|
Beauty and the Beasts (August 19, 1998) Written by: Marti Noxon |
| Teaser |
|
EXT. WOODS - NIGHT Shadowy and overgrown. Dream-like. Thorough the tangle of bushes and trees - something runs through the night woods. A snarling creature, obscured by darkness. Over this we hear -
One night, after supper, the lead dog turned up a snowshoe rabbit. The dog lay down low to the race, his body flashing forward, leap by leap… he was sounding the deeps of his nature, and the parts of his nature that were deeper than he - going back into the wombs of time…. Now Buffy's voice MELDS into WILLOW'S as we - FADE TO: INT. LIBRARY - NIGHT And find Willow, trying to stay awake, as she walks in front of the book cage, reading aloud from Jack London's "Call of the Wild." A CLOCK ON THE WALL nearby reads 3:17AM.
(reading) …going back into the wombs of time. The rabbit could not turn-… Now she is STARTLED by OZ, in full wolf mode, as HE LEAPS into frame behind her - slamming into the cage. If Oz understands her, he gives no indication - just starts pacing the cage, restless.
Maybe we should pick a less - stimulating passage…. She starts to leaf through he book when XANDER enters, looking less than fully awake. He carries a thermos and some magazines.
Private Harris reporting for Oz watch.
Xander - oh good…. She moves to him - hands him the book.
Call of the Wild. Aren't we reading the Cliff Notes to this for English?
(gives him a look) Some of us are. Anyway, it'll help you stay awake. It's good and very wolfy. And it seems to sooth the savage beast. Except the stuff about…. (glances at Oz / low whisper) Rabbits. Xander looks through the book - confused.
Rabbits?
He gets sort of…over excited. (baby sitter talk) Now. He's already had his two o'clock feeding. After sunrise, if he forgets where his clothes are - They're on top of the file cabinet in his cage. And I put that towel up for privacy. We see that, indeed, there is a towel pinned up in the cage.
No worries. I can handle the Oz full monty. (quickly) I mean - not handle, handle - like "hands to flesh" handle.
It's not you I'm worried about. It's me. I'm still getting used to half a monty.
Oh, good- (alarmed) Half? You and Oz? Which half?
(enjoying his wiggins) Wouldn't you like to know. (moving on) Okay - he's more manageable tonight and on night three. Tomorrow - the total full moon? That's the real howler. Still, if there's trouble - there won't be - but, you know, if… Willow hands Xander a BIG ASS TRANQUILIZER GUN.
Sleepy time. Gotchya. Now she grabs her stuff. Heads for the door.
Thanks again for doing this. I wouldn't ask, but I have this test-
No big. You can count on me. I got my coffee, magazines…Figured I'd read, run the stairs here…. I'm good. Willow waves and is off. Xander moves to the cage - checks the door. It's secure. Then he sits at the table, contemplates reading to Oz - but instead tosses the book aside and lays his head down…. EXT. CEMETERY - NIGHT Buffy and Faith patrol together. The park is quiet, and they enjoy a rare moment of girl bonding.
You ever catch kids doing the horizontal two-step out here?
Naw. There's a smooch spot near the woods. That's where folks go.
Yeah? Bet you and Scott been out there Kicking the old gearshift.
Hardly. We've only been out a few times.
But you like him, right? When you think about Him you get that good, down low tickle?
Well, yeah. I - (then) How low?
You tell me.
How 'bout - not? (then) But he is funny and nice and -
-quite a muffin.
Blueberry. With that munchable, crumbly top. But my most favorite thing? So far, he doesn't seem to be some sort of hell beast.
All men are beasts, Buffy.
Geez. I was sort of hoping not to sound that cynical until at least forty.
Not cynical. Realistic. Every guy - from "Manimal" right on down to "Mr. I Loved the English Patient" - has beast in him. And I don't care how sensitive they act - they're still just in it for the chase….. EXT WOODS - NIGHT Speaking of… We hear the RASPY, GUTTURAL BREATHING of something INHUMAN as it pursues a TERRIFIED YOUNG MAN through the woods. The kid's clothes are torn and bloodied, his face and body horribly scratched. He stumbles, hits the ground hard and scrambles to regain his footing. But the creature pursuing him, still UNSEEN, (except, perhaps, in quick flashes of and UNCLEAR BEAST/MAN SILHOUETTE) GRABS HIM BY HIS LEGS - yanking him out of frame and to a hideous (off camera) bone-crushing, flesh-tearing fate. BLACK OUT
|
| Act One |
|
EXT FOUNTAIN COURTYARD - DAY Buffy, Willow and Oz walk toward school, in mid talk.
I don't think that's true. That every guy is in it for the chase.
I know, it's awfully-
Buffy! Wait up! Now we see SCOTT - who runs to catch up with her, leaving his buddy, PETE, and Pete's girlfriend, DEBBIE, behind.
Hey. (off her questioning look) That's what I stopped you for, basically. Hey.
(pleased) Okay. Hey. Pete and Debbie also come over - but at a less infatuated pace. Pete's an attractive, friendly guy. Debbie is cute but also a little withdrawn. Oz nods to Debbie - he knows her.
Howdy Debbie.
Hi, Oz. Hey, you're not doing Jazz band this year?
Can't take the pressure. It's not the music that's hard, it's the marching.
We have a marching Jazz band?
Yeah. But - you know - good jazz is improvisational. So we'd be marching off in all directions. Running into floats and stuff. Scary.
He's just being Oz.
Pretty much full time. Buffy notices that Debbie is holding a small bouquet of wild flowers.
Those are pretty. Debbie beams happily.
Thanks. Pete brought them for me.
It's… well, you know. I'm sure Scott does that kind of stuff for you too, Buffy.
Oh. We're not up to flowers. (suddenly anxious) Are we? Up to flowers? Did I miss flowers?
No. We're pre-posie. Definitely. (checks her watch; to Scott) I'd better go. Lucky me, I get to see Mr. Platt today. Debbie makes a face. Yuck.
Platt? The school counselor?
Yeah - I need to convince him I'm "Little Miss Stable" so I can stay in school.
Stable. Okay. Topics to avoid. The little men that live in your teeth…. Your compulsion to paint circus clowns….
(sincerely) But if God keeps telling me to kill - it just seems snotty not to, you know?
You'll do great.
Platt creeps me out. I would totally quit going, but I'm flunking senior bio and my teacher says I have "success issues."
Senior bio? I sort of aced that final.
And how did you do that? Oh, right - you showed up.
You want my notes - they're yours.
Thanks. That'd be great.
See you. They start to go off in separate directions. Buffy gives Scott a quick kiss on the lips before parting.
Yeah. Good. INT. SCHOOL - HALLWAY - DAY Buffy talks to Oz and Willow as they move down the hall.
Okay. You. Scott. School kiss.
Not a deal. We've kissed before.
But in the dark. Alone. A school kiss is a whole 'nother deal. It's statement-y. it says - hey, peers - we're smooching!
Do you think it was too much?
I thought it was right. It said "nice seeing you" - not - "take me now." Not that I have anything against a "take me now" kiss, mind you. But it's not very school.
Totally. That kind of kiss in school is all about showing off. The "haves" rubbing it in the faces of the "have-nots." Now Willow stops at her locker. Oz lingers with her as Buffy, preoccupied, moves on down the hall.
So I'm good. Yeah. I think….. And she's gone. Willow turns to Oz.
I'm not sure I completely understand. What was the first kind of kiss?
Oh. That would be the "nice seeing you kiss."
And - how does that go? Oz smiles - getting it. He leans in, kisses her sweetly but quickly.
Nice seeing you. (then) Of course - it can be a fine line. The "nice to see you" kiss can easily morph into…. Now he gives her a slightly longer, more intense kiss.
Really nice seeing you. And if you aren't careful, that becomes…. A pretty intense smooch which shows no signs of stopping. So intense, in fact, that they don't notice TWO FRESHMAN BOYS who pass them and roll their eyes. Show offs. INT. LIBRARY - DAY An agitated Giles stands with Xander, both examining the BOOK CAGE.
We'll have to re-check every possible exit avenue.
I'm telling you, it's a waste of time. I was here all night - Now a post smooch Willow and Oz enter, looking mussed and happy. Giles stiffens a little when he sees them.
Right then. Good to see you. No need to panic. Oz and Willow look at each other. Uh oh.
(to Giles) Just a thought? Poker. Not your game.
What's the deal, Giles?
Now. Keep in mind - most likely - there is no deal. But, if there was a deal it would concern a murder last night. A male student was found in the woods-
Which student?
Jeff Walken.
Jeff? He was - I know him.
I'm afraid… He was terribly mauled. And while I hate to think of it, it could be the handiwork of-
Me. Willow takes his hand, anxious.
Wolf you. Not you, you. Now Xander, examining the cage, puts in his two cents.
But it's not. Not wolf you - or you you. Okay? The room was secure. The cage was locked. The window's unbreakable and- As he speaks he taps a HIGH WINDOW which is laced with security wire. It SWINGS OPEN.
-open.
Oh, God.
Hey. Not to freak. I rested my eyes now and then. That's all. Giles speaks carefully - trying to contain his rising anger.
And how long - exactly - did you "rest your eyes" for?
A little now. A little then. But I never heard Oz leave and he was here in the morning when I… when I -
Woke up?
If you want to put it that way, Mr. Technical. Willow holds Oz' hand even harder.
Oh, God. OFF OZ AND WILLOW Their faces etched with
worry. INT. COUNSELOR'S OFFICE - DAY Buffy arrives for her counseling session. The office sports standard school shrink décor - "Your Brain on Drugs" posters, etc. But there are also a few surprising touches of whimsy. The shrink, MR. PLATT, faces away from Buffy in a high back chair. All we see of him is one hand, which holds a smoking cigarette.
The two o'clock. Buffy Summers.
Buffy Summers, reporting for sanity…look, I know I have to do this and I'll cooperate, look at ink blots, but I don't want to talk about my childhood or my life or…anything, actually, and I don't want to be friends -
We're not going to be friends. This stops her. The chair turns slowly around to reveal a surprisingly warm and okay guy. As he talks, he takes a last drag, stubs out the cig, hides the ashtray in a drawer from which he pulls a can of air freshener and sprays, puts it back and shuts the drawer.
You already have friends - I hope. A friend is a good thing. Likes you, agrees with you, tells you what you want to hear. What you do need is a trained, not-too-crazy professional who will always give you his honest opinion. Which I offer you. (then) Have a seat. Buffy does.
Not too crazy. Those are your credentials?
(points to certificates on the wall) Those are my credentials. Look, Buffy. Any person - grown up, shrink, pope, any person who claims to be totally sane is either lying or not very bright. Everybody has problems. Everyone has demons. Right? Buffy can't help herself. She's starting to like this guy.
Gotta say I'm with you on that one.
Excellent. So, the hope I bring you is that demons can be fought. People can change. You can change. It's all about finding your strength. Believing in yourself (then) Now. Your turn. Let's start with why you ran away.
It's a long story.
Bore me.
I'm telling you - I'm so over it. I feel good. I'm moving on. I'm even dating someone new.
All nice things. But still - you're bringing me in at the end of the movie. Buffy sighs. She's not getting out of this.
I was seeing this guy. It ended badly. And my mom and I were fighting…. I kind of flipped.
Tell me more about this guy. The bad-ending guy.
He was the first person- I loved him. But then…
He changed.
Yes.
He got mean.
Yes.
But you didn't stop loving him. (off her silence) You know - lots of people lose themselves in love. It's no shame. They write songs about it. (then) The hitch is - you can't stay lost. Sooner or later, you have to get back to yourself.
And if you can't?
If you can't - love becomes your master. And you're just it's dog. INT. LIBRARY - DAY Buffy enters - thoughtful after seeing Plat. She stops when she sees the grave expressions of Giles, Xander, Cordy, Willow and Oz.
I'm afraid to ask.
Oz ate someone last night.
He did not!
(to Cordy/stern) Oz does not eat people. It's more, werewolf play. You know - I bat you around a little bit. Like a cat toy. I have harmless wolf fun. Is it Oz' fault that, you know, side effect, people get cut to ribbons and maybe then he takes a little nibble and I'm not helping am I?
(to Buffy) Oz may have gotten out of his cage last night - Oz cuts him off - his tone grim.
Or there just happened to be another werewolf roaming the woods.
Perhaps. Or perhaps it was something else entirely. Let's not overreact -
(frustrated) Good in theory. Not very helpful for the potential nibbler.
That's why we all have to work to find out what happened.
I'll patrol the woods. (to Willow and the others) You guys try to get into the morgue.
Right, we can see if it's a werewolf kill or not. But what about Oz?
Why don't we have Faith come watch over him?
You're having a slayer watch me? Good thing we're not over-reacting Freaking - Oz heads for the library doors. But he stops. A beat. He turns back.
Okay. You know that thing where you bail in the middle of an upsetting conversation? I need to do that. Kind of dramatic. But sometimes it's a necessary guy thing. He starts out again - but Willow moves to stop him.
And I want you to. Do the guy thing - but… She looks at the clock. It's half past five. Oz follows her gaze - gets it. Has to fight all his instincts to bolt. Supremely frustrated - he walks to the cage, closes the door. ON WILLOW, OZ AND THE CAGE Willow moves to him - feeling for him.
Oz…. He can't even look at her.
Get away from the cage.
What?
It's going to happen soon. Get away from me. Willow, devastated, backs off. FADE TO: EXT. WOODS - NIGHT The night time woods are extra spooky. Buffy walks alone, a little wigged. CRACK! Buffy jumps at the sound of a twig breaking. She peers into the tangled vines and tree branches surrounding her. Nothing. She takes a deep breath - pushes on. SOMETHING CRASHES THROUGH THE BUSHES NEAR HER This time it's not a question - Buffy SPRINTS in the direction of the noise. Stops, trying to get her bearings. Again, she's greeted by silence. The creature is lying low. WHOOSH! Silhouetted against the FULL MOON, the MAN/BEAST CREATURE races by Buffy and KNOCKS her to the ground. She leaps back up - stake raised - ready for battle. And she stops - frozen - at what she sees. ANGEL Feral. Mouth stained with dried blood. Eyes full of animal rage. BLACK OUT
|
| Act Two |
|
EXT. WOODS - NIGHT Back to Angel and Buffy. She's so taken aback at seeing him - so completely stunned - that she barely reacts as HE BARRELS INTO HER AGAIN, knocking her down. Hard. ON BUFFY Fighting to get back on her feet. The sound of ANGEL'S SNARLING APPROACH through the bushes seems to surround her. He comes at her again. But this time she's ready - meets his oncoming velocity with a HEAD BUTT. Now they TANGLE on the ground. Buffy gets in a few good licks but ANGEL is still BRUTALLY strong - she's having trouble making any real gains. Finally, Buffy manages to get to her feet. She races ahead - disappearing into the dark shadows of the forest. ON ANGEL Who stops dead. His instincts working overtime. It's clear to us that this is not the Angel we knew. He's more beast than man. WHOOSH! Buffy SWINGS FROM A TREE BRANCH AND DRIVES RIGHT INTO HIM - knocking the WIND OUT OF HIM as he SLAMS TO THE GROUND. Now she straddles him and CLOCKS him with a BRUTAL UPPERCUT. He's out. Buffy looks around. Sees a number of small eviscerated ANIMAL CARCASSES littering the ground near by. CLOSE ON BUFFY Breathing hard. On total overload. INT. MORGUE - NIGHT Willow makes her way with a flashlight through the dark morgue. Checks the names on a few body drawers until she finds what she was looking for. She open the drawer - silently reacts to the horribly thrashed body we can (thankfully) barely see. Swallows hard. Then she opens a plastic LUNCH BOX (Scooby Doo?) which contains her "autopsy" tools; a scalpel, a pair of tweezers, some cotton swabs, a couple of plastic baggies, etc… She's so preoccupied that she doesn't notice the SHADOWY FIGURE MOVE behind her.
(aghast) God…… IT'S JUST XANDER - who looks quickly away from the body. To gaze on this dude is clearly more than a mere mortal can handle. But Willow keeps her cool.
(hands him a baggie) Here. Hold this open. He takes it - still looking away. Willow scrapes some stuff from under the corpse's fingernails with a swab and deposits the swab into the bag. Now, unnoticed, CORDELIA steps from the darkness. Touches Xander's arm. Xander startled, freaks.
We're doing crime, Cordy. You don't sneak up during crime!
God. Have a - But she stops when she sees the body - she TRIPS. Covers her eyes.
Okay. Scarred for life.
I think both "scarred" and "life" are moot for this fella, Cordy.
Not him - me. Willow, how can you stand it?
Yeah, Will. This guy is barf-worthy. Can't we be elsewhere? Is Oz cleared or what?
I'm not sure. I mean, there are a lot of incised wounds - but they could be from anything.
Anything with really big, sharp teeth and - Xander turns his flashlight on her, cutting her off.
Do you want to go back to the car and wait?
What? I'm just saying-
Almost done. Let me just get a few stray hairs off the body. They may be from the attacker…. Willow uses her tweezers and carefully removes some hairs.
Great. So we got everything we need?
(to Xander) Yeah. That's it. And WILLOW FAINTS, falling right out of frame. Xander and Cordelia react, moving to help her.
(worried) Okay - little too much excitement for the Willster… (to Cordy) It doesn't look good for Oz, does it?
(no duh) It really doesn't. This guy was ripped apart by a wild animal. INT. MANSION - NIGHT CLOSE ON AN OLD TRUNK Which BUFFY, working in a panicked rush, dumps over. We see a bunch of DRUSILLA'S DOLLS and other personal items spill onto the floor. At the bottom of the trunk are some long lengths of CHAIN and some WRIST SHACKLES. ANOTHER ANGLE Breathing hard - both from effort and fear - BUFFY threads a length of CHAIN through one of the ORNAMENTAL WALL MOUNTS bolted to the wall in the main room of the mansion. ANOTHER ANGLE Buffy SLAPS a SHACKLE closed around a wrist…. AND NOW WE SEE ANGEL Who struggles against Buffy as she binds his other wrist. We see now that the chains are long enough that Angel can sit and move - a little. Finished, Buffy sits back heavily - exhausted. She stares at Angel - in a state of shock. Angel, tugging at his restraints, gives no sign that he's still aware of her in the room. Much less aware of who she is to him. Buffy starts to get up - notices the BLACK SCORCH MARKS on the floor where Angel returned. She moves to them - runs a finger through the dark soot, puzzled…. INT. LIBRARY - NIGHT FAITH, listening to music on a walkman, DANCES in front of Oz' cage. She's really jamming and doesn't see BUFFY ENTER. Buffy glances at OZ, who is locked up - in wolf mode. Post Angel, Buffy finds the sight of him heavily unsettling. Now Buffy moves to Faith - who is bopping away from her. Buffy gently taps her shoulder. Faith spins and SMASHES BUFFY in the face. Hard. Buffy stumbles back.
Oww - ! Faith sees what she's done. Rips the headphones off. We can HEAR strains of SCREAMING HEAVY METAL through them.
Buffy! Are you okay!? What are you doing here?
Bleeding internally. But I'll live.
God, I'm sorry… I didn't hear you.
I figured. Ow - again. (then) I came to give you the rest of the night off.
Get out of jail free, huh? How come?
Can't sleep. Figured I'd cram for my French test. Faith grabs her stuff. Tosses Buffy the key to Oz' cage.
Cool. I was going nuts in here. I bet I can still get in a few good stakings before sunrise.
Knock yourself out. But not literally.
Later. And she's gone. Buffy watches after her for a beat - then turns and goes to the library card file. She pulls a file drawer out and carries it back to the table…. FADE TO: INT. LIBRARY - DAY Early the next morning. Giles enters the library and moves to the cage - sees Oz, back to his human self, safe and sound and curled in a little nekkid ball. Giles unlocks the cage. Now he turns and is surprised to find BUFFY asleep at the table. She's surrounded by books on stuff like REINCARNATION and ALTERNATE DIMENSIONS. Giles picks up one of the books - examines it more closely. Sensing him, Buffy wakes.
Hey…. Now she realizes that it's GILES. She stands abruptly - starts to close the books.
Hey! Can you believe Faith and these nutty books? He's not buying it. Reads a few book titles aloud.
"Exploring Demon Dimensions." "The Mystery of Acathala…"
I know! And she still listens to heavy metal. Freaky deaky.
Buffy. Buffy drops the act. Sits. She knows she's busted.
What if I told you…. I had a dream about Angel. And it brought up some questions.
I'd say it was to be expected. (re: card file) But it must have been quite a dream. I didn't think you knew what these cards were for.
Yeah. I dreamt that he came back. Now Giles sits.
Of course. After Jenny was killed - I had dreams that she was still alive. That I saved her.
But this dream was vivid. Really vivid. I mean, three-dimensional, sensurround, the hills are alive- Giles' face registers concern.
You get my point.
Do you believe it was a prophecy?
(carefully) No. I don't know. It just made me wonder. I mean - is there a chance, even? Could it happen? Giles considers. Just the prospect makes him uncomfortable.
There's no record of someone returning from a demon dimension once the "gate" has closed. I can't imagine how it would happen or why.
Okay. But let's pretend - wacky world - he somehow ended up here in Sunnydale again. I mean, what would he be like?
I can't really say. What little is known about the dimension accessed via Acathala suggest a world of brutal torment. And time in demon worlds moves quite different that here -
Yeah. I remember… So, - Angel would have been there for, like, close to a hundred years?
Yes.
Of torture.
(nods) Only a person with tremendous will and character could survive that and retain any semblance of self. Buffy reels from this news.
He'd be a monster. A lost cause.
Maybe… Maybe not. In my experience, there are two kinds of monsters. The first type can be redeemed. And, more importantly, they want to be redeemed…
And the second type?
The second - is void of humanity. It can not respond to reason. Or love. Buffy takes this in, freaked, when- WILLOW Enters with a bakery bag in hand. Sees Buffy, who is still tripping from the conversation with Giles.
I thought Faith was on duty.
Change of plans. Willow opens the bag - holds it out. It's full of donuts.
Glazed or cake? It's fun to watch them make them, you know. They have this spritzy thing that plops the batter right-
(interrupting) You couldn't sleep either?
I've been sitting in Mr. Donut since the TV did that snowy thing. (then) But, how come you're wakey-girl? I mean, this time it's not your boyfriend who may be a cold-blooded- Willow's startled by OZ, WHO STEPS FROM THE CAGE, buttoning his shirt.
-jelly donut. She holds the bag out to Oz. Smiles too big.
Everything okay?
Yeah - what happened with the inspection of the body?
(re: donuts) Anybody? They're yummy delicious.
(anxious) Come on, Will. Was it a werewolf….. (quietly) Was it a vampire? They just look at her. She bites the bullet.
It wasn't conclusive. I- Buffy interrupts, intense.
How could you not conclude? I mean, what did it look like? Was he bit?
(cutting her off) Let her finish, Buffy.
It's just…. Sorry. Willow glances at Oz - worried.
I should know more after tonight. I'm doing hair and fiber tests.
You know how to do those?
(caught) Not - I…like to sound technical when I'm scared. But I figure - wolf hair, hair found on the body. See if they match. It's a test.
So we're scared now. It's official.
What? Oh - no - I didn't mean it that way-
No. I'd say scared is pretty much called for. It's cool. ON BUFFY Thinking about Angel. Knowing as well as the others that it's not cool. Not at all. INT. CAFETERIA - DAY Buffy moves through the crowded room with her lunch tray, trying to find a table. Sees SCOTT sitting with Debbie and Pete. He waves her over. A beat - then Buffy pastes on a smile and joins them.
Can't back you on this lunch. Nutritional demerits. Buffy glances at her tray. She has three different kinds of Jello - and nothing else.
My stomach doesn't want hard food. There's fruit stuff in there.
Those are marshmallows.
Oh….. (then) I'm kinda out of it today. Didn't sleep well.
Just don't tell Mr. Platt you've got insomnia. He'll make you start a "dream journal."
What's that - like a Barbie thing? "Dear Dream Journal, why hasn't Ken come around since he got that earring…?"
I never did it. He's a quack.
I sort of thought he was cool.
Really? (trying) I guess he can be funny and stuff. It's just - I don't like the things he says sometimes.
Yeah. He definitely marches to the beat of his own drummer. In fact - I think he makes his own drums.
My mom say therapy can be completely helpful-
Your Mom has the wattage of a Zippo lighter, Scott. Debbie tries to stifle a laugh. Scott takes Pete's barbs in stride. He puts a protective hand on Buffy's leg.
I hope you realize I don't actually know these people. I just thought you'd like me better if I had friends - so I hired them. Now he moves closer - shutting out Pete and Debbie and getting kind of boyfriend-y. Buffy smiles - but it's clear she's uncomfortable.
(then/quietly) So - I wanted to tell you that you look great today. But now I want to raise that to amazing because you didn't sleep well. He's making smitten eyes at her. Buffy knows she should be making them back - but she's too spun.
God. That's incredibly - She pulls away from him. Starts to get up from the table.
-sweet…. And I wish I didn't have to… But I just remembered… that I do… I'll see you. She smiles sort of wanly at the table and takes off - leaving them all at a loss.
Check out Scott. Liking the manic-depressive chick. Scott shoots Pete a seriously warning look. Pete backs off.
Kidding, my friend. She's special. Like two very hot girlfriends in one. ON BUFFY Rushing out of the cafeteria. Losing it. INT. MANSION - DAY Buffy enters. Finds Angel shaking as if he is freezing and huddled in a corner - his restraints still firmly in place. He turns his gaze on her, watches her intently, silently… She moves a little closer - instinctively, he moves back.
Angel? Can you - ? He just looks at her. She tries again - reaches tentatively out and TOUCHES HIM. And Angel SNARLS like a wounded dog - as if he's been touched by acid. Shackled hands fly out to defend himself. And his eyes burn into Buffy. Angry - unrecognizing. BUFFY Falls away from him. Startled, mortified, she takes off. CLOSE ON ORNAMENTAL WALL MOUNT As it LOOSENS a bit from the pressure on Angel's restraints. EXT. SCHOOL GROUNDS - DAY The fall light melts into late afternoon amber as we see PETE, coaxing a nervous, giggling Debbie toward the GARDEN SHED that sits back on the school property.
Come on - just for a minute…
I can't. I have to meet a friend- INT. SCHOOL - GARDEN SHED - DAY Now Pete pulls her inside the shed. The place is obviously frequented by lusty teenagers. The walls are COVERED WITH HEARTS AND INITIALS. Pete pulls Debbie into his arms. She submits in short order and they kiss hungrily. He tries to move her into a darker part of the shed, but Debbie pulls away - nervous.
No. Let - Let's stay here.
What's with you today? Relax… Pete grabs her. They start to go at it again. Then Pete opens his eyes in the midst of a smooch - notices a BOTTLE on one of the SHELVES BEHIND DEBBIE. It's EMPTY - but the remnants of a GLOWING, EERIE GREEN liquid cling to the inside of the bottle. He pulls back from her.
What is that?
Nothing. Kiss me. Debbie tries to pull him back into an embrace - clearly not wanting him to see the bottle. But it's too late. He looks at Debbie, shocked.
You didn't drink that, did you?
Drink it? You - you know I didn't. But Pete doesn't buy it. He's freaking.
Debbie… What's going on? INT. SCHOOL - HALLWAY - DAY Buffy moves purposefully down the hallway INT. COUNSELOR'S OFFICE - DAY The door is open a crack. Buffy looks in. Sees that Mr. Platt is there. He's smoking, turned away from her in his chair - the way he was the first time she came to see him. Buffy starts to pace - anxious.
Two o'clock, Buffy right. Don't turn around and don't say anything. Just listen. That's your thing, right? (with difficulty) Something's going on… I mean, the whole entire story will probably convince you I'm like, loony bin material. But I can't tell anybody - not Willow, not Giles, nobody… They'd just freak out on me or maybe do something… And I'm… I need help. (near tears) I need to talk to someone. I'm so scared. I - this guy, he… Buffy stops her confession when she sees that the CIGARETTE in Platt's hand is ALL ASH - burned down to his fingers.
… he's come back… Now we come around the chair to see that Platt has been HORRIBLY MURDERED. Ripped to shreds. The work of a terrible beast. BLACK OUT
|
| Act Three |
|
INT. SCHOOL - GARDEN SHED - DAY Back to Debbie, Pete and that GLOWING BOTTLE OF LIQUID. Debbie is clearly terrified as Pete, bottle in hand, continues his interrogation of her. His tone is different now - both menacing and condescending.
So - the bottle jumped out of the cabinet and spilled on its own?
Of course not - He advances on her. Debbie meekly retreats.
I - I was just trying to get rid of it. Pete's anger shifts to icy rage at this confession.
You were trying to get rid of it.
To help you. You know how you get- Pete grabs Debbie - holds the bottle close to her face. Debbie flinches, her terror growing. ANGLE: PETE'S HAND Clenched into a fist - the veins in the back of it throbbing menacingly.
You think this has anything to do with "how I get?"
Well, when you drink it-
When I drink it - nothing! I don't need it anymore, Debbie. I'm past that now- He yanks Debbie ROUGHLY over to a line of shelves. Amid the PESTICIDES and GARDEN FERTILIZERS, we see more ODD LIQUIDS AND CHEMISTRY SET TYPE STUFF. He grabs the bottles and beakers and starts to SMASH THEM on the ground - steadily losing control.
See? No more! You can pour out everything I made and it won't help - and you want to know why? Debbie just shakes her head. Pete grips her harder-
You know why?! Because all it takes is you now, Debbie. You and your stupid, grating voice- Suddenly - Pete's HEAD STARTS TO THRASH WILDLY and he SCREAMS WITH RAGE. Just as abruptly, his head STOPS - and we see that a chilling transformation has taken place. Pete has turned into a RAGE MONSTER. An ADRENALINE PUMPED, VEINY creature with razor sharp teeth and claws. Debbie watches - frozen, petrified. She knows what's coming. Now Pete BELLOWS at her - his voice a garbled bark.
You're the reason I started with the formulas in the first place - to be the man you wanted. And you pay me back, how? You whore around with other guys and taunt-
No! I don't! I don't even look- WHAM! Pete brutally SMACKS Debbie - sending her reeling.
I was talking! Is that something your shrink taught you, Debbie - to "share?" To "communicate?" To piss me off!? He advances on her again. Picks her up from the floor. She's crying now.
Well, guess what? Even he's not going to listen to your pathetic ramblings anymore- BAM! Another hit and Debbie collapses. Pete stands over her - shaking with rage.
I'm all you've got, Debbie. You hear me!? I'm all you've got! Debbie nods through her tears, wipes a trickle of blood from her mouth. It seems her sobs have an effect on him. As it dawns on him what he's done - his expression softens. The adrenaline seems to DRAIN from his body.
Ah, hell. God… And just as suddenly as he changed - PETE DEFLATES, changing back to his normal self. Non-monster Pete is instantly repentant. He moves to Debbie, gathers her in his arms.
Baby, you okay? Debbie, in shock, nods "yes". He kisses her forehead.
You know you shouldn't make me mad. You know what happens. (off her silence) Please, Debbie. You alright? A beat. Finally, Debbie wraps her arms around him and they rock together. When she speaks - her tone is soothing.
It's okay… It's okay… INT. LIBRARY - DAY Willow and Faith sit with a shaken Buffy. Giles paces.
This creature is especially brutal. I think the charming phrase the coroner used when describing Mr. Platt was "pureed." But he did confirm that Platt had been dead just a few hours when Buffy found him.
Which means the guy was killed during the day. Buffy's reaction to this is tempered. She's seen Platt. But Willow can't hide her joy. She punches a fist in the air.
Yes! Everybody looks at her. She slowly lowers her hand.
Sorry. I got a little… I mean, it's horrible. Horrible.
It's okay, Will. We're all glad Oz is off the hook.
(concerned) Indeed. But shouldn't he be here by now? The sun sets at half past five. EXT. FOUNTAIN COURT - DAY Speaking of… OZ waits by the fountain, checks his watch. He starts to bail - when he's stopped by a breathless DEBBIE.
Sorry I'm late. Did you bring the notes? She's all smiles - trying to finish their business and move on before he picks up on her black eye and streaked make-up. But Oz, handing her the notes, catches on to the weirdness.
You okay?
What? Oh, yeah. I'm such a klutz. I, uh… Oz nods knowingly.
Fell down and hit your… eye.
Door knob. (re: notes) Thanks. She starts to take off - Oz puts a hand on her arm.
Hey. If you want to talk- Debbie sighs. She's heard this before. OTHER END OF FOUNTAIN COURT As PETE arrives, unnoticed by them. He sees Oz and Debbie talking closely. It doesn't sit well with him. ON DEBBIE AND OZ Still unaware that Pete is watching. Debbie is momentarily swayed Oz' concern - puts her own hand on his for a moment.
I - (thinks better of it) Thanks again for the notes. She pulls away - takes off. Oz debates going after her. But it's too close to sunset. He moves toward the school. INT. LIBRARY - DAY Buffy, Giles, Faith and Willow continue the discussion of Mr. Platt's killer.
Our task now is to determine what sort of killer we're dealing with- Now Oz enters. Unnoticed by the others, he overhears Giles next comment.
Clearly we're looking for a depraved, sadistic animal. Oz steps forward. Grim.
Present. (glances at Willow) Hey. I may be a cold blooded jelly donut - but my timing's impeccable. Willow can't contain herself. Runs to him, excited.
But you're not! It's a "kill in the day" monster! One-hundred percent for sure. A beat as Oz takes this in. Nodding.
Okay. Filled with relief - they hug. Giles gives them a moment before getting back on task.
I wish we had time to celebrate properly. Unfortunately, it's imperative that we find out who or what is doing this. (then) Now. We have two victims. Jeff Walken, and now Platt. Perhaps they have something in common-
Missing internal organs?
Besides that. Oz' wheels are turning.
Debbie. All eyes turn to him.
Victim #1. Jeff? He was in Jazz band with us. They used to horse around.
They were screwing?
I don't think so. But he hid her music comp book once.
Good enough. And we know Debbie knew Mr. Platt. She was seeing him and way vocal about not having the love for the guy.
Add this and stir. I ran into her just now - sporting a nasty black eye.
Okay. Pretend Debbie wanted Platt dead. Maybe he fought back.
No, he was dead in an instant. Didn't even lose his cigarette. That's it. Buffy stands.
Could be - boyfriend Pete's the one doling out the punishment. Now everybody mobilizes.
We have to find them both immediately.
Deb was in the hall a minute ago.
We should split up. Faith - you and I will team. Willow - you stick with Buffy. Oz, stands - chimes in with the same urgency as the others.
I'll - lock myself in the cage. INT. GIRL'S LOCKER ROOM - DAY We find Debbie at the mirror with her make-up bag. She's trying to mask the bright purple bruises around her eye. Now we see Buffy and Willow, who have just entered. They observe Debbie for a moment. Then-
It's tricky covering a fresh shiner like that. You know what works? Debbie, startled, looks up from the mirror. Answers warily.
What?
Don't get hit. Debbie's heard enough. Starts to gather her things. But Buffy moves closer - her tone kind but determined.
What's going on, Debbie? I'd bet the farm you know.
You're wrong. I don't know anything.
Now - normally? I'd say - you want to play "I have a secret" - fine. But people are dying. A long beat. Debbie, trapped, stammers -
It's - it's not his fault. I mean, he's not himself when he gets like this… Buffy and Willow exchange looks.
You mean Pete.
(nods) It's me. I make him crazy. He just does what he does because he loves me too much -
So it is him? But weren't Mr. Platt and Jeff murdered by an animal? Buffy gets it - fixes Debbie with a hard look.
Pete's… not like other guys, is he Debbie? It dawns on Debbie what she just did - that she gave Pete up. She panics, starts for the door.
I - I've got to go. Buffy blocks her.
You have to talk to us. We can't help you until you do.
I didn't ask for your help.
Well, when are you going to? I mean - if Pete kills you - it'll be pretty much too late.
Debbie. We're running out of time. OFF DEBBIE Frightened despite herself. INT. MANSION - DAY We move across the cavernous room until we find Angel - who pulls with all his might at his restraints. That wall mount that was loosening? It finally gives and falls from the wall. Although still in chains and shackles, he's not secured to anything. He's free. A moment, then he bolts out of frame. INT. GIRLS LOCKER ROOM - DAY Back to Debbie, Buffy and Willow.
Where can we find him, Debbie?
(freaking) I - I don't know.
You're lying. Now Debbie tries to mask her fear with bravado.
What if I am. What are you going to do about it?
(wincing) Wrong question. Frustrated now, Buffy takes Debbie and turns her toward the mirror. Makes Debbie look at her bruised and swollen face.
Look at yourself. Why are you protecting him? Debbie looks away. Doesn't answer.
Anybody who really loved you couldn't do this to you.
He's going to change. He promised -
Maybe. At best 50/50. Lame odds when you're betting your life. Debbie looks at them - confused, wavering.
(meekly) Would they take him someplace?
Probably.
(rising panic) Be away from Pete? I can't -
Of course you can. And we'll both help you. Believe me - we understand. (then) But you have to choose. It's got to be you over him. That part where Debbie was wavering? It's over. Her eyes go cold. She's shutting down.
I could never do that to him. I'm his everything.
(losing patience) Great. While you guys enjoy your grim fairy-tale, two people are dead. Who's gonna be next? INT. LIBRARY - DAY Oz hangs out in the book cage - waiting for night to fall. He looks up when the doors to the library swing open. PETE Still in human-mode, enters. Glowers at Oz.
Since when do you touch my girl? Oz takes a beat. Assessing the situation. Then -
This is a really bad time, Pete.
Guess you weren't thinking about that when you put the moves on Debbie…
I talked to her, yeah. But it was move-free. Pete advances, seething. Oz, a tad nervous now, glances at the clock - tries to focus.
About this cage? When the sun sets -
You won't be alive to see it. PETE starts to YANK ON THE CAGE DOOR, his face going red with the effort.
I'm serious. Something happens, which you probably won't believe - And with a mighty YELL Pete's DEAD STARTS TO THRASH AGAIN. He CHANGES INTO RAGE MONSTER PETE before Oz' eyes.
-or you might. Now - after another RAGE FILLED BELLOW, PETE finally RIPS THE DOOR FROM THE CAGE. Oz backs up, very calm with terror. BLACK OUT
|
| Act Four |
|
INT. GIRL'S LOCKER ROOM - DAY Buffy and Willow try to deal with Debbie - who has gone into her own freaky world. She looks at herself in the mirror, hugging herself and rocking, talking to no one in particular.
He does love me. He does love me…
We'd better go - we have to find Pete. Buffy takes Debbie gently by the arm - starts to lead her to the door. Debbie continues to mutter -
He does love me. He does love me…
(to Buffy/worried) I think we broke her.
(sadly) I think she was broken before this. INT. LIBRARY - CONT. - NIGHT WHAMP! Oz hits the floor hard in the wake of a terrible blow from monster Pete. Oz tries to stand but monster Pete KICKS HIM, sending him sprawling once again… Oz, crawling and wincing with pain, glances out the window, sees the (STOCK SHOT) SUN SLIP FROM VIEW. We register just a hint of relief cross his features.
Did you kiss that whore? Did she like it? Now Pete LIFTS Oz back to his feet and is about to administer another nasty thrashing - but Oz shoves him back with a firm hand. Pete stumbles and hits the floor. CLOSE ON CLOCK Which reads just after 5:30. RESUME
Time's up. Rules change. CLOSE ON OZ' EYE As it goes WOLFY. RESUME Baffled, monster Pete looks up in time to see OZ THE WEREWOLF LUNGE for him - teeth bared. Now the TWO MONSTERS go at it. It's a full-on, "When Animals Attack" extravaganza. Oz pounces Pete, and they roll on the floor in a growling, snarling tangle. Pete SLASHES OZ with a knife-like claw. Oz retaliates as he LOCKS HIS POWERFUL JAW around Pete's forearm. Pete SCREAMS in agony… INT. SCHOOL - HALLWAY - CONT. - NIGHT Buffy, Willow and Debbie move down the hall when they hear PETE'S UNEARTHLY CRY coming from the library. FAITH and GILES run in from outside - alarmed at the sound.
What the hell - ? INT. LIBRARY - CONT. - NIGHT Buffy, Willow, Faith, Giles and Debbie enter to see werewolf OZ and monster Pete engaged in serious battle. OZ still has a HOWLING Pete by the arm, but now Pete uses the position to FLIP OZ over on his back. For a brief moment everyone stands and take the spectacle in, agape. Then Buffy spies the TRANQUILIZER GUN on the table. Grabs it. She aims at PETE… Her finger goes to the trigger… She finds her shot…
Pete! Watch out! As Buffy shoots DEBBIE GRABS THE GUN, yanking IT TO ONE SIDE. The shot goes wild AND HITS GILES. CLOSE ON GILES
Right. Bloody priceless. And he's OUT. RESUME Buffy shoves Debbie away - and she slips out of sight, forgotten by all. Giles falls INTO a book stand, which TOPPLES right near OZ. Startled, OZ blows past them and OUT THE LIBRARY DOORS. Now Buffy slams an off-guard Pete with a couple of serious blows. Pete backs her off by TOPPLING A BOOKCASE in her path - then disappears into the stacks. Forgotten in all the confusion - Debbie also bails.
I'll take Pete. Buffy tosses Faith the tranquilizer gun as she leaves. Faith snatches it - heads for the hall with Willow on her heels.
I got the wolf. INT. SCHOOL - GARDEN SHED - NIGHT Debbie enters the shed, calls uncertainly -
Pete? Nothing. Debbie moves into a dark corner - prepared to wait for her man. INT. SCHOOL - HALLWAY - NIGHT MONSTER PETE runs through a hall with Buffy not far behind. With a burst of determination, he sprints a good distance ahead of her - rounds a corner and loses her for a moment - INT. ANOTHER PART OF THE HALLWAY - NIGHT Pete sees a HIGH OPEN WINDOW and LEAPS for it, barely holding onto the sill with his bloodied, injured arm. He pulls himself through just as BUFFY enters the hall. She stops - surprised. He's nowhere to be seen. INT. SCHOOL - HALLWAY - NIGHT Yet ANOTHER HALL - where Faith races after Oz, who is loping along at an amazing pace. Willow lags behind her, trying desperately to keep up. INT. GARDEN SHED - NIGHT Debbie JUMPS as the door to the shed slams. There, silhouetted against the night is PETE, looming in all his rage monster glory. Debbie rushes to him - throws herself into his arms.
Pete - you're alright. God, you're alright… She holds on tight - tries not to notice that he's not returning her embrace.
She almost shot you - did you see? I stopped her. Nothing. Debbie pulls back - babbles on.
You have to leave. Get out of Sunnydale. She knows - Pete finally speaks - his voice eerily cool.
How does she know, Debbie. Did you run your big mouth?
No! she just knew. I mean, it seemed like she knew - He THROWS her out of his arms - she falls to the ground.
So you filled in the blanks.
No - He ADVANCES ON HER - his anger simmering and lethal.
But what did I expect from a screw up like you?
I - I didn't. Pete -
Fact is, Debbie? You're nothing but a waste of space. CLOSE ON DEBBIE As a horrible certainty washes over her.
No… Now PETE'S BLACK SHADOW engulfs her. INT. SCHOOL - ANOTHER PART OF THE HALLWAY - NIGHT Buffy's back in the hall where she lost Pete. She stops - notices his BLOOD HIGH on the wall by the window. INT. SCHOOL - HALLWAY - NIGHT Faith is gaining on Oz when he suddenly turns tail and RACES TOWARD HER. Before she has time to react - HE PLOWS into her and they both go tumbling to the ground. Faith drops the tranquilizer gun and it goes skittering across the floor. Willow, observing this form a distance, SCREAMS.
No! Down!! Bad Oz! EXT. SCHOOL - NIGHT Buffy jumps out of the window Pete escaped through. Sees that she's standing right in front of the garden shed. And, behind a grimy window, something seems to be moving inside. INT. SCHOOL - GARDEN SHED - NIGHT Buffy enters cautiously. DEBBIE'S body lies lifeless in the corner.
Oh my God. Buffy rushes to her - takes her pulse. Nothing. Distracted by Debbie, Buffy doesn't see PETE move behind her. He grabs her with vicious force - HURLS her into a wall. INT. SCHOOL - HALLWAY - NIGHT Where Faith and Oz battle on the floor. Faith, pinned beneath him, manages to hold him off - but she won't be able to for much longer. She yells to Willow -
The gun! Where's the gun!? Willow searches the floor. Sees it under Oz' hind leg. There's no way Faith can get to it. Willow makes a snap decision. RUNS UP and PULLS OZ' TAIL. HARD.
Get off her! OZ SNARLS in protest - turns his steely EYES ON HER. Willow starts to RUN.
Get the gun, get the gun, get the gun!! A beat - then a properly distracted OZ goes after Willow, gaining on her easily. Faith scrambles for the gun.
HURRY! BOOM! Faith shoots OZ dead on. Willow hits the ground as Oz TUMBLES PAST HER. Lands in a panting heap. INT. SCHOOL - GARDEN SHED - NIGHT This time Buffy's the victim of surprise. She falls HARD on the ground. Doesn't have time to recover before Pete is on her again, SLAMMING HER WITH BRUTAL PUNCH AFTER BRUTAL PUNCH. She tries to fight, but Pete seems to GROW STRONGER AND STRONGER WITH his growing FURY.
All the same! You're all the same! INT. SCHOOL - HALLWAY - NIGHT Faith and Willow cautiously approach Oz - who is unable to fend off the powerful drugs in his system. He lifts his head - looks at Willow - and with a grunt, passes out. Willow reaches down and strokes his fur tenderly.
We have to get you a better cage. INT. SCHOOL - GARDEN SHED - NIGHT Buffy, reeling from another hit, tries to get to her feet - sees a shadow rise against the wall of the shed. She turns - fists up, ready again to fight. But IT'S ANGEL in the doorway - in VAMPFACE. He still has the LONG LENGTH OF CHAIN strung from one shackled wrist to the other. He powers toward her, yielding the chain like a weapon. Buffy flinches - confused - is he coming for her? But he flashes PAST HER AND LASHES PETE WITH THE CHAIN, sending him reeling. Recovering from the beating she took, Buffy watches, stunned, as Pete slashes viciously at Angel with his claws. In response, Angel wails on Pete with the chain - one mighty blow after another - trying to knock the fight out of him. Finally - Pete manages to get a hand on Angel's face - cutting him and jabbing for his EYES. Angel falls back. Now Pete LUNGES, razor claws bared, for an unprepared Buffy. Angel sees this. With no time to think, he THROWS THE CHAIN AROUND PETE'S NECK and YANKS IT TIGHT - snapping Pete's neck. Angel extracts the chains and retreats. Pete falls, limp, to the ground. A beat and his labored breathing stops. Then we make along his lifeless body, revealing that he has CHANGED INTO HIS NON-MONSTER SELF. Angel returns to Buffy. CLOSE ON BUFFY AND ANGEL As Angel approaches her. Buffy isn't sure what to do - whether she should be on the defensive or not. But before she can make up her mind, he MORPHS back to human face and speaks his first human word - desperate and hopeful…
Buffy? They lock eyes. It's him. She sees the kindness returned there. The familiarity. She nods. And with her affirmation - Angel falls to his knees at her feet. Despite the chains and shackles, he wraps his arms around her waist. Begins to cry as he feels the first comfort he's know in a hundred years.
Buffy… ON BUFFY Overwhelmed. Fighting her own tears. This can't be happening. FADE TO: EXT. FOUNTAIN COURTYARD - DAY Xander, Cordy and Buffy are walking toward class. Oz and Willow also walk with the group but are "paired," holding hands and obviously recovering nicely from their wolfy trauma.
It's all over school. What happened with Debbie and Pete… Except for the "Pete was a monster" part.
Yeah. A freshman told me that Pete had eight iced café mochas and lost it.
It's better than the estrogen theory. I heard he took all his mother's birth control pills.
He didn't? Pete was a monster? Where have I been?
In your special place, Cor. And that's why I adore you.
So what's the true story? What happened?
Well, we found Pete's lab diaries and stuff. Mr. Science was pulling a Jeckel/Hyde deal. He was afraid Debbie would leave him - so he mixed this potion to get super mas macho.
Thing was, after a while, he didn't need a potion to turn into the bad guy. He got there on the natch.
So it was like a real killing? He wasn't under the influence of anything?
Just himself. Everyone takes this in. Then Buffy spies Scott across the way.
I'd better… She moves off toward him.
Great. Now I'm going to be stuck with serious thoughts all day. Exasperated, she moves off. Xander gives Willow and Oz a look - then follows her. ON BUFFY AND SCOTT Sitting by the fountain together. Scott's in a shocky place.
I don't even know what to say that won't sound stupid or obvious.
I've been friends with both of them since before we started school…
If there's anything I can do -
Thanks. I'll be fine - or… (then) It's just… You never really know what's going on inside somebody - do you? You think if you care about them - you know. But you never really do. Off Buffy - his words hitting home. FADE TO: INT. MANSION - NIGHT CLOSE ON ANGEL Sleeping fitfully on the ground. Haunted by animal dreams. A century of suffering. WIDEN TO INCLUDE BUFFY Huddled in the opposite corner, just watching him…
"Night came on, and a full moon rose high over the trees, lighting the land till it lay bathed in ghostly day… and the strain of the primitive remained alive and active. Faithfulness and devotion, things born of fire and roof, were his; yet he retained his wildness and wiliness. And from the depths of the forest - the call still sounded." BLACK OUT
|