arms before it can strike but it shoves her backward into Spike, sending them both crashing to the floor, before it melts away again.
What the bloody hell was that?
That's the demon I killed two nights ago.
The demon you thought you killed.
Buffy looks questioningly at Xander who is dressing Richard's wound.
It looks pretty bad.
Oh, god... oh, god.
He rolls Richard over onto his back, revealing a bloody gash across his abdomen.
Let's get him upstairs. (to Buffy) We need to get him to a doctor soon.
Hey, it's going to be okay. Just trust me. I promise we'll be out of here soon.
Sophie holds the curtain aside, looking out into the night.
Oh, god... oh, god.
Spike stands behind her, watching quietly. Buffy enters and looks at them sheepishly.
Okay, so maybe 'soon' was a bit of an overstatement.
So you ever think about not celebrating a birthday? Just to try it, I mean.
I'm going to go check upstairs. Keep an eye on things down here?
He nods and Buffy turns to go.
You stay here, okay?
Reveal Dawn sitting on the sofa, glaring silently. She suddenly looks around in alarm as the walls creak and groan around them.
What's that noise? It's in the walls, isn't it?
Spike puts his head to the wall, listening carefully.
Richard lies on the bed, shaking with chills, his breathing labored. Tara sits beside him, tending to his wound with Willow's help.
They look around nervously as the house groans around them.
Armed with a dagger, Buffy makes her way along the hallway, tracking the demon in the walls.
She backs into Clem and they both yelp, startled.
Sorry.
Buffy smiles at him and continues stalking the demonic intruder.
Anya and Xander sit on the floor. She pants and fidgets with the lapels of her blouse.
Why is it so hot in here?
You're just a little freaked out, that's all. It'll pass.
He's gonna die. He's gonna die and we're gonna watch.
An...
And we're just sitting here. Why are we just sitting here? Why aren't we doing something?
We are. We will. We've been through worse.
She gasps and rubs her chest, her brow glistening with perspiration.
Not like this. Not trapped like animals. Seriously, did someone turn on the heat? (unbuttons her blouse) I can't breathe, I just... oh, I just can't breathe... I can't breathe...
Xander stills her hands and looks into her eyes.
An, stop. Stop, An, stop! Listen to me. You're just freaking out, okay? It's normal. You're just... you're just scared. We all are. We'll come up with a plan... and we'll get through it, all right? We'll do something.
Anya nods and smiles weakly and Xander brushes her hair out of her eyes.
What?
I don't know. Let me get you some water, okay? It'll cool you down. I'll be back in a second, okay? Stay here. Don't move.
He gets up and leaves. Anya sits there panting.
Xander descends the stairs and looks around apprehensively. He reaches the bottom and turns toward the kitchen.
Suddenly the demon emerges from the wall behind him and seizes him, pinning his arms to his sides and drawing the blade up to his throat.
Xander?
As Xander struggles for his life, Spike runs in, grabs the demon's sword arm and knuckle-punches the demon in the ribs. The creature elbows Spike viciously, driving him to the floor.
It tosses Xander aside as Buffy enters with her dagger. She easily ducks a sword- thrust but the demon kicks the dagger from her hand.
It spins from Buffy and whips the sword around in a deadly arc, slicing across Xander's bicep, before turning back to Buffy.
Grab the sword!
She kicks the demon in the abdomen and ducks another swing as Spike decks it in the face. Buffy delivers a devastating kick to its midsection, sending the creature reeling backward into the wall. Rather than attack again, it simply dissolves into the wall and disappears.
Are you hurt? Here, let me see.
Xander.
Xander looks up. Anya stands at the foot of the stairs, staring at him in horror. He gets painfully to his feet and goes over to her.
It's okay. I'm okay, see? Shh.
He strokes her face gently and leans his forehead against hers.
It's all right. I'm okay.
Later. Buffy rounds the corner into the foyer and finds Dawn leaning against the wall by herself listening to the sounds of the demon moving through the walls.
It's getting kinda scary. You okay?
Do you care?
Fine. Stay with Spike.
Buffy enters with Dawn right at her heels.
It's not like I meant for this to happen.
I never said that you did.
I didn't want this.
Buffy turns to face her.
What did you want?
Nothing.
Dawn, come on.
No. You don't know! You have this thing you do. You have all these friends. You have no idea what it's like.
What are you talking about? I don't know what--
Being alone!
You're not alone!
Then why do I feel like this?
Tara, Anya, Xander, Willow and Spike stare at each other, trying to find a way out of their predicament.
I just think we haven't thought of the right way out yet, that's all.
Well, we can't just stay put like cattle, waiting for that thing to pop out every time it gets peckish.
I'd say we do another spell but I think we've tried everything.
Well... that's not completely true, is it? I mean, not everything. (looks at Willow) Not exactly. We're sitting here with an incredibly powerful witch-- much more powerful than you, Tara-- I'm sorry... only no one seems willing to say it.
I can't.
No, see, that's not exactly true either. (angry) Not can't, won't.
You don't know how much I hate this. I don't know if there's even anything I could do.
Yes... and a good way to find out is to sit around and try nothing. That was sarcasm, by the way.
Look--
It's dangerous.
And so is all of us dying!
Will... look, I don't want to gang up on you but Anya kinda has a point. We brought you back from it once. We're all here. It's just one little spell. Whatever happens, we can bring you back again.
No. I can't. (to Anya) If I start, I might not be able to stop.
And whose fault is that? You know, if you hadn't gotten so much of this in your system in the first place--
Tara steps between Anya and Willow and stares hard at Anya, furious.
Hey! You're gonna back off! She said no and that's it. You're not going to make her do something that she doesn't want to. And if you try... you're going to have to go through me first. Understood?
Fine. If you all aren't willing to get us out of this, then I will do it myself.
Anya walks past them and walks purposefully up the stairs.
Buffy and Dawn sit on the bed side-by-side.
I wish you would have told me.
You haven't really been...
What? I haven't been what?
Around.
Dawn, the most important job that I have is looking out for you.
Dawn smiles ruefully.
You sound like my guidance counselor. She give you a handbook or something? Talking to the Troubled Teen?
Counselor?
It wasn't my idea. I didn't even know we had guidance counselors. She called me out of class like I was a total JD.
And you'd never met her before?
No, not until yesterday.
And she got you to start talking about things that bothered you at home?
Yeah.
You didn't by any chance happen to... express like a wish or something to her?
Maybe just a little.
Their attention is drawn by sounds of banging and crashing from down the hall.
Anya pulls books and CDs off the shelves.
Honey, come on, this isn't the way. Calm down.
She knows something. She knows something and we have to find out what it is.
Anya starts going through Dawn's desk drawers as Dawn and Buffy enter.
Hey!
An, just stop for a second.
There's gotta be a clue in here somewhere.
Stop it!
Dawn starts forward but Buffy stops her.
Anya, it wasn't her fault.
Anya picks up a small red jewelry box.
No!
Anya opens the box and Dawn's stash of stolen jewelry falls out onto the floor. Shocked, Anya bends down to look.
Half this stuff is from the Magic Box.
She stands up with a handful of necklaces and brooches and glares at Dawn.
How could you do this?
Buffy looks at Dawn questioningly. She folds under the accusation she sees in everyone's eyes and runs from the room.
Dawn runs down the stairs, the others in pursuit. Anya grabs Dawn by the arm and spins her around.
I work hard at that store and I helped you! I took care of you. This is how you say thank you?
Anya, hold on, okay? (to Dawn) Tell her you didn't do this. Tell her it's a mistake.
Suddenly she spots something by the sofa. Dawn sees what she's looking at and breaks down in anguish.
No!
Buffy stares down at the box holding the leather jacket that Dawn gave her.
Oh.
Buffy...
How are we supposed to trust you, Dawn? I mean, you say you didn't put us here but look at this stuff! How are we supposed to believe you?
Look, I don't think she... I don't think it's all her fault, okay? There was a guidance counselor or someone pretending to be a guidance counselor. She made Dawn make a wish.
Guidance counselor? You made a wish to someone you've never seen before?
Yeah?
Did she wear a pendant with a dark blue stone?
And little red flecks?
Oh, for crying out loud.
She turns her head upward and yells to the ceiling.
Halfrek! (to Dawn) It's Halfrek, a vengeance demon. You made a wish to a vengeance demon.
I didn't know.
Only a vengeance demon can break her own vengeance spell. Nothing else will work. She's the only one who can get us out of here. (yells) Hallie, get your ass down here!
Halfrek materializes behind Anya in a puff of smoke.
You rang?
Anya turns toward Halfrek as the demon gasps in pain and looks down at her belly: a sword protrudes from it.
Halfrek collapses to the floor, revealing the demon standing behind her.
Resume. The demon lunges for Buffy who beats it back with a flurry of blows. Anya joins in, attacking it from behind.
I hope you die, you stupid jerkface!
Her last punch sends it reeling backward. He swings the sword but misses; Anya leaps on it from behind, struggling with its sword arm while Buffy kicks it violently in the abdomen. Spike lends a hand, seizing the creature from behind.
The demon flings Anya off and onto the sofa. After a moment, it manages to throw Spike off as well and begins swinging the sword randomly. Buffy ducks, watching for an opening.
Anya!
Xander ducks under the sword and runs over to the sofa.
The demon hits Buffy in the face and she reels backward. Spike attacks again, distracting it so Buffy can engage. The demon falls to the floor and melts into it, disappearing.
It instantly reappears behind Spike who reacts quickly and seizes its sword arm and twists.
The sword!
Buffy grabs the sword as Spike struggles with the demon. Spike kicks it away, directly at Buffy who attacks with the sword.
Not liking its odds against an armed Buffy, it turns and dissolves into the wall. Buffy quickly thrusts the sword into the wall in the spot where it disappeared. A flash of blue light washes through the room and the creature roars in pain and anger.
The light fades as the hole in the wall closes up and the demon is once again trapped within the blade of the sword.
Buffy yanks the sword out of the wall and breaks it in two over her knee. Another quick flare of plasma and the demon is gone. She drops the broken sword and turns to Halfrek, who lies motionless on the floor.
Her pendant! Get her pendant!
Both Anya and Buffy move toward Halfrek but before they can reach her, she sits up and thrusts her hand at Anya who tumbles backward onto the sofa again. Buffy stares at her in shock.
There will be no touching of the pendant.
Halfrek gets to her feet and brushes herself off.
What? Did you think I'd be stopped by a sword in the chest?
She examines the rip in her blouse.
Flesh wound. Honestly, Anyanka, you used to know better.
How could you? Why would you do this?
I told you I was going to take care of some business while I was here in town.
Yeah, but cursing us? Some of them are in the wedding party.
I just go where I'm--
Halfrek pauses when she notices Spike.
William?
Spike frowns as he starts to recognize her.
Hey, wait a minute.
You guys know each other?
Willow, Clem, Sophie and Tara cautiously approach the group. Halfrek stares at Spike, amazed, then suddenly snaps out of her reverie.
No... no.
Not really.
Buffy shakes her head, confused.
I thought vengeance demons only punished men who wronged women.
Oh, that was Anyanka's little raison d'etre. Most of us try to be a little more well-rounded and actually, we prefer "justice demon", okay? FYI.
Well-rounded, huh? Is that how you explain your thing for bad parents?
Oh, it's not a thing. The children need me.
Anya cloaks her response in a feigned cough.
Hmm... (cough) Daddy issues.
Sling all the little barbs at me that you want, Anyanka. It doesn't change the fact that this girl was in pain and none of you could hear it. I could hear her crying out everywhere I went in this town. It was unbearable and none of you knew.
Buffy, Anya, Willow and Xander look down guiltily. Halfrek is right and they know it.
You people deserve to be cursed. Enjoy your time together. From now on, all you have is time. Time... and each other. Good luck!
Halfrek waves her arms but nothing happens. She looks up, surprised.
Wait... wait. (mutters) Time and each other...
Again she waves her arms. Again nothing happens. Anya rolls her eyes.
It's the curse, Hallie.
Oh, for crying out loud. Fine, the curse is lifted! We can all leave now! Damn it.
She snaps her fingers and disappears.
Everyone is relieved and excited except for Buffy who stares into space pensively. No one but Spike notices.
Tara packs the remnants of her magick herbs into plastic baggies while Willow watches.
Thanks... for before. And for taking this stuff with you.
No problem.
Just so you know, I was never going to use it. I mean, not really, I just kept it like a safety net. 'Cause there was always this thing in the back of my head, this voice, saying, "What if things get bad, I mean really bad? And what if you can't handle it?" And it made me panic, so that's why I kept a couple of things. I kept them so I didn't have to think about it, so I could focus on... on getting better.
I get it. I really do. But it's time to work without the net, Will. You know, I don't know if you noticed, but it actually did get bad in there-- really bad... and you still said no.
Tara smiles at her reassuringly and after a moment, Willow smiles, too.
Anya and Xander descend the stairs, supporting Richard between them. He grimaces in pain.
You have some weird friends.
News from the file marked 'duh'. (to Buffy) We're going to get him to the ER.
And then we're going to talk about payment. And Dawnie, there are two words I want you to get used to: punitive damages.
Think it's worn off?
Just one thing to do.
Spike walks toward the door. Everyone watches him anxiously. He takes hold of the doorknob and opens the door with a flourish.
Xander and Anya smile and carry Richard out. Willow, Tara, Sophie and Clem follow happily.
Xander and Anya emerge onto the porch with Richard while the others crowd behind them.
Okay, who's pushing?
Wow, look at the stars!
Clem gives Buffy a thumbs-up.
Good party!
I just want to run barefoot on the grass so I can feel the dew- drops between my... god, look at the stars!
Spike gives Buffy a wry smile, then walks out onto the porch.
Dawn and Buffy stand together in the foyer. Buffy hesitates, then heads for the door as well. Dawn looks at her sadly but doesn't say a word. Buffy reaches for the door and closes it, then turns to Dawn with a loving smile.
Dawn's frown disappears and she takes her sister's hand.