[Transcript of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" episode Empty Places at buffyology.com.]
A man closes up his shop for good. The street is jammed with cars all moving at a snail's pace. Other people walk among the loaded down cars carrying suitcases and backpacks. BUFFY moves through the crowd, watching the mass exodus with curiosity and worry. She turns when she hears her name called. It's her loose-skinned demon friend CLEM, driving a small VW Beetle.
Hey, you.
Hey.
Can you believe this mishegaas?
Yeah. You'd think these people had never seen an apocalypse before. What about you? Just going for a quick spin to 7-Eleven... in Nebraska?
It's getting bad here. Really bad. Hellmouth acting up again, people feeling it, getting crazier. You can't swing a cat without hitting some kind of demonic activity. Not that I swing cats... or eat. Nope. (nervous) Cuttin' way back. Cholesterol. Morals! I mean, morals.
Right.
We've seen some bad stuff in this town before but, you know, this time it's like it just seems different, more powerful. I don't think anyone's going to be able to stop it. (off her look) I mean, I'm sure you'll do fine. Complete confidence in you. If anyone can do it, you can because you... rock! If you save the world, I'll come back, we'll have drinks. When! When, I mean. When you save the world. It's going to be great with all the... rocking. (beat) Maybe... maybe you should just get out of town this time.
Yeah. I probably should.
You take care of yourself, okay? Bye.
He drives off, leaving Buffy staring thoughtfully after him.
Opening credit sequence.
WILLOW and GILES talk to a COP outside the police station. The streets there are chaotic with honking traffic. Willow's staring intently at the officer while Giles talks to him.
Thank you, officer. We appreciate your help.
Oh, no, thank you, Inspector. We don't get a lot of contact with Interpol so we're happy to help you with anything you need. Is there anything else we can help with?
No. Thank you. We're fine.
Right, because... wait. Who are you?
Willow concentrates harder.
I'm with the Inspector.
You're with the Inspector. Right. Well, we don't get a lot of contact with Interpol so--
He's interrupted by two other officers escorting a crazed MAN into the police station.
A single step!
Stay on the sidewalk, folks.
A single step and it is upon us. It is nigh! From beneath you it--
Freakin' nutcase.
The two officers drag the man inside. Willow winces at their treatment of him.
Ow?
People are acting up, getting nuts. Man, you just let us know if you need help with your guy 'cause we are itching to hand out some justice.
He doesn't seem like much of a threat.
And you are?
I think it's time we were catching our flight to... Interpol.
He pulls Willow away and they head across the street.
Right. Okay.
When they're far enough away, Willow turns to Giles.
Good idea. My control was fading. What's up with those cops?
Oh, same as everyone. The Hellmouth is active again.
Come on. I want to get back to Xander.
The two cops come back out of the building and walk up to the first one.
Who was that?
I don't know.
Did you get one of these yet?
He hands the other cop a flyer.
No. What is that?
Fugitive. Ran to ground right here in our own backyard.
COP #1 (eager)
Yeah? Sounds like a situation that needs some justice.
Buffy and Willow talk with XANDER in his hospital room. His left eye is still covered with a thick bandage. Willow sits on the edge of his bed, holding his hand while Buffy updates him. She seems slightly nervous, her tone more businesslike than friendly.
...and that you should expect to see some bruising when you remove the bandages. Bruising around the... area. The bone structure and musculature was hit pretty hard.
Okay.
Also they said that the meds may cause you some stomach discomfort so we're going to have to be careful with your diet.
I can't taste anything right now anyway. I keep waiting for my other senses to improve 50%. Yeah, they should kick in any day now.
Well, we're looking at a possible release as early as tonight. We're just waiting for your labs to get back and Dr. Kallet said that should be a couple of hours.
That's great.
Okay. I think we're all caught up then.
She gives Willow back her file folder.
Thank you for this. This was really great work.
Willow nods but she's disappointed.
Oh. I thought we were going to... there were gonna be card games.
Oh, no, I just... I should really get back. I want to get everyone started on this. I think we're really close to something.
It's okay. It's gotta be done. And I might see you tonight-- without depth perception, of course, but still.
Buffy nods uncomfortably and leaves. Willow watches her go, then turns to Xander, a false note of optimism in her voice.
So I guess you're stuck with me then, huh? Let's order some cherry-flavored off-brand gelatin and then I think we'll be up for a rousing game of--
I might need a parrot.
Huh?
Well, to go with the eye patch, to really complete the look. I think I still have that costume from Halloween.
Yeah, and don't underestimate the impact of a peg leg. Maybe the hospital can hook you up with a nice one. Maybe they have a "two body parts for the price of one" kind of deal.
Oh, you know what the best part is? No one will ever make me watch Jaws 3D again.
Willow tries to smile but tears well up in her eyes and her chin trembles.
Yeah, and you'll never have to...
She squeezes Xander's hand tighter.
Oh, Willow... please don't.
She nods but it's obvious she's right on the edge, unable to cope with seeing her best friend this way.
4 INT. SUMMERS HOME-- BASEMENT-- DAY
4
ANYA stands before the assembled potentials, including KENNEDY, AMANDA, CHAO-AHN and RONA lecturing them while ANDREW stands to the side, writing key words from her speech on an easel-pad. He starts with
... and so we know that a battle is coming. Übervamps galore. We also know that the übervamps are hard to kill.
Andrew writes
Hard to kill
But I have been out talking to some of my old contacts and they've provided some surprising bits of news. Yay for them!
Andrew draws a cartoon picture of a Turok-han.
Okay, for example, übervamps can be staked right through the heart. Zing, poof! Just like regular vamps.
Andrew writes steak then crosses it out and writes stake beside it.
We didn't know this. Of course, these guys have incredibly strong sternums, so it's a lot like driving a wooden stake through solid steel. But you guys are all super strong, right?
Well... no.
Right. Okay. But heart information, still good to know since holy water seems to run off these guys like they've been Scotchguarded. And, well, sunlight would work but guess what? They're not coming out during the daytime. Also, beware of their teeth and the claws they use to shred flesh.
Andrew writes
teeth, claws
Okay, you know what? I used to be really afraid of these übervamp guys but then the scary preacher blew into town and now I'm mostly terrified of him.
Right, well... we're working on getting info on that guy.
Why bother? Nothing works. Nothing will.
Okay, I know you're all upset... and I myself would much rather be sitting at the bedside of my one-eyed ex-fiance than killing time here with you people in this over- crowded and, might I add, increasingly ripe-smelling basement. And I would be, too, if not for a certain awkward discussion he and I recently had right over there on that cot immediately following some exciting and unexpected breakup sex.
The girls on the cot freak out and quickly abandon it. Andrew writes
breakup sex
But I need to give him some space... so I'm doing what I can do, contributing any way I can and so will all of you. You still need to know this information. We can't stop just because something else is trying to kill you, too.
FAITH sits alone on the countertop munching potato chips from a bag when Kennedy appears from downstairs.
You got enough to share?
Trade you for a carton of cigarettes and some soap. (off her look) Sorry. Habit. Shouldn't you be down at Hogwarts?
Probably.
All right. Playin' hooky. Score one for the boarding-school brat. Anya's technique is probably a little different than what you're used to.
Amanda joins them.
Do you think there are going to be questions about her sex life on the test? 'Cause I really hope I don't have to study all that.
Yeah, whenever she starts talking about getting all sweaty with Xander like that I just remind her I had him first. Shuts her right the hell up.
Thing is, what's the point? Studying demon hot zones and pressure points doesn't do a hell of a lot of good when preacher man's out there ready to finish the job he started.
No one's come up with any info on Caleb yet?
No. Nothing is working. Not research, not Anya's contacts.
We're lousy with dead ends around here. Everyone's feeling pretty pointless. We don't even have a place to start.
Hey, who's here?
Buffy enters carrying the file Willow and Giles got from the police. DAWN meets her, concerned.
Hey, Buffy. How's Xander?
Faith, Kennedy and Amanda join them.
He's doing really well. He's ready to come home, I think.
What you got?
Info that Giles and Willow were able to pull off the police database. We figured with Caleb's, you know, overt religiosity thing, if we want to learn more about him, let's find out where he's been.
"Incidents of violence and vandalism connected to California religious institutions in the last 10 years." Looks like this gives us a place to start.
Yeah. I figure we start with California. If we don't find anything there, we'll expand the search. But a guy like Caleb didn't just get in the game. He's been playing for a while and I want to know where. Whatever it takes. (to Dawn) You good to help?
Well, I was going to do lots and lots of homework but, darn the luck, they went and canceled school so looks like I got the time.
Buffy hands a file to her, not acknowledging her joke. Her tone in brusque, almost unfriendly.
Good.
Dawn frowns but lets it go.
Hey, Buffy... how was Xander's mood, you know, exactly? And did you get a chance to talk to the doctor about the meds? Because it seemed like--
Hey, pipsqueak, why don't you go get some of the stuff you've already gotten from Giles?
Or we can talk about this later, maybe.
Buffy barely notices her.
Okay.
Yeah. I'll be right back.
She leaves and Buffy turns to the others.
Try to find anything that looks like Caleb. His church, his ring--
His ability to render a Slayer useless in just one punch. (off her look) I didn't... that was stupid. I don't know why I said that.
Buffy covers, not letting on how hurt she is. She stands and grabs her coat, heading for the door.
It's okay. I have to go to the school to pick up the rest of my stuff.
I really didn't mean--
It's fine. Really, it's fine. Don't worry about it. Hey, isn't Anya doing that thing for you guys today?
Yeah, we were. We probably should head down there now.
Okay. I'll be back soon.
After Kennedy and Amanda leave, she turns to Faith.
See that everyone else gets started on this.
Yeah.
Buffy heads out and Faith starts flipping through the files.
Buffy walks through the deserted halls. The school looks like a post- apocalyptic landscape. Litter strewn everywhere, locker doors dangling from broken hinges, etc.
Buffy enters the office and sits at her desk, looking wistfully at a picture of herself, Willow and Xander. The photo is from their own high school days: happy, smiling, hugging each other. Buffy touches Xander's face and sighs.
Oh, now, look...
Buffy's head jerks up to find CALEB standing there right in front of her on the other side of the desk.
...things don't go exactly your way so here come the waterworks. Ain't that just like a woman?
Resume. Buffy stares at Caleb with seething hatred.
Get out of here.
Now, now, little girl. Manners. I do imagine that firebrand tongue of yours has inflamed many a man, weak as they are.
He looks around with a boyish smile.
This here's a public school, ain't it? Kind of deserted. Only just, I suppose. Folks work so hard at keepin' the Lord out and look what happens in return. He abandons you.
When Caleb's back is turned, Buffy reaches into a drawer in her desk.
Not that He could do you much good now, anyway.
Caleb turns and catches Buffy with her hand in the drawer.
Wouldn't do that were I you, sweet pea. Fightin' back didn't do you much good last time, did it? And how is poor, sweet Xander? Let him know he's in my prayers and any time he's willin', I'm ready to finish the job.
Go near Xander again and I will end you.
Caleb reaches out and casually flips Buffy's entire desk across the room.
Mind your manners. I do believe I did warn you once. You're angry, frustrated, scared... I like that in a girl. You really should relax a little. Look at where you are. History's going to look back at you, at me, at this place, and they're going to see the glory. Great things are happenin' now, right here. This school, the seal... it's all going to be a part of the great sweepin' tide of change and you're going to be a part of it. Now why would you want to miss that? More importantly, why would you want to get in its way?
I guess I'm just ornery.
She punches Caleb in the head. He staggers back, then straightens up, unharmed.
Oh, I knew you'd be a wild one.
Buffy kicks him but he grabs her leg and pushes her down. She tries to leg-sweep him but he easily dodges her, then lifts her off the floor by her neck.
I'm going to take such sweet pleasure in taming you.
He hurls her through the window and she slams into the far wall, landing unconscious among the shards of shattered glass.
I'll see you soon, little lady.
He smiles at her and walks casually off down the hall.
Andrew enters as Dawn and Giles sit at the counter reviewing the police files.
Okay, well, here's the one that stood out. It's a mission up north in Gilroy.
She shows it to Giles.
Mr. Giles, Faith stole the last meatball-and-mozzarella- flavored Hot Pocket out of the freezer even though I had called dibs on it.
Giles ignores Andrew.
I don't see anything.
Exactly. No vandalism at all.
Then why is it in the file?
Andrew goes over to the freezer in a huff.
The place was abandoned. Locals started noticing after a few days that no one was going in or out. Six members of the order lived there but when the cops showed up... all gone. Unsolved.
Andrew opens the freezer and takes out an empty box with his name on it.
Yep. See, the Post-It's still here: "Andrew's. Please do not eat." But the box is empty now.
Oh.
Oh? Oh, good?
I'm not sure. Here...
Giles and Dawn walk into the living room with Andrew trailing behind.
Giles goes to the desk and takes out a magnifying glass. Half a dozen potentials sitting around the room watch him curiously as he examines the photo with the glass.
See, it's not the Hot Pocket itself-- even though it did have that new-and-improved thicker tomato sauce-- it's just the fundamental lack of respect.
Shut up. Pay attention. Dawn, what do you see?
What am I looking for?
On the back wall, A knothole.
Dawn peers through the magnifying glass and sees it: the symbol from Caleb's ring carved in the wall next to a statue of Mary.
That's not a knothole.
Amanda, would you go down to the basement and get Spike?
Maybe this'll help... if this does bring us closer to Caleb.
Faith enters, finishing the last of Andrew's Hot Pocket.
Sounded like there was news.
Andrew glares at her as Spike enters.
What's up, Rupert?
Spike, I have a mission for you.
Oh, really? 'Cause, you know, sometimes our missions end up with you trying to kill me. I'm not fond of those.
This is bona fide with real ramifications. Take a look at this.
He hands Spike the photo and the magnifying glass.
Looks like our boy's been here. You want me to go check it out?
I need someone who can take care of themselves in case Caleb has... left some souvenirs.
Spike shrugs and heads for the door.
Are we going to get to the food-stealing issue soon?
Take Andrew.
ANDREW & SPIKE
What?!
Well, you are always saying you want to get out of the house more.
Yeah, but--
There may be demons lurking about. You never know. He's a demon expert. He can help.
Oh, please.
Well, he can bring his pan flute thing along. Excellent. Off you go.
He pushes Andrew out of his chair and out the door after Spike.
So see? That's something, right? We'll have some news soon.
Sure. Maybe that'll get us somewhere.
Maybe. (to Dawn) In the meantime, the troops here gotta sit and stew, feeling crappier by the minute.
We should keep them occupied.
Yeah. I know how to keep them occupied.
Faith gyrates on the dance floor with four guys, oozing her trademark sexuality. The other girls dance, play pool, drink and generally just have fun all around her. Dawn and Kennedy smile and watch Faith while they dance together.
What kind of band plays during an apocalypse?
I think this band might actually be one of the signs.
Buffy enters to find the house empty.
Hey. Guys, how's it... going?
Giles looks up from his research. He notices the cuts on her face and the bruises on her body.
Buffy. Are you hurt?
She waves off his concern as if it's no big deal.
Oh, Caleb came back looking for seconds.
My god, is he--
Still able to make me see cartoon birdies all around my head? You betcha. The short lack of consciousness was nice. I feel rested. So how did those police files work out? Were they helpful?
Yes. Very much so, I think. There's evidence that Caleb may have established a foothold up north.
That's great. That's--
I sent Spike to look into it.
Spike? Is this a mission from which you intend Spike to return alive?
Yes. I sent Andrew with him.
Again, I ask the question.
Buffy, you weren't here. Decisions have to be made in your absence.
Yeah, well, those are the ones that have been scaring me.
I did what I thought was right.
You sent away the one person that's been watching my back... again.
We're all watching your back.
Funny, that's not really what it feels like.
Buffy--
Where did everybody go?
What?
Faith. The girls. Where are they?
Faith thought that the girls could do with some time off their studies. I thought... (reluctant) She took them to the Bronze.
Buffy rolls her eyes and heads for the door.
Caleb descends the stairs where he finds THE FIRST waiting for him in the form of Buffy.
You know what I figured out tonight? Every high school in this country from one end to the other smells exactly alike. Now why do you suppose that is?
And how was our best girl?
They always think they should put up a fight.
Did you lay the proper groundwork?
That I did. Reckon she got the message even if she doesn't know it yet. So now the big strong Slayer goes back to those girls... she's just so ready to walk them right into it. And all we have to do is give her that one final gentle nudge.
He pushes against The First but his hand meets no resistance and passes through her.
Excellent.
Amanda sips from a red fruity drink as Faith dances over to the table to drink from her beer.
This is so cool. Buffy would never let us do this. You are so cool. (to her friends) This woman is so cool!
Hey! How old are you?
Seventeen.
Faith takes Amanda's drink from her and drinks it herself.
Yeah, we're going to get you a real nice 7-Up, okay?
As Faith heads back to the dance floor, three police officers push their way through the crowd and approach her. Faith seems unconcerned and smiles sweetly at them.
Hey, I was wondering what was taking you boys so long. Where you been?
We're going to have to ask you to come with us, miss. Outstanding warrants.
Yeah, or we could try this one on instead. How about you guys buy me another drink and we see where the evening takes us?
One of the cops seizes Faith's arm and wrenches it around behind her back, then pushes her toward the exit. Dawn sees what's happening and runs off the dance floor.
Hey!
What's going on?
It's cool. I got it. It's nothin'. (to cop) Get off me.
Shut up.
The police escort Faith through the crowd toward the back door as the potentials gather around and watch helplessly.
The cops push Faith into the alley outside.
I'll tell you right now, I'm not going back to jail.
She breaks free of the cop's grip and starts to head back inside the Bronze but one of the cops, MUNROE, pulls the door shut from the inside.
Faith turns back to the others, realizing now what's going down. The cop in charge, DUNCAN, sneers at her as his fellow officers draw their handguns and level them at her.
Who said anything about jail?
Resume. With lightning-quick reflexes, Faith knocks the guns from the cops' hands, then sends one reeling to the ground with a roundhouse kick to the head. She backhands a second as the rest swarm her.
Dawn, Kennedy, Amanda, Rona and other potentials surround Munroe who blocks the back door, shotgun raised.
Stay back. This doesn't concern you.
You can't keep us in here.
It'll be over before you know it.
Faith lies on the ground as several cops beat her with nightsticks. She kicks one in the ankle, creating an opening, and springs to her feet. The cops come at her again and she takes them on en masse, fists and legs pistoning out like jackhammers.
Trust me. The best thing you can do is wait here.
Don't listen to him. He won't hurt us. You know what? I'm just going to go borrow the phone.
She starts to walk away and Munroe fires his shotgun at the ceiling. A light fixture crashes down as everyone in the club drops to the floor.
Best thing you can do is wait. Here.
Two cops pull Faith off a third while she straddles him and lays into him with one blow after another..
Kennedy gets right up in Munroe's face.
You're going to have to shoot us all to stop us.
That doesn't really bother me.
These cops are really getting Hellmouthed.
Back up!
No!
Munroe looks at Amanda with a smirk.
What?
The moment he's distracted, Kennedy snatches the gun away from Munroe and slams the butt of the gun into the side of his head. He reels backward, then grabs for her, coming up short as she flips the gun around and cocks it, the barrel inches from his face.
Munroe hesitates a moment, as if uncertain, then knocks the gun out of Kennedy's hands. However, his victory is short-lived as Amanda cracks him in the head with a broom handle. He drops to the floor, stunned, and tries to crawl away but Rona and Chao-Ahn kick him and Dawn jumps on his back, punching him. It's not long before he's a battered mess, lying unconscious on the floor. The girls leave him and head for the door.
The potentials rush outside to find Faith lying on her back, shielding herself from an onslaught of nightsticks and tazers. Kennedy and Amanda yank two of them away from Faith, giving her a chance to get to her feet and renew her attack. She kicks a man against the hood of his car and grabs a club from another, presses it against his throat, and slams him into a wall. He drops to the ground in a heap.
As the fight ends with the cops scattered unmoving about the alley, Buffy arrives. She takes in the scene, her anger building.
Faith! What are you doing?
Just blowing off steam. Well, it started that way. Turned when the cops went evil on us.
Dawn, Chao-Ahn, Rona and the other girls exit the club and gather around Buffy and Faith.
Girls, go home. I need to talk to Faith for a minute.
Buffy, we weren't--
Dawn, you, too. Go.
The girls sullenly walk off with Dawn. When they're gone, Buffy rounds on Faith.
What is this?
They needed a break, all right? They've been running themselves into the ground. Things just got out of hand.
Taking a break is one thing-- I get blowing off steam-- but they were fighting. And those girls were drunk! What were you thinking?
Seemed like a good idea at the time.
Yeah, what if someone had gotten hurt?
They didn't.
Faith, I need to know that these girls are going to be safe when I'm not around.
No one got hurt, B. Look, you don't even know these girls. Maybe you should have a little more confidence in them, let them mess up sometimes. You know, get down and dirty. How the hell else are they going to learn?
Learning from your mistakes is one thing. But you don't throw children into--
They're not children.
That really isn't the point.
She turns and walks off.
Yeah, what about the vineyard?
Buffy stops in her tracks.
What?
How safe were they when you dragged them off to meet Caleb? How safe was Rona or Amanda or Molly?
Buffy decks Faith, knocking her to the ground, then walks away.
Andrew rides behind Spike on his motorcycle, his arms around Spike's waist and wearing a kid's football helmet.
You sure you don't want to stop and pick up some burgers or something? You know, road-trip food?
It's not a road trip. It's a covert operation.
Right. Right. Gotcha. (beat) I bet even covert operatives eat curly fries. They're really good.
Not as good as those onion blossom things.
Oh, I love those.
Yeah, me, too.
It's an onion and it's a flower. I don't understand how such a thing is possible.
See, the genius of it is you soak it in ice water for an hour so it holds its shape. Then you deep-fry it root-side up for about 5 minutes.
Masterful.
Yeah. (beat) Tell anyone we had this conversation, I'll bite you.
Right.
Faith sits on the porch railing smoking a cigarette. She looks up as ROBIN WOOD appears.
The big meeting hasn't started yet, has it?
God, I hope so.
Faith?
You must be Principal Wood. Heard a lot about you.
It hasn't really started yet, has it? 'Cause I hate being late.
Troops are still gathering. I think you're safe.
Looks like someone banged you up pretty well.
Yeah, cops. Mostly.
Mostly?
Yeah.
She points to a bruise on her cheek.
This one's from someone who just thinks she's a cop. It's my favorite of all my current bruises.
So someone who thinks she's a cop, huh? You going to have to like ice her now or something like that?
I'm not going to kill her. Wanted to but didn't. By the way, bully for me since no one else said it.
For what? For not killing Buffy?
It's this new thing I'm trying.
She told me about you.
Believe every word.
So what changed? I mean, why didn't you fight back?
Other things matter more.
I think you're worried about her.
I think you need to brush up on your Buffy and Faith history.
All right, if you say so, but I read people pretty well. It's a thing I do.
You live around here, right?
No, not exactly. Well, it's the center of town, really.
This town, walking anywhere after dark is like an extreme sport. Someone who didn't know you very well might think you were out looking for a fight or something. Maybe you've got bigger issues than what's wrong with B. (beat) I read people, too.
She smiles, then looks up as a car pulls into the driveway.
Xander's home.
Spike pushes open the creaky door to the mission with Andrew following nervously behind him.
No one's here. These kind of places make me feel funny inside.
I'll buy that. You and me got something else in common after all.
As they move down the hall, the door to a closet slams open and a MONK leaps out and drives Andrew against the opposite wall.
Spike drags the robed man off of Andrew and gets a punch for his trouble. A short fight ensues but the monk is clearly outmatched. Spike pulls the hood off the monk's face to reveal a burn mark on the man's cheek: Caleb's mark.
A hastily made "Welcome Home" banner hangs over the fireplace. Giles, Dawn and the potentials are gathered in the living room as Buffy and Willow escort Xander in. Faith and Wood follow, closing the door behind them.
Oh, god...
We didn't have time to do more. You have to pretend there's a big party here.
Dawn wraps her arms around Xander in a tight hug.
That's fine. Parties in this house, I usually end up having to rebuild something.
Welcome home, Xander. I wanted you to be here for this. I think you'll be interested in what I found out.
What did you find out?
It's about the cellar. Look, I know that night wasn't fun for any of us... but I figured out some things about that place and I realize now what we have to do. We're going back in.
Spike and Andrew recognize Caleb's mark.
Tell me about the mark.
The monk covers it self-consciously with his hand.
Oh...
Hey! Are you part of Caleb's faction?
No! No!
Then tell me what happened.
The monk is clearly terrified.
I can't.
Andrew gets right up in his face, trying to intimidate.
"Can't" is a four-letter word! I'm Andrew. I'll be your bad cop this evening. You don't start singing, my associate here--
We're trying to fight him. Caleb. We need your help.
You can't fight him. You can't stop him. You can only run.
"Run" is a four-letter word... a three-letter word.
Talk.
I'll do better. I'll show you.
Spike offers the man his hand, helping him to his feet.
One night, some time ago, a man arrived at our doors.
And you said, "Come in, do some damage."
We are a benevolent order and, yes, we welcomed him. We offered to feed him... but he had come for something else.
The monk approaches a statue of Mary set in an alcove, just as in the picture that Dawn and Giles had. He triggers a hidden catch and the statue swings outward, revealing a secret room within. The monk enters with Spike and Andrew.
Behind this, he revealed something even we didn't know was here. A secret room. He was excited, talking the whole time. Destiny, that sort of thing.
Yeah. We hear he's a real smooth talker.
The monk slips a tapestry off the wall, revealing an inscription carved into the stone.
He was going on about this ancient inscription.
Neat.
He read it and he didn't like what it said. His temper... he was the purest evil I've ever seen. He burned his mark upon me and then I ran and I hid... and I listened to the others die.
Running away... saved your life. (to Spike) What does it say?
Spike raises a candelabra to illuminate the inscription. It's Latin written in Greek:
"It is not for thee. It is for her alone to wield."
Stunned silence greets Buffy's declaration that she wants to attack the winery again.
Look, I know what you're thinking but I had a visit at the school today from Caleb.
Buffy, why didn't you--
I'm fine. I mean, it wasn't fun but I'm fine. I'm better than fine. I figured something out. He kept making all this noise about the school.
Is it that seal again?
Do we need to try shutting it again?
No, that's just it. We've spent all this time worrying about the seal and the Hellmouth. Why isn't Caleb guarding them? Why doesn't he have someone there protecting it? Why is he camped out at the vineyard? The bad guys always go where the power is. So if the seal was so
important to Caleb and The First, they would be there right now. They're protecting the vineyard or something at the vineyard. I say it's their power and I say it's time we go in and take it away from them.
Or, in the alternative, how about we don't? I mean, it's a neat theory, B, but I'm not going back in that place, not without proof, and neither should you and neither should they.
I'm not saying it's going to be easy.
I think Faith had the floor.
Maybe it ends okay the way you want to play it but maybe it doesn't and right now, I don't think I want you playing the odds.
Did you come here to fight?
Listen, we're fighters, all of us, but you gotta give me something to fight. Something real, not--
Windmills.
There is something there.
Maybe... but we can't be sure of that. This is a hell of a lot to ask.
Too much.
Buffy is unused to people questioning her decisions. She looks around, confused, seeking support.
I don't understand this. For seven years I've kept us safe by doing this-- exactly this-- making the hard decisions. And now what? Suddenly you're all acting like you can't trust me?
Didn't you say to me today you can't trust us? Maybe there's something there that should be addressed.
Is that why you sent Spike away? To ambush me?
Oh, come on.
You know what? I am sick of your deal with this Spike guy. This isn't about him. This is about you. You're being reckless.
What?
You are. I don't even know you and I can tell. You are so obsessed with beating Caleb, you are willing to jump into any plan without thinking.
That's not what I'm doing.
Kennedy stands and faces off with Buffy.
Well, that's how it feels to us. People are dying.
Kennedy...
Why are you always standing up for her?
I'm not.
Willow looks away, the pain evident on her face.
What do you mean, you're not?
With everything that's happened... I'm worried about your judgment.
Look, I wish this could be a democracy. I really do. Democracies don't win battles. It's a hard truth but there has to be a single voice. You need someone to issue orders and be reckless sometimes and not take your feelings into account. You need someone to lead you.
And it's automatically you. You really do think you're better than we are.
No, I--
But we don't know. We don't know if you're actually better. I mean, you came into the world with certain advantages, sure. I mean, that's the legacy. But you didn't earn it. You didn't work for it. You've never had anybody come up to you and say you deserve these things more than anyone else. They were just handed to you. So that doesn't make you better than us. It makes you luckier than us.
I've gotten us this far.
But not without a price.
Xander--
I'm trying to see your point here, Buff... but I guess it must be a little bit to my left because I just don't.
Look, I'm willing to talk strategy, okay, I'll hear suggestions on how to break this down but this is the plan. We have to be together on this or we will fail again.
We are clearly demonstrating that we are not together on this.
Which is why you have to fall in line! I'm still in charge here.
Why is that, exactly?
Because I'm the Slayer.
And isn't Faith a Slayer, too?
Faith's head snaps up, caught off guard.
What? Whoa... so not what I meant. I'm not "in charge" chick. I think B here just needs to chill out for a little bit, take a siesta or something. But I'm not the one you want.
Maybe we need a vote... to see who wants Faith to have a turn in charge.
No.
No what?
No. You don't get to vote until I've had my chance to pal around. You know, get everybody drunk. See, I didn't get that this was a popularity contest. I should have equal time to bake them cookies, braid their hair--
Learn their names?
You're just loving this, aren't you?
You have no idea what I'm feeling.
Come in here, take everything that I have. You did it before. Did you tell them that? Did you tell them how you used to kill people for fun? Hey, you guys think that's nifty?
Buffy, that's enough!
I didn't come here to take anything away from you but I'm not going to be your little lapdog, either. I came here to beat the other guy, to do right, however it works. I don't know if I can lead but the real question is... can you follow?
So we vote.
Wait. Guys...
Buffy looks around but finds no support from anywhere, from anyone.
I can't watch you just throw away everything. I know I'm right about this. I just need a little... I can't stay here and watch her lead you into some disaster.
Dawn stands and approaches her sister.
Then you can't stay here. Buffy, I love you but you were right. We have to be together on this. You can't be a part of it... so I need you to leave. I'm sorry but this is my house, too.
Buffy is rocked by this last and ultimate betrayal. She stares at them all for a long beat, then turns and walks out the front door.
Ding dong, the witch is dead.
Dawn rounds on her with a murderous glare.
Shut your mouth.
Faith follows Buffy outside.
Hey. Look, I swear I didn't want it to go this way--
Don't.
I mean it, I--
Don't be afraid to lead them.
She turns to Faith, her face streaked with tears.
Whether you wanted it or not, their lives are yours. It's only going to get harder. Protect them. Lead them.
Faith stares at Buffy for a moment, then nods and steps back inside the house, closing the door softly as Buffy walks off into the night alone.