|
What's My Line, Part
2 (October 17, 1997) Written by: Marti Noxon |
| Teaser |
|
FADE IN: INT. ANGEL'S APARTMENT - EARLY MORNING Remember BUFFY and that chick who says she's the NEW SLAYER? They're still staring at each other, breathing hard. The apartment is in major shambles.
Let's start again. You're the who? The new slayer radiates poise and intensity. She's a "take-no-guff" gal with a faintly regal air about her.
I'm the slayer.
Nice cover story. Here's a tip - try it on someone who's not the real slayer.
You can't stop me. Even if you kill me, another slayer will be sent to take my place.
Could you stop with the slayer thing? I'm the damn slayer!
Nonsense. There is but one - and I am she. Buffy takes this in, truly puzzled. Kendra is so annoyingly earnest. Finally -
Okay . . . Scenario: I back off. You promise not to go all wiggy until we go to my watcher and figure out what this is all about.
Wiggy?
You know - no kicko, no fighto? A beat as Kendra considers. Then -
I accept your scenario. They let their arms down, circling each other, exhausted from the fight and harboring a good amount of suspicion and contempt.
Your English is very odd, you know.
Yeah - it's something about being woken by an axe. Makes me talk all crazy. (then) So you were sent here?
Yes, by my Watcher.
To do what, exactly?
To do my duty. I am here to kill vampires. INT. SEEDY BAR STORAGE ROOM - EARLY MORNING CLOSE ON A window HIGH on the wall of the storage room. The SUN streams through the barred glass, spilling light into the room. We hear the labored breathing of someone in pain as we WIDEN to reveal ANGEL huddled in a corner of the storage room. The sun angles across the floor - leaving him only a small patch of safety. And every passing minute brings the sun closer to him. CLOSE ON ANGEL Sweating. The walls are definitely closing in. He's trying hard to maintain. BLACKOUT.
|
| Act One |
|
INT. LIBRARY - MORNING GILES paces in front of Buffy and Kendra - trying to make heads or tails of the situation. When speaking to Giles, Kendra is extremely respectful. Almost subservient.
(to Kendra) Your watcher is Sam Zabuto, you say?
Yes, sir.
We've never met - but he is very well respected.
What? So he's a real guy? As in, non-fictional?
And what are you called?
I am the vampire slayer.
(irked) We got that part. He means your name.
Oh. They call me Kendra, only. I have no last name, sir.
Can you say - stuck in the 80's?
Buffy - please. There has obviously been some kind of misunderstanding here. WILLOW enters the library at this point, startling everyone.
Hey- Kendra immediately advances on Willow - about to attack.
Identify yourself! Buffy quickly stops Kendra - gives her a withering look.
Back off, Pink Ranger. This is my friend-
Friend?
You know. Person you hang with? Amigo?
I - I don't understand. Buffy rolls her eyes - turns to Giles.
You try. I'm tapped.
Kendra. There are a few people, civilians if you will, who know Buffy's identity. Willow is one of them. And they also spend time together. Socially. Kendra takes this in. Understanding, but still puzzled-
And you allow this, sir?
Well, you see . . .
But, the slayer must work in secret. For security-
Of course. With Buffy, however, it's . . . Some flexibility is required-
Why?
(enough already) Hi guys. What's going on?
There's been a big mix-up.
It seems, that somehow, another slayer has been sent to Sunnydale.
Is that even possible? I mean, two slayers at the same time?
Not that I know of. The new slayer is only called after the previous slayer has died- (then/realizing) Good lord . . . You were dead, Buffy.
(defensive) I was only gone for a minute.
Clearly, it doesn't matter how long you were gone. You were physically dead, causing the activation of the next slayer.
She . . . died?
Just a little.
Yes, she drowned. But she was revived.
So there really are two of them?
It would appear so. Yes. Giles sits. Stunned.
We have no precedent for this. I'm quite flummoxed.
What's the flum? It's a mistake. She isn't supposed to be here. She goes home. (to Kendra) No offense. But, I'm not dead and it's a teeny bit creepy having you around.
I cannot simply leave. I was sent here for a reason. Mr. Zabuto said all the signs indicate that a very dark power is about to rise in Sunnydale.
He's quite right. I'll need to contact him.
So what was your plan for fighting this dark power? Just sort of attack people till you found a bad one?
Of course not.
Then why the hell did you jump me?
(sheepish) I thought you were a vampire. The others look at each other.
Oooh, a swing and a miss for the rookie.
I had good reason to think you were. Did I not see you kissing a vampire?
Buffy would never do that! Oh - (turns to Buffy) except for - that sometimes you do that. (to Kendra) But only with Angel! (to Buffy) Right?
Yes right. (to Kendra) You saw me with Angel. He's a vampire but he's good.
Angel? You mean Angelus? I've read of him. He is a monster.
No, no, he's good now.
Really.
He had a gypsy curse.
Oh. (beat) He had a what?
Just trust me. Angel's on the home team now. Wouldn't hurt a fly.
I cannot believe you. He looked to me like just another animal when I - She stops. Buffy eyes her, worried.
When you what? What did you do to him?
I . . .
What did you do? INT. SEEDY BAR STORAGE ROOM - DAY Now Angel's patch of shadow is nothing but a sliver. Sun fills the room. Angel has his jacket pulled over his head - taking what little protection it can provide. He is literally smoldering now - only moments away from total combustion. Then the door to the storage room SLAMS open. CLOSE ON ANGEL'S LEGS As a pair of MALE hands grabs them and TUGS. WIDEN to reveal - WILLY, the snitch, dragging Angel across the floor of the stockroom. He pulls him out of the light and into- INT. ADJACENT ROOM - CONTINUOUS - DAY Willy leans down, lifts a TRAP DOOR opening in the floor, pushes Angel's near lifeless body into- INT. SEWER - CONTINUOUS - DAY Where Angel drops into the water, Willy following, lowers himself to find- None other than SPIKE, who waits with a few of his minions.
Here you go, friend. A little singed around the edges, maybe, but he'll be good as new in a day or so. We see that Angel is terribly weak and nearly unconscious. Spike reaches for Angel - but Willy tugs his hand away.
Hey now. We had a deal. Spike gives Willy a look. Pulls a wad from his pocket and starts to peel off some bills - hands them to Willy.
What's the matter, Willy. Don't trust me? Willy is counting the bills. Indicates that Spike owes him a few more.
Like a brother. Spike holds the last bill up - makes Willy reach for it.
Talk and I'll have your guts for garters.
Wild horses couldn't drag it. Spike drops the bill in the water.
Oops. Sorry - friend. Willy fishes for the bill. The minions start to gather up Angel.
What're you gonna do with him, anyway?
I'm thinking - maybe dinner and a movie. I don't want to rush into anything. I've been hurt, you know. Spike strides away, exiting round a bend in the tunnel. His minions follow with Angel, leaving Willy behind. INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - FOYER - DAY CORDELIA stands with WORM GUY, examining a lipstick. Worm Guy has an open satchel full of cosmetics and creams at his side.
Do you have this in raisin? I know you wouldn't think so - but I'm both a winter and a summer- Worm Guy just looks at her. Creepy and unblinking. Finally-
$9.99, tax included.
You - you said that already. Do you have anything in the berry family? Worm Guy doesn't respond. He simply takes the lipstick from Cordelia. Drops it back in the bag.
Are there more ladies in the house?
They aren't home. (then) Nothing personal - but maybe you should look into selling dictionaries- She stops as she sees a SINGLE WORM appear from under WORM GUY'S COAT and skitter across the floor. Cordelia backs away with a gasp. She looks at WORM GUY - who stares back at her, impassive. He looks totally human. Odd, but human. XANDER comes down the stairs - seeing worm dude for the first time.
Hey. What's up? Cordelia grabs Xander by the arm - freaked.
He's a... salesman. But he was just leaving. (to Worm Guy) Right? WORM GUY just stands there.
Okay. Bye bye. Thanks. Nothing. Xander moves to hustle him out.
Come on, Mary Kay. Time to - As Xander approaches, WORM GUY'S FACE starts to RIPPLE. Undulate, in fact. As though there were creepy crawly things UNDER his skin.
Time to . . . He turns to Cordelia - calmly.
Run. Worm Guy stands between them and the front door, so they BOLT in the opposite direction. WORM GUY suddenly SHIFTS - his human form falling away as he DECOMPOSES into THOUSANDS of horrible crawly worms - who stream after Cordy and Xander. INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - KITCHEN/DINING ROOM - CONT. - DAY Xander and Cordelia run past the stairs for the back door, but Pfister has reformed and is BLOCKING THEIR PATH. They have no alternative but to duck into the CELLAR. INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - CELLAR - CONTINUOUS - DAY Xander and Cordelia jam into the cellar. They shut and bolt the door. The worms simply flow through the crack under the door. Cordelia SCREAMS. Xander grabs an old broom and starts to beat them off.
Find something to block the crack under the door! Cordelia frantically searches, yelping and she brushes worms off her. Finally, she comes across some DUCT TAPE. She pushes it into Xander's hands.
I - I don't - do worms - He shoves the broom at her.
Cover me. Cordelia kills worms while Xander, grimacing, TAPES THE CRACKS AROUND THE DOOR. Then he and Cordy kill the remaining critters. The worms are momentarily thwarted. A beat. Xander and Cordelia look around the cellar. There are NO WINDOWS. And the only door is the one they came in.
You know - just when you think you've seen it all. Along comes a worm guy. INT. SEEDY BAR STORAGE ROOM/BAR - DAY Freaked-out and breathing hard, Buffy BURSTS into the storage room - only to find it empty.
Angel -? Kendra enters, moves around the room. Checking the floor.
No ashes.
What?
When a vampire combusts, he leaves ashes.
Yeah, I know the drill.
So I did not kill him.
And I don't have to kill you. A glare moment for the girls. Willy enters, momentarily unseen.
Whoah, there's a lot of tension in this room. Before he can speak another word KENDRA CHARGES HIM. Slamming him into a table and drawing her fist back for a mighty blow- CLOSE ON KENDRA & BUFFY As BUFFY catches her hand mid-flight. She looks at Kendra, exasperated.
Doesn't anyone just say "hello" where you come from? Kendra keeps her grip on Willy firm.
This one is dirty. I can feel it.
That's nice for you, percepto girl. But we're not going to get anything out of him if he's oh, say, unconscious. Buffy grabs Willy away from Kendra. Addresses him - hard.
Where is Angel?
My bud, Angel? You think I'd let him fry? I saved him in the nick. He was about five minutes away from being a crispy critter. Buffy shoots Kendra a vicious look.
Where did he go? Home?
Uh, he said he was gonna stay underground. You know, recuperate.
Are you telling me the truth?
I swear! I swear on my mother's grave should something fatal happen to her god forbid.
Then he is all right. We can return to your Watcher for our orders.
Orders? I don't take orders. I do things my way.
No wonder you died.
Let's go. As they start out.
I have to ask if either of you girls has considered modeling. I got a friend with a camera, strictly high class nude work - art photographs, but naked. The look they give him is the first thing they have ever shared.
You don't have to answer right away . . . They exit. INT. DRUSILLA'S BEDROOM - DAY DRU is in bed, looking gravely (so to speak) ill. Spike enters, sits on her bed. Strokes her brow until she wakes.
Ah. I was dreaming-
Of what, pet?
Beautiful. We were in Paris. You had a branding iron . . .
I brought you something- Drusilla nods, out of it, as Spike steps out of the room.
And there were worms in my baguette . . . Spike reenters with ANGEL - who is bound and gagged.
Your sire, my sweet. Drusilla's expression immediately brightens.
Angel? Spike roughly throws Angel into the corner.
The one and only. Now all we need is the new moon tonight. Then he will die and you will be fully restored- Spike moves back to Dru on the bed - excited.
My black goddess. My ripe, wicked plum. It's been-
Forever. Drusilla smiles, pulls him close. They kiss hungrily. CLOSE ON ANGEL He looks away. Disgusted and ashamed of what he did to Dru. ON SPIKE AND DRUSILLA They finally come up for air-
Let me have him. Until the moon. Spike, glances at Angel, doesn't like the idea - but can't deny Drusilla her request.
Alright then, you can play. But don't kill him. He mustn't die until the ritual. Drusilla sits up.
Bring him to me. Spike yanks Angel off the floor. Dru gets up on her knees, moves to him, unties his gag. Tenderly runs her fingers over his face. Angel won't make eye contact. But Dru grabs his head - turns it until he's forced to look at her. She frowns.
You've been a very bad daddy. And she SLAPS him with wicked force. BLACKOUT.
|
| Act Two |
|
EXT. SCHOOL - COLONNADE - DAY Buffy, Kendra, Giles and Willow are gathered.
Kendra, I've conferred with your Watcher, Mr. Zabuto. He and I agree that until this matter with Spike and Drusilla is resolved, you two should work together.
Oh, that'll be a treat.
So you believe that Spike is attempting to revive this Drusilla to health?
Yes. That would be the dark power your Watcher referred to. Drusilla is not just evil. She's also quite mad. Restored to her full health there is absolutely no telling what she might do.
Then we will stop Spike.
Good plan! Let's go! Charge!
Buffy-
(to Kendra) It's a little more complicated than that, okay, John Wayne?
Yes, I'm afraid it is. Spike has called out the Order of Taraka to keep Buffy out of the way.
The assassins? I read of them in the writings of Dramius.
Really? Which volume?
I believe it was six, sir.
(to Kendra) How do you know that stuff?
From my studies.
So - you have a lot of free time.
I study because it is required. The slayer handbook insists on it.
There's a slayer handbook?
Handbook? What handbook? How come I didn't get a handbook?
Is there a T-shirt too? (off their looks) Cause, that would be cool . . .
After meeting you, Buffy, I was quite sure the handbook would be of no use in your case.
What do you mean - "it would be of no use in my case?" What's wrong with my case? Giles turns his attention back to Kendra.
Kendra - perhaps you could show me the bit in Dramius six about the Order of Taraka. I must admit, I could never get through that book.
Yes, it was difficult. All those footnotes! They laugh. Buffy looks at Willow.
(sotto) Hello and welcome to the planet pocket protector. Kendra and Giles move off, but Giles stops - turns to Buffy.
Oh, Buffy. Principal Snyder came snooping around for you.
Eeee, the career fair.
You'd best make an appearance, I think.
Right.
Buffy's a student here?
Yes. A beat as Kendra takes this in. Then, coolly-
Right. Of course. I'd imagine she's a cheerleader, too.
Actually, she gave up cheerleading. It's a funny story, really . . . Kendra just looks at him. Clearly, Buffy's wacky life does not amuse.
Let's go find that book, shall we? They move off to the library. Willow and Buffy watch, somewhat stunned.
Get a load of the She-Giles.
Creepy. They gather their stuff, move for the door. EXT. SCHOOL - COURTYARD - DAY
I bet Giles wishes I were more of a fact geek.
Giles is enough of a fact geek for both of you.
But you saw how he and Kendra were vibing. "Volume six - ha, ha, ha!"
Buffy. No one can replace you. You'll always be Giles' favorite.
I wonder . . .
Of course you will. You're his slayer. The real slayer.
No - I mean, I wonder if it would be so bad. Being replaced.
You mean, letting Kendra take over?
Maybe. It would be wild if, after this thing with Spike and the assassins is over, I could say - "Kendra, you slay. I'm going to Disneyland . . ."
But not forever, right?
No, Disneyland would get boring after a few months. But I could do . . . other stuff. Any stuff. Career day stuff. Who knows, Willow, I might even be able to have, like, a normal life . . . Off Buffy's hopeful face. INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - CELLAR - DAY Xander and Cordy are still in their man/worm stand-off. Xander is sitting on the floor while Cordelia, totally wigging, paces.
Think you could sit down or change your pattern or something? You're making me queasy.
Because you're just sitting there. You should be thinking up a plan.
I do have a plan. We wait. Buffy saves us.
How will she even know where to find us?
Cordelia. This is Buffy's house. Odds are - she'll find us.
What if she doesn't? I'm supposed to just waste away down here with you? No thank you. She moves toward the stairs to the door - Xander leaps up.
What are you doing?
Checking to see if he's gone-
That's brilliant. What if he isn't?
Oh - Right. You think we should just slack here and hope that somebody else decides to be a hero. Sorry, forgot I was stranded with a loser-
And yet, I never forgot that I was stuck with the numb-brain who let Mr. Mutant into the house in the first place-
He looked normal -!
What - he was supposed to have an arrow and the word ASSASSIN over his head? All it took was the prospect of a free makeover and you licked his hand like a big, dumb DOG!
You know what? I'm going. I'd rather be worm food than look at your pathetic face-
Then go. I won't stop you- They are toe to toe now. Seething-
I bet you wouldn't. I bet you'd just let a girl go off to her doom all by herself-
Not just any girl. You're special-
I can't believe I'm stuck here spending what are probably my last moments on earth with you!
I hope these are my last moments! Three more seconds of you and I'm gonna-
You're gonna what? Coward!
Moron!
I hate you!
I hate you! A beat. They FALL INTO A KISS. A kiss of steel-melting, ground-shaking intensity. It just goes on and on and on . . . Finally, they break. LEAP apart as if they've been electrocuted. A beat. Then-
We so need to get out of here. Without hesitation, Cordelia RIPS AWAY the tape that seals the door.
He's gone. Xander THROWS the door open and they BOLT. As soon as they've crossed from the kitchen through the dining room - HUNDREDS OF WORMS RAIN DOWN ON THEM FROM ABOVE. EXT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS - DAY Xander and Cordelia race out the front door. Xander, well ahead, is relatively worm-free. Then he looks back and sees Cordelia falling to the ground, COVERED in worms.
Help! Help me! Xander races to a nearby garden hose and turns the pressure up as far as it will go. Cordelia is flailing as Xander TURNS THE HOSE ON HER. She YELLS and fights the water, but it works - the worms are washed away. Xander runs to her and lifts her to her feet. They bolt for Cordy's car. They get in and SPEED OFF. INT. SCHOOL LOUNGE - DAY Willow and Buffy stand amid the hubbub of CAREER WEEK, looking at a large schedule of events that's posted on the wall.
Okay, my tests say I should be looking into law enforcement - duh - and environmental design . . .
Environmental design? That's landscaping, right?
(shrugs) I checked the shrub box. Landscaping was yesterday - so law it is. They start to move through the career seekers. Buffy notices OZ, who is standing nearby, staring at Willow intently. He carries his guitar case.
Don't look now, Will, but that guy over there is totally checking you out. Willow glances over to OZ - waves it away.
Oh. That's Oz. He's just expressing computer nerd solidarity.
Really? Then why is he on his way over? Oz approaches. Eyes only for Willow.
Hi. Buffy smiles, keeps moving.
(to Willow) Told you. Willow stays behind with OZ - while Buffy heads toward the LAW ENFORCEMENT BOOTH.
Hey.
Hey . . .
Did you decide? Are you gonna become a corporate computer suit guy?
Uh, I think I'm gonna finish high school first. What about you?
I'm not really a computer person. Or a work of any kind person.
Then why'd they select you?
I sort of test well. Which is cool, except then it leads to jobs.
Well, don't you have some ambition?
Oh, yeah. E flat, diminished 9th.
Huh?
The E flat's doable, but it's that diminished 9th . . . that's a man's chord. You could lose a finger. He smiles. Willow smiles too - not sure what to make of him. ON BUFFY Who is now over at the LAW ENFORCEMENT BOOTH. The STERN POLICE LADY is there. She sees Buffy, nods to a sign-in sheet. Buffy adds her name and Police Lady takes the paper.
Listen up and answer when I call your name!- Buffy and the other seminar attendees gather around.
Buffy Summers!
Here. Without a beat - POLICE LADY DRAWS A SERIOUS-LOOKING GUN and AIMS AT BUFFY. Buffy DIVES FOR COVER as she SHOOTS!
Get down! MAYHEM. All the career day folks FREAK as Police Lady shoots AGAIN AND AGAIN at BUFFY. ON OZ AND WILLOW Bullets FLY past them.
Look out! OZ THROWS HIMSELF OVER WILLOW - TAKING HER TO THE GROUND. A BULLET GRAZES HIS ARM. They land hard. Oz on top of her, bleeding. BUFFY CRAWLS ON THE GROUND THROUGH THE CHAOS, moving out of POLICE LADY'S line of sight until she ends up BEHIND HER. Buffy GRABS POLICE LADY'S LEGS FROM UNDER HER, dropping her. POLICE LADY and BUFFY ROLL ON THE GROUND. Buffy finally manages to get the GUN OUT OF HER HAND and it skitters away. At which point - Police Lady simply DRAWS ANOTHER GUN. Points it right at Buffy's face. But before Police Lady can shoot - a FOOT KICKS THE GUN FROM HER HAND. Buffy looks up to see KENDRA, ready to kick some lady-in-blue butt. Buffy takes advantage of the distraction and POUNDS POLICE LADY repeatedly in the face- Still, Police Lady manages to throw Buffy off her and grab ONE OF THE KIDS who was at the law enforcement booth before Buffy or Kendra can stop her. She's GOT YET ANOTHER gun - which she points at the poor kid's chest.
Don't! Hostage in tow, Police Lady backs out of the lounge. She gets to the door, TOSSES the kid to the ground and exits. Kendra goes after Police Lady while Buffy runs to OZ and WILLOW.
(to Buffy) He's, he's shot- (to OZ) Are you okay?
I'm shot. Wow. It's very . . . odd. And painful. Kendra runs back into the room. Moves to Buffy.
She's gone. A stunned beat as people emerge from their hiding spots. What just happened here? The hostage kid stands - shaky.
Was - was that a demonstration? INT. LIBRARY - DAY Buffy, Kendra, Giles and Willow are doing the post-siege analysis.
(to Giles) She was definitely one of the Taraka gang, Giles. And way gun happy.
(to Willow) And this Oz, he's alright?
The paramedic said it was only a scrape, thank goodness- She's interrupted by XANDER AND A VERY WET CORDELIA, who enter. They're tripping from both worm dude and their unscheduled lip-burst. Buffy glances at Kendra.
Down girl- But KENDRA is totally rooted - looking at Xander like a deer caught in the headlights. Buffy's puzzled.
Who sponsored career day today - The British Soccer Fan Association?
We had a rather violent visit from one of the Order of Taraka-
You want to talk Order of Taraka? We met the king freak of the Order of- Now he sees KENDRA - stops.
Forgive me. Xander, Cordelia - this is Kendra. It's very complicated, but she is also a slayer- Cordelia is too wigged-out to be newly fazed. She barely glances at Kendra, sits.
(to Kendra) Hi. Nice to meet you.
(to Buffy) A slayer? I knew this "I'm the only one, I'm the only one" thing was just an attention getter.
Just say hello, Xander. Xander moves to Kendra, who appears mortified by his attention. He notices her babe factor - vibes her.
Welcome. So you're a slayer, huh? I like that in a woman. Kendra can only look at her shoes. Totally flustered.
I - I, hope . . . I thank you. I mean, sir . . . I will be of service.
Good. Great. It's good to be a giver. Xander looks to Buffy - what's with her? Buffy shrugs.
This assassin you encountered, Xander. What did he look like? Just then Cordelia SHRIEKS - finds a DEAD WORM in her hair.
Like that.
You and bug people, Xander. What's up with that?
But this dude was different than the preying mantis lady. He was a man of bugs. Not a man who was a bug.
Okay. (then) Huh?
The important thing is - everybody's okay. Still, it is quite apparent that we are under serious attack-
Yeah. These Taraka guys are Uberbad. If Kendra hadn't been there today I would have been toast. Kendra and Buffy exchange a look. The thanks noted.
I fear the worst is yet to come. I've discovered the remaining keys to Drusilla's cure. The ritual requires her sire and must take place in a church on the night of the new moon-
The new moon? But that is tonight.
Exactly. I'm sure the assassins are here to kill Buffy before she can put a stop to things- Buffy suddenly stands - her tone urgent.
They need Drusilla's sire? You mean the vamp that made her?
What is it, Buffy?
(painfully) It's Angel. He's Drusilla's sire.
Man! That guy got some major neck in his day- Willow HITS Xander. Xander shuts up. Kendra is clearly displeased - but holds her tongue.
(to Giles) This thingy. This ritual. Will it kill him?
I'm afraid so.
We have to do something. We have to find the church where this ritual takes place-
Agreed. And we must work quickly. There are only five hours to sundown.
Don't worry, Buffy, we'll save Angel.
Angel? Our priority must be to stop Drusilla.
(bridling) Angel's our friend. Except I don't like him.
Look, you've got your priorities and I've got mine. Right now, they mesh. You gonna work with me or are you gonna get out of my way?
(a beat) I am with you.
Good. Cause I've had it. Spike is going down. You can attack me, you can send assassins after me . . . that's just fine. But nobody messes with my boyfriend. BLACKOUT.
|
| Act Three |
|
INT. DRUSILLA'S BEDROOM - NIGHT CLOSE ON Drusilla - looking much perkier - takes a small bottle of HOLY WATER from an old lined box. She speaks dreamily - savoring her memories.
My mother ate lemons. Raw. WIDEN TO REVEAL The bedroom lit by candles. And ANGEL on the bed, tied to the bedposts - his naked chest exposed. Drusilla drifts over, kneels before him. She runs her hands along his chest. There is obvious heat between them - heat that Dru plays with just to watch him squirm.
She said she loved the way they made her mouth tingle- Dru lifts the bottle of holy water. Dribbles a bit on Angel's chest. We can hear the HISS as the water burns his skin. He grimaces but does not cry out.
Little Anne - her favorite was custard . . . Brandied pears . . . Another splash of holy water. A bit more this time. Angel reacts - his pain the product of both remorse and the torture.
Dru-
(stern) Shhhhhh. (then) And pomegranates. They used to make her face and fingers all red- And she pours nice and slow this time. He nearly cries out.
Remember little fingers? Little hands? (beat) Do you? She obviously wants a reply now. Finally, through his pain-
If I could- I-
(snapping) Bite your tongue . . . They used to eat. Cake. And eggs. And honey. (sweet as can be) Until you came and ripped their throats out- She gives him another, BIGGER dose of water. Angel writhes. As he settles, Drusilla searches his face. The amazing sorrow there. And, like quicksilver, she suddenly appears vulnerable - genuinely lost.
You remember?
Yes.
You remember that kind of hungry?
Yes . . .
You used to feed me. Angel looks away - she's not talking food now.
You think you don't have it in you now. But you do. I can feel it. She THROWS A HUGE SPLASH OF HOLY WATER on his chest. Angel finally SCREAMS in agony.
I can almost taste it. INT. LIBRARY - NIGHT The whole gang is present. Willow is at the computer with Giles watching as she scrolls through some information.
There are forty three churches in Sunnydale? That seems a bit excessive.
It's the extra evil vibe from the hellmouth. Makes people pray harder.
Check and see if any of them are closed or abandoned. Willow obliges. Giles carries a large book over to- ON CORDELIA AND XANDER Who are sitting side by side, looking through some sort of demon "mug book" - both reeling from their lip-lock. Stiff as boards, they avoid eye contact.
We got demons. We got monsters. But no bug dude or Police Lady. Giles hands them the book he holds.
You should have better luck with this. There's a section devoted entirely to the Order of Taraka. Xander leafs through the book. INT. GILES' OFFICE - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT Kendra looks out at the others, then over at Buffy, who is checking and re-checking her weapons, clearly keyed up and freaking about Angel.
And those two, they also know you are the Slayer.
Yup.
Did anyone explain to you what "secret identity" means?
Nope. Must be in the handbook. Right after the chapter on personality removal. There's no real rancor there - Buffy is too focused. Kendra picks up a crossbow, checks it out.
Careful with that thing.
Please. I am an expert in all weapons- As she says it, the thing goes off in her hand, firing an arrow into Giles' lamp. Kendra is startled, tries to cover.
Is everything all right?
Yeah, it's okay. Kendra killed the bad lamp.
Sorry. This trigger mechanism is different. (conciliatory) Perhaps when this is over you can show me how to work it.
When this is over, I'm thinking pineapple pizza and teen video fest - possibly something from the Ringwald oeuvre.
I'm not allowed to watch television. My Watcher says it promotes intellectual laziness.
And he says it like it's a bad thing?
Here we go. I am the Bug Man, coo coo coo chu. CLOSE ON A drawing of WORM GUY. Round-faced, meek. Not too scary-looking. But a magnified DETAIL of the drawing shows his WORMY COMPOSITION. Yuck. ON XANDER AND CORDELIA
(finds something) Okay. Okay. He can only be killed when he's in his disassembled state. He addresses Cordelia - as to a three-year-old.
Disassembled. That means when he's broken down into all his buggy parts- Cordelia, annoyed, grabs the book from him.
I know what it means, dork head- Xander tries to grab it back.
Dork head? You slash me with your words. CLOSE ON THEIR HANDS As they inadvertently TOUCH.
Arrrgggghhhh! They jump away from each other as though they've been electrocuted. OFF WILLOW Puzzled by their interaction. INT. GILES' OFFICE - NIGHT Kendra also hears the SCREAM, then looks at Buffy.
Your life is very different than mine.
You mean the part where I occasionally have one? Yeah, I guess it is.
The things you do and have, I was taught distract from my calling. Friends. School. Even family.
What do you mean - even family?
My parents - they sent me to my watcher when I was very young.
How young?
I don't remember them, actually. I've seen pictures . . . But that's how seriously the calling is taken by my people. My mother and father gave me to my watcher because they believed that they were doing the right thing for me - and for the world. You see? Buffy is shocked. But Kendra shuts down hard.
Oh. I'm-
Please. I don't feel sorry for myself. Why should you?
It just sounds very lonely.
Emotions are weakness, Buffy. You shouldn't entertain them.
What? Kendra - my emotions give me power. They're total assets.
Maybe. For you. But I prefer to keep an even mind. Kendra picks up a dagger, polishes it. Buffy considers this, then-
Huh. I guess that explains it.
Explains what?
When we were fighting. You're amazing. Your technique. It's flawless. Better than mine-
I know.
(bristles) Still - I would have kicked your butt in the end. And you know why? No imagination. Kendra starts polishing the knife a little more intensely.
Really? You think so?
Yep. You're good. But power alone isn't enough. A great fighter goes with the flow. She knows how to improvise. Don't get me wrong, I mean, you have potential-
Potential . . . Kendra puts the weapon down - furious. Gets in Buffy's face.
I could wipe the floor with you right now. A beat. Buffy smiles.
That would be anger you're feeling.
(thrown off) What?
You feel it, right? How the anger gives you fire? A slayer needs that. Xander enters, grabs a book. Kendra instantly goes nonverbal and shy again.
Scuze me, ladies. (to Kendra) Nice knife. He ducks out. Buffy looks at Kendra with some sympathy.
I'm guessing dating isn't big with your Watcher either.
I am not permitted to speak with boys.
Unless you're pummeling them, right? (sudden thought) Wait a minute.
What?
That guy. The sleazoid you nearly decked in the bar.
You think he might help us?
I think we might make him. INT. DRUSILLA'S BEDROOM - NIGHT Drusilla is still on her knees before Angel, who is reeling from the pain. She holds the dreaded HOLY WATER over him.
Say uncle? Angel looks away.
Oh. That's right - you killed my uncle. Drusilla DOUSES HIM again as SPIKE enters the room, seeing them in their compromising position. He isn't pleased.
That's it then. Off to the church. Drusilla looks up at him - all innocence. She holds the bottle of holy water out to him.
It makes pretty colors. Spike is not interested. He moves to untie Angel, who is keenly aware of Spike's jealousy.
I'll see him die soon enough. I've never been much for the pre-show. Angel speaks up.
Too bad. That's what Drusilla likes best, as I recall.
What's that supposed to mean? Angel looks to Drusilla - his tone surprisingly leering.
Ask her. She knows what I mean. Drusilla smiles. Can't help herself.
Well?
Shhhhhhhhh. Bad dog.
You should let me talk, Dru. Sounds like your boy could use some pointers. (to Spike) She likes to be teased- Spike's had it. Hurts Angel in a way to be determined.
Keep your hole shut! Angel's really hurting, but he keeps on nonetheless.
Take care of her, Spike. The way she touched me just now . . . I can tell when she's not satisfied- Spike RIPS Angel from his ties - lifts him to his feet.
I said - shut up!
Or maybe you two just don't have the fire that we did- Spike's HAND FLIES TO ANGEL'S NECK. The other hand BREAKS AN ARM OFF A STANDING CANDELABRA - INSTANT STAKE.
That's ENOUGH. Spike draws the stake back. Angel steels himself - a heartbeat away from death.
Spike - NO! Spike STOPS himself, not a moment too soon. Looks at Angel. A beat and - incongruously - he smiles.
Right. Right . . . You almost got me. Spike puts the stake down. Collects himself.
Aren't you a "throw himself to the lions" sort of sap these days? SPIKE laughs. ROARS like a lion in Angel's face.
Well, the lions are on to you, baby. If I kill you now - you go quick and Dru hasn't got a chance. And if Dru dies, your little Rebecca of SunnyHell farm and all her mates are spared her coming out party- Drusilla stands, eyes glowing with anticipation.
Spike. The moon is rising. It's time. She moves to Spike, who puts a territorial arm around her.
Too bad, Angelus. Looks like you go the hard way - along with the rest of this miserable town. INT. SEEDY BAR - NIGHT SLAM! Willy is thrown against the wall by BUFFY. Kendra PACES nearby.
Honest! I don't know where Angel is!
How about this ritual tonight? What have you heard?
Nothing. It's all hush hush-
(impatient) Just hit him, Buffy.
She - likes to hit.
You know, maybe I did hear something about this ritual. Yeah . . . It's coming back to me . . . But I'd - I'd have to take you there- Buffy lets Willy down. Starts to drag him toward the door.
Let's go. But Kendra hesitates.
First, we must return to the watcher.
Excuse me? While we run to Giles, the whole thing could go down-
But, it is procedure-
It's brainless, you mean! If we don't go now - Angel could be history.
Is that all you're worried about? Your boyfriend?
It's not all. But it's enough.
It's as I feared. He clouds your judgment. We can't stop this ritual alone-
He'll die- Kendra finally loses her patience. Says what she's been thinking all along.
He's a vampire. He should die! Why am I the only person who see it? This hits Buffy hard. Her face goes cold.
I'm going. With you or without you.
You're crazy. You'll be killed.
Then I guess this is goodbye. She grabs Willy and leaves. Kendra is stunned. EXT. OLD ABANDONED CHURCH (STOCK) - NIGHT Establishing. INT. CHURCH FOYER - NIGHT Willy leads Buffy into the dark vestibule.
Here you go. Don't ever say your friend Willy don't come through in a pinch- Buffy moves to follow, when out of the darkness appear WORM GUY, POLICE LADY and Spike's TWO VAMP HENCHMEN. They surround her. Willy turns to the VAMP HENCHMEN.
Here you go. Don't ever say your friend Willy don't come through in a pinch- Buffy reacts - oops. Make that MEGA OOPS. BLACKOUT.
|
| Act Four |
|
INT. CHURCH - NIGHT The abandoned church hall is lit only by torches as the ritual to heal Drusilla nears its peak. Spike swings the censer as he reads grandly from the decoded book.
Eligor, I name thee. Bringer of war, poisoners, pariahs, grand obscenity! Before him we now see ANGEL AND DRUSILLA, who stand face to face, tied together by tight leather straps. Drusilla looks up at Angel, her expression wild and expectant.
Eligor, wretched master of decay, bring your black medicine. Come restore your most impious, murderous child- With gloved hands, Spike lifts THE RELIC - and pulls on the base of the cross, UNSHEATHING A HIDDEN DAGGER. Smiles as he grabs Angel's hand, which is BOUND TO DRUSILLA'S.
From the blood of the sire she is risen! From the blood of the sire shall she rise again! Spike PLUNGES the knife through BOTH ANGEL and DRUSILLA'S HANDS. Blood and a crackling, electric FORCE flows freely between them. Angel cries out, clearly in horrible pain. Drusilla, however, delights in her wound - writhing in exquisite agony. Spike claps his hand-
Right then! Now we let them come to a simmering boil, then remove to a low flame- He's interrupted as the DOORS CRASH OPEN, revealing WILLY, WORM GUY and BUFFY - who struggles against the iron grip of LADY COP and the vampire henchmen. Spike is appalled but Willy doesn't notice-
It's pay day, pal. I got your slayer. Spike advances on him, seething.
Are you tripping? You bring her here - now? Buffy sees ANGEL and DRUSILLA, reacts. Angel is gone - can't acknowledge her.
You said you wanted her-
In the ground, pinhead! I wanted her dead-
(getting nervous) Now - now that's not what I heard. Word was, there was a bounty on her, dead or alive-
You heard wrong, Willy.
(to herself) Angel . . . Spike is distracted by her. Looks over where she looks.
Yeah, it bugs me too, seeing 'em like that. Another five minutes and Angel'll be dead though, so I forebear. But don't feel too bad for Angel. He's got something you don't have.
What?
Five minutes. Patrice? Police Lady raises a gun to Buffy's head. The doors BURST OPEN, one of them actually coming off its hinges. Kendra is handspringing across the room before anyone even has time to react, smashing into Police Lady and knocking her to the floor, her gun skittering away.
Who the hell is that? Buffy takes the moment to shake off her vamps.
It's your lucky day, Spike. Kendra grabs Spike-
Two slayers. Punches him, spinning him toward-
No waiting. Punches him, spinning him again. Kendra moves to punch him again, but he ducks, engages her in fisticuffs as Police Lady comes for Buffy, stilettos popping out from her sleeves. ANGLE: THE VAMPS Get up to get Buffy and Kendra - but one is arrowed from the back. Giles is behind him, crossbow in hand. Willow and Xander flank him, all armed. Xander looks, calls out to:
Hey larva boy! WORM GUY turns, stares at Xander.
That's right. I'm talking to you - the big cootie. WORM GUY has heard enough, starts for Xander. Xander RACES into the FOYER - shuts the door. Again WORM GUY sheds human form and devolves into worm state, streaming under the door- INT. CHURCH FOYER - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT CORDELIA is on the other side of the door and has spread some kind of GLUE on the floor. She and XANDER watch as the WORMS come under the door and GET STUCK.
Welcome, my pretties. Mwa haa haa! He and Cordelia start to stomp on the worms. Xander goes at it gleefully. Cordelia, a little gingerly. ANGLE: SPIKE AND KENDRA She's got the moves, but he's powerful - a couple of crippling blows and he's got her on the defensive. ANGLE: BUFFY AND POLICE LADY Buffy is narrowly avoiding those knives. Looks over at Kendra.
Switch! Buffy backs into Kendra, grabs her by the arms and the two do a tandem flip, sending Kendra flying into Police Lady.
Rather be fighting you anyway.
Mutual. They fight. ANGLE: GILES As the vampire knocks the crossbow out of his hands and they start wrestling, Willow jumping on his back. ANGLE: XANDER AND CORDELIA A stompin'. Cordy's totally into it now.
Die! Die! Die!
I think he did, Cordy . . . ANGLE: SPIKE Flies into a wall just as Willy is trying to exit thataway. Grabs him.
Where are you going?
There's a way in which this isn't my fault.
They tricked you.
(outraged) They were duplicitous!
Well, I'll only kill you just this once. He's about to - then sees: ANGLE: BUFFY AT THE ALTAR She grabs the handle of the knife, trying to pull it from Angel and Drusilla's hands. Spike tackles her from behind. Down they go. ANGLE: WILLY runs past Giles and Willow, who are finishing off the vamp (Giles holds, Willow stakes). Willy then passes Xander and Cordelia, who run in to join Giles and Willow. ANGLE: KENDRA AND POLICE LADY under the organ loft. Police Lady knocks Kendra into a beam holding up the organ loft. It gives slightly, just dust raining down. Not sturdy. Police Lady slices Kendra in the arm, drawing blood. Kendra looks at her shirt, getting angry.
That's my favorite shirt. (thinks) That's my only shirt! Now she's pissed. She comes at Police Lady in a hail of blows, finally knocking her out right under the organ loft at the back. ANGLE: SPIKE Punches Buffy, gaining a moment to look about. Clearly, he's outnumbered. He pulls out the knife, cuts the bonds and grabs Dru as Angel falls to the floor.
Sorry, dear, we gotta go. Hope that was enough . . . He grabs a torch by the altar and hurls it at Buffy's pals. It hits an old curtain on the floor and starts a blaze. He carries Dru on the other side of the fire to the back, towards the organ loft. ANGLE: BUFFY Rises, pissed off. She grabs a CENSER and swings it overhead. Throws it- And it slams into the back of Spike's head. He stumbles forward- Right into the beam holding the organ loft up. The beam falls, the loft crashes down on Spike and Dru. ANGLE: BUFFY
I'm good . . . ANGLE: KENDRA amongst Buffy's friends.
She's good . . . Buffy comes to Angel, the others joining her to help carry him out. Kendra next to Buffy.
It's gonna be okay . . .
Buffy?
Let's get him out. They do, leaving the growing fire headed toward the rubble. INT. SCHOOL LOUNGE - DAY Willow enters, moves to OZ - who is at the snack machine, arm in a sling. He sees her, brightens immediately.
Oh. Hey. Animal cracker?
No, thanks. How's your arm?
Suddenly painless.
You can still play guitar okay?
Not well, but not worse. They start walking down the hall.
You know, I never really thanked you-
Please, don't. I don't do thanks. I get all red and I have to bail. It's not pretty.
Then forget about - that thing. Especially the part where I kind of - owe you my life- Oz can't take it. Pulls a cookie from the box.
Look. Monkey. And he has a little hat. And pants. Willow smiles - amused by his verbal juggling.
Yeah. I see.
The monkey is the only cookie animal that gets to wear clothes, you know that? (then/casual) You have the sweetest smile I've ever seen. Willow is startled, but Oz breezes past it.
So I'm wondering, do the other cookie animals feel sort of ripped? Like, is the hippo going - man, where are my pants? . . . I have my hippo dignity . . . They turn a corner. INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY Xander is moving through the hall when he sees Cordelia, coming his way. She sees him too. They both turn - head in the opposite direction. Then Xander thinks better of it. Turns back and runs to catch up with Cordelia.
We need to talk. He hustles her into an empty classroom. INT. EMPTY CLASSROOM - DAY Xander and Cordelia stand a good distance from each other, arms folded.
Okay. Here's the deal. There is no reason for us to run every time we see each other in the halls.
Right. Okay. (then) Why shouldn't we run?
What happened. There is a total explanation for it-
You're a pervert?
Me? I seem to recall that I was the jumpee, my friend-
As if! You've probably been planning this for months-
(incredulous) Right. I hired a Latvian Bug Man to kill Buffy so I could kiss you. I hate to burst your bubble, but you don't inspire me to spring for dinner at Bucky's Fondue Hut.
Fine. Whatever. The point is, don't ever try it again-
I didn't try it! Forget the bugs. Just the memory of your lips on mine makes my blood run cold-
If you dare breathe a word of this-
Like I want anyone to know!
Then it's erased?
Never happened.
Good.
Good! And they FALL into each others arms. A smootchie! INT. HALL OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM - CONTINUOUS - DAY A beat. Then we hear-
Arrrrrrgggggghhhhh! EXT. SCHOOL - DAY Buffy and Kendra are walking outside the front of the school toward the street. Kendra wears one of Buffy's shirts.
Thank you for the shirt. It is very generous of you.
Oh, hey, it looks better on -- well, me, but don't worry. There is ease between them now -- Kendra smiles at the barb.
Now, when you get to the airport --
I get on the plane with my ticket. And sit in a seat. Not the cargo hold.
Very good.
That is not traveling undercover.
Exactly. Relax. You earned it. You sit. You eat the peanuts. You watch the movie, unless it's about a dog or Chevy Chase.
I'll remember. They arrive at the curb where a taxi waits.
Thank you. For helping me save Angel.
I am not telling my Watcher about that. It is too strange that a slayer loves a vampire.
Tell me about it.
Still, he is pretty cute.
Well, then, maybe they won't fire me for dating him.
You always do that.
Do what?
You talk about slaying like it's a job. It's not. It's who you are.
You get that from the handbook?
From you.
I guess I can't fight it. I'm a freak.
But not the only freak.
Not anymore. A beat that turns awkward as Buffy moves forward --
I don't hug.
No. Good. Hate hugs. Kendra gets in the taxi. Buffy watches it pull away. INT. CHURCH - NIGHT A mess. Black rubble everywhere. CLOSE ON A PILE OF DEBRIS From which a pale, sooty hand emerges. ANOTHER HAND Reaches down, grasps the buried hand by the wrist. Tugs. WIDEN TO REVEAL DRUSILLA - but unlike the Drusilla we've known. She is RADIANT with good health. Her whole presence is RIPE, ALIVE. She clears some of the debris, revealing SPIKE. He, in contrast to his mate, is scarred by fire and motionless. Drusilla bends, wipes some ash from his brow. He responds, unconscious - but alive.
Don't worry, dear heart. I'll see that you get strong again . . . She LIFTS SPIKE WITH ONE ARM. As if he were a toy. She obviously RELISHES every ounce of power.
Like me. She smiles. BLACKOUT.
|