[Transcript of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" episode Touched at buffyology.com.]
FAITH sits with XANDER, WILLOW, DAWN, GILES, ANYA, ROBIN WOOD and the potential Slayers: KENNEDY, AMANDA, VI, CARIDAD and about twenty others.
Everyone is still wound-up and tense, arguing amongst themselves. Faith tries to gain control of the chaotic group.
You sound like a child of the 70's.
All I'm saying is we're in charge of ourselves.
Okay, you guys, let's try not freak out.
All I'm saying is that now that Buffy's not here, we finally have some say in how and when we lose our necks.
Wood notices how scared some of the younger girls are.
Maybe you don't have to be so blunt about the losing of the necks bit.
Let the girl speak the truth. We're all on death's door, repeatedly ringing the doorbell, like maniacal Girl Scouts trying to make quota.
And I'm thinking that maybe everyone here shouldn't have a say.
We just have to find some way of having constructive dialogue without going completely mad.
Do you know the parliamentary procedure? Because that's a convenient way of organizing verbal--
I just wonder if those of us who've been here longer should have more of a say.
Maybe if we break down into smaller groups, this wouldn't be so chaotic. Faith, what do you think?
When I was involved with the Model UN, we found the parliamentary procedure to be a total life saver. For example, once when I was Uruguay... (beat) anyway, one of those "U" countries, it was like here, only we had this system which allowed us to organize our conversation.
Giles and Dawn share a glance, worried about Buffy.
She's going to be fine. Really, it's for the best.
Yeah? Then why do I feel like this?
They go back to watching the never-ending debate.
I hear what you're saying but--
Shouldn't we get down to business and start talking about our game plan?
You guys? I think we're wasting our time arguing about how to argue.
Why don't we--
Please do not mention parliamentary procedure.
I second that.
Everyone listen to me. Chill.
Silence descends on the room and they all look to Faith.
All right, it's been a long night and I don't know about you but I'm wiped. I think we should catch some sleep and figure all this out in the morning.
Do we really have time to waste?
Look, I understand you guys are wicked stressed. Frankly, our situation blows. But we've got to stay cool. It's the only way we're going to get through this. Can everyone handle that?
Nods and murmurs of assent. The hysteria is over.
Yeah, yeah. We'll get some rest and then tomorrow things won't seem so--
All the lights in the house suddenly go out plunging the room into darkness. And the hysteria returns. Several screams and moans of fright.
What happened?
The lights went out?
I'll get some candles. If we have candles.
I'll check the fuse box.
Don't bother. All the lights on the whole street just went out.
Which means?
The people from the power company have got the hell out of Sunnydale.
I think I'm freaking out.
BUFFY walks alone in the dark. Her expression is placid, detached, almost relieved.
The street lights are out. Doors are stand open, houses abandoned. A family hurriedly packs their belongings into their car.
Buffy chooses a small house at random and walks up to the door.
The door swings open as Buffy breaks the lock and enters. The house is dark. She takes several steps, then freezes as a floorboard creaks. The HOMEOWNER suddenly rounds the corner and aims a shotgun at Buffy's head. His hands are shaking. His bulging eyes belie sleep-deprivation and paranoia.
Don't move!
Buffy doesn't flinch. She stares at the man without emotion.
Get out of my house.
Hey.
Her hand shoots out, lightning-quick, and snatches the gun from him.
I thought the place would be empty. I was looking for a place to crash. You know, you really should leave.
You can't just kick me out of my own house.
Why not? It's what all the cool kids are doing nowadays.
He starts to go, then pauses.
It's not your house. It's not your town. Not anymore.
The man decides to cut his losses and get out while he can. When he's gone, Buffy goes into the kitchen and opens the refrigerator.
Absentmindedly holding the shotgun, she looks for something to eat.
Got any Tab?
Opening credit sequence.
The room is bare save for a few tapestries on the wall. A thin band of sunlight streams in from a high window.
ANDREW lies on the floor on his belly, his chin resting in his hands, lazily swinging his legs back and forth.
I spy with my little eye something that begins with a T.
Tapestry.
SPIKE sits slumped against the wall, bored out of his mind.
Hey, good one. How did you--
Tapestry's the only thing in the whole bloody room.
Ah. So say you but I say, look deeper.
I'll look deep into your jugular, is what I'll look at.
Don't spaz out.
I'm not-- don't say another word.
Andrew is silent for all of five seconds.
Rock/paper/scissors?
What's the matter with you? Don't you understand what's happening?
Yeah. We're waiting here till it's night again so you can ride on your motorcycle without exploding.
And every minute we're stuck here, the Slayer's out there facing hell knows what.
Come on, what's the worst thing that could happen to her?
Spike shoots him a murderous glare and he shuts up.
The entire group is gathered again. Xander now wears an eye-patch over his injured eye and the room is lit with battery-powered emergency floodlights and candles.
Faith is overwhelmed, trying to maintain control of the group of scared and confused people young girls.
All right, so what do we know?
Well, we know we're basically the last humans left in Sunnydale.
And that like all the evil in town wants us dead.
I don't want to die.
Don't worry. It's far more likely you'll live long enough to watch most of your friends die first. And then you'll die.
We also know that Caleb told Buffy that everything's going down at the seal. I think we should head--
Let's not get ahead of ourselves.
Kennedy glares at Faith, somewhat hurt at being dismissed. Faith looks to the entire group, ignoring Kennedy.
So we know we've got a lot of enemies. We'll start there.
Faith, I'm sorry--
I got this, okay? (to all) So let's go over our rogue's gallery. Who exactly do we have here?
Well, there's The First. Who we can't touch.
And there's our friend the Reverend I-Hate-Women.
Who's basically untouchable.
And there's the 'roid-rage vamps, who are pretty much the worst and the--
Bringers. I think they're our weakest link.
Are thinking of attacking the Bringers?
Maybe or... okay, we could kidnap one.
And what? Hold it ransom?
Yeah, I'll get the magazines and start ripping out the letters now. "Dear Mr. First, if you want your Bringer back... well, we'll be surprised because you've got like three million of them so please disregard this letter. Yours sincerely--"
I'm saying we think about getting us a Bringer and making it talk. Find out info on The First and Caleb that way.
How do you think we should catch one if they don't want to be found?
Okay, I'm not sure this is such a good idea. Why try to get information when we already know about the seal? Why don't we send a team to the high school, do some recon and then--
No.
Just like that? You're not even listening!
Willow puts her hand on Kennedy's arm, calming her down.
Sweetie, you're pushing too hard.
I thought things would be different now but you keep shutting me down.
Faith turns to Kennedy, her eyes flashing with barely-contained anger.
Things are different. Because now I'm your boss.
She stands up, for the first time truly assuming the mantle of leadership.
Look, you guys, I'm not Buffy. I'm not the one who's been on your asses all this time. But I'm not one of you anymore, either. I'm your leader. Which means I go first and I make the rules and the rest of you follow after me. Is that clear? (beat) So Kennedy, back the hell off and let me do my job, all right?
Kennedy glowers at her.
Okay, let's get down to business.
A dark space underground lit with torches. Bringers toil in the underground cavern beneath the vineyard. Several work a large electric saw that throws up sparks as it bites into rock; others chip away at the walls with picks and sledgehammers.
CALEB and THE FIRST as Buffy watch the work, their backs silhouetted against the light of the Bringers' torches. They look like demons watching tortured souls labor in hell.
I was hoping you'd bring me some better news.
And I wish I had some.
Is this going to do anything? Or is all of this just to make the Bringers sweat? (beat; curious) Do the Bringers sweat?
Actually, I think they pant like dogs. And I don't know if this going to do any good but we have to try everythin'.
You realize what will happen if the Slayer and her girls get it, don't you?
They won't.
That's right, they won't. Because you're going to kill all of them and everyone they know.
As The First turns and walks off, a small, quiet smile curls Caleb's lips.
Hallelujah.
Dark, desolate. Kennedy walks alone through the dark alley, lost in her own world, still wounded from her public scolding.
Suddenly, three Bringers lunge out of the darkness. The first one grabs Kennedy from behind and she falls to her knees. The Bringer's knife glints in the moonlight as it comes up under her throat.
But then the knife clatters to the asphalt as the Bringer is yanked backward by a garrote around his neck.
While Giles subdues the flailing Bringer, a second acolyte lunges at Kennedy only to be dropped to the ground by a roundhouse kick to the head from Caridad.
Amanda and Vi take on the third Bringer, kicking him in the ribs and beating him backward. Then Kennedy picks up the dropped dagger from the ground and guts him. He crumples, dead.
I've never been the bait before. That was... actually kind of scary.
We had your back.
You did well. Your performance as a disgruntled minion was spot on.
I'm method. Let's get this back to the captain.
Faith, Wood, Giles, Xander, Willow and Kennedy troop up from the basement into the kitchen where Anya, Dawn and Amanda are waiting. They look expectantly at the basement crew.
Hey! So?
The Bringer's dumb.
And you were expecting, what? A Rhodes Scholar?
Dumb as in mute.
Someone ripped out its tongue.
Oh, gross.
Hey, I've been reading this old Turkish spell book. There's an old conjuration that the ancient Turks used to communicate with the dying.
Oh, yeah. I think I've read a translation of that.
There's a translation of it? (deep breath) I'm over it. So the spell is to communicate with people who can't talk. Like if a person was dying, this spell would allow them to say their goodbyes or, you know, gripe about how nobody came to visit them. (to Willow) Would this help us with Mr. No-Tongue?
Yeah, I think so. I just need to get together a few ingredients.
All right, well cool. While Willow's does that, the rest of us can--
We're back!
The front door slams and Spike enters with Andrew.
Spike.
Hey.
Hi, everybody. I missed you guys a lot. Sorry we took so long getting back from our mission mission but we had to wait out the sun and, well, I think our mission went very well. We rode on Spike's hog, which was very cool, and played some amusing games and, oh, we got some information. But do you know what? I really need to urinate.
He dashes off toward the bathroom.
He's a breath of fresh air, isn't he? Thank god I don't breathe.
Silence. Everyone avoids looking at Spike.
So I think we got a lead. Where's Buffy?
She's not here right now.
When's she get back?
While you were gone, we all got together and talked out some disagreements that we were having and eventually, after much discussion, Buffy decided that it would be best for all of us if she took a little time off. A little breather.
Uh-huh. I see. Been practicing that little speech long, have you? So Buffy took some time off right in the middle of the apocalypse and it was her decision?
Well, we all decided.
Oh, yeah, you all decided. (disgusted) You sad, sad, ungrateful traitors. Who do you think you are?
We're her friends. We just want--
Oh, that's ballsy of you. You're her friends and you betray her like this?
You don't understand.
You know, I think I do. Rupert. You used to be the big man, didn't you? The teacher, all full of wisdom. Now she's surpassed you and you can't handle it. She has saved your lives again and again. She has died for you. And this is how you thank her?
Faith steps in front of Spike, cutting him off.
Hey, why don't you take it down a notch or two? The time for speech-giving is over, bad boy.
He gets right in her face, menacing.
Oh, is that right?
Yeah, that's right. Save your lack of breath.
All right.
He decks Faith, a full-power punch to the head. Caught off-guard, she falls back against the counter. Everyone else starts to back away for their own safety. Faith holds her jaw, a smile spreading across her face.
You're pretty sweet on her, aren't you?
Using the counter, as a brace, she pistons her legs up and out, slamming her feet into Spike's face with bone-crushing power.
I think it's cute... the way she's got you whipped.
Spike staggers backward, then recovers, only to take another devastating kick to the gut, sending him staggering into the dining room.
Enough!
Spike falls hard onto his back and Faith leaps on him, pounding him brutally in the face, again and again. Then Spike kicks back, throwing Faith off. He presses his advantage and trades blows with her.
Finally got what you wanted, didn't you? Where is she?
I don't know.
She wrenches out of his grasp, kicks him in the gut and braces herself for his next attack.
Spike just throws up his hands and walks out, disgusted.
Spike pauses and takes a deep breath. He closes his eyes, extending his sense, then turns left.
The Bringer sits awkwardly on the floor, his arms chained above his head and fastened to the wall. Candles light the room as Willow intones her incantation. Kennedy, Giles, Andrew and Xander stand behind her, watching.
Konus bizimle viza adam. Konus bizimle guzle re olya ma adam. Speak to us.
Willow closes the book and waits. Nothing happens.
Maybe I should rough him up a little.
Andrew...
Quiet!
I don't know, you guys. That should have worked.
I am a drone in the mind that is evil.
Could you just shut up?
I say I am a part of the Great Darkness.
Somebody needs a reality check.
And a muzzle.
Wait.
He looks between the Bringer and Andrew, realizing that Andrew has become a conduit for the Bringer's thoughts.
I am only a fragment of the We. We work as one to serve The First.
Okay, what do you-- the We-- do for The First?
We work to prepare for the inevitable battle.
Kennedy takes the Bringer's knife from her belt and touches the tip to his neck.
How? Tell me exactly what the Bringers are doing.
Kennedy, he can't see the knife.
We can feel the knife.
Giles holds out his hand for the knife.
Kennedy?
She reluctantly hands it to him.
We attend to the needs of the infinite evil. We exterminate girls and destroy the legacy of the Slayer. We build an arsenal beneath the dirt. We obey the commands of our teacher, Caleb.
Wait, could we go back to the dirt thing?
We build weapons to prepare for the coming war. At the farthest edge of town. We are everywhere. We are like the ocean's waves. We watch your efforts and are not scared. We will laugh at you as you die.
And suddenly, Giles slashes the Bringer's knife across his throat. The Bringer gasps, sucking air through the wound, then dies.
What the bananas!
Andrew clutches his own throat, his eyes wide in shock.
You are so lucky that you did not just magickally decapitate me!
Giles heads for the stairs.
We've got enough here. We need to get Faith in on this. Xander, gather some maps. We need to find a subterranean space large enough to house an armory.
I feel used and violated... and I need a lozenge.
Buffy lies on the stranger's bed, moonlight her only illumination. The shotgun lies next to her on the bed. A knock at the front door. Buffy doesn't react. Then the creak of the door and approaching footsteps.
There you are.
Buffy turns to find Spike standing in the doorway.
Do you realize I could just walk in here, no invite needed? This town really is theirs now, isn't it? (beat) I heard. I was over there. That bitch. She's all about smiles and reformation when you're on your feet. And the moment you're down? She's all about the kicking, isn't that right? Makes me want to--
It wasn't just Faith. It was all of them and it's not like they were wrong. Please leave.
No, this'll change your tune. I came here 'cause I got something to tell you. You were right. Caleb is trying to protect something from you and I think you were spot on all the way. I think it's at the vineyard.
He looks at her, triumphant and expectant. She just stares back at him blankly.
So? You were right. Buffy?
I don't feel very right.
Spike crouches down beside the bed.
You're not fooling me.
What do you even mean?
Well, you're not a quitter.
Watch me.
You were their leader and you still are. This isn't something you gave up. It's something they took.
And the difference is?
We can take it back.
Giles and Faith talk strategy in Buffy's bedroom. He spreads out a map for her to look at.
Sewer tunnel on the north side is closest so guess we'll start there.
Sounds fine. What time shall I tell everyone?
How about around seven? (decisive) Seven sharp. So tomorrow we fight.
Tomorrow. Goodnight, Faith. (beat) And Faith?
Yeah?
You're doing just fine.
Faith nods, grateful, then Giles heads off down the hall. As she turns back into the bedroom, she finds herself face-to-face with her old boss, Sunnydale Mayor RICHARD WILKINS. Even though Faith isn't fooled-- she knows it's really The First-- the sight of the Mayor and the part of her past he represents rattles her severely. She tries not to show it but she's not completely successful.
I'd say better than fine. I'd say you're doing a bang-up job.
Get out.
Well, gosh! I think a "Hello" or a "Nice to see you" might be a little more welcome. It's the end of humanity Faith, not the end of courtesy.
You're wasting your time. I know who you are. What you are.
Yeah, nobody's explained to you how this works, have they? You see, I am part of The First, as you kids call it, but I'm also me. Richard Wilkins III, late mayor and founder of Sunnydale. Here, I'll prove it to you. Ask me a question only I know the answer to. Something like... where did I hide the moon pies in my office or who was my favorite character in Little Women. Meg. I know! Most people guess Beth but Meg, she's such a proper young lady. Remember when Jo burned her hair?
I know what you're doing and it's not going to work. (shrugs) But feel free to keep talking 'cause, hell, I could listen to you yap all night.
Hey, hey, hey! Language. You're a leader now. You keep throwing the H-E-double-hockey-sticks around, pretty soon the girls are going to pick up on it. Then what?
Hey, you let me worry about the girls.
Of course, of course. You're doing a great job with them, by the way. Much better than Buffy ever did. You were smart to kick her out.
That's not what we... Buffy got 'em this far.
Why are you protecting her? You think she cares about you? She nearly killed you, Faith.
It's different now.
No matter what you do, Buffy will always see you as a killer, not as a person. And now you have what she so desperately wants-- the respect of these girls. All she
needs is an excuse and she'll finish what she started when she stuck that knife in your belly. You stay on guard, Faith. Buffy's dangerous. If you're not careful, she'll destroy you. (beat) I'm just saying...
Spike stands before Buffy, incredulous.
No?
No.
You mean "no" as in "eventually"?
You really have problems with that word, don't you?
You can get them back.
Can, maybe. Should? I'm just so tired...
They need you.
This is what she wants to hear.
Well, I...
It's bloody chaos over there without you.
It is?
Yeah, it's... there's junk food cartons, sleeping bags not rolled up... everyone's very scared and unkempt.
Sounds dire.
I didn't see a lot. I came, hit Faith a bunch of times and left.
The last perks Buffy up.
Really? (covers) I mean, I'm not glad of that...
Say the word and she's a footnote in history. I'll make it look like a painful accident.
That's my problem. I say the word, some girl dies. Every time.
There's always casualties in a war.
Casualties... it just sounds so casual. These are girls. That I got killed. (beat) I cut myself off from them, all of them. I knew I was going to lose some of them and I didn't... You know what? I'm still making excuses. I've always cut myself off, I've always... being the Slayer made me different but it's my fault I stayed that way. People are always trying to connect to me but I just... slip away. (beat) You should know.
I seem to recall a certain amount of connecting.
Oh, please. We were never close. You just wanted me because I was unattainable.
You think that's all that was?
Please, let's not go over the past.
Oh, no. Hold on here. I've hummed along to your pity ditty and I think I should have the mike for a bit.
Fine. The stage is yours. Cheer me up.
You're insufferable.
Thank you. That really helped.
I'm not trying to cheer you up.
Then what are you trying to say?
I don't know! I'll know when I'm done saying it. Something pissed me off and I just... unattainable! That's it.
Fine. I'm attainable. I'm an attain-athon. Can I please just go to sleep?
You listen to me. I've been alive a bit longer than you and dead a lot longer than that. I've seen things you couldn't imagine and done things I'd prefer you didn't. I don't exactly have a reputation for being a thinker. I follow my blood which doesn't exactly rush in the direction of my brain so I make a lot of mistakes. A lot of wrong bloody calls. A hundred plus years and there's only one thing I've ever been sure of. You.
He reaches up to touch her face but she turns away.
Hey, look at me. I'm not asking you for anything. When I say I love you, it's not because I want you, or because I can't have you. It has nothing to do with me. I love what you are, what you do, how you try. I've seen your kindness and your strength. I've seen the best and the worst of you and I understand with perfect clarity exactly what you are. You are a hell of a woman.
Tears stream down her cheeks as she stares down at him kneeling before her.
You're the one, Buffy.
I don't want to be the one.
I don't want to be this good-looking and athletic. We all have crosses to bear.
She smiles a little in spite of herself.
You get some rest now.
He stands and heads for the door.
I'll check in before first light. You can decide how you want--
Spike?
He stops and turns back.
Could you stay here?
Sure.
He shrugs out of his coat and tosses it on a rumpled sofa.
That diabolical torture device, the comfy chair. Do me fine.
No. I mean... here.
She indicates the bed next to her.
Will you just hold me?
He nods and crosses over to the bed, sitting down with his back against the headboard. He wraps his arms around her and she curls up against him and drifts off to sleep.
The First watches Faith closely. He's getting to her.
Deep down, you always wanted Buffy to accept you, to love you even. Why do you think that is?
You a shrink now?
You keep looking for love and acceptance from these people, these "friends" of yours, but you're never going to find it. The truth is nobody will ever love you. Not the way I love you.
Get out.
They'll forever see you as a killer.
I said get out.
I'll always be with you, firecracker. In everything you do.
Then he disappears in a flash of light. Faith stares into space, trying to deal with the flood of emotions The First dredged up in her. A hand on her arm makes her jump.
Faith?
She turns to find Wood standing behind her and shakes off his hand, putting distance between them.
You shouldn't sneak up like that. I almost took your head off.
Sorry. I knocked.
What'd you see?
Just you looking spooked. What happened? Are you sure you're all right?
What? You want to rap about my problems now? You looking to be the guy who puts the "pal" in principal for me?
Okay, you know what? I came up here to talk to you about weapons.
Faith realizes she's being a bitch and deflates, the tension running out of her.
Sorry. I don't know what I'm doing, I'm just...
Listen, I'm going to leave you alone. I didn't mean to intrude.
He heads for the door but Faith stops him.
It was The First.
He closes the door as Faith looks at him, vulnerable.
Well, you're really in the game now, Faith. The First doesn't show unless it thinks you matter.
Lucky me. I'm a player.
He sits down on the bed next to her and she holds up a shaking hand.
Man, look at that. My hand's shaking. Demons, vampires, women in the penitentiary system, none of that freaks me out.
That's exactly what The First does. Finds your Achilles heel.
Nah, it just talked to me. What? It does a heel thing, too?
It's a phrase. Your weak spot.
Oh. The school thing. I was kind of absent that decade.
So who was it... The First?
He was like an old boss of mine.
Just a boss? And he's got you shaking like this? Wouldn't give you a raise, huh?
Yeah, right. Nah. It sounds retarded but he was like a dad to me.
Oh. It was my mother when it came to me. And I mean, it was her, right down to the perfume.
Faith notes the hurt in his voice.
Sorry.
Yeah.
I'm so pissed off at myself. I knew it was a trick...
So did I but I still wanted my mother to hold me like a little baby. (off her look) In a manly way, of course.
Of course.
Listen, nobody wants to be alone, Faith. We all want someone who cares, to be touched that way. I mean, the First may deal in figments but that wanting is real.
They share an intense look.
Hitting things and a whole lot of Jack D dulls it some.
Among other things.
When it came to you, did The First tell the truth?
Yeah.
It said that we've got to watch out for Buffy. That Buffy's dangerous.
And what do you think?
Could be. I mean, we've given her a pretty good reason to be pissed off. You know the messed-up thing? The First is telling me to worry about her and I just wish she was here. In a couple of hours, I'm going to lead these girls into some serious crap. And she's the only one--
She's not the only one. You're a Slayer, too, Faith. And I think you're a good leader.
I'm an ex-con who didn't finish high school.
Yeah, well, I'm the principal of a school where nobody finished. And I'm completely out my league in this.
Well, I hear otherwise.
Wood and Faith look into each other eyes. There's a definite spark, kindred spirits connecting. Wood breaks the tension, trying to cool things down.
So tomorrow, then?
Forget about tomorrow. This is tonight.
She takes his hand and raises it to her cheek.
Been awhile. Am I out of line?
Hey, you're the leader.
She stops his words with a kiss, holding his face between her hands. He responds enthusiastically and she pushes him backward onto the bed, straddling him.
Touch me...
He runs his hands up her back beneath her t-shirt. She pulls his shirt off over his head in turn.
Willow enters, dressed in a tank-top and shorts. She is distracted, peering at one of Giles' maps.
Okay, guys, Giles said Faith wants us to start early in the morning so--
She stops when she realizes the room is empty, save for Kennedy, lying seductively on the bed in a lace nightgown. Candles flicker on either side of the bed.
What happened to the girls?
Looks like there's only one girl here.
But what about the other ones, with their sleeping bags and their head-gear and their snoring and... (smiles) they're not here, are they?
Nope.
Willow closes the door behind her.
That's nice.
She sits down on the bed next to Kennedy, kissing her lightly on the lips.
Nice and necessary.
She kisses Willow back, then takes the map from Willow's hand and drops it on the floor while she pulls Willow onto the bed.
Come here, you. Our foreplay was threatening to turn into twelve-play.
Willow smiles and eases down next to Kennedy as their kisses become more passionate. After a moment, Willow stops and lies down facing Kennedy, looking slightly worried.
Something not right?
No, no, I just... I guess I'm a little scared.
It's probably stupid to ask why, huh? Death, war, apocalypse...
Me. (off her look) I'm just scared if we... then I'll... and then...
And then? Isn't that the good part?
Good, yeah. Good feeling. But also...
Bad stuff like unrestrained moaning and screaming with joy?
Well, sort of. The unrestrained part. But I've just kind of been in this space where I should be restrained. I've been controlling myself and if I lose that control, if I let myself go, I could just... go.
You're worried you're going to turn into Big Bad Willow.
It's not stupid. When we first kissed, I turned into a... Warren.
It's not stupid but it's not going to happen.
I just want you to know that you're safe with me.
Yeah?
You can float around and I'll tether you down.
You'll be like my kite string?
You be a kite and I'll be your kite string. Okay?
Okay.
Okay.
Willow smiles and finds Kennedy's mouth with her own again, this time giving in to her passion.
Anya and Xander sit at the counter, talking and eating ice cream straight from the carton. They share a spoon. Anya looks grumpily up at the ceiling as the sounds of Willow and Kennedy's sexual passion mingles with the rhythmic thumping of Faith and Wood making love.
They could have a little respect, you know. I mean, they should at least acknowledge the fact that some people might not want to listen to an a cappella concert of people moaning and groaning.
Xander takes the spoon from her and eats a bite.
It's disgusting is what it is.
He hands her back the spoon.
A little jealous, huh?
Of course I am! I'm a lot jealous. I mean, if we're done having sex, then I think other people should just knock it off.
Frustrated, she wrenches out a huge chunk of ice cream and shoves it in her mouth.
Buffy and Spike lie in each others' arms, silently staring into each others' eyes.
Faith and Wood in the throes of passionate sex. She's on top, sliding up and down on him, her bare back glistening with sweat. He wraps his arms around her and rolls her over, moving rhythmically in and out of her while kissing her hard and long.
Willow and Kennedy. Kennedy slides her tongue along Willow's neck as her hand slides down Willow's belly and disappears beneath the sheets. Willow's eyes go wide and she moans in ecstasy.
Xander and Anya lie on the kitchen floor, behind the counter, clawing at each other, kissing passionately, almost desperately, having sex. They make love frantically, still fully clothed, Anya's skirt spread out around them.
Buffy lies sleeping in Spike's arms. He is awake, watching her. He gently strokes her hair, then presses his lips to her forehead.
The First talks with Caleb, back to her Buffy persona again. He stands behind her while she stares into the darkness.
I envy them. Isn't that the strangest thing?
Well, it does throw me a tad. I mean, they're just... well, they're barely more than animals, feedin' off each other's flesh. It's nauseatin'. But you... you're everywhere. You're in the hearts of little children, you're in the souls of the rich, you're the fire that makes people kill and hate. The fire that will cure the world of weakness. They're just sinners. You are sin.
I do enjoy your sermons.
And you're in me. Gave me strength no man can have.
You're the only man strong enough to be my vessel. And I know you feel me but... I know why they grab at each other. To feel. I want to feel. I want to wrap my hands around an innocent neck and feel it crack.
Amen.
Buffy wakes up in the pale dawn light. She blinks trying to orient herself in this strange house and finds Spike sleeping in her arms.
The group is assembled. Everyone is dressed for action. A full house. The potentials fill every available chair and niche. Kennedy sits behind Willow, arms around her, kite still intact. Andrew has the floor, relating the information he and Spike discovered at the mission.
So it turned out that all these stone tablets basically said the same thing. The First and Caleb are protecting something and we don't know exactly what it is but it's something powerful and they don't want the Slayers to get it. I'm thinking it could be a weapon and if we are looking for an arsenal--
You're not coming.
If one is looking for an arsenal, well, what better place to find a--
Weapon. Okay, got it. Good. Good thinking, Andrew.
It's a pleasure, Faith. Back to you.
She looks to Giles, Willow, Dawn and Xander.
Okay, I need you four to suss out the situation on B. I don't want you talking to her, getting in her way or, for that matter, letting her know you're there. Just do a little recon.
Where do you want me, Faith?
By your phone. I'll call you when I need you.
He looks taken aback, confused at her coldness toward him.
What are we looking for? I mean, is there some reason we should spy on Buffy?
We're just making sure she's okay. Those of you who are coming with me to the arsenal, you know who you are. Everybody ready?
Nods and murmurs of assent.
Let's do this thing.
Spike's eyes open and he smiles, reaching over for Buffy... only to find her gone. He sits up and finds a note on the pillow.
Caleb and The First continue to talk. They walk down an aisle of barrels toward the staircase.
It shouldn't be long now. Prophesies say one thing, brute strength says another. We'll get it out.
I heard you, Caleb.
We're almost there.
Yes. That's true. Now rouse the Bringers, get them back to work...
Something suddenly thumps its way down the stairs. A Bringer lands at their feet, stabbed to death. Caleb and The First look up to find Buffy staring down at them, a look of cold steel in her eye.
Hey. I heard you got something of mine.
Resume. Buffy charges down the stairs and faces off with Caleb. She is tense, taut. He is casually menacing.
Well, if it ain't the prodigal Slayer...
Where's it at? I'm going to find it sooner or later.
Her eyes dart around the room looking for potential hiding places. Caleb saunters over to her.
No, you're not. I lay one hand on you and you're just a dead little girl.
Lay a hand on me. If you can.
He smiles and cocks his arm back to punch. As his fist pistons forward, Buffy leans backward, almost impossibly far, and the blow sails right over her head.
She pivots and turns as Caleb staggers forward, his momentum unchecked. He swings again and this time she ducks and dives past him
like a ballplayer making a headfirst slide. Caleb's genial demeanor is gone now. He rounds on her, anger boiling in his eyes.
He charges Buffy, crouched low, aiming for her gut... but she leaps up, landing atop a wine barrel. Agile as a cat burglar, Buffy runs along the row of barrels, scanning the room as she goes, looking for anything unusual.
Caleb lunges for her ankles and misses. A pyramid of barrels crashes down on him, soaking him with wine. He throws the debris off and gets to his feet, looking around wildly for Buffy. Then he spots her sitting atop a barrel on the other side of the room, happy as can be.
His head whips around to find another Buffy behind him. The one on the barrel shakes her head with frustration.
Caleb, this is getting embarrassing.
Caleb lunges at the Buffy behind him and misses completely, hitting the ground hard.
Do you have to look like that?
Will you concentrate?
It's just a little confusing.
Fine. Go. Kill.
The First disappears in a flashy twinkle.
Ten small circles of light approach, growing larger until they resolve into individual flashlight beams.
Faith leads, a flashlight in one hand and a knife in the other, followed by nine potentials, including Caridad, Vi, Amanda and Kennedy. All of them are armed. Water drips from overhead. It's dank and chilly.
Faith holds up her hand.
Everybody stop. I think we just found it.
She illuminates a large cache of swords and axes, lined up and gleaming in the flashlight beam.
Look at all this.
I don't get it. Why did they abandon all this stuff?
Eight Bringers suddenly swing down out of nowhere and attack the girls, their ceremonial daggers flashing in the intermittent light.
Maybe 'cause they didn't.
The Bringers attack and the fight is on.
Caleb and Buffy's non-fight continues. He hasn't been able to land a finger on Buffy yet. Every missed blow only enrages him further. He swings, she dodges; she runs, he chases. Finally, he corners her and backs her up against a support pillar.
Faith faces off with a Bringer. She pounds him with her bare fists.
Now that Buffy is trapped, Caleb's charming smile has returned. He thinks he's won. He takes another swing and she ducks. His slams into the cement support pillar, shattering it and causing Caleb to wince in pain.
Furious, he rounds on her as she leaps up onto a stack of wine barrels.
Faith stabs another Bringer in the back, saving Vi's life, then turns just in time to see Amanda fire her bow at one of the eyeless acolytes. The bolt misses and the Bringer charges forward. With no time to reload, she wields the bow as club and runs headlong toward the Bringer with a heated battle cry.
Caleb yanks a wine barrel out from beneath Buffy's feet. She leaps up and grabs a crossbeam on the ceiling, swinging herself to safety.
Caleb stares at her, wretched, red-faced and furious.
You whore.
You know, you really should watch your language. If someone didn't know you, they might think you were a woman-hating prick.
Caleb seizes another barrel and lifts the 500-pound container above his head. Buffy looks down at the floor. Where the barrel had been resting, a trap door is now revealed.
Caleb throws the barrel at Buffy. His aim is perfect. She falls backward, snagging the crossbeam with her legs like a trapeze artist and flips herself in the air, somersaulting to a perfect landing a dozen feet closer to the trap door.
Caleb hurls another barrel at her and she sprints across the remaining distance, diving through the hole in the floor just as the barrel slams down on top of it. The impact brings down several more barrels and part of the wall, covering the entrance to the lower level in a pile of debris.
Buffy tumbles down the ladder headfirst and lands in a heap on the floor of the cavern.
Silence. The battle is over. Eight dead Bringers lie dead at their feet.
Is that it? I mean, not that that wasn't fun but...
The girls walk among the weapons, examining them. Kennedy moves beyond the stacked weapons and something further down the tunnel catches her eye.
Yo, Faith. Check this out.
Faith and the others follow Kennedy into a wider, more open space. Faith walks out onto a metal grate about five feet wide, spanning a pool of dark water. Her light illuminates a large casket-shaped wooden box on the other side.
Buffy stares in awe. She's found what she's looking for. The object of her quest.
Before her, embedded in the stone is an ancient weapon. Part axe, part scythe, part stake. Despite being sealed in solid rock, the gleaming blade is flawless. It glitters in the flickering torchlight like Excalibur. The granite rock surrounding it is blackened and charred, the result of the Bringers' attempts to free it.
A look of recognition crosses Buffy's face and the hint of a smile plays across her features.
Faith stands over the wooden box and smashes the padlock off with her boot. She kneels before it and swings the lid open to reveal... several hundred pounds of plastic explosive connected to a detonator and timing device. The timer counts down:
Everybody get down!