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Wild at Heart September 7, 1999 (Blue) Written by: Marti Noxon |
| Teaser |
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EXT. CAMPUS - NIGHT FADE UP ON: A pastoral campus tableau. Students sitting on benches talking, looking at a kiosk, milling about. Then, in the background, completely unnoticed by the students, we see BUFFY run scared through the frame - as if her life depended on it. A few beats later we see that she is being pursued by a hungry-looking VAMPIRE, who also runs through frame... ANOTHER ANGLE Where we see that Buffy and the vamp are rapidly leaving behind the heavily traveled path and heading into a more secluded part of the campus. BUFFY Checks behind her. Sees that they are alone. And stops. Pulls out a stake - cool as a cucumber.
(to vamp) Thanks for the re-locate. I perform better without an audience. The shocked vamp barely has time to react before Buffy lunges at him, ready to make with the dust portion of the program. The vamp fends off her blow and they go at it. He's big and strong - but Buffy's in fine form, enjoying the fight...
You were thinking what, a little helpless co-ed before bed? (throws him) You know very well: you eat this late-- (he comes at her) You're gonna get (stakes him) heartburn. He clutches his chest in uncomprehending agony.
Get it? Heart burn? He dusts.
That's it? That's all I get? She starts to exit, blithely complaining.
One lame-ass vamp with no appreciation for my painstakingly thought out puns? I don't even think the forces of darkness are trying. (to the world) You could make a little effort you know... Give me something to work with, here. As she moves off, back toward the path we- WIDEN Until we see SPIKE, who stands unnoticed on a high stair landing some distance away. His full fury at having lost the Gem of Amarra to Angel informs his every word-
Watch your mouth, little girl. You should know better than to tempt the fates that way. Because the Big Bad is back - and this time, it's GNYAARGGHHLL!! We see that Spike's screams of pain are prompted by the TASER BLOW he's just suffered. He falls to the ground, paralyzed. CLOSE ON SPIKE Stunned and horrified. SPIKE'S POV As the MYSTERIOUS COMMANDOS we've been
seeing from time to time move in. BLACK OUT.
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| Act One |
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INT. BRONZE - NIGHT BUFFY, WILLOW, OZ, and XANDER are hanging, listening to the music. Oz and Willow are in a cuddly space, as per usual.
It's more fun here this year, isn't it? The Bronze?
(agreeing) 'Cause of the gloating factor alone. We're all about college now. We've got heady discourse...
Curfew free nights of mom and pop-less hootenanny...
Co-ed dating prospects who find "townies" sexy and dangerous... (off Willow's look) What? I can dream.
Right... So, if college is so great - what are we doing here and why is it more fun?
Because the Bronze is nice and familiar. It's like a big comfy blanky.
I was under the impression that I was your big comfy blanket.
You're my person blanky. This is my place blanky. With all the shock of the new it's nice to know that there's one spot we can come back to where things are predictable and- GILES (interrupting her) Hello, all. Buffy starts to rise, on alert.
Giles. Trouble?
Oh no - don't get up Buffy. It's nothing like that. I just thought I'd pop by... Anybody for a latte? On me?
(to Willow) So much for your predictable blanky theory, Will. Everyone makes room for Giles. He sits.
Splendid. It's been ages since I've been out to hear a band... The youngsters can't help but share a look. He catches it.
Don't look that way. I'm quite "with it" when it comes to music - and I have the record albums to prove it.
(bemused) But it's your cutting edge 8-tracks that keep you ahead of the scene.
(to others) Might want to save the scoffing, gang. I've seen the collection, and Giles was an animal in his day.
I guess... If the Stones are still rolling, why can't Giles? WILLOW (to Giles) Exactly, I think it's brave that you're here.
(a bit peeved) Well - thank you, all. You've made me feel right at home.
Isn't home that empty place you're trying to escape? Giles would reply but he's interrupted as the LIGHTS COME UP ON THE STAGE AREA AND A BAND starts playing a driving, sexual tune. Then VERUCA takes the stage. Whatever she's wearing, it's black and sexy... Willow notes Veruca's entrance, eyes OZ nervously. Buffy, also, is keenly aware of Will's discomfort.
Oh. Yea... Veruca's playing tonight.
Yeah. Every Wednesday. I told you. Oz gives Willow a quick smile - tries not to notice that Veruca is, once again, directing much of her act to him. But the pull between them is too strong... His glance toward her becomes a stare. Buffy, protective of Willow, tries to talk over the loud music-
So Oz, what about you guy? When's Dingoes playing here again? Distracted, Oz manages-
What? Oh - we're up next Friday... And his eyes return to the stage. Willow, trying to hold it together, grabs Oz' hand. Squeezes it.
(anxious/re: band) They're good, aren't they? Oz guiltily forces his attention back to her. Downplays-
Nothing special.
Yeah. She's quell' Fiona. Color me bored. But Giles, nodding along to the music, offers-
Really? I think she's rather remarkable. Such a presence for someone her age... Which is about the wrongest thing he could say at the moment. Even more uncomfortable now - the others turn their attention back to the performance. But Buffy steals sympathetic glances at Willow, as Oz and Veruca dial in on each other again... CLOSE ON WILLOW Hurt. Trying to pretend she's not noticing. FADE TO: INT. OZ' ROOM - DAY The next AM. Oz and Willow sleep, snuggled together. Willow, looking pretty darn cute in a big t-shirt, starts to whimper, agitate... Finally calls out-
It's in the sandblaster! Oz, woken by this, smiles before his eyes even open.
What's the sandblaster, Will? But Willow doesn't answer, just whimpers... Oz pulls her closer to him. Gently nuzzles her ear, saying-
It's a dream... Come back to me. His hands move under covers. Whatever he's doing is waking her in a most pleasant fashion.
Hmmmmmm.... (grins) Ooooooh.... (then) All Geminis to the raspberry hats!
Now you're faking.
Am not. But she turns around so she's facing him. Opens her eyes.
Just a little.
Morning.
Morning.
Bad dream?
I guess. But the waking up part makes up for it. They smile. He moves some hair from her forehead. Taps her head tenderly.
It's always so busy in there.
(suggestively) Not always. A few things shut my brain up completely.
Anything I can help you with?
I have to get to class right now. But tonight, for sure.
I don't know about tonight. Unless the extreme Jerry Garcia look turns you on. (off her puzzled look) Night before the full moon.
Oh! That's right. And I have a thing... There's a wicca group on campus I wanted to check out, they have orientation on the three nights you're wolfy. It's probably totally silly, but-
(cutting her off) Go. Show them how it's done.
Are you sure? You can lock yourself up? I mean, it's only this one month. After orientation they meet on different nights-
Will, I'll be fine.
Okay... As long as you don't mind.
The only part I mind is being away from your for three nights. And he kisses her sweetly. The weirdness of the night before forgotten. They're totally comfy again. Totally adoring. INT. LECTURE HALL/HALL - DAY Buffy's heading out for Psych 101 after class. MAGGIE stands near her desk, handing back papers. Buffy, not thrilled at the prospect of a face to face with her, quickly takes her paper and makes for the door. But Maggie stops her with-
Ms. Summers. I want you to prepare to lead a discussion group next class on the paper topic. (re: Buffy's paper) That was smart work.
It - I... What do I-
You have any questions, bring them up with one of the TA's. Maggie turns her attention back to her business with the other students, dismissing her. Now Willow meets up with Buffy - sees Buffy's stunned look as they exit into the hall.
Are you okay? How'd you do? Buffy just hands Willow her paper. Willow reads - then looks back at Buffy, thrilled for her.
That's good... I mean, that's excellent! (her face falls) You did better than me... This is so unfair. (thrilled again) You made me jealous of you - academically! Buffy!
I know - can you believe it!? They hug.
Guess Ms. Walsh isn't so ogrey after all.
Except now she wants me to lead a discussion group next class. Which means more work, right? Shouldn't she have a better reward system? Like a cookie? Or maybe a little toy, like at the dentist?
(blown away) She wants you to lead a discussion group? Okay - jealous again. Jealous, jealous... I'm back. (then) I'm meeting Oz at the café. You want to come? I'll get you your celebratory cookie.
Great. I'm TA bound - but I'll catch up with you guys. With that they each move happily off. EXT. OUTDOOR CAFÉ - DAY The place is hopping. Oz, coffee in hand, looks for a place to sit. There isn't a free table anywhere. Then he stops, sensing- VERUCA Who sits with her lunch at the table near him. Again, she's got the baby rock star look working. And she's staring at him like she's been expecting him. Oz hesitates.
What are you going to do? Sit on the ground?
My girlfriend's coming.
There's room. Oz relents - sits at her table. Notices her rather huge hamburger and large basket of fries.
Big lunch.
(shrugs) I like to eat. I hate chicks who are all - "does that have dressing on it?"
Agreed. They meet eyes now, and the vibe between them is undeniable. The moment goes on a beat past friend/casual... Then Oz breaks it, says-
You guys were tight last night.
I guess. The set's starting to come together - but the amps still sound dirty to me...
What are you using? 50 or 120? ANGLE ON ANOTHER AREA OF THE CAFÉ Where Willow arrives, sees them talking intently. Her face falls. She almost walks off. But she stops and collects herself. Approaches them with forced good cheer.
Hey! Oz makes room for Willow. Gives her a kiss. Veruca nods to her, not unkindly.
Hey... There is an awkward moment of silence. Then Oz channels his discomfort back into the technical conversation with Veruca.
You should be using 50. And Blue Voodoo isn't your best bet if you don't dig the distort.
Music talk, huh? Cool. I love to listen to Oz talk about "the biz."
(ignoring/to Oz) What do you like, again? I know you told me.
There are a couple of good ones. The Johnson Mil...
My #1 has to be Redbone.
#1? I gotta go with Hound Dog... Willow, desperate to weigh in, offers-
Me too! That was a great song. I mean, Elvis - what a guy.
(bemused) You a big Elvis fan?
The biggest. Well, I mean, after Dingoes.
We were actually talking amps... (off Will's embarrassment) But it's easy to get confused, with the names they give them.
Oh. There is another awkward beat. Willow can't help but sense the energy that suffuses Oz and Veruca's silences - and she feels like she's dying a thousand deaths... Finally, Oz decides he can't hang. Squeezes Willow's arm.
(to both of them) I have to bail. (to Willow) Call me later. Oz goes, leaving a wildly uncomfortable Willow and Veruca together. A beat. Willow's about to talk when-
I should go too. Good shirt. Veruca bails and Willow looks down at her pink and fuzzy Custo-type top. Feels even more foolish. Then-
Check the rapid exits. Was it me? Willow, crestfallen, looks up to see Buffy standing near her with her coffee. Buffy takes a seat.
Me. I don't speak "muscianese." (then) Why didn't you tell me I look like a crazy birthday cake in this shirt?
Oh. I thought that was the point. Now Buffy can see that Willow is really upset - near tears.
He thinks she's sexy. He gets this blushy thing going on behind his ears. That's for me only.
(sympathetic) It doesn't mean anything, Will. So Oz checks another girl. He loves you. Willow nods. Trying to convince herself.
I know. I know. And I don't want to be the kind of girl who freaks every time my boyfriend notices someone else - even if she is throwing herself at him like a twenty dollar ho...
Please. Ten dollar ho. Fifteen, max.
I mean, I have wrong feelings for other guys sometimes...
You have them. But you don't act on them.
No. In fact, I feel guilty about them. I flog and punish.
See? I'm sure Oz is flogging and punishing himself- (stops) This is sounding so wrong before I even finish. (then) Point is - you're both human. But I promise you, in a few days it'll be like - Veruca who?
You think?
Absolutely. Oz just isn't the type to stray.
(still worried) Not tonight, anyway. He'll be locked in a cage... INT. CRYPT - DUSK Oz enters an old crypt, which he and the others have converted into a CAGE by drilling a wall of bars into the stone. There is a door in the wall of bars that Oz now moves through. He closes the door and it locks automatically. (The row of buttons under the knob hold a combination Oz can reach around and do once he's unwolfed.) Oz pulls of his shirt... DISSOLVE TO: EXT. WOODS - NIGHT As a FULL MOON rises into the night sky. DISSOLVE TO: INT. CRYPT - NIGHT As OZ WOLF rises into frame, HOWLING. He HURLS himself against the door of his cage, again and again, until the HINGE BREAKS and it finally flies open - releasing him. DISSOLVE TO: INT. LECTURE HALL - NIGHT Maggie is finishing up for the night - blissfully unaware of any danger that lurks outside her warmly lit classroom. She moves to the door, snaps the lights off. EXT. CAMPUS - NIGHT Now Maggie moves down the dimly lit walkway, enjoying the fresh air. Stops when she HEARS SOMETHING MOVE in the bushes nearby. A beat passes - then she keeps walking. But the noise persists. Shrubs and trees SHUDDER AS SOMETHING LARGE AND UNSEEN MOVES AMIDST THEM.
Hello? No reply. Really scared now, Maggie heads for the distant parking lot as fast as she can... But the faster she moves - the faster the thing moves. Maggie breaks into a run. It's no use. One of the bushes ahead leaps OZ WOLF. Snarling, hideous - and hungry. Maggie SCREAMS and takes off in the opposite direction. She's actually pretty damn fast, but she's no match for OZ WOLF - who gains on her rapidly. Desperate, Maggie tosses her briefcase at the creature, to little effect. Then she tries a fake, taking a corner at the last minute- EXT. ANOTHER PART OF CAMPUS - CONT. (NIGHT) -where she nearly runs headlong into ANOTHER HIDEOUS WEREWOLF, sitting in wait just a few paces ahead. Maggie, petrified, looks behind her to see Oz Wolf coming around the corner. She's surrounded. For a horrible, blood curdling moment, she contemplates the two snarling beasts.
God... The wolves eye each other, crouch into attack stance... AND LUNGE TOWARD MAGGIE. She screams and drives for the bushes... And indeed wolves attack - EACH OTHER. It appears that their interest in Maggie is secondary to their desire to tear the crap out of one another. Maggie takes a moment to comprehend the miracle of her survival, then scrambles out of the bushes and races for safety. Behind her rise the WILD HOWLS of the wolves, which carries over into... DISSOLVE TO: EXT. WOODS - DAWN The woods... Day is breaking and the light is golden. The wolf cry fades as we move through beautiful fall foliage. The whole scene is fairly dewy and full of promise. We finally come to rest on Oz, nude and sleeping beneath a mossy tree... in the arms of an also very nude VERUCA. BLACK OUT.
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| Act Two |
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EXT. WOODS - DAWN CLOSE ON OZ It is only moments later. Oz opens his eyes. Takes in his wooded surroundings, disoriented. Then he notices the distinctly female arms wrapped around him. And the SCRATCHES ON HIS LEGS AND CHEST... Behind him - a distinctly non-Willowy female voice moans upon waking... Then VERUCA rises behind him. All smiles.
Morning. A long beat. Oz is freaked beyond the telling of it - but he tries to maintain his exterior.
Morning.
That was some night.
So it appears. Veruca sits up. Completely uninhibited about her nakedness. Oz maintains a position facing away from her.
Right... You don't remember. It's like that at first. But after a while, bits and pieces start coming back to you.
So you're...
A werewolf groupie. Nobody else gets it done for me.
What? Veruca grins and slides next to him again.
Kidding. You know what I am. You've known since the first time you saw me. Oz takes this in. Realizes it's true. Veruca starts to massage his neck, speak soothingly...
(put off) So - what do you want to do? INT. CAMPUS LAUNDRY ROOM - MORNING (DAY) CLOSE ON AN OPEN CLOTHES DRYER As a highly distressed Oz searches for something to wear. WIDEN To show that we are in a laundry room on campus. Oz is already wearing a pair of magenta sweat pants. Behind him Veruca, now in a bra in panties, tries on and discards tops.
God. The kids in this dorm need Fashion 101 in a bad way... Now she turns to see that Oz is now wearing a peach Izod shirt with a little alligator on it. She tries not to laugh.
Or we could start right here at home.
Not making a statement. Just trying to get back to my place. I want to know why we both got out of our cages and-
(scoffing) You have a cage?
Don't you?
Yeah. It has a little wheel and a cute plastic ball with a bell in it. (then) God. Somebody's domesticated the hell out of you.
It's my choice. I don't want to hurt anybody.
Maybe. Or maybe you don't want to admit what happened to you. Maybe you want to pretend you're just a regular guy...
I am. I'm only a wolf three nights a month. Veruca moves closer to him. Still only in her undies...
Or you're the wolf all the time, and your human face is just your disguise. Ever think of that? Oz feels the heat rising between them as she gets nearer. Starts to get even more uncomfortable.
I'm going. I have to check the paper. See if we did any damage last night. Veruca, closer still, fixes him with her incredible eyes.
We did - but only to each other. I know some part of you remembers that. Oz looks away, ashamed - and aroused despite himself.
And it doesn't take a full moon... We could do it again right here.
(firmly) But we aren't going to. It ends. Now. She's in his face now.
I can help you, Oz. You're scared. I was too. But now I accept it. The animal. And it's powerful... Inside me all the time. (then) Soon you'll feel sorry for other people. They only wish they could be as alive as we are. As free-
Free to kill people? I won't do that. And you shouldn't either. Veruca just smiles at this.
You don't understand. But you will. And you'll see that we belong together.
No. I know where I belong. He starts for the door. Veruca calls out to him.
See you tonight. Oz keeps moving, trying not to hear her. INT. CAMPUS - HALLWAYS - DAY Maggie and Riley are moving through a busy hall.
It was unbelievable. Two of them. That I survived at all is a miracle- Now we see that Buffy has come up behind them.
Excuse me, Ms. Walsh- Maggie sees Buffy and incorporates her into the conversation without missing a beat.
I hope you're being careful when you walk on campus after dark. I was attacked by wild dogs last night. Buffy takes this in, puzzled.
Wild dogs.
Two of them.
Biggest tings I've ever seen. The first one, I thought it was... well for a moment, I thought it was a gorilla. My heart practically stopped. (to Buffy) I know how it sounds. But crazy is my specialty - and I definitely saw what I saw.
No. I believe you.
Did you have a question, Buffy?
(distracted) No... Thanks. Just saying howdy.
Fine. See you in class. Maggie and Riley move off, leaving behind a fairly puzzled Buffy. INT. OZ' ROOM - DAY Oz, still in his bad sweats and Izod shirt, is rather frantically looking through the paper when a timid knock on the door stops him. Willow pokes her head in. Enters. She's dressed a little more Veruca style. Blacker and sexier.
Hey. Oz clearly feels a world of emotions at seeing her. The most significant being overwhelming guilt.
Hey. New look.
(re: his outfit) You too. Oz takes a beat to get what she's talking about. Then-
Oh. Laundry day... kinda came and went. Willow puts her stuff down. They hug, but it's off... awkward.
Hey. I'm sorry if I was weird yesterday. With you and Veruca.
(tighter) I didn't notice anything.
You didn't? Cause I felt all spazzy.
No. Willow tries to take heart at this. She moves closer to him, her tone growing flirtatious.
Oh. Good. Guess I've been worrying for nothing again. Me and my busy head... (hinting) Always thinking, thinking, thinking...
Now you can stop. Everything's fine. Willow realizes she's not getting her message across.
Well. Maybe you can... help me stop. Now Oz gets it. This is not good.
I've got about half an hour... Willow starts to rub his back sensually. His shirt lifts up and we see - although she does not - the SCRATCH MARKS ON HIS BACK.
And I'd really, really appreciate anything you can do. She leans in, kisses him... It causes such a pang of remorse in Oz that he turns his head away. Willow is stricken.
What? What's wrong?
Sorry, I-
You don't want to?
It's not that. I do. But... Willow, hurt, stands.
No. It's fine. I don't have that much time anyway-
It's just - I didn't sleep at all I guess. I'm really beat. All Willow wants to do is get out of there.
Right. Busy wolf night. Got it. It's totally okay. She gathers her stuff, heads for the door.
Will. You don't have to-
No. I should. I'll see you later. And she bails, leaving Oz feeling worse than he ever imagined possible. INT. GILES' APARTMENT - DAY We find Giles at his desk - but he's moved his TV on top of it. He's got a book open, but it's a sham. He's completely in the grip of a Jeopardy type program and talks at the screen-
Treaty of Westphalia!
Umm, Yalta?
Moron. That dinette set should be mine. Fortunately, the doorbell rings - saving him from himself. He snaps the set off and rushes to answer. When he does, he's just a little too thrilled to see Buffy.
Buffy. Excellent! Come in.
Hi...
Can I get you anything? Some tea? I made an interesting mousaka last night if you're hungry.
Pass on the tea. And the moose. But thanks.
So. You come on business, I hope?
Yep. Lucky for you, people may be in danger.
I didn't... I only meant - I'm at the ready. Now Buffy eyes the TV on Giles' desk. Goes over and feels that it is warm on top. He avoids her knowing look.
Clearly - we need to get you kicking some monster bootie, stat. So check it - one of my professors said she almost got attacked by two wild "dogs" last night. Under the light of a nearly full moon.
Werewolves? Two of them?
Could be.
I didn't see anything about attacks in the paper or on the news. Have you spoken to Oz?
He's my next stop.
Yes. Get right on that. And I'll see what I can find out. Buffy starts to go. Giles calls after her eagerly.
And you'll report back to me-
(finishing for him) ASAP. Promise. INT. XANDER'S BASEMENT - DAY Xander sits on his futon, going through the help wanted ads. Then WILLOW appears at the bottom of the basement steps.
Hey, Will. Mom let you in?
Uh huh... Seemed a little cranky.
We're having a little landlord/tenant dispute, so I'm withholding rent. An effective - and might I add thrifty - tactic.
How come?
She won't let me put a lock on my door. I suspect she's afraid I'll start having "the sex."
Yeah. Parents wait until you're out of the house-
Or under it-
Or under it - to start worry about that stuff. And it's mostly too late... She smiles a little sadly. It's clear she's on a bummer.
So I know why I'm sitting around in a dank, sunless little room - but why you?
I just... Things with Oz are weird. I talked with Buffy, but I have a feeling we're in guy-ville... Like I need a translator from the Y wide of things.
Last time I checked I had the creds. Hit me.
What does it mean when a girl wants to... you know...
If you're doing it I think you should be able to say it.
Make love...
Wild monkey love or tender Sarah McLachlan love?
Any kind. But what if the girl wants to and the guy doesn't? That's a bad sign, right?
Could be. Or the girl caught the guy in one of the 7 annual minutes when he's legitimately too preoccupied to do it.
But say, the girl has been noticing-
Will? I think I've deciphered your ingenious code.
Oh. Say I've been noticing Oz notice somebody else. A woman.
And this chick is noticing back?
Most definitely.
Well... Have you asked Oz about it?
Thought about it. But then he'll think I'm all jealous and worried.
But you are. And odds are he feels it. I bet that's all there is to the weird you're feeling. Willow takes this in. Sees the wisdom in it.
Okay. Now that you said that - I knew it. How come I didn't know I knew it before you said it?
Love. It's a logic blocker. (then) Talk it out with him, Will. You'll both feel better. OFF WILLOW Vaguely more hopeful. INT. CRYPT - DAY
BUFFY Got out, huh?
Yeah... Any news about attacks?
No. But I did hear about a person being chased by two "wild dogs."
Two? Really? He looks at her - and she glimpses more fear and worry in his expression than she's ever seen before.
You don't remember anything like that, do you? Another wolf?
(shakes his head) As soon as the change comes - I'm gone. It's like a total blackout.
Must be spooky.
It is. That's the extent of his confession. He turns back to the cage.
Do me a favor?
Sure.
Give this thing a go. Buffy nods. Gives the cage a few good hits and kicks.
Seems good to me... (then/teasingly) If I find werewolf #2 on patrol tonight - you may have a roomie. Oz can't muster a smile for that one. Manages-
Thanks. Buffy starts to leave - but stops before she hits the door.
Oz? (off his look) Are you alright? If possible, you seem even more monosyllabic than usual.
I'm okay. Thanks. Buffy nods, leaving Oz with his troublesome thoughts... MONTAGE: INT. BRONZE - DAY Veruca and band are rehearsing. Veruca, full of passion, delivers a song about lost love and desire. This is her siren call... MUSIC CONTINUES OVER INTERCUTTING OF ABOVE WITH: INT. OZ' ROOM - DAY Oz, waiting for sundown, sitting on his bed. Face etched with guilt and worry. INT. MEETING ROOM - DAY Willow sitting in her Wicca group. Distracted as the others talk animatedly. She's watching a window as the sun slips out of the sky... Feeling she should be with Oz. INT. OZ' ROOM - DAY We move in close on Oz as he seems to make a decision. He picks up the phone. Dials... INT. CRYPT - DUSK It is moments before sunset. Oz stands near his cage. Veruca arrives, takes the creepy place in.
So this is why you called me here? To see your Habittrail? She wanders, check it out, quietly hyped up.
Right before sunset I just start to feel buzzed, you know?
(evenly) Come here.
I'm not getting in that stupid cage with you, if that's what this is about. We belong outside.
You can't run loose tonight. And not just because you might hurt someone. I know people who will be out there - hunting for us.
Really? You should meet new people.
I'm serious. Veruca stops. Sees that he is. Considers...
So you're saying I should spend the whole night with you. Alone. Locked in a cage...
You'll be safe.
(knowingly) Not from you. Isn't that really the point of this cozy arrangement? She's moving toward him now... The sexual tension building between them as the light begins to fade. They don't have much time before they go fully wolfy.
It's coming. Feel it? It's like - blood boiling...
I feel it. They meet eyes. Connecting now. Veruca's manner becomes software, almost vulnerable now. She stands at the door, runs her hand along the iron bar, gripping it.
I wanted you even before I saw you. I sensed you. Did you sense me. He clearly did. But he tries to push those feelings away.
Come here.
Did you? That's it - Oz looses the war with his instincts. In answer, he grabs Veruca and pulls her into the cage -- since she's holding onto the bar of the door it slams shut behind her as he jerks her forward -- and in one motion he kisses her hungrily, voraciously... CLOSE ON OZ AND VERUCA'S HANDS Intertwined as they change... Their moans turn into SNARLS... DISSOLVE TO: INT. CRYPT - DAWN Willow arrives with a bag packed with breakfast for the two of them. She looks like she's had an attitude shift. She's ready for a good talk and a new day. A fresh start... Then she sees the cage. And Oz in Veruca's arms. And their nakedness. Breakfast goes to the ground. BLACK OUT.
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| Act Three |
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INT. CRYPT - DAY Back to the terribleness of that last moment. Willow's pinched cry and the sound of her thermos clattering on the cold stone floor wake both Oz and Veruca. Oz is horrified, but Veruca looks as if she's enjoying Willow's realization.
Willow- Willow turns her back to them, raises shaking hands to her face.
Oh my God... Oh my God... Behind her, Oz scrambles to get dressed. Veruca leisurely locates her long coat, which is still intact... Oz does the combo on the lock and exits the cage. Moves to Willow.
I know what you saw. It was... I had to - I had to lock her up with me. Willow looks at him, trembling with shock and upset, scoffs-
I bet.
She's like me. A wolf. Now Veruca appears at the door of the cage, buttoning the coat - which is all she has on. Willow, crying now, turns away again - can't look.
(laughs darkly) Well, I knew you two had a lot in common, but... Oz moves to touch her, calm her... But Willow, surprising herself, yells-
Don't touch me!
She was going to hurt somebody. I didn't have a choice-
(cutting him off) But you did! You could have told somebody. Your "solution" conveniently put you two alone together all night. Oz balks - while Veruca smiles at this. Says to Oz-
Girl's got a point. Oz angrily turns on her.
Leave.
I was just saying-
Now! Veruca clearly bruised by his dismissal. Grabs the last of her things and bolts. There's a beat after she goes. Willow is sobbing. Oz, pained and desperate, can only say-
I'm sorry.
Why didn't you talk to me? I knew. I knew, you jerk! And you sat there, telling me everything was fine? That's as bad as... As... She gestures toward the cage. But Oz' expression darkens a bit at her words. He's been on the other side of it.
I know how it feels. I remember.
Oh, so, what? This is payback? I had this coming.
No. That's not-
(cutting him off) Because I thought that was behind us. And you know what happened with Xander - it doesn't compare. Not with what you and I had - and not with whatever you've been doing with her.
I don't know what Veruca and I have done. When I change - it's like I'm gone and the wolf takes over. Willow considers this. Then, afraid, she has to ask -
But before this, when you were just regular Oz - you had feelings for her, didn't you?
I could sense something, yes. But- She interrupts him, realizing-
But - you wanted her. Like, in an animal way. (pained) Like - more than you wanted me. He can't deny it. She understands his silence fully before he can think of something that will make it even remotely better. She takes off, devastated. EXT. STREET OUTSIDE GRAVEYARD - DAY Willow runs hard - trying to outrun the growing pain in her chest. EXT. SUNNYDALE STREET - DAY Now Willow moves down the main street of Sunnydale, unable to stop crying. It's a busy day, people and cars everywhere - but she seems oblivious to it all. ANOTHER ANGLE Where we see BUFFY walking on the opposite side of the street. As soon as she catches sight of Willow, she can tell something is terribly wrong. WILLOW Unaware of Buffy, moves to cross the street. She steps off the sidewalk - directly into the PATHWAY OF AN ONCOMING CAR. BUFFY Starts to run, ,but she's too far away to help.
Willow! WILLOW Turns at the sound of Buffy's voice. Doesn't see the car barreling down on her. She's seconds away from being road-kill when WHOOSH! - a pair of strong hands grab her and jerk her back to the safety of the sidewalk. Stunned, she looks up to see RILEY holding her.
Willow? Are you okay? Willow just looks at him. Finally shakes her head - no. Now Buffy runs up beside them. Looks to Riley gratefully.
Thank you. I was too far away-
It was lucky. She almost got...
(to Will) Willow. What's the matter? Willow is silent. She can't talk or she'll lose it again.
Maybe you should get her home. Buffy nods. Riley looks to Willow kindly.
Whatever it is, be more careful - okay? I promise - it's not worth hurting yourself over. Willow barely nods. Then Buffy and Willow move off, Buffy mouthing a silent "thank you" to a concerned Riley. INT. BUFFY AND WILLOW'S DORM ROOM - DAY It's later in the day. Buffy has heard the whole horrible tale from Willow and has been ministering to her... Willow sits on her bed, dry-eyed - but pretty shell-shocked.
I have to go. I have to find Veruca before the sun sets. Willow nods. Buffy starts to gather her stuff.
(firmly) I will, though. And when I do this thing stops. She's bad news. (then) Can I get you something before I take off? Kleenex? Chocolate-y chocolate anything?
No.
I'll come back as soon as things are taken care of. You just take it easy, okay? (then) Riley was right. The main thing is - put the blame where it belongs. Don't hurt yourself. Willow takes this in. Nods. Buffy starts to go.
Okay. She stops - nervous mother hen style.
You're okay?
I'm fine. Promise. And Buffy takes off. After she goes we move in close on Willow and see from her wild eyes that she's not okay in the least. She nods again... Repeats Buffy's words.
Put the blame where it belongs. She gets up and drags a trunk from next to her bed. CLOSE ON TRUNK Willow opens it. Revealing all manner of SPELL MATERIAL. INT. OZ' ROOM - DAY Oz is on the phone, finishing a conversation.
You haven't seen her around? Okay. Thanks man. He hangs up, worried. Then a perfunctory knock announces Buffy, who steps into the room. She gets right to it.
Where is she?
I don't know. I already tried her usual haunts. (then) But - I know the areas we're drawn to, and I'm pretty sure I can follow her scent.
We'll try that, then. Buffy starts out. But Oz stops her-
Look. You should just know that-
(cutting him off) Oz. This might be a good time for your trademark stoicism. Oz takes this in. Nods. They move out. INT. CAMPUS LAB - DAY Willow has set up in an empty lab. She has a fire going over a burner and all manner of nasty spell stuff laid out before her. She starts mixing ingredients and begins an incantation - its clear intent being to harm Oz and Veruca.
I conjure thee, by Barabbas, by Satanas, and the Devil… As thou art burning, let Oz' and Veruca's deceitful hearts be broken. With these words the FLAME RISES. EXT. WOODS - DAY Oz and Buffy, now armed with a tranquilizer gun, troop through the woods. The light is growing gold and soft as the end of the day nears. Oz stops, breathes in… Then determines a direction.
This way. He moves off. Buffy follows. INT. CAMPUS LAB - DAY Willow's spell gets more involved… She tosses more ingredients into the growing fire. Willow is really into it, all her rage and pain pouring into the majik.
I conjure thee by the Saracen Queen, and by the name of hell. Let them know no love or solace, let them find no peace as well. Willow appears infused with energy and a few small objects around her, beakers and test tubes and such, start to FLOAT. EXT. WOODS - DAY Oz and Buffy continue their hunt, closing in…
She's right near here. I can smell her. Then Buffy, turned away from him, offers-
Or the dirty pile of clothes she left lying on the ground. Oz moves to her. Sure enough, they are Veruca's clothes.
They could be from the other night when she- Buffy shoots him a warning look. But he continues.
-turned into a werewolf.
Unless she wanted to throw you off the scent. They think for a moment. Look at each other.
Willow. That's it. They take off running back toward campus, each on slightly different paths… Oz leading a bit… CLOSE ON BUFFY Putting on the gas. She dodges a big tree and slams into one of the MYSTERIOUS TASER GUYS, who is just as surprised as she is. The impact sends them both sprawling to the ground. INT. CAMPUS LAB - DAY Willow nears the end of her spell. The energy building, things still going floaty. She takes a photo of Oz from her pile of ingredients.
Let this image seal his fate, not to love - but only hate... But as she moves to add his picture to the fire, she makes the mistake of really looking at it. She stops, stricken. Then tries again to cast it into the flame - but it's too late. She can't go through with it. She starts to cry all over again. The spell is broken... The bad mojo drains from the room and the floaty objects fall to the ground. Then a sarcastic voice breaks her tearful silence-
Wow. For a minute there I thought you might actually play rough. Willow turns to see Veruca in the doorway.
Sometimes you have to, you know, to keep what's yours. (darkly) Sometimes you have to kill. Now Veruca closes and BLOCKS the door. It's the only way in or out of the room. She looks out the window.
Well what do you know? Sun's almost down. OFF WILLOW Terrified. BLACK OUT.
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| Act Four |
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EXT. WOODS - DUSK Buffy, just recovering from her fall, sees the MYSTERY MAN already up and disappearing into the woods. She looks for Oz, but sees that he is gone too. Frustrated, she scrambles to her feet and takes off in the direction Oz went. INT. CAMPUS LAB - DUSK Willow and Veruca face off. Willow is shaking with rage and fear, and Veruca is relishing every moment of it.
Can't say I'm surprised you didn't go through with your little hex. You don't have the teeth.
You don't know what I have. You don't know anything about me.
I know what you love. I have his scent on me right now. Willow's heard enough. In tears, she tries to dart past Veruca to the door - but Veruca catches her with a vicious back hand. Sends her sprawling. Willow falls hard, dazed.
Go ahead and cry - but you should have seen this coming. You can't tame a wild thing. He's not yours any more. He's in you, he'd be thinking about me - no. Not thinking. It's deeper than that. (then) Why don't you just try to relax now? In a minute or two it'll all be over- She'd go on but the door behind her is KICKED OPEN and OZ enters, breathless and enraged. He and Veruca square off.
Don't touch her again.
Come stop me. I like it rough, remember? The sun has faded completely from the room now and the change begins (in an acting, non make-up way - we see it register on Oz' face, in his movement...)
You want to hurt me, hurt me. But leave her out of this.
How can I? She's the reason you're living in cages. She's blinding you! When she's gone, you'll be able to admit what you are- CLOSE ON: OZ as Veruca circles behind him. He morphs to first stage and when she comes from behind him (talking all the while) she too is in first stage.
You don't want to find out what I am.
You're an animal. Animals kill. Oz looks at Willow and for a moment there is a gleam of hungry pleasure at her fear.
You're right. (he turns to Veruca) We kill. He LEAPS at Veruca. And Veruca and Oz fight viciously in their mostly human forms. But before long the full transformation overcomes them both. Willow turns away and shuts her ears against the sounds of Oz and Veruca's bodies as they twist and crack. Meanwhile, Veruca and Oz continue to battle throughout the grotesque metamorphosis. CLOSE ON WILLOW As she huddles in a corner. The wolves blocking her exit. This is a bad dream... ON VERUCA AND OZ As the battle continues and Oz Wolf gains the advantage. He gets a jaw lock on Veruca's neck and violently BITES HER. She SHRIEKS WITH PAIN, a horrible death knell... When he is finished, and Veruca's body lies inert, Oz Wolf turns toward Willow. His maw is bloodied and his eyes are the cold eyes of a killer - there is no recognition there. CLOSE ON WILLOW Who turns - faces the giant beast crouching low in front of her, baring its razor-like teeth. Nearly out of her mind with grief and terror now, she says in a tiny voice-
Oz?.. She reaches a trembling hand out, as if to stroke him... Without missing a beat - OZ LUNGES toward her, going for the kill. But he is SNATCHED away from Willow only milliseconds before her certain death. ANOTHER ANGLE And we see that BUFFY has arrived just in time. The gun is slung on her back - no time to go for it. She has Oz Wolf by the hind legs and drags him away from Willow. There is a brief fight between slayer and wolf. But Buffy manages to kick him upside the head, dazing him long enough to use the tranquilizer gun and sedate him. A beat as OZ WOLF stumbles, then passes out. Then Buffy rushes to Willow and gathers her into her arms. They don't speak, just hold onto each other... DISSOLVE TO: INT. GILES' APARTMENT - DAY
GILES I'm not sure I understand.
There was so much going on with Oz and Will - there still is - but I thought you should know about this.
So this fellow in the woods - he was in military garb?
And he was toting some serious weaponry... (then) Thing is, I saw some other guys dressed exactly like him on Halloween night. I assumed they were in costume...
But maybe they were working.
I wanna know what's up. Guy got in my way; I almost didn't catch up to Oz in time. As it is, I was too late to...
You saved Willow.
I think right now she wishes I hadn't... I've never seen her like this before, Giles. It's like it hurts too much to even form words.
But you've felt that way yourself, and you got through it.
Well, I ran away and went to hell - and then I got through it. I'm kind of hoping Willow won't use me as a model.
Fair enough.
I just don't know how they're gonna deal with this. Giles has no reply. They sit in silence. DISSOLVE TO: INT. OZ' ROOM - DAY The room appears empty except for a duffle bag on the bed. There's a knock on the door and then Willow, looking exhausted and scared, pokes her head in.
Hello? Oz moves out of his closet, a pile of clothes in his arms. He looks at her evenly - his manner full of pained resolve.
Hi. Willow, numb with fear, knows exactly what's happening. But she has to ask. Has to hear him say it.
What are you doing?
I'm going.
Now? Oz nods.
That's - that's your solution?
That's my decision.
Don't I get any say in this?
No. (then) Veruca was right about something. The wolf is inside me all the time. And I don't know where the line is anymore - between me and it. Until I figure out what that means, I shouldn't be around you - or anybody.
That could be a problem. 'Cause, people? Pretty much a planetary epidemic. Oz stuffs the rest of his things into his duffle bag.
I'll find someplace.
Well how long -
I don't know. He closes his bag and turns to her. A beat as it sinks in. For both of them. This is goodbye. Maybe forever.
(desperate) Oz... Don't you love me...?
My whole life, I've never loved anything else. She starts to cry. A long beat. It's killing Oz to do this, but it's the only way. Finally, he reaches out to her - tentatively. She doesn't stop him. He kisses her forehead. And then they stay like that, forehead to forehead, for a long time.
Oh God... Oz... Finally, Oz knows he won't go if he waits another moment. He kisses her again quickly - one last time - then grabs his bag and leaves. EXT. OZ' HOUSE - DAY Oz exits his house and gets into his van. INT. OZ' VAN - DAY Oz starts the van. Hesitates... Turns the key and stops the van... INT. OZ' ROOM - DAY Willow stands crying exactly where he left her. INT. OZ' VAN - DAY Oz finds his resolve. He starts the van again. EXT. OZ' HOUSE - DAY The van travels down the road, turns - and is gone. INT. OZ' ROOM - DAY CLOSE ON WILLOW Watching her tears stain the carpet... Her heart breaking... BLACK OUT.
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