[Transcript of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" episode Normal Again at buffyology.com.]
BUFFY walks along the sidewalk, past a series of residential houses, perusing a list of newly-rented homes.
JONATHAN snoozes in front of a bank of computer surveillance monitors.
As Buffy crosses unnoticed on one of the screens, a rifle barrel enters frame, the muzzle inches from Jonathan's head. A jet of water squirts from the barrel and douses him.
As Jonathan leaps out of his seat sputtering and wiping off his face, ANDREW and points at him and laughs.
Oh, man! Your face was priceless.
Yeah, real funny!
And it serves you right for taking z's on the lookout again.
Reveal WARREN with a Super-Soaker water rifle.
What do you expect? I haven't had a decent night's sleep since... I mean, I'm going Jack Torrance in here, you know? Stuck in this basement for weeks. I mean, we rented the whole house. Can't we at least sleep upstairs?
We're on the lam. We have to lay low. Underground?
That's figurative, doofus. Did you even read Legion of Doom?
Andrew bolts out of his seat, insulted but Warren intervenes.
Okay, enough! (to Jonathan) Midgetor, get back to the monitors. The last thing that we need is to be surprised by--
Holy Jeez Louise!
Andrew points to one of the screens. It shows Buffy peering into the house's windows upstairs.
The... the... the...
The frickin' Slayer.
She's right there!
All right, don't panic. Andrew, deploy your little friend.
Andrew smiles and picks up an Australian Diggery-Doo. He sits down and starts playing it. A low bass hum fills the basement.
As Buffy makes her way around the side of the house, a huge demon with bulging lidless eyes and translucent skin drops down behind her with a roar. She spins around and looks the creature up and down, taking its measure.
Oh, hi. You didn't, by chance, happen to just eat a couple of nerds, did you?
The creature swings at Buffy and she dodges, leaping up onto a nearby car and swinging her feet around in a roundhouse kick to its head. It absorbs her blows easily, seeming not to feel any pain or injury. She picks up a garbage can and brings it down on the demon's head but it shrugs off that blow as easily as all the others.
Buffy spins it around and runs its head through the window of the car, shattering the window and momentarily stunning the demon. As it comes to its senses, a long sharp spine shoots out of the top of its hand. It whirls around, wraps Buffy up in a bear hug and jams the stinger deep into her arm.
Buffy screams in agony...
...as an ORDERLY holds her down while a second orderly injects a sedative into Buffy's arm by way of a hypodermic needle.
Stop fighting. You're gonna hurt yourself. (to Orderly #2) She's gonna break the needle. We're gonna have to strap her down.
Buffy's struggles become weaker as the sedative takes effect. Pull back through the door to Buffy's room and out into the corridor where mental patients shuffle listlessly from one place to another while the hospital stuff goes about their business.
Opening credit sequence.
Buffy slowly comes to. She's alone in the alley behind the house; the demon is no where to be seen. She looks around for a moment, confused, then cradles her injured arm in her hand and heads off down the alley for home.
The campus is bustling with students heading for class in all directions. WILLOW stands off to the side, nervously going over what she wants to say to Tara.
Hi, Tara. How are you? I was wondering if maybe you wanted to go out sometime? For coffee, food... kisses and gay love? (shakes her head and starts over) Hi, Tara! Guess what? Magick-free now for-- insert number-- days now.
She straightens up as she spots TARA coming across the courtyard toward her. She moves to intercept her but stops short when she sees Tara embrace another girl. The girl gives Tara a peck on the cheek and they laugh together intimately.
Crushed, Willow turns and hurriedly walks off.
Tara says goodbye to her friend and turns down the hall just in time to see Willow disappear through the doors at the end.
Buffy dumps the fries in the grease pit and turns back to the counter. She's still slightly dazed, not quite herself. Her boss, LORRAINE, calls out to her but she doesn't seem to hear.
Buffy. Buffy?
Buffy turns around and finds herself in the hospital corridor. A NURSE holds out a paper cup to her.
Come on. It's time for your drugs.
Buffy looks at Lorraine, confused.
What?
I said, if I didn't know any better, I'd think you were on drugs.
Okay. Good.
Lorraine shrugs and turns back to the customers at the counter while Buffy goes to empty the fries into the bin.
Buffy enters to find Willow at the table on her computer.
Whatcha doing?
I'm online, checking to see if Xander e-mailed.
Any luck?
No such.
Well, maybe Anya found him and they're trying to work it out. How come you're all home, hearth and DSL, anyway? I thought you were going to go see Tara.
Saw her. Saw her completely.
Ouch. Just got a scratch from all that brittle.
It's when I was seeing her, she was seeing someone else-- a girl.
You mean--
I mean, not "seeing" seeing but maybe. I don't know. It was inconclusive and I didn't stick around to find out. I might have magicked my fist through a wall or something.
Will, I'm sorry.
And they're probably just friends. I press my lips against my friends' all the time.
I'm sure they're just friends. Once you fall for Willow, you stay fallen.
Thanks, Buffy.
The doorbell rings, then the front door opens and XANDER enters. Surprised, Willow and Buffy get up to greet him.
Hi, I'm back.
Xander?
Xander, you're here!
They both go to him and hug him warmly.
We missed you. Where were you?
I know, I tried calling but I couldn't without...
Hey, you don't' need to explain to us.
Right. Is she here?
Oh... no. You want to find her?
I need to. Her suitcase is gone and some of her stuff. There's a closed sign on the Magic Box which like chills me to the bone.
She left a couple days ago.
Was she looking for me? I mean, before she left, did she say anything?
You mean between sobs? It was mostly just wheezing.
She was a little... she was kind of broken.
I don't know how stuff got so mixed-up. I blew it.
No! Well, maybe it wasn't the best time to break up with her but--
No, it was about breaking up. I love her and-- god!-- I miss her so much.
So you left her at the altar but you still want to--
You still want to date?
I guess. I know that I'm a better person with her in my life. But things got so complicated with the wedding and with my family and with her... demons and what if it all goes to hell and forever. But then I left and ever since, I've had this painful hole inside and I'm the idiot that dug it out. I screwed up real bad.
Hey, we all screw up.
SPIKE walks among the headstones, carrying a grocery sack. He comes upon Buffy patrolling.
Looking for me?
Really not.
Oh. Right, then. Off you go. Did you cry?
What?
The wedding. Two hearts, joined for eternity. Great pelting showers of rice and so forth.
You didn't hear.
What? Families get out of hand, tear the place apart?
No. Well, yes. Absolutely. But Xander left. The wedding didn't happen.
Well, gotta say, didn't see that coming.
It was awful. Anya was devastated.
Is that right?
And Xander thinks maybe they can still get back together but... he hurt her a lot.
Yeah, well, some people can't see a good thing when they've got it.
Buffy rolls her eyes and he hides a smirk.
Spike.
Willow and Xander walk up from behind a crypt.
I should have known you'd be tagging along.
Buffy quickly stands up, nervous.
Hey, guys! I found Spike and was... trying to figure out what kind of dangerous contraband he had.
Tell you what, Slayer. Let me get out of your way and I'll stop bothering you.
He picks up his grocery bag and turns to go.
Yeah, maybe you should do that, Spike. Just run along.
I guess you know all about that, don't you? The king of the big exit. Heard it brought the house down.
I don't need this crap from you.
Right. Let's not listen to Spike. Might get a bit of truth on you.
He tries to go but Xander stops him with a hand to the shoulder. Willow steps between them.
Okay, okay... calm now! Let's turn around and release this very manly thing the other way.
I forgot. Willy Wannabite can't hurt me. Dumb to pick a fight, I guess.
Xander...
Spike tosses his bag to the ground.
More than happy to beat you right through the pain, you pathetic poof!
Buffy suddenly staggers and slumps down on a nearby bench as Xander decks Spike.
Guys... guys, don't!
Buffy looks up, confused, as the DOCTOR calls to her.
Buffy, can you hear me?
She looks around. She's sitting on the floor, in the corner of the room, dressed in nothing but a white hospital gown.
What is this?
Do you know where you are, Buffy?
Sunnydale.
No. None of that's real. None of it. You're in a mental institution. You've been with us now for six years. Do you remember?
Willow and Xander run to Buffy as Spike crashes to the ground.
Buffy, are you okay?
What happened?
The doctor reaches out to touch Buffy but she recoils, whimpering.
It's okay, Buffy! Buffy, it's okay. Look. Looks who's here.
She turns around and looks up to find her mother and father, JOYCE and HANK, standing across the room, smiling tentatively.
Buffy? Welcome home, sweetie.
Resume. Buffy stares at her mother in shock.
Mom?
Oh, baby, you're really here!
Dad?
She's lucid. Keep talking. Maybe the sound of your voice will ground her.
Sweetheart? We've missed you very much. Honey, can you hear me?
Buffy struggles to maintain her composure, on the verge of tears. She puts her hands to her head and looks away.
Oh, Buffy, stay with us, please!
Buffy looks up, her hands on her head, as if in pain.
Oh, no!
Here, let's get her back to my crypt.
Spike, just go! Okay? She's our friend. We'll take care of her.
Willow and Xander help her up.
No, guys. I'm okay. I'm okay.
Come on, Xander. Help me get her home.
They walk off, supporting Buffy between them. Spike watches them go, frustrated.
Put a little ice on the back of her neck. (to himself) She likes that.
He picks up his grocery bag and stalks off.
Willow brings Buffy a cup of ice water and sits down on the couch next to Xander and DAWN.
I've been having these flashes... hallucinations, I guess.
Since when?
Night before last. I was checking houses on that list you gave me, looking for Warren and his pals, and then-- bam-- some kind of gross, waxy demon-thing poked me.
And when you say poked...
In the arm! It stung me or something. Then I was like... no. It wasn't "like". I was in an institution. There were doctors and nurses and other patients. They told me that I was sick-- I guess, crazy-- and that Sunnydale and all of this... none of it was real.
Oh, come on... that's ridiculous! What? You think this isn't real just because of all the vampires and demons and ex-vengeance demons and the sister that used to be a big ball of universe- destroying energy?
I know how this must sound but it felt so real. (to Dawn) Mom was there.
She was?
Dad, too. They were together like they used to be. Before Sunnydale.
Willow looks between Dawn and Buffy and jumps up nervously.
Okay! All in favor of research?
She raises her hand and Xander quickly does the same.
Motion passed! All right, Xander, you hit the demon bars, dig up any info on a new player in town.
Buffy starts to look woozy again, swaying in her seat.
Dawnie, you can help me research. We'll hop online, check all--
--the possibilities for a full recovery but we have to proceed cautiously. If we're not careful--
Wait. Are saying that Buffy could be like she was before any of this happened?
Buffy sits with her parents and the doctor as they discuss her case. She looks fearfully from one to the other.
Mrs. Summers... you have to understand of what's happened to your daughter. For the last six years she's been in an undifferentiated type of schizophrenia.
We know what her condition is. That's not what we're asking.
Buffy's delusions are multi-layered. She believes she's some type of hero.
The Slayer?
The Slayer, right. But that's only one level. She's also created an intricate latticework to support her primary delusion. In her mind, she's the central figure in a fantastic world beyond imagination. She's surrounded herself with friends-- most with their own superpowers-- who are as real to her as you or me. More so, unfortunately. Together they face grand, overblown conflicts against an assortment of monsters, both imaginary and rooted in actual myth. Every time we think we're getting though to her, more fanciful enemies magically appear and she's--
Enemies... (agitated) Warren and Jonathan... they did this to me!
She tries to get out of her chair and the doctor and Joyce restrain her.
Buffy!
Buffy, it's all right. They can't hurt you here. You're with your family.
Buffy is stricken, devastated by the possibility that her entire life is merely a delusion.
Dawn...
That's the sister, right?
A magickal Key. Buffy inserted Dawn into her delusion-- actually re-writing the entire history of it-- to accommodate a need for a familial bond. (to Buffy) But that created inconsistencies, didn't it? Your sister, your friends, all those people you created in Sunnydale... they aren't as comforting as they once were. Are they? They're coming apart.
Buffy puts her head in her hands, shutting out his words, not wanting to believe him.
Buffy, listen to what the doctor's saying. It's important.
Buffy, you used to create these grand villains to battle against. And now what is it? Just ordinary students you went to high school with. No gods or monsters. Just three pathetic little men who like playing with toys.
Warren and Andrew descend the stairs into the basement, their arms loaded with boxes.
Dude, that poison has got her drooling like a... some kind of a--
Where've you guys been?
Picking up some stuff.
And checking out Buffy on the van's remote surveillance.
Andrew's demon pet has done some number on the Slayer. Got her trippin' like a Ken Russell film festival.
Well, what kind of stuff?
What?
The packages... what's in them?
Well, what do you think, Spanky? You think we're plotting against you?
Better not be.
It's just stuff, big man. You'll be in the know just as soon as you stop being all freakazoid.
Warren turns to his laptop and brings up a blueprint schematic.
Ah, now there's the vault.
I still say we're gonna need eight other guys to pull this off.
I never should have let you see that movie.
Jonathan suddenly heads for the stairs.
Uh... where are you going?
Out. Getting stuff I need.
You know, I don't really think that's such a good idea.
Why not?
Well, it's... it's just not safe out there... alone. You saw how close the Slayer got. Look, we're a team. Something happens to you, it happens to all of us, right? Look, I know you're antsy. We all are. But you see, things, they're about to pick up. Big time. You just gotta be careful right now. All right? Stick together. Okay?
Jonathan's not buying it but he says nothing.
Buffy sits on the sofa staring pensively at a picture of her and her parents when she was a little girl. Willow enters with a sheaf of papers and sits down next to her.
Look, Buffy, I found the demon. It fits your description and symptoms perfectly. Look, is this it?
She shows Buffy a pencil drawing of a demon. It resembles the one she fought in the alley and is labeled Glarghk Guhl Kashmas'nik. Buffy nods.
See? It's gonna be okay. Its pokey stinger carries an antidote to its own poison.
No reaction. Buffy continues staring at the photo.
I feel so lost.
I know. You're confused. It's that crazy juice inside you.
It's more than that. Even before the demon... I've been so detached.
We've all been kinda slumming.
Every day I try to snap out of it, figure out why I'm like that.
Buffy, look at me. You are not in an institution. You have never been in an institution.
Tears well up in Buffy's eyes.
Yes, I have.
Willow is taken aback.
What?
Back when I saw my first vampires... I got so scared. I told my parents and they completely freaked out. They thought there was something seriously wrong with me. So they sent me to a clinic.
You never said anything.
I was only there a couple weeks. I stopped talking about it and they let me go. Eventually, my parents just forgot.
God... that's horrible.
Buffy's voice cracks with anguish. Tears stream down her cheeks.
What if I'm still there? What if I never left that clinic?
Buffy... Buffy you're not. I'm so sorry you had to go through that but it's the past. You've got to trust me. We're gonna get you that antidote. Xander's hunting the demon right now.
Alone? Willow, he can't. It's too strong.
It's okay. We got help.
Spike and Xander move through the dark, only a flashlight to light their way. Xander carries a rifle over his shoulder.
So she's having the wiggens, is she? Thinks none of us are real. Bloody self-centered if you aske me.
Spike, we need muscle, not color commentary.
On the other hand, it might explain some things. This all being in that twisted brain of hers. Yeah! Thinks up some chip in my head. Make me soft, fall in love with her, then turn me into her sodding sex slave.
What?
Nothing. Alternative realities where we're all little figments of Buffy's funny-farm delusion. You know, in a different reality, you might not have left your bride at the altar. Might have gone through with it like a man.
Okay, one more syllable about Anya--
The demon drops out of the trees in front of them with a vicious snarl and Xander yelps and recoils.
Oh, balls! You didn't say he was a Glarghk Guhl Kashmas'nik.
Because I can't say Glarghk--
The demon slams Xander to the ground. Spike lays into it with a fusillade of vicious blows while Xander sits up and takes aim with the rifle. He shoots and scores a direct hit to the demon's torso but the creature isn't even slowed. It decks Spike and Xander swings the rifle like a bat, landing several blows to its head before being hurled to the ground again. Spike takes beats the creature back while Xander aims and fires again. The trank dark embeds itself in the demon's chest right next to the first one. The demon finally staggers, slows and collapses, unconscious.
Xander runs up to Spike, panting.
I altered his reality! Get it? I... never mind.
Buffy sits on her bed, silent. Dawn enters with a coffee cup and sits on the bed next to her sister.
I made you some tea.
Thanks. (beat) I'm okay, Dawn.
The thousand-yard stare really helps sell that. (feels Buffy's forehead) You're burning up.
I should be taller than you.
Maybe you're not done growing.
Coming apart...
What's coming apart?
Buffy shakes her head and tries to focus.
We have to try harder.
I'm trying.
Your grades, stealing... Willow's been doing your chores, hasn't she?
What? No, it's the fever. It's cooking your brain.
Dawn starts to get up but Buffy seizes her arm.
We have to deal with these things, Dawn. We--
You don't have a sister, Buffy.
Dawn?
No, honey. Say it. It'll help you believe it.
Buffy sits on her bed in the institution, her mother next to her. Hank sits next to the bed in a chair.
I... don't... have a sister. I know I didn't grow up with her. These monks... they made her.
Hank and Joyce share a look.
It's your mind just playing tricks on you.
You're our little girl, Buffy. Our one and only. We've missed you so much. Mom and Dad just want to take you home and take care of you.
Buffy looks at her mother, then tentatively reaches out to touch her.
Buffy strokes Dawn's hair, then suddenly jerks her hand away. Dawn suddenly realizes and a tear streaks down her cheek.
I'm not even there. Am I?
What?
You said it a second ago. You don't have a sister. It's your ideal reality and I'm not even a part of it.
Dawn, I... I didn't mean--
I have to go finish my chores.
She stands up and walks out.
Spike and Xander wrestle the demon over to one of the support pillars and chain it up while Willow puts on a pair of rubber gloves.
Hold it. Hold it!
I'll need its arm.
The demon breaks free and throws Xander to the concrete floor.
I'd like both my arms, too!
Spike hauls the creature to its feet and chains it again.
Thanks, Spike. I'll help when the blistering pain subsides.
He stands up and approaches the demon and it kicks him in the shin, sending him howling back to the floor.
Ready?
Spike and Xander hold its arm still as Willow drives a meat fork into it. The stinger in its hand shoots out reflexively and Willow snaps it off.
Xander, I need you to go to the magick shop. I'll need alkanet root and handful of nettle leaf-- just for the medicinal properties. No magick. When you've got them, meet me at the campus lab. I'll see if I can brew up an antidote the old-fashioned way.
I'll hold here. Keep an eye on the wax job.
Make sure that's all you're ogling.
Xander!
She pulls him up the stairs after her.
Willow enters with a coffee mug.
Buffy? Wake up. I got yummy antidote goodness for you.
What happened?
It took a little longer than I'd hoped, no magick and all. Went boom twice but then I got it. When it's cool, drink it all down and everything should go back to normal.
You never stop coming through. Thank you, Willow.
Spike enters behind Willow, concerned.
How is she?
Make sure she drinks all that. I'm gonna let Dawn know that everything's gonna be okay.
Willow leaves and Spike turns to Buffy.
You all right?
You need to leave me alone. You're not a part of my life.
Fine, then. But I hope you don't think this ant--
He steps into a patch of sunlight and jerks back reflexively.
I hope you don't think this antidote's gonna rid you of that nasty martyrdom. See I figured it out, love. You can't help yourself. You're not drawn to the dark like I thought. You're addicted to the misery. It's why you won't tell your pals about us. Might actually have to be happy if you did. They'd either understand and help you-- god forbid-- or drive you out where you can finally be at peace. In the dark. With me. Either way you'd be better off for it but you're too twisted for that. Let yourself live already and stop with the bloody hero trip for a second. We'd all be the better for it. (beat) You either tell your friends about us... or I will.
He turns and leaves her alone. She closes her eyes in pain, then raises the mug to her lips. She starts to sip, then stops and lowers it again. She considers for a moment, then comes to a decision and pours the antidote into the garbage can.
Buffy sits on her bed, knees drawn up to her chest, frightened. Her parents and the doctor stand over her.
Buffy?
I don't wanna go back there. I want to be healthy again.
Joyce and Hank smile hopefully at her and each other.
What do I have to do?
Resume. Buffy looks up at her mother imploringly.
Mom, please, help me. I want to go home with you and dad.
I know, Buffy. But first you've gotta get better.
It's not going to be easy, Buffy. You have to take it one step at a time. You have to start ridding your mind of those things that support your hallucinations. You understand? There are things in that world that you cling to. For your delusion, they're safe- holds but for your mind, they're traps. We have to break those down.
Slaying?
Yes, but I'm talking about those things you want there. What keeps you going back?
My friends.
That's right. Last summer when you had a momentary awakening, it was them that pulled you back in.
They're not really your friends, Buffy. They're just tricks keeping you from getting healthy.
You have to do whatever it takes to convince yourself of that, Buffy. Whatever it takes.
Willow turns the corner into the dining room and nearly runs into Buffy.
Oh, Buffy. I didn't see you. Are you feeling better? Did the antidote work?
I'm still pretty dazed but... better.
No more cuckoo's nest?
Buffy shakes her head.
Well, we still have the big bad all tranked out down in the basement in case it didn't work and we need more parts. It'll be nice to see you all better.
Thanks.
I can make you some food! Something big with energy, help you clear your noggin. Come on.
She leads Buffy into the kitchen.
Later. A knock at the front door and then Xander opens it and walks inside.
Hello? I'm back. Clean and with the better smell now. Friends! Romans! Anyone?
He makes his way down the hall and stops in the kitchen when he sees Buffy standing by the sink.
Hey! Hey, there, Sane Girl. So did Willow get that antidote to you all right?
Yeah. I'm better now.
So it's settled? We're real, right? Guess we should finish off that demon and drag it out of the basement. And tell me you're up for that. I so don't want to see Spike right now. I mean, talk about losing touch. I hate to say it but I almost feel sorry for the guy. Almost. The things the poor guys was saying... I mean, I get, you know? I've been a part of the Buffy obsession--
Buffy swings a frying pan and clocks Xander in the head with it. Stunned, he's no match for her as she lifts him up, then gut punches him and knocks him out.
Buffy drags Xander, barely conscious, down the stairs and into the basement. She throws him down onto the floor and he hangs onto consciousness just long enough to see Willow lying next to him, bound and gagged.
Willow... what?
It finally becomes too much. His eyes close and his head drops to the floor.
Buffy stands over her two friends, looking down on them emotionless, then over at the snarling demon chained to the pillar.
Buffy emerges from the basement and locks the door behind her. She walks slowly down the hall and stops at the foot of the stairs.
Dawn?
No answer. Buffy heads up the stairs and down the upstairs hallway toward her sister's room. She opens the door and finds Dawn packing her backpack. Dawn turns around, startled.
Don't you knock?
I called for you.
Buffy, are you okay?
Where are you going?
I'm going over to Janice's where they actually like having me around.
You're not going anywhere.
Why not? You want me gone anyway. What do you care?
I care. You're going downstairs with the others. It's the only way I can get healthy.
Buffy approaches Dawn and she backs away slowly.
What are you talking about? Buffy, you look sick. What are you doing? What's wrong with you?
Buffy lunges for her but Dawn breaks free and runs down the hall.
Stay away from me! Willow, help!
She runs into the master bedroom and locks the door.
Buffy, please!
You can't hide, Dawn.
Talk to me. You're hallucinating.
Buffy stops outside the door.
I know. You're just a trap for my mind.
Buffy, please listen to me! That asylum and those people, they're not real!
Buffy kicks the door open. The room is empty. She goes back out into the hall to find Dawn at the far end, terrified.
Buffy, look at me. I'm right here. You're my sister and I need you and I love you. Somewhere inside you must know that's real.
Buffy starts walking down the hall toward Dawn.
Sure it is. 'Cause what's more real? A sick girl in an institution or--
Don't! Please, listen to me.
--some kind of supergirl chosen to fight demons and save the world? That's ridiculous.
Dawn slams her bedroom door in Buffy face and Buffy immediately kicks it open again.
A girl who sleeps with a vampire she hates? That makes sense.
Dawn lunges for the bathroom but Buffy flips across the bed, seizes her and slams her up against the armoire. She pushes Dawn down on the floor and starts choking her.
No! Buffy, stop! I'm real!
Buffy, stop it! I'll be good. I promise! You're not thinking.
Buffy throws Dawn down on the floor next to the others, her hands bound behind her back. She kneels beside her and tapes her mouth shut as well.
The doctor and Buffy's parents lean in close, comforting her.
It's okay, Buffy. Don't stress yourself.
Honey, take your time.
Make it as easy on yourself as possible. There's nothing wrong with that.
Buffy nods, fearful but determined.
Buffy stares down at her sister and her two friends, her face an inscrutable mask.
As Xander comes to, his hands bound to one of the support pillars, Buffy walks over to the slavering demon.
Buffy... what are you doing?
She walks around behind the creature and releases its chains. It shrugs itself free and as Xander stands up, horrified.
Oh, my god...
Resume. Buffy stand back as the snarling demon approaches Xander.
Buffy, help me! I need my hands!
He desperately tries to keep the beast away by kicking at it but it's no use.
The front door opens and Tara enters.
Hello? Anybody home?
Xander is holding his own-- barely-- but his strength is fading. Buffy retreats under the stares, terrified but doing nothing to stop the slaughter of her friends.
The demon pulls Xander's bonds free and throws him across the room where he slams into a refrigerator.
Joyce reaches out for Buffy and she leaps off the bed with a anguished cry and huddles in the corner, whimpering.
It's gonna be okay, sweetheart. Whatever it is, it's not real, remember? Just keep concentrating. I'm right here, sweetie.
The demon beats Xander down to the floor again. He cries out desperately.
Buffy, help me!
The door at the top of the stairs opens and Tara comes down.
Willow?
She sees what's happening and her eyes go wide with shock. She looks down at Willow and Dawn, bound on the floor.
Eximete!
Their bonds magickally come free and they sit up as Tara points her finger at a shelf stacked with old paint cans.
Vis zenobiare solvere!
The shelf shoots across the room and slams into the demon as Buffy reaches through the stairs from below and trips Tara, sending her sprawling to the bottom.
No! Tara!
Buffy sinks to the floor, the emotional pain almost too much for her to bear.
I don't know... I don't know...
Buffy, look at me.
I don't know... I don't know...
I believe in you. You're a survivor. You can do this.
The demon looms over Dawn. Buffy closes her eyes to the carnage in front of her as Xander tries to tackle the demon from behind. It easily shrugs him off and hurls him across the room.
Xander...
The creature throws Dawn to the floor as Willow picks up an aluminum baseball bat and beats it with all her might. The blows barely slow it down. It wrenches the bat from her hands and hits her in the face with handle. She crumples to the floor and lies still.
Willow!
Buffy beats her head against the wall in agony as her friends suffer in her mind.
Buffy! Buffy, fight it. You're too good to give in. You can beat this thing. Be strong, baby, okay? I know you're afraid. I know the world feels like a hard place sometimes but you've got people who love you. Your dad and I, we have all the faith in the world in you. We'll always be with you. You've got a world of strength in your heart. I know you do. You just have to find it again. Believe in yourself.
She strokes her daughter's hair as a look of calm descends on Buffy's face. She smiles up at her mother.
You're right. Thank you.
Joyce smiles.
Goodbye.
Joyce's smile fades as Buffy eyes grow fixed and distant.
Buffy?
Buffy stands up behind the stairs, her face set with grim determination. She launches herself at the demon and beats it down, picks it up and hurls it across the room. As it stands up to charge her again, she delivers a blow to its chest with such force, her fist punches right through its body and out the other side.
She yanks her hand back out and the creature collapses to the floor, dead.
She turns around to find Xander, Willow, Tara and Dawn bloody and bruised and staring warily at her.
I'm so sorry...
Buffy?
We're okay. It's all okay.
Buffy staggers slightly.
Buffy, sit down. You'll fall over.
No, I can't. Not until I have the antidote.
Okay. We'll make more. We'll take care of it. It's gonna be okay, Buffy.
The doctor shines his light into Buffy's eyes. Her pupils are fixed and non- responsive. He looks up at Joyce and Hank, his expression grim.
I'm sorry. There's no reaction at all. I'm afraid we lost her.
Hank embraces his sobbing wife as Buffy stares blankly at the wall.