HAUNTED


Teaser

INT.- WILLIE'S BAR - NIGHT

Buffy strides into Willie's with a stake in her hand, ready to fight. She advances on a large Fyarl demon sitting near the end of the bar drinking a beer.


BUFFY
I've been looking for you. I'll teach
you to sneeze all over someone.


The Fyarl demon gets up and growls menacingly. Buffy winds up to punch the demon when Spike steps between her and her opponent.


SPIKE
Buffy, take it outside.

BUFFY
What are you doing? Get out of my way.

SPIKE
The fight. Take it outside.


Both the Fyarl demon and Buffy look puzzled. Spike looks exasperated and continues to explain.


SPIKE
Causes too much damage. Disrupts
customer service and makes the
clientele itchy.

BUFFY
It's just Willie's.


Spike grabs the Fyarl demon in a headlock and heads for the door. Buffy follows them. Spike turns to Buffy as he pulls the demon along.


SPIKE
You got any silver on you?


Buffy pulls out a sterling silver dinner knife.


BUFFY
I've got this. Not too pointy, but it should
get the job done.

SPIKE
Joyce's silver.

BUFFY
It was this or a fork, spoon, or candlestick.

SPIKE
Would've like to have seen you use the
candlestick. It was the Slayer, in
the alley, with a candlestick.

BUFFY
I always wanted to be Miss Scarlet.


Spike has reached the door. He opens it and tosses the Fyarl demon outside.


SPIKE
There. All yours, luv.

BUFFY
Thanks.


Buffy launches herself out the door after the demon. Spike shuts it after she exits and walks back to a bar stool, sits and starts finishing his beer. Willie who is drying glasses approaches him.


WILLIE
Sure appreciate that, Spike

SPIKE
No problem


The sounds of a fight can be heard throughout the entire conversation. An occasional thud, a clang of metal and a few grunts and growls.


WILLIE
Those Fyarl demons can do a lot of damage
when they get thrown around. They're real heavy.
Busted two tables and three chairs last time
she killed one in here.

SPIKE
You don't say?

WILLIE
Cost me a pretty penny to replace them.

SPIKE
(looking at the furniture)
Really? Don't look like much.

WILLIE
Got to go through my brother-in-law so
he gets a commission. Wife makes me.
Overcharges. He's a damn Chaos
demon. Hate him.

SPIKE
You said it. Hate all Chaos demons.
No good, the lot of them.

WILLIE
Now that I'm not losing so much furniture,
it's starting to eat into his finances. Wife's
beginning to bug me about it.

SPIKE
You want I should chase them back in here?

WILLIE
Nah, this is great. I make money.
You earn your fee and my brother-in-law
gets screwed.


The sounds of the fight finally cease. Spike finishes his beer and puts the glass down and stands up.


SPIKE
Sounds like she's done. See you later.

WILLIE
Yeah. Thanks, again.


Spike gives him a dismissive wave and walks out into the alley. The Fyarl demon is on the ground, dead, but Buffy isn't anywhere in sight.


SPIKE
Someone should teach that chit to
pick up after herself.


Spike picks up the body, carries it to the nearby dumpster and tosses it in. Unfortunately the dumpster is so full that the body hangs out a bit.


BUFFY
Spike?


Spike turns around and looks as Buffy.


SPIKE
What?

BUFFY
I found an empty dumpster down the block.


Spike climbs up the dumpster and stands on top of the body.


SPIKE
Nope, no need. It'll fit. Just need to mash it down a bit.


Spike jumps up and down on the body. The last view is of Buffy making an "ick" face.


End of Teaser



EXT. - ALLEY - NIGHT

It's the alley from the teaser. The Fyarl demon is now out of sight in the dumpster. Spike hops down to the ground, looks at Buffy, then turns to leave. She grabs his arm to stop him.


BUFFY
So, what was that at the bar?

SPIKE
Nothing. Just didn't want you to wreck the place.

BUFFY
Right, because you and Willie are such
good friends.

SPIKE
Drop it Buffy. I'm not doing anything evil.

BUFFY
Nothing evil?

SPIKE
(leers)
Do evil thoughts count?

BUFFY
(very close to rolling her eyes)
No.

SPIKE
Then there's nothing for you to worry about.
Don't you have dark, gloomy, places to
patrol? Nasties to kill?

BUFFY
Well...yes.

SPIKE
Better get to it then. Wouldn't want
them munching on some innocent.

BUFFY
Fine, because I do have things to do. Better
things than talking to you with your I'm the big
bad attitude and all that swagger and cocky walk.
I've got slayer-type things. Lots of them and
now I'll go do them. And you have a stupid accent.


Buffy flounces off, Spike studying her as she turns the corner. He glances at his watch, then moves purposely in the opposite direction. As he goes, Buffy peers around the corner, eyeing him.


INT.- BUFFY'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Dawn is on the couch, reading a textbook. The doorbell rings. She goes to the door, starts to open it, and stops. She looks out the window and with a sigh of relief opens the door for Xander. Xander enters dressed in a flattering, dark suit.


DAWN
Hey, Xander.

XANDER
Hi. Buffy around?

DAWN
No. She's out patrolling.

XANDER
You here by yourself?

DAWN
I am old enough.

XANDER
Right. Do you think Buffy will be home soon?

DAWN
You can wait if you want.


Xander sits on the couch, fidgeting. Dawn sits next to him.


DAWN
Can I get you something to eat? Or drink?

XANDER
No, no I'm okay.

DAWN
You just come back from a date?

XANDER
What?

DAWN
The suit. It looks nice. I thought,
hot date, maybe?

XANDER
Um, no. Just saying good-bye to my last one.
(at Dawn's look)
I came from a funeral. Sophie's funeral.

DAWN
Oh, I'm sorry, Xander. Was it really rough?


Dawn leans her head on Xander's shoulder and looks up at him. Xander puts his arm around her.


XANDER
I feel so bad. It was my fault she died.

DAWN
It's not your fault. You didn't kill her.

XANDER
She was my date. My responsibility. I
should've seen to it that she got home safely.

DAWN
And instead you were saving lives,
kicking vampire butt.

XANDER
And letting Sophie die. I've been
walking around for hours, thinking
how I could have stopped this.

DAWN
You did tell her to wait for you to get back.
She's the one who decided to go home.
In the dark. By herself.

XANDER
I know this town, though. I know all
the different evil types of creatures that prowl
around, stalking the innocent.


EXT. - STREET - NIGHT

Buffy is sneaking up to a storefront window, a bakery. Looking through the glass, she sees Spike inside, talking to the smiling proprietor. The owner is friendly. Talking to Spike. Laughing with him. He puts a cup of blood in front of Spike then turns to his baked goods, his back to the window, exposing a long, thin, green tail. Buffy watches as the demon owner offers Spike a muffin. Spike tries to refuse it, but at the man's insistence, has him put the muffin in a bag that Spike places in his jacket pocket. Spike, drinking the blood, suddenly looks down at a pager he's wearing on his belt.


BUFFY
(whispering to herself)
Spike's got a pager?


Spike jumps off of the stool, waves a quick good-bye to the baker, and hurries out the door too fast for Buffy to hide. Spike sees her and stops.


SPIKE
You following me?

BUFFY
Er, yes. It's my job to check out evil fiends.

SPIKE
Right. Well, come on, then. Let's hurry.
There's trouble and you might be of some use.


Spike turns and starts running down the street. Buffy looks after him for a second then starts racing to catch up.


BUFFY
Trouble? What kind of trouble?


INT. - XANDER'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

Xander is arriving home. He starts to take off his suit jacket when he hears a noise.


XANDER
Willow? Is that you? You home early?


There's no answer. Xander goes to Willow's bedroom door and knocks. When there is no reply he opens the door and finds the room empty. He's looking around when another, louder thump is heard, coming from the main room. Xander turns and heads back toward the living room.

XANDER
Willow?
(Not finding anything)
Hey, what's going on?


We see Xander's back as he's scanning the room. There is nothing to explain the noise. An extremely loud thump is heard; Xander spins around, so we can see his face. His mouth drops opens, and his eyes widen, frightened.


INT. - FLOWER SHOP - NIGHT

Spike comes flying through the door and stops. Buffy follows him inside almost bumping into him as she enters.

A slim woman is confronting two demons.


SPIKE
Now, boys, what seems to be the problem?


The demons turn. It's Daniel and Montgomery from the last episode.


DANIEL
She's threatening to burn us to ash if
we don't give her all of our mums. Thanksgiving is
coming up, Spike. Mums make up some of
our most popular arrangements.


Spike slowly approaches the woman and starts speaking soothingly.


SPIKE
Now, lady, the boys said no mums
and no mums it is. Perhaps some carnations
(looking at the demons who are encouragingly
nodding their heads)
or some roses
(now the demons are furiously shaking their heads no)
might do?


The woman opens her mouth and breathes fire at Spike who leaps out of the way. The woman follows him, trying to get a clean shot. Spike is circling around, ducking behind displays and the counter. The demons are huddling together. The woman continues to move about, twice shooting fire at Spike who dodges it. Finally, she has Spike cornered when a large ceramic urn crashes down on her head and knocks her out. Buffy stands there, brushing ceramic shards and dust from her hands and clothes.

Spike goes to the body and examines it.


SPIKE
Not dead. Yet. So, boys, what do you
want me to do with her?

MONTGOMERY
We'll take care of it. We have a patch
of ground at the nursery that could use a
nice fertilizer.


Montgomery drags the body out the back door. Daniel is looking at Buffy.


DANIEL
So, who's this, Spike? Is she a new employee?

BUFFY
Employee?

SPIKE
Daniel, meet Buffy Summers. Buffy, Daniel.

WILLIE
Oh, the Slayer!


Daniel shakes her hand. Buffy isn't quite sure what's going on.


DANIEL
It's so nice to finally meet you. I've
heard so many things about you from
practically everyone.

BUFFY
Nice to meet you, too, I guess.


Daniel looks at Spike and Buffy together.


DANIEL
We didn't interrupt a date with our
little problem did we?

SPIKE
No.

BUFFY
No date.

SPIKE
We don't date.


Buffy glares at Spike and he gives her a "what?" look.


DANIEL
Hmmm. Sure, sweetie.


Daniel goes to a refrigerator unit and retrieves a red rose. He gallantly hands it to Buffy.


DANIEL
For you. With our gratitude.

BUFFY
(smiling)
Oh, pretty. Thank you.

DANIEL
Anything for Spike's lady.

BUFFY
But I'm not - not his lady.

SPIKE
Come on, Buffy.
(starts dragging her out by the arm)
You're not going to get anywhere
arguing with an Attyer demon.


Daniel is waving to them as they leave.


DANIEL
Come again, sometime. Don't be a stranger.
(after the door closes)
What a nice couple.


Outside the flower shop Buffy pulls her arm away from Spike and confronts him.


BUFFY
What are you up to?

SPIKE
Me? Nothing.

BUFFY
Spike. Talk to me.

SPIKE
Nothing to talk about.
(at her look)
Fine. I have a business now.

BUFFY
A business?

SPIKE
I provide a bit of security for people, demons.
Help them protect themselves, their shops.

BUFFY
Oh, you have a little protection racket going on.

SPIKE
Not a racket. Perfectly legit. They pay
me a monthly fee, I help them keep certain costs down.

BUFFY
Willie. Willie's a client. That's why you
didn't want me busting up his place.

SPIKE
You've got it.

BUFFY
And you do this all by yourself?

SPIKE
Clem. He helps. Otis, too.

BUFFY
Otis is a demon?
(at his nod)
And what does Otis eat?
Or should I say whom?

SPIKE
Far as I can tell, tuna fish salad sandwiches.
It's a bleeding shame when a demon is
reduced to brown bagging it.

BUFFY
And now for the Final Jeopardy question,
answer it wrong and there will be
jeopardy involved. Why?

SPIKE
For the money. I don't like having to
steal everything. Also, they need me.
(at Buffy's look)
Well, they do. Ask Anya.

BUFFY
Anya and Giles are clients?

SPIKE
Well, Anya is. Don't know if she's
told the Watcher, yet.

BUFFY
So, you're sort of like me. Killing baddies.

SPIKE
No, I'm smarter than you. Getting paid for it.


INT. - XANDER'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

Xander and Willow are dressed for bed, sitting on the couch.


WILLOW
So after work you're going to go see Anya.

XANDER
Yeah. That should be fun.

WILLOW
I think it's the right thing to do. I'm sure
she can help you.

XANDER
But will she want to? Seems like
this might be her demon dream come true.

WILLOW
Anya's not like that. She cares about you.

XANDER
(not convinced)
Sure.

XANDER
(remembering)
You do know that this means I
won't be able to pick up after your
last class, right?

WILLOW
I know. Don't worry. I can walk
home by myself.

XANDER
The last girl I was responsible for
getting home is no longer alive.
I'll do this thing with Anya another time.

WILLOW
No, you'll do it tomorrow night. It's important.
Besides, I can take care of myself.


Willow gets up from the couch and stands, facing Xander.


WILLOW
As for tonight, do you want to sleep with me?

XANDER
What?

WILLOW
You know, snuggle. After all the times
you've crawled into bed to comfort me after
nightmares, it seems I can at least
return the favor.

Willow tugs on Xander's hand, pulling him up next to her and starts walking with him to her bedroom.


WILLOW
Hey, I have bad dreams all the time.
How often are you haunted by a ghost?



EXT. - SUNNYDALE HIGH SCHOOL - DAY

Dawn, Janice, and Paul are sitting together.


JANICE
So, Buffy gave you permission to go?

DAWN
Yeah, she was pretty cool about it.
Even gave me money for popcorn.
Of course, she knows I'll be with you
guys and not alone.

PAUL
I thought your sister had a big
thing about you being out after dark.

DAWN
She does. But I'll be meeting her
at the Magic Box and that's just a couple
of blocks from the theater.

JANICE
Okay. We'll meet right here when school lets out.
I've got to run. I told Betsy I'd let her
borrow my history notes.


Janice walks off. Paul moves closer to Dawn who smiles shyly at him.


PAUL
I'm really looking forward to seeing this movie.

DAWN
Me, too.


Paul leans forward and starts to move a strand of hair away from Dawn's face then stops, holding it. He strokes it a little, twirling it around his fingers.


PAUL
Dawn, promise me something?

DAWN
What?

PAUL
Tonight...
(starts to say something then stops and starts over)
Tonight, sit next to me?

DAWN
Sure. I'd like that.


Paul leans closer to Dawn, using the strand of hair to tug her face close to his, when the bell rings. He backs off immediately.


DAWN
And so World Studies beckons me. See you later.

PAUL
Can't wait.


Dawn smiles at Paul then hurries to class. Paul stands there, watching her go.


INT. - BAKERY - DAY

Buffy enters the bakery as the woman at the counter is handing a cake box to a customer. Buffy waits until the customer leaves, pretending to look at the pastries, cookies and cakes.

PROPRIETRESS
May I help you?

BUFFY
Do you have peanut butter cookies?

PROPRIETRESS
How many can I get for you?

BUFFY
A dozen?

PROPRIETRESS
Of course.


The woman unfolds a box. She bends down and retrieves a large tray of cookies.


BUFFY
I was here last night. There was a man
behind the counter.

PROPRIETRESS
My husband. Last night?
(looking at Buffy)
His customers are usually a bit different than you.

BUFFY
They're demons. He's a demon.

PROPRIETRESS
(Stares at Buffy)
Yes. Yes, he is.

BUFFY
You married him anyway.

PROPRIETRESS
(now looking puzzled)
Yes.

BUFFY
So, this marriage to a demon. . .
how's it working out for you?

PROPRIETRESS
Next month, it'll be twenty-six years.

BUFFY
Oh, that's a long time. No problems
then?


The proprietress finishes boxing up the cookies and takes them to the cash register. Buffy follows.


PROPRIETRESS
Bringing him home to meet my parents was difficult.
By the time the babies came, though, all was
forgiven. Our oldest is expecting her own baby soon.


She looks at Buffy then seems to realize something)


PROPRIETRESS
I met my husband right outside this very
bakery. It belonged to my parents then. He
said that my cinnamon rolls didn't smell right.
My cinnamon rolls. I'd won contests with that
recipe. He bragged that he could make better
ones, so I challenged him to prove it. He came
right inside and started baking and you
know what? His were better.
(looks closely at Buffy)
How'd you meet your demon?

BUFFY
He wanted to kill me. Oh. I mean I
don't have one. I don't have a demon.

PROPRIETRESS
If you say so. But for what it's worth,
I love my husband, wouldn't trade him for anyone.
Except maybe Mel Gibson. Mel's such a cutie.
And I do love a foreign accent


INT. - MAGIC BOX - NIGHT

The shop is empty except for Xander and Anya sitting closely together at the table, talking.

XANDER
So, do you think it's a vengeance thing?

ANYA
I don't think so. Vengeance powerful
enough to bring a spirit back from the grave.
I should be able to feel that and I don't.

XANDER
Well, what is it then?

ANYA
Could be lots of things. Have you asked her?

XANDER
Asked her?

ANYA
Yes. Talked to her. Questioned
her about why she's haunting you.

XANDER
No, I've been too busy being totally
freaked out about the whole thing
to start a conversation.

ANYA
There's that same problem of yours, again.

XANDER
What problem?

ANYA
Being too freaked out to start a conversation.
Maybe if you hadn't been so freaked out our
lives would be a little different now.

XANDER
Anya, can we just drop that subject and
discuss my problem? Sophie is haunting me
and I don't know how to get her to stop.

ANYA
If you want, after work, I'll go to your apartment
and help you talk to her.

XANDER
You'd do that for me?

ANYA
Just because for a short while I
wanted to do all sorts of bad things to
you doesn't mean I want other people
to do bad things to you

XANDER
Oh. Thanks.


Giles enters from the back room, sees Anya and Xander sitting together and is bothered by this development. He swallows, adjusts his glasses on his face, and the book in his hand, then proceeds into the room.


GILES
Xander. How nice to see you again.
What are you doing here?


Giles goes to put the book down on the counter with his back toward Anya and Xander. Xander frantically signals for Anya to keep quiet about his problem.


XANDER
Nothing. Just visiting. A nice friendly visit.

ANYA
Right. I should be off in few hours.
I'll come over to your apartment then.


Giles with his back still to them, visibly flinches at hearing this. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath.


XANDER
Why don't I just wait here for you?
I could help out. You know, big, strong Xander.

ANYA
Hmm...okay. We just received a
delivery. Maybe you could take those boxes
downstairs and unpack them for me?

XANDER
Your wish, beautiful lady, is my command.


Xander picks up two large cardboard boxes and carries them out of the main room to the basement. Giles turns to face Anya.


GILES
So, I take it you are no longer angry with Xander.

ANYA
No, life's too short to stay mad. Now, that
I'm a demon again I guess my life isn't short anymore.
But, you know - live and let live, forgive
and forget and all that human nonsense.

GILES
And have you forgiven him?

ANYA
(stops, turning the question over in her mind)
Yes. I think I have. I have forgiven Xander.

GILES
Oh.


Giles takes his glasses off and starts cleaning them, looking dejected.


EXT. - STREET - NIGHT

Students are leaving, going their separate ways. Willow is walking down the street, which now has become empty, starting to look a little nervous. A noise comes from an alley, startling her. Spike walks out of the alley and smiles.

WILLOW
(happily relieved)
What are you doing here?

SPIKE
Kind of been watching you, Red.
Making sure you're okay.

WILLOW
That's nice. A little creepy, but nice.

SPIKE
Whelp's not around?

WILLOW
He was busy tonight. Spike, why
are you watching over me?

SPIKE
Lots of nasties in Sunnydale lately. Aren't
that many people I care about. You're one of them.

WILLOW
You shouldn't care about me. I'm evil.


Spike stops walking and stares at her.


WILLOW
I am. I 'm really evil.

SPIKE
(snorts)
Right.

WILLOW
You don't know. You weren't here.
I killed a man. Two, actually.
Viciously, painfully.

SPIKE
Only two?

WILLOW
I tried to destroy the world.

SPIKE
(looks around)
World's still here.

WILLOW
And not because I didn't try.
I trashed the magic shop. Beat up on Giles.


Spike is still unimpressed.


WILLOW
I fought with Buffy. I tried to kill her.

SPIKE
She's a tough bird to kill, isn't she?
Tried to myself.

WILLOW
I hurt Dawn. I told her she was whiny.

SPIKE
Stop. Enough. Now it's just getting silly.

WILLOW
I was going to turn Dawn back to a
green, glowy, ball of energy.

SPIKE
And if you had I would have torn
your throat out, but you didn't.

WILLOW
Spike, really, I did all sorts of bad things.

SPIKE
And you regret them, don't you?

WILLOW
Yes.

SPIKE
Not evil. Evil things don't regret.
There's no remorse, no conscience.

WILLOW
I can't even look at myself in the mirror
anymore. How can anyone look at me?

SPIKE
Willow, when I look at you I see a girl
who fights evil, even when terrified.
When I kidnapped you for the spell for Dru,
I threatened you but you still offered me sympathy.
That was stupid, sweet, but stupid. You
tried to make me feel better when I found out
about the chip and couldn't bite you. Also stupid. You
wouldn't even let me stake myself when I wanted to.


Spike puts his arms around Willow and draws her close to him. He lifts her chin up so that she is looking into his eyes.


SPIKE
You are one very special woman.
If I weren't in love with Buffy I'd be
after you in a heartbeat.

WILLOW
Um. Thanks, I guess. But, Spike,
you do know that I'm gay, right?

SPIKE
(wriggling his eyebrows and drawing her closer)
Ever consider being bisexual?

WILLOW
(giggling)
Spike, stop that.


Spike pulls back, but keeps one arm around her.


SPIKE
Come on, Red. Let's get you where
you need to go.

WILLOW
But Spike, the things I did.

SPIKE
You were in pain, you snapped.

WILLOW
That's no excuse.

SPIKE
I know.


INT. - MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO - NIGHT

Buffy is dressed in street clothes, ready to leave her job. Mitchell, her boss, walks out of his office as she starts to go by.


MITCHELL
Buffy, can I talk to you for a minute?

BUFFY
Well, I am supposed to meet my sister.

MITCHELL
This won't take long.


Mitchell moves back into his office, goes around the desk, and sits down. Buffy follows him inside and sits across from him.


BUFFY
Is everything okay? Is it my work?

MITCHELL
No. You're doing a great job.
(quietly)
Buffy, you must know how much I admire you.
Going to school, working, taking care of your sister
it's got to be hard but you do it easily.

BUFFY
Not so easily. There's been some problems.

MITCHELL
And you don't let it get you down.
Dealing with teenagers can be hard.

BUFFY
I love Dawn. She's getting to the point
where she can take care of herself.

MITCHELL
But you're there for her. I've watched
the two of you together.

BUFFY
Most of the time it's better than it looks.
Really, it is. We're still working on our relationship.

MITCHELL
Your relationship looks fine.
And that's what I wanted to talk to you about?

BUFFY
Dawn?

MITCHELL
No, relationships. Buffy, are you
currently seeing anyone?

BUFFY
No, not really.

MITCHELL
I'd like for you to think about,
just think about for now, maybe one night
after work getting a cup of coffee with me.

BUFFY
Oh, sure, I'll think about it.

MITCHELL
No pressure. If you don't want to, just
say no. It's just that I like you and I'd really
like to get to know you better.

BUFFY
Okay, I'll get back to you on that. Oh,
the time, really got to run. I'll see you tomorrow.

MITCHELL
Right, see you tomorrow.



EXT. - STREET - NIGHT

Dawn is waving good-bye to Janice and Paul.


JANICE
See you at school tomorrow.

PAUL
Dawn, you're sure you'll be okay?

DAWN
Positive. The Magic
Box is just a few minutes from here.

PAUL
(shrugs)
Okay. Be careful. Bye.

DAWN
Bye.


Dawn walks for a few minutes then hears footsteps behind her. She turns but sees no one. She starts walking and hears more noise. Once again, there is nothing in sight. She's getting nervous, hurrying now. She glances back and sees a dark figure. Dawn starts to run, panicked. She turns a corner and runs straight into Spike.


DAWN
Let me go! Let go!

SPIKE
Hey, Niblet. What's going on?

DAWN
Spike! Someone is following me!

SPIKE
Wait here.


Spike goes back from where Dawn came from and looks around. No one is there. He returns to Dawn.


SPIKE
Whoever it was must've left. Seems it's
my night for helping beautiful damsels in distress.

DAWN
I was so scared.


Spike puts his arm gently around Dawn.


SPIKE
I'm here now. No one's going to hurt
you when I'm around. I'll protect you.


Dawn pulls away from Spike.


DAWN
And who's going to protect me from you?


Dawn walks hurriedly toward the Magic Shop with Spike looking quizzically at her then following.



INT. - MAGIC BOX - NIGHT

Anya, Giles, Xander and Willow are seated around the table discussing the rise in vampire activity as Spike and Dawn enter. Spike starts to help Dawn off with her coat but she shrugs him away. Xander looks at the two of them, worried.


ANYA
Dawn, what's wrong?

SPIKE
She had a bit of a scare. She's fine.

XANDER
Stay away from her, Spike.

WILLOW
Xander, Spike wouldn't do anything to Dawn

GILES
I'm afraid I have to agree with that.

XANDER
Oh, I think I have a pretty good idea of what
Spike might do.

GILES
What do you mean?

XANDER
Ask Buffy. Better yet, ask him. Spike
why don't you tell them what you did to
Buffy before you left town?


Spike looks around at Willow, Giles, and Anya's puzzled faces. He then looks at Dawn whose expression hardens.


DAWN
Yeah, Spike. Why don't you tell them?

WILLOW
Spike, what are they talking about?


Spike heads up the steps to leave then turns around, facing them.


SPIKE
You want to know? Fine. I'll tell you.
The night I left town I went to see Buffy.
Wanted to talk to her. Apologize for the
thing with Anya. She was in the bathroom,
she'd hurt her back during patrol. We argued.
We always argued.


Spike glances down at the floor, takes a deep breath then looks back at the group.


SPIKE
I wanted her to admit that she loved me.
She refused. I grabbed her. Knew I could
make her admit it. We struggled. She fell.
Banged herself on the tub. I didn't stop.
Was too busy trying to kiss her, convince her.
That's when things started getting really bad.


Everyone is staring at Spike, horrified. Xander is stunned, fascinated at what he started. Spike's voice is getting shakier.


SPIKE
She was crying by then. Crying that she
was hurt. Crying for me to stop. I was on top of her,
grabbing her arms. She managed to break my
grip, started crawling away. I told her I knew
she loved me when I was inside of her.
Told her I'd make her feel it again.


Tears are running down Willow and Dawn's faces. Giles has gotten up. He's pacing, fists clenching. Spike struggles for control. He starts to speak, stops, takes a deep breath, then starts again.


SPIKE
She was begging me to stop. I straddled her,
forcing her, pinning her. She was pleading.
I grabbed her bathrobe, yanking it down. Wasn't
stopping. That's when she knocked me back.
That's when I knew. Knew what I had done.
Knew I was a monster. Knew I belonged in hell.


Trembling, Spike turns to go. Buffy is behind him, having arrived at some point during his speech. She's crying. Spike looks at her.


SPIKE
There's no forgiveness. No absolution.
Not for my sins.


Buffy tries to put her hand on Spike's shoulder, but he brushes past her and leaves. Willow looks to where Spike was.

WILLOW
The pain there. It's incredible.


There is a sound of glass breaking. Giles, who has been clutching his glasses, looks at his hand. His glasses are shattered. Blood is welling up from his cuts.


GILES
Oh dear. Must clean this mess up.


Giles, holding his hand, leaves the room, heading for the back of the store.


DAWN
Buffy, is that what happened?

BUFFY
Yes.

WILLOW
Why didn't you tell us?

XANDER
What I don't understand is why that thing
is still walking around.

BUFFY
No, you don't understand. None of you
understand what it was like with Spike.
What I was like.

XANDER
There's no excuse for what he did.

BUFFY
(very upset)
And what about the things I did? Things I did to him?

WILLOW
Buffy, calm down. It's going to be okay.

BUFFY
It's not okay. I'm not okay. I wasn't.
Remember my birthday party? Do
you remember how bruised he was? It wasn't
a demon that did that to him. It was me. Me.

DAWN
You? You beat up Spike?

XANDER
You always beat up Spike.

BUFFY
Not like that. He was trying to help
me. I didn't like his idea of help. He didn't
even defend himself. He just let me keep
punching him. Then I left him, bloody and bruised
in an alley. Broken.

XANDER
I'm sure you had a good reason.

BUFFY
Yes, because it was always about me.
What I wanted. I didn't want all of you to know
about him so he became my dirty, little secret.

ANYA
Dawn, why don't the two of us go
check on Giles?

BUFFY
No, Anya. Dawn should stay here.
I think she needs to hear this.


Anya glancing worriedly at them, then leaves to find Giles.


BUFFY
There was one time he told me to go.
Told me to leave his crypt. I didn't listen.
I didn't take his refusal for an answer, either.

DAWN
You forced Spike to...

BUFFY
No force involved. I used his love
against him to get what I wanted. And
he did love me. He really loved me.
All I did was hurt him.


She looks at Dawn, Willow and Xander with tears in her eyes.


BUFFY
He was so happy after our first night together.
Then I...I told him he was just convenient.

WILLOW
Buffy!

XANDER
So, you broke his heart.

BUFFY
I didn't just break his heart. I stomped
all over it for months first.


Anya rushes back into the main room.


ANYA
Buffy, Giles has disappeared.
I looked all over for him. I think he
left through the back door.

BUFFY
He's gone after Spike.



EXT. - CEMETARY - NIGHT

Spike is stumbling toward his crypt, extremely upset. He takes a moment to lean against a tree, face first. A hand comes down on his shoulder and turns him around. He's punched in the face, knocking him down to his knees. As he kneels, Spike is kicked in the face, sending him onto the ground. He looks up at his attacker. It's Giles in full Ripper mode. Spike gets to his feet, warily.


GILES
How dare you touch her. How dare you
ever touch her.


Giles, again, punches Spike in the face.


SPIKE
Who are you really mad at Watcher?


Giles swings and punches Spike in the stomach, bending him over.


SPIKE
Me for touching her or yourself for
not being here to protect her?


Giles knocks Spike back to the ground.


GILES
Myself, for not staking you years ago.


Spike slowly rises to his feet, hurting.


SPIKE
You going to rectify that now?

GILES
Not yet.
(pulling out a knife)
Not until you beg for it.


Giles thrusts the knife at Spike's torso. Spike's shirt is torn, and he is now bleeding a little, but he manages to dodge away from most of thrust of the knife and backs away. Giles starts advancing on Spike when he is grabbed and whirled away by Buffy. The rest of the Scoobies are several yards behind her, trying to catch their breath.


BUFFY
Giles, stop it!

GILES
Buffy, stay out of this! He needs
to be destroyed.

BUFFY
This is not your decision.
If I wanted to stake him, don't you think
that I could? I'm the Vampire Slayer.

GILES
And I'm your Watcher. I'm supposed
to you protect you.

BUFFY
You left. You left me to lead my
own life. Make my own choices.

BUFFY
(quieter)
You no longer have the right to try
to run my life.

GILES
I can't sit back and just watch.

BUFFY
I'm not a young girl anymore, Giles.
I've grown up. I make the decisions on
how I live, who I care about.

GILES
And Spike. You care for Spike?
Even after...after this?

BUFFY
Giles, stay out of it.


Buffy turns to Spike who is leaning up against a tree for support, holding his bleeding wound.


BUFFY
You. Go away. No one's going to
stake you. Not tonight anyway.

SPIKE
Buffy, I...

BUFFY
Just go.


Spike turns and starts staggering toward his crypt. Buffy grabs Dawn, who is watching Spike's retreating back, and heads out of the cemetery. Willow, Anya, and Xander stare at Giles. Anya starts to go towards him, but Willow stops her.


WILLOW
Anya. We'd better go. We've got things to do.

ANYA
(looking at Giles)
But Giles?

WILLOW
He'll be okay. I think he needs
some time to himself. Come on, Xander.


Xander, Willow, and Anya leave. Anya is still glancing back at Giles. Giles is standing with his head down, looking at nothing. Alone.



INT. - BUFFY'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Buffy and Dawn slowly come through the door and take off their jackets. Buffy takes Dawn's coat from her and starts hanging the coats up.


DAWN
Buffy, do you want to talk?
I can be a good listener.

BUFFY
Not tonight, Dawn.

DAWN
Can I get you something? Some tea?
Hot chocolate?

BUFFY
No. I'm fine.

DAWN
Do you think Spike was badly hurt?

BUFFY
What?

DAWN
He was bleeding.

BUFFY
He's a vampire, Dawn. He'll be okay.

DAWN
Maybe someone should check on
him, just to be sure.

BUFFY
Dawn. It's late. Have you done your homework?

DAWN
Buffy, it's Friday.

BUFFY
Oh. Right.

DAWN
I am a little tired, though. I'll go upstairs.
Leave you alone.


Dawn gives Buffy a hug and kisses her cheek.


DAWN
You're sure you're okay?

BUFFY
Yeah, I'm fine. Love you, pumpkin belly.

DAWN
Love you too, sis.


Buffy sits on the couch, staring at nothing while Dawn goes upstairs. Dawn enters her bedroom, shutting the door behind her. She grabs a sweatshirt from the closet, puts it on then opens her window and climbs out.



INT. - MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO - NIGHT

Mitchell is sitting in his office, doing paperwork. Jim, an instructor at the studio, enters.


MITCHELL
So. How'd it go?

JIM
She never got a good look at me. She
got scared, started running then ran into
some guy she knew. That's when I took off.

MITCHELL
Good. Good.

JIM
You think this will work?

MITCHELL
Certainly. I think I'll be seeing a lot more of
both of them in the near future.



INT. - SPIKE'S CRYPT - NIGHT

Spike has recovered, somewhat. He's taken off his torn shirt and the cut is no longer bleeding but looking raw. He's finished one glass and is fixing another mixture of vodka and blood when Dawn quietly enters.


DAWN
Spike?

SPIKE
Little Bit, what are you doing here?
Don't think your sis would approve.

DAWN
Giles hurt you. I wanted to see if you're okay.

SPIKE
I'm fine. You've seen me, now go.

DAWN
Spike, was all that true? Is that what happened?

SPIKE
So, that's it then. Come to yell at me?
Finish what the Watcher started?

DAWN
No, I didn't come for that.

SPIKE
(exasperated, hurting, angry)
Then why are you here?


Spike advances towards her. He notices Dawn's gaze fixed on his bare chest. He stops, looks at her, then slowly continues coming toward her, seductively.


SPIKE
So that's it then. All that talk of sex and
violence get you curious, little girl?


Dawn is startled; she starts backing away from him, toward the wall.


DAWN
No. No, that's not true.

SPIKE
Been around a long time. Know
what little girls who come sneaking
into a man's room at night want.

DAWN
That's not how it is!


Dawn is now backed up against the wall, breathing hard. Spike continues coming towards her until his body is brushing up against her. He props both arms on the wall, on each side of her head, trapping her.


SPIKE
Still have the chip. Will still hurt me a bit, but
it'll be worth it.

DAWN
Spike, you don't want to do this.

SPIKE
(whispering in her ear)
The pain will be over quickly.
The blood will flow. Don't be afraid.
I'll make it pleasurable for you.

DAWN
I'm not afraid 'cause you're not
going to do anything to me.


Spike goes into game face, leaning down towards Dawn neck.


DAWN
I know you won't. I trust you.


Spike puts his face in Dawn's neck, but it's his human face now. He's crying, great, big, heaving, gulping sobs. His whole body starts trembling, shaking. Dawn puts her arms around him, trying to comfort him. Dawn and Spike, still entwined, slump to the floor.


SPIKE
(almost incoherent through his sobs)
I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. Dawn,
forgive me. Please forgive me. I'm sorry
about everything. Please forgive me.

DAWN
Shhh. It's okay, Spike, I forgive you. It's okay.


Dawn and Spike stay that way, Spike begging for forgiveness and Dawn, stroking his back, trying to comfort him.



INT. - XANDER'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

Xander, Willow and Anya are standing in the kitchen huddled in a group.


XANDER
So, how do we get things started?

WILLOW
There are all sorts of spells to get a
ghost to materialize. Not that I can
do them anymore.

ANYA
I know a better way. Trust me, I'm a demon.


Anya advances to the middle of the apartment.


ANYA
Hey! Sophie! Show yourself!

XANDER
That's not going to work!


Sophie starts to materialize.


XANDER
But I could be wrong.

ANYA
(smugly)
See. I know what I'm doing.


Sophie is fully materialized now, dressed as she was for Halloween.


ANYA
So, what's going on? Why are you
haunting Xander?

SOPHIE
I'm not haunting Xander.

WILLOW
You're not?

ANYA
You're not?

XANDER
Sorry, I don't know too much about the
whole ghost thing, but appearing at night,
making noise, scaring me,
seems a bit like haunting to me.

SOPHIE
I wouldn't do that to you, Xander.

XANDER
Then why are you here?

SOPHIE
My parents told me to stay with you.
If I had, I wouldn't be dead. Now, I'm not
sure what I should do.

ANYA
So, you're still here to stay with Xander.

SOPHIE
Right.

XANDER
You're not mad at me?

SOPHIE
No, I'm the one who went off with that
girl who killed me.

ANYA
Well, I don't care what your parents told you.
Sophie, you're dead. You're not supposed to keep
hanging around Xander.

SOPHIE
Then what am I supposed to do?

WILLOW
Is there, um, a light or something?

SOPHIE
Yes. Yes, there is.

ANYA
Then that's it. Go towards the light.

SOPHIE
Okay.
(turns back toward Xander)
I had a real nice time on our date
before the whole getting killed thing.

XANDER
(freaked)
Yeah, me, too.


Sophie begins to fade away.


ANYA
Good-bye, Sophie. Have a nice afterlife.

XANDER
That's it?

WILLOW
That can't be it!

ANYA
That's it. My work here is done.
Maybe I should've charged you a fee,
you know, for exorcising the ghost.

WILLOW
Anya, we're friends.

ANYA
Right. But if you get haunted again,
we're talking rates.



INT. - BUFFY'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Dawn walks into the house, followed by Spike. Spike is now fully dressed. Spike looks around the room, uncomfortable in Buffy's home. It's the first time he's been there since he tried to rape Buffy.


BUFFY
Dawn! I thought you were upstairs.

DAWN
Sneaked out. I'm okay. I just went to see Spike.


Buffy looks at Spike. She, too, is uncomfortable.


SPIKE
Just wanted to make sure she
got home safely.


Spike leans over and kisses Dawn on the forehead.


SPIKE
Good night. No more sneaking out or
I'll come over and brick up that
window of yours.

DAWN
Okay.


Dawn looks over at Buffy, who is obviously peeved at her.


DAWN
I'll just go on up to bed, 'cause it's
late and all.

BUFFY
Fine, but tomorrow you are so grounded.

DAWN
Buffeee!
(at Buffy and Spike's looks)
Fine, I'm grounded.


Dawn goes upstairs and Spike turns to leave. Buffy grasps his arm, then, realizing that she's touching him, drops it.


BUFFY
Thank you for seeing Dawn home.

SPIKE
Least I could do.

BUFFY
So, are you okay? Giles didn't hurt you
too badly, did he?

SPIKE
I'm fine. I better be going.


Spike turns to go, stops, turns back around, glancing upstairs then back towards Buffy.


SPIKE
Buffy, I know it doesn't make any difference.
Doesn't make up for anything, but I am sorry.
Sorry for what I did. All the things I did that
hurt you. The things I've said to you. I know
it doesn't make it better, but for what it's
worth, I'm sorry.


Spike starts leaving again. He's on the front porch when Buffy calls to him, following him out.


BUFFY
Spike. I'm sorry, too. For the things I said,
for the things I did to you that hurt you. I
know it doesn't make it better, but I'm sorry too.


Spike and Buffy look at each other. Spike opens up his arms and Buffy walks into them. They hug for several moments, taking comfort in each other's presence. Spike reluctantly releases her and backs off.


SPIKE
Better be going, then.

BUFFY
Right.


Spike walks down the steps, walking down the sidewalk he turns and looks at Buffy, still on the front porch, under the light.


SPIKE
Buffy. Thank you.

BUFFY
(quietly)
Thank you, too, Spike.



INT. - MAGIC BOX - NIGHT

Giles is sitting at the table, a bottle of scotch in front of him and a glass in his hand. Anya, having entered through the back door, watches him for a moment, then quietly sits next to him at the table.

ANYA
Giles, are you okay?

GILES
What? Anya, what are you doing here?

ANYA
Xander dropped me off to pick up my car
and I saw the light on. Giles, it's late.
You should go home.

GILES
Would you like a drink?

ANYA
(shudders)
No, no drinking for me.
Giles, what's wrong?

GILES
She doesn't need me anymore, you know.
(at Anya's look)
Buffy, she doesn't want me around.

ANYA
That's not true. Buffy loves you.

GILES
She doesn't need a Watcher anymore.

ANYA
No, she doesn't and isn't that a good thing?
As her Watcher you've been like a parent.
You've taught her what you can, trained her for
slaying, for life. Now she's ready to be on her own.
You're finished. You've done your job.

GILES
I should go back to England, then.

ANYA
Just because she doesn't need you hovering over
her doesn't mean she doesn't want you around. That's
what you did wrong last year. When you backed off,
you backed off all the way to England.

GILES
I don't know how to be here and not be her Watcher.

ANYA
Then you're going to have to learn.

GILES
You look so young. I sometimes forget
that you have more than a thousand years of
experience.

ANYA
(smiles)
Giles, you know it's not polite to mention
a lady's age.

GILES
Anya, what are you doing here?
I thought you were staying at Xander's.

ANYA
Why would you think that?

GILES
You said that you've forgiven him.

ANYA
Yes, I've forgiven him but we're not
back together.

GILES
I know you're still hurting but I'm
sure that you and Xander can work it out.

ANYA
He's not what I want anymore. He's
not who I want. Giles, remember you told
me to discover what I want and to go for it.

GILES
I remember. I'm not drunk. Yet.

ANYA
Well I decided. Now I'm going for it.


Anya leans towards Giles and takes his face in her hands. She gives him a long, slow kiss. Giles, at first is surprised, then begins kissing her back, wrapping his arms around her. They pause to breathe.


ANYA
I've decided I want you.



Fade to Black

BONDS


TEASER

EXT. - CEMETARY - NIGHT

Buffy is patrolling with a stake in her hand. She's looking around, scanning the tombstones for Spike. Two vampires approach her.

VAMPIRE 1
Slayer.

BUFFY
(still searching for Spike)
Hmm?

VAMPIRE 1
Slayer!!!

BUFFY
(irritated)
What?

The vampires look at each other, and then look around the cemetery, puzzled. What is the slayer doing?

VAMPIRE 2
Hello. Over here. It would be nice to get
your attention before we killed you.

BUFFY
(disappointed - no Spike)
When will you vampires learn to stay out
of my way, and to stay out of my town?

VAMPIRE 1
It's not going to be your town for long.
It's going to our town soon.

VAMPIRE 2
Shut up. You talk too much.

VAMPIRE 1
Why not? The way I figure it, we'll kill
the slayer tonight and the Talisman of Shezbotha
doesn't even have to be used.

VAMPIRE 2
I told you to shut up.

BUFFY
(shaking her head)
Why are you telling me this?
Wait, who's your sire?

VAMPIRE 1
The magnificent...

VAMPIRE 2
The beautiful...

VAMPIRE 1, VAMPIRE 2 and BUFFY
Harmony.

BUFFY
Should've known. The bimbo sires the inept
creating a wonderful lineage of imbeciles.
Is Harmony in town?

VAMPIRE 1
No, our lovely sire is no longer in Sunnydale.

BUFFY
Fine. You can go.

VAMPIRE 1
Go? We can't go. You're supposed to fight us!

VAMPIRE 2
It's your duty. You're the Chosen One!

BUFFY
Fine.

Buffy steps between them with a stake. She thrusts it quickly forward then back behind her, dusting them both. She brushes the dust from her clothes and turns to leave.

BUFFY
Making the world safe from stupidity.


End of Teaser



EXT. - STREET - NIGHT

Willow and Xander are walking down a street. Xander is carrying Willow's backpack, having collected her from a late class.

They hear the sounds of a fight coming from an alley up ahead. Xander and Willow look at each other and run toward the disturbance, digging stakes out of their pockets on the way. They round the corner and see Spike fighting eight vampires.


WILLOW
Spike! We'll help you!

SPIKE
No! Get out of here! There's too many!


Xander and Willow hesitate glancing at each other.


SPIKE
Go, you stupid gits!


Two of the vampires turn toward Xander and Willow, who start backing up out of the alley. Spike manages to break free from the other vampires and knock the two vampires, who were starting to follow the couple, down to the ground. Xander and Willow flee. Spike continues to throw punches, but is soon overwhelmed and forced down.

The vampires begin to back off, revealing an unconscious Spike on the ground. The vampire in charge, Thomas, gives Spike's body one more vicious kick to the ribs then turns to his fellow vampires.


THOMAS
Grab his arms. Don't do too much damage to him.
He won't do us any good if he's in pieces.


As the vampires drag Spike off, we see Xander and Willow down the street, peeking around a corner, watching them.


INT. - MAGIC BOX - NIGHT

Giles and Buffy are sitting at the table. Anya and Dawn are behind the counter. Anya is holding a pad, taking notes, looking at her inventory with Dawn helping her. Giles is looking in his books.


GILES
So, the Talisman of Shezbotha. I thought it was a myth.

BUFFY
Like the Gem of Amarra?

GILES
Quite.


Giles continues looking through his books, finally finding the right page.


GILES
Here it is. The Talisman of Shezbotha confers the
power and knowledge of two vampires into a single entity.

ANYA
Oh, that's not so bad. The power of two vampires,
Buffy can beat two vampires.
(to Buffy)
You can beat two vampires, can't you?

GILES
No, it's more than that. A vampire, as it ages becomes
more powerful. Although the actual brute strength
of a vampire is not altered, his vampire abilities grow.
The senses become more acute, his speed increases,
healing ability, and so forth. The talisman takes this
power from one and transfers it to another. The end
result is not just the simple adding of power. It amplifies it.

DAWN
It would be like a super vamp?

GILES
Exactly.

ANYA
If they're going want to get the best use of this
Talisman, the most for their money, so to speak, they're
going to want to suck the power out of the oldest and
strongest vampire they can get their hands on.

BUFFY
Angel. They're going to go after Angel.
Giles we have to warn him.

DAWN
But Angel is good. Would it work?

GILES
Angel would no longer be in control. He
would be an empty shell.

BUFFY
Then we have to warn Angel to watch his back


Willow and Xander burst into the Magic Box


WILLOW
Spike needs help.

XANDER
Some vampires just grabbed him in an alley.

GILES
Spike. Of course.

BUFFY
Why go out of town when you can get it local?

GILES
Why didn't I see it?

ANYA
It's the chip. All of you are so used to seeing
Spike as unimportant. You forget
he's quite powerful.

WILLOW
What's going on?

BUFFY
Seems some vampire is going to use Spike
for a power boost. Sort of vampire steroids.

DAWN
We've got to save him.

XANDER
They headed towards the Hellmouth.
We sort of followed them for a while.

GILES
Willow, Xander, that was a brave and
incredibly stupid thing to do.

BUFFY
We should get moving.

DAWN
I'll help.

BUFFY
Dawn!

DAWN
Spike's my friend. I want to help.

BUFFY
Fine, just stay in the back. With crosses
and holy water.

DAWN
Buffy!

BUFFY
And a crossbow.

DAWN
Good!


INT. - HELLMOUTH - NIGHT

Spike is lying on a slab wearing only his jeans. He is spread-eagle, his arms and legs bound by heavy chains. He is struggling, testing his bonds. Ten hooded figures come into view, chanting. One figure holds an ewer. The figures circle the slab, facing towards Spike.


SPIKE
If you'd told me you were having a party
you could've just invited me. We are
all vampires, right?


The figure with the ewer approaches Spike, holding the ewer aloft.


SPIKE
What's this? Don't need a wash.
Showered this morning.


The figure slowly starts pouring from the pitcher. As the liquid touches Spike, his skin smokes. It's holy water.


SPIKE
Aaaagh!


Outside the hellmouth we can still faintly hear Spike's screams.



EXT. - STREET - NIGHT

The entire Scooby Gang is advancing down the street, all with weapons at ready.


BUFFY
The Hellmouth. Again. Xander, you're
construction guy. How hard would it be
to dump a couple of truckloads of concrete
down that hole?

GILES
Buffy, I don't think that would work.

BUFFY
Maybe not forever. I would like to just stopper
it up for a bit. Right now, its like, you're evil,
caused a plague and destroyed half of Asia, what
are you going to do now? Hey I'm going to the
Hellmouth. It's the Disneyland for demons.

GILES
Actually, I was referring to the possible mutation
of the concrete by the Hellmouth. It could be corrupted
into something quite dangerous.

BUFFY
Ooh. Evil Concrete Monster. That would be bad.

XANDER
I really hate this town.

BUFFY
So, now it's back to the Hellmouth,
to save Spike.

GILES
Well, truthfully, to save ourselves.
Saving Spike is just...

XANDER
An unpleasant side effect?

DAWN
Hey, lay off of Spike.

ANYA
How would you even fight a concrete
monster? With jackhammers? Dynamite?
Graffiti?


Everybody stops and looks at Anya.


ANYA
I was just wondering.

WILLOW
Guys, we need to hurry, Spike's in pain.
(quieter)
I can feel him.


INT. - HELLMOUTH - NIGHT

A line of red flesh goes from Spike's right hand, down his arm to his chest, and then back up his other arm to the palm of his left hand. Blood is dripping from the shackles around his wrists and his ankles. Ten hooded figures are circled around him chanting.

Two more figures enter the circle. One is carrying a tray. Upon the tray is a small, engraved disc, embedded with gemstones. Spike sees the hooded figures and starts straining against his bonds once more.


KIMI
Look at him, Thomas. Still struggling.

THOMAS
He's not so tough. Screamed like a baby.

SPIKE
Didn't mean to scream like a baby. Meant
to scream like a vampire being tortured.

KIMI
(running her hands over Spike's chest)
It's a pity we didn't capture him earlier.
It might have been fun to play with him a bit.

THOMAS
Shouldn't we get this over with?

KIMI
In a minute, Thomas.


Kimi looks at where the blood is dripping from Spike's wrists. She dabs one finger in it, then lifts it to her mouth to taste.


KIMI
Mmmm...yummy. All that
power.

SPIKE
(seductively)
You want me, sweetheart? You didn't
have to go to all this trouble. Get these
chains off of me and I'll give you
a real good taste.

KIMI
Funny. You didn't tell me he was
funny, Thomas.


Kimi dips her finger in Spikes's blood and again licks it.


KIMI
(smacking her lips)
Tastes a little too much like pork
for some reason. Oh, that's right, you
drink pig's blood.
(to Spike)
I don't want your body, Mr. Spike.
I don't want your blood, either.
I want your essence.


Spike starts to struggle again.



KIMI
Please don't strain yourself. You're
wasting my energy. Soon we'll be joined forever.

BUFFY
Not while I'm around.


Swirling around, Kimi and Thomas see the Scooby Gang headed by Buffy.


KIMI
Don't just stand there, people, stop them.

BUFFY
You took the words right out of my mouth.


Buffy heads for Kimi, but is blocked by Thomas. She kicks him hard, propelling him across the area. Another vampire takes his place. Anya and Giles are working as a team. Giles holds a vampire in place while Anya stakes it. Xander is up against a wall, his axe now being held against his throat by his opponent. Willow sees that Xander is in trouble and goes towards him, but is grabbed and tossed to the floor by another hooded figure. The vampire holding Xander grins and slowly lowers his head toward Xander's neck, then bursts into dust, a crossbow bolt in his back.

DAWN
Yes!

Buffy swings her sword, dusting another vampire. She races toward Spike, striking his chains off with her sword.

SPIKE
Thanks, luv.


Buffy tosses Spike a stake. He catches it, but is obviously weak.


BUFFY
Get busy. We need you.


Willow's opponent leans over her, then stops and, after a moment, tosses her to the side and hurries away. As she retreats we can see that it's Kimi.


ANYA
There are too many of them!


Buffy and Spike are now fighting back to back. Xander helps Willow up, guarding them with his axe. Dawn is taking potshots at vampires with her crossbow, dusting one more. From a tunnel comes the sound of reinforcements arriving.


XANDER
Giles, I think it's time for this cavalry to
sound the retreat.

BUFFY
Okay, everyone, let's get out of here!

GILES
Spike, grab the talisman!


Spike dashes over and grabs it, wincing as the metal touches his injured palm. The others are running out the exit except for Buffy who is waiting, covering Spike.


BUFFY
Spike, move it!


Spike joins her and they both escape together as the Hellmouth fills with vampires.


KIMI
After them! They have the talisman!


Twelve vampires race after the escaping Scooby Gang.


KIMI
Thomas, I thought you had guards posted outside.

THOMAS
They must have killed them.
We'll get it back.

KIMI
If we don't get it back tonight, then it's
too late. They'll destroy it. The talisman
of Shezbotha is too powerful for them to allow
to exist. They know that. That's why they
came. This slayer and her friends, they're smart, strong.

THOMAS
They ran from us.

KIMI
After they had what they came for. Next
time, they'll be more careful, better prepared.

THOMAS
We outnumber them. We'll fight them.

KIMI
The direct approach isn't working. Whenever
we fight them, we lose. We're going to
have to try subtler methods.



INT. - BUFFY'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

The Scooby Gang is exhausted. Dropping their weapons and collapsing on chairs and couches. Even Spike is weary. The exception is Buffy. She is the last one through the door, locking it, and then peers through the windows.

WILLOW
Did we lose them?

BUFFY
I think so. Even if they do find us,
they can't enter without an invitation
so we should be safe.

SPIKE
Anyone want to tell me what this
is all about?

GILES
The Talisman of Shezbotha. They
were going to use it on you.

SPIKE
I thought it was just a myth.


Spike pulls the talisman out of his pocket and studies it.


SPIKE
Doesn't look like much.

GILES
That isn't a toy. Give it to me.


Giles reaches out and grabs it from Spike. As he does, silvery sparks shoot out and Spike and Giles are flung back, unconscious.


INT. - BUFFY'S KITCHEN - NIGHT

Willow is making tea. Buffy and Xander enter, their arms full of ancient books from the Magic Box.

WILLOW
Did you run into any trouble?

XANDER
We saw a few vampires but managed to avoid them.

BUFFY
(worried)
How are Giles and Spike? Any change?

WILLOW
No. Anya and Dawn are in there with them.
Buffy, don't worry, everything will be okay.

XANDER
Yeah, Giles and Spike are tough.

WILLOW
(trying to be upbeat)
They're still breathing. Giles is.
Spike, er, well, he's not all dusty.
That's a plus.

(Off Screen)
SPIKE
Oh, Bloody Hell!

BUFFY
Spike's awake!


Buffy, Xander, and Willow rush to the living room. Dawn and Anya are looking stunned at Giles, who is sitting up on the couch. Giles is shaking his head, as if trying to clear it. Spike's body is still lying on the floor with his head propped up with a pillow.


SPIKE IN GILES' BODY
What happened?


Buffy, Xander, and Willow are now staring at Giles. Giles is speaking but it's Spike tone, his accent, coming out of Giles' mouth.


SPIKE IN GILES' BODY
What are you all staring at? Did it fry
my hair or something?


Giles reaches up to feel his head, then starts looking puzzled. Abruptly, his expression changes to one of comprehension.


GILES
Oh dear. It seems the talisman was fully functional.

DAWN
So, you and Spike are...

SPIKE IN GILES' BODY
Buggered.



INT. - VAMPIRE'S LAIR - NIGHT

Thomas is pacing as a vampire enters. His name is Franklin; he's young, blond, handsome, and cocky.


THOMAS
Franklin, have you found the talisman?

FRANKLIN
No, they disappeared. I split us up into six
different patrols but no one's reported in.

THOMAS
We need to find it.

FRANKLIN
It will be sunrise, soon.
Want me to organize a search
tomorrow night?

THOMAS
No. Kimi believes they'll destroy the
Talisman as soon as possible. She's
usually right about such things.

FRANKLIN
Kimi. Don't trust her anymore.

THOMAS
What do you mean?

FRANKLIN
When the Slayer attacked, saw Kimi
grab one of the humans. Could have
easily broken the girl's neck. Instead,
she tossed her aside, unharmed.

THOMAS
Are you sure?

FRANKLIN
Positive. Showing mercy to a human.

THOMAS
I'm sure there's an explanation. She must have a plan.

FRANKLIN
There's no plan. She's weak. I've seen
her with this same human before.

THOMAS
Were you spying on her?

FRANKLIN
(shrugging)
Spying, watching, following.

THOMAS
What about your loyalty?

FRANKLIN
My loyalty is to you, not her. You're my sire.

THOMAS
And she's my sire!

THOMAS
(calming down)
Very well. Don't tell anyone else.

FRANKLIN
She's getting us all killed.
Thomas, the time may be right to
challenge the bitch. Gain control.

THOMAS
I won't challenge her.

FRANKLIN
Still in love? I admit, she's pretty. Didn't
know she had an addictive . . .


Thomas grabs Franklin by the throat and slams him up against the wall.


THOMAS
Don't finish that sentence!


Franklin knocks Thomas away, and brushes himself off.


FRANKLIN
Would you oppose me if I were
to challenge her? As long as I didn't
kill the... her.


Thomas just looks at him.


FRANKLIN
We're being annihilated! We could
stop it, you and I. We could kill
the slayer together, feast on her blood.
We just need to be in charge.

THOMAS
(shakes his head slowly)
I'm not going to help you against Kimi.
(at Franklin's look)
But I'm not going to oppose you either.
Do what you have to do, but don't hurt her.


INT. - BUFFY'S DINING ROOM - NIGHT

Willow, Anya, and Xander have books spread out in front of them. Dawn is slumped, almost asleep, but not quite. Giles opens up a book and puts his glasses on. He's puzzled for a moment, takes his glasses off and looks at them. He sighs; folds the glasses and returns them to his pocket. Buffy is pacing back and forth.


BUFFY
Couldn't we just smash the talisman?
Wouldn't that stop this?

GILES
Not necessarily. It might destroy the one way
we have to get back to normal.

SPIKE IN GILES' BODY
And speaking of getting back to normal,
would appreciate it if someone would move
my body to someplace darker. Would like to
return to something other than a big pile of dust.

ANYA and XANDER
We'll do it.

DAWN
I'll help.

SPIKE IN GILES' BODY
Little Bit, be a sweetheart and bring
me my pack of smokes.

DAWN
Sure, Spike, um, Giles, whoever.


Xander, Anya, and Dawn go towards the living room.


(Off Screen)
XANDER
So, what do you think? The closet?

(Off Screen)
ANYA
Could we stand him up in it? Maybe we
could we fit him under the couch?

SPIKE IN GILES' BODY
Hey, a little respect, please.

(Off Screen)
ANYA
Sorry.
(in a slightly lower voice)
How about in the weapons chest?


Dawn returns and hands Giles a pack of cigarettes and Spike's lighter.


SPIKE IN GILES' BODY
Thanks, Sweetheart.

DAWN
You're welcome, Gike.

SPIKE IN GILES' BODY
Gike?!

DAWN
Sounded better than to me than Spiles.
Buffy, I'm tired. I'm going to bed.


Buffy goes over to Dawn, kisses her on her forehead.


BUFFY
Goodnight, Dawn. Don't worry,
everything will be better soon.

DAWN
I know. Love you, Buffy. Good night, Willow.
Good night, Gike.

WILLOW
Night, Dawn.

SPIKE IN GILES' BODY
Gike. Bloody hell!


Buffy and Willow look at each other, trying to suppress smiles.


BUFFY
So you think there's a way to undo it?

GILES
There's always a way. We just need to find it.
(starts to fidget)
Will you stop that! I'm trying to concentrate.


Willow and Buffy look startled.


SPIKE IN GILES' BODY
I need to have a smoke. No party
being stuck in here with you.

GILES
Oh for...

SPIKE IN GILES' BODY
Hey. Language.


Giles gets up and heads towards the back porch.


WILLOW
If we don't get this mess sorted out soon
he's probably going to kill himself,
himselves, whatever.

BUFFY
I'll go talk to him.


INT - BUFFY'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

The weapons from the chest are in a large pile on the floor. Anya closes the lid of the chest, and brushes her hands together.


ANYA
All tucked in, nice and neat.

XANDER
Never thought I'd feel sorry for the guy
but he looks so dead, deader.

ANYA
It's just his body.

XANDER
I thought you liked that body.

ANYA
It is a nice one, but it was never his
body I was interested in. Xander,
I thought we were past that.

XANDER
We are. Anya, I loved you. I loved
you so much. And the way it all ended,
my ducking out of the wedding, you sleeping
with Spike. I wish it could've ended better.

ANYA
Me, too.

XANDER
I'm sorry, Anya. I should have talked to
you. Told you what I was feeling. You
were the most important thing in my life. I
never wanted to hurt you in any way.
Please believe that.

ANYA
I do believe you. But I did. Want to hurt
you. I wanted to hurt you really badly. Tried
getting people to wish you pain and suffering. If I'd
truly loved you, like you say you loved
me should I have felt that way?

XANDER
I don't know.

ANYA
I don't think I could ever hurt Giles.

XANDER
Giles?

ANYA
Yes, Giles. I have feelings for him.

XANDER
Giles? Feelings for Giles?

ANYA
I love him. There. You're the first one I've
told. I hate keeping secrets.

XANDER
And Giles. Does he feel the same way
about you?

ANYA
I don't know. He hasn't said anything and it's hard
to tell with that whole British, stiff
upper lip thing going.

XANDER
I don't think it's the British. I think
that's just Giles.

ANYA
Whatever. And now with him and Spike
in the same body, it will never work out. We
have to find some way to cure him.

XANDER
Giles will figure something out. That's
what he does.



EXT. - BUFFY'S BACK PORCH - NIGHT

Giles is slumped up against the rail, smoking. Buffy comes out the door and approaches him, putting a hand on his shoulder.


BUFFY
You okay?

SPIKE IN GILES' BODY
Peachy.
(looks at her)
Noticed you and Red were fighting the giggles.

BUFFY
Well, it was kind of funny watching you
argue with yourself.

SPIKE IN GILES' BODY
Must have sounded like a loony. This
lasts much longer and folks will think
Drusilla was the sane one.

BUFFY
Actually, they'll think Giles is crazy.

SPIKE IN GILES' BODY
I could have a bit of fun with that. If we survive.

BUFFY
Hey, don't be like that. Giles, er, you
will figure something out.

SPIKE IN GILES' BODY
Giles doesn't have a clue.

BUFFY
Oh.


Giles throws the cigarette down and glances at her. He walks closer to her.


SPIKE IN GILES' BODY
(seductively)
You worried about me, luv?


Giles touches her hair with his fingertips. He then moves closer so that his body is brushing up against hers.

BUFFY
Spike don't do that. It's creepy.

SPIKE IN GILES' BODY
(backing off)
What?

BUFFY
Giles and my mom. You in Giles' body.

SPIKE IN GILES' BODY
Oh, right.

GILES
For God's Sake, Spike. Try to exert
some control over yourself. Buffy, I am very
sorry and horribly embarrassed.

BUFFY
Right. New incentive for getting
you both back to normal. Spike, are you
ready to try your hand at research?

SPIKE IN GILES' BODY
Worth a shot.

GILES
Buffy take these.


Giles hands Buffy the cigarettes.


GILES
After this little incident I'm afraid Spike's
going to have to give up his filthy habit.



INT. - BUFFY'S DINING ROOM - NIGHT

Buffy, Willow, Xander, and Anya are seated around the dining room, mouths hanging open. They're watching Giles research. He's flipping through pages, researching at super human speed.

XANDER
Hey, Giles. You got Evelyn Wood in
there with you, too?

GILES
What? Oh, a joke. Quite amusing, Xander.

ANYA
It is a little freaky.

GILES
I don't see why. I've always been a
competent researcher.

WILLOW
Just now on fast forward mode.

GILES
Hmm. Xander why don't you get something to eat?

XANDER
What? I didn't say anything.

GILES
Your stomach. It keeps rumbling, loudly.

BUFFY
You can hear Xander's stomach?

WILLOW
Sometimes I can hear Xander's stomach.

BUFFY
Well, yeah, but not now I couldn't.

GILES
It seems I not only now have exceptional
eyesight but exceptional hearing as well.
And the smells, the smells are intoxicating.

XANDER
We smell?

GILES
Yes, each of you has a distinct, unique aroma.
But it isn't just you. I can smell this room, odors
coming from other parts of the house. Food
that was eaten here. The lemon wax Buffy
uses to clean the table.


Giles looks at Buffy, smiling sadly.


GILES
Joyce. I can smell Joyce.


Buffy gets up and goes to the wall. Crossing her arms across her chest, hugging herself, she's rocking slightly.

GILES
The layers, the textures of the scents.
Rich, deep. I wish I had
words to explain them.

WILLOW
Wow, that is so neat.

GILES
Yes, it is, isn't it.

ANYA
Vampires have an excellent sense of smell.
It helps them hunt.

BUFFY
Vampires? Giles is turning into a vampire?

GILES
Of course not. I've just acquired temporary
use of Spike's powers, his strengths.

XANDER
Good. Temporary is good.

GILES
It is quite fascinating, though. To smell and hear
the blood pumping in you, your hearts beating.
To see, almost feel your veins and arteries throbbing,
calling to me. Chip or no chip it's a wonder
Spike hasn't eaten us all.

WILLOW
(a little freaked)
Maybe we should get back to researching.

XANDER
Definitely.


Giles picks up his book, once again flipping through the pages. A few moments pass.


GILES
Aha! Here it is. The reason we're not properly joined
together. First of all, I'm not a vampire, obviously.
Secondly, although Spike had been prepared, I was
not. All we have to do is return to the original location,
where the ritual was started, with the talisman, and
do a general reversal spell.

ANYA
We have all the ingredients for that at the Magic Box.

GILES
(still reading)
It should be done fairly soon, however.

BUFFY
Why? What happens if it isn't?

GILES
It seems that my body will eventually reject Spike's
essence. This would result in both of our deaths.

ANYA
We should go now. Nothing must happen
to Giles.

GILES
I'm afraid that's impossible. The talisman
can only be activated at night.

BUFFY
Then we should get some rest. Xander, Willow,
will you be okay getting home?

XANDER
Sure, we'll be fine.

BUFFY
Anya, do you want to stay here?

ANYA
Okay, but only until it's light out. Then
I'll go by the Magic Box and pick up the
supplies for the spell. Fortunately, it's Sunday.
We're closed on Sunday.

BUFFY
Giles, you can sleep on the couch. I'll get
you a pillow and some sheets. Everyone, about
an hour before dark we'll meet back here.

XANDER
Buffy, the vampires, they beat our butts. There
were too many of them. What makes you
think that tonight will be any different?

BUFFY
They don't know about Giles and Spike.
They won't be expecting us. With any luck,
we should be able to slip in, do the spell, and slip out.

XANDER
And we're always so lucky.


INT. - KIMI'S ROOM - DAY

Kimi is sitting on the edge of her bed dressed in a silk robe. A hand reaches over, stroking her back. We now see Thomas, reclining behind her, a sheet covering his lower half.

THOMAS
Kimi, come back to bed.

KIMI
No. I'm not tired.

THOMAS
Good. Neither am I.


Thomas starts to pull her back but she shrugs off his arm.


KIMI
Not now. It's the Slayer. The Slayer
and all of her friends. I'm tired of their
interference. I think it's time we interfere
with them a bit.

THOMAS
(angry from the rejection)
I think you have a bit more to worry about
than the Slayer right now.

KIMI
What are you talking about?

THOMAS
The troops are getting a bit restless. They thought
by this time we'd own this town. Blood running down
the street, carnage for everyone. Hasn't happened.

KIMI
Really?


Kimi goes to him, straddling him, arms on each side of his head.


KIMI
(whispering)
And you Thomas, are you getting restless?
Anxious to be the leader?


Kimi leans closer, licking his face, his neck. Thomas shudders.


THOMAS
No. I'm yours. You know I am.

KIMI
Then, who, Thomas?

THOMAS
It's just...there's been talk. That you're weak.
Going soft for a human.


Kimi sits up, still straddling him but won't meet his eyes.


THOMAS
It's true, isn't it?
(angry, grabbing her arms)
It's true.

KIMI
It's nothing. She's just a girl.

THOMAS
It's not nothing. It's making you weak.
If you want this girl so much, take her.


Kimi stares at him.


THOMAS
Take her. Bite her. Turn her. Make her one of us.
We can have fun with her then you can
get her out of your system.


Kimi leans backs down toward him, smiling.


KIMI
You won't mind? Sharing me?

THOMAS
I want you to be strong again. I need
you strong again.


Kimi starts to nuzzle his neck.


KIMI
You really are a good boy. I should give you a
reward. But talking behind my back, that was
naughty of you, for that you should be punished.
So which should it be pleasure or pain?


Thomas is still. Kimi leans back. She is now in game face.


KIMI
How about both?


She bends back over Thomas' neck and bites. Thomas lets out a moan.



INT. - BUFFY'S LIVING ROOM - DAY

Buffy comes down the stairs, sees Giles staring out the window.


BUFFY
You should rest. Tonight's a big night.

SPIKE IN GILES' BODY
Couldn't sleep anymore. Besides, could hear
you and the Niblet moving around.


Giles looks out the window again.


SPIKE IN GILES' BODY
Could we go outside? Do something?
Except for that time with the Gem of Amarra,
it's been over 120 years since I've felt the sun.

BUFFY
(smiling)
Why? Do you want to see if Giles freckles?

SPIKE IN GILES' BODY
Would love to see you in the sunlight again.
Besides, Giles thinks it would be okay.

BUFFY
You can communicate now?

SPIKE IN GILES' BODY
Without sounding like I escaped from
the mental ward? Yeah.

BUFFY
Okay. Where do you want to go?

SPIKE IN GILES' BODY
Doesn't really matter, as long as it's outside.
(yelling)
Hey, would an obnoxious teenager like to
go somewhere with me?


Dawn races down the stairs.


DAWN
Spike, I mean Gike. Where are we going?

SPIKE IN GILES' BODY
Outside. Your choice on the where.

DAWN
The beach. Buffy, let's take him to the beach.

BUFFY
It's too cold to swim.

DAWN
We're not going to swim. We could
have a picnic. Come on, Buffy. It will be
fun. I'll make the food and everything.
Please, Buffy.

SPIKE IN GILES' BODY
Yes, please Buffy.

BUFFY
Okay, we'll go.


Dawn squeals, then runs back up the stairs.


(Off Screen)
DAWN
I'll grab a blanket, then pack the food. I'll
be ready to go in a jiffy, just you wait.

SPIKE IN GILES' BODY
Thanks, Buffy

BUFFY
I just hope I don't live to regret it.



INT. - BUFFY'S KITCHEN - EVENING

Buffy is holding the back door open while Xander, Anya, and Willow enter. Anya is carrying a tote bag. Buffy shuts the door after them. Giles is standing, dressed in a buttoned down shirt with a sweater pullover. He's smiling at Dawn, who is seated at the counter.

XANDER
My, don't we look happy.

SPIKE IN GILES' BODY
Went to the beach today.

DAWN
He was so funny, chasing the seagulls,
all grrr. Especially, being Giles and not
really able to grr correctly.

SPIKE IN GILES' BODY
I can grr just fine.

DAWN
Got a little sunburned, too.

BUFFY
(touching Giles' nose)
I told you that you needed more sunscreen.

WILLOW
Okay, this is a little weird.

XANDER
Just a little?

GILES
All right, children, playtime is over. Do we
have everything necessary?

ANYA
I have all the spell ingredients.

XANDER
We can get the weapons and Mr. Empty Threat from the
living room.

BUFFY
Dawn, this will be dangerous.

DAWN
I know. Stay in the back. Crosses, holy water,
and crossbow.


Giles goes over to Anya and pulls her close.


GILES
Anya, she's right. This is dangerous.

ANYA
I'll be okay.

GILES
I'm counting on you to do the spell, but
be careful. Don't take any chances.


Anya reaches up to caress his face. Giles looks down at her, then kisses her passionately. The rest of the group is surprised while Buffy looks hurt.


DAWN
Why is Spike kissing Anya?
I thought they were over.

XANDER
That's not Spike.


Buffy, Willow, and Dawn look at Xander while Giles and Anya continue to kiss.

XANDER
That's Giles. Giles is kissing Anya.


Buffy looks relieved. Dawn shrugs.


XANDER
Hey, come on. Break it up, you two.


Giles and Anya break apart. Giles starts blushing, and stammering.


GILES
Oh. Yes. Certainly. We must be going


Anya gives Xander a dirty look.


GILES
We still need our weapons and er, um . .

DAWN
Spike. We need Spike.

GILES
Right. It just slipped my mind for a moment.



INT. - HELLMOUTH CAVERN - NIGHT

Buffy enters first, scouting. Giles follows her carrying Spike's body over his shoulder. The rest of the Scooby's enter with Dawn hanging towards the rear. Giles lays Spike down on the slab from the night before.

GILES
Willow, help Anya mix the ingredients.
Buffy, you and the others, stand guard.


The ingredients start to smoke, Anya's mumbling words in the background. Giles has the talisman in his hand, ready for the right moment.


XANDER
Hurry, someone's coming.

BUFFY
A whole lot of someones.


Giles puts the talisman back into his pocket and grabs an axe. A group of eight vampires pour out of a tunnel. Giles charges them, swinging powerfully. He strikes off two heads with his first stroke, kicking another vampire to the ground. Its Ripper and Spike, more powerful than ever. With the handle of the axe, he stakes a third vampire, then swings back again, beheading the fourth. When the fifth vampire knocks the axe from Giles' hands, Giles simply grabs the vampire's head and twists it off. The sixth vampire, still on the ground, starts scrambling backwards. Giles takes a stake from his pocket, bends down, and dusts him. The last two vampires that remain look at one another, turn and start running back down the tunnel. Giles throws his stake and the sound of another vampire dying is heard. He looks back at his friends.

Buffy and the gang are in shock.


DAWN
Wow! That was totally amazing.

WILLOW
I've never seen anyone move that fast.


A sharp clang and a puff of smoke come from where Anya is still working.


ANYA
Giles, I'm done. Hurry, use the talisman.


Giles reaches into his pocket and retrieves the talisman. He places the palm holding the object over Spike's palm. There are silvery sparks and a flash of light. Giles is thrown back to the ground.

Anya goes to Giles, cradling his head. Dawn rushes to Spike, abandoning her post at the door.


DAWN
(screaming)
Spike, Spike, can you hear me?

SPIKE
'Course I can hear you. You're
bruising my eardrum.


Spike hugs Dawn. Buffy goes to help Spike up who's a bit slow moving.


SPIKE
Sorry. Little stiff. Body's been folded
into a chest all day.

XANDER
Is it too late for me to say that the chest
probably wasn't a good idea and that
I'm really sorry?

ANYA
Coward

XANDER
Well, yeah. Of course.


Giles, with Anya's help manages to stand up.


GILES
This was all fairly interesting, but we
should be getting home.

SPIKE
Just a minute.


Spike still holding the talisman drops it to the ground and smashes it with his heel.


SPIKE
(to Giles)
Care to have a crack at it?


Giles stumbles over to the mess on the ground, still being partially supported by Anya. He, too, grinds the talisman with his shoe. Giles, then turns, and heads for the door. He pauses, reaches inside his shirt pocket and pulls on his glasses.


GILES
Everything's back to normal.


Anya smiles up at him.


ANYA
Good. I like normal Giles.


INT. - BUFFY'S DINING ROOM - NIGHT

Giles and Anya are gathering up the books they used for research. Giles has on his buttoned down shirt, having relinquished his sweater to Spike.


BUFFY
So, no after-effects? No special powers, senses?

GILES
No, everything is normal

SPIKE
I'm good.

WILLOW
Giles, this whole talisman incident, it's made me think about things.
I think I know why I keep having dreams about Tara.

GILES
What? You've been having dreams? About Tara?

XANDER
Willow's been having lots of bad dreams, nightmares.

WILLOW
A few each week.

GILES
You should have told me.

WILLOW
I think I figured it out, though. I think,
maybe I have some of Tara inside of me.

GILES
(gently)
Willow, that's highly unlikely.

WILLOW
But it isn't. When she died. I called upon Osiris,
challenged her death. I was upset, freaked out.
I think I might have done something...wrong.
I might have sucked in Tara's essence.

SPIKE
Oh dear.

GILES
Bloody Hell.

XANDER
So much for no after-effects.


Giles give Xander an exasperated look.


GILES
Willow, whatever is wrong I'll help you.
We'll work it out. I'll go to England, talk to
the Council, the witches, see if they know of anything.

WILLOW
I don't want to be any trouble.

GILES
It's no trouble, Willow. We care about you.


Spike gets up to leave.


SPIKE
Better get back to my crypt.
Sun will be up soon.

GILES
Spike, I'll walk out with you. I need to
talk to you for a bit.


Giles and Spike walk out together.


XANDER
So, what's that about? Are they bonding
over the weird experience of being bonded?

BUFFY
It wasn't weird. Just another typical day and
night in Sunnydale.

DAWN
Watching Giles, attack those vampires. Wow.

WILLOW
I think he was even faster than you, Buffy.

BUFFY
Maybe. Oops. I still have Spike's cigarettes.

ANYA
Xander, go catch up with Spike and
give him his cigarettes.

XANDER
What? No!

WILLOW
It might keep him from being too mad
about you stuffing him in a chest.

XANDER
Hey, that was Anya's idea.
(resigned)
Okay. Fine. I'll take them to him.
Too bad they can't give him cancer.


EXT.- REVELLO DRIVE - NIGHT

Giles and Spike have stopped under a tree, arguing.


GILES
Spike, you have to tell her.

SPIKE
Don't have to tell her anything.

GILES
She deserves to know.

SPIKE
Listen, I'm not the Great Poofter. I won't go
evil and try to kill her after getting a happy.
I'm not going to sit around all broody.
There's no reason to tell her.

GILES
Spike, if you truly love her, and
I know you do, you need to tell
her you have a soul now.


Unseen behind them, Xander has heard the last part of the conversation. He clenches Spike's cigarettes in his fist, then hurls them to the ground. Turning his back, he walks away.


INT. - MAGIC BOX - NIGHT

Giles and Anya are just finishing putting the research books away. Anya turns to watch Giles.


ANYA
So, you're leaving again.

GILES
I need to help Willow. I wish someone
had told me about these nightmares.

ANYA
How long do you think it will take?

GILES
I don't know. I'll try to keep it short.
I do need to report back to the council.
I've been thinking, since Buffy doesn't really
need a watcher anymore, I might try my
hand at writing a book for the council,
concerning vampires. It seems I've recently
acquired enough new information to fill a volume,
several, in fact.

ANYA
And would you be writing these
books in England?

GILES
I could write them anywhere, not just England.

ANYA
Good. Because I need you here. To help out
with the store.

GILES
(smiling)
You know I'm no help. A hindrance, perhaps.

ANYA
That's true. But I like you being here with me.

GILES
Anya, I have no right to ask this of you,
you're young, lovely, bright.

ANYA
What do you want to ask?

GILES
I was wondering if you might not get
involved with anyone else while I'm
gone. Would you wait for me?

ANYA
Wait for you? You want me to wait for you?

GILES
Exactly.

ANYA
Giles, you know I'm not a very patient
person. I don't like waiting.

GILES
(disappointed)
Certainly. I understand.


Giles takes off his glasses and starts cleaning them with his handkerchief. Anya comes up close to him and puts her hands over his.


ANYA
I don't think you do understand. I don't
want to wait for you. I want you now.
Come home with me. Stay the night with me.


Giles looks at her stunned, pleased. He carefully places his glasses into his pocket, pulls Anya to him, and kisses her gently. He releases her and they look at each other, smiling. Then Anya grabs his head and pulls him back for a passionate kiss.


Fade to Black

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