Part 10:

NIGHTFALL




Teaser


INT. - MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO - DAY

Mitchell is in his office on the phone. When Jim opens the door, Mitchell looks up at him and motions him inside. Jim enters and closes the door after himself.


MITCHELL
(on the phone)
We should be there this evening. If
it's not ready, there'll be hell to pay.
(pause)
Good. See you then.


Mitchell hangs up the phone and stares at Jim.


MITCHELL
You have everything set up?

JIM
Our information seems to be accurate.
The demon, witch, and warlock will be at
the shop tonight. The vampire will be in his
crypt. Buffy will be here. Paul is responsible for
bringing Dawn over.

MITCHELL
Good. That's it then.

JIM
What about the boy?

MITCHELL
The boy? He's nothing. A construction
worker. He has no special powers, no
strengths. Ignore him.

JIM
You did tell Paul that it would be
tonight, didn't you?

MITCHELL
I tell him only what he needs to know.

JIM
I think that's a mistake. He needs to be
prepared in case something goes wrong.

MITCHELL
Nothing's going to go wrong. To be sure,
our friend from London is coming to
oversee everything.

JIM
He's coming here? Just what we need.
Some foreign know nothing sticking his nose
in at the last minute.

VOICE
(off screen)
As the know nothing who's paying for this
little operation, I think I have that right.


Jim swings towards the door. It's Nigel, who we met in "Checkpoint".


NIGEL
I'm here to get my slayer.


End of Teaser





INT. - MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO - DAY

Mitchell is standing next to a man dressed as a doctor. Jim is there with his sleeve rolled up as Buffy enters.


MITCHELL
Buffy, there's a bit of a problem.
It seems that the state requires all the people who have
close contact with young children to have a current
tuberculosis test. Teachers, day care workers, you know.
Our lawyers have told us that for safety's sake we should
make sure that none of our employees carry TB.

BUFFY
I'm pretty healthy.

MITCHELL
I know, but everyone is getting a shot.


Mitchell indicates Jim who is at the moment being attended to by the doctor.


MITCHELL
I got mine, Jim is getting his. We'll
be calling all employees in one at a
time to make sure. You're next.


As Jim stands up and starts rolling down his sleeve, Buffy shrugs and sits down. A quick glance passes between the doctor and Mitchell. The doctor picks up the syringe and injects Buffy.


MITCHELL
The doctor will be back in a few
days to check the reactions.


Buffy smiles and starts to stand up. As she tries she staggers. Mitchell and Jim grab her arms and lower her back to the seat.


MITCHELL
Buffy? Are you okay? You're not
scared of needles, are you?


Buffy shakes her head no. Her vision is starting to blur.


MITCHELL
Doctor, I think she's having a
bad reaction to the shot.


Buffy glances from the doctor, to Jim, then to Mitchell. The doctor is impassive; Jim has a frown on his face. Mitchell is smiling.


BUFFY
What's happening to me?


Buffy tries valiantly to keep her eyes open, but soon is passed out. The doctor strips off his white coat. Nigel enters the room carrying a small box. Opening the box, he reveals a solution and a syringe which he begins to prepare.


NIGEL
That was well done. It's not
easy to incapacitate a slayer.

MITCHELL
Yeah. We did the hard part. Now finish it up.

JIM
This will take away her powers?

NIGEL
The council has been using this particular
concoction for years. It makes slayers temporarily
weak, lasts several days.


Nigel injects the unconscious Buffy.


JIM
Will it work on her? She's pretty strong.

NIGEL
It did years ago during her Tento di
Cruciamento. I've strengthened the dose.
Now tie her arms and legs then strap her to the
Chair in case she regains consciousness. We
want to be sure it has enough time to take effect.


Mitchell consults his watch.


MITCHELL
Dawn should be here any minute now. I
think the fact that we have her sister will
go a long way towards ensuring her cooperation.




INT. - MAGIC BOX - DAY

Willow and Jonathan are setting up the training studio with candles in a circle. Anya is drawing symbols inside the circle she created.


WILLOW
Jonathan, I really want to thank
you for helping me like this.

JONATHAN
It's nothing. Well, maybe not nothing but
helping out - it makes me feel not so bad about
all the things I did last year.

WILLOW
I'm glad I didn't catch you and
rip the skin off of you.


Jonathan blanches at this remark. Willow doesn't notice.


JONATHAN
(gulping)
Me, too.


Anya stands up and brushes off her hands.


ANYA
All done. Now you will be careful?
Giles said you had to be careful.

WILLOW
We will be.

ANYA
I'll be right out front. I won't let anyone
back here. Giles said it was very important
that nothing happens to disturb your concentration.

WILLOW
Thank you.


Anya turns on Jonathan. Sticking her finger in his face, she begins to lecture him.


ANYA
If you let anything happen to her I promise you,
I will get all of her friends together and let them
make wishes. You will regret that she didn't
skin you alive.


The bell over the door jingles.


ANYA
Oh, a customer. I've got to go
make money. Have fun.


Jonathan looks over at Willow, who shrugs her shoulders.




EXT. - STREET OUTSIDE THE STUDIO - DAY

Paul and Dawn are walking towards the entrance. Dawn stops.


DAWN
Are you sure you want to meet Buffy now?

PAUL
Yes. If we're going to be going out together,
don't you think she should get to know me?

DAWN
But this is her workplace.

PAUL
If she's busy you can show me some of
those moves you've been practicing.

DAWN
I'm not as good as Buffy, of course,
but I am getting better.


Dawn and Paul push open the door and enter the studio. Dawn starts looking around for Buffy but can't find her. She sees Jim conducting a class. She motions him over. He glances about the room and gets a junior instructor to take over for him.


DAWN
Jim. Do you know where Buffy is?
I can't find her and someone else is
teaching her class.

JIM
Buffy started feeling bad. She's in
the back room resting. I'll take
you to her.


Paul and Dawn follow Jim to the back room. Jim opens the door, showing them through then follows them in, shutting the door and leaning on it. Mitchell is standing in the room, blocking their view of the unconscious Buffy. He steps aside. Dawn lets out a cry and flies to her sister's side.


DAWN
Why is she tied up?

MITCHELL
Buffy is not known for her cooperating skills.


Paul, infuriated, looks at Mitchell.


PAUL
You bastard! You didn't tell me!

MITCHELL
Buffy's not the only one whose cooperation
was in doubt.

DAWN
What's going on?


Nigel glides forward from the shadows. He's smiling.


NIGEL
Miss Summers. So nice to finally meet you. I've
heard so many wonderful things about you.

DAWN
Who are you?

NIGEL
My name is Nigel and I have some
excellent news for you. You are
going to be a slayer. I will be
your watcher.

DAWN
To be a slayer the current one has to die.


Dawn looks at Buffy, panic-stricken. Glaring at Nigel, she approaches him.


DAWN
If you hurt my sister, I'll...


Without missing a beat Nigel strikes Dawn, knocking her to the ground. She rubs her cheek in pain. Paul begins to move forward, but Jim grabs him, restraining him.


NIGEL
(calmly)
Lesson One. You will respect me.
You will not threaten me.
Do not make assumptions. Your sister
is not in danger. As the slayer, she has already
died and been replaced. It is the other one through
which the slayer's line now flows.

DAWN
Faith.

NIGEL
It seems that Faith is not long for this world.
When she dies, it has been predicted
that you will take her place.


Dawn begins to get up off of the floor. Paul goes to her, offering his hand but Dawn ignores it.


DAWN
So why did you hurt Buffy?

NIGEL
Because we can. And we can continue to hurt
her if you don't cooperate. She won't be saving
you. She won't be capable of anything. We
have temporarily taken away her slaying powers.
In time, they will return. By then we should be
gone.

DAWN
I have friends. They'll ...

NIGEL
We intend to convince your friends
to remain uninvolved in this matter.


Dawn turns on Paul who has moved so that he is beside her.


DAWN
You knew about this, didn't you?
You were never my friend.
I was, what, a mission? A project?

PAUL
Dawn, that's not true. I like you.


Dawn, glaring at Paul, goes to stand next to Nigel.


DAWN
Get him out of here. I don't want to
see him again. Ever!

NIGEL
(pleased)
Of course, my dear. Mitchell - take Paul with you.
Nightfall is in about thirty minutes. When
it gets dark, Jim, you and Rafe will be in charge
of taking Miss Summers to her temporary accommodations.
(to Dawn)
Don't worry about your sister, my dear.
I, myself, and my associate will
see to it that she arrives home safely.




INT. - XANDER'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

Xander gets home from work. He checks his watch then calls the Magic Box where Anya answers.

XANDER
Anya. Is Willow there?
(pause)
You figure what, another half-hour?
Fine, I'll call back then
(pause)
You go take care of your
customers.


Xander hangs up the phone.





INT. - MAGIC BOX - NIGHT

Anya is hanging up the phone and puts her customer service smile on her face. She recognizes Mitchell. Mitchell is accompanied by Paul and several other men.


ANYA
Hi. You bought the happiness charm.
How's that working out for you?

MITCHELL
Not too well, I'm afraid.

ANYA
We have a thirty day return
policy and I do believe that it has been
more than thirty days.

MITCHELL
No, I don't want to return it.

ANYA
That's good. Do you want to buy something else?
Do your friends? We got the love charms in.

MITCHELL
I really don't need a love charm. Truth be
Told, that girl I told you about it? It didn't
work out. It didn't work out at all.

ANYA
I'm sorry.

MITCHELL
I've asked around. Been told that you're
the one to come to when a love affair's gone sour.

ANYA
I'm sorry but I can't help you. I get the feeling
that there's some anger in you but I'm really
not getting a vengeance vibe.


Mitchell takes out his wallet and holds out a roll of bills.


MITCHELL
Would this change your mind?


Anya is outraged. Vengeance is a calling. A righting of wrongs. She would never accept cash to do vengeance and should she have been charging all along?


ANYA
(miffed)
I'm sorry, but justice is not for sale here.
I think you should go. We're closing now.

MITCHELL
Sorry. Just thought it might work.


As Mitchell turns away, he purposely drops the money to the floor making it seem like an accident.


ANYA
Oh. I'll get that for you.


As Anya leans over to pick up the bills, Mitchell uses her distraction to grab hold of her pendant and yank it from her throat. Anya gasps and tries desperately to clutch it back.


MITCHELL
Seems you don't need this anymore
if you're not going to use it.


Mitchell tosses it to one of his assistants who drops it to the ground and grinds it under his heel. Anya is in shock.


ANYA
You can't do that. I'm calling for help.


Mitchell clasps her by the arms and pushes her to another assistant, who throws her down into a chair.


MITCHELL
You're not going to be making any calls for a while.




EXT. - PARKING LOT OF MARTIAL ARTS STUDIOS - NIGHT

Jim and Rafe are escorting Dawn to a black car.


DAWN
I'm really worried about Buffy.

JIM
Dawn, in a few days she'll be fine.

DAWN
They might hurt her.

JIM
They won't. It may not seem like it right
now but we're all on the same side.

DAWN
I wish we could check on her. Please?

JIM
Sorry Dawn. I'm suppose to get you to
where we'll be staying until we can
get out of the country.


Dawn looks at Jim, eyes wide, sniffling a little. She opens the car door and stops. Rafe is standing on the other side of the car, waiting.


DAWN
Please Jim? It would make me feel so
much better. Could you call? Please?

JIM
(sighing)
All right. I'll make sure
she got home okay.


Jim starts to reach into his inside jacket pocket for his cell phone. Dawn grabs him by his jacket and spins, pushing him partially into the car. She then slams the door on his head, knocking him out. Rafe comes around the car, but it is no contest. Dawn is fueled by anger and fear. She hits him in the face, breaking his nose. She then slams him in the back with her fists. He's on the ground when she takes off running.



INT. - MAGIC BOX, TRAINING ROOM - NIGHT

Willow is in a trance, trying to get in contact with Tara. She and Jonathan are sitting cross-legged in a circle ringed by lit candles. Jonathan is holding Willow's hands and concentrating hard when Mitchell, Paul and the six goons enter. Jonathan's eyes widen, but he continues holding on to Willow.


MITCHELL
Lookee here. Looks like a
little spell is going on.


Jonathan says nothing, still trying to keep his concentration.


MITCHELL
Paul, come here. Look at how
carefully they've laid this out.


Paul goes over to Mitchell, looking at the candles and drawings.


MITCHELL
That one on the right is an invocation of the
spirits. The one on the left is a plea for mercy.
This one, right here. It's for protection.
It would be really bad if something were to
happen to it.


Casually, Mitchell moves his foot, obliterating it. Sweat starts to bead on Jonathan's forehead. Mitchell moves around the circle as Jonathan's eyes follow him.


MITCHELL
And these candles, wouldn't do if any
were to go out. That's why you always
do this type of magic in a closed room -
where they're protected.


Mitchell lashes out with his foot, kicking several over. The candles roll, sputter, and are extinguished. Jonathan is hanging on to Willow, but is scared.


MITCHELL
But the most important part of this whole
ritual is this little fellow, right here.


Mitchell points to Jonathan, then begins to circle around him. Jonathan's eyes try to follow him, but he keeps going behind Jonathan's back.


MITCHELL
He's what we call the "anchor". Keeps
the spirit of the one in the trance from floating away.
Keeps it tied down. Otherwise the one in the trance
might never find their way back. Yes, without this
fellow right here that redhead would just stay an empty shell.


Mitchell is now behind Jonathan. Jonathan closes his eyes, still gripping Willow's hands. Mitchell kicks out, a savage blow to the back of Jonathan's skull. Jonathan is thrown forward into Willow, unconscious. Mitchell lines up for another kick when his cell phone rings. He reaches into his pocket to answer it.


MITCHELL
Mitchell, here.
(pause)
She's running. And I know right where she'll run.
We'll get her. It was our next stop, anyway.


Mitchell puts the phone in his pocket and motions the others to the door. They walk out of the training room leaving Jonathan and Willow slumped on the floor. Jonathan's head is bloody, but his fingers are still clasped to Willow's. Paul glances back over his shoulder, looking at the two figures with regret. As they leave the Magic Box the phone is ringing.



INT. - BUFFY'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

A large man is carrying Buffy over his shoulder. She is still unconscious. Nigel is following him. The man carelessly tosses Buffy onto the couch.


NIGEL.
Safely delivered home, as promised.
Now that you're home, though ....


Viciously Nigel punches the unconscious Buffy in the face. The other man looks at him incredulously. Nigel takes a handkerchief and starts wiping his hand.


NIGEL
(explaining)
She had the audacity to threaten me
with a sword two years ago.


As he continues to clean up, his cell phone rings. He answers it.


NIGEL
Nigel speaking.
(pause)
She got away but Mitchell is confident that he
can handle it?
(pause)
Fine, I'll leave her to him,
for now. We'll meet at the arranged spot.


Putting his phone away, Nigel returns to Buffy's side. Buffy is beginning to stir.


NIGEL
It seems that your little sister is not as
concerned about your welfare as we thought.


Nigel takes Buffy's right hand in his. Examining them.


NIGEL
Such pretty little hands to have
such Slayer strength in them.


Ruthlessly, Nigel pulls back on a finger, dislocating it. Buffy lets out a shriek. She's pulled from her unconscious state by the pain.


NIGEL
That's one. Only nine more to go.




INT. - SPIKE'S CRYPT - NIGHT

Spike and Clem are standing next to the sarcophagus. A map of Sunnydale is laid on top with marks indicating the clients they protect.


SPIKE
See, I figure if you go down Market Street
then swing around onto Madison, it'll be
more efficient like.


Dawn races into the crypt and throws herself into Spike's arms.


DAWN
(winded)
Spike! Thank God you're here. They've
got Buffy, they tried to get me, but I ran off.

SPIKE
Who? Who's got Buffy?

DAWN
Mitchell and the others from the studio.
They're working with this guy Nigel from the
Council. He says he's going to be my Watcher. And
Paul, he's working with them too.
They did something to Buffy.

SPIKE
(alarmed)
What did they do to Buffy?

DAWN
I don't know. They said she'd be okay but
weak. I don't trust them.
She's supposed to be home now.


Spike and Clem start heading for the door. Dawn begins to follow them, but is stopped by Spike.


SPIKE
Sweetheart. It'll be okay. Clem and I will
check this out. You stay here where it's safe.


Spike opens the door to find himself facing Mitchell, Paul and their six helpers. He swiftly shuts it. Holding it closed as the outsiders thrust against it, he motions to Clem.


SPIKE
Take her out. Through the tunnels. Hurry.


Dawn looks worriedly at Spike, but is pushed by Clem toward the opening to the lower floor. They disappear from view. Spike continues to hold the door for several moments but it's never been the same since Buffy broke it. There is a clang as an axe hits it and the blade comes through. At the next onslaught Spike backs away, narrowly avoiding being slashed. The door bursts open. Mitchell enters the crypt first, followed closely by the others. They are all well armed.


MITCHELL
Where is she?

SPIKE
Don't know who you're talking about.

MITCHELL
Dawn. She came to you.

SPIKE
Not here.


The others start circling around Spike. Spike is trying to watch all of them.


MITCHELL
She was, though, wasn't she?


One of the goons circling behind Spike looks down.


GOON
Hey. There's a trapdoor!

MITCHELL
It that the hole where our little mouse has fled?


Mitchell motions to two of his men.


MITCHELL
You two. Get down there and get her back.


As the two men near the trap door, Spike goes into game face and leaps on them. He flings one against the wall. The other tries to fight him but he spins him around and snaps his neck. He drops the body on top of the trapdoor and stands guarding it. Mitchell reaches in the pocket of his jacket and brings out two crosses. He hands one to Paul.


MITCHELL
You're going to be difficult about
this aren't you?

SPIKE
Not going to let her get hurt.
Not again.


Mitchell approaches with the cross. Paul goes to the other side, holding his cross up. The others, with swords and axes drawn, surround Spike. Spike doesn't move. Mitchell gets closer, then closer, placing the cross on Spike's arm. The flesh begins to sizzle before Spike manages to knock it away. Another goon tries to run Spike through with a sword. Spike spins, grabs at the sword then twisting it in his opponent's hands he brings it up. The sword slices into the henchman. The man's blood runs down the sword, staining Spike's hands. The other goons, in the meantime, have come up behind Spike. They overwhelm him, knocking him to the floor. A stake is pressed against his chest.


MITCHELL
Paul, take a man and go down below.
Bring Dawn back.


Paul nods and the man with the axe joins him. Mitchell leans over Spike, pressing the stake a little harder.


MITCHELL
Look at you - Blood on your hands.
Thought you were a souled vampire.


Spike looks at the blood, stricken by the thought that he's killed, twice.


MITCHELL
Don't look so worried. Your soul
won't be bothering you for long.





INT. - BUFFY'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Buffy is on the couch, only half conscious, moaning. The ringing of a telephone is heard. She manages to open her eyes then gasps as the pain descends on her. Slowly she eases off the couch, stumbling to the floor. Carefully, she makes her way to the phone. Holding her hands clutched to her chest, she's in agony. She gets to the phone but can't get her hands to obey her to pick up the receiver. Thinking for a moment, she kicks it off of the hook then drops to the floor to put her bruised face next to the mouthpiece. We can hear Xander's voice coming over the line.


XANDER
Buffy, Dawn, are you there?


Buffy's panting, almost sobbing.


BUFFY
Xander. Hurt. Hurt so bad.


Collapsing on the floor, still suffering from the first injection, Buffy loses consciousness again.





INT. - SPIKE'S CRYPT - NIGHT

Paul enters the crypt and approaches Mitchell.


PAUL
We got her. She's tied up in the car outside.
Gary's with her. The demon helping her got away.
Gary hit him pretty good with the axe so he
might have just run off to die.

MITCHELL
Good. Good. So, what
do you think of my handiwork?


Mitchell indicates the wall. Paul turns to look and gasps. He claps a hand over his mouth to prevent retching. Spike is on the wall. He's been stripped. His arms are spread out. Coming out of his arms, legs and torso in various spots are railroad spikes that have been thrust through him, into the wall, holding him up. Blood has poured out of his body and is pooling on the floor beneath him.


MITCHELL
He wanted to be a martyr. Thought I'd
help him.
(talking to one of his assistants)
You all done destroying the blood in his frig?


The assistant slashes into the bag he's holding, letting the blood flow onto the ground then drops the empty container at his feet where many others already lie.


ASSISTANT
Last one.

MITCHELL
Good. Only one thing left to do. Going
to give the slayer a present to remember her
boyfriend. I want to drop it off on her doorstep.
She likes it so much - maybe she should keep it.


Mitchell pulls out his knife and goes toward Spike. He's ready to slash when Paul pulls him back.


MITCHELL
What?

PAUL
I won't let you do that. We're
not the monsters here, remember?


Mitchell starts to argue then stops and sheaths his knife.


MITCHELL
Fine. It doesn't matter. It
won't be long before he dies from
something he can't come back from.





INT. - BUFFY'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Xander bursts through Buffy's front door at a run. He sees her and throws himself next to her, holding her in his arms. Unbelievingly, he looks at her damaged hands.


XANDER
Oh God! Oh God!


Buffy stirs.


BUFFY
Xander?

XANDER
Oh God, Buffy. Your hands.
Who did this to you?

BUFFY
Dawn. They have Dawn.
I have to help her.

XANDER
Buffy, your hands. You need
to get medical help.

BUFFY
No time. Painkillers, in the drawer
with the First Aid kit. Get both.


Xander gently lifts Buffy off of the floor and lays her back on the couch. He runs to the drawer and gets the supplies. He puts them on the coffee table then races to get a glass of water for her. He opens up the bottle and spills two pills into his hand. Carefully, he raises her head slightly and puts them in her mouth. He then raises the glass of water to her lips and she swallows.


XANDER
What happened to you?

BUFFY
Out of it, most of the time.
Woke up for some of it. Near the end.
Pain got to be too much.
They told me not to come after Dawn.

XANDER
Who told you?

BUFFY
Council. Guys where I work.
Told me they gave me that shot the
Council has. The one for the testing. Takes my
powers away for a while.

XANDER
Damn!

BUFFY
But Xander, Dawn got away.
Gave them the slip. That's why they...
(indicating hands)
We've got to help her. Might still be time.

XANDER
We don't even know where she is.

BUFFY
Spike. She'd go to Spike. But something's
wrong. Our connection - it's weak.

XANDER
We need to get you patched up
first. The hospital...

BUFFY
No time. My fingers, they're dislocated.
I'm going to need you to put them back.

XANDER
Buffy, please don't make me...

BUFFY
Xander. Do it.





EXT. - BEACH - DAY

In her trance, Willow is wandering on the beach. She's frantic. She's been calling for Jonathan and getting no answer. She keeps trying to get somewhere, but can't. She faces the ocean then turns from it running over the dunes. She goes over the last tall sand dune only to be faced with more ocean. Exhausted, she sinks into the sand.

As she sits, a shadow falls over her. She looks up. It's Tara.




INT. - DAWN'S CELL - NIGHT

Dawn is pushed into a room then the door is shut behind her with a clang. A lock can be heard being turned. Dawn rubs her wrists and looks around. The room is empty except for a cot, a sink, and a metal bucket. Next to the metal bucket is a roll of toilet paper.


DAWN
Gross.


Dawn looks at the walls. They're plain, no windows, no cracks. The only thing marring the four walls is a camera mounted over the door, aimed at her.



INT. - SPIKE'S CRYPT - NIGHT

Xander, with his arm around Buffy, comes through the opening and skirts around the remains of the door.


XANDER
Looks like they were in here.


Xander sees the blood by the trap door and scurries over to it.


XANDER
Looks like a couple of them didn't make it back out.


Xander hears Buffy let out a gasp. He turns to see her kneeling in a pool of blood on the floor, her face raised to the wall. His eyes move up and he's appalled.


XANDER
Oh dear God. No.




INT. - WAREHOUSE - NIGHT

Nigel and Mitchell are standing, chatting amiably. Paul is staring morosely at the video monitor. It shows Dawn sitting on the cot, shivering. There are two other monitors showing views of the outside of the warehouse.


NIGEL
I must tell you how impressed
I am with your work. Your study, planning,
and execution were marvelous.

MITCHELL
You should have Dawn well out of the
country before the survivors manage to
pull themselves together.

PAUL
She's cold.

MITCHELL
What?

PAUL
Dawn. She's cold.
There's no blanket, no pillow.
Just the cot.

MITCHELL
Listen, kid...

NIGEL
No, he's right. She's in our care now.
Her comfort should be our concern.
I'll handle this.


Nigel leaves the room to go talk with Dawn.





INT. - SPIKE'S CRYPT - NIGHT

Xander and Buffy have managed to get Spike down from the wall. Xander has torn up a blanket and is trying to patch Spike up from where his wounds are still leaking.


BUFFY
Xander, he's weak. He needs to eat.

XANDER
Right.


Xander goes to the refrigerator and notices the empty bags on the ground. Flinging open the door, he finds the refrigerator empty.


XANDER
Buffy. There's no blood.
They dumped it.

BUFFY
He's got to have blood or he'll die.


Buffy starts to pull down the collar of her shirt to offer Spike her own blood to drink. Xander stops her.


XANDER
No Buffy. You can't.

BUFFY
Xander, I have to try.

XANDER
No. I mean you can't. You said they gave you
that stuff that they gave you for the testing. Didn't you ever
wonder about it? They release a crazy vampire. What
happens if he wins? Then they have no slayer and a strong
vamp on the loose. That's stupid. They wouldn't let that
happen. I think they've rigged it so that if the vampire kills
the slayer and drinks her blood, he dies. They've booby trapped
the slayers blood with stuff that's poisonous and will kill
the vampire. You can't feed Spike.

BUFFY
Then what can we do?


Xander reaches into his pocket and pulls out his keys.


XANDER
Take my car. Go to Willie's. Get as much
blood as you can. I'll stay here and
keep patching him up.


Buffy hesitates.


XANDER
Buffy, hurry!


Buffy goes out the door as fast as she can manage. Xander looks at Spike.



XANDER
Alone at last.


Xander reaches down to the hem of his shirt and lifts it over his head, removing it.


XANDER
Of all the days to wear a turtleneck.


Bare-chested, Xander lies down on the floor of the crypt next to Spike. He props his head up on his hand and looks at the vampire.


XANDER
Except for the whole being nailed to the wall,
Spike, today seems to be your lucky day.
You finally get to bite me.


Spike manages to pry open his eyes and gives an almost imperceptible shake of the head.


XANDER
Oh come on, Spike. I know you want to.


Spike doesn't react. Xander leans over and whispers in his ear.


XANDER
Did I ever tell you that I'm O negative?
Your favorite flavor?


Spike opens his eyes again.


XANDER
Knew that would get a rise out of you.
Come on now. Grrr for me.


Xander gently pulls Spike over on top of him and places Spike's face up against his neck.


XANDER
Come on, Spike. Give it to me good.
I've been asking for it for years.


Xander is starting to look a little frustrated when his eyes widen and he lets out a gasp. His hands come up to clutch Spike's head to his neck. As Spike starts swallowing, both Xander and Spike begin to shudder.





INT. - DAWN'S CELL - NIGHT

Nigel enters Dawn's room. Dawn just glares at him then turns her back to him.


NIGEL
How are you doing, my dear?
Still mad? Don't be. This is all for
your own good.

DAWN
Right. Kidnapping is always for your own good.

NIGEL
Miss Summers, you need to be trained properly if you are
to be a slayer. It's dangerous work. You need to study,
to learn weapon skills. You weren't going to get that
here. Your sister means well, but she's much too protective.

DAWN
You could have asked.

NIGEL
And she would have refused. You know
she would have. Admit it. If not to me,
at least to yourself.


Dawn just looks at her feet, refusing to acknowledge this.


NIGEL
I am to be your watcher. You
know what a watcher does, don't you?

DAWN
I've known Giles practically all my life.

NIGEL
Right. And although Mr. Giles has done a
splendid job of helping Buffy he has been hindered by the fact
that she was in full slayer mode when they met. He
was unable to properly train her before she was expected
to fight the evil ones. You and I will be different. We have
the opportunity to make you fully ready, strong,
before you're expected to fight for your life.


Nigel, gently with his fingertips, raises Dawn's chin so that she's looking into his eyes.


NIGEL
A watcher takes care of his slayer. Watches over
her. For him, she is the most important thing in his life.
(acting surprised)
Dawn, you're cold. You should
have said something. I'll have them bring several
blankets for you. And maybe a nice pillow or two.


He gets up to leave. As he waits for a guard to open the door at his tap, he turns back to Dawn.


NIGEL
If you need anything, anything at all. Please
let me know. I really want only the best for you.




INT. - SPIKE'S CRYPT - NIGHT

Spike is lying on his back next to Xander. Spike is looking slightly healthier. Xander is staring at the ceiling in wonder. Spike starts to speak then stops. He's still having difficulty. Xander turns towards him.


XANDER
Hey. Buffy will be back soon with some
blood. Whatever it is, it can wait.

SPIKE
You're not...
(swallowing)
not O negative.


Xander grins broadly.


XANDER
Guess that's why I never told you I was.


Spike tries to chuckle, but it gets stuck in his throat. Xander looks at Spike carefully. He wants to ask something but he isn't quite sure how to put it.


XANDER
Spike, when you bit me it felt...
kind of...really, really good.


Spike smiles faintly.


XANDER
What I'm asking is... well is it always like that?


Spike shakes his head and mumbles something. Xander leans down closer to hear him.


XANDER
What? What did you say?

SPIKE
Only with nummy treats.


Xander starts to laugh. Buffy enters with a plastic bag around her arm. She sees Spike, just barely covered with the remains of his blanket and Xander lying beside him, bare-chested and smiling. For a just a flash we see in her eyes a "my boyfriend and my friend?" look. Then she notices the bite on Xander's neck.

Buffy kneels next to Spike. Pulling a container of blood from the bag, she awkwardly holds it with bandaged fingers as Spike starts to feed.


BUFFY
I've brought several containers with me.
Willie is going to gather some more up
and follow in a little while.


She watches Xander as he stands and puts his turtleneck back on. Xander smiles at Buffy and she smiles back.


XANDER
So, when does the lady with the juice
and the cookies come around?

BUFFY
Xander, thanks. I can't believe you did that.
Thank you.


Xander goes over and kisses her on the top of her head, then takes Buffy's place feeding Spike.


XANDER
Hey. He's a Scooby now. Figured Anya and
Willow have given me hickeys. Spike's just
went a little deeper, is all. Whenever you want to
take a nibble, let me know.


Spike lifts his head from the container of blood.


SPIKE
Dawn.

BUFFY
She was here?

SPIKE
Sent her - tunnels - Clem.
Think they got her.
Wankers.

BUFFY
Xander, I'm going to check out the tunnels.
You wait for Willie.

XANDER
Buffy, is that safe? I mean, you can't do
much if something leaps out at you.

BUFFY
I can turn tail and run. I can scream.

XANDER
Nice to see you've been watching me
and taking notes.


Buffy starts to descend to the lower level of the crypt.


XANDER
Buffy?
(when she looks at him)
Be careful.


Buffy smiles and continues her descent.




EXT. - BEACH - DAY

Willow and Tara are on the beach, holding hands.


TARA
So Giles and Anya are seeing each other.
You and Xander are not only living together but
sleeping together as well, and Buffy and Spike
are officially in love. How long have I been dead?

WILLOW
Almost a year. But that doesn't matter
anymore. We're together now.

TARA
No, Willow, we're not together. Not really.

WILLOW
Tara?

TARA
I'm dead, Willow. You're still alive.
You came. You released me from this...this
prison. Now you have to go back.

WILLOW
I don't know if I can. I used to be able
to see and hear Jonathan. Then - nothing.
I think something went wrong.


Tara gently turns Willow around, pointing out that there is slight sparkly trail behind her.


TARA
You can get home. Just follow this.
It's not very strong. You might need to hurry.

WILLOW
Will you come with me?

TARA
I'll walk with you for a little ways.

WILLOW
I'm sorry about what I did. I didn't mean
to trap you here. It just hurt so much. I wanted
to do something to keep you with me. I didn't think.

TARA
I know. You have a problem with
letting your loved ones go.

WILLOW
I pull Buffy from Heaven. I trap you in Hell.

TARA
No, not hell - just, not heaven.

WILLOW
I'm so sorry. I never meant to hurt you.

TARA
I know.

WILLOW
Tara, I love you.

TARA
And I will always love you. No
matter where I am.




INT. - WAREHOUSE - NIGHT

Nigel enters the room. The others turn, having watched his performance on the monitor. Paul is quietly seething. On the monitor, Dawn is now huddled under several blankets, her head on a pillow.


MITCHELL
I've got to hand it to you.
You're good.

NIGEL
It shouldn't take long. Her father has for all purposes
abandoned her. Her mother is dead. Her sister loves her
but has been quite negligent in the past. The alternate
father figure that Rupert Giles represented has
periodically absented himself while the alternate mother
figure was killed last year.

MITCHELL
She'll turn to you.

NIGEL
I'll be the only one there for her.

PAUL
No. I'll be there for her too.


Nigel goes over to Paul and places his hand on his shoulder.


NIGEL
I'm afraid that won't be possible. Even if I were
to permit it, she would refuse. She hates you now.
You betrayed her. The best thing for you to do is
to forget her and disappear from her life.


Paul starts to say something else then stops. He glances back at the monitor. Dawn seems awfully small and alone in that room.




INT. - SPIKE'S CRYPT - NIGHT

Buffy comes back up from the tunnels. Willie is now there helping Xander finish bandaging Spike.

BUFFY
There's no sign of Dawn. I found some
blue blood, but no Clem. I think Spike's right.
I think they got her.

XANDER
I'm sorry, Buffy. But, Clem, he's tough.

WILLIE
Probably just went somewhere to lick his
wounds. Literally. That's what his kind do.
Speaking of wounds, Spike seems to be healing
up real fast. I mean I know - vampire healing - but
this is amazing.

SPIKE
The ring. It's helping. Think it managed
to keep me alive.

WILLIE
You have a ring of protection. Wow!
Say, when you're done with it, you think I could
have it? Or maybe buy it off of you?


Buffy kneels next to Spike.


BUFFY
I'm glad you gave it to me so that
I could give it to you.

SPIKE
Looks like you could use it yourself, love.
What happened to your hands?


When Buffy doesn't answer, Spike looks at Xander.


XANDER
From what she's told me, they knocked her
unconscious, shot her up with stuff that takes away
her strength temporarily, then they dislocated her fingers.
Spike, they dislocated every single one of them.
I called. When she managed to knock the phone off the
Hook, I heard her crying.

SPIKE
Damn them. Good thing you called.

XANDER
Actually I was worried about Willow and
Anya. They were supposed to be at the Magic
Box and they weren't answering the...
You don't think... Omigod!
Buffy, we have to get over there.




INT. - MAGIC BOX - NIGHT

Xander throws the door open and races in. Buffy and Willie, helping to support Spike, follow. Anya is tied up and gagged. Xander goes behind the counter and pulls open a drawer. Grabbing a knife from within, he quickly moves to Anya and cuts through her bonds, then pulls the gag from her mouth.


XANDER
Are you all right?

ANYA
Willow. She's in the training room. Those
creeps went back there. I haven't heard anything
at all since. No noise, nothing.


Xander glances over at Buffy and Spike. He's afraid of what he'll find when he opens the door. Taking a deep breath, he moves towards the training room. Anya is behind him, rubbing her limbs, trying to get circulation back in them. Opening the door, he sees it as we last saw it. Willow and Jonathan tumbled down together. Xander rushes forward to move Jonathan off of Willow when Anya grabs him by the arm.


ANYA
Don't touch them.

XANDER
What?

ANYA
They're still linked. Look at their hands.

XANDER
So?

ANYA
If you break the link Willow's spirit
might be lost. If she isn't already.

XANDER
What do we do?

ANYA
Get that rope they used to tie me up.
Lash their hands together. That way if Jonathan
starts waking, they can't pull apart.

XANDER
Good idea.


Xander rushes out and returns with the rope. Quickly he twists it around both sets of hands.


XANDER
Now what?

ANYA
We pray.

XANDER
That's it? That can't be it.
(excitedly)
I could wish - wish that she's okay.

ANYA
Xander I can't.

XANDER
Forget your stupid vengeance rules.
I want to wish Willow better.

ANYA
No. I can't! They broke my pendant.
I'm human again.

XANDER
I have to do something.


Xander is desperately close to tears.


SPIKE
Got an idea. Might not work.


Xander glances towards Spike, who Willie and Buffy have eased down onto one of the training mats. Buffy is sitting next to him while Willie hovers around them.


XANDER
What is it?

SPIKE
If the link is there but the mind's not working properly
seems one might be able to link up to the anchor and
cross over to Willow. Pull her back to herself then
cross back into his proper body.

XANDER
I'll try it. Anya will you help me?


Anya looks at Xander and reluctantly nods. Spike looks at Xander. Xander returns his stare.


SPIKE
It'll be dangerous. Might lose you both.

XANDER
I laugh at danger. Usually because I'm
hysterical from fear but hey, laughing is laughing.

SPIKE
Good luck.

XANDER
Thanks. Anya, tell me what to do.




EXT. - BEACH - DAY

Willow and Tara are still walking on the beach. They are following the sparkly trail that is glowing faintly.


XANDER
Willow! Willow, where are you?


Willow turns to Tara, puzzled.


WILLOW
It's Xander! What is he doing here?

TARA
He loves you.
Xander! Xander! This way!


Xander crests a dune and is within sight. He runs forward and swings Willow into his arms, hugging and kissing her.


XANDER
Willow. I thought I'd lost you.

WILLOW
You almost did. I got really lost.
Tara helped me.

XANDER
Tara. Oh Lord, Tara. It's so good to see you.


Xander releases Willow to hug Tara to him.


TARA
It's good to see you, too, Xander.

XANDER
How have you been? I mean...

TARA
I know what you mean. I'm fine. Now.
But I really think you should be going just
as I need to be going.

XANDER
How do we...

TARA
The trails - they represent the links.
Follow them back and you should be fine.

WILLOW
I don't know if I want to. I can feel
the pain out there. There's so much
pain right now.

TARA
Your life is out there.


Xander puts his arm around Willow.


XANDER
We're out there.

WILLOW
Right. You're right. But Tara,
I do miss you.

TARA
I know, Sweetie.


Tara starts to walk away in the opposite direction than the trails are leading Willow and Xander. She turns and calls back to Willow.


TARA
Don't worry. We'll see each other
again. All of us.


Tara begins to fade until there is nothing left. Xander hugs Willow close.


XANDER
Come on. Let's go home.




INT. - BUFFY'S HOUSE, UPSTAIRS - NIGHT

We see Spike sleeping in Buffy's bed. The drapes are tightly closed. He's looking worn, but better. Willow and Anya are snuggled together in the master bedroom. We then see Buffy standing in Dawn's room looking at the empty bed. Xander comes in behind her and puts his arms around her.


BUFFY
Everyone else asleep?

XANDER
Yep. Just got off the phone with the hospital.
Jonathan woke up. They'll probably keep him
another day for observation, but he should be fine.

BUFFY
That's good.

XANDER
I tried calling Giles but there was no answer.

BUFFY
Oh.


Buffy continues to stare at Dawn's empty bed. Xander pulls her head over until it's resting on his shoulder.


XANDER
Buffy, she'll be okay.

BUFFY
Xander, those people - they meant to
destroy us. They didn't care. And now
they have Dawn. Xander she's only sixteen.


Buffy turns in his arms and hugs him to her. Xander kisses her forehead.


XANDER
She'll be okay. She's a Summers
and Summers women are tough.




INT. - WAREHOUSE - NIGHT

The room with the monitors is empty except for a young man serving as guard. Gary enters, holding a cup of coffee. He's there to take over the shift.


YOUNG GUARD
She's not so tough. Can't believe she
escaped from Rafe and Jim.

GARY
Why? What's happening?

YOUNG GUARD
Nothing. That's what. Except she keeps
praying. Sort of a keening sound. Sounds a
bit like she's losing it.

GARY
Hope not. We don't need
another loony slayer.


The camera focuses in on the monitor as Dawn cries out.


DAWN
Oh God, please help!


The camera focuses closer and closer until we are in the room with Dawn. The viewpoint is swung around. Dawn is clutching the ragged ends of the bottom blanket. She grips them tightly and pulls while letting out a wail to cover up the tearing sound, keeping it hidden from the camera.


DAWN
Oh please! Please someone help me!


Continuing to move her mouth in a silent litany, Dawn takes the strip of blanket she just tore off and under the cover of the top blanket twists it into the braided strips she has already torn. She is making a rope.



FADE TO BLACK




Note: Only two chapters left.

Part 11:

ENEMIES AND FRIENDS


Teaser


Spike dressed in jeans and tee-shirt pads down the hallway to where Xander is standing. Buffy, Willow, and Anya are asleep in the master bedroom while Xander watches over them. Spike stands by Xander's side, looking at them.


SPIKE
They're doing okay?

XANDER
Yeah. Buffy finally crawled in and fell asleep
around four this morning. She had to take
a couple more painkillers.


Xander looks at Spike.


XANDER
She didn't want to disturb you -
you still healing and all.


They stand there together, looking at the women sleep for a few more moments.


SPIKE
They're our women. We've got
to take care of them.

XANDER
And all of them would kick your
butt if they heard you say that.
(pause)
But you're right.

SPIKE
We're missing one though.
Got to get her back.

XANDER
Do you have any ideas on the how?

SPIKE
A few.


Xander and Spike move back into the hallway. Spike looks over at Xander who has dark circles under his eyes.


SPIKE
You get any sleep?

XANDER
A couple of hours on the couch.

SPIKE
Go lay down on Buffy's bed and rest.
I'll go downstairs, make a few
phone calls, get some blood.

XANDER
I don't know if I can sleep.

SPIKE
You need to.


Slowly Spike reaches over. His fingers brush Xander's neck, over the bite marks he made. Xander closes his eyes and tilts his head, giving Spike better access to his neck. Spike starts to go forward, then stops and drops his hand. Xander opens his eyes and Spike is staring at him.


XANDER
Okay. I so did not need for that to
just happen.


Spike is still staring at Xander intently. Xander becomes a little flustered.


XANDER
What?

SPIKE
If I had screwed up, if I had taken too much,
I would have turned you.
I would have sired you.

XANDER
Now that's a thought I really did
not want to have.

SPIKE
I'd have been a good sire. Would've
taught you how to hunt, feed.

XANDER
Hey, and maybe you could've taken
me fishing, or to a ball game.

SPIKE
(firmly, serious)
I wouldn't have hurt you. Ever. And I
wouldn't have let anyone else hurt you.


Xander is now stunned. He stares at Spike. Finally Spike turns away from Xander and starts heading downstairs.


SPIKE
Get some sleep, Xander.

XANDER
You called me Xander.


Spike turns back around to look at him.


SPIKE
So?

XANDER
You never call me Xander. It's whelp,
pup, bricklayer, and about a thousand other insults.
If you're in a real nice mood you might call me Harris
but you never just call me Xander.

SPIKE
It's your name, isn't it?

XANDER
Yeah.

SPIKE
Then stop getting all wonky about it
and go lay down. I'll keep watch.


Spike begins to descend the stairs.


XANDER
Okay. Whatever you say - Pop.


Spike turns around to call Xander on this, but Xander has already closed Buffy's bedroom door.




End of Teaser



INT. - WAREHOUSE, VIDEO ROOM - DAY

Mitchell enters carrying bags of food. Paul follows him in, carrying cups of coffee. Gary, one of the goons, is watching Dawn on the monitor. Mitchell glances at him.


MITCHELL
Anything happening?

GARY
She's moving her cot.

MITCHELL
Why?

GARY
Don't know.


Through the monitor we can see Dawn moving the cot to underneath the camera. She climbs on it and starts jumping up and down so that her face is being framed periodically in the lens. Suddenly the monitor goes black.


MITCHELL
Damn. She destroyed the camera.


Gary, Mitchell, and Paul race out of the room.




INT. - DAWN'S CELL - DAY

We hear the fumbling of a key, then the lock is turned. The door is flung open. Remains of the camera are scattered over the floor. Dawn has her back turned to them, straightening up her clothing.


DAWN
Why are you losers here?

MITCHELL
The camera. You destroyed it.

DAWN
I needed to use the bathroom.
Couldn't hold it anymore and I refuse
to let you perverts watch me pee.


Gary and Mitchell look at each other. Paul goes forward to Dawn but stops when she glares at him.


MITCHELL
Guess it doesn't matter. We'll be
leaving tomorrow anyway.


Gary starts picking up the broken camera pieces. Paul holds out his hand to Dawn.


PAUL
Dawn. Your wrist. It's bleeding.

DAWN
What do you care?

PAUL
I care. Dawn, I never meant to hurt you.

DAWN
Well you screwed up royally then because
you hurt me really badly, so leave me alone.


Paul stares at her then drops his hand, turning away.


MITCHELL
Women! You help kidnap them, hurt
their friends and they act like
it's the end of the world.

DAWN
You hurt my friends?

MITCHELL
Of course. Didn't want them running after you
did we? Got to admit though, that Spike was
real brave. Didn't even scream when I nailed
him to the wall.


Dawn looks wildly toward Paul, hoping for a denial, but he only lowers his gaze to the floor. Angrily she advances on Mitchell.


DAWN
Right now, there's not much I can do.
But it won't always be that way. I suggest you
find a hole and dig yourself in real deep.
Because I will come hunting for you.


Mitchell takes a few steps back from Dawn. He never thought of this. He tries to cover his reaction up by grabbing Paul by the wrist and dragging him out of the cell. The lock being secured is once more heard.

Dawn reaches into her pocket and pulls out several glass and metal shards taken from the broken camera. She pulls up her shirt a little and makes sure that her makeshift rope is now secure around her waist.



INT. - MASTER BEDROOM - DAY

Spike is sitting on the bed next to Buffy, softly caressing her hair. Buffy's eyes flutter open, she smiles at him then the memory of the night before returns and she sits up. They are all alone in the bedroom. Spike strokes her, trying to calm her down.


SPIKE
Shh. It's okay, Sunshine.

BUFFY
Spike, what's going on? Have you found Dawn yet?

SPIKE
(sighing)
Not yet. Got in touch with George and Otis.
They're looking around. Clem's okay but he's
wounded so he's out of action.

BUFFY
How are you doing?

SPIKE
Still weak. Healing rapidly. You?

BUFFY
Still weak. Fingers are feeling better.


Spike lifts up a bandaged hand and kisses the palm.


SPIKE
I talked to Angel.

BUFFY
You did?

SPIKE
Told him to be on the look out for these blokes.
They might be going through L.A. He told
me that there had been an attack - on Faith.

BUFFY
What happened?

SPIKE
She managed to kill one, injured three more.
Came out of it with only a cut on her arm and
side to show for it.

BUFFY
Why Faith?

SPIKE
Goes with what your sis said about
a man claiming to be her watcher.
Angel said Faith was moved to
solitary - should be safer.

BUFFY
Dawn. I don't want her to be a Slayer.
I want her to have a normal life, like
I always wanted.

SPIKE
Not going to happen. First of all, she's a key.
Secondly, she's got you for a sis and me for a friend.
Don't know what's normal about any of that
and none of that will ever change or go away.

BUFFY
The Council.
Giles? Have you talked to Giles?

SPIKE
No. Called his landlady, called his ex - Olivia,
all his poncey friends. Only thing I could get
out of the lot of them is that he left a day
or so ago.

BUFFY
Left? Maybe he's coming here!

SPIKE
Don't know. Nobody knew much.

BUFFY
Spike? How did you find out the numbers
for all those people?

SPIKE
Believe me, you don't want to know.

BUFFY
Spike.

SPIKE
Remember when Giles and I bonded. Sort
of had shared memories for awhile. I still have them.

BUFFY
You do?

SPIKE
I can remember the time you first walked into
the library, luv. Remember watching you smash
the Master's bones. Have strange memories of the
arguments I had with Giles. Sort of skewed, now
being from two different perspectives.

BUFFY
If you have his memories does that mean he has yours?

SPIKE
Think so. Never really talked about it.

BUFFY
Then he has memories of last year when we...Oh, no!


Buffy shoves her head under the covers.


SPIKE
Buffy? Pet?

BUFFY
Leave me alone and let me die of embarrassment.

SPIKE
Giles loves you. No matter what.
I know he does.


Buffy sticks her head out from under the covers and looks at Spike.


BUFFY
You're sure?

SPIKE
You're like the child he never had.
You're his daughter.




INT. - DAWN'S CELL - DAY

Nigel is standing watching Dawn sit on the floor and eat her breakfast.


NIGEL
You'll be like the child I never had.
My daughter. It will be wonderful.
I'll show you the world.

DAWN
You'll show me the world? Really?

NIGEL
Certainly.

DAWN
Well, there's a house on Revello I'd
like to see about now.

NIGEL
And you will see it again. Someday.
But right now we need to concentrate on your
skills. What have you been taught?


Dawn shrugs her shoulders.


DAWN
Not much. I know a few moves. I've
used a crossbow before. Used a sword to fight
some dirt monsters. Oh, and once I staked a
vampire using part of my Little Bo Peep costume.

NIGEL
Abysmal. We'll need to start your training
as soon as possible then. It would be best if I
could see you in action, of course.



EXT. - OUTSIDE OF THE WAREHOUSE - DAY

Giles and Travers are outside of the warehouse looking for a way in. They're standing behind a pile of crates and keep darting glances at their objective.


GILES
I still say we should contact Buffy.
Let her know what's going on.

TRAVERS
This is Council business and I refuse to
air our dirty linens to all and sundry.

GILES
She's the Slayer.

TRAVERS
All the more reason to keep the Council's
weaknesses from her. We can handle this.
We are armed. We are both experienced operatives.
We will simply kidnap Nigel and force him back to
London with us to stand trial before the Watchers.
We should be able to get in with very little problem.


Giles and Travers hear a sound behind them. Slowly they turn to find several of Nigel's associates there with guns pointed at them. Giles and Travers slowly raise their hands above their head. The goons start patting them down, taking their weapons from them


GILES
You were absolutely right. Getting in
will be no problem, though it does appear that the
getting out will be quite difficult.




INT. - BUFFY'S DINING ROOM - DAY

Willow is working at her laptop. Buffy and Spike are watching her. Spike is alternating between drinking blood and feeding Buffy a sandwich. Xander enters the room. He walks over to Willow and gives her a quick kiss.


WILLOW
Hi Honey.

XANDER
Looks like almost the entire gang is up and
about. Where's An?

BUFFY
She's trying to get in touch with D'Hoffryn.
She's hoping to get her job back again.

WILLOW
I hope she does. It would be pretty handy
if she were a vengeance demon right now
'cause, hey, we all could use her.

XANDER
I see that Willow is wielding the mighty power
of the Internet. And this is because why?

SPIKE
Seems Mitchell used a credit card at Anya's shop
not so long ago. Willow's hacking into his financial
records, trying to see if there are any clues as to where
he might be holed up.

XANDER
Oh. Find anything?

WILLOW
Maybe. Buffy has there been any major
electrical work done at the studio that you know of?

BUFFY
No. There's not a lot of need for that.

WILLOW
Well, a few weeks ago he charged almost
two thousand dollars on his card to
Right Light Electrical. There's a few other
items that might be suspicious.

BUFFY
Maybe we should make a little trip over
to Right Light and see if we can convince
the owner to give us the information.


Buffy looks at her hands.


BUFFY
Some one else will have to do the actual
pounding on him, though.

XANDER
Buffy, there's a better way.


Xander crosses to the phone and picks it up.


XANDER
Hi. I need the number for Right Light Electrical.
Located in Sunnydale, or nearby.


Xander picks up a pencil from the table and using the pad next to it, writes a number down.


XANDER
Thank you.


Xander disconnects then, consulting the number, dials the phone. As it rings he smiles at the other Scoobies.


XANDER
Is this the owner of Right Light Electrical?
It is? My name is Alexander Harris and I'm the supervisor
at the job site at Elm and Grant. Right. The big one.
I got your name from Mitchell. He had you do some
work for him a month or so ago. That's right. Where
was that located again?


Xander picks up the pencil and starts writing.


XANDER
Okay. Well I just wanted to let you know that if
we're ever in need of a secondary supplier for our electrical
we're going to give you a call. Good. Thanks.


Xander hangs up the phone and passes the pad to Willow. Buffy, Spike and Willow are staring at him.


XANDER
What can I say? I have unfathomable depths.

BUFFY
It's just...Xander, you're such a grown-up
sometimes.

XANDER
Should be. Think I aged about ten years yesterday.


Spike stands and looks at the address.


SPIKE
I'll contact George and Otis.
Have them check the place out.

WILLOW
I'll see if I can find out anything
about it on the computer.


A small bang is heard and a wisp of smoke billows into the room.


XANDER
What the...

BUFFY
Sounds like Anya's call went through, too.



INT. - WAREHOUSE, MAIN ROOM - DAY

Giles and Travers are standing with wrists bound surrounded by henchmen. Mitchell and Paul are watching off to the side. Nigel is pacing in front of them.


NIGEL
Quentin Travers and Rupert Giles.
The traditionalist and the maverick. The two
of you, working together. It practically boggles
the mind.

TRAVERS
We're both members of the Council of Watchers
while you are an abomination.


Nigel strides forward and punches Travers in the stomach, doubling him over.


NIGEL
Still arrogant, I see. You both must be.
You actually thought that you could simply waltz
in here and take me prisoner? Was I supposed to
tremble at your venerable experience? Wail with
terror and repent my sins?

GILES
No. We didn't believe you would be that wise.

NIGEL
And you Rupert - do you think that your
beloved slayer will save you? I believe that
she's had some recent tragedy and pain in her life.
She has quite a lovely voice. Did you know that
she can hit a high C when she screams?


Rupert stares at Nigel. His face becomes cold and hard, his body stiff.


GILES
(icily)
For that remark, and for that remark
alone, I will kill you.

NIGEL
I'm afraid you have that backwards old man.
Seems I'm going to be killing you.

PAUL
No! The vampire was one thing. Hurting the
warlock and witch, well it's too late to do anything about
that. I will not stand by and watch you kill members
of the Watchers Council for interference. We need to take
them back. Have them stand trial at the Council.

NIGEL
Mitchell, I suggest that you take your nephew aside
and explain a few facts to him. The main one being that this
is a rogue operation. That you two are working for me and
not the Council And that these two men would not be
standing trial, we would.


This staggers Paul. He turns to Mitchell, stricken.


PAUL
You told me this was by order of the Council.
That Dawn needed to be taken away from her friends
and family. That the vampire, demon, witches - they were a
bad influence on her and needed to be destroyed.
(screaming)
You said that we were saving her.


Mitchell just looks at him, not denying anything. Paul can see the truth on his face.


PAUL
Damn you. Damn you all.


Paul runs out. One of the goons starts to follow him, but Nigel stops him.


NIGEL
Let him go. He'll be back. After all,
where could he possibly go at this point?
In the meantime, take our guests upstairs. Keep them in
separate rooms. Wouldn't want them to try to plan
anything. We'll dispose of them in the morning
before we leave town.


Giles and Travers are led away. Mitchell goes to stand beside Paul.


MITCHELL
Sorry about that little scene with the boy.
He's young, still idealistic.


Nigel waves the matter away, dismissing it.


NIGEL
I was thinking as this will be our last night near the
Hellmouth we might want to celebrate a little bit.
As soon as it gets dark have your men go out and round
up the most brutish demon they can find and bring him
back here, unharmed. I would love to see exactly what
Miss Dawn Summers knows in the way of combat.



INT. - BUFFY'S LIVING ROOM - DAY

D'Hoffryn is standing in the middle of the room. Anya is beseeching him to let her become a demon again. Buffy and Xander are at the edge of the room watching. Willow goes to join them.


WILLOW
(whispering)
What's happening?

BUFFY
D'Hoffryn keeps telling Anya "No". Said
she was an embarrassment to justice demons this
last time and he's not going to give her another chance.
Anya is still talking to him, though.

XANDER
I figure if she can just keep him talking, she'll wear him
down. No one can argue, cajole, and bargain like Anya.
She'll probably end up making him some sort of deal.

D'HOFFRYN
For the last time, Anyanka, no! You no longer
have the will, the feel for it.
(pointing at Xander)
Look. There stands your own ex-fiancé. He jilted
you and yet lives on. No pulsating boils, no rotting
limbs, nothing.

BUFFY
Wait. She is a good demon. There were some
guys and she knocked them flat on their back.

D'HOFFRYN
By ripping out theirs spines?

BUFFY
No. She just kind of gave them this
magic push type thing.


D'Hoffryn throws up his hands in disgust and starts pacing.


D'HOFFRYN
Face it Anyanka. You no longer possess the
fire, the feel to being a demon. The only one here
with potential is that one.


D'Hoffryn points to Willow. Then he starts approaching her.


D'HOFFRYN
You. Already you can feel the pain that runs through
people's souls. You could take that pain. Twist it,
use it. Have them curse their tormentors. Once before
I offered you the opportunity to become one of us and
you turned me down. Now I offer again. Will you join us?

WILLOW
Buffy? Xander?

D'HOFFRYN
You could help your friends. Save the girl you are
worried about. And you would have magic and power.
I sense how you miss it. How you loved it. Once again,
it would be yours.

XANDER
(mumbling)
I really must be a demon magnet.

WILLOW
Buffy. I don't know what to do.

BUFFY
Willow. It's your choice.

WILLOW
But Dawn...If I say yes then she'll be safe.

BUFFY
No. Don't think of Dawn. If you want to become
a demon and get your powers back - do so. If you
don't - refuse him. It's your decision.

WILLOW
Xander?

XANDER
Willow, I'll love you no matter what.


Willow looks at them both. She then turns to D'Hoffryn.


WILLOW
You're right. I do miss the magic.
But I don't need it. Not anymore.
I'm fine just as I am. I thank you
for offering but the answer is no.

D'HOFFRYN
Very well. I have wasted far too much time here.

ANYA
Fine. Leave. But you and I will be talking.
(brightly)
Maybe we can do lunch.


D'Hoffryn rolls his eyes, then disappears in a puff of smoke. Buffy and Xander look at Willow, then they both surround her and give her a hug.


WILLOW
What's this? I thought you didn't care and
this sure feels like a "Yay! You're not a demon!"
type of hug.


Anya approaches the trio.


ANYA
I'm not a demon either. Do I get a hug?


Xander and Willow reach over and pull Anya into the embrace. Spike wanders in and looks at them.


SPIKE
Oh, I see. Have a group hug when the
Big Bad's not around. Well don't worry about me.
I do just fine without all that touchy-feely mumbo jumbo.


Buffy reaches out and drags Spike by the arm into the hug over his feeble protests. Willow latches onto his other arm. The group is standing there, still hugging when Paul bursts through the front door. They're startled and start to lose their balance. They end up tumbling on the floor in a heap while Paul stands over them, eyes almost bugging out.


PAUL
I didn't mean to interrupt your...
your whatever.


Buffy gets up from the floor first and helps the others to their feet, then turns to Paul.


BUFFY
Do I know you?

WILLOW
Oh. He's that friend of Dawn's. Paul, right?

SPIKE
Dawn said he was in on it. Was at my crypt, too.

ANYA
And he was at the Magic Box last night.


Xander grabs Paul by the arms and slams him up against the stairwell.


XANDER
(threatening)
Seems we owe you a little something. So glad
you came by so we could make sure you got paid.

PAUL
Wait. I want to help Dawn.

BUFFY
Xander let him down.


Xander glances at Buffy in disbelief and drops Paul but first manages to knock his head back against the stairwell a bit.


BUFFY
So, talk.

PAUL
I know where Dawn is.

WILLOW
So do we. They're in a warehouse outside of town.
All the abandoned warehouses in town and they
actually lease one. Wankers.


Spike smiles at Willow and gives her a thumbs up for her terminology. She beams.


PAUL
I know why they have her.

XANDER
So do we. They think she's going to
be a slayer. As soon as they kill Faith, that is.

PAUL
I know about the two guys who already
tried to get in the warehouse.


Paul pauses, waiting for one of them to step forward with the information. When none do, he continues.


PAUL
These two guys - they said they were
from the Council. Giles and Travers.
Nigel is planning to kill them.

BUFFY
Giles! They have Giles! We've got to save him!

PAUL
It's got to be tonight. By tomorrow
morning, they'll be gone.

BUFFY
Spike, what are we going to do?
You're still healing. I'm still weak.
Jonathan's in the hospital.

SPIKE
How many are there?

PAUL
There's Nigel and Mitchell. They're in charge.
We lost a couple in the operation, as you know.
Dawn put Jim out of commission so there's
Gary, Rafe, and six others who matter. We've
also got a couple of locals, but I figure if
something happens - they'll just take off.

SPIKE
So ten, maybe twelve. Weapons?

PAUL
The usual assortment of guns, knives.
Everyone's experienced at hand-to-hand.

SPIKE
Paul, you get back in there. When it goes
down we'll need you there to keep Dawn and
the others safe. Slayer, I think it's time
for you and I to call in some IOUs.




INT. - WAREHOUSE, MAIN ROOM - NIGHT

Mitchell and Nigel are seated in two of the many folding chairs situated around the room. Two gunmen are standing near them. Paul is with them. There is a stairwell on the side of the room that leads to the upper floor.


NIGEL
So glad you came back when you did Paul.
It would have been a shame if you had missed
the entertainment I have planned.

PAUL
Entertainment?

NIGEL
Since I did not have the privilege of watching
Miss Summers train at the Martial Arts Studio
I've arranged for a private demonstration.


Dawn is arriving from her room, escorted down the stairs by Rafe and Gary. Rafe's nose is swollen and bruised. He pushes her forward roughly.


NIGEL
Rafe. Gently now.
(to Dawn)
It's time for the start of your training, my dear.
Unfortunately, I am unsure of what skills you possess.
I thought, perhaps, you could show me.


Dawn looks around at Rafe, Gary, and Paul.


DAWN
Sure. I'd be more than happy to
kick someone's butt for you.

NIGEL
I can't tell you how pleased I am
to hear you say that.


A door opens and four men push forward a demon. He's almost seven feet tall. He's clad only in a pair of pants. His upper body is a mass of muscles. His hands are huge, and his claws are sharp. Fiendish tusks come from the corners of his mouth. He has a long thick tail with a club-like growth on the end. Dawn looks at him, surprised.


NIGEL
This is to be your opponent. I feel he'll be a
bit more of challenge than any one of us.


Mitchell throws Dawn a football helmet.


MITCHELL
Better put this on. This guy has a reputation
for dropping people on their heads - hard.


The men near the monster push him into the center of the room then go to stand near Nigel and Mitchell. Dawn puts on the helmet. Paul moves to the far side of the room, near the door. He's scared for Dawn and doesn't want to watch this spectacle.

Dawn and the monster start circling around the open area. The monster lunges for her, but Dawn dives and avoids him. They circle again, the demon growling.


DAWN
You sound mad. I don't blame you.
I'm not too happy about being here myself.


The demon lunges again. This time Dawn rolls to the right and comes up behind him. Spinning, she kicks him on his rear. He falls but gets right back up with a roar.


DAWN
Hey, not my fault we're fighting. See those
men over there, the one in the suit and the
other one next to him. They're the reason.


The demon spins around, swinging his tail at her. She leaps over it.


DAWN
I'd argue with them but those guys behind
them with the guns - I don't think arguing
would do much good with them.


Dawn and the beast circle around each other again, getting closer to the spectators. The demon grabs one of the chairs and starts to swing it at her. Dawn keeps backing away. She's alongside Nigel and Mitchell now who are watching avidly. The gunmen behind them are transfixed by this dance with death.


DAWN
So what do you say? Can we be friends?


The demon advances on her snarling. He closes the gap until he's almost on top of her. The onlookers gasp, sure she is about to die. The demon raises the chair to smash it down on her but turns and slams it into Nigel and Mitchell sending them to the floor in a tangle of metal and flesh instead. Using his powerful tail he swings it knocking several gunmen across the room. Reaching over, he smashes the heads of the remaining gunmen's head's together. Grabbing the two guns he tosses one to Dawn who catches it.

Dawn gives the demon a quick hug who hugs her back.


DAWN
Otis, have I told you how much I love you?

OTIS
Not recently little one.


They head for the door where Paul is standing there, mouth agape.


DAWN
Paul, get out of my way.

PAUL
You can't leave.

DAWN
Don't try to stop us.

PAUL
You don't understand. Giles and Travers are here.

DAWN
Giles? Here? Otis, we have to save him!

PAUL
They're upstairs in a couple of
locked storage rooms.


Dawn and Otis head for the stairs, Paul following behind them. As they run Paul calls to Dawn.


PAUL
You know, there was a rescue
planned for midnight.


Dawn, Otis, and Paul race down the hallway. They can hear their captors starting to recover.


OTIS
(indicating a door)
Someone's in here. I can smell him.


Dawn starts to try to kick the door in. Otis moves her out of the way and with one kick the door flies off of its hinges.


DAWN
You're going to have to teach
me how to do that.



Otis smiles at her and goes to the next room, breaking that door down, too. Dawn enters the room to find Travers sitting on an empty crate.


DAWN
I'm Dawn Summers and I'm here
to rescue you.


Quentin Travers just stares at her dumbfounded.


TRAVERS
What?


Dawn takes off the football helmet that was still on her head and tosses it into a corner while shaking her hair free.


DAWN
I'm Dawn Summers and I'm here to
rescue you. Now come on.


Quentin gets up and follows her into the hallway to see Giles, Otis, and Paul emerging from the room next door. Giles gives Dawn a quick hug. They hear noises of a pursuit coming up the stairs. Paul motions for them to follow him. They run down the hallway, Otis covering their rear. They come to a door at the end of the hall where they pile into the room. Bullets are starting to zing at them. Otis is hit slightly in the arm but it is only a scratch. He locks the door and starts piling the items in the room against it while the others go to the window.


GILES
It's too far to jump

DAWN
Use this.


Dawn starts unraveling the rope from around her waist. Paul and Travers stare at her. Giles knows the Summers girls too well to be shocked.


TRAVERS
But what will we tie it to?

DAWN
No need. Otis, you can make this
jump, can't you?


Otis glances out and nods his head. Dawn hands him one of the ends of the rope.


DAWN
Okay, Otis. Lower this one out
the window first. Hurry.


Dawn thrusts the end of the rope into Travers' hands. He looks at her then twists them around his fists and goes out the window. Within moments, Otis pulls the rope back up and Giles descends next. As Paul goes out the window, the door begins to shudder from being repeatedly hit by the men trying to reach them. Dawn looks at Otis and nods. As Paul reaches the ground the rope drops. He stares at it. Not understanding, he looks up to see Otis leaping to the ground with Dawn in his arms. Otis sets Dawn gently on her feet. She reaches up and hugs him again.


DAWN
Otis, in a few years I am definitely
going to marry you.


As a group they start hurrying down the street. A shadow rises up in front of them startling Giles, Travers and Paul. Dawn rushes up to it.


DAWN
George? You're here, too?


The shadow makes a hissing, spluttering noise.


OTIS
George says there's a car just around
the corner we could use.

TRAVERS
And the keys?

DAWN
We don't need keys. Key girl here.


The group takes the corner at a run. A pink convertible with purple shag interior and large fuzzy dice hanging from the rearview mirror is parked there. Dawn races for the driver's seat. Giles and Paul pile in beside her. Quentin Travers is sitting between George and Otis. He's waiting for Dawn to show some sort of magical power. Instead she starts to hotwire the car.


TRAVERS
You're simply stealing it?

DAWN
Yep. Spike taught me how.

TRAVERS
Spike?

DAWN
He's Buffy's boyfriend.

OTIS
George and I work for him.

TRAVERS
Giles? Why is this Spike teaching our
potential slayer criminal skills?

GILES
He teaches her because he cares.


The engine roars to life and Dawn laughs triumphantly. She slams her foot on the gas and the car begins to race down the street.


TRAVERS
Giles?

GILES
Spike, also known as William the Bloody.
He's killed two slayers. He is of the line of
Aurelius. His sire is Drusilla. Her sire is Angelus.

TRAVERS
My God.

DAWN
That's a little out of date, Giles.
Buffy's his sire now. She won him in a
challenge. I don't think she's ever going to
give him up, either.

TRAVERS
My God.


A car races up behind the convertible. It is long and black. Gary and Rafe are inside. Dawn smiles. The car pulls up alongside them. Dawn swings hard to the left ramming the convertible against the other car. The black car is knocked from the road and sent crashing into a building.


TRAVERS
And did this Spike teach Dawn how to drive?

GILES
(smugly)
No. I did.




EXT. - BUFFY'S HOUSE - NIGHT

The convertible screeches to a halt at the house and the occupants start climbing out. There are already several cars in the driveway and on the street nearby. Giles leads the way up the steps and motions everyone inside.


GILES
Hurry. They'll probably be here in just a few minutes.


Travers and Paul are the first in the house followed by Dawn, George, and Otis. Giles closes the door behind him locking it, then turns around. The room is filled and everyone is looking at them.

Facing them, near the door, are Daniel and Montgomery (from the flower shop) and a short, slightly furry, slightly dog like creature. Slowly the fur starts to disappear and a slight man with dyed hair emerges. Dawn stares at him then throws herself into his arms.


DAWN
Oz! What are you doing here?

OZ
Rescue - but hey, no need now.


Buffy is moving through the crowd with Spike, Willow, Anya, and Xander behind her. She hugs Dawn tightly to her. Anya sees Giles and squeals with delight pushing over to him.


GILES
Anya!


They begin to kiss, ignoring all the others in the room. Reluctantly Buffy releases Dawn who is then caught up in an embrace with Spike, Willow, and Xander.


DAWN
Spike. They said you were hurt.
And Buffy, oh your hands.

SPIKE
We're healing. What about you?

BUFFY
How did you get away?

DAWN
Otis helped.


Dawn looks around the room. Janice and Jeff are there along with several other students. She sees Willie and Devon. Many more demons and humans are standing around the room.


DAWN
Why are all these people here?

BUFFY
We put out the word that we needed help.
All these wonderful people showed up.
Riley is too far away, though and Angel is tied up.

SPIKE
Few more hours and we were going to
storm the fortress, so to speak. You being
here ruined our fun.

DAWN
Mitchell, Nigel, they'll be here soon!


Braking cars and car doors slamming sound from outside.


SPIKE
Seems like they've arrived.
(yelling)
Okay, people. These pillocks are armed with guns.
If you're not vulnerable to that sort of weaponry
move to the windows and the doors. If you are,
find a spot and hunker down.


Spike goes to the front door. Buffy puts her hand on his arm.


BUFFY
Where do you think you're going?

SPIKE
Going to negotiate a bit.

BUFFY
Believe me, diplomacy is not your calling.

SPIKE
Never said I was going to be diplomatic.



EXT. - BUFFY'S HOUSE - NIGHT

Nigel, Mitchell, Gary, Rafe, and the other henchmen are armed with guns and rifles. They're using their vehicles and open car doors as shields. Nigel walks forward.


NIGEL
We want the girl. Give her to us and
no one will get hurt.


Buffy, Spike, and Giles come out of the front door. Buffy moves in front of the other two.


BUFFY
It's not going to happen. She's my sister.

NIGEL
Buffy, I know the true story. She's not
even really your sister is she?

GILES
(mumbling)
Idiot. That line of reasoning didn't even
work two years ago when we were fighting Glory.

BUFFY
We'll never give Dawn up.

NIGEL
And the others? Are they willing
to die to protect her?


Spike moves forward to place an arm around Buffy. Giles moves forward, too.


SPIKE
We are.

NIGEL
How touching. Boys! Get ready.


Buffy, Giles, and Spike start backing off the front porch and to the door when the sound of sirens fills the air. Several police cars surround Nigel, Mitchell and their men.


POLICE
Drop your weapons! Now!


Nigel's men look at each other then slowly drop their weapons to the ground and raise their hands. Nigel glares at Buffy and then, he too, surrenders to the police.


GILES and SPIKE
(simultaneously)
Damn. I wanted to kill him.


Buffy looks at them, then smiles. Xander and Willow come onto the porch.


WILLOW
That was fast.

XANDER
Yeah, we only called them a few minutes ago.

BUFFY
You called them?

XANDER
Well, you know, human laws to govern humans.
That whole bit.

WILLOW
With assault, kidnapping, attempted murder -
thought the police might want to know.

BUFFY
I guess sometimes the police are useful.


Paul exits the front door with Dawn. Anya goes forward and wraps her arms around Giles' waist, watching the police herd the men into squad cars.


PAUL
I'm going to go with them. Show the
police where we stayed. There are probably tapes
of Dawn trapped in the room that were taken before
she destroyed the camera. I'll confess everything.
The charges should stick.

GILES
They most certainly will. The Council
will make sure of that.


Paul goes down the steps towards the police. Dawn watches him anxiously.


SPIKE
You destroyed a camera?


Dawn reaches into her pocket and carefully pulls out the metal and glass shards.


DAWN
Thought I could use the glass if they
decided to tie me up with rope and the
metal as a pick if they used handcuffs.
They never tied me up at all.

SPIKE
That was good thinking. Nice to see you've
been paying attention to my little lessons.


With a whoosh Halfrek appears. The others stare at her.


ANYA
I called for you hours ago.

HALFREK
I'm sorry, Anyanka. I had a little business
to conduct in Jamaica.

ANYA
Is that why you have a tan?

HALFREK
(insulted)
The tan was acquired before you called.


Halfrek sees Dawn and goes to her.


HALFREK
Dawn, I sense that you have a
need for my services.


Halfrek turns and glares at Buffy who raises her bandaged hands in an "I'm innocent" pose.


DAWN
I'm fine. The bad guys are going to jail and
I guess everything is okay.

HALFREK
(cajolingly)
You don't want to make even a little wish?


Dawn glances at Buffy and her friends. She looks at the house filled with people willing to fight to help her.


DAWN
Okay. Maybe a little one.



INT. - BUFFY'S HOUSE - NIGHT

Music is pouring through the house. Oz, Devon and the other band members are playing. Streamers and balloons decorate the rooms. Snacks and drinks are scattered around on almost every available surface. Everyone in the house is having a good time.

Xander and Willow are drinking sodas, watching the band and flirting with each other. Dawn is dancing with Jeff and Janice.


JEFF
Dawn, this is some party. Good wish.

DAWN
Thanks.

JEFF
There's this really cool motorcycle
that I would just love to have.
(nodding toward Halfrek)
You think she'd grant me a wish?


Dawn looks over at Halfrek and smiles, then turns back to Jeff.


DAWN
Not a chance.


Otis approaches Dawn who beams at him.


OTIS
Little one? Honor me with a dance?


Dawn nods eagerly. Otis takes her hand and swings her away from Janice and Jeff.


Anya is talking to Halfrek, trying to convince her to help her in her plan to gang up on D'Hoffryn and get her pendant back.


ANYA
I figure if you and the other justice demons
go on some sort of strike it should work. I mean,
this could have happened to anybody.
If we all work together...


Anya spies Giles talking to Travers and loses her train of thought. She pulls Halfrek over towards them.


GILES
Although my memories are now a little fuzzy,
thank the Lord, I assure you that he could
be an excellent source of information.

ANYA
(interrupting)
Who could?


Giles glances at her distracted.


GILES
Spike. As I was saying...

ANYA
Oh. I'm an excellent source of information too.

GILES
(placating)
I'm sure you are my dear.
(back to Quentin)
He can provide you with interesting facts about...

ANYA
I know interesting facts.


Giles turns to her, a little frustrated with her interruptions. Anya just gives him a huge smile.


ANYA
One interesting fact I know is that this house
that we're standing in actually has three bedrooms,
all of which contain beds. Currently none of those
three beds is in use.


Giles looks at her, finally getting it. He removes his glasses and places them in his pocket.


GILES
I'm sorry Quentin. You must excuse me.
It seems that Anya does have some interesting
information to impart.


Giles smiles at Anya who ,smiling back, grabs his hand and starts pulling him toward the stairs. Quentin watches in disbelief then turns and looks at Halfrek who is smiling at him. He feels a little awkward left in the company of a vengeance demon.


TRAVERS
This party - it's quite splendid. The
hors d'oeuvres are really marvelous.

HALFREK
Thank you. I take pride in my work.
So few do anymore.

TRAVERS
That's true. It seems so many things are
shoddily made these days.

HALFREK
No, not like when I was young.
Then craftsmanship was important.
The only thing more important was tradition.

TRAVERS
(warming up)
Tradition, yes, exactly.
I apologize. Since we were not introduced
Properly, allow me to introduce myself.
I am Quentin Travers.

HALFREK
Travers? Of the Devonshire Travers?

TRAVERS
Originally.

HALFREK
I'm Halfrek but I was an Addams. Originally.
Also from Devonshire. We're practically neighbors.
Aside from the pesky hundred-year difference.
(sighing)
I haven't been there in years. I do miss it.

TRAVERS
Then you should come for a visit. I
would be more than happy to escort you
and help you become reacquainted with the area.

HALFREK
That sounds like a lovely idea.




EXT. - BUFFY'S BACKYARD - NIGHT

Buffy is sitting on the grass, looking up at the stars and listening to the music coming faintly from the house. Spike approaches her from behind. He's carrying a soda for her and a beer for himself. He plops down beside her and looks at her carefully.


SPIKE
You're missing the party, luv.

BUFFY
I know.

SPIKE
Your little sis is growing up.

BUFFY
She is.


Spike sighs and reaches over to her. He lifts her up and sits her on his lap, cuddling her to him.


SPIKE
Now what's going on in
that head of yours?

BUFFY
Spike, really, it's nothing.

SPIKE
(growling)
Slayer!

BUFFY
You do realize that the whole growl
and slayer thing lose some of its threat
when your mouth is nibbling on my ear
and one of your hands is on my butt.

SPIKE
Talk to me, Sunshine.

BUFFY
Nigel was right.
(at his look)
Not the way he went about it, of course,
but the whole Dawn has to be trained thing.

SPIKE
Then we'll start training her.
Giles and I could take turns.

BUFFY
Spike, you may not have noticed this
but we live on the Hellmouth.

SPIKE
Did too notice it.

BUFFY
It's not safe for her here.
Not while she's being trained.
And tonight, we practically announced to the
entire world that Dawn is going to be a slayer.

SPIKE
Right. Didn't think about that.
She's going to be a target.
We painted a sodding bull's-eye on her.

BUFFY
No slayer strength yet. No slayer senses.
She's incredibly vulnerable.

SPIKE
Not that vulnerable.

BUFFY
Too vulnerable to stay here.

SPIKE
Buffy?

BUFFY
I think the best thing for her would be to go
somewhere. Train where it's safer. Where
no one knows who she is.

SPIKE
Right. Then we'll all move.
You and Red can transfer schools.
You were going to need another job any way.
Xander has skills. He can get a job practically
anywhere. Watcher and demon girl can sell the
Magic Box and buy another store somewhere.

BUFFY
Spike, I'm not moving. I'm needed here.
It's the Hellmouth.

SPIKE
You mean you'd send your sis off? Alone?

BUFFY
Maybe not alone.
(looks up at the sky)
It really is beautiful.

SPIKE
What is?

BUFFY
Life.

SPIKE
Oh. Thought for a moment you meant me.

BUFFY
(laughing)
Pig!

SPIKE
What? I'm beautiful! My mum told me so years
ago and she never uttered a lie in her life.


Buffy pushes him on his shoulders and he tumbles back. She rolls off of him and stretches out beside him on the grass.


BUFFY
I think I could stay out here and look
at the stars forever.

SPIKE
Sounds like a plan.


Spike leans over her and starts kissing her neck.


BUFFY
Spike.

SPIKE
Don't pay any attention to me.
Just keep looking at that sky of yours.


Spike moves lower down her body, no longer in camera range as we focus on Buffy's face. She's beginning to breathe heavily. We hear clothing being moved, shifted. Buffy starts to gasp. She closes her eyes.


BUFFY
(moaning)
Spike.

SPIKE
The stars, Buffy. Look at the stars.


Buffy eyes open and she looks up. Her eyes are filled with wonder, love and unshed tears.




FADE TO BLACK


Note: One more chapter to go.