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School Hard (July 30, 1997) Story By: Joss Whedon and David
Greenwalt |
| Teaser |
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EXT. SUNNYDALE HIGH- DAY - ESTABLISHING
A lot of educators tell students: INT. SNYDER'S OFFICE - DAY
…think of your principal as your "pal". I say think of me as your judge, jury and executioner. SHEILA MARTINI (17, sexy, slovenly and somewhat dangerous) faces SNYDER across his desk.
Tell me, who do you think is the most troublesome student in this school? Sheila studies Snyder, pops her gum, and jerks her head to the right, indicating BUFFY whom we now discover sitting next to her. Snyder smiles.
Well, it is quite a match between you two. Snyder opens two THICK FILES on his desk.
On the one hand, Buffy hasn't stabbed a horticulture teacher with a trowel, yet.
I never stabbed anyone with a trowel! Sheila stabs the file in front of Snyder with her finger, he involuntarily edges back.
It was pruning shears. It should say pruning shears.
(to Buffy) On the other hand, Sheila's never burned down a school building.
That was never proved… the fire marshal said it could have been… mice…
Mice?
Mice that were smoking?
(looking at file) And the two of you seem to be tied in the class-cutting and fight-starting events. You're really neck and neck here. It's very exciting.
What does the winner get?
Expelled. This registers with Buffy. Less so with Sheila.
This Thursday is parent teacher night. Your parents - (to Buffy) assuming you have any - will meet your teachers - (to Sheila) assuming you have any left. I have decided to put you two in charge of this event. You have three days to prepare the refreshments, make the banners, and transform the school lounge into a habitable place for adults. This will incur my goodwill, and may even affect what I tell your parents when I meet them. Are we clear?
We're clear. (to Sheila) Don't you feel clear? (to Snyder) We're very clear.
Good. Because you mess up this time, and your parents will be coming to clean out your lockers. EXT. SCHOOL - DAY - AFTER SCHOOL Buffy walks with Sheila as Xander and Willow approach.
It really shouldn't be that hard. We'll work on banners tomorrow at lunch and we can figure out refreshments then.
Yeah, sure, whatever. She calls out to an older, slovenly, tattooed guy.
Hey, Meatpie! Wait up! And she's off, Xander and Willow watching her go.
Heard Snyder's got you guys making party favors.
Yeah, his two worst students. (watching Sheila) When my Mom looks at me, that what she sees. A Sheila.
Sheila's definitely intense. That guy with her? That's the one she CAN bring home to her mother.
She smoked when we were in fifth grade. Once I was lookout for her.
You're bad to the bone.
I'm a rebel.
It's just not fair. I'm the Slayer, which requires a certain amount of fighting and cutting. What's Sheila's excuse?
Homework. She won't do it. And most of the teachers respect that now. You'll probably want to keep her away from sharp implements while you're working.
Do you think any of the other Slayers ever had to go to high school?
Hey, it's no biggie. You'll put on a nice little affair. The parents'll love it. As long as nothing really bad comes along between now and then, you'll be fine. Both girls turn, appalled.
Are you nuts? What'd you say that for? Now something bad is gonna happen!
What do you mean? Nothing is gonna happen!
Not until some dummy says "As long as nothing bad happens…"
That's like the ultimate jinx!
What were you thinking? Or were you even thinking?
(defensively) Well, you don't know. Maybe this time is different. CUT TO: EXT. ROADSIDE - NIGHT We see a sign proclaiming WELCOME TO SUNNYDALE. See it for a good few seconds before the black caddy roars out from behind camera, smashing the sign flat. The caddy screeches to a halt. The door opens. We see his foot first, stepping out in a shitkicker steel-toed boot. As he walks in front of the car the camera ARMS UP, revealing his punkish outfit, his long coat. As he puts a cigarette to his lips we reach his face. He looks young, his eyes sparkling with anarchy. He smiles as he lights the cigarette. And, oh yeah. He's a vampire. This is SPIKE. He looks down at the sign sticking partially under his wheel. Looks at the row of houses in the near distance.
Home sweet home. BLACK OUT.
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| Act One |
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INT. THE FACTORY - NIGHT The ANOINTED ONE holds court from his throne-like chair with several vampires. Two in particular do the talking: a big ugly one and a skinny, intense one. Nobody looks too happy.
The Master is dead. Someone has to take his place.
As long as the Slayer is alive, whoever takes his place will be sharing his grave!
Then let the soul who kills her wear his mantle.
Can you do it?
Yes. This weekend, the Night of Saint Vigeous, our power shall be at it's peak! When I kill her, it'll be the greatest event since the crucifixion. And I should know. I was there.
You were there? Oh please. He strolls in, eyeing everyone with amusement. He gets in Big Ugly's face.
If every vampire who said he was at the crucifixion was actually there, it would have been like Woodstock!
I ought to rip your throat out. Spike wrinkles his nose.
Would it kill ya', little mouthwash every couple hundred years? Spike moves on, purposefully turning his back on Big Ugly, looking at the others, glancing at a METAL CAGE, some meat hooks and old chains hanging from pulleys in the ceiling.
I was actually at Woodstock. That was a weird gig. Fed off a flower person and spent six hours watching my hands move. Big Ugly comes at him from behind. Spike rips a chain from the pulley whips it around Big Ugly's neck and yanks, bridling Big Ugly, chaining his face against the iron bars of the cage. This all happens REAL FAST. And Spike isn't even out of breath.
So, who do you kill for fun around here?
Who are you?
Spike. You're that anointed guy. I read about you. And you got Slayer problems. You know what I find works real good with Slayers? Killing them.
Can you?
A lot faster than fatboy here. (to Big Ugly, who chokes and grunts) Doncha' think? (more gagging: to the Anointed) He agrees. Where was I? Oh yeah, I did a couple Slayers in my time. Don't like to brag. Oh, who am I kidding, I love to brag. There was one Slayer, during the Boxer Rebellion - DRUSILLA wanders in as he speaks, looking at everything with the quiet wonder of a child. Spike sees her and his whole face changes. Literally, as he resumes his human visage.
Drusilla! He lets go of Big Ugly, goes to her. His manner becomes surprisingly gentle and solicitous with her.
You shouldn't be walking around. You're weak.
Look at all the people. Are these nice people?
We're getting along. She goes over to the Anointed One.
This one has power. I could feel it from outside.
Yeah, he's a big noise in these parts. Anointed, and all that.
(to the Anointed One) Do you like daisies? I plant them but they always die. Everything I put in the ground withers and dies. Spike, I'm cold. He whips off his coat and lays it around her shoulders, holding her as he does.
I got you.
I'm a princess…
That's what you are. She runs her finger along his check. We see that her fingernail has drawn blood. It trickles down Spike's face. He doesn't flinch, and Drusilla gently licks it off. He turns to the others.
Me and Dru, we're moving in. Anyone wanna test who's got the biggest wrinklies around here, step on up. (to the Anointed One) I'll do your Slayer for you. You keep your flunkies from trying anything behind my back. Deal? The Anointed One nods. Drusilla suddenly grabs Spike's arm.
I can't see her. The Slayer. I can't see. It's dark where she is… Kill her! Spike! Kill her for me!
It's done, baby.
(calm, but shaking) Kill her for princess?
I'll chop her into pieces.
You are my sweet.
(to the Anointed One) So, how about this Slayer. Is she tough? INT. BUFFY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Ow! She's dressed for bed, brushing tangles out of her hair in front of the vanity. JOYCE appears in the doorway.
What's wrong?
I spent half my allowance on that new cream rinse and it's neither creamy nor rinsey.
Life is hard, dear.
Don't I know it. Look at these split ends!
I got the mail.
Oh good.
Which included a reminder notice about parent teacher night Thursday.
Oh less good.
Which your were planning on telling me about…?
For the last two weeks. I've been working up my nerve.
Uh huh. So what do you think your teachers will tell me about you?
Well… I… think they'd all agree I always bring a pen to class, ready to absorb the knowledge.
And this absorption rate, how is it reflected in your homework and test scores?
What can you really tell about a person from a test score?
Whether or not she's ever going out with her friends again.
Oh that.
What about your principal?
He put me in charge of the banners and refreshments for the whole evening. If that's not a sign of respect I don't know what is.
I look forward to meeting him.
Won't that be something.
Look, sweetheart, life is more than grades and test scores and not getting kicked out of school.
You are so right.
But we moved once because of you getting in trouble. And I had to start a new business - not to mention a new life - in a whole new town.
And you don't want to do that again.
What I don't want is to be disappointed in you again. Beat.
Mom, believe me, that's the last thing I want, too. I'm trying, I've just got a lot of… pressure right now.
Wait till you have a job. She gives Buffy a little kiss on the head.
Sleep tight. Joyce goes. Buffy tries one more tangle, tugs open a drawer to drop the brush in, sees the vampire stake in the drawer.
I have a job. EXT. SCHOOL - DAY - ESTABLISHING INT. SCHOOL LOUNGE - DAY Morning. Buffy has a big banner laid out over a long table. Willow is helping her paint "WELCOME PARENTS" on it. Xander is painting "PARENT TEACHER NIGHT" on another banner next to them.
Sheila's a no show? (Buffy nods) She goes to this really rank bar, the Fish Tank, sometimes they have raids and… other things that could make you tardy.
Can you help me cram some French tonight? I don't want Mr. DeJean telling my mother I'm an… (big French accent) …imbecile!
I thought we were going to the Bronze tonight. 'Cause of how you thought Angel might show.
If he does he'll meet some other nice girl. Studying comes first.
We're going to the Bronze. I can study and party and do parent teacher night and make my mother proud as long as I don't have to… (sees Giles and Jenny coming; deflates) …fight vampires. GILES and JENNY CALENDAR join the group, in mid-discussion.
There's nothing in the Chronicles about an extraneous lunar cycle.
The Order never accurately calculated the Mesopotamian calendar! Rupert, you have to read something that was published AFTER 1066.
What's the up, guys?
I don't suppose this is something about happy squirrels?
Vampires.
That was my next guess.
Ms. Calendar has been researching - surfing on her computer. According to her calendar, this Saturday is the Night of Saint Vigeous.
Lemme guess. He didn't make balloon animals.
He led a crusade. Of vampires. They swept through Edessa, Harran, and points east.
They didn't leave much behind.
So Saturday's kind of a big doo for bloodsuckers.
It's a Holy Night of Attack. They'll come in numbers.
If I survive parent teacher night tomorrow… (nods at banner) …I'll see what I can do about Saturday.
You're being a tad flip, don't you think? This is serious.
And being kicked out of school is laffs aplenty?
You know what happens when you let your life interfere with your slaying.
Yes, I found that out the last time I had a date, back in the Restoration era.
You just need to keep the two things separate.
Yes, well, if my slaying doesn't get me expelled, I promise my banner making won't get me killed. Just let me get through the week.
Saturday will require a great deal of preparation.
Well, we'll help.
Yeah! I can whittle stakes!
And I can research stuff.
(to Willow) While I'm whittling, I plan to whistle a jaunty tune.
Your help will be appreciated. But when it comes to battle, Buffy must be prepared to fight alone. You are, after all, a slay- He sees Snyder approaching, quickly adjusts:
slay…ve. Slave. You're all slaves to the… television. You young people nowadays. Goodbye. Giles and Jenny take off. Snyder turns to Xander and Willow.
You wouldn't be helping Buffy in Sheila's place would you?
(brush behind back) No.
We're hindering.
She ditched. Mmm-mmmm, I feel an expulsion coming on.
She's been helping for hours. She's just out getting more paint… Buffy follows Snyder's gaze to the door as SHEILA stumbles through in last night's party dress, dark glasses: Marilyn Monroe after a hard night Kennedying. Buffy rushes to Sheila, guides her to Xander's banner, under:
No more teal in the art room? I know you wanted it to be perfect, but let's just keep going with the green. She plops (Xander's) brush in Sheila's hand.
Just make sure everything is perfect on Thursday. He goes off.
Thanks for covering. Guy's a serious rodent.
No problem.
Did you really burn down school property one time?
Well, not actually ONE time…
Cool.
But I didn't feel good about it or anything. I mean, I don't condone… So. We're gonna Bronze it tonight, if you wanted to come.
I can't go there. You threaten one bartender with a broken bottle and they like ban you for life. (snorts)
Ahhh. INT. BRONZE - NIGHT Buffy and Willow at a table. Buffy thinks hard, composing a sentence. Willow's got a French book.
<La vache doit me touche de la jeudi> (off Willow's furrowing brow) Is that wrong? Should I use the plural?
No, but… you just said that "the cow should touch me from Thursday".
Well, maybe that's what I was feeling.
And you said it wrong.
Oh. Je stink.
You're just not focused. It's Angel missage.
Well he didn't say for sure, it was a maybe see you there kind of deal. Xander comes off the dance floor.
Guys! I'm all alone out there! Somebody has to dance with me.
Well, we are studying…
Come on, one dance! You've been studying for nearly twelve minutes!
No wonder my brain is fried. They get up, hitting the floor as a fairly rocking song begins. The three of them dance together, Buffy occasionally repeating French phrases to herself. In the b.g. we see a LONE FIGURE in the dark watching Buffy. Is it Angel. The figure steps out of the shadows. It's not Angel, it's Spike. He circles through the dancers, moving closer and closer, staying out of Buffy's line of sight, never taking his eyes off her. A hunter stalking his prey. Spike circles. Buffy is oblivious to the danger. He's closer and closer… and suddenly gone. AT THE BAR - SPIKE Joins Big Ugly (without a vamp face on.)
Go get something to eat. Big Ugly nods, obediently moves off. Spike looks back at BUFFY On the floor. We discover Spike behind them, speaking to some other folk, but so Buffy will hear:
Where's a phone. I need to call the police. There's some big guy out back trying to bite someone. Buffy reacts and is gone in a flash. EXT. ALLEY BEHIND BRONZE - NIGHT A HELPLESS GIRL backs away from Big Ugly ( who now has his vamp face on.) He gets his huge hand around her dainty neck, closes in for a kill as - BUFFY"S TWO HANDS Locked together, slam down on his wrist, breaking his hold.
Slayer.
Slay-ee. And Buffy spin kicks him in the head. He takes it well, grabs her and hurls her against a wall. He charges, she ducks, pivots under his arm and away. He moves after her but we DRIFT RIGHT and discover Spike, calmly watching the melee from the shadows. BUFFY AND BIG UGLY Trade punches. Willow and Xander race out the back door.
(re: girl) Get her out of here! Buffy ducks a punch, kicks. Willow grabs the girl.
And… (punch) …a stake… (duck) …would be nice. (kick) Xander races back inside on the heels of Willow and the freaked girl. SPIKE Watches her every move, enjoying himself immensely. INT. BRONZE - NIGHT Xander races to the table. Upends Buffy's purse, claws through lipstick, make-up, hair brush, a tampon!
Ahhh! He drops it like a hot tampon, finally finds a stake, runs. EXT. ALLEY BEHIND BRONZE - NIGHT - BUFFY Big Ugly swings and connects. Buffy goes down. He looms over her.
I don't need to wait for Saint Vigeous. You're mine! He comes at her, but she knocks him back. Xander races out the back door, hurls the stake at Buffy who catches it sharply on the spin in mid-air. Willow peeks out from behind Xander.
Spike, give me a hand. Xander and Willow look around the dark alley: who's he talking to? SPIKE - UNSEEN IN THE SHADOWS Just watches, makes no move to help. BUFFY SINKS THE STAKE Goodbye Big Ugly. Spike applauds slowly, steps out of the darkness. Right next to Willow and Xander who both jump.
Nice work, baby.
Who are you?
You'll find out on Saturday.
What happens on Saturday?
I kill you. He smiles, slides back into the shadows and is gone. Xander and Willow are wigged. So is Buffy. BLACK OUT.
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| Act Two |
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EXT. SUNNYDALE HIGH - NIGHT - ESTABLISHING
Spike… INT. LIBRARY - NIGHT Vamp books and diaries on the table. The gang is assembled: Buffy, Giles, Willow, Xander and Jenny who is dragging a staggering amount of weaponry out of the book cage as:
…that's what the other vampire called him? (Buffy nods) Sounds a little unorthodox.
Maybe he's reform.
(thumbing through diaries) He may have gone by a different name in times past…
Whoever he is, we'll need all the help we can get come this Saturday. Xander eyes THE ATTACK OF SAINT VIGEOUS engravings in a huge old tome. (Medieval vamp crusade mayhem.)
This Night of Saint Vigeous deal, if they're gonna attack in force shouldn't we be thinkin': vacation?
We can't run, that would be wrong. Could we hide? I mean if that Spike Guy is leading the attack… (shudders loudly) …sorry, was that audible?
I'm sure he's no worse than any other creature you've faced -
He's worse. Angel is suddenly standing inside the doorway. Xander jumps.
Angel.
You know him? Instead of answering that directly, Angel says to Buffy:
Once he starts something he doesn't stop, until everything in his path is dead. Stay away. A beat as this sinks in:
So he's thorough, goal oriented… okay, someone else lighten the mood.
We were at the Bronze before. I thought you said you might show.
You said you weren't sure if you were going.
I was being cool. You been dating for what, two hundred years, you don't know what a girl means when she says maybe she'll show? Work with me here. Angel gives her a small smile. The nice moment is broken by:
Wow, two centuries of dating. If you only had two a year that'd still be like four hundred dates with four hundred different - (suddenly interested in weapons) -- why do they call it a mace?
Yes, well we've slightly more urgent things to discuss.
(turning away from Angel) Like keeping my mom away from Principal Snyder tomorrow night.
And not dying Saturday.
Angel, do you know if this Spike fellow has any other names? Giles looks up from the diaries. Angel is gone. They all look around.
That's it, I'm puttin' a collar with a little bell on that guy. Off Buffy, EXT. THE FISH TANK - NIGHT A rank dive. Just horrible, mind-numbling industrial music pounds within. Next to the sign: Fish Tank, a door opens and Sheila emerges with TWO LOW-LIFES. They're older than her and hoping to get some. ANGLE - ALLEY NEXT TO THE FISH TANK Sheila trips down the alley with the low-lifes. Both guys wear tank tops and are covered in tattoos.
All right, which one is Dwayne and which one is Dell - don't tell me, Dell's the one with the tattoo! Sheila laughs at her joke as they move on. ANOTHER ANGLE - TWO SHOT, SHEILA AND DELL
You guys weren't lying about havin' a Cadillac, were ya'? Cause I'm crazy about a cad. Just the feel of the leather makes me wanna… Sheila looks around. Dwayne is gone.
What happened to your friend? CLOSE ON SHEILA
Hey, illustrated man, over here. And as the CAMERA circles her we discover Dell is gone now, too, and she is alone.
What's going on? She looks up and down the alley, getting spooked.
Where are you guys? She moves further down the alley. We creep after her.
Not funny… Sheila moves on. More than a little freaked now. She looks behind her. Nothing. Looks the other way. Nothing. Then, Spike, out of nowhere, is just standing right in front of her. She SCREAMS.
Who are you?
Who do you want me to be? She's half-scared, half-mesmerized by his presence.
Did you see…?
Those two losers who thought they were good enough for you? She half-smiles.
What happened to 'em?
They got sleepy.
Huh?
And you got something a whole lot better. He holds her gaze, hypnotic. Then he turns and walks on.
Hey, wait up. What's your name? She goes after him. And we PAN DOWN to the dark floor of the alley. Where two bodies lie. Dwayne and Dell. Way dead. INT. THE FACTORY - NIGHT Spooky. Lit by torches. Spike and Drusilla are noticeably absent. Vampires are chanting, whipping themselves and each other. The Anointed One sits in the shadows. Standing near him and speaking for him is:
Saint Vigeous, you who murdered so many, we beseech you, cleans us of our weaknesses: mercy, compassion and pity.
We will bathe in their blood. The Anointed One, like a little Godfather, motions to Lean Boy who leans down close to him.
Where is he?
Spike? He, uh, said he doesn't go for religion.
He should be here.
He's with the woman. He's always with the woman. The Anointed One looks displeased. CAMERA TRACKS PAST the ceremony, into the darker recesses of the factory.
(to vamps) Lambs to the slaughter!
Bathe in their blood! We discover a narrow passageway, stairs leading down. DISSOLVE TO: INT. SPIKE AND DRUSILLA'S ROOM - NIGHT The stairs lead down into their little dungeonesque suite, their furniture now moved in. The medieval feel of the room is sharply contrasted by an old black and white TV, showing nothing but snow. Lined up on an old trunk by the wall are five Victorian dolls, gags of old linen tied around their mouths, their eyes wide and innocent. Drusilla takes one of the dolls and turns it toward the wall.
Miss Edith speaks out of turn. She's a bad example and will have no cakes today. Spike comes up behind her, slides his arms around her.
Darling, are you gonna eat something?
I'm not hungry. I miss Prague.
You nearly died in Prague, Baby. That idiot mob… this is the place for us. The Hellmouth'll restore you. Put color in your cheeks. Metaphorically speaking.
And in a few weeks time…
The stars will align, and smile down on me.
And then, God, this town will burn.
A pretty fire.
But baby, none of that's gonna happen unless you EAT. And on that word, the camera WHIP-PANS to the corner of the room, where sits Sheila, trussed, gagged and absolutely terrified. No longer the bad girl. The noise of CHANTING drifts down from upstairs. Spike and Drusilla look up as they settle on the bed.
They're preparing.
St. Vigeous is coming up. Should be a party. And I need a party. Man, I'm restless. Can't wait to ice that Slayer.
You should go up with them and cleanse…
Dru…
The boy doesn't trust you. They follow him. I sometimes think that my hair will fall out.
Never happen. Alright, I'll go get chanty with the fellahs. But you have to do me one favor. He grabs Sheila and hands her to Drusilla. The two lovers exchange a smile, then Spike heads upstairs. Drusilla looks at Sheila, then past her, to the dolls.
See, Miss Edith, if you'd been good, you could watch with the rest. CLOSE ON: DRUSILLA Now has Vampire face on. It is pale, horrible, and eerily beautiful. She buries dripping fangs in Sheila's neck. EXT. SCHOOL - DAY - ESTABLISHING A hand painted banner across the entry: PARENT TEACHER NIGHT INT. LIBRARY - DAY Hectic. Cordelia and Xander are sharpening stakes, Jenny and Willow sight arrows, tightening screws on the crossbow and other weapons. Camera moves past them to find Buffy in equally frantic preparation: chopping carrots. She's laying out an impressive platter of crudités. She has a nice I'm-a-model-student dress on.
Do you think Sheila will show?
I doubt it. She doesn't seem to care about getting kicked out - about anything. I sort of envy that.
I don't think she's very happy. Giles crosses in, book in hand.
(re: diaries) For three nights the unholy ones scourge themselves into a fury, culminating in a savage attack on the Night of Saint Vigeous.
Anyone still remember when Saturday night meant date night?
You sure don't.
(glances at clock) The parents start arriving in an hour. Okay, banners are in place, the lounge is comfy, what am I forgetting…?
Punch?
Punch! I need punch.
The important thing in punch is the ratio of Vodka to Schnapps. (off looks) That was obviously far too sophisticated a joke for this crowd. Cordelia drops a stake, exhausted.
My fingers are cramping, how long have I been doing this?
Three minutes.
So can I go now? She's not gonna need that many stakes, I mean if this Spike guy's as mean as you all said, it should be over pretty fast. (to Buffy, off their looks) We're still rooting for you Saturday. I'd be there myself but I've got a leg wax. Buffy is up and on her way out.
You guys hold the fort. I'm punch bound. She goes out. There is a beat, then both Xander and Cordelia reach for some of the food Buffy has prepared. Buffy's back in the door in a flash.
No! And gone again. INT. SCHOOL LOUNGE - NIGHT CLOSE - A HUMONGOUS PUNCH BOWL The lounge looks clean. Extra chairs lined up. Pretty, freshly painted banners hung. Refreshments laid out. Willow joins Buffy as she stirs the punch up.
What kind of punch did you make?
Lemonade. Willow takes a cup, pleased.
I made it fresh and everything.
How much sugar did you use?
(worried) Sugar? And as she says it, Willlow sips. The catastrophic face she makes indicates a total lack of sugar.
(hardly able to speak) It's very good… She puts the cup down, still face making.
Now if we can just keep my mother and Snyder from crossing paths for the next three hours…
(sees Joyce arriving) Hi Mrs. Summers.
Hi Willow. (to Buffy) Hi honey. Did you do all this?
I did. How 'bout some lemonade - Behind Joyce, Buffy sees Snyder (wearing a name tag) heading down the hall towards them.
-- after Willow shows you the library. (steering them away from Snyder) I have to stay here and hostess.
Yeah, the library - no, because Giles and everyone…
(steering them down another hall) …are locked inside studying. French class it is. Willow disappears with Joyce as Snyder walks up.
Was that your mother?
Oh hi. Yeah, I wanted to introduce you. She wouldn't have said too much, she doesn't speak a word of English. Snyder gives her a look, moves off to greet some parents, Buffy looks up at THE CLOCK ON THE WALL It reads: 6:14 DISSOLVE TO: THE CLOCK ON THE WALL It now reads 8:45. Parents and teachers (with name tags) mingle. Buffy stands near the refreshments keeping a wary eye out for her mother and Snyder. Cordelia walks up, fuming.
Giles has us locked in that library working on your weapons. Even slaves get minimum wage. Cordelia stares at Buffy's skin.
What?
You're starting to look pretty slagged. What are you, just skipping foundation entirely now?
Cordelia, I have at least three lives to contend with and none of them really mesh. It's like oil and water and… a third unmeshable thing.
Yeah. And I can see the oil. (re: Willow and Joyce approaching) Is that your mom? Now that's a woman who knows how to moisturize. Did it like skip a generation?
Well I believe I've seen every classroom on campus. And in each one your teachers had miraculously just stepped out. Buffy shoots Willow a discreet thumbs up, sees Snyder heading their way.
But you didn't see the boiler room. And that's really interesting because of the boiler being right there in the room and all - Joyce ignores Buffy's efforts and offers her hand to Snyder.
Hello. I'm Joyce Summers, Buffy's mother.
Principal Snyder. I'm afraid we need to talk. My office is down here. Buffy deflates as they walk away.
He didn't look very happy.
When they're done talking…
What?
My guess? Tenth high school reunion? You'll still be grounded.
Cordelia… have some punch. INT. LIBRARY - NIGHT Jenny sees Giles, studying a diary, looking concerned and intrigued.
Well, there you are…
There who is?
(re: diaries) Our new friend Spike. "Known as William the Bloody, earned his nickname by torturning his victims with railroad spikes…" Ahh, but here's some good news, he's barely two hundred, not even as old as Angel… oh… His face darkens again.
That's a bad look, right?
I think your suggestion of running away this Saturday may have been a good one. Spike has fought two Slayers in the last century. And killed them both. INT. SCHOOL LOUNGE - A BIT LATER With the exception of FIVE PEOPLE (two PARENTS, two TEACHERS, one STUDENT) everyone else is gone. Willow tries to console Buffy. Snyder and Joyce return. Buffy doesn't have to ask: Joyce looks at Buffy like she wishes she were never born.
In the car. Now. Snyder gives Buffy a "gotcha" look, starts flicking off hall lights. Buffy hangs her head, moves off with her mom. Snyder, by the platform in front of the big picture window, flicks off that light as (possible slow mo) the huge window shatters and Spike crashes through it. Dressed for killing. Flanked by Lean Boy and FIVE other vampires. Pandemonium erupts, Snyder and others scream and run. Only Buffy stands still as Spike locks eyes with her way across the room.
What can I say? I couldn't wait. BLACK OUT.
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| Act Three |
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INT. SCHOOL LOUNGE - NIGHT As before: chaos. Snyder, the two parents, two teachers and one student run for their lives. SPIKE Makes a beeline for Buffy. She grabs a chair, swings it in a 360 and lets fly. It hits him SOLID in the head, knocking him back.
Run! Buffy grabs Joyce, drags her toward an exit. Sees Vamp 1 blocking it. Pivots back toward the hall.
They've got the exits, this way! Everybody, this way! Buffy hustles her mother, Snyder, Parent 1, the two teachers and the student down the NORTH HALL towards the library. SPIKE BOUNDS UP, HIS HAND SHOOTS OUT Grabs Parent 2 by the neck. Looking for the Slayer.
No one gets out! Especially the girl! CORDELIA AND WILLOW Run for their lives in the opposite direction Buffy went, towards the SOUTH EXIT where Vampire # 2 leaps out, gets a hold of Cordelia who screams. Willow grabs the heavy bust of Flutie, clocks him with it, they cut left, down the SOUTH HALL. Lean Boy sees them, gives chase. Meanwhile: INT. NORTH HALL - NIGHT - BUFFY, JOYCE, SNYDER And the others race towards the library. Giles, Xander and Jenny fly out of the library doors, see them coming. Buffy shouts to Giles:
It's Spike and a small army! Look out! Vampire 3 rounds the corner. Buffy spots Vampires # 4 and 5 closing from the hall that leads back toward the lounge. She hustles her charges into the SCIENCE CLASSROOM.
In here! Go, go! Giles, Jenny and Xander hightail it back into the library, as Vamp 3 pounds on the door. INT. SCIENCE CLASSROOM - NIGHT The one with the big metal slats covering the high windows. The best fortress Buffy could find on short notice. She hustles everyone in, being none too gentle with Snyder, locks the door just as Snyder gets there.
Barricade -
INT. LIBRARY - NIGHT - GILES
-- the door! Giles, Xander and Jenny do just that. INT. SCIENCE CLASSROOM - NIGHT Joyce and the others slide desks and cabinets in front of the door as Buffy vaults across the room and locks the door at the opposite end of the room. That's when the lights go out.
Oh my god! INT. LIBRARY - SAME TIME Lights go out here, too. (Note: from here on out only emergency lights and Gersh-light.) SPIKE IN THE LOUNGE His hand still firmly around poor Parent 1's neck. Lean Boy runs up:
We cut the power, nobody got out.
And the Slayer?
She either went that way… Lean Boy points down the North Hall. We see Vamps 3 and 4 trying to break down the door to the classroom.
(points to South Hall) …or that way. I saw two others -
(tightens death grip on parent's neck) You don't know? Spike sighs, turns to the terrified parent.
I'm a veal kinda guy, you're too old to eat… He eases up on the guy's neck. The Parent starts to breath again. Until Spike snaps his neck and he drops out of frame.
…but not to kill. (to Lean Boy) I feel better. INT. LIBRARY - NIGHT Giles clicks the hook switch on the phone. Dead.
They cut the phones. (to Xander) There's an old boarded cellar behind the stacks. You can get out that way. Find Angel. He knows about Spike, we need him.
I'm not going anywhere until I know Buffy and Willow are all right.
No one's going to be all right if we don't get some help. Off Xander, realizing the truth of that, INT. SCIENCE CLASSROOM - NIGHT Buffy stands next to her mom, thinking hard about her next move. Snyder is losing his hit. The two teachers, the parent and the student are freaked. O.S. we hear VAMPIRES hurl their shoulders into the doors.
Who are these people, what do they want?
I didn't get much of a look but, is there something wrong with their faces?
Yes! (Buffy looks over) P.C.P. It's a gang on P.C.P.! We've got to get out of here. Snyder climbs up on a chair, claws at the metal slats on the windows. Buffy moves to him. Speaks softly but firmly.
You can't go outside. They'll kill you.
YOU DON'T TELL ME, I TELL YOU! Buffy pulls him off the chair. Gets in his face. Never loses her cool:
They will kill everyone in this room. Nobody goes out. Nobody comes in. Until I say so. Do you read me? It's clear to everyone in the room that she knows what she's talking about. Snyder is not about to admit it.
Who do you think you are?
I'm the one who knows how to stop them. Buffy turns to go. Joyce grabs her.
Buffy are you crazy? I know you've been… (re: Snyder) …accused of fighting and other things but those guys are serious… you can't go out there.
I know. That's why I'm going up there. Buffy points up, puts a foot on a chair and jumps. ANGLE - THE CEILING TILE Buffy moves it aside, climbs into the cramped space above. She looks back down.
Don't worry, Mom. And she's gone. Off Joyce, CUT TO: INT. SOUTH HALL - NIGHT The hall where Cordelia and Willow ran. Spike strolls down the hall, humming a merry tune. Lean Boy searches in the b.g.
Slayer… here kitty, kitty… WHAM! Spike kicks down a door.
I find one of your friends first, I'm gonna suck 'em dry… DISTANT ANGLE Spike is full in the frame.
…and use their bones to bash your head in. WHAM! Another door kicked open. CAMERA PANS off Spike to a door marked UTILITY CLOSET. CAMERA PUSHES IN: INT. UTILITY CLOSET - NIGHT Willow and Cordelia huddle inside. Plenty scared. They hear:
Are you getting' a word picture here?
Oh god, oh god, oh god - Willow clamps her hand over Cordelia's mouth. INT. SOUTH HALL - NIGHT Spike's about to kick in the Utility Closet when:
Spike! Spike lowers his foot. LEAN BOY - AT THE FAR END OF THE HALL As Spike arrives. Skinny points up to a VENT REGISTER near the ceiling.
Listen. Faint SOUND of someone crawling. Spike smiles.
Someone's in the ceiling. INT. CRAWLSPACE - NIGHT Buffy crawls through the claustrophobic space. She HEARS something behind her. Tries to look. Too tight to see for sure if anything's coming up behind her. She moves on. We creep with her for a few tense beats. INT. LIBRARY - NIGHT Giles pockets several stakes, hefts a stabbing axe as he heads to the doors (with cabinets piled high in front of them) peers through a piece of the little round window. Starts to pull a cabinet back.
What are you doing? There's at least three vampires in that hall and god knows how many others in the building.
I'm the Watcher, I'm responsible for her, I have to go. Jenny puts her hand on his arm.
Be careful. Giles looks at her hand for a beat, emotions churning, then grabs the cabinet.
Push them back the minute I'm - CRASH! The ceiling tile above his head gives way - a body falls through. Giles raises his axe. Stops.
Buffy! It's Buffy, already on her feet. Dusty and dirty. But fine.
You're all right.
How are the others? Buffy is already loading her book bag with a throwing ax, stakes, etc.
Snyder, my mom, and four others are locked in the science room across the hall. Cordelia and Willow ran the other way, I don't know if they're… where's Xander?
He got out through the stacks. He's getting Angel.
Good. After I take out the vamps in the hall you two can get my mom and the others out that way, too. Buffy grabs the pack, kicks a chair under the hole in the ceiling.
I should go with you and fight.
Giles, my mother is in that classroom. If I don't make it, I know you'll make sure she does.
Bloody well right I will. What's your plan?
They split up to hold us here. So I can take 'em one on one. Set 'em up, knock 'em down. They share a look, and Buffy's up on the chair and back in the ceiling vent.
Watch your back… INT. SCIENCE CLASSROOM - NIGHT Snyder paces, growing more feverish by the moment. The others look pretty freaked. Vamps (O.S.) still POUNDING on doors. Joyce tries to calm Snyder.
Why don't you sit down… He looks at her with wild eyes.
This is my school. What I say goes. And I say this isn't happening.
Well then I guess the danger is over.
I'm not waiting for them to break down the doors. I'm getting out.
Don't be an idiot!
I'm beginning to see a certain mother- daughter resemblance.
Oh yeah. He climbs up on a chair, starts pulling like crazy at the metal bands that cover the high windows.
No! You heard what Buffy said -
She's a student, what does she know? And Snyder climbs up next to the parent, starts helping him yank on the metal. INT. NORTH HALL - NIGHT Vamp 5 (at door closest to library) hurls his shoulder one more time, stands there breathing hard. On the wall behind him is a fire ax in a glass box. Suddenly Spike is next to him.
Doors are solid. Spike gently puts a hand on 5's head.
Use your head… Spike slams 5's head into the glass, breaking it. Drops the fire ax into 5's hand, moves back down the hall towards the lounge telling 3 in route:
You. Come with me. Vamp 5 raises the ax and CHOPS INTO THE DOOR! INT. SCIENCE CLASSROOM - NIGHT Joyce and the others react to the new assault. Parent and Snyder have one metal band peeled off and now they get a second one. Just enough room to crawl out of the high window.
I did it! Snyder tries to get out. Parent pushes him aside - every man for himself - and lunges through first. He's a big guy, trying to squeeze himself through the little opening. And the ax is still chopping at the door. And suddenly the parent gets a big boost - from outside! We don't see it, but something gets him and starts pulling.
He's got me! Help! Help! And WHOOSH! he's gone. Right out the window. His HORRIBLE SCREAMS quickly fade to silence. Snyder jumps down, backing away as Joyce climbs up, pounds the metal back in place. INT. LOUNGE - NIGHT - TRACKING SHOT Looking up as the ceiling moves past us. Then we see a duct register. This is SPIKE'S POV. ANGLE DOWN down to Spike looking up at the vent, listening. Vamp 3 stands nearby, listening, too. INT. CRAWLSPACE - NIGHT Buffy crawls along. Cautious. Her pack o' weapons making a little scraping NOISE. EXT. SCHOOL - NIGHT The dead body of the Parent lies on the ground. Angel and Xander run past it. Xander looks down, freaked. Angel looks ahead, grim and determined.
You know about this Spike guy so, uh, you got a plan? Angel grabs him and drags him out of frame.
Good plan. INT. UTILITY CLOSET - NIGHT Willow and Cordelia huddle in the corner. Cordelia whispers:
I think he's gone. She starts to reach for the door knob.
He could come back. Cordelia drops her hand. Fast.
What are we gonna do?
Pray. INT. SCHOOL LOUNG - NIGHT Spike pulls two long metal support bars out of the rubble of the broken window. Tosses one to Vamp 3. Walks around the lounge never taking his eyes off the ceiling. Suddenly he thrusts the metal spear up right through the ceiling. Hunting Buffy. Takes a few steps. Stabs again. Vamp 3 gets the idea. Does likewise. INT. CRAWLSPACE - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT Buffy is moving cautiously forward when a rod comes shooting up right in front of her. A moment, and she slowly crawls backwards. INT. LIBRARY HALL - NIGHT Vamp 5 chops away. He's seeing holes in the door now. And the terrified faces of Joyce and Snyder within. A couple of more chops and it'll all be over.
(calls to vamp 4) Guard that door. I'm almost in. VAMP 4 - AROUND THE CORNER AND DOWN THE HALL - nods, he heard. VAMP 5 - raising the ax, hears something. Looks left. Looks right. Nothing there. Starts to bring the ax down into the door when the ceiling bursts above him and Buffy stakes him quicker and quieter than you can say WHOOSH! Buffy moves to the door, her mom sees her through one of the ax holes.
Buffy! Are you okay?
(sotto voice) I'm fine, Mom.
Buffy, get out of here! We'll be okay.
Just hang on for one more minute, till I tell you to open the door. Buffy peers around the corner, looks down the hall. Vamp 4 is dutifully standing guard at the other door. Buffy steps back from the corner. Selects a sharp stake for his demise. Senses someone behind her. Spins. It's Sheila, who's just come in from the outside door.
Sheila! Where've you --?
Sorry I'm late. There's some pretty weird guys outside…
They're trying to kill us.
(picks up fire ax) This should be fun. Buffy smiles: she's got an ally. She turns away to look and Sheila stares at her with deadly contempt. INT. SCHOOL LOUNGE - NIGHT Spike and 3 stab the ceiling. The door bursts open. Angel enters, Xander in tow. Spike recognizes:
Angelus. I'll be damned. We see that Angel has VAMP FACE on. Xander sees it too, and jumps. Spike drops his bar. Spike and Angel (never letting go of Xander) hug. Then:
I taught you to always guard your perimeter. (re: door he entered) You should have someone out there.
I did. I'm surrounded by idiots. What's new with you?
Everything.
Come up against this Slayer yet?
She's cute. Not too bright, though. Gave the puppy dog, I'm-all-tortured act. Keeps her off my back when I feed.
People still fall for that Anne Rice routine? What a world. Xamder looks from Angel to Spike.
I knew you were a lying… undead liar guy. Angel silences him by grabbing his hair and his shoulder and baring Xander's neck for Spike.
Want a bite before we kill her? Off Xander, about to lose his mind, INT. NORTH HALL - NIGHT Buffy and Sheila.
Stay behind me. Buffy sneaks around the corner. Sheila dutifully close behind, ax at the ready. Buffy sees: VAMP 4 - his back to them. Buffy raises her stake to hurl, taking careful aim. ANGLE - BEHIND SHEILA AND BUFFY We now see Sheila raise her ax high over her own shoulder. Aiming it at the back of Buffy's head. As we COME AROUND we see that Sheila has a new face on. A vampire face. BLACK OUT.
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| Act Four |
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INT. NORTH HALL - NIGHT As before. Buffy about to hurl her stake. Sheila about to cleave Buffy's head. CAMERA ROARS PAST THEM towards the little porthole window to the library as Gile's face appears.
Buffy! Look out - Sheila chops down. Buffy spins, grabs the ax handle under the blade stopping it inches from her pretty head. VAMP 4 - sees her now, runs full tilt for her from behind. Buffy pivots the ax head into Sheila's jaw. She goes down. Buffy spins, swinging the ax. Vamp 4 ducks. The fire ax slices over his head, imbeds in the wall. He comes back up. Looking cocky. Until he looks down. Stake's already in his heart. We cut away before he's even dust. Buffy turns to Sheila who growls and backs away, pure animal now. She runs outside.
Mom! Now! Joyce unlocks and opens the axed door as Giles and Jenny open the library doors. Buffy ushers Joyce, Snyder and the others into Giles' care.
Get them out.
You're coming, too.
In a minute. Go! Snyder doesn't need any coaching. He bumps a woman teacher out of his way, makes a beeline for the library. The others follow, Giles and Jenny helping them to safety.
Right through the back… Joyce hangs back, watching as Buffy heads down the hall toward the lounge. INT. LOUNGE - NIGHT Lean Boy and Vamp 2 enter from the South hall, move next to Vamp 3, watch as Spike's eyes move from Xander's neck to Angel's face. Angel holds Xander in a vice-like grip.
Haven't seen you in the killing fields for an age.
I'm not much for company.
No, you never were. So why are you so scared of this Slayer?
Scared?
Time was, you'd've taken her out in a heartbeat. Now look at you. This tortured thing is an act, right? You're not housebroken?
I saw her kill the Master. Hey, you think you can take her alone, be my guest. (re: Xander) I'll just feed and run.
Don't be silly. We're old friends. We'll do it together. Let's drink to it. Spike nods at Xander's neck, smiles. Xander tries to break free. Angel holds him steady. Spike holds Angel's gaze, bends to Xander's neck.
No! At the last moment, Spike looks down, Xander closes his eyes, and Spike sucker punches Angel in the face.
You think you can fool me? You were my sire, man… you were my Yoda!
Things change.
Not us! Not demons. Man, I can't believe this - you Uncle Tom! Spike and Angel circle each other.
(to vamps) This isn't a spectator sport! They all attack Angel and Xander. Angel shoves Xander toward the exit. They just make it out the door. Vamp 2, 3 and Lean Boy chase after them. Spike picks up the rod again, ready to give chase, but- SPIKE Stops. Very still. CIRCLE AROUND HIM as the door behind slowly opens. Buffy enters, twenty feet behind him, throwing ax in hand.
(without turning) Fe fi fo fum. I smell the blood of a nice ripe girl. Now he turns.
Do we really need weapons for this?
I just like 'em. Make me feel all manly. A beat, then he drops his. And she hers.
The last Slayer I killed, she begged for her life. I don't see you as the begging kind.
You shouldn't have come here.
Yeah, I messed up your doilies and stuff. But I just got so bored! Tell you what. As a personal favor from me to you. I'll make it quick. It won't hurt a bit.
Wrong. It's gonna hurt a lot. A moment's hesitation crosses his face, and he HURLS HIMSELF at her. Fast. And now the punches fly, fast and furious. Think Gross Pointe Blanke. Two pros giving it all they've got. EXT. SCHOOL - NIGHT Xander and Angel fight Vamps 2, 3 and Lean Boy. They are holding their own, as Angel knocks 2 into 3, and Xander holds off Lean Boy with a trash can lid. INT. LOUNGE - NIGHT Buffy and Spike are going full tilt. They're both getting winded, Spike is starting to give just a little better than he's getting. Spike closes in with a vicious combination of punches and kicks. She pretends like the last one hurts more than it did. He goes for the big k.o. She perks up and moves out of the way causing Spike's hand to go right through the wall. Buffy locks her hands and hammers him on the back of the neck.
Now that hurt. Spike rips his hand out of the wall - bringing a broken two by four stud with it.
Not as much as this will. Wallops Buffy with the stud. Buffy goes down. Winded, nowhere to turn. She looks up at Spike, standing over her victorious. He raises the stud over his head. He's going to bash her brains in. As he's about to do just that - SPIKE IS HIT IN THE FACE By Joyce! Wielding the blunt edge of the fire ax. Spike flies back - hits the ground hard. Totally blindsided. Joyce is deep in a mother's rage.
You get the hell away from my daughter! Spike (in the dark so Joyce can't see his face too well) glances out the broken window: EXT. SCHOOL - NIGHT Angel knocks Lean Boy on his ass, saving Xander. Vamp 2 is already on the ground. 3 turns and runs. As does Lean Boy. Retreat time. BACK TO SCENE Buffy is now on her feet. Ready for blood. Standing next to her mother whose hands grip the ax: Thelma and Louise on crack. Spike knows it's time to run and fight another day.
(bitterly) Women. And he leaps out the window and disappears into the night. BUFFY TURNS TO HER MOTHER They're both breathing hard. Physically and emotionally drained.
Mom… you…
No one… lays a finger… on my little girl. And Joyce drops the ax. And Buffy falls into her arms. EXT. SCHOOL - NIGHT Cop cars, COPS, flashing bubble lights, CORONER'S WAGON. Giles and Jenny walk out, passing The CHIEF OF POLICE, who moves to Snyder.
Hello Bob.
It's over. They all got away. Chief glances at the others, lowers his voice.
We got a body outside, another one on the south lawn. Looks like he was pulled right out the window.
I told him not to go out that window.
I'm going to have to say something to the media.
So?
So… usual story, gang-related, P.C.P.?
What did you have in mind, the truth? Snyder locks eyes with the Chief. They know a lot more than they're letting on.
Right. Gang related. PCP. XANDER AND ANGEL (NOT IN VAMP FACE) Round a different corner of the building.
So when you were giving him my neck to chew on, how come you didn't clock him before he clocked you?
I told you, I couldn't make the first move. I had to see if he was buying it or not.
And if he bit me, then what?
(can't resist) We would have known he bought it. Angel moves off. Xander stares off after him with renewed loathing.
And what was that about you bein' Spike's sire? What's a sire? (rubs his aching neck) God, I could sleep for a month. BUFFY AND JOYCE Walk to their car together.
So, uh… what did you and principal Snyder talk about anyway?
Principal Snyder told me you were a troublemaker. And I could care less. (turns to her) I have a daughter who can take care of herself. Who's brave and resourceful and thinks of others when there's a crisis. No matter who you hang out with or what dumb teenage stuff you think you have to do, I'm gonna sleep better knowing all that. Needless to say, a moment passes between them. They start toward the car again.
About how long till this wears off and you start ragging me again?
At LEAST a week and a half.
That is so cool… Off them, DISSOLVE TO: EXT. SCHOOL - NIGHT - LATER The last cop car pulls away. All is silent and still. INT. SOUTH HALL - NIGHT CAMERA creeps down the completely deserted hall. And stops before the door marked UTILITY CLOSET. INT. UTILITY CLOSET - NIGHT Willow and Cordelia are still here, forgotten in all the turmoil. Cordelia's praying hard, whispering:
…and if you get me out of this I swear I'll never be mean to anyone ever again… you know, unless they really deserve it… PUSH IN on poor Willow, for whom death by Spike is beginning to seem like a wondrous alternative.
…or unless it's that time of the month in which case I don't see how you or anyone else can hold me responsible…
Ask for some aspirin. EXT. SCHOOL - NIGHT
…and send us some aspi - hey! EXT FACTORY - NIGHT JUST TURNING TO DAY INT. FACTORY - DAWN The first warm glow of sunrise is peaking through the huge windows. Vamps 2 and 3 dutifully shut out the dreaded light by closing huge shutters. Spike moves across the floor looking a lot worse for wear. Drusilla is waiting for him.
Did she hurt you? Is that just a little pleasure at that question?
I was close, baby, but…
Come here. She strokes his head.
A Slayer with family and friends. That sure as hell wasn't in the brochure.
You'll kill her. And then we'll have a nice party. Spike is distracted, looking over at: ANGLE: THE ANOINTED ONE Is standing with Lean Boy and a few others, looking glum.
Yeah, a party.
With streamers, and songs.
How's the Annoying One?
He doesn't want to play.
Figures. Suppose I better go make nice. He crosses to them, looks down at the Anointed One. Everyone stares at him expectantly. Begrudgingly, he goes down on one knee.
You failed.
Yeah, I, uh… I offer penance…
Penance? You should lay down your life! Our numbers are depleted. The Feast of St. Vigeous has been ruined by your impatience.
Should I forgive you?
It was… rash… and if I had to do it all over again… ah who am I kidding? I'd do it exactly the same, only I'd do THIS first. Spike grabs the Anointed One. Hard. Sweeps him into the cage, slamming the door shut. Lean Boy makes a move. Spike doesn't even look back as he viciously backhands him away. Everyone else is too shocked and scared to speak. Drusilla gives it half a beat, then smiles, jamming on Spike's balls. Spike slings a meat hook to the top of the cage, grabs a pulley chain and starts raising the cage.
From now on we're gonna have a little less ritual and a little more fun around here. The cage rises in the air… toward a great big old PATCH OF SUNLIGHT shining in through the top shutters. Shutters the vamps haven't got around to yet. THE ANOINTED ONE Looks from the impending sun back down at Spike. As the cage enters the sunlight and the Anointed One cries out - SPIKE GIVES A LAST FINAL TUG ON THE CHAIN And ties it off. We HEAR the end of the Anointed's cry and then a sizzling sound not unlike Mongolian bar b cue. CRANE UP WIDE Spike takes Drusilla's hand and they head down to their dungeon suite…
Let's see what's on TV. Lean Boy and the other vamps staring in disbelief after them… And the cage, gently swaying to and fro in the hard shaft of sun, no sound coming from within, no sign of a body, just a gentle waft of smoke curling up into the golden light of a brand new day. BLACK OUT.
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