Season 1 | Episode 6 | The Pack

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Episode Summary

The students of Sunnydale High school are spending the afternoon at the zoo. Besides the standard zoo animals, this facility has a special new hyena exhibit, marked “Positively No Admittance.” This piques the interest of Sunnydale’s obnoxious cool crowd, who have already had their fun tormenting Buffy and a shy, bookish student named Lance.

After grabbing poor Lance’s notebook, they enter the forbidden hyena house, forcing him to follow. Xander, worried about his timid classmate, decides to come to his rescue. As they wait for Xander, Buffy and Willow meet an eccentric zookeeper, who claims the hyenas can understand human speech — they learn people’s names, call out to them, and then eat them. 

Meanwhile, the crowd in the hyena house starts to get rough with Lance, but suddenly their eyes start flashing yellow — apparently, they’ve stepped into a mystical circle on the floor and a transformation has taken place. We see the eyes of one student who never meant to be there, and they’re flashing yellow, too. It’s Xander. 

Back at school, Principal Flutie proudly introduces the students to Herbert, the Sunnydale Razorbacks’ new mascot. Not quite as menacing as the team’s namesake, Herbert is a actually a little pig. Xander elicits a strange reaction from Herbert when the two exchange a glance.

Since returning from the zoo trip, he is more confident, more aggressive, and generally not the same old Xander. His love-sick puppy stares have turned to animal leers — he has even taken to sniffing Buffy. 

Willow brings the news to Buffy and Giles that Herbert is dead– the pint-sized porker has been eaten by the hyena-possessed students. Buffy tries to confront Xander, but he becomes even more aggressive and pounces on her. They scuffle for a while, but Buffy finally decks him, and locks him into a steel book-return cage.

When it is discovered that the pack is responsible for Herbert’s demise, Principal Flutie is up in arms. He summons the group to his office to reprimand them, but doesn’t get the chance. The news horrifies everyone — Principle Flutie has been eaten! The “official” story is that a pack of wild dogs did it, but Buffy, Willow and Giles know the truth.

Since Xander was with Buffy when the incident occurred, she is relieved that he was not involved. Giles has figured out that in order to restore order, the spirits of the hyenas must be taken from the students and put back into the animals. While Buffy and Giles go to the zoo, Willow offers to watch over Xander.

The zookeeper, well-versed in these matters, offers to help with the “transformation,” and says that all the students must return to the mystical circle in the hyena cage. But one member of their pack is missing — Xander — and Buffy and Giles realize, to their horror, that they will seek him out, leaving Willow vulnerable to their attack. 

When they do just that, Xander breaks free from the cage, but Willow hides. They escape the school grounds and Buffy leads them all to the zoo. While everything seems to be going according to schedule, it turns out that the zookeeper’s plan is to absorb all the hyena’s spirits himself.

He does, and grabs Willow in order to perform a predatory act which is part of the ritual. Xander, back to his old self, reacts to seeing his friend in jeopardy and dives on the zookeeper, freeing Willow. When the zookeeper goes after Buffy, she hurls him into the hyena cage, where he is promptly devoured.

Shooting Script

Teaser
EXT. STREET – DAY
THE STREET — a SCHOOL BUS speeds directly over CAMERA.
INT. SCHOOL BUS – DAY
BUFFY, XANDER ad WILLOW sit, squeezed by BOBBY, heavy-set, wearing a Walkman, happily bouncing his head while eating cornchips. Buffy can hardly breathe. Glances behind her.
ANGLE: BUFFY’S POV
The bus is packed four to a seat, then three, then two… Finally, in the rear of the bus sit FIVE KIDS – KYLE, RHONDA, TOR, MICK and HEIDI, each in their own seat. They’re attractive, supremely confident and dressed to kill.
BUFFY
(nudges Xander)
What’s with the spaceage?
XANDER
First field trip, huh?
BUFFY
Maybe it’s non-obvious, but wouldn’t
our trip to the Zoo be a teensy bit
more comfortable if… one of us
sat in the back?
WILLOW
(shakes head)
Reserved for cool people.
(confessional)
That’s why we’re in the front.
XANDER
(off Buffy’s confusion)
Those are the “So-shes.” Also known as
the “Hotsnots,” the “Attack Pack”…
BUFFY
So what do they do?
XANDER
They’re not like jocks or cheerleaders where they
actually do something —
WILLOW
People just want to hang with them.
BUFFY
Oh — sort of our version of the Royal Family.

WILLOW
Worse. They have self-confidence. It’s like they know
they’re in, and anyone who’s not them is, by
definition, out.
ANGLE: BUFFY’S POV
KYLE, male model arrogance, nudges RHONDA, youthful Cruella De Ville. He points to ANGLE: LANCE
rail-thin, with glasses and severe ACNE.
KYLE
Hey, Lance — you look uncomfortable. Join us.
Lance brightens, comes over. Kyle makes room on his seat. Lance sits.
KYLE
(friendly)
You know, Lance, for lunch, I’m thinking
pepperoni pizza. You like greasy food, Lance?
LANCE
Oh, thanks Kyle, but my dermatologist
wants me to lay off greasy foods.
RHONDA
Oh riiight, your skin. That must be horrible. Do you
get it on your back, too?
ANGLE: TOR, MICK AND HEIDI
The other “Soshes” quietly snicker at this, realizing the cruel fun has begun.
ANGLE: BUFFY AND WILLOW
CAN’T HEAR the conversation, but watch KYLE and RHONDA put their arms around Lance’s shoulders.
BUFFY
They’re being nice to Lance.
XANDER
(knows better)
You know at Marineland — how Shamu and the other
Killer Whales like to play with bouncy red balls?
BUFFY
(getting it)
Lance is now a bouncy red ball.
XANDER
(ominous)
Count on it.
Off Buffy, taking this all in we
CUT TO:
EXT. THE ZOO – DAY
We PAN the Zoo Animals, ELEPHANTS, GIRAFFES, MOUNTAIN GOATS, each partition fronted by explanatory VIDEO MONITORS.
VIDEO
…Nowhere are hierarchies and cruel pecking
orders more pronounced than in the Animal Kingdom…
BUFFY (V.O.)
They obviously haven’t ridden the bus.
On the VIDEO, TWO MOUNTAIN GOATS butt horns to show off for EWES chewing their cuds. CAMERA PULLS back to see two MALE STUDENTS do a Lakers Chest-Butt as THREE GIRLS lazily chew gum, watching them.
CAMERA CONTINUES PULLING back. We see BUFFY, WILLOW and XANDER watch the horrifying FACE of a CACKLING HYENA on another MONITOR.
VIDEO
…And perhaps no animals are more cruel than the
Hyenas, who taunt and wound their victims before going
in the for the kill…
On the VIDEO, HYENAS attack a Zebra, as Buffy notices Kyle, his arm around Lance, look back at the “Soshes” with a WINK.
VIDEO
…Their powerful jaws tear flesh,
and crush bones to powder, all the
while emitting the Hyena’s hideous laughter…
KYLE
(laughing)
C’mon Lance, let’s check ’em out.
Buffy watches in concern as Kyle waves for his cohorts to follow him toward the PADLOCKED DOOR barring entry onto the dark PATHWAY. A sign on the door says: HYENA CAGE. POSITIVELY NO ADMITTANCE.
VIDEO
…Hyenas mark their territory by secreting a smelly
paste from glands in their hindquarters…
BUFFY
(to The Five)
Enjoy. You guys should have a lot in common.
A ZOOKEEPER, 40’s, dressed like Marlin Perkins, with a safari hat, blocks their path. Points to the sign.
ZOOKEEPER
Are you illiterate, or do you just have bad eyesight?
Because Hyenas are quick to prey on the weak.
RHONDA
Why can’t we go in there?
ZOOKEEPER
Quarantine. They just came from Africa. So keep out.
The Zookeeper begins to walk away. Then turns back.
ZOOKEEPER
…Even if they call your name.
BUFFY
What’re you talking about?
The Zookeeper obviously relishes this part of the job.
ZOOKEEPER
A Masai tribesman once told me that
Hyenas can understand human speech.
They follow humans by day, learning
their names. At night, when the
campfire has died, they call out to
the person. And once that person is separated…
(beat; for effect)
…the pack devours him.
The students are transfixed for a moment. Chilled — except for Kyle, who regards the Zookeeper with contempt.
KYLE
Nice hat.
The FIVE KIDS guffaw. Fuming, the Zookeeper leads the other students, including Buffy and Willow around a corner.
ANGLE: XANDER
turns back, just in time to see the FIVE KIDS headed down the ominous pathway. Kyle still has his arm around Lance, who’s just glad to be included. Xander, disgusted, shakes his head like: “Those dicks” and moves out of FRAME.
CUT TO:
INT. HYENA PIT – DAY
The FIVE KIDS and Lance approach the seemingly empty cage.
KYLE
Pretty fun, huh Lance?
(mocking)
I hope they don’t call our names —
Kyle presses his face against the MESH CAGE.
KYLE
Hy-eeena — I’m Kyyyyle…
ANGLE: THE EMPTY HYENA CAGE
Suddenly, TWO HYENAS move out of the shadows. Their wiry coats and horrible hunchbacks creep toward CAMERA.
ANGLE: LANCE’S FACE
as he realizes he’s the only one whose face is still pressed against the cage. He tries to pull back, but can’t.
ANGLE: KYLE’S HAND
holds Lance’s face against the cage as the FIVE KIDS laugh hysterically at this. The Hyenas sidewind closer to the horrified Lance, their narrow eyes flashing interest.
KYLE
What’s wrong, Laaaance — they just
want to learn your name.
LANCE
Okay — I think they know it now…
Lance struggles, when suddenly, XANDER pushes KYLE and pries Lance free. Kyle and Xander are about to fight when a shrill, horrifying HYENA CACKLE stops everyone cold —
CAMERA PUSHES IN on the HYENA’S EYES, then INTERCUTS with KYLE’S EYES, the Hyena’s EYES, then RHONDA’S EYES, INTERCUTTING faster between each of them until the final exchange is
between the Hyena’s and XANDER’S EYES.
ANGLE: LANCE
never looking back, climbs the boarded-up cave entrance, but slips, falling back to the ground injuring his knee.
LANCE
Owwwww —
ANGLE: THE FIVE KIDS’ EYES FLASH YELLOW (CGI)
They blink, then turn as one to look at Lance — only Xander doesn’t turn his head. Then, Kyle begins a cruel laugh…
HIGH ANGLE: XANDER AND THE FIVE KIDS
now stand inside a malevolent TOTEMIC HYENA FACE on the floor. Lance’s crying and Kyle’s laughter mingle eerily with the Hyenas’ CACKLING from the splintered shadows as
ANGLE: XANDER
finally turns toward us and his eyes FLASH YELLOW.
BLACKOUT.
END TEASER
Act One
INT. SHOOL BUS – DUSK
Field trip over. Buffy, Willow and Xander sit together in the front row. Bobby squeezes in. Everyone inhales.
XANDER
So tonight, you guys Bronze-bound?
WILLOW
Didn’t you get enough “crowded and sweaty” at the Zoo?
BUFFY
Yeah, that Reptile House was definitely
working the not-so-fresh motif.
ANGLE: KYLE, RHONDA, TOR, HEIDI AND MICK
(now the “HYENA PEOPLE”) enter the bus. Kyle suddenly stops at Bobby, smiling darkly. Buffy and Willow sense trouble. Rhonda lifts Bobby’s headphones, startling him.
RHONDA
Hey, Bobby — wanna go to
the Bronze with us tonight?
BOBBY
Really — me?
KYLE
(friendly)
Yeah, get there early and save us
the table by the stage.
BOBBY
But that means I’d have to get
there by six thir… okay, thanks.
Rhonda lets the headphone SNAP back on his head as the Hyena People move confidently back to their reserved bus seats.
ANGLE: BOBBY
now bounces his head with a private sense of acceptance.
BUFFY
(re: Bobby)
Guess Shamu’s found a new red rubber ball.
ANGLE: LANCE
his pants knee torn, limps to the back, hoping to find a seat. As he approaches, the Hyena People variously stretch out their legs or scoot to the aisle side of their seats, blocking Lance from sitting with them.
RHONDA
Sorry, Lance.
ANGLE: STUDENTS
crane their heads to see this. All are privately grateful it’s not them receiving the icy cruelty of the So-shes.
LANCE
But… before…
KYLE
Lance, look around. There’s us –
then there’s you.
Rhonda pulls out a COMPACT MIRROR. Holds it up to Lance.
RHONDA
(singing)
“One of these things/ Doesn’t belong here…”
Kyle looks in the mirror. Points.
KYLE
Oh yea — see? It’s the telephone pole with acne.
QUICK CUTS of the FACES of TOR, HEIDI and MICK laughing at this, as Lance, humiliated, limps away.
WILLOW
That is so not okay.
Then Willow turns back to see
ANGLE: XANDER
snickering along with the Hyena People
CUT TO:
INT. BRONZE – NIGHT
Buffy and Willow struggle through the crowd. We PAN the scene — crowded, SRO. Students cluster in distinct social groups.
WILLOW
We’re not really welcome to sit there –
those are the jocks…
(pointing)
Those are the Grungers… the Gear-heads…
BUFFY
Never realized the Bronze is so much like the Zoo —
except without the helpful educational videos.
WILLOW
When Xander gets here,
we’ll be three and have our group.
Then Willow smiles, relieved as she sees
ANGLE: XANDER
enter and survey the crowd. Only he walks like a Rock Star — greets a comely Cheerleader with an unctuous kiss.
BUFFY
Guess now our group’s got four.
Xander glides through the dance floor as the Cheerleader watches him go — confusion and interest now splashed across her face. Xander moves to Buffy and Willow — something’s very different about him.
WILLOW
I thought you didn’t know Suzy Peterson?
XANDER
I don’t.
(off them)
But tonight… I just feel so alive,
so confident — I doubt any woman could deny…
Then he locks eyes with Buffy. He smiles and moves to her.
XANDER
–My animal magnetism.
He leans into Buffy’s ear, nibbles it. Willow’s shocked.
BUFFY
(pushes him away)
Have you been drinking your cologne?
ANGLE: THE HYENA PEOPLE
enter. The crowd parts like the Red Sea as they walk to see the table by the dance floor where BOBBY sits alone at an empty table, eating Nachos. He sees them and beams with delight.
RHONDA
Bobby — let’s play Psychic Hotline.
You try to guess why we’re talking to you.
BOBBY
Cause I got here at 6:30 like you asked,
to save the table for us?
KYLE
Us? You hang with us?
RHONDA
Shouldn’t you be hovering over a football stadium
with a “GOODYEAR” written on you?
Bobby, completely deflated, takes his Nachos and quickly retreats. Rhonda regards the table with contempt.
RHONDA
This tables munches.
KYLE
(no big deal)
We’ll check out the view.
And they desert the hard-won table, toward the stairs.
ANGLE: BUFFY, XANDER AND WILLOW
in mid-conversation. Xander leans confidentially into Buffy. Places one hand on the wall next to her head.
XANDER
…All my high school life, I’ve stood
against the wall, one foot tucked under
my butt, silently mouthing “I love you”
to every girl passing me by. But tonight…
Xander puts his other hand on the other side of Buffy’s head. Willow watches this, disbelieving.
XANDER
–It’s different — I feel different —
(leans closer)
It’s like I see better, hear better,
smell better… taste better —
BUFFY
(pushing away)
When did you become Peppy Le Pew?
ANGLE: THE HYENA PEOPLE
approach. Crowds part as they near them. Willow’s anxious.
WILLOW
Uh-oh — here come the winged monkeys.
CAMERA PUSHES into KYLE…
ANGLE: KYLE’S POV – “HYENA VISION”
The background NOISE of the Bronze FADES until we only HEAR the beating hearts of Xander and Buffy, like prey being stalked by a predator — Xander’s suddenly saturated in COLOR before a greying background…
Then the HYENA PEOPLE lock eyes with Xander and stop. WE CIRCLE SLOWLY around them — but instead of the trouble we expect, they regard Xander with an almost animal intensity, as if some PRIMAL CONNECTION is being made.
Then, without a word exchanged, the Hyena People move on through the parting crowd. It’s a wicked mood moment, as BUFFY and WILLOW watch their friend, bewildered.
CUT TO:
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY – NEXT DAY
We continue the ominous feel, as CAMERA MOVES SLOWLY above cold linoleum floor. We only HEAR low ANIMAL GRUNTING. Suddenly, a student SCREAMS. CAMERA WHIPS AROUND, RACES at
ANGLE: TWO STUDENTS
the colors of their clothing PULSE VIVIDLY against the muted hallway, as they run for their lives. CAMERA JUKES LEFT, at
ANGLE: PRINCIPAL FLUTIE
who screams and just leaps out of the way.
MR FLUTIE
LOOK OUT! It’s gotten loose!
CAMERA ZIGZAGS down Hallway as STUDENTS peer out from classroom doorways, then jump back in shock.
MR FLUTIE
STOP THE BEAST!
Buffy runs in front of CAMERA, but CAMERA JUKES RIGHT. A FOOTBALL PLAYER-TYPE stands in front of CAMERA, defensive tackle position, but CAMERA shoots right between his legs.
Finally, Big BOBBY HURLS himself on Camera. BLACKNESS.
MR FLUTIE
Good work, Bobby.
A smiling Bobby hands Mr. Flutie a squirming 30-pound pink PIG, HERBERT, who has a small plastic football HELMET strapped to his head. Attached to his snout are very fake looking paper-mache BOAR’S TUSKS. Rubber-banded to his back is an equally fake looking RIDGE.
MR FLUTIE
Naughty little Herbert, gave Mr. Flutie
quite a scare, didn’t he?
STUDENTS, including Buffy, gather around Mr. Flutie.
MR FLUTIE
Students, I’d like you all the meet Herbert, our new
mascot for the Sunnydale High Razorbacks!
BUFFY
It’s a pig.
MR FLUTIE
Oh, no no no, it’s a Razorback — See,
here are the tusks, and… a scary… razor back.
BUFFY
Maybe we could change to the
Sunnydale Pure Pork Sausages.
The STUDENTS laugh. Mr. Flutie gets defensive.
MR FLUTIE
Well, what do you expect when you
only raise $23.48 at the Mascot Car Wash.
You’re just lucky my Uncle Merle owns a farm.
Mr. Flutie hands HERBERT back to Bobby.
MR FLUTIE
Here you go, young man. I’ll give you the honor of
returning him to his pen — our Ragin’ Razorback!
Bobby holds the pig proudly as Mr. Flutie walks away. Buffy turns to him, smiling.
BUFFY
Way to go, Bobby — I couldn’t even grab
its squiggly pink tail.
BOBBY
(false modesty)
Well, Buffy, you did have the moves –
but sometimes you just gotta rely on tonnage.
ANGLE: AN ALGEBRA BOOK
HURLED into a TRASHCAN. We PULL BACK to see Willow and Xander walk out of a classroom together. Xander’s upset.
WILLOW
Don’t just give up, Xander! So you’re
having trouble with a few equations —
XANDER
No! Now I don’t even get the numbers!
Willow fishes his book out of the trash and hands it to him.
WILLOW
Here — tonight I’ll help you —
XANDER
(erupting)
–WHAT’S WRONG WITH ME?
Xander’s FACE suddenly darkens as he savagely RIPS the book cover in half and hurls it away. Willow just stares after him, disbelieving, as he stalks around the corner, past
ANGLE: BOBBY
holding HERBERT THE PIG. The Pig sees Xander and SHRIEKS with primal terror. Bobby barely holds onto the Pig, as Xander walks past, unconcerned by the Pig’s reaction.
Willow joins Buffy in the Hallway and they watch, concern growing, as their friend disappears into the LOCKER ROOM, followed by Kyle, Tor and Mick.
CUT TO:
INT. HIGH SCHOOL GYM – DAY
The SHRILL WHISTLE of COACH HERROLD, 50’s, fake marine. Bobby arrives late to the co-ed P.E. Class.
COACH HERROLD
Bobby, get over here! People, line up and choose sides
for Dodge Ball! Lance — take off those glasses!
MONTAGE of the following as Radiohead’s “I’m a Creep/I’m a Weirdo” plays over: Coach Herrold chooses Buffy and Kyle as team captains.
QUICK CUTS back and forth, as KYLE CHOOSES THE HYENA PEOPLE and XANDER for his team, while Buffy picks anyone but them — Theatre Clubbers, “Dirty Girls”… Willow looks like the best she’s got.
Lance and Big Bobby are the last to be picked. Buffy picks Bobby. Kyle chooses Lance, who reluctantly sets his glasses to the side of the bleachers. Then, near-blind, he walks to the group, squinting. Coach Herrold BLOWS his WHISTLE.
The DODGE BALLS start flying between the two teams. Bobby’s the first out, taking a red dodge ball to the gut.
Dodge balls whiz all around Xander’s team, but the Hyena People leap over them with animal finesse. Xander easily catches a ball, hurls it back with intensity, hitting
WILLOW in the arm. She walks to the sidelines, looking more hurt that Xander was the one who hurled the blow.
The Hyena People HOLD FIRE, gather up their dodge balls.
Buffy stands alone, determined, awaiting their onslaught. Suddenly, Xander and the Hyena People turn on LANCE, their own teammate. Lance squints, trying to protect himself until he falls, hands over head when
BUFFY WHIPS A DODGE BALL straight into Tor, which ricochets into Heidi, knocking them to the ground.
ANOTHER BALL WHIPS INTO Mick, Rhonda, Kyle and Xander, knocking the wind out of them. They’re out. Buffy won. The Hyena People glower back with a newly respectful hatred.
Coach Herrold blows his whistle and the MUSIC STOPS.
BUFFY helps up a grateful Lance but she locks eyes with Xander — who leaves with the Hyena People. The silence is deafening.
CUT TO:
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY – DAY
Buffy’s on a tear, livid, with Willow right behind.
WILLOW
–He’s just fallen in with a bad influence —
BUFFY
No, “bad influence” is a Rob Lowe movie. Xander’s just
gone bad — there’s no excuse for what he did!
ANGLE: XANDER AND THE HYENA PEOPLE
down the Hallway, tight now, like a Pack. Buffy heads toward them, fists clenched, but Willow beats her to him.
WILLOW
What’s wrong with you, Xander?
Xander suddenly turns toward Willow — only it’s the old Xander with the gentle eyes. He pulls her slightly away from the Pack and Buffy. Leans in, somewhat confidentially.
XANDER
Guess you’ve noticed — I’ve been
different around you, lately.
WILLOW
Yes.
Xander looks around awkwardly. Then directly to Willow.
XANDER
I think… I think it’s because
my feelings… for you…
have been changing…
(off Willow’s look)
We’ve been friends for such
a long time… and… well…
I feel like I need to tell you something…
Willow softens a bit.
XANDER
I’ve… I’ve decided to drop Algebra… so…
Willow just looks at Xander, confused.
XANDER
I won’t need your math help anymore… which means…
(for the crowd)
I won’t have to look at your paste-white face again.
The Pack laughs hysterically, while Willow just stands there — as if he’d hit her in the stomach. ANGLE: BUFFY
also stunned — she can’t believe what she heard. Buffy moves to confront them, but WILLOW walks past, internalizing the pain, and Buffy turns to comfort her friend.
As they go, the laughter continues, but KYLE’s LAUGH suddenly changes, rising into a bone-chilling, high-pitched, HYENA-LIKE CACKLE.
Buffy turns. Locks eyes with Xander. He turns to the others.
XANDER
Let’s do lunch.
Xander and the Hyena People turn away, still laughing. BUFFY watches as they move as one, up the empty Hallway. CAMERA PUSHES into Buffy, listening to Kyle’s continuing ominous CACKLE.
CUT TO:
EXT. COURTYARD – DAY
PICNIC TABLES filled with STUDENTS eating lunch. They don’t notice
ANGLE: THE PACK
approach an empty table. Stop as one — SNIFF the air and exchange dark glances, then continue past the tables. CAMERA PUSHES past them to a CLASSROOM WINDOW…
CUT TO:
INT. CLASSROOM – DAY
The empty classroom seems eerie under the HUM of its fluorescent lighting.
ANGLE: THE HYENA PEOPLE AND XANDER
enter. HEIDI carefully shuts the door behind them. Their eyes narrow as they slowly move into the room. We EHAR a RUSTLING noise and their HEADS turn toward CAMERA, smiling.
ANGLE: THEIR POV
HERBERT the PIG paces happily back and forth in a metal cage filled with shredded newspaper, as CAMERA CREEPS toward him. Suddenly, A HUMAN HAND SLAMS down on top of the cage, sending Herbert scurrying to the right. ANOTHER HUMAN HAND WHACKS the right side of the metal cage. Herbert SQUELS.
ANOTHER HAND SLAP, THEN ANOTHER. Herbert whirls in terror.
ANGLE: XANDER AND THE HYENA PEOPLE
now leer with menace at the confused Pig.
KYLE
And one little piggy cried
“wee wee wee” all the way –
RHONDA
–Home to dinner.
As we HEAR them open the cage door, CAMERA DRIFTS UP to those humming fluorescent lights. BLACKOUT.
END OF ACT ONE
Act Two
EXT. SCHOOL COURTYARD – DAY
The Courtyard is filled with the SOUNDS of STUDENTS at lunchtime — laughing, talking, shouting. ANGLE: THE PACK
walks, two in front, four behind, with the confidence of The Wild Bunch. We suddenly push into XANDER, entering his SENSORY WORLD.
ANGLE: XANDER’S POV
“HYENA VISION:” We ZOOM FOCUS on TWO STUDENTS, talking together forty feet away. The background becomes muted as BUFFY and WILLOW’S movement seem to slow — their images become more vivid, more saturated with COLOR. The DIN of the STUDENTS FADE, until we can only HEAR them talking.
WILLOW
I’ve been friends with Xander since we were five. Now
first chance he gets, he insults me to join the
“Soshes.” — And it’s my fault.
(off Buffy)
Because I’m not like you!
Willow begins to cry and Buffy hugs her, confused. She’s a Slayer, not a psychiatrist.
BUFFY
Hey c’mon, Willow — I’m no Sosh.
WILLOW
No, but you’re cool enough to be one.
He wants you in — you saw how he
treated you last night at the Bronze —
BUFFY
Willow — that wasn’t Xander last night.
That was Buddy Love.
WILLOW
No, it’s just like those Zoo videos said about the
Animal Kingdom — high school as a Pecking Order —
Willow looks up, tears in her eyes.
WILLOW
And I just have to face it — I’m a really low peck.
BUFFY
Pity-party over. Look, it’s not just you that Xander
and the rest of the Attack Pack are harshing.
She takes Willow’s hand.
BUFFY
Remember that other Zoo video, the way the Hyena
cackled when they attacked that poor Zebra? Well this
morning in the hallway — the way Kyle laughed, it was
just like that — Freddie Krugers scary —
ANGLE: XANDER
doesn’t even react to this. Instead, he sniffs the air. Then WHIP-TURNS to focus on TWO PRETTY CHEERLEADERS at least 75 feet in another direction. XANDER’S EYES narrow with menace as he follows his prey across the crowded Courtyard.
ANGLE: BUFFY AND WILLOW
Willow looks at her, skeptical.
BUFFY
You know, those Hyena were quarantined for a reason —
I think Xander’s caught something from them.
WILLOW
(sarcastic)
Right. The Hyena flu. Everyone’s catching it.
BUFFY
Fine. Don’t believe me. But I know somebody who will.
CUT TO:
INT. LIBRARY – DAY
GILES furrows his brow. Animatedly restates Buffy’s findings.
GILES
Xander’s taken to teasing the less fortunate?
BUFFY
Yes.
GILES
There’s been a radical change for
the worse in both clothing and hair styling?
BUFFY
Uh-huh.
GILES
And otherwise all his spare time,
spent lounging about with imbeciles?
BUFFY
Yes — don’t you see…
GILES
Of course! He’s turned into a 16 year old boy! How
terrifying! Get out your stake, Slayer!
Buffy shakes her head. Back to square one.
BUFFY
I’m telling you, in the Hallway –
that laugh — it wasn’t human –
it’s something… okay, I’ll just say
it — like a Hyena. I think something
supernatural is…
GILES
–Buffy, there’s an old saying — If you’re a hammer,
everything looks like a nail.
BUFFY
Yes, I know, my Mom listens

to Simon and Garfunkle too.
GILES
Who?
(beat)
Anyway, the point is, look for
the most likely explanation first.
BUFFY
Which is?
GILES
The youthful budding of testosterone.
(off her)
Hang on to your hat, little lady, it’s
only likely to get worse.
ANGLE: WILLOW
bursts through the door, breathless.
WILLOW
Herbert — they found him!
BUFFY
Herbert — the pig?
WILLOW
Dead — In the Biology Room — totally… eaten!
Mr. Flutie’s even crying!
GILES
Eaten… by what?
WILLOW
(ominous)
By “whom”…
(off their looks)
I overheard Principal Flutie talking
to the Biology Teacher — some of the
teeth marks — were from braces.
An ominous beat, as the meaning sinks in.
BUFFY
“Just a sixteen year old boy”, huh?
Giles sheepishly points to an aisle of Library books.
GILES
The Hyena section is this way —
CUT TO:
EXT. COURTYARD – DAY
THE PACK focuses like charged predators on something in the distance. TOR suddenly GRINS — his BRACES flash in the sunlight.
ANGLE: THEIR POV — HYENA VISION
100 yards away, Bobby backs across the Courtyard, carrying a cafeteria tray stacked high with food. SOUNDS FADE until we can only HEAR the sound of Bobby’s HEART BEATING. ANGLE: BOBBY

turns too late, accidentally spills his tray, getting KETCHUP all over COACH HERROLD’s white polo shirt. The Coach is livid as he surveys the damage.
BOBBY
Sorry Coach! Let me get it!
Bobby picks up some french fries from his tray. Wipes the ketchup off the Coach’s shirt and eats them.
COACH HERROLD
I thought I put you on a strict diet!
BOBBY
But… but this is just some energy food
for the run today —
COACH HERROLD
We have twenty-three young men on our cross country
team, Bobby. Guess who’s slower than all of them.
BOBBY
Ernie Fairfax?
COACH HERROLD
The boy’s got a broken hip, Bobby.
He wears a bodycast. And he still beats you.
(beat)
I’m just saying, son — forget the run today.
Join the Chess team.
BOBBY
Please don’t cut me… Coach…
The Coach walks off, dabbing at his shirt. Bobby kneels down. Restacks the fallen food on his tray. Sticks a cheeseburger in his mouth.
LOW ANGLE: XANDER AND THE HYENA PEOPLE
smile down at Bobby. Kyle kneels down, gently takes the burger out of Bobby’s mouth. Bites into it. Passes it back to the others.
KYLE
MMmmmm — en-er-gy food!
BOBBY
Why do you guys hate me so much?
XANDER
We don’t hate you. Not all of us, anyway.
KYLE reaches for more fries. Xander slaps his hand. The rest of the Pack help Bobby restack his tray.
RHONDA
We felt kinda bummed about
last night at the Bronze.
XANDER
Yeah, we figured — Bobby’s pretty cool,
holding the table for us.
RHONDA
The kinda guy who could hang with us.
So we took a vote, 5-1 to let you in.
Bobby looks up at all their faces. Are they sincere?
BOBBY
So — I’m in?
RHONDA
Nah. Kyle blackballed you.
KYLE
(shrugging)
Hey, it’s not personal. I just think you
gotta drop some poundage.
BOBBY
(disappointed)
Oh.
Rhonda gives Bobby a flirtatious Pillsbury Doughboy poke.
RHONDA
Underneath, I think you’re kinda cute.
KYLE
But how’s he gonna lose the weight?
XANDER
Cross Country’s got a 3 mile run through
the woods this afternoon… Hey! You’re
on Cross Country, arencha’ Bobby?
Everyone ponders. Then ad libs “yeah,” “alright.”
BOBBY
(disappointed)
Coach wants to cut me.
XANDER
And you believed him, Bobby?
RHONDA
He’s just testing you –
see what you’re made of.
KYLE
You know, Rhonda’s right — that’s how Coach tests
people. You make that run today, Bob-by.
Then Bobby stops them, suspicious.
BOBBY
Why do you guys want to help me?
Xander drapes his arm over Bobby’s shoulder.
XANDER
Because Bobby, it’s like today, when you
sat on the pig — hey, you make us laugh.
(beat)
Now get out there and feel the burn.
Bobby, a new resolve on his face, moves off. Turns, waves good-bye to his new friends, then continues on. Xander and the Pack begin to LAUGH. It’s low at first, then builds into the chilling, ominous high-pitched CACKLE we heard earlier. Only now, they’re all cackling.
CUT TO:
INT. THE LIBRARY – DAY
ANGLE: AN ENGRAVING
of a Pack of Hyena, CACKLING at the Moon. CAMERA PULLS BACK to see Buffy and Willow, surrounded by books and empty Diet Slice cans. Buffy turns the page of the antique BOOK.
BUFFY
Check this out — Hyenas.
ANGLE: THE PAGE
An engraving of NOAH casting TWO ANGRY HYENA off his Arm into a driving rain. Willow skims the text.
BUFFY
Wow. Apparently, Noah rejected Hyenas
from the Ark because he thought they
were an evil, impure mixture of dogs and cats.
(turns a page)
Just another reason not to date out of species.
WILLOW
I don’t get it — He obviously
let cockroaches on board.
ANGLE: ANOTHER ENGRAVING
THE TWO HYENA cling to the top of a submerged tree, watching the Ark float away. They look mad as hell.
WILLOW
So what happened? The Hyena survived anyway.
BUFFY
Barely. But afterwards, they definitely had some
issues with Noah…
Giles enters, holding another ANCIENT BOOK.
GILES
Perhaps I’ve discovered the way
in which they intended to get even.
WILLOW
How?
Giles places the book on their table. Opens a page.
ANGLE: THE ENGRAVING
of an ANIMAL making eye contact with a human. Horrible SQUIGGLES connect their eyes.
GILES
The Masai of the Serengeti Plain believe it is
possible for animals to possess the souls of
humans in order to accomplish their various desires.
BUFFY
Do you think Xander could’ve been
possessed by… the Hyenas?
WILLOW
(skeptical)
C’mon — do you really believe
this stuff about “animal possessions”?
GILES
(turning the page)
Perhaps Willow’s right — otherwise,
I should think we would recognize
our young friend’s behavior in these…
Giles suddenly looks horrified. Buffy and Willow lean in, to see what he sees. ANGLE: THE LAST ENGRAVING
hideous — a GROUP of POSSESSED HUMANS tear apart a small animal with their bare hands and mouths.
BUFFY
(jumping up)
I’ve gotta find Xander!
They watch her as she bolts out the door.
CUT TO:
EXT. SCHOOL COURTYARD – DUSK
The Pack prowls across the empty Courtyard. Their’s are now the hunched, low movements of animals as they slink onward.
ANGLE: THEIR POV — HYENA VISION
CAMERA MOVES, LOW ANGLE, toward the Woods. The only SOUND we HEAR is the low THUMPING of a dozen HEARTBEATS from somewhere inside the dark Woods.
XANDER moves with them. Then he stops. Sniffs their air. The rest of the Pack continues on. ANGLE: XANDER’S POV
The school buildings are close, but there’s no one around.
WHAM! Someone jumps off the building onto Xander, knocking him to the ground. Xander and the FIGURE wrestle, back and forth, around and around, until Xander rolls on top, pinning BUFFY with his knees.
XANDER
I’ve been waiting for you to jump my bones.
BUFFY
Get off me!
XANDER
Is that what you really want?
We both know what you really want.
Xander shifts off Buffy’s arms. Buffy rolls onto her hands and knees. They’re now face to face on hands and knees, exhausted from the struggle, panting like animals.
XANDER
You want danger, don’t you –
you like your men dangerous —
BUFFY
You’re in trouble — infected with
some Hyena thing, like a demonic possession —
XANDER
–Dangerous and mean, right? Like Mr. Black Leather
Motorcycle Guy — Well, guess who just got mean —
Xander pushes toward her, menacing, and she backs up.
BUFFY
I don’t want to hurt you, Xander.
He sniffs the air.
XANDER
I knew you were following me.
I’d know your smell a mile a way.
Xander begins SNIFFING Buffy’s shoulder.
BUFFY
You and the others — ate Herbert alive —
XANDER
–You now how long I’ve waited? Until you’d stop
pretending we aren’t attracted–
Buffy rolls away and jumps to her feet. He follows her.
XANDER
Until Willow’d stop kidding herself,
that I’d settle for anyone but you —
BUFFY
No, stop it — You’re scaring me.
Xander suddenly TACKLES her.
XANDER
Being scared make you wanna hurt me?
C’mon, Slayer — I like it when you smell scared.
Xander climbs on top, straddling her.
XANDER
–The more I scare you, the better you smell.
Xander roughly grabs Buffy’s jaw. Begins kissing her, biting her lips — but Buffy ROLLS him on his back, pinning his wrists against the ground. Now she’s in control.
BUFFY
What part of “NO” don’t you understand!
XANDER
The “N.”
Suddenly, Xander THRUSTS Buffy’s arms away, throwing her backward — with a power that shocks her. Buffy’s head hits the ground, just missing a pile of bricks. He leans into her face — for the first time, we see his powerful biceps.
XANDER
(soft)
Welcome to the jungle.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE WOODS – DUSK
Three Cross Country RUNNERS sprint up a dirt path, through the Woods. CAMERA HOLDS until we HEAR PANTING. It’s getting louder, and then BOBBY struggles into view.
BOBBY
Hey! Wait up!
But they’re gone. Bobby tries one last desperate SPRINT through the trees, his weight makes each step difficult.
BOBBY’S ANKLE TRIPS on tree root, sending him sprawling across the trail.
BOBBY
Ow! OW! owwwwWWW!
Bobby rolls on the ground, clutching his ankle. He gets up, tries to put weight on it. Falls in pain.
BOBBY
Come back! Somebody help me!
SLIENCE. Just Bobby’s breathing.
RHONDA (O.S.)
Bob-by!
BOBBY
Who’s there?
Bobby listens for an answer, hears nothing but his isolation.
KYLE (O.S.)
Ohhhh Bob-byyyyy!
Bobby looks around, spooked. Through the trees and darkness, he HEARS rustling branches, but sees nothing.
ANGLE: THE HYNEA PEOPLES’ POV — HYENA VISION
CAMERA CREEPS through the trees, stalking Bobby, who’s highlighted with intense COLOR. We only HEAR his HEART pounding.
ANGLE: THE PACK
appears through the trees. Closes in around Bobby. They’re smiling. Bobby breathes a sigh of relief.
BOBBY
Oh, you guys! Man, I’m glad to see you.
Bobby gets up. Begins jumping around on one foot.
BOBBY
Hurt my ankle — Can you guys help me out?
Bobby laughs a little at himself and his one-legged jumping. The PACK starts laughing too. Bobby tries to laugh with them, until their laughter turns into the bone-chilling Hyena-like CACKLING.
Then, the PACK begins to CIRCLE Bobby.
BOBBY
What’re you doing?
They only circle faster, CACKLING and WHO-WOOPING more wildly as their speed increases.
BOBBY
Stop it!
Bobby pleads mournfully, but for the wrong reason, uncomprehending what is about to come.
BOBBY
I thought we were going to be friends!
A HAND SWIPES at Bobby’s arm, spins him around as he jumps.
BOBBY
Hey!
Then ANOTHER HAND. Another. Then a wildly FLURRY OF HANDS.
CAMERA BEGINS TO PULL AWAY, as the PACK suddenly DESCENDS on Bobby until we can’t even see him anymore. Then CAMERA DRIFTS up to the dark branches that frame the placid early evening sky. Bobby’s SCREAMS are drowned out by the CHOMPING and SLURPING noises of the five hungry mouths.
BLACKOUT.
END ACT TWO
Act Three
INT. THE LIBRARY – THAT NIGHT
ANGLE: THE LIBRARY DOORS
slam open. Willow and Giles look up from their research startled and anxious. BUFFY enters, dragging an unconscious XANDER.
BUFFY
Hurry — we’ve gotta look him up somehow,
before he comes to.
Willow turns off the Video she’s been studying.
WILLOW
Ohmigod, Xander — is he alright?
BUFFY
Oh fine. He’s just enjoying a little brick-induced
coma designed to prevent felony sexual assault.
Buffy HEAVES Xander into a steel-mesh book-return cage. She slams the door and locks it. Hangs the keys on a nearby book.
GILES
Oh Buffy, the Hyena in him didn’t —
BUFFY
No, but it’s safe to say that in his
current state, his idea of wooing
somebody doesn’t include a Yanni CD
and a bottle of Chianti.
(thumbs behind her)
And there’s five more of them out there.
What’ve you found?
Giles flips pages in an ancient book, frustrated.
GILES
The book says nothing about Hyena exorcisms…
WILLOW
How’d they stop it in the past?
GILES
I’m afraid the only solution is…
(reading)
“Shoot to kill.”
BUFFY
Shoot to kill! Now what?
GILES
We buy guns?
BUFFY
Who wrote this book — the Michigan Militia?
They’re just teenagers.
Giles shuts the OLD BOOK, frustrated.
GILES
And I thought I’d found such a distinctly
American solution to the problem. Well,
I honestly don’t know where else to look —
(an idea)
Malleus Maleficarum!
WILLOW
Swearing is never appropriate in any language.
But Giles has already disappeared into the stacks, as he speaks excitedly.
GILES
No, no, no — the Malleus Maleficarum,
written by Sprenger and Kraemer in 1486,
speaks directly to all demonic possessions!
Giles returns, carefully holding a very dusty volume. He carefully opens and turns the pages.
GILES
Its knowledge of the occult is so comprehensive,
Pope Innocent authorized that only twenty-eight
editions be published —
He turns another page and his eyes devour the text.
GILES
YES! The entire procedure described –
we simply need to transfer the evil spirits…
(crestfallen)
…Into some other human…
A despondent beat. Then:
GILES
…Or an animal…
BUFFY
The Hyenas at the Zoo! The Zookeeper
knew they were sick in the first place —
Giles shuts the book and stands, motioning for Buffy.
GILES
Willow, continue your video research — whatever you
do — don’t let Xander out. Buffy, you come with me.
We must find that Zookeeper —
BUFFY
–Before those Hyena Kids get the munchies for more
than bacon.
Motivated, Willow returns to work. Ejects the video cassette. Static, then the T.V. shifts out of VCR MODE.
ANGLE: THE T.V.
A NEWS REPORTER stands in a clearing in the Woods, as PARAMEDICS remove a ripped up tennis shoe.
WILLOW
Guys…
Buffy and Giles stop at the door, then slowly approach the T.V. with growing horror.
REPORTER (T.V.)
…Where just hours ago, a young man, identified only
by the label in his underwear as “Bobby,” was mauled
to death by a pack of wild dogs.
An ominous silence as they just look at each other, then at Xander — and what he’s become. CUT TO:
EXT. WOODS – NIGHT
A YOUNG WOMAN, 25, walks through the Woods, whistling a happy tune. Suddenly, she stops. Then she sees the FIVE SLEEPING HYENA PEOPLE lying on the ground, curled up in a semi-circle, holding their full stomachs.
The WOMAN, suspicious, looks closer.
ANGLE: HER POV
Rhonda has BLOOD smeared on her MOUTH and CLOTHES. Kyle cradles a freshly gnawed FEMUR. KYLE sniffs the air… his EYES open…
ANGLE: KYLE’S POV — HYENA VISION
The WOMAN turns to vivid colors against the gray, flat background. We HEAR her HEART POUNDING… and then, a SECOND, smaller HEART POUNDS as she cautiously backs up.
The WOMAN, horrified, turns suddenly away from CAMERA, revealing a SLEEPING BABY in her backpack.
Kyle licks his lips, slowly rolls onto his front arms.
The BABY now wakes with a primitive fear. Begins to CRY. The WOMAN desperately “SHSHSHSH’S” her child and walks faster.
RHONDA hears this and SNARLES as the other Hyena People begin to wake and roll onto their front arms.
ANGLE: RHONDA’S POV — HYENA VISION
CAMERA RISES slowly, creeping toward the Woman and her Baby. We HEAR the HEART BEATS as CAMERA CREEPS faster, faster, through the wood and toward the WOMAN, until she suddenly bumps into
A MAN walking alone on the dirt trail. CAMERA STOPS MOVING. The WOMAN pulls the Man by the arm and they RACE up the trail, looking back to see
FIVE SETS of narrow yellow EYES framed by the darkness.
CUT TO:
INT. THE LIBRARY – NIGHT
Willow watches another VIDEO, at once fascinated and frightened. Then she HEARS some very human GROANING. She looks across the room at
ANGLE: THE CAGE
where XANDER now sits up, rubbing the knot on his head.
XANDER
She whacked me with a brick –
Buffy hit me with a brick —
Willow turns back to the VIDEO, unforgiving.
WILLOW
You deserved it.
Xander looks up at Willow. His eyes narrow as he studies her. Suddenly his expression changes completely.
XANDER
(sweetly)
What I said to you this morning, Willow — about
being… pasty-faced — I’m sooo sorry…
Willow’s face softens. This is what she’d wanted to hear. She turns to Xander. ANGLE: XANDER
now looks at her, his eyes pleading.
WILLOW
I know, Xander — but it wasn’t really you talking.
XANDER
So help me, Willow.
WILLOW
We are — Buffy and Giles are the —
XANDER
–No… I mean, you — you’re the only
one who can really help me — let me out.
Willow pushes out from the desk, walks over to her friend, sympathy across her face.
WILLOW
Giles and Buffy said —
XANDER
–Why’re you even listening to Buffy?
She doesn’t care about you the way I do.
WILLOW
Buffy’s our best friend —
XANDER
–Best Friend? Think about it, Willow –
how long have you know me?
WILLOW
Since Mrs. Connor’s Kindergarten class.
XANDER
You’ve only know Buffy since
the beginning of the Semester —
WILLOW
So — she’s saved our lives
about a dozen times already.
XANDER
She’s the reason she had to save our live — I’m
telling you, this weird stuff didn’t start happening
until Buffy checked in to our lives —
He starts pacing back and forth in his cage. Willow just watches him – her expression shows the pain she feels for her friend’s condition.
XANDER
Vampires… Zombies… now
(air quotations)
“Evil Hyena Spirits.” I mean she
only tells us whatever she needs to use us.
(beat)
I’ve told you my deepest secrets –
what’s Buffy ever told you?
WILLOW
Xander, I think “Slayer” ranks
up there with childhood bed-wetter.
Xander stops pacing. Turns to her.
XANDER
–Okay, she’s a Slayer of the Undead — so why’s she
hanging out with you? Can’t you see, she thinks she’s
way socially superior.
Willow just stares at him, emotionally injured.
XANDER
I’m only telling you this because I love you, Willow –

and I don’t want to see you get hurt.
WILLOW
You have a pretty warped way of showing it.
XANDER
We belong together, Willow –
Buffy’s the outside who came between us.
(softly)
Let me out — pleeease.
Willow obviously feels sympathy for her friend, but there’s no way she’s going to let him out. He pleads with his eyes.
XANDER
Just hand me those keys right there…
Willow’s eyes suddenly follow his outstretched arm to
ANGLE: THE KEYS
suddenly LEAPS for them, just as Willow takes a giant step backwards.
WILLOW
I don’t think so.
Willow backs up and drops the keys safely on the desk, as Xander snarls at her. CUT TO:
INT. ZOO – NIGHT
Buffy and Giles urgently pace, look at their watches, as the Zookeeper sits. He looks like someone punched him in the stomach.
ZOOKEEPER
Thank goodness you came to me.
(beat)
You see, I was afraid this might happen
when I brought the Hyenas from Africa…
Giles and Buffy react. Giles is outraged.
GILES
–Excuse me. You knew your Hyena were
possessed with an evil spirit, yet you —
ZOOKEEPER
–I explicitly warned those students —
BUFFY
–Reality Burrito, Senor. To High School students,
an explicit warning is an invitation.
The Zookeeper points to a series of DIPLOMAS.
ZOOKEEPER
Young Lady — I have advanced degrees
in Zoology, anthropology, primitive cultures
if I had ever thought that —
GILES
Yes, well now the unthinkable has occurred —
ZOOKEEPER
(shaking his head)
That young man’s death is only the beginning.
Buffy and Giles look at each other, shocked.
ZOOKEEPER
By my calculations, in the next several hours, the
possessed students will be totally transformed by the
Hyena Spirits. Once that occurs, the students can
never return to normal.
BUFFY
(horrified)
No more Xander…
ZOOKEEPER
(ominous)
Then, they’ll be as dangerous to the public
as if our own Hyenas had escaped the Zoo.
Buffy and Giles exchange an urgent glance.
BUFFY
Not if you help us.
ZOOKEEPER
I can’t. I don’t know how.
GILES
What if we know something you don’t know.
ZOOKEEPER
(pompous)
I am the foremost authority on animal trans
possessions. If I haven’t written the book,
I’ve read it.
GILES
You’ve obviously not read all the books on the
subject, sir — the Malleus Maleficarum was quite
clear regarding trans-possession.
The Zookeeper stares at Giles, shocked and impressed.
ZOOKEEPER
You have a copy? That book’s been out of
print since 1486… Who are you, anyway?
Giles proudly removes some notes from his pocket.
GILES
(proud)
I, sir, am a High School Librarian.
(reading)
Trans-possession simply requires that one stare deeply
into the Hyena’s eyes while involved in a cruel act —
ZOOKEEPER
(lost in thought)
A cruel act… I see… of course…
it’s… so simple…No wonder good people
can’t find a cure — by their very nature
they’re incapable of committing the
necessary cruel act.
BUFFY
–We just need your Hyenas as
a receptacle for the flying spirits.
ZOOKEEPER
Maybe I can help you after all–
Buffy and Giles look at him, hopeful.
ZOOKEEPER
The possessed students — how soon can
you get them to the Hyena Cage?
BUFFY
We caught one — but there’s five more.
The Zookeeper reacts, suddenly anxious.
GILES
Not to worry, Sir. That boy is secure
in a cage in the school a library.
ZOOKEEPER
Oh no no no — after the Hyena People eat, they sleep
— but the moment they wake, they’ll search for the
missing member of their Pack!
(ominous)
They won’t rest until they find him.
Giles and Buffy look at one another, horrified.
BUFFY
Willow!
CUT TO:
INT. THE LIBRARY – NIGHT
We HEAR the ferocious WHOO-WHOOPS, spine-chilling ROARS and the tearing and slurping sounds of a slow, horrible death. CAMERA PULLS BACK to see Willow, steeling her resolve by watching another Nature Video of Hyenas attacking animals.
XANDER
Willow. Lots of times when we’re together — Biology,
the Bronze — I catch you leaning forward to let your
hair hang down —
But his cold, narrow eyes reveal his true feelings.
XANDER
–Then you peek through the strands,
just enough to check me out. I know
what you’re feeling deep inside you —
WILLOW
La la la la la, I’m not listening to you.
XANDER looks down at his hands. CAMERA ADJUSTS to SEE that Xander has now scratched through most of the metal door hinge. The Cage Door RATTLES ominously. But the soft rattle is obscured by ANOTHER RATTLE.
Willow looks up nervously.
ANGLE: WILLOW POV
The LIBRARY WINDOWS are still.
Willow watches them a moment. Then her eyes return to see the Video.
But CAMERA DRIFTS back up to the windows behind Willow. Then CAMERA ADJUSTS to SEE five sets of YELLOW EYES, hungrily glaring in at Willow from the ink-lack night. And KYLE’S LEERING GRIN.
KYLE (O.S.)
Wil-lowww… Wil-lowww…
BLACKOUT.
END ACT THREE
Act Four
INT. THE LIBRARY – NIGHT
Willow watches her tape.
KYLE (O.S.)
Wil-lowwww… Wil-lowww…
That’s it. Willow finally storms out of her seat toward Xander, furious.
WILLOW
Xander, shut up.
ANGLE: WILLOW’S POV
XANDER suddenly looks up, caught — the Cage Door’s almost off its hinges. Then, while she’s looking straight at Xander’s face —
KYLE (O.S.)
Wil-lowww… Wil-lowww…
Willow realizes something else terrifying: Xander’s not the one calling her. Too late. Horrified, she turns to see
THE FIVE SETS OF YELLOW EYES staring through the LIBRARY WINDOWS. Then a CRASH behind her. She turns back to see
THE CAGE DOOR flings off its hinges. Willow SHRIEKS as Xander lunges at her. ANOTHER CRASH. She twists again to see
THE LIBRARY WINDOWS crash open as the HYENA PEOPLE suddenly lunge through the open windows, teeth flashing hideously.
Willow RUNS across the library, but the growling, whooping, cackling Hyena People close in on her. They SWIPE at her, but Willow disappears around the corner of a BOOKCASE.
HEIDI and TOR STALK silently. Then, Willow pushes a BOOKCASE OVER, burying them under a pile of books.
The rest of the Hyena People just jump over the pile of books, unfazed, moving in on their prey. They turn the corner and stop suddenly.
ANGLE: THE LIBRARY
empty.
The Hyena People don’t even talk. They split up through the stacks, searching for Willow. Xander sniffs the air.
ANGLE: XANDER’S POV — HYENA VISION
Light from the lamps blur and fade to dull hues. We HEAR only a low THUMPING of someone’s HEART… growing louder… CAMERA suddenly PUSHES IN on a large oak desk.
ANGLE: WILLOW
underneath the desk, holding her breath, eyes closed, praying. Then her eyes open. The room is silent. She sighs, relieved… peers around the corner…
LOW ANGLE: WILLOW’S POV
the room is empty. Then —
XANDER (V.O.)
Wil-lowww…
She looks up.
ANGLE: WILOW’S POV
XANDER LUNGES at her, teeth bared!
Willow dives away, but the Hyena People now race to the desk, growling and whooping in anticipation, when
ANGLE: THE LIBRARY DOORS
burst open. BUFFY rushes toward.
WILLOW, now surrounded by the lunging Hyena People.
ANGLE: KYLE’S OPEN MOUTH
turns to face Buffy. She shoves a book into it.
BUFFY
Read more.
Buffy quickly vaults over the choking Kyle, flips and lands just in front of Xander, Rhonda and Mick — who let go of Willow. Buffy SLAMS a chair across their faces, then grabs Willow’s hand, pulling her
away.
ANGLE: GILES
stands at the open door, waving them on.
GILES
With dispatch! Quickly!
BUFFY and WILLOW race past the PILE of overturned books. Suddenly, HEIDI and TOR POP out of them — they lunge for Buffy and Willow, when
GILES whacks Heidi and Tor across their faces with a three foot long NEWSPAPER SPINDLE.
GILES
Periodical?
Buffy and Willow race through the library door, followed by Giles. Buffy slams the library door in the pursuing Hyenas’ faces. Giles locks it.
CUT TO:
INT. HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS
BAM! The library door shudders from the impact on the other side, as Willow and Giles jump back in fear.
BAM! Willow and Giles cringe, hoping the door will hold.
Then suddenly, quiet. Willow cautiously approaches. Places her ear on the door.
WILLOW
They’re gone —
CRASH! Willow recoils slightly at the sound of BREAKING GLASS.
GILES
(re: watch)
If we don’t change them back in the
next hour, it’s too late — they’ll
be Hyenas forever. And our friend —
WILLOW
–Xander will be lost.
Buffy moves suddenly for the door.
BUFFY
I’ll catch them.
Giles holds her arm to stop her.
GILES
Buffy — this isn’t simply about plunging
stakes into the Undead — You’re over your
head on this one. Let me come with you.
BUFFY
(shaking her head)
You can’t keep up.
Giles and Willow just stare after Buffy as she books out of the doors.
CUT TO:
EXT. COURTYARD – NIGHT
Buffy runs through the empty Courtyard. Suddenly stops, searching: Where did they go? CUT TO:
EXT. FAST-FOOD DRIVE IN – NIGHT
A BLUE VOLVO sits under a single spotlight in the deserted parking lot. A FAMILY of four sits inside the car.
CUT TO:
INT. VOLVO – NIGHT
The ANDERSON FAMILY — MR. And MRS. ANDERSON, early 40’s, sit in the front seat.
TWO CHILDREN, a boy, JOEY, 11 and girl, TIFFANY, 8, sit in the back seat. They’re all quietly eating their burgers and fries. The HEAR a LOW GROWL.
MRS ANDERSON
Joey, that’s ignorant and you know it.
MR ANDERSON
Joey, how many times I tell you –
chew with your mouth closed!
ANGLE: JOEY
looks up, mouth full of food.
JOEY
My mouth wath clothed!
RHONDA (O.S.)
Joe-yyy… Joe-yyy…
Joey turns, agitated, to his sister.
JOEY
Tiffany, thut up!
But the little girl’s FACE is frozen in fear.
ANGLE: TIFFANY’S POV
KYLE leers at her, upside down, outside her window.
KYLE
Tif-fanyyy… Tif-fanyyy…
Suddenly, the car ROCKS violently as the horrified family sees Tor and Heidi jump on their hood. Mick and Xander climb onto the trunk, growling.
Then, the WINDSHIELD SHATTERS! Kyle and Rhonda reach in to grab the shrieking family.
Xander SMASHES through the back window, grabs Tiffany. The NOISE is DEAFENING until suddenly – – Xander is KICKED out of FRAME.
ANGLE: BUFFY
standing on the car trunk, where Xander was moments before. The Hyena People stop, shocked — Buffy’s standing among them.
BUFFY
Hey, Xander! Didn’t your Mom teach you?
Don’t play with your food
ANGLE: XANDER
doesn’t have a snappy comeback. The possession of the Hyena people has now reduced them to snarls and growls.
Xander just bears his teeth and lunges onto the besieged Volvo — but Buffy’s already running toward the Woods, taunting them. Without hesitation, Xander forgets the Family and moves after Buffy. The other Hyena People follow Xander and Buffy as they penetrate the dark Woods.
CUT TO:
EXT. WOODS – NIGHT
HAND HELD CAMERA CHASES BUFFY through the Woods, toward the Zoo. Surreal moonlight illuminates the rising mist as the CAMERA gains on her… We HEAR her HEART PUMPING frantically.
THE HYENA PEOPLE run with animal intensity. They can’t speak — only growl and cackle, as they close in on Buffy.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE ZOO – NIGHT
CAMERA DRIFTS THROUGH the dense fog. A DARK FORM, obscured by shadows, walks into the moonlight. It’s WILLOW. Her heart pounds anxiously as her eyes search the empty Zoo. Giles steps out of the shadows to join her.
A SHRILL SHRIEK pierces the still night. They stop, lost. Then Willow sees something and nods for Giles to follow her. CAMERA CREEPS with them, through the fog…
ANGLE: A SIGN: HYENA CAGE. POSITIVELY NO ADMITTANCE.
WILLOW
The pathway to the Hyena Pit.
Giles’s eyes warily study the ominous pathway that dissolves into the blackness beyond. He swallows, summoning courage.
GILES
I’ll go in and prepare the Zookeeper.
Willow, stay here — you’ll forwarn
us when Buffy and the others approach.
Another ANIMAL SHRIEKS. Willow watches Giles take another deep breath and disappear down the pathway.
CUT TO:
INT. HYENA CAGE – MOMENTS LATER
Fog now swirls around the walkway next to the Hyena Cage. Giles walks through this, his heart pounding.
GILES
(whispering)
Dr… Zookeeper — are you here?
Giles HEARS a NOISE inside the cage and turns quickly to see
ANGLE: A DARK FORM
suddenly emerge from the cage’s splintered shadows.
ANGLE: GILES
heaves a relieved sigh.
GILES
Good gracious — I nearly mistook you for a Hyena —
are you prepared for the trans-possession?
ZOOKEEPER (O.S.)
Almost.
ANGLE: A WOODEN CLUB
slams down on Giles’ head. Giles falls to the ground, and we only SEE his prone body pulled back into the mist.
CUT TO:
EXT. HYENA CAGE – LATER
Willow’s eyes anxiously scan the surrounding area. Then she HEARS the SOUNDS of CACKLING and GROWLING — getting nearer. She turns and runs up the pathway, toward the Hyena Cage.
CUT TO:
INT. HYENA CAGE – MOMENTS LATER
Willow runs into the walkway, through the swirling fog.
WILLOW
They’re almost here!
(then)
Giles… Giles?…
Only the silence. As she walks toward the cage, she sees
ANGLE: AN ORANGE GLOW
flickering, eerie, through the fog. CAMERA CREEPS, LOW ANGLE toward the door… into the cage, where the two Hyena had been in the Teaser… the GLOW intensifies… until we see it’s a cluster of candles — a flickering altar arranged around
ANGLE: A MAN
CHANTS, back to CAMERA. The MAN turns around… it’s the ZOOKEEPER.
His wiry, well-cut body is covered with ELECTRIC BLUE BODY PAINT, except for inch-thick WHITE CIRCLES around his mouth and eyes. Willow SCREAMS.
ZOOKEEPER
Don’t scream.
(re: body paint)
It’s all part of the Masai tradition.
Willow looks around the empty cage.
WILLOW
Where are the Hyenas for the trans-possession?
ZOOKEEPER
Over there, in the feeding area.
Willow turns to see
ANGLE: A LOW WALL
just outside the glowing altar. We can HEAR HYENAS pacing and growling.
She moves to the wall, but the Zookeeper suddenly pulls her back.
ZOOKEEPER
Stay clear. They haven’t been fed.
WILLOW
(looking around)
Where’s Giles?
ZOOKEEPER
Don’t worry. He’s involved with his part of the plan.
Outside in the distance, we HEAR the CACKLING and GROWLING of the Hyena People, chasing Buffy… getting nearer.
WILLOW
They’re almost here… shouldn’t you
bring the Hyenas out?
ZOOKEEPER
When the time is right.
CAMERA RISES and we realize they are standing in the
HIGH ANGLE: TOTEMIC PRIMITIVE HYENA FACE
we saw in the Teaser. Suddenly, we HEAR the ferocious WHO-WOOPING and CACKLING of angry animals scratching their way along the pathway, toward the cage.
BUFFY (V.O.)
THEY’RE RIGHT… BEHIND ME!
WILLOW
That’s Buffy! Get ready!
ANGLE: WILLOW
suddenly grabbed by the Zookeeper at knifepoint.
WILLOW
What’re you doing?
ZOOKEEPER
The cruel act, remember?
WILLOW
(uncertain)
Oh, right — you’ll pretend to slash my throat
and put The Evil in the Hyenas behind the wall —
ZOOKEEPER
Something like that.
The Zookeeper presses the knife tighter. Willow’s dreadful realization sinks in. ANGLE: BUFFY
enters the caged area, exhausted.
WILLOW
BUFFY! IT’S A TRAP!
Buffy sees Willow held at knifepoint. Jumps up to help her just as XANDER dives on top of Buffy, knocking her to the ground.
ANGLE: XANDER’S FACE
at it’s most Hyena-like, lunges downward —
ANGLE: THE HYENA PEOPLE
race into the Hyena Cage and lunge for Buffy — their MOUTHS and HANDS begin tearing greedily. ANGLE: THE ZOOKEEPER
holds a horrified Willow, knife denting the skin of her throat.
ZOOKEEPER
(incanting)
NYMBA YA SANAA!
ANGLE: THE HYENA PEOPLE
STOP. Look up from Buffy’s body to meet the Zookeeper’s electric eyes.
CAMERA PUSHES in on KYLE’S EYES, then the ZOOKEEPER’S EYES, then RHONDA’S EYES, then the ZOOKEEPER’S, CROSS-CUTTING between ALL THE HYENA PEOPLE’S EYES, finally XANDER’S… until the Zookeeper suddenly CACKLES wildly.
ANGLE: THE ZOOKEEPER’S GLOWING YELLOW EYES (CGI)
infused with six demonic hyena spirits, let’s the knife clatter to the ground and GRABS Willow’s hair with one hand, her arm with his other, just about to rip into her when
ANGLE: XANDER
eyes alive with fury, leaps up from the ground and DIVES on the Zookeeper, jarring Willow loose. The Zookeeper quickly regroups, picks up Xander for the final blow, when
ANGLE: BUFFY
KICKS him backwards, against the inner wall that separates them from the unseen FEEDING AREA. Buffy turns to see
ANGLE: BUFFY’S POV
the FIVE Kids running for their lives out of the cage.
BUFFY
Guess it’s just us.
Willow helps Xander to his feet.
XANDER
That’s all we’ll need.
A FEROCIOUS GROWL and Xander suddenly turns to see
ANGLE: THE ZOOKEEPER
hatred and hunger on his face, LUNGING for Willow. Xander KICKS him the way Buffy did before — only without the same results — as the Zookeeper simply grabs Xander’s ankle, pulling Xander’s leg to his open mouth, when
ANGLE: WILLOW
lying on the ground nearby, lifts the knife with both hands and reluctantly drive in into the top of the Zookeeper’s FOOT. The Zookeeper HOWLS in pain, immobile.
ANGLE: BUFFY
takes advantage of this while Xander grabs Willow, pulling her to safety. BUFFY CHARGES and JUMPS to deliver a two-footed flying drop-kick when
ANGLE: THE ZOOKEEPER
CATCHES Buffy’s feet in the mid-air and THROWS her backwards.
ANGLE: BUFFY
lands in a heap, the wind knocked out of her, directly in front of the INTERNAL WALL which contains the Hyenas. We can HEAR their hungry GROWLING behind the wall.
ANGLE: THE ZOOKEEPER
pulls the knife out of his foot, howling with the ferocity of a wounded animal and CHARGES at Buffy – –
ANGLE: ZOOKEEPER’S POV – HYENA VISION
CAMERA RUSHES BUFFY as we HEAR her amplified HEART BEATS. She desperately looks around, her back to the wall. Suddenly, Buffy drops from FRAME.
ANGLE: BUFFY
grabs both of the Zookeeper’s legs at the knees, then lifts and HEAVES him up and over the INSIDE WALL containing the real Hyenas. We HEAR the real HYENAS CACKLING and WHOOPING behind the wall, clawing on the Zookeeper’s legs.
ANGLE: THE ZOOKEEPER’S HORRIFIED FACE
appears just above the wall — barely pulling himself up.
Buffy instinctively reaches out to help him, when we HEAR a spine-chilling ROAR and the Zookeeper’s YAKED, WHIP-FAST below the wall, out of sight.
ANGLE: BUFFY, XANDER AND WILLOW
react as they listen to the horrible chewing, crunching, slurping sounds of the Hyenas feeding time. Then they HEAR another NOISE.
ANGLE: THEIR POV
Giles, rubbing his head as he approaches from the walkway.
GILES
Did I miss anything?
CUT TO:
INT. THE LIBRARY – NEXT DAY
Buffy, Willow and Giles watch a shocked Xander read The Sunnydale Clarion. He looks at the Newspaper Headline: “HYENA KILL ZOOKEEPER’ SENT BACK TO AFRICA.”
WILLOW
…First we though you’d gone “Sosh” on us —
XANDER
C’mon, I could never be that snotty…
BUFFY
At the end, you were minutes away
from going full-time Hyena.
XANDER
Hey believe me, I don’t remember anything. Nothing —
From when I tried to save Lance in the Hyena Pit, to
when I woke up there and tried to save Willow —
Willow leans into him.
WILLOW
So you do remember saving my life?
Xander leans into her, sincere.
XANDER
No one messes with my Willow.
ANGLE: WILLOW
beams. This is all she needed to hear.
BUFFY
You better not remember, because
you talked some trash to me that —
XANDER
Hey, I wish I could say that I went to this beautiful
place — and you were there, and you were there, and
you were there — But I can’t.
(shrugging)
All those slides are missing.
Buffy and Willow look at each other. Willow nods okay.
BUFFY
Alright…well… We’re just glad you’re back
— on two feet again.
Buffy and Willow leave. Xander smiles until they’re safely out the door. Then he turns to see Giles hold up the Malleus Maleficarum with a knowing expression.
GILES
I think they bought that — Hyena Boy.
Suddenly, Xander’s smile fades, realizing Giles knows.
XANDER
Shoot me, stuff me, mount me–
Xander grabs his head and rolls off the chair.
XANDER
I am so HUMILIATED!
BLACKOUT.
END OF ACT FOUR

Transcript

Prologue
In every generation there is a Chosen One. She alone will stand against the vampires, the demons and the forces of darkness. She is the Slayer. The Sunnydale Zoo. A sign points to the reptiles, elephants and the Hyena House. The camera pans down from the sign to Buffy walking along the path by herself. Kyle and his gang, Rhonda, Tor and Heidi, see her coming.
Kyle: Oh, look. It’s Buffy and all her friends.
Buffy: That’s a witty.
Tor: Do you ever wonder why nobody cool wants to hang out with you?
Buffy: Just thankful.
Rhonda: Were you this popular at your old school? Before you got kicked out?
The group laughs, and they continue on their way, leaving Buffy standing
there alone.
Tor: (at Buffy as they leave) Careful! She might beat you up!
Cut to the elephants. Buffy is reading the plaque when Xander and Willow come running up.
Xander: Hey! Buffy!
Willow: You missed it!
Buffy: Missed what?
Xander: We just saw the zebras mating! (nods to Willow) Thank you, very exciting…
Willow: It was like the Heimlich, with stripes!
Buffy: (with mock disappointment) And I missed it. Yet somehow I’ll find the courage to live on. (begins walking)
Willow: (follows) Where were you?
Buffy: Uh, I was looking at the fishes.
Willow: Was it cool?
Buffy: It was fishes.
Xander: I’m feelin’ that you’re not in the field trip spirit here.
Buffy: Well, it would… It’s nothing, I… We do the same zoo trip at my old school every year. Same old, same old.
Xander: Buffy, this isn’t just about looking at a bunch of animals. This is about not being in class!
Buffy: (brightens) You know, you’re right! Suddenly the animals look shiny and new.
Xander: Gotta have perspective.
Cut to the monkeys. Lance is sketching them into his notebook. Kyle and his cronies approach him.
Kyle: Lance! How’s it goin’?
Lance: Hey, Kyle.
Kyle: So, is this like a, uh, family reunion?
Lance: No.
Kyle: I think it’s a family reunion. It’s so… touching. Doesn’t anybody have a camera? (makes a sudden photo-taking gesture) Whapish!
Rhonda: (behind Lance) Hey, does your mom still pick out your lice, or are you old enough to do that yourself now?
Lance: Quit it, huh? (Tor takes his notebook) Hey! Guys, c’mon! It’s got my notes in there!
Mr. Flutie: (sees the commotion) What’s going on here? I’ve had it up to here with you four! What’re you doing?
Kyle: Nothing.
Mr. Flutie: Did I ask you to speak? Okay, I guess I did, but I want the truth. Lance?
Lance: They weren’t doing anything. Really! (lets out a nervous laugh) We were just playin’ around.
Mr. Flutie: Alright. (starts away, but turns back) I’ll be watching you. (leaves)
Kyle: (points at Lance) You! Came through big time.
Rhonda: Way to go, Lance! (pats his shoulder)
Tor: Flutie’s been looking for a reason to come down on us. Lance: It’s okay.
Kyle: Come on, we’re gonna check out the Hyena House.
Lance: But I think it’s off-limits.
Kyle: And therein, my friend, lies the fun.
Lance laughs, and they all go off toward the Hyena House.
Cut to the Hyena House. It’s closed, but they duck underneath the yellow barricade tape. Buffy, Willow and Xander see them go in.
Willow: What are Kyle and his buds doing with Lance?
Xander: Oh, playing with him as a cat plays with a mouse. Buffy: What is it with those guys?
Willow: They’re obnoxious. Professionally.
Xander: Well, every school has ’em. So, you start a new school, you get your desks, some blackboards and some mean kids.
Buffy: Yeah, well, I’d better extract Lance before…
Xander: (interrupts) I’ll handle it. This job doesn’t require actual slaying. (goes in)
Buffy: You don’t think we should follow?
Willow: Kyle and those guys are jerks, but they’re all talk. Mostly. Buffy: (reconsiders) Why don’t we…
Willow: Yeah, why don’t we?
They duck under the tape and start in, but are caught in the act by a zookeeper.
Zookeeper: Oh, hold it, hold it, are you blind, or are you just illiterate? Because hyenas are very quick to prey on the weak.
Buffy: Oh, w-we were just gonna take…
Zookeeper: You’re not going in there. Anyone that does is in a world of trouble.
Willow: No, no one’s going in there. (she and Buffy come back out) Buffy: Why is it off-limits?
Zookeeper: It’s a quarantine. These hyenas just came in from Africa, so keep out. (cocks his eyebrow) Even if they call your name.
Buffy: What are you talking about?
Zookeeper: The Masai tribesmen told me that hyenas are capable of understanding human speech. They follow humans around by day, learning their names. At night, when the campfire dies, they call out to a person. Once they separate him, the pack (snaps his fingers) devours them.
Cut inside the Hyena House. Kyle and the others tear through more tape blocking the way in and look around.
Kyle: Cool!
He and the girls walk up to the enclosure and look in. Lance stays back with Tor behind him.
Lance: I don’t see any hyenas.
One of the hyenas growls and shows itself between some rocks. Lance: Okay! Now we’ve seen it.
He tries to leave, but Tor stops him.
Rhonda: Looks cute.
Kyle: I think it looks hungry. (moves toward Lance)
He and Tor grab Lance.
Lance: No!
Tor: C’mon, Spot!
Lance: C’mon, stop it!
Tor: Supper time!
They drag him up the steps and lift him up to the bars. Lance: Guys! Stop! It’s not funny!
They press him into the bars and down on his neck.
Lance: Ow! Stop it! It’s not funny!
Xander comes in, pulls their arms off of him and helps him away. Xander: (to Kyle) Why don’t you pick on somebody your own species? Kyle: What, are you gonna get in my face?
The hyenas growl. Xander, Kyle and the others look at them. The hyena’s eyes flash green, and then two of the kid’s eyes do. The hyena’s eyes flash green again, and two more kid’s eyes do. Cut to a shot from above of the sacred circle painted on the floor. Cut to Lance. He makes an anxious move to get away, but trips on a chair and falls. His notebook skids across the floor to the far wall. Kyle and the others turn and laugh when they see him. Lance gets up, retrieves his notebook and rushes out. Xander turns around now, too, and his eyes flash green.
Opening credits roll. Buffy’s theme plays.

Part 1
The Bronze. Cut inside. Willow and Buffy are coming from the bar. Buffy has a Coke and a croissant. They make their way over to an empty table.
Willow: I thought Xander would be here by now.
Buffy: Hmm, that’d make him on time. We couldn’t have that! Willow: Did he seem upset at all on the bus back from the zoo? Buffy: About what?
Willow: I dunno. He was quiet.
Buffy: I didn’t notice anything. (they sit) But then again I’m not as hyperaware of him as, oh, say, for example, you.
Willow: Hyperaware?
Buffy: Well, I’m not constantly monitoring his health, his moods, his blood pressure…
Willow: (grins) 130 over 80!
Buffy: (amused) You got it bad, girl!
Willow: He makes my head go tingly. You know what I mean? Buffy: I dimly recall.
Willow: But it hasn’t happened to you lately?
Buffy: Not of late.
Willow: Not even for a dangerous and mysterious older man whose leather jacket you’re wearing right now?
Buffy: (in mock annoyance) Goes with the shoes!
Willow: Come on, Angel pushes your buttons. You know he does.
Buffy: I suppose some girls might find him good looking… (gets a look from Willow) …if they have eyes, alright, he’s a honey, but… it’s just he’s never around, and when he is, all he wants to do is talk about vampires, and… I, I just can’t have a relationship…
Willow: (sees Xander) There he is!
Buffy: Angel?
Willow: Xander!
He walks into the club and checks out a girl on the way. She stares after him. He comes up to their table.
Xander: Girls!
Buffy: Boy!
Xander: Sorry I’m late, I… just forgot that we were gonna be here. (sees Buffy’s croissant) Hungry! (tears a piece off and eats it)
Willow: Xander, you still want me to help you with geometry tomorrow? (Xander takes a swig of Buffy’s cola) We can work after class…
Xander: (gives Willow a thumbs-up) Yeah. (to Buffy) What is this crap? Buffy: Well, it was my buttery croissant.
Xander: Man, I need some food! Birds live on this!
Buffy and Willow look at each other and then at Xander. He looks back and forth at them.
Xander: What?
Buffy: What’s up with you?
Willow: Is something wrong? Did I do something?
Xander: (to Willow) What could you possibly do? That’s crazy talk. I’m just… restless.
Willow: Well, we could go to the ice cream place…
Xander: (points to the table) I like it here.
He looks up and scans the area a bit, and then leans toward Buffy and sniffs her hair.
Buffy: Okay, now what?
Xander: You took a bath.
Buffy: Yeah, I-I often do, I’m actually known for it.
Xander: That’s okay.
Willow and Buffy exchange another look.
Buffy: And the weird behavior award goes to…
Xander sees Kyle and the others come in. Buffy sees them, too. “Reluctant Man”, by Sprung Monkey, starts to play.
Lyrics: Oh, Reluctant Man
Buffy: Oh, great. It’s the winged monkeys.
Kyle and company come over to them.
Lyrics: Who’s afraid to touch the world / Why are you hiding? / What is the base of all your fears?
Xander stares back at them.
Lyrics: Do you find yourself in a cold cruel world
Kyle stops at their table, and he and Xander stare each other down. Lyrics: Dark and desperate, scared and lonely?
They go around to another table that’s occupied.
Lyrics: Selfish Man / Who never gave to no one else / What are you holding? / Is it worth the price you pay?
Kyle: (to the boy at the table) Y’know, I don’t understand why you’re sitting at our table.
Lyrics: ‘Cause your eyes they see just what you want to see
Rhonda: Yeah, shouldn’t you be hovering over the football stadium with ‘Goodyear’ written on you?
Lyrics: And I hope they’re not staring blindly at me
They all laugh. Xander was watching and laughs also as he turns back to Buffy. He stops laughing when he sees she doesn’t think it’s funny.
Xander: Kid’s fat.
Cut to the school. Cut to the library. Giles is wearing protective gear while Buffy trains on him. She does a roundhouse kick followed by a high punch and a swinging middle punch to Giles’ gloved hands. She continues, doing a full spin and finishing with a backhand punch. She does a full spinning jumping high wheel kick followed by a right middle punch, a high roundhouse kick and a front snap kick. Then she jumps high and does a twin straddle kick. She lands back on her feet and moves in to attack again, when Giles suddenly jumps back.
Giles: Right! (Buffy stops short) That’s enough training for one day.
Buffy: Well, that last roundhouse was kinda sloppy. Are you sure you don’t wanna do it again?
Giles: (out of breath) No! No, no, that’s fine. You just… run along to class. (Buffy goes) (to himself) While I wait for the feeling to return to my arms.
Cut to the halls. Herbert the mascot has gotten loose. The students in the hall are startled and try to get away. Mr. Flutie chases the pig.
Mr. Flutie: Look out! It’s gotten loose!
The camera dodges the students’ legs from Herbert’s point of view. Buffy comes around the corner, reacts quickly to catch him and picks him up.
Mr. Flutie: Lordy, Herbert! Gave Mr. Flutie quite a scare, didn’t he? Students, I’d like you all to met Herbert, our new mascot for the Sunnydale High Razorbacks!
The students all clap.
Buffy: He’s so cute!
Mr. Flutie: He’s not cute. No! He’s a fierce Razorback! (more clapping) Buffy: He doesn’t look mean, Mr. Flutie.
Mr. Flutie: He’s mean, he’s ready for action! See? (indicates Herbert’s helmet with foam tusks) Here are the tusks… (gestures at a piece of serrated green foam tied to Herbert’s back) the scary Razorback!
Buffy: You’re right. He’s a fine mascot and will engender school spirit.
Mr. Flutie: Uh, he better. Costs a fortune to feed him. (to Herbert) Alright, let’s get you back into your cage.
Herbert squeals when Buffy wants to hand him to Mr. Flutie. Mr. Flutie: (points behind himself) This way.
Cut outside to Willow helping Xander with his geometry. Xander: I’m not getting this.
Willow: It’s simple, really. See, ‘The bisector of a vertex is the line that divides the angle at that vertex into two equal parts.’
Xander: It’s like a big blur, all these numbers and angles. Willow: It’s the same stuff from last week. You had it down then. Xander: Why do I need to learn this?
Willow: ‘Cause otherwise you’ll flunk math?
Xander: Explain the part where that’s bad. (rubs the bridge of his nose)
Willow: You remember, you fail math, you flunk out of school, you end up being the guy at the pizza place that sweeps the floor and says, ‘Hey, kids, where’s the cool parties this weekend?’ We’ve been through this. (Xander rubs his right temple) Do you have a headache? (reaches up to him)
Xander: (shakes her off) Yeah, and I think I know what’s causing it. (throws his geometry book into the trash) Ah! That’s better, it goes right to the source of the pain.
Willow: Xander…
Xander: (frustrated) Look, forget it, okay? I don’t get it. I won’t ever. (gets up) I don’t care.
He throws his math notebook into Willow’s lap and leaves in a huff. Willow: (watches Xander go) We can finish this another time.
Cut to the halls. Buffy follows Mr. Flutie to the faculty room with Herbert in her arms. They stop outside.
Mr. Flutie: See, the problem is you kids today have no school spirit. Hold on, let me get his outfit off. (removes it) Today it’s all gangs and drugs and those movies on Showtime with the nudity. (Buffy gives him a look) I don’t have cable, I only heard. When I was your age we cared about the school’s reputation and the football team’s record, all that stuff! Of course, when I was your age I was surrounded by old guys telling me how much better things were when they were my age. (goes into the faculty room)
Buffy: (to Herbert) Yeah!
Xander comes into the hall from outside. Herbert squeals and reacts to his presence as he walks by. Buffy looks confused as she watches Xander pass, and tries to keep Herbert from jumping out of her arms.
Cut outside. Lightning strikes. Cut to the gym.
Coach Harrold: Alright, it’s raining, all regular gym classes have been postponed, so you know what that means: (holds up a large rubber ball) dodgeball! Now, for those of you that may have forgotten, the rules are as follows: you dodge.
He tosses the ball to Buffy. He blows his whistle, and the two groups move back from center court. He whistles again and the ball throwing commences. Xander nails his first victim. Buffy and the pack members easily dodge the balls. The coach enjoys the game from the sidelines. Xander nails another victim. The coach continues to watch. Buffy throws a ball and hits her mark. Xander throws again and nails Willow hard on the back. She gives him a hurt and confused look as she walks off of the court. Xander catches a ball as he watches Willow go, but soon continues the game. Willow sits down, crosses her arms and keeps looking at him. A few seconds later just the pack and Lance are left on one side, Buffy on
the other. The pack looks at her briefly, then focuses on Lance. He falls to the floor and cowers as they each throw their ball at him hard. Buffy runs over and helps Lance up. She stares at Xander. He stares back. She watches as he and the others leave.
Coach Harrold: God, this game is brutal. I love it!
Cut to the halls. Willow is waiting for Xander, and goes up to him when he comes from the other hall with the pack.
Willow: Xander… What’s wrong with you?
He looks at the others briefly and pulls Willow aside.
Xander: I guess you’ve noticed that I’ve been different around you lately.
Willow: Yes.
Xander: I think, um… I think it’s because my feelings for you have been changing.
Buffy comes around the corner to her locker and sees them. She works the combination.
Xander: And, well, we’ve been friends for such a long time that I feel like I need to tell you something.
Willow looks at him expectantly.
Xander: I’ve, um… I’ve decided to drop geometry. So I won’t be needing your math help anymore. Which means I won’t have to look at your pasty face again.
He and the others laugh. Willow is crushed. She turns and leaves. Buffy watches her quickly walk by. She slams her locker and approaches Xander with her arms crossed. He stops laughing.
Buffy: You gonna say something to me?
Xander just looks at her and starts laughing again more loudly. He goes back to the pack, and they leave. Buffy goes after Willow.
Cut outside. The pack walks along. Xander stops and sniffs the air. Xander: Dogs!
Kyle: Where?
Xander leads them to a group of three boys sitting at a table. Boy#1: You’re out of your mind, that’s no way to play guitar. Boy#2: What are you talking about?
Boy#1: I mean, that’s just hunt and peck!
Boy#2: It’s not!
Boy#1: (the pack arrives) Hey, Xander, you’ve heard Wretched Refuse play, what do you think of the guy who plays lead?
Tor reaches for Boy#1’s hotdog. Heidi takes Boy#2’s hotdog. Boy#1: Hey. Hey, what are you guys…
Rhonda: Shut up.
Kyle: You’re sharing.
Xander: Friends like to share. (to Tor and Heidi) Good? Tor: It’s too well-done.
He throws the rest of the hotdog back on Boy#1’s lunch, Heidi back on Boy#2’s.
Boy#1: Hey! That is not cool.
Xander sniffs the air again and looks in the scent’s direction. He leads them off. Kyle climbs onto the table and stomps the boys’ lunches.
Boy#1: Hey!
Cut to the faculty room. They all come in. Xander inhales deeply through his nose. The other two boys go to close the blinds. They all approach the cage. Xander bends down to look at Herbert.
Xander: Let’s do lunch.
The pig becomes nervous and squeals.

Part 2
Outside at school. Xander and the pack come walking in slow motion up the stairs from below the administrative offices to the quad. Several students stare at them as they walk by. “Job’s Eyes”, by Far, plays as background music.
Lyrics: I’m sure this rain won’t last / I’m sure its time is up / Though it’s pouring down
Lance walks by and just stops in front of them. They look at him and Xander sniffs him, but they keep walking right by.
Lyrics: I’m sure this rain won’t last / And it falls on Job’s eyes / This water of doubt / And I’m wading in lies / It’s wearing me out / But if you want it, alright / I’ll buy it / I’ll buy it / I’ll buy it / I’ll buy it / I’ll buy it / I’ll…
Xander notices Buffy and Willow sitting and talking on the balcony above. His hearing has become sensitive and he overhears.
Willow: I’ve known him my whole life, Buffy.
Cut to the girls.
Willow: (tears in her eyes) Well, we haven’t always been close, but he’s never… (exhales)
Buffy: I think something’s wrong with him.
Willow: Or maybe there’s something wrong with me.
Buffy: What are you talking about?
Willow: C’mon. He’s not picking on you. He’s just sniffing you a lot. I don’t know, maybe three isn’t company anymore.
Buffy: You think this has something to do with me?
Willow: Of course.
Buffy: No. That still doesn’t explain why he’s hanging out with the dode patrol. (hops off the railing) Something’s going on. Something weird. (starts to go)
Willow: What’re you gonna do?
Buffy: Talk to the expert on weird.
Cut to the library. Giles is going about his work. Buffy follows him as they talk.
Giles: Xander’s taken to teasing the less fortunate?
Buffy: Uh-huh.
Giles: And, there’s been a noticeable change in both clothing and demeanor?
Buffy: Yes.
Giles: And, well, otherwise all his spare time is spent lounging about with imbeciles.
Buffy: It’s bad, isn’t it.
Giles: It’s devastating. He’s turned into a sixteen-year-old boy. Course, you’ll have to kill him.
Buffy: Giles, I’m serious.
Giles: So am I. Except for the part about killing him. Testosterone is a great equalizer. It turns all men into morons. He will, however, get over it.
Buffy: (exasperated) I cannot believe that you, of all people, are trying to Scully me. There is something supernatural at work here. (grabs some books) Get your books! Look stuff up!
Giles: (takes the books) Look under what?
Buffy: I don’t know. (exhales) That’s your department. Giles: The evidence that you’ve presented me with is sketchy at best. Buffy: He scared the pig. (Giles gives her a look) Well, he did…
Giles: Buffy, boys can be cruel. They tease, they, they, they prey on the weak. I-i-it’s natural teen behavior pattern.
Buffy: What did you just say?
Giles: Um, they tease.
Buffy: They prey on the weak. I’ve heard that somewhere bef… (it clicks in her mind) Xander has been acting totally wiggy ever since we went to the zoo. Him and Kyle and all those guys, they went into the hyena cage. Oh, God, that laugh…
Giles: You’re saying that, uh, Xander’s becoming a hyena.
Buffy: I don’t know. Or been possessed by one? Not just Xander, all of them.
Giles: Well, I-I-I’ve cer-certainly never heard of, uh… Willow: (comes into the library) Herbert! They found him. Buffy: The pig?
Willow: Dead. And also eaten. Principal Flutie’s freaking out. Buffy: (to Giles) Testosterone, huh?
Giles heads towards his office.
Willow: What’re you gonna do?
Giles: Get my books. Look stuff up.
Cut outside. Mr. Flutie is walking angrily. He sees Kyle and the others. Xander isn’t with them. Mr. Flutie approaches them.
Mr. Flutie: (angry) You four!
Kyle: What?
Mr. Flutie: Oh, don’t think I don’t know. Three kids saw you outside Herbert’s room. You’re busted! Yeah! You’re goin’ down.
Rhonda: How is Herbert?
Heidi: Crunchy!
They all laugh. Mr. Flutie is incensed.
Mr. Flutie: That’s it! My office, right now. (they laugh more) Now!
They stop laughing. Kyle gets off of the table and indicates for the others to follow.
Mr. Flutie: You’re gonna have so much detention, your grandchildren’ll be staying after school.
Cut to the library. Willow is at the table researching. Buffy is on the stairs behind her with a book.
Buffy: Wow! Apparently Noah rejected the hyenas from the Ark because he thought they were an evil impure mixture of dogs and cats.
Willow: Hyenas aren’t well liked.
Buffy: They do seem to be the schmoes of the animal kingdom. (comes over to Willow)
Willow: Why couldn’t Xander be possessed by a puppy or, or some ducks? Buffy: That’s assuming ‘possession’ is the right word.
Giles: (comes over from the cage) Oh, I’ll say it is. The Masai of the Serengeti have spoken of animal possession for, for generations. I… I should have remembered that.
Buffy: So how does it work?
Giles: Well, apparently there’s a, a sect of animal worshipers known as Primals. They believe that humanity, uh, consciousness, uh, the soul, is a, is a perversion, a dilution of spirit. Uh, to them the animal state
is holy. They are able, through trans-possession, to, to, um, draw the spirit of certain animals into themselves.
Buffy: And then they started acting like hyenas.
Giles: Well, only the most predatory of animals are, are of interest to the Primals, so, uh, yes, yes, that would fit, yes.
Buffy: So, what happens to the person once the spirit’s in them? Giles: If it goes unchecked…
He hands Buffy a book open to a certain page. She takes one look, slams the book shut and quickly gets up to go.
Buffy: I gotta find Xander.
Willow picks up the book and opens it to the bookmark. There’s a drawing of people with limbs bitten off, heads missing and other massive injuries.
Cut to the faculty room. Herbert’s cage has been mangled. Buffy comes in and looks around. She inspects the cage.
Buffy: (exhales) They are strong.
She steps on something that crunches and crouches down to the floor. She finds parts of Herbert, some vertebrae and other bones. She picks up a rib. Xander comes in and stands behind her. Buffy gets back up and turns around, only to be startled by him.
Buffy: Xander.
She tries to evade him, but he’s quick to match her movement. Buffy: (exhales) This is ridiculous. We need to talk.
She fakes him out and jumps on him, knocking him down with her on top holding down his arms.
Xander: (smiles) Been waitin’ for you to jump my bones.
Cut to Mr. Flutie’s office. He stands in front of his desk and lectures Kyle and his friends.
Mr. Flutie: I have seen some sick things in my life! Believe me! But this is beyond the pale! What is it with you people?
The pack starts to whine and stalk him.
Mr. Flutie: Is it drugs? How could you? A poor defenseless pig? (notices their behavior) What are you doing?
Cut to the faculty room. Xander growls and rolls Buffy over onto her back so he’s on top now and has her arms pinned down.
Buffy: Get off of me.
Xander: Is that what you really want? (Buffy struggles a bit) We both know what you really want. You want danger, don’t cha? You like your men dangerous.
Buffy: You’re in trouble, Xander. You are infected with some hyena thing, it’s like a demonic possession!
Xander: Dangerous and mean, right? Like Angel. Your Mystery Guy. Well, guess who just got mean.
Cut to Mr. Flutie’s office. He goes around behind his desk to get away from the pack. They slowly approach.
Mr. Flutie: Now, stop that! You’re only gonna make things worse for yourselves. I tell you how this is gonna work: I am gonna call your parents, and they are gonna take you all home.
He reaches for his phone, but Tor gets his hands on it first and tries to stare him down. Mr. Flutie looks at him a moment and then gestures to be given the phone. Tor gives it to him.
Mr. Flutie: Thank you.
He starts to pull the phone toward himself to dial, but Rhonda tears it away from him and throws it off of the desk.
Rhonda: I’m sorry…
Mr. Flutie: (furiously) That is it!
He tries to get past them, but Kyle growls at him and he falls back into his chair.
Cut to Buffy and Xander. He is still on top of her.
Xander: Do you know how long… I’ve waited… until you’d stop pretending that we aren’t attracted…
Buffy throws him off of her and quickly gets up to face him. He gets up, too, and begins to approach her as she backs away.
Xander: Until Willow… stops kidding herself… that I could settle with anyone but you?
Buffy: Look, Xander, I don’t wanna hurt you…
He grabs her by the shoulders and pushes her against the vending machine.
Xander: Now do you wanna hurt me?
Buffy struggles, but the possessed Xander is too strong. Xander: Come on, Slayer. I like it when you’re scared. She struggles a bit more.
Xander: The more I scare you, (sniffs her) the better you smell. He moves in and kisses her roughly on the neck.
Cut to Mr. Flutie’s office. The pack continues to taunt and sniff him.
Mr. Flutie: You’re about this close to expulsion, people! (gets up) I’m willing to talk to the school counselor, and we can discuss options…
He tries to go again, but Heidi stops him. Tor climbs onto his desk and growls at him.
Mr. Flutie: (angrily) Get down from there this instant! Rhonda gets in his face and scratches his cheek with her nails. He falls
back into his chair with his hand covering his face. He takes his hand away and sees the blood.
Mr. Flutie: (terrified) Are you insane?!
Tor jumps on him from the desk, and the rest of the pack descends on him and begins feeding. The camera closes in on a picture of Mr. Flutie on his desk.

Part 3
The library. Willow is watching footage of feeding hyenas on the PC. She looks up when she hears the door open and stops the playback. She sees Buffy dragging Xander into the library and goes over to them.
Buffy: Hurry up. We gotta get him locked up somehow before he comes to. Willow: Oh, my God, Xander! What happened?
Buffy: I hit him.
Willow: With what?
Buffy: A desk.
Willow opens the cage door, and Buffy drags him in.
Buffy: He tried his hand at felony sexual assault.
Willow: Oh, Buffy, the hyena in him didn’t…
Buffy: No. (they arrange him on the floor of the cage) No, but it’s safe to say that in his animal state his idea of wooing doesn’t involve a Yanni CD and a bottle of Chianti. (locks the cage) There, that oughtta hold him. Where’s Giles?
Willow: He got called to some teacher’s meeting. What are we gonna do? I mean… how do we get Xander back?
Giles comes into the library.
Buffy: Right now I’m a little more worried about what the rest of the pack are up to.
Giles: The rest of the pack were spotted outside Herbert the mascot’s cage. They were sent to the principal’s office.
Willow: Good! That’ll show ’em. (Giles is silent) Did it show ’em? Giles exhales but remains silent, searching for what to say. Buffy: They didn’t hurt him, did they?
Giles: They, uh… ate him.
Willow has to sit down. She and Buffy can’t believe what they just heard.
Buffy: They ate Principal Flutie?
Willow: Ate him up?
Giles: The, uh, official theory is that wild dogs got into his office somehow. There was no one at the scene.
Willow: But Xander didn’t. (to Buffy) He, he was with you. Giles: (sees Xander in the cage) Oh! Uh, well, that’s a small mercy. Buffy: Giles, how do we stop this? How do you trans-possess someone?
Giles: I-I’m afraid I still don’t have all the pieces. Um, the accounts of the Primals and their methods are a bit thin on the ground. There is some talk of a-a-a predatory act, but the exact ritual is, is, um… (thinks, picks up a book) The Malleus Maleficarum deals in particulars of demonic possession, which… may apply… (looks through a few pages) Yes, one, one should be able to transfer the spirits to another human.
Buffy: Oh, that’s great. Any volunteers?
Giles: Oh. Good point.
Buffy: What we need to do is put the hyena back in the hyena. Giles: B-but until we know more, uh…
Buffy: Betcha that zookeeper could tell us. Maybe he didn’t quarantine those hyenas because they were sick.
Giles: We should talk to him.
Buffy: Okay. (starts to go but stops) Oh, wait, somebody’s gotta watch Xander.
Willow: (gets up) I will.
Buffy: Will, are you sure? If he wakes up…
Willow: (holds her hand out for the keys) I’ll be alright. Go.
After a moment’s hesitation Buffy gives Willow the keys to the cage and grabs her coat.
Buffy: (to Giles) C’mon.
Willow watches them leave, then looks over at Xander in the cage. She slips the keys into her pocket.
Cut outside at night. A young woman with her baby in a backpack walks through some bushes and sees the pack lying on the ground, sleeping after their meal. The pack wakes and sees the woman. She becomes panicy and slowly backs up, almost stepping on Tor. She turns suddenly when she hears him growl. He drools heavily. The members of the pack slowly crawl toward her. The woman finally turns and runs, and the pack lies back down to rest some more.
Cut to the library. Xander wakes up.
Xander: Willow.
She is watching the hyena video again. She stops it and turns to look at him.
Willow: How are you feeling?
Xander: Like somebody hit me with a desk. (looks around) What am I doin’ here?
Willow: (gets up and goes toward the cage) You’re… resting?
Xander: You guys got me locked up now. (stands up)
Willow: ‘Cause you’re sick. Buffy said…
Xander: (interrupts) Oh, yeah. Buffy and her all-purpose solution: punch ’em out ‘n’ knock ’em down. I’d love to see what she’d do to somebody who was really sick.
Willow: That’s not fair. Buffy saved both of our lives.
Xander: Before she came here our lives didn’t need that much saving, did they? Weren’t things a lot simpler when it was just you and me?
Willow: (moves closer) Maybe…
Xander: When we were alone together… Willow, I know there’s something wrong with me. I think it’s gettin’ worse. But I can’t just stand around waitin’ for Buffy to decide it’s time to punch me out again. (exhales) Look, I want you to help me. I want you.
Willow: I am helping you.
Xander: (exhales) You’re doing what you’re told.
Willow: Buffy’s trying to help you, too. You know that. Or Xander does.
Xander: Yeah… Buffy’s so selfless. Always thinking of us. Well, if I’m so dangerous, how come she left you alone with me?
Willow: I told her to.
Xander: Why?
Willow: ‘Cause I know you better than she does… and I wanted to be here to see if… you were still you.
Xander: You know I am. Look at me. (long pause) Looook. Willow: (moves even closer, whispers) Xander…
He makes a grab for her through the book return slot in the cage, but she jerks back in time.
Willow: Now I know.
Xander: (bangs on the cage) LET ME OUT! LET ME OUT!
Cut to the zookeeper’s office.
Zookeeper: The students have been possessed by the hyenas? Giles: Yes.
Zookeeper: Are you sure?
Buffy: We’re really, really sure.
Giles: Y-you don’t seem enormously surprised by this.
Zookeeper: The zoo imported those hyenas from Africa. There was something strange about them from day one. I did some homework… That particular breed is very rare. Totally vicious. Historically they were worshipped by these guys…
Giles: Primals.
Zookeeper: Yeah! Creepy guys! Now, they had rituals for taking the hyena spirits, but I-I don’t see how that coulda happened to your kids.
Giles: Uh, we don’t know exactly how the ritual works. We know that it involves a, um, um… predatory act and some kind of symbol.
Zookeeper: Predatory act? Of course. That makes sense. Where did you read that?
Giles: Do you have Sherman Jeffries’ work on, on cults and on… Buffy: (impatiently) Boys?
Giles: Sorry.
Zookeeper: Look.
Giles: (raises his hand slightly) Sorry.
Zookeeper: Look. I think we may have enough information so that together we could pull off a reverse trans-possession.
Buffy: What do we do?
Zookeeper: We’ve gotta get those possessed students over to the hyena cage right away. I’ll meet you there. We can begin the rituals.
Buffy: W-well, we can guarantee one of them, but there are four more, and we have no idea where they are.
Zookeeper: No, I wouldn’t worry about that. After hyenas feed and rest they will track the missing member of their pack until they find him. They should come right to you.
Buffy: (worried) Willow!
Cut to the library. Willow is watching the hyena video again. Xander paces in the cage.
Xander: Willow…
Willow: I’m not listening.
Cut to the small arched windows high up on the wall. Kyle appears at one, Heidi at the other.
Kyle: Wiiillooow…

Part 4
The library. Kyle is looking in through the window.
Kyle: Wiiillooow…
Willow: (turns to the cage) Xander, shut up!
Kyle: Wiiillooow…
She looks up at the window where the sound is coming from, sees Kyle and startles. Kyle and Heidi kick in the windows. Willow gets up and runs from the library. The pack comes in as Xander kicks and pounds at the cage. Kyle manages to bend over the corner of the door. The others start banging at the cage, too.
Cut to the hall. Willow stops at the intersection.
Cut to the library. The pack pulls down the door, freeing Xander. They whine and sniff each other.
Cut to the hall. Willow runs to a door and tries it, but finds it locked.
Cut to the library. Xander looks toward the library doors and begins tracking Willow. The others follow.
Cut to the hall. Willow runs to another door on the other side of the hall and finds it open. She goes in and closes the door behind her. The pack reaches the hall intersection and sniffs around for Willow’s scent.
Cut inside the classroom. Willow hides under the teacher’s desk.
Cut to the hall. The pack splits up and begins searching for Willow. Xander and Heidi come down the hall. He keeps sniffing. He looks at the door that Willow went through and goes into the classroom with Heidi. Willow stays quiet under the desk. Xander looks around and sees nothing. He motions with his head for them to leave. When Willow hears the door close she comes out from under the desk. She looks toward the door, sees Xander and screams as she jumps back against the window blinds. Xander growls and leaps over the desk at her. She runs around the desk to get away and tips over a student desk to block Xander’s way. He comes after her and trips over the desk. Willow runs out of the door, but is met by Heidi. Buffy comes up behind Heidi and hits her on the back with a fire extinguisher, knocking her down and out. Willow comes out of the room and goes over to Giles. Xander has gotten up and rushes Buffy. She kicks him, and he falls in the hall outside the classroom also. Buffy discards the extinguisher. The other three pack members appear at the end of the hall.
Giles: Run!
They come running. Giles and Willow run back into the classroom, and Buffy follows, closing and locking the door behind her. The pack pounds on the door but can’t get in and soon leaves.
Buffy: I think they’re going.
Willow: They could be faking it.
Buffy: No, they’re hungry. They’ll be looking for somebody weak. I’m really sorry, Will. I didn’t know they were gonna come after Xander.
Willow: (shaken) It’s okay.
Giles: We must lead them back to the zoo if we’re going to stop this. Buffy: And before their next meal. Guess that’s my job.
Giles: Well, individually they’re almost as strong as you. As a group they’re…
Buffy: They’re tough, but I think they’re getting stupider. You guys go to the zoo and I will bring them to you. (leaves)
Cut to a house where a family is coming out.
Mr. Anderson: I didn’t say she looks better than you, I said she looks better.
Mrs. Anderson: I heard what I heard. (to her son) Joey, chew! You have
to chew or you’ll choke!
They get into their Jeep.
Mr. Anderson: I don’t see why we have to have this conversation every time we see them.
Mrs. Anderson: I didn’t start it. (puts on her seatbelt) Mr. Anderson: (looks at the ignition) Damn. Where are the keys? Mrs. Anderson: Huh?
They hear Joey’s name being called from outside and begin to look around. Kyle looks down from the Jeep’s roof into Joey’s window. The mother screams. Two others climb onto the hood and slap the windshield. Xander is at the window opposite Kyle. They all pound on the car.
Mr. Anderson: What going on?! Hey! Get off! Get off of there! Xander breaks the window with his elbow.
Joey: Get away!
Xander growls and reaches in for Joey. His mother reaches back to try to protect him.
Mrs. Anderson: Joey! Joey! Joey!
Buffy comes running up, grabs Rhonda and throws her off of the hood to the ground. She climbs to the roof and does an in-to-out crescent kick, knocking Kyle off. She looks down at Xander’s feet sticking out of the window.
Mrs. Anderson: Joey!
Buffy: Didn’t your mom teach you? (Xander hears her) Don’t play with your food.
Xander crawls out and looks up at her. The pack gathers around him and looks up at her. She straightens up and puts her hands on her hips.
Buffy: C’mon. You know what you want.
She turns, jumps off of the car and starts running down the street. The pack gives chase.
Cut to the Hyena House. Giles and Willow arrive at a run. Willow: The pathway to the Hyena House. Where’s the zookeeper?
Giles: Uh, he must be inside. I-I’ll go in and prepare things. You just warn, uh, us when you hear Buffy and the others approaching.
He runs in. Willow turns around to watch and wait.
Cut to Buffy running through a stand of trees. The pack is close behind.
Cut inside the Hyena House. Giles ducks under the tape and comes into the main area.
Giles: Doctor? Uh… Zookeeper?
He hears a door close and is startled by the zookeeper. He is all made up.
Giles: Oh! Oh, of course, the, uh, Masai ceremonial garb. Yes… Very good. Are you, uh, otherwise prepared for the trans-possession?
Zookeeper: (nods) Almost.
Giles: (notices the markings on the floor) Oh, right! The, uh, sacred circle. Yes, you’d need that to, um… This would be here when… when the children first came. Why would you… (figures it out, exhales) How terribly frustrating for you, that a bunch of school children could accomplish what you could not.
Zookeeper: It bothered me. But the power will be mine.
Giles tries to get away, but the zookeeper hits him in the gut with his staff and again on the back, knocking him out. He tosses the staff aside and drags Giles away.
Cut to Buffy, still running through the trees. Cut to outside the Hyena House. Willow hears them coming and runs in. Cut inside.
Willow: They’re almost here! Giles! Giles! (sees the zookeeper) Where are the hyenas for the trans-possession?
Zookeeper: They’re right here in the feeding area.
Willow runs to see the hyenas, but he stops her.
Zookeeper: Stay back! They haven’t been fed.
Willow: Where’s Giles?
Zookeeper: He’s… laying in wait.
Willow: They’re almost here. Shouldn’t you bring the hyenas out?
Zookeeper: When the time is right. I’m gonna need your help. (begins binding her wrists)
Cut outside. Buffy comes running in.
Buffy: They’re right behind me!
Cut inside.
Willow: That’s Buffy! Get ready!
The zookeeper takes Willow and positions her in front of him. Zookeeper: Here.
Willow: What is this?
Zookeeper: A predatory act, remember? (holds a knife to her throat)
Willow: Uh, right. You’ll pretend to slash my throat and, and put the evil in the hyenas?
Zookeeper: Something like that.
Willow realizes the zookeeper has other intentions. Buffy comes running in, but stops short when she sees Willow being held by the zookeeper.
Willow: Buffy, it’s a trap!
Xander grabs Buffy from behind and they fall to the floor. The others come in and get on top of her, too.
Zookeeper: YU BA YA SA NA!
The pack looks up at him, and their eyes all flash green. Then the zookeeper’s eyes flash green. He turns to Willow and growls. He drops the knife, grabs her head and moves in to bite her.
Xander: Willow!
He gets up and charges the zookeeper, knocking him down and away from Willow. The pack gets off of Buffy. The zookeeper gets up and punches Xander. Buffy gets up and punches the zookeeper. Kyle and his gang see the fight and begin to crawl away on their butts. The zookeeper charges Buffy, but she knocks him back down. He charges her again, and she tosses him over onto his back. He gets up and tries again. Buffy gets under him and throws him up and into the hyena pit. He tries to climb out, but is dragged back down by the hyenas. Kyle and company get up and scramble away. Buffy runs to the pit to see if she can save the zookeeper, but she’s too late. She looks away as Xander comes over to untie Willow. Giles comes out of the back room.
Giles: Uh, did I miss anything?
Cut to the school the next day. The shot from the balcony shows Buffy, Willow and Xander walking across the quad.
Willow: I heard the vice-principal’s taking over till they can find a replacement.
Buffy: It shouldn’t be too hard to find a new principal. Unless they ask what happened to the last one.
Xander: Okay, but I had nothing to do with that, right? They start to climb the stairs.
Buffy: Oh, right.
Willow: You only ate the pig.
Xander: I ate a pig? Was it cooked and called bacon or… The girls shake their heads.
Xander: (covering his face) Oh, my God! I ate a pig? I mean, the whole trichinosis issue aside, yuck!
Buffy: Well, it wasn’t really you.
Xander: Well, I remember I was goin’ on the field trip, and then goin’ down to the Hyena House, and next thing some guy’s holding Willow and he’s got a knife.
Willow: You saved my life.
Xander: Hey! Nobody messes with my Willow. (gives her a hug) Buffy looks on and smiles. Willow smiles, too.
Buffy: This is definitely the superior Xander. Accept no substitutes.
Xander: I didn’t do anything else, did I, around you guys or anything embarrassing?
The girls smile, and Buffy considers what to tell him.
Buffy: (shakes her head) Nah!
Willow: Not at all.
Buffy: (to Willow) C’mon. We’re gonna be late. (takes her hand and they go)
Willow: (to Xander) See you at lunch.
Xander: Cool! Oh, hey, goin’ vegetarian! Huh?
He gives them two thumbs-up. Willow turns and smiles at him. So does Buffy. Xander starts to head the other way when he is met by Giles.
Giles: I’ve been reading up on my, uh, animal possession, and I cannot find anything anywhere about memory loss afterwards.
Xander: Did you tell them that?
Giles: (leans to Xander’s ear) Your secret dies with me. Xander: Shoot me, stuff me, mount me.
Giles pats him on the shoulder as he shakes his head and starts walking along the balcony. He leans on the railing and watches Xander go. Xander can’t believe what has happened to him.

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Marianne LeBlanc

Hi, I’m Marianne LeBlanc, and I started this unofficial fan site for the show. We are dedicated to providing Buffy lovers across the globe with all of the information they could possibly need about the show.

Whether you are a Buffy fan, or you are just beginning your vampire slaying journey, you will find our content both interesting and intriguing. There really is something for everyone.

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