|
Inca Mummy Girl August 7, 1997 (Blue Full Script) Written by: Matt Kiene & Joe Reinkemeyer |
| Teaser |
|
FADE IN: EXT. NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM - DAY A museum-looking building with a sign: 'SUNNYDALE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM.' Under it is a banner: CULTURAL EXCHANGE SPECIAL EXHIBIT: TREASURES OF SOUTH AMERICA. BUFFY, WILLOW, XANDER and other STUDENTS walk up the steps.
It's so unfair.
I don't think it's that bad.
It's the uber-suck! Mom could have at least warned me!
Well, a lot of the parents are doing it this year. It's part of this whole cultural exchange magilla. The exhibit, the dance…
I have the best costume for the dance.
A complete stranger in my house for two weeks! I'm gonna be insane! A danger to myself and others within three days, I swear.
I think the exchange student program is cool. (off their looks) I do. It's the beautiful melding of two cultures.
Have you ever done an exchange program?
My dad tried to sell me to some Armenians once, does that count? CORDELIA is near the door, looking at a facebook with some friends.
(pointing) There's mine. Sven. Isn't he lunchable? Mine's definitely the best. REVEAL they are flipping through a yearbook-type album, pointing at photos of cute boys. Our three approach.
Whatcha looking at?
Pictures of our exchange students. (shows a picture) Look. One hundred percent Swedish. One hundred percent gorgeous. One hundred percent staying in my house. They all head into the museum. CUT TO: INT. NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM - ENTRANCE LOBBY - DAY They line up behind other students at the exhibit entrance. A banner above it states: 'INCA PRINCESS EXHIBIT.'
Buffy, how's yours? Visually, I mean.
I don't know. Guy-like.
By 'guy-like,' you mean a big, beefy, guy-like girl, right?
I was just told 'guy.'
You didn't even look at him first? He could be dogly! You live on the edge.
Hold on a sec. This person living in your house for two weeks is a man, with man parts? This is a terrible idea!
What about the beautiful melding of two cultures?
There's no melding. Okay? He can keep his parts to himself.
(looking off) What's he doing? They see RODNEY MUNSON, 16, walking trouble. He stands alone, facing a wall, doing something we can't see.
Rodney Munson. God's gift to the bell curve. A STUDENT tries to see what Rodney's doing. He looks up and sneers at the kid, revealing braces. The student backs away.
What he lacks in smarts, he makes up in lack of smarts.
You just don't like him 'cause of that time he beat you up every day for five years.
Yeah, I'm irrational that way.
Maybe I should stop him before he gets in -
I got it. The non-violent approach is probably better here. She goes off, Buffy looks slightly offended.
I wasn't gonna use violence. I don't always use violence. Do I?
The important thing is, you believe that.
I might have used reason. Or my feminine wiles. ANGLE: RODNEY He uses a pen knife to scrape gold dust off an Incan Death mask and into a baggy.
Hi Rodney.
(snarling) Wha'd you… (then, seeing her) Oh, Willow. Hi.
(re: knife) That's probably not something you're supposed to be doing. You could get in trouble.
(mock horror) Oh, no. And they might kick me out of school?
We still on for our Chem tutorial tomorrow?
Yeah. I think I got almost all 14 natural elements memorized.
There are 103.
Oh. So I still got to learn… (calculating) Uh…
We'll do a touch-up on math, too.
Thanks. She smiles as Rodney puts his pen-knife away. ANGLE: THE ENTRANCE TO THE BURIAL CHAMBER A Museum GUIDE speaks into a microphone.
Welcome students. We shall now Proceed into the Incan Burial Chamber. (ominously) The human sacrifice is about to begin. CUT TO: INT. NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM - BURIAL CHAMBER - DAY The room is dark, except for spotlights illuminating Incan artifacts on the walls. They enter.
Typical museum trick. Promise human sacrifice, deliver old pots and pans.
500 years ago, the Incan people chose a beautiful teenage girl to become their princess… In the room is a STONE ZIGGURAT PYRAMID. Block steps lead up to a flat top we can't see from the floor. They climb the steps. Willow seems creeped.
I hope this story ends with 'And she lived happily ever after.' Students walk past a sunken hole. Our kids PEER and see: THE LEATHERED FACE OF A MUMMY. Macabre. Freeze-dried. Black holes for eyes. Shriveled lips. Ugly.
No. I think the story ends with, 'And she became a scary, discolored, shriveled mummy.'
The Incan people sacrificed their princess to the mountain, god, Sebancaya. An offering, buried alive, for eternity in this dark tomb.
They could have at least wrapped it in nice white bandages, like the ones in the movies.
The Princess remained there, protected only by a cursed seal, placed there as a warning to any who would wake her. The guide indicates a pictogram-covered PLATE, nestled in the mummy's gnarled hands. A GIGGLE. Xander turns. Sees the Cordettes down on the museum floor, mooning, 'ooohing' and 'ahhhing' over the pictures of their exchange students.
So, Buffy, when's exchange-o boy making his appearance? WEIRD POV: from inside the sarcophagus. Looking at Buffy.
His name is Ampata. He's showing up at the bus station tomorrow night.
Ooh, Sunnydale bus depot. Classy. What better way to say "Welcome to Our Country" than with the stench of urine. The guide motions for the students to follow him.
If you'll follow me this way… DISSOLVE TO: INT. NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM - BURIAL CHAMBER - DAY Empty. Silent. Then Rodney CREEPS out from the shadows. He looks at the Mummy, at the plate.
Cool… He slowly pulls the ceramic plate from the mummy's hands. There's some resistance, and Rodney accidentally drops the plate. It shatters.
Damn. THE MUMMY'S HAND suddenly GRABS Rodney's throat. Rodney struggles. Eyes and mouth go wide. THE MUMMY'S EYES crack open. The leathery face animates, as it draws a terrified Rodney closer. BLACK OUT.
|
| Act One |
|
EXT. SCHOOL COURTYARD - THE NEXT DAY Banners everywhere proclaim 'WORLD CULTURE DANCE - FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE BRONZE.' CUT TO: INT. LIBRARY - DAY CLOSE ON: BUFFY
So, can I go?
I should think not. Buffy throws a mean right hook at CAMERA. WHOMP! REVEAL GILES as he catches her fist with his huge FIGHTING PAD. Xander watches them from a safe distance.
How come?
Because you are the Chosen One.
Just this once, can't I be the Overlooked One? Giles puts down his arms, looking at her.
I'm afraid that's simply not an option. You have responsibilities that other girls do not, and -
(sarcastic) Oh, I can finish this one for you. 'Slaying entails certain sacrifices blah blah blah-bity blah I'm so stuffy give me a scone.'
(witheringly) It's like you know me. He puts his hands back up. WHOMP, WHOMP.
Your secret identity is already going to be difficult enough to maintain while that exchange student lives with you.
Not with her. In the same house as her. Am I the only one who's objective enough to make that distinction.?
(to Giles) So then, going to the dance, like a normal person, is the best way to keep that secret.
(trapped) You're twisting my words.
No, I'm just using them for good. Giles looks at her. A beat.
Come on, Giles. Budge. No one likes a non-budger.
Fine. Go.
(smiling) Yay! I win!
I think I'll go introduce my shoulder to an ice pack. He limps away.
So, we're dance-bound. I think I can get mom's car, so I'm the wheel man.
I thought you were taking Willow.
Well, I'm gonna take Willow, but I'm not gonna take Willow. In the sense of "take me." See with you, we're three and everybody's safe. Without you, we're two.
And we enter dateville. Romance. Flowers.
Lips.
C'mon. All the years you've known Willow, you've never thought about her lips? Willow enters. Unseen.
Buffy, I love Willow. Willow smiles.
She's my best friend. Which makes her not the kind of girl who you think about her lips that much. She's the kind of girl I'm best friends with. Willow steps forward not exactly smiling.
Willow. Hi. We were just talking about happy things. Like all three of us going to the dance together. See? Happy. (then, worried) Not happy?
No. Yes. (recovering) Rodney's missing. Giles returns from his office, an ice pack on his shoulder.
Trouble with Mr. Munson again?
His parents said he never came home last night. The police are still looking for him.
'Police are looking for Rodney Munson.' That's a phrase we'll get used to.
I don't remember him on the bus back from the field trip.
I don't either. I hope he didn't get into trouble at the museum.
(picking up on it) Maybe he awakened the mummy-
Right, and it rose from its tomb…
And attacked him… They all chuckle a bit, then stop. They look at each other. CUT TO: INT. NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM - BURIAL CHAMBER - DAY Buffy, Willow, Xander and Giles walk cautiously through the shadows, toward the Ziggurat. Willow's creeped again.
(hopeful) On the other hand, maybe Rodney just went out for a smoke.
For twenty-one hours?
It's addictive, you know.
We'll consider that idea, the moment we've ruled out evil curses.
Some day I'm going to live in a town where evil curses are just generally ruled out without even saying.
Where was this seal? Buffy's already on the flat top of the pyramid. A SEAL FRAGMENT teeters on the edge of the sarcophagus hole.
Here. And it's broken.
Does that mean the mummy's loose? They peer into the hole. The mummy lies there as before.
Nope. Still there. Comfy as every.
(studies the fragment) Look at this. A series of pictograms… ANGLE: A MAN (PERU MAN) murder in his eyes, rushes from the shadows, shrieking. Long, curved KNIFE raised. (Some people call it a huge, machete-like carving blade. We call it a long, curved knife.) Xander ducks as the knife whizzes past. Buffy lunges for Peru Man, who swings his knife at her head. Buffy rolls out of the way. Suddenly, Peru Man sees something and stops cold. Xander leaps onto Peru Man. But, instead of fighting, Peru Man races out of the exhibit room. Silence.
Okay. I just saved us, right?
Something did.
Let's not fret the details. Let's just go. Xander, bring the fragment. They move to leave the pyramid. Turn back to see Willow, frozen stiff, staring at the mummy.
Willow? What is it?
Giles. Were the Incans… very advanced?
Yes. Yes, they were.
(small voice) Did they have orthodontists? They follow her gaze to see THE MUMMY'S OPEN MOUTH, filled with BRACES. CUT TO: INT. LIBRARY - NIGHT Buffy and Xander pace around the table. Willow sits.
Rodney looked like he had been dead for five hundred years. How could that be?
Maybe we should ask that crazy man with the big ol' knife.
He didn't seem overly chatty.
The way he bolted when he saw Rodney, I'd say he was as freaked as we were. Giles appears from the stacks, holding the seal.
I'm afraid my volumes are useless. This particular mummy was from the Sebancaya region of eastern Peru. Very remote. If there's an answer, it's locked-
In the seal.
It could take me weeks to translate these pictograms. Well, we'll start tonight with -
(suddenly) Ampata!
I was going to suggest hunting.
(starting out) I'm late. I told my mom I'd pick him up.
Buffy, where are your priorities? In tracking down a mummifying murderer, or making time with some Latin lover, whose stock in trade is the breakage of hearts?
Ampata is there alone and I don't know how good his English is. He's- (realizing) --from South America! Maybe he could translate the seal.
Oh, sure. Fall for the old 'Let-me- translate-that-ancient-seal-for-you' come one. You know how many times I've used that? CUT TO: EXT. BUS STATION - BUS ARRIVAL AREA - NIGHT Hydraulic brakes HISS. A bus pulls away, revealing AMPATA, a short squat Peruvian BOY, 16. He stands next to two beat-up trunks, smiling nervously. He watches as the station empties of PASSENGERS. Then, a female VOICE whispers:
Ampata! Ampata looks around, excited, then confused. Sees no one.
Ampata! Ampata pulls his trunks toward the VOICE and into a DARK ALLEY. He stops. Searches the darkness. Suddenly his expression changes to horror. AMPATA'S POV: A HIDEOUS MONSTER Not quite mummy, not quite human. It GRABS Ampata by the throat. Pulls him towards its face. CLOSE ON: THE MUMMY'S MOUTH as it puckers into a hideous KISS. Ampata is frozen in terror as the mummy plants its lips on his. Ampata's face begins to shrivel and decompose. DISSOLVE TO: EXT. BUS STATION - BUS ARRIVAL AREA - LATER - NIGHT Buffy, Willow and Xander arrive at the deserted station.
Forty minutes late. Welcome to America.
What if he left already.
(calling) Ampata? Ampata Duarte? They walk slowly toward the alley, where Ampata disappeared.
Do we have to speak Spanish when we see him? 'Cause I don't know how to say anything much besides "Doritos" and "Chihuahua".
Ampata?
Here. A GIRL appears from the dark alley. She's 16. Stunningly beautiful, but hesitant. Vulnerable.
I am Ampata. Xander just stares.
(quietly) Hay carumba. I also know how to say that. BLACK OUT.
|
| Act Two |
|
INT. BUFFY'S KITCHEN - NIGHT Buffy, Willow and Xander lead Ampata on a tour. Ampata's very tentative, but also awe-struck at a modern home.
And this is the kitchen…
It is very good.
Oh yeah. Got your stove, your fridge… fully functional. We're very into it.
Do you want something to drink?
(looking into fridge) We've got milk and … older milk… Oh. Juice?
Please. Buffy goes for glasses as Ampata sits, Xander sitting beside her.
So, Ampata… You're a girl.
(smiling bemusedly) Yes. For many years now.
And not a boy. 'Cause we thought that a boy was coming, and here you are in a girl way.
It's just one of those crazy mix ups, Will.
Have you been to America before.
I have… toured.
(as to a child) Where did… you go?
I have been taken to Boston. Atlanta. New York.
New York. That's exciting. What was that like?
I did not see so much.
Your English is very bueno. Muy good.
I listen much.
Well, that works out great, 'cause I talk much! They laugh together. JOYCE comes in, carrying sheets and blankets.
Buffy, do you want to show Ampata up to your room?
Excuse me? CUT TO: INT. BUFFY'S ROOM - MOMENTS LATER - NIGHT Buffy and Joyce make up an extra bed.
You said she was staying in the study.
That was when we thought Ampata was a boy. But since he's a girl, I thought you could double up.
Mom, you think too much.
You two in a room together? Give you both a chance to share secrets.
I'm not a big secret sharer. I like my secrets. They're secret.
Oh, it'll be fun.
Fun. Yeah. (smiling) You know, next year I ought to sign up for one of those 'exchange mom' programs. Joyce smiles as they finish making the bed. DISSOLVE TO: INT. BUFFY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT Buffy comes in from the hallway. They're both dressed for bed.
Sorry about the teenyness of the room.
My old one was much smaller.
What's it like, back home?
Cramped. And very dead.
You'll feel right at home in Sunnydale.
Oh, no. You have so much here. Ampata picks up a picture of Buffy with Willow and Xander.
How about friends?
They are… (sadly) I am just me.
I've been there. (brightening) But, hey. You'll meet lots of people tomorrow. Ampata climbs into bed, smiling for the first time.
Thank you. You must teach me everything about your life! Buffy smiles uneasily.
I want to fit in, Buffy. Just like you. A normal life.
One normal life, coming up. Buffy clicks off the light. EXT. BUSHES NEAR THE HOUSE - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT We see the light go off on the face of Peru Man, who is standing in the shadows, LOOKING UP from the hedges below. His long, curved knife glints ominously. DISSOLVE TO: EXT SCHOOL COURTYARD - THE NEXT DAY Banners proclaim the World Culture Dance. CLOSE ON: A DRUM Bearing the logo: DINGOES ATE MY BABY Two students, SAM and OZ - by their looks, obviously members of the band - load music and sound equipment into a van, which has their logo emblazoned on the side. Cordelia talks with DEVON, the band's good-looking lead singer.
Devon, I told you I'd be at the dance tonight, but I'm not one of your little groupies. I won't be all doe-eyed, looking up at you, standing at the edge of the stage.
Got it.
So, I'll see you afterwards?
Sure. Where do you want to meet?
I'll be standing at the edge of the stage.
With that guy? REVEAL SVEN, Cordelia's exchange student, stands nearby. Hulking, blond, expressionless - like a Swedish Lurch.
Sven, momento. Needa. (to Devon) This exchange student thing has been a horrible nightmare. They don't even speak American! Cordelia kisses Devon on the cheek.
I'll see you tonight. (turns, stops) Sven. Come. Sven follows. Devon turns to Oz.
Oz, man, what do you think?
Of what?
Of Cordelia, man.
She's a wonderland tour. There's a quiet restraint and total lack of bitterness to his sarcasm; where Devon is your typical excitable rock and roller, Oz is completely unflappable. His is the kind of cool that is completely unaware of itself.
You gotta admit, she's hot.
Oh, yeah. Hot girl.
Let me guess. Not your type. What does girl have to do to impress you?
Well, it involves a feather boa and the theme from A Summer Place. I can't discuss it here.
You're too picky, man. You know how many girls you could have? You're lead guitar, Oz, that's currency!
I'm not picky. You're just impressed by any pretty girl that can walk and talk.
(innocently) She doesn't have to talk… Oz throws him a look. CUT TO: EXT. ANOTHER PART OF THE COURTYARD - SAME TIME - DAY Willow and Xander walk together, past one of the banners advertising the World Culture Dance.
I worked really hard on my costume. It's pretty cool.
Okay, but what about me? I gotta think.
It's a celebration of cultures. There's a lot of dress-up alternatives.
And a corresponding equal number of mocking alternatives, all aimed at me.
Bavarians are cool.
No hats with feathers, no ruffled Shirts and definitely no lederhosen. They make my calves look fat.
Why are you suddenly so worried about looking like an idiot? (a beat) That came out wrong. But Xander isn't even listening. He's looking off, past Willow, and smiling. Willow follows his gaze to see Ampata arriving with Buffy.
Your first day of school. Nervous?
It is just more people than I have seen in a long time.
Don't worry. You're not going to have any problem making friends. As a matter of fact, I know someone who's dying to meet you. CUT TO: INT. LIBRARY - DAY
How do you do? I was wondering if you could translate this for me. WIDEN to reveal the gang is there. Giles holds up the seal.
That was in no way awkward. Ampata looks at the seal. An instant of dread crosses her face. She quickly recovers.
Is something wrong?
No, it is… why are you asking me?
It's an artifact. From your region. It's from the tomb of an Incan mummy. We're trying to translate it. A project for our…
Archaeology Club.
'Ar-chae-ol-o-gy.' Study of old stuff.
It is broken. Where are the other pieces?
This is the only one we found.
It is very old. And valuable. (thinks for a beat) You should hide it.
Is there anything you recognize here? (pointing) This figure with the knife, for instance. Ampata looks at them for a beat. She turns the fragment around, feigning ignorance.
Well, I do not know exactly. But I think this represents… I believe the word is… the bodyguard?
(nodding) Bodyguard. Interesting.
Legend has it that he guards the mummy against those who would disturb her.
By slicing them up?
I would not know that.
Yes, well. That should be a good starting point for our… club. Ampata just stands there. Giles glances awkwardly at her.
Oh, right. And as Club President, I have to do lots of stuff. Very dull stuff. (re: Ampata) Willow, maybe you could- Xander interjects.
--stay with Ampata for the day? I'd love to. Ampata smiles, pleased.
(to Xander) Yes, that will be fun. Xander leads Ampata out the doors.
Okay, then. I'll continue with the translating. Buffy, you research this 'Bodyguard.' And… Willow? Willow looks wistfully at the doors.
Boy. They really like each other. DISSOLVE TO: EXT. FOOTBALL BLEACHERS - LATER - DAY Xander and Ampata are there. Xander reaches into a bag.
And this- (pulls something out) --is called snack food.
Snack food.
(unwrapping) It's a delicious, golden, spongy cake, filled with a delightful, white creamy substance of goodness. And here's how you eat it. He shoves the whole thing in his mouth. Ampata laughs.
Oh, but now I can not try it. Xander reaches into the bag and pulls out another.
(with mouth full) That's why you bring two. He unwraps it and hands it to her.
(tentatively) Here goes. She crams it in, then laughs, almost spitting out.
Good, huh? And the exciting part is, they have no ingredients that a human can pronounce. So they don't leave you with that heavy, food feeling in your stomach.
(smiling) You are strange…
Girls always tell me that. Right before they run away.
I like it.
I like you like it. (thinks about that) Please don't learn from my English. CUT TO: INT. LIBRARY - DAY Buffy and willow are looking through books, comparing pictograms with the plate. Buffy is somewhat more actively involved than Willow.
Hah! Or possibly Hah… do you think this matches? Willow doesn't react for a moment.
Oh! Yes! I'm caring about mummies.
(sympathetically) Ampata's only staying for two weeks.
And then Xander will find someone else who's not me to obsess about. At least with you I knew he didn't have a shot.
I'm sorry. As they talk, Giles enters, looks at Buffy's book, not listening.
(brave face) Well, you know, I have a choice. I can spend my life waiting for Xander to go with every other girl in the world before he notices me, or I can just get on with my life.
Good for you.
Well, I didn't choose yet…
Aha. Yes. Good work?
My work?
Yes. This makes it clear: Rodney's killer is the mummy.
Where's it say that? Giles points to more pictograms.
Here. It explains that mummies kill by feeding off the life force of a person. Effectively freeze-drying them, you might say.
So then, we just have to stop the mummy. Which leaves the question: How do we a: find and b: stop the mummy?
(re: Seal fragment) That answer is still locked somewhere in here. Or in the rest of the seal. CUT TO: EXT. FOOTBALL BLEACHERS - SAME TIME - DAY CLOSE UP: A CURVED KNIFE BLADE
Give me the seal! The blade SWIPES DOWN between Xander and Ampata. The knife blade lodges into the bench. Peru Man screams at Xander.
You stole the seal. Where is it? Xander struggles with Peru Man as Ampata shrieks. Peru Man glances at her. A startled beat of recognition.
It is you… XANDER kicks Peru Man. He falls through the bleachers. Xander grabs Ampata's hand.
Come on! Xander and Ampata escape. CUT TO: INT. LIBRARY - MOMENTS LATER - DAY Xander comforts a distraught Ampata at the table.
Are you okay?
You protect me. Make me safe.
So, our bodyguard strikes again. Why is he so into us? What's he want?
He said "give me the seal."
Apparently, this seal fragment is even more popular than we realized. I'm just not sure what we should do with it.
Destroy it. They turn to look at her.
If you do not, someone could die.
I'm afraid someone already has.
You mean the man with the knife killed someone?
No, not-I mean, he…
You are not telling me everything. Xander takes her hands.
You're right, Ampata. And it's time we do. We're not in Archaeology Club. We're in- The others look at him, horrified.
--Crime Club. It's like Chess Club. Only… with crime. And no chess.
Please, understand me. That seal nearly got us killed. It must be destroyed! She runs off.
Ampata! Xander goes after her. CUT TO: INT. HALL - SECONDS LATER - DAY Xander runs up to a shaken Ampata.
Ampata, listen to me. Nobody's going to hurt you. I won't let them.
Your investigation is dangerous. I don't want that. Just normal life. Xander watches as Ampata goes to a drinking fountain and splashes water on her face. Willow appears behind Xander.
Is she okay?
Wigged. I wanna convince her that our lives aren't just danger and peril here.
You should take her to the dance.
Yeah, that'll be fun. We can all…
I mean just you.
But you were all psyched… your costume.
I'll see you there. A moment, as he smiles.
Thanks. You know what, Willow? You're my best friend. Willow watches Xander return to Ampata.
(to herself) I know. CUT TO: INT. LIBRARY - SAME TIME - DAY Giles and Buffy look at the seal fragment.
Why would the Bodyguard have such a jones for a broken piece of rock?
He probably needs this to put with the other pieces-
At the museum.
Precisely. We'll go to the museum and use this fragment as bait to lure in the Bodyguard.
And he'll lead us to mummy dearest. (smiling) Hey, look at us. We came up with a plan. A good plan.
We can meet there tonight after the museum is closed.
No! Bad plan! I have other plans. Dance plans. (off his look; solemnly) Cancel plans. CUT TO: INT. HALL - A SHORT TIME LATER - DAY The halls are nearly empty as Xander and Ampata walk along.
Okay. I have something to tell you. It's kind of a secret. And a little bit scary. She looks at him, suddenly anxious.
I like you. A lot. And I want you to go with me to the dance. She giggles, relieved.
Why was that so scary?
Well, because you never know if the girl is going to say yes, or if she's going to laugh in your face, pull out your still-beating heart, and crush it into the ground with her heel.
Then you are very courageous. (then) Can I tell you a secret? Xander listens carefully.
I like you, too.
Really?
Really.
That's great! Really?
Really.
That's great! (then) You're not a praying mantis, are you? (off her) Sorry. Someone else. Ampata looks at him. She coyly smiles and starts away.
I will return to you.
Where are you going?
Where you can not follow.
Hey, I'll follow you anywhere you go - (sees WOMEN'S RESTROOM sign) -except for not in there. I'll wait outside. She heads inside. The door closes. CUT TO: INT. WOMEN'S RESTROOM - CONTINUOUS - DAY Ampata looks in the mirror. Combing her hair. The happy look of a girl in love. She flips her hair and sees: Peru Man in the mirror. He walks forward, knife at his side.
I beg you… do not kill me.
You are already dead. For 500 years.
It was unfair. I was innocent.
The people that you kill now so that you may live - they are innocent.
Please. I am in love. He backs her against a wall.
You are the Chosen One. You must die. You have no choice. Peru Man's arm WHIZZES by her, but Ampata coolly catches it. Twists it, grabs the knife and twists his arm painfully. We hear it start to CRACK. His eyes go wide.
Yes I do. She grabs him by the jaw. KISSES him. His face shrivels. CUT TO: INT. HALL - LATER - DAY Xander glances at his watch, anxious. The door opens. Ampata steps out. She looks gorgeous. Refreshed.
I have thought. Xander looks at her expectantly.
The dance. I will go with you. Gladly. Xander smiles. Takes her hand. And they walk off. BLACK OUT.
|
| Act Three |
|
INT. BUFFY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT Buffy brings a trunk in, places it by a second one by her bed.
Buffy, I cannot find lipstick.
Should be on the dresser. Ampata enters from the bathroom. She's dressed as the Incan princess. She's beautiful. Radiates confidence. Until she sees the trunk.
What is that?
They sent your stuff from the station.
Of course! I forgot all about it. I will unpack it later.
I can do it.
But you must get ready for the dance.
I'm not going.
Why not?
I've got work to do. There are some bad things happening out there. That guy with the knife is only one of them.
I am not worried. Thanks to Xander.
He seems very happy around you.
I am happy, too. He has a way of… making the milk come out of my nose.
And that's good?
From making me laugh. Buffy smiles. Ampata searches Buffy's dresser top.
It is not here.
I'll help you look. Buffy walks to the TWO TRUNKS from the bus station. Ampata's still turned away, searching the dresser.
Thank you. You are always thinking of others before yourself. You remind me of someone from very long ago. The Inca princess.
A princess? Cool. Buffy opens one of the trunks. She pulls out a pair of BOY'S PANTS. Looks at them, curiously. Ampata opens Buffy's drawer, then turns to Buffy.
They told her she was the only one, that only she could defend her people from the netherworld. Buffy looks up as Ampata's words register.
Out of all the girls in her generation, she was-
--chosen. Buffy sees the open dresser drawer, filled with Crucifix, stakes, Slayer things. Buffy quickly crosses over.
You know the story?
It's fairly familiar. Buffy surreptitiously closes the drawer and spies the lipstick on the dresser. She hands it to Ampata.
She was sixteen. Like us. She was offered as a sacrifice and went to her death. Who knows what she gave up to fulfill her duty to others. What chance of love? Ampata picks up a picture of Xander. Smiles at it.
Who knows? This thought lingers for a beat.
Let me unpack the rest of your stuff. Buffy opens the OTHER TRUNK LID, revealing CLOSE UP: THE BODY OF THE EXCHANGE STUDENT - MUMMIFIED But just as she is about to peer in, THE DOORBELL RINGS. Buffy looks up at Ampata, now standing above her.
Xander and Willow. I'll get it. Buffy walks out. Ampata puts her hands on the trunk lid. CLOSE UP: as the lid shuts over the mummified student. She locks the trunk. CUT TO: INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - A MOMENT LATER - NIGHT Buffy, in sweats, opens the door. Xander stands there, wearing a poncho and squinting with a little cigar clenched between his teeth. He looks more than a little bit like Clint Eastwood.
I have come for the dance.
What culture are you?
I am from the country of Leone. It's in Italy, pretending to be Montana. (then, re: her sweats) And what are you? From the country of white trash?
New line-up. You and Willow are taking Ampata, Giles and I are hunting mummies. (then) Where's you and Willow?
She's not coming. With us.
Oh. On a date. Romance. Lips. Ampata enters. Stunning. Xander can't take his eyes off her.
Hello, Xander. Xander manages a few sporadic noises.
Uh, ngh…bff…
I can translate America Salivating Boy-talk. He said you're beautiful.
(to Buffy) Cch… krl…
You're welcome. Joyce comes in.
Ampata, don't you look wonderful. I wish you could talk my daughter into going with you.
I tried. She's very stubborn.
I'm glad someone else sees that. AMPATA moves to the door. She and Xander turn to Buffy.
Well, good-bye, then.
Be careful.
I will. (then) And Xander? You look good. He smiles. Joyce and Buffy watch as they head out.
Look at that. Only two days in America and Ampata already seems like she belongs here. She's really fitting in. Buffy watches after them, wistfully.
Yeah. How about that? CUT TO: EXT. BRONZE - NIGHT Establishing. Music plays. CUT TO: INT. BRONZE - NIGHT THE BAND plays wildly on stage. Devon plays the bass and sings, thrashing about the stage. Oz plays ripping guitar with the quiet concentration of someone knitting. The place is full of KIDS dressed in the style of various cultures. A parade of BEAUTIFUL GIRLS enter, each costume more provocative than the previous one. Last to come in is Cordelia, who wears a Hawaiian grass skirt with a coconut shell top. She approaches Willow, who is dressed as an Eskimo. Puffy, furry, hooded parka. A harpoon at her side.
Ooh, what a near faux-pas. I almost wore the same thing. Cordelia walks away. Constrained by her outfit, Willow has to turn her entire body to watch her go. Cordelia approaches some Cordettes, including GWEN.
Where's Sven?
I keep trying to ditch him, but he's like one of those dogs you leave at the Grand Canyon on vacation, it follows you back across four states. Sven enters, dressed like a Viking. He finds Cordelia and stands silently next to her.
See? My own speechless, human Boomerang.
He's kind of cute. Maybe it's nice, skipping the small talk.
Small talk? Try simple instructions. (gestures to Sven) Get punch-y? You? Fruit drinky? Sven remains motionless. Gwen pulls his hand.
He can follow me. ANGLE: XANDER AND AMPATA as they enter. They're gorgeous together. Willow watches as they move through the crowd. She bends down to look down at her own costume.
I guess I should have worn something sexy. Ampata takes in the scene, like Cinderella at the Ball - it's too good to be true. They approach Willow, who peers out of her hood.
Wow. You guys look great.
I love your costume. It's very authentic.
Thanks.
Yeah. You look… snug.
That's what I was going for. (tries to look around) Where's Buffy? CUT TO: INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - A MOMENT LATER - NIGHT Buffy opens the door. Giles is there.
Yep. Not at the dance. Not with my friends. Not with a life. (then) What are you doing here? I thought we were going to meet at the museum to find the bodyguard?
I'm afraid he's already been found. In a school restroom. Mummified.
I don't get it. Why would the mummy kill his own bodyguard?
Because he wasn't the mummy's bodyguard. Giles holds up a book.
I discovered a translation code which enabled me to read the pictograms. They show that the bodyguard's job was to make sure the mummy didn't awaken and escape.
Not a bodyguard, then.
More like a prison guard.
So Ampata translated wrong?
Maybe we should get her to take another look.
Well, wait… She was wiggy about the seal from minute one.
Yes, I guess she was.
(thinking) Her trunks.
What about them? CUT TO: INT. BUFFY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT As Buffy pulls at the lock of one, Giles goes through the clothes in the other.
These are definitely boys clothes. Why would a girl pack these? Buffy breaks the lock, opens the other trunk. After reacting.
How about this one? What kind of girl travels with a mummified corpse… ANGLE: IN THE TRUNK we see the corpse of the real Ampata.
… and doesn't even pack lipstick. CUT TO: INT. BRONZE - NIGHT The band starts playing a slow-danceable song. Xander and Ampata are standing near the dance floor.
Do you want to, uh… would you like to, you know…
I would love to dance. Xander takes Ampata's hand and leads her to the dance floor. The crowd magically parts as the two make their way to the center. All eyes are on the couple. Willow stands alone off to one side. Ampata dances slowly with Xander, full of quiet joy. It's a true Cinderella moment. ANGLE: THE BAND as they continue to play an instrumental portion of a song. Oz is looking into the crowd, uncharacteristically riveted. He moves to Devon.
Who is that?
She's an exchange student. From South America.
No. The Eskimo. We FOLLOW HIS GAZE to Willow, who is swaying (or, more accurately, weeble-ing) to the music. CUT TO: INT. GILES' CAR - NIGHT Buffy studies the seal as Giles drives.
Unless she gets a continual supply of victims, Ampata will return forever to her frozen mummy state.
She did say she wanted to meet lots of people.
And she's going to need to meet another one soon.
So much for her normal life of fun and dating and- (it hits her) --Xander. Giles floors the pedal. CUT TO: INT. BRONZE - NIGHT Xander and Ampata are slow dancing. Staring deeply. She clasps her hands behind his head. He leans in for a kiss. ANGLE: AMPATA'S FINGERTIPS suddenly wither and freeze-dry. Horrified, she pulls away. Hides her hands behind her back. Smiles, scared. Xander, hesitant, smiles back. She runs into the crowd. Xander's bewildered.
Okay. At least I can rule out, 'Something I said.' Ampata struggles through the crowd, past Willow, searching desperately for her next victim. She looks at her fingers. They wither to the knuckle. A LONE MALE STUDENT, JONATHAN, looks around. Nods his head to the music. Ampata heads toward him. CUT TO: INT. GILES' CAR - NIGHT The car speeds along.
I should've guessed. Remember? Ampata wanted us to hide the seal.
And then she wanted us to destroy it, because--- (realizing) Wait. A long beat as Giles thinks something through.
Waiting.
We already know that the seal was used to contain the mummy.
What? You mean that, if breaking the seal freed her-
--reassembling it will trap her. The car SCREECHES to a stop. Giles takes the seal.
I'll go to the museum. Piece together the fragments there.
I'll stop Ampata. Before she gives Xander the kiss of death. She opens the car door and starts to get out.
Be careful.
I will. Besides, I've got the element of surprise. Ampata still doesn't know my secret identity. Buffy slams the door as Giles shifts his car into gear. CUT TO: INT. BRONZE - NIGHT Xander runs to Willow.
You seen Ampata? Willow tries lifting her arms to shrug. Bulky costume.
What was that?
I shrugged.
Next time you should probably say, 'shrug.' He runs off. Willow stands there.
Sigh. ANGLE: GWEN listening, enraptured, to Sven, as he now chats away.
I thought this exchange student thing would be a great deal. But look what I got stuck with. 'Momento'? 'Punchy fruity drinky?' Is Cordelia even from this country? CUT TO: INT. BACKSTAGE - NIGHT Ampata strokes Jonathon's hair. He's nervous.
Your hands feel kind of… rough. Ampata's gnarled hands grab the hair on the back of his head.
Aren't you with Xander?
Do I look like I am with Xander? She closes in for the kiss.
Ampata! Ampata!
Whoa! That's my cue to leave. He bails. Ampata breathes heavily in frustration. Xander rounds a corner.
There you are. (going to her) Why did you run away?
Because I… I do not deserve you. Xander gasps, can barely contain his disbelief.
Ha! Wh-You think you don't… (pointing back and forth) …that I would think… (then, laughing) Man, I love you! Xander stops, mortified at what he said. Ampata pulls away.
Uh, I mean… well, I guess… (then) Yeah. Ampata looks up at him. She's crying.
Are those tears of joy? Pain? Revulsion?
I am very happy. And very sad. Xander pulls back a bit, confused.
Then talk to me. Tell me what's wrong.
I can't! Ampata buries her sobbing face on his shoulder. Ampata hugs Xander tightly.
I know why you can't tell me. It's a secret, right? Ampata looks up sadly from his shoulder. Nods yes. Xander smiles. Tries to ease the tension.
And if you told me, you'd have to kill me? She starts crying again.
Okay. Bad joke. Deliver was off, too. I'm sorry, I- They look at each other. Xander's lips move closer. CLOSE: THEIR LIPS MILLIMETERS APART Ampata swept away in the moment. Their lips touch. And they KISS. Lightly. Then, more passionately. Until Ampata grabs Xander's head, holding him. CLOSE UP: XANDER'S EYES OPEN WIDE WITH SHOCK. BLACK OUT.
|
| Act Four |
|
INT. BACKSTAGE - NIGHT Ampata is still kissing Xander as he fights for air. Ampata opens her yes. Breaks away from the kiss, sobbing. Xander drops to his knees. Face drawn. Reeling, like half his life's been sucked out. CUT TO: INT. NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM - BURIAL CHAMBER - NIGHT Giles kneels on top of the step pyramid. Arranges the many seal fragments. Reads from the text books.
'Inca cosmology unites the bird-head with its paler twin.' (studying the seal) Ah, yes… the paler twin. He starts to fit together the seal fragments. CUT TO: INT. BACKSTAGE - SAME TIME Ampata is kneeling next to Xander, holding him in her arms.
Xander, I am sorry. Suddenly, she's jolted. She looks at her arms. The freeze-drying crackles up to her elbows. She lets go of Xander.
(in pain) The seal! She gets up and runs out the back door.
(dazed) Ampata… CUT TO: INT. BRONZE - NIGHT Buffy enters, goes to Willow.
Where's Xander?
He was looking for Ampata.
We've to find them. Ampata is the mummy.
Oh. (smiles) Good. (stops smiling) Xander!
Where'd they go?
Backstage, I think. They race backwards, REVEALING OZ, who was just about to tap Willow on the shoulder. He watches his little Eskimo disappear.
Who is that girl? CUT TO: INT. BACKSTAGE - NIGHT The door from the dance floor bursts open. Buffy and Willow race toward Xander. Sit him up.
Are you all right? Xander shakes his head, focusing. Takes deep breaths.
I think so. (touching his jaw) That was some kiss.
Where's Ampata?
She said something about the seal.
The seal. At the museum. Where Giles is. She's gone to stop him. Come on!
What's going on? Willow looks at him.
He doesn't know.
We'll tell him on the way. Buffy and Willow pull Xander with them out the back door. CUT TO: INT. NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM - NIGHT Giles sweats over the seal. Hears a noise. Looks up. The room is empty. Shadows flicker. Giles returns to his text.
'The Condor soars… But the prey is in his talons.' That's it! Giles glues two pieces together. Smiles triumphantly. ANGLE: AMPATA in the shadows, grimaces painfully. The skin on her arms is now mummified up to her bare shoulders. She fights the urge to scream. She moves into the light. Face still beautiful. CUT TO: EXT. NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM - NIGHT Buffy, Xander and Willow run into view. Willow has ditched the outfit (parka and mittens) except for the pants. Xander has most of his strength back.
No. Giles must've… researched wrong.
(softly) Xander, he didn't.
But I know Ampata. This can't be. She told me… she said… His voice trails off. Buffy looks at him sadly.
I know. Buffy points up at an open, third-story window.
Listen, you two get to the fire escape. I'll take a short cut. Buffy starts climbing toward the window. CUT TO: INT. NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM - NIGHT
'The spondylus shell evokes Mamacocha, mother of all the water.' Giles glues in the penultimate fragment. Excited.
Just one more piece. CLOSE: HIS FINGERS INSERT THE LAST PIECE when suddenly Ampata's gnarled hand rips away the seal and hurls it down, SHATTERING it beyond repair. She grabs Giles by the throat, squeezes him unconscious. Pulls his face in for the kiss.
I'll say one thing for you Incan mummies- Ampata turns to see Buffy on the museum floor.
--You don't kiss and tell. Buffy does a forward HANDSPRING up the step pyramid, landing in front of a startled Ampata.
Looks like you've been keeping some secrets from me. Ampata drops Giles' unconscious body into the sarcophagus hole, as she and Buffy square off against each other.
You're not a normal girl. She LUNGES for Buffy's throat with her two mummified arms. Buffy looks at them, repulsed.
Oh, and you are? They struggle, rolling toward the open sarcophagus. Ampata's face gets closer for the kiss. Buffy headbutts Ampata. Ampata stagger backwards. Buffy charges. Ampata uses Buffy's momentum to hurl Buffy into the sarcophagus.
I shared your life- BUFFY'S POV: THE SARCOPHAGUS LID Slides shut overhead. Blackness.
--Now you'll share my death. Ampata desperately grabs her neck, as the mummification advances. She races down the steps, running smack into: Willow. Petrified. Ampata clasps her hand around Willow's throat. POV: AMPATA'S FACE
This won't hurt.
Let her go. Ampata looks around. Xander is there.
If you're going to kiss anybody, it should be me. Ampata looks at Xander for a beat, then back at Willow. CUT TO: Pitch black. We hear a stone slab being moved. A SHAFT OF LIGHT comes in through a crack, and we see Buffy in the sarcophagus, straining to move the stone lid aside. CUT TO: INT. NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM - BURIAL CHAMBER - CONTINUOUS Xander approaches Ampata. Tears well up in her eyes.
Xander, we can be together. Just let me have this one. Xander looks at her still-beautiful face.
That's never gonna happen.
I must do this, now, or it is the end. For me and for us. She moves in for Willow.
No! Xander steps between them, pushing Willow back to safety.
You want life, you're gonna have to take mine. Can you do that? There is fear and confusion in her face - and then it is gone. Replaced by something colder.
Yes. She lunges at him. ANGLE: THE SARCOPHAGUS LID as it is tossed aside. Buffy pops out, then hurls herself from the top of the pyramid. Xander struggles to hold Mummy Ampata away as Buffy appears. Buffy KICKS Mummy Ampata. She FLIES though the air and SLAMS onto the stone pyramid steps. The mummy SHATTERS on impact. Nothing but dust. Silence. Willow goes to Xander. He looks up at her; tries to smile. She smiles back, starts to help him to his feet. Buffy helps Giles out of the sarcophagus. The two of them head over to join the others. PULL BACK AND AWAY as the four of them walk out together. CUT TO: EXT. SCHOOL COURTYARD - THE NEXT DAY Buffy and Xander walk together, Buffy sipping a soda. They are quiet for a while. She offers him a sip, he shakes his head.
I'm really the fun talking guy today, huh? Sorry.
We don't have to talk.
I just… Present company excluded, I have the worst taste in women. Of anyone. In the world. Ever.
Ampata wasn't evil. At least not to start with. And I do think she cared for you.
Yeah, but I think the whole sucking- the-life-out-of-people thing would have been a strain on the relationship.
She was gypped. She was just a girl and she had her life taken from her. I remember when I heard the prophesy that I was going to die. I wasn't exactly obsessed with doing the right thing.
But you did. You gave up your life.
I had you to bring me back. They smile at each other, then settle back into a comfortable silence. BLACK OUT.
|