6.19Seeing red
2006.03.24. 21:04
6.19Seeing red
TEASER
INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - WILLOW'S ROOM - DAY
The soft light of morning filters through the window, creating a warm glow. Willow and Tara are in bed under the covers, glowing even warmer, slick with sweat and out of breath.
WILLOW When did morning happen?
TARA After the moon went down.
Willow laughs, kissing her soft and sensual. Deep love territory.
WILLOW Mmm. I forgot how good this could feel. Us. Together. (a bit guiltily) Without the magic.
TARA (soft) There was plenty of magic, Will.
Willow smiles, snuggling closer. Totally at peace. Tara gently strokes her hair. Willow eyes the sunlight streaming through the window.
WILLOW It's getting late.
TARA You want to get up?
WILLOW No. God, no. I was just thinking about Buffy.
TARA (realizing) Oh. She's still not back?
WILLOW I didn't hear her. (worried) She wouldn't talk about what happened at the magic shop when she got home last night. She just wanted to know how close I got to tracing the camera signal back to the Empire of the Nerds. And then she left again.
TARA I'm sure she'll be okay.
WILLOW I'm not worried about her going up against Warren and the others. I know this is going to sound crazy, but... I think there might be something going on. With Buffy and Spike.
Tara slides into uncomfortable. Willow doesn't notice.
WILLOW (cont'd) She looked so hurt when she saw him with Anya. I think maybe --
TARA (blurted) They've been sleeping together.
WILLOW (laughs) I don't know if I'd go that far.
TARA No, I mean she told me they've been sleeping together.
WILLOW They're sleeping together? The naked kind of together?
TARA I'm sorry I didn't say anything. I promised her I wouldn't.
WILLOW Does everyone else know? Am I the only one she didn't --
TARA No, god. She didn't even mean to tell me. It just came out.
WILLOW How could she hide something like that from me?
TARA I think she was afraid of the look you'd get on your face. Kinda like the one you're wearing now.
WILLOW No, I'm not -- I'm just trying to understand.
TARA So is she.
A beat as Willow absorbs this. Her bruised feelings give way to concern for Buffy.
WILLOW She probably really needs someone to talk to.
TARA Probably.
Tara gently kisses Willow's forehead.
TARA (cont'd) We were kinda busy. Maybe we didn't hear her come home.
INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - DAY
Willow, in a big oversized football shirt for a nightie, knocks softly on Buffy's closed door.
WILLOW Buffy?
No reply. She creaks the door open, peeks inside. Buffy's bed hasn't been slept in. She closes the door, heads back to her room.
DAWN (O.S.) Is she back yet?
Willow starts, turns. Dawn is coming out of the bathroom in her pajamas.
WILLOW Not yet. But I'm sure she'll be back soon. Everything's fine. Go back to bed.
DAWN (hello) It's ten o'clock.
WILLOW Oh, umm...
DAWN (worried) You don't think she'd hurt Spike. Do you?
WILLOW (surprised, hurt) She told you about Spike?
DAWN It was kinda obvious last night.
WILLOW (totally not) Yeah, I totally knew.
DAWN It must have hurt so much. Seeing him and Anya like that. And poor Xander... Everything's so screwed up.
WILLOW It's gonna be all right. It's just... complicated. When people have such strong feelings for each other, sometimes they --
Tara comes out of the bedroom behind Willow, wrapped in a blanket.
TARA Is she back yet -- (spotting Dawn) Oh. Hey.
Tara wraps the blanket around herself more tightly. Dawn is stunned.
DAWN You -- you two -- Oh my god!
Dawn explodes in radiant delight.
DAWN (cont'd) Oh my god oh my god oh my god!
TARA Think that's my cue to put some clothes on.
DAWN No! I'm totally not here. You guys do whatever you want. I'll watch TV. Really loud. In the basement. Where I can't hear. Anything. Oh my god! Oh my god!
She dashes off, beyond excited. Willow and Tara share a blushing smile. Dawn dashes back up.
DAWN (cont'd) I love you guys!
She dashes off again. Willow and Tara beam.
INT. TRIO'S LAIR - DAY
The door to the basement explodes as Buffy kicks it clean off its hinges. She stands at the top of the stairs, a study in power, ready to kick some serious ass.
BUFFY (calling them out) All right. Let's make this quick.
A beat. No response. Buffy's jaw tenses as she descends the stairs, her pissed meter rising dangerously.
BUFFY (cont'd) Fine. But I'm not leaving till we have a little chat.
She spots a bunch of obscenely sexy Vampirella-type action figures, frowns at them.
BUFFY (cont'd) Very little, considering the pummeling that needs to transpire.
She starts poking around, seeing what they've been up to. She ends up by the evil-scheme white board which is tilted at an angle on its pivots.
BUFFY (cont'd) I mean, hello. Slayer here, guys. Did you really think I wouldn't find you
She absently tilts the white board down. Two words are written on it: TOO LATE. Buffy's brow furrows.
BUFFY (cont'd) Well that can't be good.
BUZZZ! A huge buzz saw pops out of the wall, slicing the white board in half. Buffy dives, barely avoiding the whirling blade.
BUZZ! BUZZ! BUZZ! Half a dozen more blades appear, shredding everything in their path. Buffy dodges left and right, a split hair away from being diced and sliced.
Two saw blades slice the air, one aimed at her knees the other at her chest. Buffy dives between theme spinning in mid-air. She lands on her feet and makes tracks for the door, grabbing evidence as she goes.
OMITTED
OMITTED
EXT. TRIO'S LAIR - DAY
Buffy dives out of the door with an armload of books, papers, and data CDs -- anything she could grab. She hits the ground hard.
Buffy rises, freezes. A saw blade has slashed the front of her jacket. She's untouched, but the jacket's a goner. Her eyes narrow, extra pissed.
BUFFY Okay. Now that's gonna cost you.
BLACK OUT.
END OF TEASER INT. UNDERGROUND CAVE - NIGHT
Warren slips the orbs into an ammo-style pouch attached to the side of his belt. The pouch is double-spherically contoured so the orbs fit perfectly. Jonathan eyes Warren cautiously.
JONATHAN You don't look any different.
Andrew pokes Warren, testing his flesh for mightiness.
ANDREW I thought they were supposed to make us all huge and veiny. Are you sure they're working right?
Warren looks past them, grins.
WARREN Let's find out.
A roar splits the air as a Nezzla demon charges up. Jonathan and Andrew shrink back, but Warren stands his ground. WHAM! The demon tears into him.
Warren exchanges bone-shattering blows, the grin never leaving his face. He blocks a punch, spins the demon around and SNAP! He brutally breaks its neck. The demon's body hits the ground right at Jonathan's feet.
JONATHAN (awed and horrified) Mahatma.
WARREN Welcome to the show, boys.
Andrew and Jonathan rush up.
ANDREW That was so hot!
JONATHAN Let me try 'em!
Jonathan reaches for Warren's orb pouch. Warren latches onto his wrist. Jonathan winces at the super-powered grip.
WARREN Watch the paws, little man.
Warren lets go. Jonathan rubs his wrist in pain.
JONATHAN We're supposed to share.
WARREN Relax. You'll each get a whirl... as soon as I'm done playing with 'em.
He smiles, full of sinister intent.
INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE XANDER'S APARTMENT - DAY
The door opens. Xander stares at Buffy, a beer in his hand. He hasn't shaved or slept.
BUFFY Hey.
XANDER (soft) Hey.
He turns away back into the apartment, leaving the door ajar. Buffy hesitates for a second, follows him in.
INT. XANDER'S APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS - DAY
Xander's apartment is a mess. Several items lay smashed or broken on the floor. The shades are drawn, adding to the gloom. Buffy eyes the destruction, her concern increasing.
XANDER (re: beer) Think there's still a cold one in the fridge. Haven't gotten around to busting the major appliances yet.
BUFFY Thanks. Still a little early for me.
XANDER The tyranny of the clock must be overthrown.
He toasts her with his beer as he slides onto the couch.
BUFFY So how many coup d' etats is that?
XANDER General Cirrhosis has seized control of Liver Parliament.
He smiles weakly, sips his beer. His pain is obvious, despite his jocularity.
BUFFY (gently) Xander, she loves you. You know that. What Anya did... She was just hurting, Xander. She was hurting and she did this really stupid thing.
XANDER With your boyfriend.
BUFFY (stung) He's not my boyfriend.
XANDER I know why Anya did... I understand that. I do. But you...
Xander's face gives way to confusion and hurt.
XANDER (cont'd) All those times I told Spike to get lost, that he didn't have a chance with a girl like you...
He laughs bitterly, kicking himself for being such a fool.
BUFFY You don't know how hard it's been.
XANDER Lying to me?
BUFFY (snapping) Being here. After I was brought back... You have no idea how hard it is just being here.
XANDER You could have told me.
BUFFY You didn't want to know.
The truth of that cuts Xander to the bone.
XANDER So you went to him instead?
BUFFY What I do with my life is none of your business.
XANDER (genuinely hurt) It used to be.
BUFFY It just happened, okay.
XANDER Oh, like, "Say, you're evil. Get on me."?
BUFFY Xander, you fought side by side with him when I was gone. You let him take care of Dawn --
XANDER But I never forgot what he really is. God, what were you thinking?
BUFFY You're asking me that? Right, 'cause your decision making skills have really sparkled lately.
XANDER I'm not saying I haven't made mistakes. But the last time I checked slaughtering half of Europe wasn't one of them. He doesn't have a soul, Buffy. Just a leash they jammed in his head. You think he'd still be all snuggles if that chip ever stopped working?
Buffy starts to reply.
XANDER (cont'd) Would you still trust him with Dawn then?
Silence. The answer is obvious.
BUFFY (a beat, soft) It doesn't matter. I'm not seeing him anymore. It's over.
XANDER (bitterly) Yeah. Lot of that going around.
He crushes the beer can in his hand, tosses it on the coffee table as he heads for the door. Buffy watches him go, nothing left to say.
EXT. SUNNYDALE STREET - NIGHT
Xander drifts down the street, disconnected, lost.
INT. MAGIC BOX - NIGHT
Anya drifts through the magic shop, equally lost. Her fingers trace across familiar objects on the shelves and displays, absently searching for an anchor.
She touches a human skull. continues on, pauses. Her eyes drift back to it. She picks it up, turns it in her hands. She reaches into its eye socket and pulls out the Trio's remote camera. She stares at it, unable to move. Numb.
EXT. MAGIC BOX - NIGHT
Xander is watching Anya through the front door window. There's so much he needs to say, so much he needs to understand.
He reaches down to open the door, stops. He stands there frozen for a moment, then turns away. It's just too much. He moves off down the street, still adrift.
INT. TARA'S DORM ROOM - NIGHT
Books and loose papers liberated from the Trio's lair are scattered across the foot of the bed.
WILLOW (O.S.) It's all a mess.
TARA (O.S.) These things just take time.
Willow and Tara are revealed, naked under the covers. Willow is stretched out horizontally across the bed on her stomach, working the keyboard of her computer. Tara is sitting up against the headboard, thumbing through sheets of parchment, her legs draped over Willow.
TARA We'll figure it out.
WILLOW Sure. We'll decipher codes and foil evil schemes and --
TARA Finally get out of bed?
WILLOW I was with you up until there.
Willow's computer screen flashes.
WILLOW (cont'd) Whoa.
TARA What is it?
ANGLE ON COMPUTER SCREEN flashing through a dozen blueprint schematics. Vaults. A train cargo car. A corporate office safe...
WILLOW One of their data CDs. It's filled with encrypted blueprints, schematics...
TARA To what?
WILLOW I'm not sure. Their designations have been stripped.
TARA Maybe we can cross-reference them with the county clerk's office.
WILLOW Would that involve getting up?
Tara smiles.
TARA Eventually.
WILLOW Then I'm coming out firmly against it.
TARA (playing along) What about the Trio's evil scheme?
WILLOW Kinda busy working on my own...
She grins seductively, disappearing under the covers. Tara giggles -- then gasps in pleasure.
TARA Evil's... good.
INT. THE BRONZE - NIGHT
A bartender fills a shot glass of whisky, spilling some on Xander's hand currently nursing it. A beautiful, tipsy WOMAN sitting one stool over laughs warmly.
BEAUTIFUL WOMAN You're all wet.
She hands him a cocktail napkin.
XANDER (wiping hand off) Good thing I'm part fish.
BEAUTIFUL WOMAN Which part?
XANDER The one with the hook in it.
BEAUTIFUL WOMAN Careful. Somebody might reel you in.
She eyes him appreciatively. Xander smiles awkwardly, surprised.
XANDER Yeah, but then there'd be the flopping and the gasping and sure, maybe it'd work out, but chances are I'd up and leave you at the helm in your white dress and they find you spawning with another fish who turns out to be spawning my very good friend night and day behind my back and then comes the fighting and again the flopping and the gasping 'cause hey -- Chicken of the Sea not doing great with the Women these days.
She stares at him for a beat.
BEAUTIFUL WOMAN Huh?
XANDER (sincerely) Sorry. I'm just looking to curl up with the quiet alone tonight.
ANGLE ACROSS THE BRONZE as the door flies open. Warren enters in a fancy suit, flanked by a similarly dressed Andrew and Jonathan.
JONATHAN (checking watch, nervous) We don't have time for this.
ANDREW Ease up, twitchy.
Warren spots FRANK, a six-four fountain of muscle standing with his gorgeous BRUNETTE GIRLFRIEND. Warren breaks into a grin, recognizing him.
WARREN All right. Let's make some noise.
OMITTED
EXT. CEMETERY- NIGHT
WHAM! Buffy cracks a VAMP hard across the chops. They exchange a quick flurry of blows. The Vamp holds his own.
BUFFY (exchanging blows) Not bad. How hard you donna hit when you're blowin' in the wind?
Buffy whips out a stake and plants it in the Vamp's heart -- but he lands one last kick before exploding into dust. Buffy flies back into a headstone, breaking it in half. She grimaces, pain shooting through her back.
BUFFY (cont'd) (grimacing) That was rhetorical.
INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - UPSTAIRS BATHROOM - NIGHT
Buffy enters in a bathrobe. She goes to the tub, grimacing at the pain in her back as she leans down to start the water.
SPIKE (O.S.) (concerned) You hurt?
Buffy gasps. Spike is now standing in the doorway (sans leather coat).
BUFFY Get out.
SPIKE We need to talk.
BUFFY I really don't.
SPIKE This isn't just about you -- as much you'd like it to be.
BUFFY You spoke. I listened. You leave.
SPIKE (soft, sincere) I'm sorry.
The sincerity in his voice affects Buffy despite her anger and hurt.
SPIKE (cont'd) Not that it matters now. But I needed you to know that.
BUFFY Why?
SPIKE Because I care about you.
BUFFY Then you might want to try the not sleeping with my friends.
SPIKE That's not... I didn't go to Anya for that. I was looking for a spell.
BUFFY (anger rising) You were going to use a spell on me?
SPIKE It wasn't for you. I wanted something -- anything to make this feeling stop. I just wanted it to stop. (a beat, soft) You should have let him kill me.
BUFFY I couldn't.
SPIKE Why?
BUFFY You know why.
SPIKE Because you love me.
A beat. This has gone way beyond pain and retribution. It's down to the truth now, once and for all.
BUFFY (softly, honestly) No. I don't.
SPIKE Why do you keep lying to yourself?
BUFFY I'm not saying I don't have feelings for you. I do. But it's not love. I could never trust you enough for it to become that.
SPIKE Trust is for old marrieds, Buffy. Great love is wild and passionate and dangerous. It burns and consumes.
BUFFY Until there's nothing left. That kind of love doesn't last.
He's moving towards her, desperate, tortured.
SPIKE I know you feel like I do. You don't have to hide it anymore.
He moves to kiss her. She gently tries to stop him.
BUFFY Spike --
SPIKE Let yourself feel it...
He's becoming more forceful.
BUFFY Stop it...
It's quickly escalated into a very real, very ugly struggle.
SPIKE You love me...
BUFFY Don't --
She stumbles back. She grabs onto the shower curtain, falling. The shower curtain rings pop off like gunfire as she goes down, WHACK! She gasps in pain as her back cracks against the edge of the tub, then her head as she stumbles more, dazing her.
Spike is on her, pinning her against the back of the tub, oblivious to her pain. His kisses are desperate, forceful.
SPIKE (kissing her) Let it go... Let yourself love me...
BUFFY (over) Stop it... please... stop...
He doesn't listen.
BLACK OUT.
END OF ACT TWO Seeing Red Written by: Stephen S. DeKnight Teaser Act One Act Two INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - UPSTAIRS BATHROOM - NIGHT
Buffy struggles with Spike, pain shooting through her injured back. He's on top of her, desperate, hungry.
SPIKE (kissing, touching) I know you felt it... When I was inside you...
BUFFY Don't...
She manages to push him off. She scuttles for the door like a wounded animal. He catches her leg, scrambling back on top of her and pinning her wrists down.
SPIKE You're going to let me inside you...
BUFFY Please...
SPIKE You'll feel it again, Buffy...
BUFFY Spike, stop...
He tears at her robe, getting it open.
SPIKE I'll make you feel it...
BUFFY STOP!
She shoves him back, exploding. He flies across the room, smashing midway up the opposite wall, cracking the plaster and crashing to the floor. Buffy stands, trembling with rage, fear -- and reclaimed power.
BUFFY (cont'd) Ask me again why I could never love you.
Spike looks up at her, realizing how far he just crossed the line.
SPIKE Oh god. Buffy... I didn't --
BUFFY Because I stopped you. Something I should have done a long time ago.
Spike can muster no response, the weight of his actions crushing down on him. Buffy stands motionless, her eyes slick with anger -- and a tinge of fear from almost being violated.
INT. THE BRONZE - NIGHT
Jonathan eyes the crowd nervously. Andrew stands next to him, sipping a fruity cocktail, salivating at all the beautiful women.
JONATHAN (eyeing crowd) What are we doing here? Somebody might recognize us.
Jonathan spots Warren putting the moves on the beautiful brunette. Her huge boyfriend is gone.
JONATHAN (cont'd) Oh, that'd just great. We're risking everything so Charles Atlas can get a date? He's going to end up getting us thrown in jail. Or worse. (carefully) Maybe you and me should think about --
ANDREW (shutting him down) Warren's the boss.
Andrew stares at Jonathan coolly.
ANDREW (cont'd) He's Picard. You're Deeana Troi. Get use to the feeling, Betazoid.
Andrew moves off to join Warren. Jonathan stares after him, realizing what a complete outsider he is now.
ON WARREN
oozing confidence and power. trying to charm the skirt off the brunette. Andrew appears off to the side, supporting his man.
WARREN ...the clothes, the cars, the money -- that's all just window dressing, baby. This is what's really important...
He takes her hand, cradling it sensually between both of his. She giggles, more amused than turned on.
WARREN (cont'd) Two souls, coming together --
FRANK (O.S.) Hey!
Warren turns -- and cranes his neck to look up at Frank looming over him. The boyfriend's back and there's gonna be trouble.
FRANK She only comes together with me. Get lost, shrimp.
Warren's face brightens in recognition.
WARREN Frankie? Oh my god, is that you?! How long has it been?
Frank stares down at Warren in confusion.
WARREN (cont'd) It's Warren, remember? Gym class, fifth period? (still jolly) Oh man, you and your jock buddies used to give me such a hard time. That thing with the underwear? God, I thought I'd never stop crying.
FRANK That was you?
WARREN Yeah, but hey, no hard feelings. I know you were just fooling around.
Warren pats the big man's shoulder in camaraderie, the smile never leaving his face.
WARREN (cont'd) Just like I'm gonna be with your girl in about five minutes.
FRANK (darkening) What'd you say?
Two of Frank's beefy friends move in behind him, ready for trouble. Andrew eyes them nervously.
WARREN You heard me, meathead. Take a walk.
Warren starts to turn back to the brunette. Frank grabs him.
FRANK You're dead, you little --
Frank yanks Warren, but can't budge him. Frank strains with all his might, but Warren doesn't move an inch. Warren smiles coolly.
WARREN This ain't high school.
WHAM! Warren hits him with an open palm to the chest. Frank goes flying across the room. He lands in a heap and stays there.
Frank's meathead pals attack. Meathead #1 launches a punch at Warren's jaw. Warren blocks the blow -- and snaps the meathead's arm like a dried twig. Meathead #1 howls in pain, dropping to his knees.
WHACK! Meathead #2 slams a chair across Warren's back. The chair splinters apart: WHAM! Warren backhands him, sending the Meathead sailing into the bottles lining the back of the bar.
The music has stopped. Andrew beams. Jonathan is horrified. The silent crowd stares at Warren in fear. He adjusts his tie, gives them a winning grin.
WARREN (cont'd) Let's party.
ANGLE ON RESTROOM as Xander exits, well lubricated. He pauses as he registers what's happening. Great. The end to a perfect night.
ON WARREN
walking up to the front of the bar where a handful of beautiful women are seated.
WARREN Don't worry about the tab, ladies.
He slams his fist down across the back of the cash register, smashing it open.
WARREN (cont'd) It's on daddy tonight.
He rips the drawer out, starts removing the cash. One of the women starts crying, totally terrified.
WARREN (cont'd) Aww, don't cry, baby.
He moves in close, using the stack of cash in his hand to sensually trace along the woman's bare arm.
WARREN(cont'd) Daddy's gonna give you some too...
XANDER (walking up) See now, I think it's the daddy thing that's throwing her. 'cause incest -- not that sexy.
JONATHAN (softly, watching) Aw crap.
XANDER So why don't we leave the ladies to their impending nausea and move the freakshow outside. Wadaya say?
A beat. Warren gives Xander a bright grin.
WARREN Okay. But can I ask you something first? You think maybe you could put a word in for me with that Anya chick? 'Cause if she's taking it from a vamp, I think I might have a chance --
POW! Xander slugs him in the face. Warren doesn't even twitch. Xander grips his hand in pain. Warren laughs.
WARREN(cont'd) No wonder she's screwing a dead guy. You hit like a girl.
XANDER (through the pain) At least I know how to get one.
Warren's face darkens. WHAM! He slugs Xander, sending him flying. Xander crashes across a table and smashes to the floor, bleeding and barely conscious. Warren advances, pushing the pool table casually out of his way as he goes, murder in his eyes.
WARREN Let's see how popular you are without a face...
Jonathan rushes up next to him, grabbing his arm.
JONATHAN Warren, we have to go.
Warren stares coldly at the offending hand on his arm. Jonathan prudently releases him.
WARREN We go when I'm ready.
JONATHAN Hey, your call.
Jonathan indicates his watch.
JONATHAN(cont'd) But we're gonna miss that thing you wanted to do tonight if we don't leave right now. That's all I'm saying.
Warren considers his options. He smiles at Xander still on the floor.
WARREN It's your lucky night. Shemp.
Warren turns away, heading for the door. Jonathan tries to hide how relieved he is. Andrew is shocked.
ANDREW We're just gonna leave him?! What if he sics the Slayer on us?
Warren shrugs as they hit the exit.
WARREN Bring her on.
OMITTED
INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - FOYER - NIGHT
The front door is hanging open. Xander hustles in, his face bruised and lip bleeding.
XANDER Buffy? I found Warren.
He glances into the living room and the dining room. Empty.
XANDER (cont'd) Actually, my face kinda found him --
He freezes. Spike's leather coat is draped across the banister at the foot of the stairs. Xander's face darkens.
OMITTED
INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - UPSTAIRS BATHROOM - NIGHT
Buffy is sitting on the edge of the tub in her torn bathrobe. Xander enters with Spike's coat, pissed.
XANDER This what you call not seeing Spike anymore --
Xander freezes, really seeing Buffy now. The torn robe. Her eyes red from tears.
XANDER (cont'd) (soft) What did he do? (rising anger) Did he hurt you? Buffy?
BUFFY He tried. He didn't...
She notices a bruise on her thigh, self-consciously covers it with her robe. Xander boils over.
XANDER Son of a bitch.
He heads for the door, intent on evening the score.
BUFFY (soft) Don't.
Xander pauses, shaking with anger.
BUFFY (cont'd) (soft) Please, just... don't.
Xander stands there, paralyzed, his fury giving way to concern for his friend. The downstairs door bangs shut. Buffy starts, extremely skittish.
Xander tenses as feet pound up the stairs. Willow appears in the doorway, flush with researchy excitement.
WILLOW Hey, I think we finally got something --
She sees Xander's battered face, Buffy's condition.
WILLOW (cont'd) (concerned) What happened?
BUFFY Nothing.
Buffy wipes at her eyes, turns to Willow, shifting into hero mode.
BUFFY (cont'd) What did you find out?
INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - DINING ROOM - NIGHT
The table is piled with the evidence Buffy snagged from the Trio's lair. Xander has an ice pack pressed to his bruised face. Buffy's dressed now and ready for action.
WILLOW We were able to decipher pretty much everything except these.
She hands Buffy half dozen sheets of a parchment inscribed with strange markings.
TARA It's not written in any ancient language we could identify --
XANDER (chuckling) It's Klingon. They're love poems -- (geek alert) -- which have nothing to do with the insidious scheme you're about to describe.
BUFFY What do you got that doesn't rhyme?
TARA This.
She holds up one of the data CDs.
WILLOW It was filled with encoded blueprints and schematics.
Willow lays out a stack of computer printouts from the CD.
BUFFY (eyeing them) To what?
Tara shuffles through the printouts.
TARA Banks, armored car routes, corporate vaults... This is big.
WILLOW They're looking to score some serious dinero. I don't think they're planning just one job.
XANDER Spree, anyone?
BUFFY (eyeing printouts) I can't cover all of these at once.
WILLOW You don't have to. There's one here we think they'll hit tonight.
TARA It's time sensitive.
Willow hands Buffy the printout.
XANDER Be careful. Warren's gone all Mighty Mouse. Emphasis on the might.
Xander tenderly feels his jaw. Buffy's face darkens. Just what the anger ordered.
BUFFY Good. I won't have to hold back.
INT. SPIKE'S CRYPT - NIGHT
The door to Spike's crypt crashes open. Spike bursts in (sans leather coat). Anger, humiliation, and regret swirl across his tormented face.
INT. BUFFY'S BATHROOM - FLASHBACK (ALREADY SHOT)
Spike has Buffy on the floor against the bathtub. Her face is twisted in pain as she tries to push Spike away.
INT. SPIKE'S CRYPT - CONTINUOUS
Spike clenches his eyes closed, attempting to shut out the incriminating images flashing through his mind.
INT. BUFFY'S BATHROOM - FLASHBACK (ALREADY SHOT)
Buffy is on the floor. Spike brutally pins her down.
INT. SPIKE'S CRYPT - CONTINUOUS
Spike's eyes snap open. He can't shake the images of the attack. He stalks over to his alcohol stash, pours a glass of vodka with trembling hands and raises it to his lips.
INT. BUFFY'S BATHROOM - FLASHBACK (ALREADY SHOT)
TIGHT ON BUFFY, in agony, as Spike tries to rip open her bathrobe.
INT. SPIKE'S CRYPT - CONTINUOUS
Spike explodes, his emotions boiling over. He crushes the glass of vodka in his hand. He stands there seething, at war with himself.
CLEM (O.S.) Um... knock knock?
Spike glances over. Clem is standing in the doorway, holding a bucket of Hot Wings. He gives a little wave, smiles awkwardly.
CLEM I was just in the neighborhood and I thought, you know, there's a Nightrider marathon on the TV, so, uh...
He holds up the bucket of chicken with a grin.
CLEM (cont'd) I got Hot Wings!
Spike stands there, trembling, lost.
SPIKE What have I done? (then) Why didn't I do it? What has she done to me?
CLEM She-done who?
Spike looks away, ashamed.
CLEM (cont'd) Oh. The Slayer, huh? Gosh. (sympathetic) She break up with you again?
SPIKE We were never together. Not really. She wouldn't lower herself that far.
CLEM She's a sweet girl, Spike, but hey. Issues. And no wonder, with the coming back from the grave and whatnot. I had this cousin, got resurrected by some kooky shaman -- who-boy! Was that a mess!
SPIKE Why do I feel this way?
CLEM (shrugs) Love's a funny thing.
SPIKE Is that what this is?
CLEM Well, I don't know. Drinking, breaking stuff -- how's your appetite? You been eating?
SPIKE I can feel it. Squirming inside my head.
CLEM Love?
SPIKE The chip. Little Jiminy Cricket, gnawing bits and chunks.
Spike puts his fingers to his heads probing harshly as if he's going to gouge the chip out with his bare hands. Clem eyes him with concern.
CLEM (re: Spike's head) Maybe a wet cloth...?
SPIKE Everything used to be so clear. Slayer. Vampire. Vampire kills Slayer, sucks her dry, picks his teeth with her bones.
CLEM (queasy) Metaphorically?
SPIKE That's how it's always been. I've tasted the life of two Slayers. But with Buffy... (hating himself) This isn't the way it's supposed to be. It's the chip. Steel and wires and silicon. It won't let me be a monster. And I can't be a man. I'm nothing.
Spike's self-loathing hits an all time low. Clem gives him an encouraging pat on the shoulder.
CLEM Hey. Come on now, Mr. Negative. You never know what's just around the corner. Things change.
Spike considers that, his wheels turning.
SPIKE They do. (a beat) If you make them.
Clem grins, slapping him on the back happily.
CLEM There you go! Bright side! Chin up!
SPIKE She thinks she knows me. She thinks she knows who I am. What I'm capable of. She has no idea. I wasn't always this way. It won't be easy, but I can be like I was. Before they castrated me. Before... (a beat) Then she'll see who I really am.
Spike smiles darkly, his eyes dancing with secret schemes. He grabs a nearby duffle bag - starts throwing stuff into it. Clem totally misses Spike's sinister intent.
CLEM Now you're talking!
Clem smiles brightly, offering Spike a delicious drumstick.
CLEM(cont'd) Hot wing?
OMITTED
EXT. AMUSEMENT PARK - NIGHT
The park has closed for the night. A banner hanging from a huge stone archway reads: OPENING WEEKEND!!!
The PARK ADMINISTRATOR is overseeing two ARMED GUARDS loading the day's gate from the DEPOSITORY BUILDING into the back of an armored car. There's so much they have to pack it in.
GUARD #1 All right, that's the last one.
Guard #2 seals the rear door, moves around front. Guard #1 wipes at the sweat beading on his forehead hands the Administrator a clipboard with a form to sign.
GUARD #1 (cont'd) Quite a haul.
PARK ADMINISTRATOR (signing form) Always the biggest gate of the year. (handing clipboard back) Don't lose any.
INT. ARMORED CAR CAB - NIGHT
Guard #2 throws the car into gear as Guard #1 slides into the passenger seat.
GUARD #2 Wanna grab a bite after? I think Ruby's is still...
Guard #2 is standing on the gas, But they aren't moving.
GUARD #2(cont'd) What the hell...?
EXT. AMUSEMENT PARK - NIGHT
The Administrator lies unconscious on the ground. Warren, wearing dark clothes and a black bomber jacket, has latched onto the back of the armored car. Its tires spin, smoking in frustration.
Warren grits his teeth and heaves, violently slamming the armored car on its side. Steam hisses from the crumpled hood. The Guards are knocked unconscious inside the cab.
ON JONATHAN AND ANDREW
also in bomber jackets, watching the action from the shadows.
ANDREW Man, I can't wait to get my hands on his orbs.
JONATHAN (sarcastic) Yeah. I'm sure he'll be giving 'em up any second.
ON WARREN
as he rips the thick steel door off the back of the armored car and tosses it aside.
BUFFY (O.S.) Is this your bank?
Warren jerks his head up. Buffy is standing above him on top of the overturned car.
BUFFY 'Cause if not, there's gonna be a fee for that.
WHAM! She drops down on Warren. He catches her in mid fall and flings her. She lands hard twenty feet away, Warren casually strolls towards her.
WARREN I was wondering when Super Bitch would show up.
Buffy struggles to her feet.
BUFFY You really got a problem with strong women, don't you?
WARREN Nothing I can't handle.
WHAM! He lays into her. They exchange blows, going to toe to toe. No matter how hard she hits him, Warren keeps coming. BAM! Warren lands a couple of hard blows. Buffy staggers back, still feeling the effects of her run in with the vamp -- and Spike.
WARREN (cont'd) Seem a little off. Bad day?
BUFFY It's getting better.
WHAM! She lays into him with a flurry of lightening fast blows. He's strong, but not nearly as fast as she is.
Warren swings wildly, misses. She flips over him, grabs the big steel door he ripped off the armored car and BOOM! She parks him in the cheap seats.
Warren sails back, crashing into the base of the archway. He shakes the blow off, laughs.
WARREN That all you got?
STONE CRACKS above him. He whips his head up just in time to see a huge section of the upper arch break loose from the impact. WHAM! He disappears under the rubble.
ANDREW (guts ripped out) No!
Buffy whips her head around, spots Jonathan and Andrew. Uh oh -- the gig's up. She starts towards them, her eyes flashing with anger.
BUFFY There's two ways this can end. And right about now I'm thinking they're both gonna hurt.
A strange, excited smile splits Andrew's lips.
ANDREW I think you're right.
A RUMBLING splits the air behind Buffy. She turns -- and sees Warren rising from beneath the rubble. Her face drops. His clothes are a little worse for wear, but he's unscathed.
WARREN What's the matter baby? Never fight a real man before.
He grins, ready for round two.
OMITTED
OMITTED
OMITTED
BLACK OUT.
END OF ACT THREE abc Act Three Act Four OMITTED
EXT. AMUSEMENT PARK - NIGHT
WHAM! Warren attacks, raining blows down. Buffy counters, spins, and catches him with a devastating kick to the back. Warren sails into the side of the armored car, denting the steel and landing in a heap.
Buffy catches her breath. That oughta -- she sags. Warren's getting up again. He cracks his neck and laughs, enjoying himself.
WARREN Wow. That almost hurt, kitten.
Buffy grits her teeth, attacks. They trade blows, but he's wearing her down. She's quickly forced to go on the defensive.
ON ANDREW AND JONATHAN
Andrew's face is twisted in gleeful bloodlust. He's really getting off on this.
ANDREW (egging Warren on) Kill her! Kill her!
Jonathan is horrified. This has gotten way out of hand.
ON WARREN AND BUFFY
Buffy is so exhausted she can barely defend herself. Warren savors the moment, landing blows at will, toying with her.
WARREN You know who I am?
BUFFY You're a murderer.
WARREN (laughs) That too. But more to the point --
She tries to hit him, he blocks, smacks her hard across the face with an open hand.
WARREN (cont'd) I'm the guy that beat you. And it's not the muscles, baby.
He blocks her again, smacks her across the other side of her face.
WARREN(cont'd) It's the brains.
WHAM! He cracks her hard, sending her reeling back. She glares, bloody and winded but far from giving up.
BUFFY I'll remember that when I knock 'em clean out of your --
WHAM! Jonathan suddenly leaps onto Buffy's back, screaming like a madman. Warren pauses, laughing at the spectacle.
WARREN Whoa, Sparky! Didn't think you had it in you.
JONATHAN (hissing in her ear) The orbs! Smash his orbs --
Buffy throws him off. Jonathan lands hard, groans in pain. Buffy locks eyes him, registering what he just said -- with but just a moment too late. Warren is already on her, beating the hell out of her.
Buffy manages to block several blows, then delivers a stunning kick to Warren's crotch -- which has no effect. Jonathan grimaces.
JONATHAN(cont'd) (soft, to himself) Not those orbs!
Warren attacks, the kick to the jewels infuriating him. Buffy tries to fight back but there's not much left in her. Warren lands a blow to her stomach, sending her gasping to her knees. He looms over her.
He rears his fist back for the deathblow. As he does, his jacket pulls back, revealing the leather pouch containing the Orbs of Nezzla'khan.
WARREN Say good night, bitch.
Buffy spots the pouch just in time. She rips it off his belt and smashes it to the ground.
The red energy he absorbed from the orbs is ripped out of him. He grunts in pain as his eyes flash red for an instant -- then it's gone. Buffy stands, powerful, victorious.
BUFFY Good night, bitch.
POW! She spins around and kicks him in the chests sending him flying back. He lands hard, bloodied and bruised.
Buffy advances slowly, her contempt for Warren blazing. He struggles to his feet, trying to bite back the tears of pain and humiliation.
BUFFY (cont'd) You're nothing but a sad little boy, Warren. But it's time to grow up -- and pay for what you've done.
WARREN Get away from me!
He desperately strips off his jacket, revealing a harness underneath. He's breathing heavy, furious and unhinged. Sleek little twin rockets click into place on a back plate -- yes, kids, it's a jet pack.
WARREN (cont'd) I swear to god I'm gonna take you down. You piece of..
Warren hits a thumb ignition switch and rockets off into the sky on a pillar of jet exhaust. Buffy cranes her neck, watching in disbelief.
BUFFY Oh come on.
ANDREW Well played, Slayer!
Andrew rips off his bomber jacket, also revealing a jet pack. Jonathan is apoplectic.
JONATHAN Why didn't I get one of those?!
ANDREW This round to you. But the game is far from over.
He hits the ignition. WHOOSH! He shoots up into the air -- and slams into an overhanging roof structure five feet above him. He crashes back to earth, unconscious, his rockets sputtering out.
PRE-LAP: A police siren.
EXT./INT. POLICE STATION - NIGHT
A police cruiser whizzes past, siren blaring. Andrew and Jonathan are being led into the station in handcuffs. Jonathan is swimming in a bottomless pit of despair. Andrew's banged up from his jet pack fiasco -- and crying his eyes out.
JONATHAN Jet packs. You jerks were setting me up to take the fall.
ANDREW (sobbing) He left me. He flew away and left me.
The police officers lead Warren and Jonathan into the station. Jonathan eyes his surroundings with dread.
JONATHAN Oh god. The Big House.
AUDREW (sobbing) How could he do that to me? He promised we'd be together. He was just using me. He never really loved -- (catching himself) -- hanging out with us.
Jonathan eyes him. How's that again?
ANDREW (cont'd) (sniffling) You think he'll come back for us? I mean, he wouldn't just take off. Would he?
EXT. SUNNYDALE ROAD - NIGHT
Spike roars up on his bike, loaded with his gear. He pauses, taking in the lights of Sunnydale off in the distance. He takes a drag off his cigarette, flicks it to the asphalt.
SPIKE Get nice and comfy Slayer. I'll be back. And when I do... it's all gonna change.
He pops the clutch and rockets off.
INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - WILLOW'S ROOM - DAY
Sunlight streams in. Willow and Tara are getting dressed. Willow pulls on a white shirt.
WILLOW Hey. Clothes.
TARA Don't get too used to them.
WILLOW Yes, ma'am.
Willow pulls her into a kiss. Soft, tender, totally in love.
TARA Mmmm... Xander.
WILLOW Okay, not quite the response I was fishing for.
TARA No, he's here.
Tara goes to the window overlooking the backyard. Xander is walking up to Buffy down below.
WILLOW Think they're making up?
TARA I hope so.
She turns back to Willow, glowing in the morning sun.
TARA (cont'd) That's the best part.
EXT. BUFFY'S BACKYARD - DAY
Bright and beautiful. A picture perfect day. Buffy is poking around the rear part of the yard with a stick. Xander ambles up, uncomfortable but trying to hide it.
XANDER Time for the Spring Poking already?
BUFFY Just making sure there's no more Evil Trio cameras. Or Evil Uno.
XANDER The sinister yet addictive card game?
BUFFY Warren. Jonathan and Andrew got klinked, but Warren pulled a Rocket Man. It was a thing.
XANDER You'll find him. He won't be much good without his friends.
BUFFY (softly) No. He won't.
An awkward silence. Xander struggles to find the right words, can't.
XANDER How did we get here?
BUFFY Scenic route. Long drive.
XANDER These last few weeks...
BUFFY I know.
XANDER I thought I hit bottom, but... It hurt. That you didn't trust me enough to tell me about Spike. It hurt.
BUFFY I'm sorry. I should have told you.
XANDER Maybe you would have. If I hadn't given you so many reasons to think I'd be an ass about it.
BUFFY Guess we've both done a lot of things lately we're not proud of.
XANDER Think I got you beat.
BUFFY Wanna compare?
XANDER Not so much.
They share a smile. It fades quickly from Xander's face.
XANDER (cont'd) I don't know what I'd do... without you and Will.
BUFFY Let's not find out.
She takes him in her arms. He hugs her close, tears of relief breaking loose as he finally lets go of his anger and pain. A long beat.
BUFFY (cont'd) I love you. You know that. right?
Xander's about to reply -- but his eyes go wide with horror.
XANDER Buffy --
Buffy turns. Warren is standing in the very back of the yard, his battered face twisted in rage and humiliation.
WARREN You think you can just do that to me? That I'd let you get away with it? Think again --
Before she can react he raises a black automatic handgun and opens fire, the violence of bullets exploding from the muzzle startling even him.
Buffy shoves Xander to the ground. He lands hard, regaining his senses just in time to see Warren running out of the yard, firing his last shoots as he goes. Xander swallows his heart back into his chest.
XANDER Sweet fancy Moses! Where the hell did he get --
Xander's face freezes in horror. Buffy is on the ground, face up, blood leaking from a bullet wound in her upper left chest.
XANDER (cont'd) Oh god.
Xander rushes to her side.
XANDER (cont'd) Buffy?
Buffy sputters blood, unable to respond.
XANDER (cont'd) Oh god... oh god... Buffy...
He presses his hands against her chest, trying to stop the blood. It flows through his fingers, pooling beneath them, spreading across the grass. It's ugly -- and real.
Buffy's breath comes in ragged gasps. She stares blankly up at the clear blue sky, her skin pale, going into shock...
THE FOLLOWING TWO SCENES (A36 AND B36) WILL BE CUT INTO SCENE 35 TBD. A36 INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - WILLOW'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
The bedroom window overlooking the backyard TINKS, a stray bullet cracking the glass. Willow jolts as blood splatters her crisp white shirt.
B36 INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - WILLOW'S BEDROOM - DAY
The window overlooking the backyard has been shattered by a stray bullet from Warren's barrage.
The front of Willow's white shirt is splattered with blood. Her face is twisted in horror and pain.
Tara stares at Willow's ruined shirt, trying to comprehend.
TARA Your shirt...
Tara collapses to the floor. She's been shot through the back, the bullet ripping clean through her chest. It's her blood on Willow's shirt.
WILLOW Tara?
Willow kneels over Tara on the floor. Tara doesn't move. She never will again.
WILLOW (cont'd) Tara? Come, on baby. Get up. Please. Tara...
Willow gently strokes her hair. She sobs, her head down.
WILLOW (cont'd) (softly, building) No... no... no...
Tears of grief and loss quickly become burning rivers of anger. She raises her head. Her face is a gut-wrenching swirl of pain and fury... and her eyes have gone completely black.
BLACK OUT.
END OF SHOW
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