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What's My Line, Part
1 (October 1, 1997) Written by: Howard Gordon & Marti Noxon |
| Teaser |
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INT. SCHOOL LOUNGE - DAY FADE UP ON BANNER- "CAREER FAIR STARTS TOMORROW" CAMERA pans down. A GUIDANCE COUNSELOR sits behind a table from which a sign hangs -"VOCATIONAL APTITUDE TESTS." WILLOW grabs a test and a number 2 pencil from the table- moves to BUFFY and XANDER, who sit filling out their forms.
"Are you a people person or do you prefer keeping your own company?" What if I'm a people person who keeps his own company by default?
So - mark "none of the above."
There is no box for "none of the above." That would introduce too many variables into their mushroom head, number-crunching little world.
I'm sensing bitterness.
It's just - these people can't tell from one multiple choice test what we're supposed to do for the rest of our lives. It's ridiculous. WILLOW I'm kind of curious to find out what sort of career I could have.
And suck all the spontaneity out of being young and stupid? I'd rather live in the dark.
We won't be young forever.
I'll always be stupid. (beat) Okay, let's not all rush to disagree…
You're not stupid. (looking up) Do I like shrubs?
That's between you and your God.
(to Willow) What'd you put?
I came down on the side of shrubs.
Go shrubs. Okay. (puts down pencil) I shouldn't even be bothering with this. It's all moot-ville for me. No matter what my aptitude test says - I already know my deal.
Yep. High risk, sub-minimum wage…
(holds up pencil) Pointy wooden things.
So why are you even taking the test?
It's Principal Snyder's "hoop" of the week. He's not happy unless I'm jumping. Believe me, I wouldn't be here otherwise.
You're not even a teensy weensy bit curious about what kind of career you could have had? I mean, if you weren't already the Slayer and all.
(snapping) Do the words "sealed" and "fate" ring any bells for you, Will? Why go there? Willow looks stung by Buffy's tone.
(to Buffy) You know, with that kind of attitude you could have had a bright future as an employee of the DMV.
I'm sorry. It's just - unless hell freezes over and every vamp in Sunnydale puts in for early retirement - I'd say my future is pretty much a non-issue. CUT TO: INT. FACTORY - NIGHT Speaking of vamps… Here's DRUSILLA - wrapped in a black shawl and looking even paler than usual. She stands at one end of the long dining table, laying out TAROT CARDS. She is humming, swaying-
(sings/discordant) I HEAR MUSIC AND THERE'S NO ONE THERE… ALL NIGHT LONG I SEEM TO WALK ON AIR… I WONDER WHY, I WONDER WHY… ANGLE TO INCLUDE SPIKE At the other end of the table. He PACES ANXIOUSLY HOLDING A LATIN/ENGLISH DICTIONARY, while ANOTHER VAMP (DALTON) sits, carefully going over a LARGE MANUSCRIPT. DALTON has the serious look of a scholar - sort of an anti-Giles.
(to Dalton) Read it again-
I'm not sure… It could be… Deprimere ille bubula linter. Spike looks through the dictionary. Then reads-
Debase the beef canoe. A beat. Then he SLAMS Dalton upside the head with the dictionary.
Why does that strike me as not right? Drusilla turns to him, still HUMMING, and opens her arms -
Spike? Come dance. Spike bristles at her voice.
(flashing) Give us some peace, would you? Can't you see I'm working? Drusilla looks shocked at his outburst. Spike is instantly remorseful. He moves to her.
I'm sorry, kitten. It's just - this manuscript is supposed to hold your cure, But it reads like jibberish- Drusilla turns away from him - wounded. Spike is desperate to appease her.
I'm frazzled is all. I never had the Latin. Even Dalton here, the big brain, even he can't make heads or tails of it -
I - I need to change Miss Edith. She starts to walk away, but falters. Suddenly weak - she tries to grab the table to keep from falling. Spike RUSHES to her side - saves her from taking a bad tumble. He moves her gently back to a chair at the table - brushing her shawl aside in the process. We see for the first time that her ARMS ARE MARKED WITH DEEP BRUISES. Spike can't look at them, averts his eyes. He kneels by her, desperate.
Forgive me. You know I can't stand seeing you like this… (then/frustrated) And we're running out of time. It's that bloody slayer. Whenever I turn around she's mucking up the works. A beat. Drusilla softens. Moved by his sincere feeling.
Shhhhhhh. Shhhhhhh. You'll make it right. I know. Thankful for her benediction, Spike takes her hand. Kisses it. Then he stands, full of fire - which he turns on POOR DALTON.
Well? Come on now. Enlighten me.
(nervous) I - It looks like Latin, but it's not. I'm not even sure it's a language. Not one I can decipher, anyway… Spike moves to him - furious.
Then make it a language. Isn't that what a transcriber does?
Not - not exactly. Spike GRABS DALTON. Lifts him out of his seat with ONE HAND. Ready to do some serious damage.
I want the cure - At the other end of the table, DRUSILLA is STARING at the tarot cards. Glances up at SPIKE ABOUT TO POUND DALTON.
Don't -
Why not? Some people find pain - He SLAMS Dalton in the GUT, doubling him over.
-very inspirational. Spike gets ready to punch him again. But Drusilla speaks up -
DRUSILLA He can't help you. (then) Not without the key. This stops Spike cold. He turns to her.
The key? You mean the book is in some kind of code? Drusilla nods. Spike drops Dalton in a heap - moves to her. She nods to A TAROT CARD she has turned. Spike follows her gaze. CLOSE ON CARD It is an etching of a ruined CRYPT, which is overgrown with ivy - prominent above a field of tilted gravestones. ON DRU AND SPIKE
Is that where we'll find this key? Dru nods again. Spike grins.
I'll send the boys pronto.
Now will you dance?
I'll dance with you, pet. On the slayer's grave. He laughs, lifts her gently into his arms - supporting her frail body as he spins her to the music only she can hear. BLACK OUT
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| Act One |
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EXT. CEMETERY - NIGHT Dead leaves scrape and tumble across the
ground, riding a stiff wind. A storm threatens. Under this we hear a
rhythmic TINK TINK TINK. We drift among the gravestones, landing on Buffy
in a close up. She MOVING WITH BUFFY The tinking sound grows louder as she nears the mausoleum. She finds the solid iron door ajar. Torchlight flickers hellishly through the narrow margin. Buffy looks inside. WHAT SHE SEES INT. MAUSOLEUM - NIGHT A torch is set in the ground, illuminating the work of a dark figure - who FINALLY BREAKS the lock of a vault door embedded in the far wall. The thief opens the vault and GRABS something from it - then he makes for the exit. EXT. CEMETERY - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT Buffy waits for the thief to hit the exit, Then -
Does "rest in peace" have no sanctity to you people? She TACKLES HIM. The thief hits the ground hard and a red velvet BAG that obviously contains something heavy falls from his hands. We see now that it's DALTON - the vamp transcriber.
Oh, I forgot - you're not a people. Buffy pulls a stake, is about to dust Dalton when ANOTHER VAMPIRE Appears behind her. He's formidable - looking. He advances, unseen by Buffy… Or so we think - until she wheels, knocking him back with a vicious JUMPING KICK. Buffy grabs Vamp #2, drives him HEAD FIRST into a TREE TRUNK. He crumples to the ground. She stakes him - dusto.
One down - The she spins - ready to take on DALTON. But he's history. And so is the red velvet bag he stole from the vault. On Buffy's curiosity.
One gone… INT. BUFFY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT ANGEL waits for Buffy. He wanders restlessly, looking at her stuff. He does not notice as BUFFY appears at the open window. A beat as she watches him, oblivious to her. Then she TOSSES her equipment bag into the room. Angel JUMPS - turns to her - holding one of her stuffed animals. A CUTE PIG.
Buffy - you scared me. She climbs inside. BUFFY She smiles, but the edge she had earlier is still evident.
So. Just dropping by for some quality time with Mr. Gordo?
Excuse me?
The pig. Angel looks down. Sees he's still holding the stuffed toy.
Oh, I, no- He puts the toy down - feeling dorky.
What's up?
Nothing.
You don't have "nothing" face. You have "something" face. And you don't have to whisper. Mom's in L.A. till Thursday. Art buying, or something.
(confesses) I wanted to make sure you were okay. I had a bad feeling.
(curt) Oh surprise. Angel comes with bad news. Angel reacts to her snipe. Buffy relents.
Sorry… I've been cranky miss all day. It's not you.
What is it, then?
We're having this thing at school-
Career week?
How did you know?
I lurk.
Oh, right. So you know, then. It's this whole week of "what's my line?" Only I don't get to play. (then) Sometimes I just want… She stops herself.
You want - what? It's okay.
The Cliffnotes versions? I want a normal life. Like I had before.
Before me. A long beat. Buffy regards herself in her mirror. Alone. Angel, of course, does not reflect. Finally -
It's not that. It's just… This career business has me contemplating the el weirdo that I am. Let's face it - instead of a job I have a calling. Okay? No chess club or football games for me. I spend my free time in grave yards and dark alleys…
Is that what you want? Football games?
Maybe. Maybe not. But, you know what? - I'm never going to get the chance to find out. I'm stuck in this deal. Angel reacts - he can't hide his hurt. Moves to go.
I don't want you to feel stuck- Buffy realizes how she sounded. Stops him.
Angel - I don't mean you. You're the one freaky thing in my freaky world that makes sense to me. (then) I just get messed sometimes - wish we could be like regular kids. He nods, relenting.
I'll never be a kid.
Okay then. Just a regular kid and her cradle-robbing, creature-of-the-night boyfriend. Angel's eyes travel to the mirror - he notices something.
Was this part of your normal life? He reaches past her, plucks a photo from the mirror's frame. INSERT PHOTO A younger Buffy figure skating. Performing a perfect arabesque. RETURN Buffy softens, takes the photo from him.
My Dorothy Hamill phase. My room in L.A. was this major shrine - Dorothy posters, Dorothy dolls. I even got the Dorothy haircut. (embarrassed) Thereby securing a place for myself in the Geek Hall of Fame.
You wanted to be like her.
I wanted to be her. (then) My parents used to fight a lot. Skating was an escape. I felt safe… Angel replaces the photograph in the mirror frame.
When was the last time you put on your skates? Buffy thinks.
Like, a couple hundred demons ago.
There's a rink out past Route 17. It's closed on Tuesdays.
Tomorrow's Tuesday.
I know. Off the charged look between the, prelap:
Just the two of you? CUT TO: INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY Between-period mayhem. Buffy opens her locker, stows her backpack inside, Willow dogging her.
Alone?
Unless some unforeseen evil pops up. But I'm in full see-no-evil mode. Buffy closes her locker, and we follow he and Willow down the hall.
Angel, ice-skating…
I know. Two worlds collide. Xander catches up to them. Severely disturbed.
Wouldn't you two say you know me about as well as anyone? Maybe even better than I know myself?
What's this about?
(point blank) When you look at me, do you think prison guard? Buffy and Willow look him over appraisingly.
Crossing guard, maybe. But prison guard? She shakes her head.
XANDER They just put up the assignments for the career fair. And according to my test results, I can look forward to being gainfully employed in the growing field of corrections.
At least you'll be on the right side of the bars.
Laugh now, missy. They assigned you to the booth for 'law enforcement professionals.'
As in police?
As in polyester, donuts, and brutality.
Uggh.
(cheerfully) But, donuts… Buffy doesn't love this news, when something O.C. draws her attention.
I'll jump off that bridge when I come to it. First I have to deal with Giles- GILES is entering the library up ahead, a foot-tall stack of books teetering under his chin.
He's on this Tony Robbins hyper-efficiency kick. He wants me to check in with him now every day after homeroom. She moves off. Willow turns to Xander:
You didn't check to see which seminar I was assigned to, did you?
I did. And you weren't.
I wasn't what?
On any of the lists. Willow is confused.
But I handed in my test. I used a number two pencil.
Then I guess you must've passed.
It's not the kind of test you pass or fail.
Your name wasn't up there, Will. Off Willow, who wonders why she's not on the list- INT. LIBRARY - DAY Giles struggles, trying to set the books down on a library table. They tilt, about to topple- when Buffy catches them.
Oh, Buffy. Thank you. She helps ease them down for a safe landing.
I've been indexing the Watcher Diaries covering the past two centuries. You'd be amazed at how numbingly long-winded some of these watchers were.
Color me stunned. Giles opens his notebook.
I trust last night's patrol was fruitful.
Semi. I caught one out of two vamps after they stole something from this jumbo mausoleum at the cemetery-
They were stealing?
Yep. They had tools, torches, the whole nine yards… (then) What does that mean? The whole nine yards… nine yards of what? Now that's gonna bug me all day. When Buffy comes out of her thought bubble, she sees Giles pacing, visibly disturbed.
Giles, you're in pace mode. What gives?
The vampire who escaped - did you see what he took?
No - but let me take a wild guess. Some old thing?
I'm serious, Buffy.
So am I. I bet it was downright crusty. Giles is losing patience with her.
So you made no effort to find out what was taken? Buffy looks at Giles, surprised by his tone.
Have a cow, Giles. I thought it was just everyday vamp hijinks.
Well it wasn't. It could be very serious. If you'd made more of an effort to be thorough in your observations-
(cutting him off/hurt) If you don't like the way I'm doing my job - why don't you find someone else? Oh right. "There can be only one." Long as I'm alive, there isn't anyone else. Well, there you go! I don't have to be the Slayer. I could be dead!
That's not terrible funny. You'll notice I don't laugh.
Wouldn't be much of a change, anyway. I mean, either way I'm bored, constricted, I never get to shop and my hair and fingernails continue to grow so really, what's the dif?
Must we be introspective now? Our only concern at this moment should be to discover what was stolen from that mausoleum last night. CUT TO: A LARGE SILVER CRUCIFIX Atop a velvet pillow. The cross bar is dotted with what appears to be randomly placed HOLES, like swiss cheese.
This is it, then? WIDEN AND WE ARE: INT. FACTORY - DRUSILLA'S BEDROOM - DAY Spike sits at the edge of her bed, holding the pillowed cross out to Drusilla like an offering. Drusilla's quivering hands hover over the crucifix, but don't make contact. As if she's warming them.
It hums. I can hear it.
Once you're well again, we'll have a coronation down Main Street. We'll invite everyone… and drink for seven days and seven nights-
What about the Slayer? ANGLE TO INCLUDE DALTON
She almost blew the whole thing for us. She's trouble.
(sarcastic) You don't say… Now Spike is pacing again, ramping up with every word.
Trouble? She's the gnat in my ear. The gristle in my teeth. The bloody thorn in my bloody side! He slams the table with his fist - alarming even Dru.
Spike-
No. Smart guy is right. We have to do something. There's no way we'll complete your cure with that bitch breathing down our necks… (then/realizing) I need the big guns. They'll take of her. Once and for all.
Big guns?
The Order of Taranta. Dalton is clearly taken aback by the name.
The bounty hunters? For the Slayer?
DRUSILLA They're coming to my party, three of them.
But… The Order of Taranta. I mean, don't you think that's overkill? Spike grins. Looks down at Drusilla's cards.
No. I think it's just enough kill. Camera follows his look down to the cards - where three images have formed. Ominous, archetypal etchings of a CYCLOPS, an INSECT, and a JAGUAR. Creeping in on the fearsome triumvirate, we: BLACK OUT.
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| Act Two |
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INT. SCHOOL LOUNGE - DAY A WALL CLOCK Reads 2:30. We hear the frenetic buzz of activity. The career fair is up and running. Students cluster around a dozen or more Booths manned by representatives from various professions. Among them, A PHYSICIAN, a U.S. POSTAL WORKER, and a UNIFORMED POLICEWOMAN. CAMERA drifts through the thickening crowd, finds Willow worriedly surveying the action. Xander steps up to her.
What are you doing here? Fly! Be free little bird - you defy category!
I'm looking for Buffy.
She left with Giles an hour ago. Some kind of - "field trip" - deal.
If she doesn't get back soon, Snyder's really - (suddenly perking up) -done a fantastic job setting up the fair this year, hasn't he, Xander? SNYDER has marched up to them.
(facetious) Principal Snyder! Great career fair, sir. Really. In fact, I'm so inspired by your leadership - I'm thinking principal school. I want to walk in your shoes. Not your actual shoes, of course. Because you're a tiny person. Not tiny in the small sense, of course… (then) Okay. Done now. Snyder doesn't even grace this with response.
(to Willow) Where is she?
(innocently) Who?
You know who.
Oh, you mean Buffy? I just saw her-
Don't feed me that I-just-saw-her-a- minute-ago-she's-around-here-somewhere story. Willow is like a deer caught in the headlights.
But I did - see her a minute ago. And she is - around here somewhere.
For what it's worth-
It's worth nothing, Harris. Whatever sound comes out of your mouth is a meaningless waste of breath. An airborne toxic event.
I'm glad you feel comfortable enough to be so honest with me. And I only hope that I'm in a position one day to be as honest with you. Snyder looks at Xander as if examining a rare bug.
Fascinating. He moves off -
I'd love to stay and chat, but I have an appointment with the warden on standard riot procedure.
Okay. See you- Xander moves off. Willow gives him a slightly forlorn little wave.
Willow Rosenberg? She turns - ANGLE TO INCLUDE TWO SECRET SERVICE - TYPE MEN Flanking Willow - not threateningly, but commandingly. They wear identical dark suits.
Come with us please?
Excuse me?
Let's walk. Willow reluctantly allows herself to be led past several booths to a velvet cordon, stepping up into: THE ELEVATED SECTION OF THE LOUNGE Two free-standing walls separate this area from the general population - and Willow feels like she's dropped down the rabbit hole. The space has been refurbished into a deco salon. Soft lighting. A gently BOSSA NOVA plays from hidden speakers. On the wall there is a LOGO of a company that looks STRANGELY LIKE the MICROSOFT LOGO. A white-gloved WAITER approaches with a silver tray of hors d'oevres.
Try the canape. It's excellent.
What is all this?
You've been selected to meet with Mr. Macelroy, head recruiter for the world's leading software concern. The jet was delayed by fog at Sea-Tac, but he should be here any minute- (then) Please. Make yourself comfortable. He and suit Guy #2 start to leave, but Willow stops them.
But - I didn't even get my test back.
The test was irrelevant. We've been tracking you for some time.
Is that a good thing?
I would think so. We're extremely selective. In fact, only one other Sunnydale student met our criteria. Now Suit Man and his cohort exit through the partition. Willow takes in her surroundings, stunned. She turns - sees, for the first time, that OZ IS THE OTHER STUDENT SUIT MAN was referring to. He's sitting on a plush couch, looking unfazed - as usual. When he sees Willow, his expression registers the coolest hint of delight. Willow moves to the couch - sits next to him. An awkward beat. This whole thing is too strange. Finally, OZ lifts the hors d'oevres. Offers one to Willow.
Canape? INT. CEMETERY - DAY - MOVING Giles tries to keep pace with Buffy, who moves at a brisk clip, still hurt from before. She carries a flashlight.
Buffy. Please. Slow down.
Get with the program, Giles. We have work to do, remember?
You're behaving in a terrible immature manner-
Bingo. You know why? I am immature! I'm a teen! I've yet to mature!
I was simply offering a little constructive criticism-
You were harsh. You act like I picked this gig. But I'm the picked. Too bad if I want a normal job.
What you have is more than a… gig. It's a sacred duty. Buffy gives him a "been there, heard that" look. Giles scrambles - trying to calm her.
Which shouldn't prevent you from eventually procuring a more… mundane form of employment if you like. Such as I have.
It's one thing being a Watcher and a librarian. They go together - like chicken and… another chicken. Two chickens. Or something. Off Giles' look.
You know what I'm saying - you can spend all your time with a bunch of books and no one blinks. But what can I do? Carve stakes for a nursery?
Point taken. I suppose I've never really thought about- (stops; then) Tell me. Have you ever considered law enforcement? Buffy blinks. Though she's spared from having to answer because they've come to the mausoleum.
This is the place. Buffy pulls open the heavy iron door, enters, Giles following her into: INT. MAUSOLEUM - DAY Buffy clicks on her flashlight, guiding the beam through the dusty gloom. She leads Giles to the open vault door.
May I?
Be my guest. Giles takes the flashlight. Shines it into the empty vault.
It's a reliquary, used to house items of religious significance. Most commonly, a finger or some other body part from a saint.
Note to self: Religion - freaky. Giles turns, paints the wall with the flashlight beam-which now falls across letters carved in the granite above the doorway: du Lac.
Du Lac… (with recognition and concern) Oh dear. Buffy reacts to his tone.
I hate when you say that.
Josephus du Lac is buried here.
Was he a saint?
Hardly. He belonged to a sect of priests who were excommunicated by the Vatican at the turn of the century.
Excommunicated and sent to Sunnydale. Must have been big with the sinning.
Remember the book that was stolen from the library by a vampire a few weeks back? It was written by du Lac and his cohorts - (frustrated) Damn it. In all the excitement, I let it slip my mind -
I'm guessing it wasn't a Taste of the Vatican Cookbook.
The book is said to contain rituals and spells that reap unspeakable evil. However, it was written in archaic Latin - so nobody but the sect members could read it.
Then everything's cool. The sect is gone. Worm food like old du Lac, right?
I don't like it, Buffy. First the book is taken from the library. Now vampires steal something from du Lac's tomb…
You think they've figured out how to read the book?
I don't know. But something's coming, Buffy. And I guarantee, whatever it is - it's not good. With which Giles moves off purposefully, Buffy following. Hold on the black interior of the vault - EXT. BUS STATION - DAY The sign on the brick wall reads: SUNNYDALE. A BUS rumbles into frame, squeals to a stop in a cloud of exhaust. CLOSE ON THE STAIRS OF THE BUS We hear the doors open with a hydraulic hiss. A passenger gets off. And another. Then an ENORMOUS PAIR OF BOOTS fill the frame. We pan up to see a GIANT. Seven feet tall in boots, and a hard four hundred pounds. A think, milky cataract covers one eye. His other eye is set deep in the fleshy mask of assorted scars and carbuncles he calls a face. His name is OCTARUS. And as he descends the stairs and moves out of frame- CUT TO: EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD - DAY A mild-mannered man in a suit too large for his slight frame strides down the sidewalk, toting a brief case and whistling. His name is MR. PFISTER. He moves past a familiar house - past the sidewalk mail box on which is stenciled the name "SUMMERS." He moves up the walk of the ADJACENT house. ANOTHER ANGLE Mr. Pfister climbs the stoop, and rings the doorbell. He mechanically adjusts the knot in his tie. He smiles at the tired-looking HOUSEWIFE who opens the door.
Mrs. Kalish?
Yes?
I'm Norman Pfister, with Quintessence Skin Care. I'm not selling anything, so I'm not asking you to buy. (holds up case) Just to accept a few free samples.
Free?
Absolutely. She considers him for a moment, then opens the door for him. He enters past her, and she closes the door. Hold for a beat. Another beat. Then an ear-splitting SCREAM issues from behind the closed door. Prelap the thundering sound of four JET ENGINES, as: CUT TO:
A 767 comes in for a landing. INT. 767 CARGO HOLD - DAY Dark. Jet engines rev down. We hear METALLICA bleeding up. KA-CHUNK. The hatch opens. Sunlight blasts inside. Along with the heavy metal. A BAGGAGE HANDLER climbs into the hold, boom box cranked up past eleven. CREEPING POV Someone - or something - observes the handler from behind the cargo netting. As he begins downloading luggage onto the conveyor belt. ANGLE : HANDLERS The baggage handler pauses to air guitar a solo, when he sees a SILHOUETTE dart between crates, then melt into the shadows.
What the hell - He kills the tape, starts toward the shadows.
Hey! You're not supposed to be in here! But there's no answer.
Come on - His thought is CUT SHORT by a series of BLOWS which come out of nowhere, rocks him back on his heels. He falls to the floor, moaning slightly so we know he's not dead. FOOTSTEPS echo. A shadow stretches across the fallen handler. Camera tracks slowly along the lengthening shadow to the open hatch, where the silhouetted figure now stands. We stop on an ETHNIC YOUNG WOMAN, her feline, feral eyes getting used to the sudden light. She's a predator, a hunter, and her name is KENDRA. And as she jumps out of frame, onto the tarmac - EXT. SUNNYDALE HIGH - LATE DAY (STOCK)
INT. LIBRARY Buffy, Willow, and Xander sit around the table.
(to Buffy) So Giles is sure that the vampire who stole his book is connected to the one you slayed last night? Or is it "slew?"
Both are correct. Giles emerges from the stacks with a yellowed periodical.
And yes. I'm sure. Giles sets the magazine down before them. It's a National Geographic, circa 1921.
du Lac was both a theologian and a mathematician. This article describes an invention of his, which he called the du Lac Cross.
Why go to all the trouble of inventing something and then give a weak name like that? I'd have gone with "Cross-o-matic!" or "The Amazing Mr. Cross!" Xander is getting the stare again. He stops. Then Giles indicates a yellowing photo of the stolen crucifix. Willow peruses the accompanying article.
The cross was more than a symbol. It was also used to understand certain mystical texts - to decipher hidden meanings and so forth.
You're saying these vampires went to all that trouble for your basic decoder ring? Giles regards her for a blank beat. Then:
Actually, I guess I am.
(re: article) According to this, du Lac destroyed every one of the crosses - except the one buried with him.
Why destroy his own work?
I suppose he feared what might happen if the cross fell into the wrong hands.
A fear we'll soon get to experience for ourselves, up close and personal.
Unless we preempt their plans.
How?
By learning what was in the book before they do. Giles regards the group with grim purpose.
Which means we can expect to be here late tonight.
Goody! Research party!
Will, you need a life in the worst way.
Speaking of… I have to bail. I promise I'll be back bright and early, perky and ready to slay. Giles looks at her, perplexed.
This is a matter of some urgency, Buffy.
I know. But you have to admit, I lack in the book area. You guys are the brains. I'd just be around for moral support-
That's not true, Buffy. You totally contribute. You go for snacks. Willow and Buffy exchange a quick glance. Will knows what's up.
She should go. You know, gather her strength?
Perhaps you're right. There may be fierce battles ahead.
But - Ho Ho's are a vital part of my cognitive process.
Sorry, Xand. I have something I really need to do tonight- Off Giles and Xander's curious faces. INT. SKATING RINK - NIGHT CLOSE ON A PAIR OF ICE SKATES as they SHAVE THE ICE, stopping on a dime. WIDEN TO INCLUDE BUFFY Alone on the ice, which seems to glow from the moonlight filtering in from the high-grimy windows. She breathes in the cool air - takes off again. MOVING WITH BUFFY As she enters a clear frame, picking up speed. Remembering the movement. And the rush. Her blowing hair frames a smile she hasn't allowed herself in the longest time. ANGLE - POV FROM BLEACHERS Watching Buffy skate. Spinning into a tight pirouette. She's good. She's very good. REVERSE ANGLE The darkness seems to shift - as a face distinguishes itself from the shadows. Watching Buffy. It's Octarus. The HUGE, SCARY GUY. As we - BLACK OUT.
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| Act Three |
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INT. SKATING RINK - NIGHT GLIDING LOW AND FAST With Buffy's skates across the ice, then tilting up to Buffy. She's transported, her face set in a concentrated smile. She pivots, skating backward, getting up her nerve and picking up speed - then launching into an airborne twirl. Losing her balance at the apex, and - LOW ANGLE Buffy lands hard, the momentum carrying her a good ten feet before she comes to a stop. She catches her breath - when she sees a shadow move across the ice in front of her. She looks around hopefully -
Angel? Only it's not Angel. It's OCTARUS. And his giant hands are already AROUND HER NECK. He lifts her like a rag doll and carries her OFF THE ICE AND ONTO THE RINK'S RUBBER DECK - pinning her AGAINST THE WALL. Buffy thrashes - pulls on Octarus' HUGE HANDS - but finds herself unable to break his grip. He tightens his hold on her and we see a horrible and unfamiliar fear on Buffy's face - the fear of death.
Buffy! Octarus turns at the interruption, just in time to meet Angel's FIST. Octarus releases his grip on Buffy, and she falls to the ground in a gasping heap. REVEAL ANGEL IN FULL VAMP FURY AS OCTARUS slams a HAM SIZED FIST into his face - sending him sprawling. Angel immediately gets up to defend himself, but finds he is trapped in an alcove. Angel ROARS, standing his ground bravely as Octarus moves in for the kill - ANGLE : BUFFY regains her feet. Seeing Angel in trouble, she vaults over the wooden bench, and: ANOTHER ANGLE Buffy lands directly behind Octarus.
What ever happened to fat and jolly? As he turns, she takes to the air, executing a textbook SPINNING WHEEL KICK (SLIGHT OVERCRANK), leading with the GLISTENING BLADE of her ice skate. In the blur of contact, we hear a sickening TEAR - ON ANGEL Even he grimaces at this one. We TILT up to OCTARUS, as he clutches his throat. He looks at Buffy, face full of betrayal - then starts toward her. Buffy moves out of the way, her guard raised. But Octarus moves past her, out onto the ice - ANGLE : BUFFY Watches. Angel steps up behind her, vamp face still on. THEIR POV Trailing blood, Octarus staggers like a drunken sailor, with pathetic persistence - before collapsing onto his knees and doing a face plant on the ice. Hold for an uncomfortable beat - CUT TO: INT. FACTORY - DRUSILLA'S BEDROOM - NIGHT CLOSE ON THE CYCLOPS CARD Drusilla's pale fingers turn it over.
He's passing under our feet right now. WIDER Spike is seated on the bed beside Drusilla. He notes the card with concern, then looks to Drusilla.
No worries. We're close to decoding the manuscript. We just need a little more time.
Time is ours - Drusilla touches Spike's face, smoothing away the worry.
It brings the slayer closer to them. She eyes the remaining cards - the INSECT and the JAGUAR. CUT TO: INT. SKATING RINK - NIGHT ANGLE: ON THE ICE Angel kneels beside the fallen behemoth. He still has his vamp face - and the blow he took OPENED A SERIOUS GASH ABOVE ONE EYE. Which Buffy can't see as she limps painfully up behind him, also scraped and bloody.
And the hellmouth presents - 'Dead Guys On Ice'. Not exactly the evening we were aiming for… Angel reacts to the CHUNKY RING on Octarus' finger. He lifts the giant's hand, studies the glyph-like pattern etched on the surface.
You're in danger. You know what the ring means?
I just killed a Superbowl champ?
I'm serious. You should go home and wait until you hear from me. Angel drops Octarus' hand and turns to her. Sees that she's injured.
Are you okay?
What about you? That cut -
Forget about me. You're hurt. Buffy's shaken - but she puts on her brave face.
Hey. No biggy. I've been slammed by bigger sides of beef than that -
No you haven't. Buffy falters. He's right.
No. I haven't.
This is bad, Buffy. We have to get you someplace safe. Buffy is rightfully alarmed by the suggestion.
You mean - hide?
Let's just get you out of here. He starts to move but Buffy stops him - indicates his bloody cut.
Wait. Your eye is all… Let me - She moves toward him - about to use the arm of her sweatshirt to wipe the blood off. But he pulls away.
Come on. Don't be a baby. I won't hurt you.
It's not that. (re: vamp face) I - you shouldn't have to touch me when I'm like this. Buffy is at a loss.
Like - what? Angel reacts - is she kidding?
You know. When I'm…
Oh. A long beat as Buffy takes this in, understanding. She approaches him again. Very deliberately this time. Her hands go to his face. He looks away, but does not pull back. The gentleness of her touch holds him fast. Buffy turns his face back to hers. Tenderly runs her fingers along his transformed features. Angel is overwhelmed. Nobody has ever touched him like this.
I didn't even notice. She draws him close. Gaze steady. Until her lips touch his… They melt into a heart-stopping kiss. INT. SKATING RINK - ANOTHER AREA - NIGHT KENDRA, the LETHAL YOUNG WOMAN from the airport, peers through some bleachers. HER POV - HAND HELD PAN THROUGH BLEACHERS THE KISS. Still very much a work in progress. FADE TO: INT. LIBRARY - DAY CLOSE ON The ring OCTARUS wore. WIDEN TO INCLUDE GILES Who studies the ring, comparing it to an etching in a book. Buffy sits near by, AN ICE PACK on one knee, definitely looking shaky and worse for the wear after her encounter with OX GUY. Willow and Xander are also there.
This guy was hard core, Giles. And Angel was power-freaked by the ring.
I'm afraid he was not overreacting. The ring is worn only by members of the Order Of Taranta. They are a society of demon assassins dating back to King Solomon…
And didn't they beat the Elks last year in the Sunnydale Adult Bowling League Championship?
(ignoring him) Their credo is to sow discord and kill the unwary.
Bowling is a vicious game -
(sharp) That's enough, Xander - Willow, Xander, and Buffy glance at each other, reacting to Giles' tone. Buffy, especially, knows to worry.
I'm sorry but this is no time for jokes. I need to think.
These assassins. Why would they be after me?
'Cause you're the scourge of the underworld?
Yeah, but I haven't been that scourgy lately.
I don't know. But I think the best thing to do is to find a secure location. Someplace out of the way where you can go until we decide on the best course of action - Buffy stands with a little difficulty. Officially freaked.
Okay. You and Angel have both told me to head for the hills. What's the deal?
I - this is an extraordinary circumstance…
(scared) When do we have a usual circumstance, Giles? I mean - mummy girls and snake guys and… But you've never told me to hide before. I mean - you're saying I can't handle this? These guys are that bad?
You might - They're… They're a breed apart, Buffy. Unlike vampires - they have no earthly desire except to collect their bounty. To find their target and eliminate it - CAMERA pushes in slowly as Buffy listens to Giles' cautionary litany -
And you are the target. You can kill as many of them as you like. It won't make any difference - because where there is one, there will be another. And another. They won't stop coming until the job is done. CUT TO: INT. MRS. KALISH'S HOUSE - DAY Mr. Pfister whistles to himself as he sits on a chair parked before a second story window. He's looking through a PAIR OF BINOCULARS and has them aimed directly across the way - right into BUFFY'S BEDROOM.
(OVER) The worst of it is, they are masters of deceit. Vampires are bound by the Night, but these predators can be anywhere, anytime. They can appear as normal as the next person. Just another face in the crowd. You might not ever know when one of them is near - not until the moment of your death. Under this, CAMERA arms around and pushes past him, discovering MRS. KALISH on the floor. Or at least what's left of her. Because now she's little more than a desiccated corpse. A dozen bugs crawl out of her nose and march along the floor, joining the trail which we follow¼ back to Mr. Pfister. The bugs scamper up his leg and waist, up to his right arm, which IS FORMED ONLY UP TO THE WRIST. The nub seems to undulate, as-- The teeming mass of bugs (CGI) REFORMS INTO HIS RIGHT HAND-which now delicately picks up a steaming cup of tea. He sips, waiting patiently. Prelap a SHRIEKING BELL - CUT TO: INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY BUFFY MOVES upstream through the Career Fair gauntlet, against the teeming mass of people. She is walking stiffly - evidence of her battle with Octarus - and is clearly wigging out. Her eyes dart - see in every passerby a potential threat. HER POV The faces - students, teachers - seem innocent. But ARE they? Voices melt into an echoing white noise. She moves past the POLICE WOMAN, A PAIR OF CORDETTES… Suddenly - a guy in the crowd surges toward her - FAST. Something's not right. RESUME BUFFY She GRABS THE GUY BY THE COLLAR. DRIVES HIM INTO THE WALL. IT'S OZ.
Try it!
Try what? A moment, then Buffy lets him go.
Sorry.
I'm still not clear on what I'm supposed to try. Buffy looks around - people are staring.
Nothing. Buffy heads for the door. BOLTS without another word.
A tense person. INT. LIBRARY - NIGHT Giles and Willow sit at the library table, poring over volume upon volume.
I wish there was more we could do. Giles looks up, his eyes reflecting fatigue and concern.
We're doing all we can. The only course of action is to decipher the contents of the stolen book -
I've never seen Buffy like that. She just took off.
(O.S.) She didn't go home. Xander has entered the library.
I let the phone ring a few hundred times before I remembered her mom's out of town.
Maybe Buffy unplugged the phone…
It's a statistical impossibility for a sixteen year old girl to unplug a telephone. Willow nods. That's true.
Perhaps my words of caution were a bit too alarming -
(no duh) You think?
It's good that she took you seriously, Giles. I just wish we knew where she was. CUT TO: EXT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - NIGHT Buffy moves along the sidewalk, still limping a little. She looks tired and cold - like she has been walking a long time. She stops and looks up at her house. The windows are dark. A long beat. No place feels safe. Not even here. She moves on. INT. FOYER - ANGEL'S APARTMENT - NIGHT Buffy arrives at Angel's door. Knocks.
Angel? No answer. She tries the door. It's locked. INT. ANGEL'S APARTMENT - NIGHT Dark. Then the lock is FORCED and Buffy opens the door, spilling light from the hallway.
Hey… She clicks on a standing lamp. Looks around. She approaches the unmade bed pushed up against the wall. Sits. She flexes her tender knee. Massages it. Her exhaustion and fear finally catching up with her. She lies down. Curls up - small and alone in his bed. Turns her head against his pillow. She breathes him in. She shuts her eyes. INT. SEEDY BAR (THE ALIBI ROOM) - NIGHT This is the kind of bar where the lights are so low it's hard to see your hand in front of your face. Which is a good thing. Because you wouldn't want to get a good look at either the surroundings or the patrons. It's after hours. A solitary stooped figure gives the floor a perfunctory once-over with a stiff broom. This is WILLY, a shifty-eyed bottom-dweller. In addition to being the bartender here, he's a small time hustler who moves in the underworld of the vampires - despite the fact that he is not a vamp himself. A SHADOWED FIGURE appears in the doorway. Willy looks up, annoyed.
We're closed. Can't you read the sign? The FIGURE moves into the room and we see that it is ANGEL. WILLY'S demeanor changes. He's clearly afraid of Angel. Doesn't want any trouble.
Oh. Hey, Angel. I didn't recognize you in the dark there. Angel just looks at Willy.
What - what can I do for you tonight?
I need some information.
Yeah? Man, that's too bad. Cause I'm staying away from that whole scene. I'm living right, Angel.
Sure you are, Willy. And I'm taking up sunbathing.
Come on, now. Don't be that way. I treat you vamps good. I don't hassle you. You don't hassle me. We all enjoy the patronage of this establishment. Everybody's happy. Angel moves closer to Willy. Menacing. Willy's anxiety increases.
Who sent them?
Who sent - who? Lightning fast - Angel's HAND is AROUND WILLY'S NECK. Willy's mop goes clattering to the floor as his eyes go wide with fear and he gasps desperately for breath.
The Order of Taranta -
I tell you - I haven't been in the loop -
Let's try again. The Order of Taranta. They're after the Slayer -
Come on, man…
Was it Spike? Angel tightens his grip. LIFTS WILLY slightly off the ground. Willy tries to choke out a negotiation.
Angel, hey, I - I got some fresh pig's blood in. Good stuff. My fence said the white cell count is - Angel is now moments from squeezing the life out of this guy.
You know, I'm a little rusty when it comes to killing humans. It could take a while. Willy is wavering. Clearly - his options are limited.
Spike will draw and quarter me, man - Angel lets up a little. Puts him back on the ground.
I'll take care of Spike. Willy caves.
You know he ordered those guys. Spike's sick of your girl getting in his way.
Where can I find him? This is more than Willy should give up and he knows it.
I tell you that and I'm gonna need relocating expenses. It'll cost you. BAM! Angel SLAMS Willy in the WALL. Still holding him by the neck.
It will cost who? Willy can barely speak.
Okay! Okay!.. (then) He and that freaky chick of his are - Angel is listening so intently - he doesn't notice the MOP HANDLE FLYING TOWARD HIS HEAD. Angel is BLIND-SIDED across the temple by an UNSEEN ATTACKER. He hits the GROUND. HARD. Willy also falls to the floor in a heap. ON THE ATTACKER Standing over ANGEL with the mop handle. It's KENDRA. Her whole stance and attitude radiate lethal power. Her voice rings with contempt -
Where is she? BLACK OUT
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| Act Four |
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INT. SEEDY BAR (WILLY'S ALIBI ROOM) - NIGHT Back to that lethal young thang. Angel looks up at her, spits -
The girl. Where is she?
Even if I knew - I wouldn't tell you. Kendra BREAKS THE MOP HANDLE over her knee.
Then die. ANGEL ROLLS out of the strike zone just as
she brings the make-shift She LUNGES with the stake again - but Angel grabs a BAR STOOL and blocks the move. Angel THRUSTS THE BAR STOOL toward Kendra, knocking her back. He gets to his feet - but she is ON HIM AGAIN in a flash. ON WILLY Who cowers on the floor. Angel and Kendra's fight is taking place between him and the exit - which is the only thing that keeps him from BOLTING. He WINCES as the sound of the BATTLE grows more and more intense. ON ANGEL AND KENDRA They seem to be almost evenly matched. The fight carries into the STORAGE AREA in the back room of the bar. WILLY makes tracks for the exit. Disappears. INT. SEEDY BAR STORAGE ROOM - NIGHT The storage area is basically A CAGE - much like the one in the library - where the expensive liquor and such is locked. Angel and Kendra CRASH into a BOX FULL OF LIQUOR BOTTLES, which shatter everywhere. Angel grabs a BROKEN BOTTLE - fends off Kendra with it. Kendra hesitates.
Who are you? Kendra backs out of the storage area. Cool but clearly wary.
I won't hurt you if you tell me what I need to know. Unexpectedly - Kendra smiles. Angel doesn't see the humor in the situation.
You think this is funny? Kendra SLAMS AND BOLTS THE STURDY METAL GATE that closes the storage area.
I think it's funny now. Angel reacts. Moves to the locked door.
That girl. The one I saw you with before -
You stay away from her.
I'm afraid you are not in a position to threaten.
When I get out of here I'll do more than threaten -
Then I suggest you move quickly. She glances at a ROW OF HIGH WINDOWS THAT RUN ALONG ONE WALL OF THE STORAGE CAGE.
Eastern exposure. The sun comes in a few hours. (then) More than enough time for me to find your girlfriend. She moves off. Angel can only watch - frustrated. A beat. Then he strains against the door of the cage, determined to open it. FADE TO: INT. GILES' OFFICE - LIBRARY - EARLY MORNING Giles, bleary-eyed and rumpled from a sleepless night of urgent study, talks on the phone while he pages through a book.
Xander? …No, I still haven't heard from Buffy. I think you should go to her house and check on her. Giles sees something in the book. Something important.
Right away. I don't know, get Cordelia to drive you. He hangs up. Rushes into - INT. LIBRARY - CONTINUOUS - DAY Giles moves to the table and we see WILLOW, who has fallen asleep at the computer. He moves to her, gently shakes her. Still, she wakes with a start, cries out -
Don't warn the tadpoles! Giles is startled by her outburst.
My goodness. Are you alright?
Giles? What are you doing here?
You're in the library, Willow. You fell asleep.
Oh… I…
Don't warn the tadpoles?
I - I have frog fear. (then) I'm sorry, I conked out -
Please. You've gone quite beyond the call of duty. And, fortunately, I think I've finally found something -
You did?
(re: book) I had to go back to the Lutheran Index. But I found a description of the missing du Lac Manuscript. It's a ritual, Willow. I haven't managed to decipher the exact details - but I believe the purpose is to restore a weak and sickly vampire to full health.
A vampire like - Drusilla?
Exactly.
What does that have to do with the Order of Taranta? The assassins?
I would imagine Spike called them here to get Buffy out of the way. I'm sure he wants nothing to come between him and his plans to revive his lady love.
So this is good. We know what the deal is.
I wish I could agree. But all we know is the goal of the ritual. We don't know where it will take place or when. We don't know what it entails -
So this is bad.
No. No. We just have more work to do. Giles tries to smile encouragingly.
Then - why are you all pinched? Off Giles - his worry palpable. INT. FACTORY - EARLY MORNING CLOSE ON The DU LAC manuscript As it is SLAMMED SHUT. Widen to reveal a TRIUMPHANT SPIKE, who is standing over DALTON - the vampire scholar. Dalton hands Spike a sheet of paper with the complete transcription on it.
By George - I think he's got it. Spike sweeps over to Drusilla with paper in hand. Drusilla looking ever more pale and consumptive, sits propped on a velvet couch, her tarot cards laid out on her lap.
The key to your cure, ducks! The missing bloody link! It was - Drusilla stops him as she takes his hand - leads it to a tarot card.
-right in front of us. CLOSE ON THE CARD A beautiful image of AN ANGEL. But the angel is FALLING - plummeting through the sky to an all but certain doom.
-the whole time. EXT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - EARLY MORNING All is peaceful here as the neighborhood is just beginning to awaken. INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - EARLY MORNING Well mostly peaceful. We can make out Cordelia and Xander on the porch through the curtains. Cordelia's SHRILL voice penetrates the tranquility.
I can't even believe you. You drag me out of bed for a ride? What am I, mass transportation? Xander finds an unlocked WINDOW, starts to work it open.
That's what a lot of the guys say. But it's just locker room talk. I never pay it any mind. The window is open. Xander CLIMBS THROUGH - CORDY on his heels. Cordy is dressed in sweats - her hair pulled back. Like a girl who just got dragged out of bed.
Great. So now I'm your taxi and your punching bag -
I like to think of you more as my witless foil - but have it your way. Cordy looks at him. Then starts to head BACK OUT OF THE WINDOW. Xander catches her by the arm.
Come on, Cordy. You can't be a member of the Scooby Gang if you aren't willing to be inconvenienced now and then -
Oh, right. Cause I lie awake at night hoping you tweekos will be my best friends. And that my first husband will be a balding, demented homeless man -
Buffy could be in trouble -
And, what, exactly, are you going to do about it if she is? If you hadn't noticed - you're the lameness. She's the superchick or whatever.
At least I'm the lameness that cares. Which is more than you can say. (then) I'm going to check upstairs. He STOMPS OFF, leaving a POUTY Cordelia behind. She starts to look around the living room when she is interrupted by a crisp KNOCK on the front door. She moves to the door, looks through the window in the door. WHAT SHE SEES MISTER PFISTER - AKA BUG MAN. Pfister tips his hat - holds up the bag that reads QUINTESSENCE SKIN CARE. ON CORDELIA That's all she needed to see. She opens the door.
Good day. I am Norman Pfister with Quintessence Skin Care and Cosmetics. I was wondering if I could interest you in some free samples?
Free? EXT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - EARLY MORNING Cordelia hesitates. Then, just as before with MRS. KALISH, Cordelia opens the door for Mr. Pfister. In an eerie reprise of the earlier scene - he enters past her, and she closes the door. A long ominous beat… INT. SEEDY BAR STORAGE ROOM - EARLY MORNING The first glow of morning light warms the WINDOWS, as ANGEL works desperately to tear the metal door from its hinges. He is actually making remarkable progress - the top part of the door is bent. Given enough time, he might be able to get out. Intent on his work, he does not notice as the first bright SLIVER OF SUNLIGHT appears through the glass behind him. It travels quickly across the floor - falls across his brow. Angel cries out in pain as the HOT RAYS sear his face. Forced to retreat, he leaves his hope of escape - seeking temporary safety in a dark corner of the room. INT. ANGEL'S APARTMENT - EARLY MORNING In contrast to the sun-washed storage room, Angel's apartment is a cool, dark tomb. A haven from the waking world. CLOSE ON BUFFY Curled in Angel's bed - arms tightly wrapped around his pillow. She is, for the moment, safe in his phantom embrace. A sound. Something moves in the apartment. Loud enough to rouse Buffy from her dream. Her eyes flutter - then SNAP OPEN just in time for her to DODGE THE SHORT AXE that SLAMS into the pillow just inches from her neck. Buffy LEAPS from the bed - comes face to face with KENDRA.
You must be number two - Kendra replies with a SWING OF THE AXE, which BUFFY LEAPS to avoid.
Thanks for the wake-up. But I'll stick with my clock radio. Lethal young woman brings the AXE down again, but BUFFY CATCHES her arm mid-flight. To Buffy's distress - she can't wrench the AXE from Kendra. They are locked in a dead-even struggle. Like an arm wrestling match between perfect twins. A split second as they meet eyes - a twinge of recognition. Then Buffy takes advantage of the moment - SWEEPS Kendra's legs out from under her. Kendra hits the ground hard, but USES her LEGS to PIN BUFFY'S LEGS and bring her down too. Now BUFFY and Kendra ROLL on the floor - the AXE still in Kendra's grip. They keep TRADING the UPPER HAND. One moment Buffy is on top - the next it seems Kendra will prevail. They SMASH into Angel's table, his bookshelf, his dresser… Buffy's getting fed up.
Come on. Don't make me do the chick fight thing - Kendra doesn't know what to make of this comment. Speaks through her effort -
Chick… fight?
You know - BUFFY VIOLENTLY JERKS Kendra by the HAIR - distracting her as she DIGS HER NAILS INTO THE HAND THAT HOLDS THE AXE. Kendra cries out - drops the AXE. Buffy grabs it and STRADDLES Kendra, pinning her. Buffy draws the axe back - the intent clear. Still, she can't resist -
Cliched - but effective. Buffy is about to bring the axe down - but Kendra stops her with -
Who are you?
What do you mean who am I? You attacked me. Who the hell are you? Kendra glares at Buffy. Proud and defiant -
I am Kendra, the vampire slayer. A long beat. Buffy takes this in. Come again? BLACK OUT.
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