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New Moon Rising (February 28, 2000) Written by: Marti Noxon |
| Teaser |
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EXT. PARK - DAY Willow and Tara are heading to Giles'. They hold hands, enjoying the stroll.
Do you like cats?
More of a dog person, myself. But I'm not like "Death to all cats!" Why?
'Cause I was thinking about getting one.
Can you have one in the dorms?
No. But this would be a sneaky cat.
That would be cool. You mean it'd be sort of like a familiar?
Actually, I was thinking it'd be sort of like a pet. You know - we could name her Trixie or... Miss Kitty Fantastico or something.
And we could make kitty go bonkers with string and cat nip and stuff?
Absolutely.
Fun. I'm in.
So - you're not allergic or anything?
Nope.
Good. 'Cause I want my room to be Willow-friendly.
Me too. They bask for a brief moment in the warmth of their mutual adoration. Then -
So I'm excited about the Scoobie meeting. . . I think. What's it about?
I'm not sure. Probably just your garden variety disaster. INT. GILES' APARTMENT - DAY Buffy, Giles, Xander, Anya, Willow, Tara and Riley are gathered.
Zippo. Patrol has been totally uneventful. My kill count's been way down.
(to Tara/helpfully) She means that there's been less bad guy activity.
(concerned) And we know what that often indicates.
Buffy doesn't make her quota. (to Buffy) Bad slayer!
I wish it were that innocuous. But with Adam about, I fear he may be involved somehow.
(to Tara again) When things get slow it's usually because something extra evil is brewing.
Except the weird thing is we've been busy at the Initiative. Our squads are pulling a lot more captures; we've got demons coming out of our ears.
(once again, to Tara) That's a metaphor -
Got it. Thanks.
I'm over-helping, aren't I? Tara nods sweetly. Willow clams up.
So activity hasn't stopped, just shifted. Fascinating...
To an extremely bored person, maybe. All you're really saying is - slow week for Buffy. Busy week for Riley. Pardon me if I delay my freak out until we actually know something.
She's got a point. It's not much to go on.
See? Buffy agrees with me. (to Xander) Let's go to the movies.
(defensive) I confess- it could be nothing, but it could also indicate any number of threatening scenarios.
Fine. What would you like us to do?
Well. I suppose you could... I think we should all -
Keep an eye out for threatening scenarios?
Precisely. The gang start to gather their things and head for the door.
Well - that was a thrilling hour.
I do not appreciate your snide remarks, Anya. I have a great deal of experience in these matters and when I tell you I feel something of import brewing, I-I... Giles falters, noticing that nobody is looking at him. He follows their stunned gazes to the door... Where Oz has entered.
Hey. BLACK OUT
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| Act One |
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INT. GILES' APARTMENT - DAY Back to those same stunned expressions. And Oz standing awkwardly before them. Willow looks like she's about to pass out.
Oz... Tara takes this in - realizes exactly who this is. Tries to hold it together.
Oz? She and Willow meet eyes for a beat. Then -
(to Oz) When - When did you get back?
Pretty much now. Everybody stands around uncomfortably. Finally, Xander moves up to him, shakes his hand.
Oz, man, hate to sound grandma but - you don't call, you don't write.
Yeah, sorry.
So are you here, here - or just passing through?
(before Oz can answer) Let's not bombard Oz with questions right off. (to Oz) Can I get you something? Some tea - Willow glances at Tara, panics.
Tea? Now? With... Oz?
Thanks, but I'll pass. Oz moves close to Willow, speaks to her softly. Tara watches, mortified, but pointedly looks away whenever Willow tries to catch her eye.
Look - I'm going over to Devon's to see if he has a place I can crash. But I was hoping we could talk later. Tonight.
I - I guess so.
I'll come by your place.
Okay. Again, Willow tries to give Tara a reassuring look - but she's gazing at the floor. Oz turns to the others.
It's good to see you guys. Really. And he takes off. A beat as Oz' return sinks in. Tara looks quietly stricken while the others mostly appear conflicted.
Everyone's uncomfortable now. Buffy moves to a shell-shocked Willow.
Are you okay?
What? I - no... Tara starts to move for the door. She's trying hard to hold it together.
I just... I realized... I'm late for study group.
Tara - wait.
It's okay. Y-you should be with your friends. And I should go.
But - Tara waves a quick goodbye to all assembled.
Bye. And she bails. Willow looks after her, completely stunned. EXT. GRAVEYARD - NIGHT Buffy and Riley are patrolling together.
So - I was missing something this afternoon, wasn't I? I mean, breakups are tough - but when Oz walked in - it seemed like emotions were running extra high.
Yeah. Oz and Willow had a -
(cutting her off) Hold that thought. Riley sends his fist flying over Buffy's head, smashing a DEMON who has emerged from the shadows just behind her. The demon staggers back, then attacks again and a quick fight ensues. Together, Buffy and Riley make short order of the demon. Almost too short.
Man. That was record time.
It's no fun when they're that easy.
Speak for yourself. (into walkie) Base, this is Agent Finn. We have an HST down. Please send a retrieval team down to Sector 72. A voice on the other end of the walkie squawks a reply.
No can do, Agent Finn. We're swamped here. All the retrieval units are in the field.
All of them? So what am I supposed to do with - He's cut off as the DEMON rises, snarling angrily. It lumbers toward Riley as if to attack. But Buffy whips out her battle ax and HURLS it at the demon - getting him right in the heart. The demon hits the ground with a thud, dead.
(into walkie) Never mind. Riley pockets the walkie and moves to Buffy.
Thanks.
Anytime. They kiss - then continue with their patrol.
So I was just about to say something fascinating...
Oz and Willow.
Right. They had a rough break-up. Some stuff came up and Oz bailed, like overnight. The whole thing left Will pretty devastated.
I remember.
Yeah. And before that they were doing great, too. Totally dealing with Oz being a werewolf and -
(surprised) Whoa. Back up there. Werewolf?
Right. Important detail. He got bit a couple of years back. Anyway -
Oz is a werewolf and Willow was dating him?
Well, yeah. Hence the high emotion.
Man. You're kidding me.
(growing defensive) It wasn't like he was bad all the time. He only changed three nights a month. I mean, besides the wolf thing, Oz is a great guy.
That's a big "besides," Buffy. Gotta say. I'm surprised. I didn't think Willow was that kind of girl.
(offended) What kind of girl?
Into dangerous guys. She seems smarter than that.
Oz is not dangerous. Something happened to him that wasn't his fault. God, I never knew you were such a bigot.
Whoah! How did we get to bigot? I'm just saying it's a little weird to date anyone that tries to eat you once a month.
(angrily) Love isn't logical, Rye. People can't just be Joe Sensible about it. God knows I haven't been.
We're not talking about you -
How 'bout we don't talk about it at all? Let's just patrol. Buffy moves off in a huff. Riley is totally confused. What was that all about? INT. TARA'S DORM ROOM - NIGHT Tara anxiously paces her room. Doesn't know what to do with herself...Finally, she picks up the phone to call Willow. But she hesitates - puts the phone down again. INT. WILLOW AND BUFFY'S DORM ROOM - NIGHT Willow, also beside herself, picks up the phone to call Tara - but then a knock on the door makes her nearly jump out of her skin. She puts the phone down, straightens her clothes and hair. Nervously opens the door to OZ.
Hey.
Hey. They stand there for an uncomfortable beat. Then -
So - you want to come in?
Actually, I want you to come out. I want to show you something.
(a little puzzled) Oh... Okay. She grabs her coat and follows Oz out. EXT. CAMPUS LANE - NIGHT Oz leads Willow to the center of a campus lawn. It's a clear, lovely night and the area they're in isn't well trafficked, so they're pretty much alone. They stop, finally, and Willow turns to Oz - emotional.
Oz. This is all so weird. I feel like this isn't really happening. Like it's a dream or something...
It's real. (then) Look up.
What?
Look at the sky. Willow does. A beautiful full moon lights the darkness.
Guess you stopped keeping track of them after I left. Willow looks back to Oz and his regular human self, then back at the sky in wonder.
Full moon... Now Oz smiles.
Full moon.
(growing excited) Full moon! But how? I mean - you did it! How did you do it? Where did you go?
It's a long story -
Oh my God! Oz! In the moment she forgets herself and throws herself into his arms. The touch is obviously powerful for both of them. Oz breathes her in, pulls her closer...
Willow - But Willow gently disengages.
This is... I mean, it's wonderful for you.
Will. I went through a lot of changes while we were apart.
Yeah...I know the feeling.
And I want to hear everything. I want to tell you everything. (then) But there's something, before all that. I talked to Xander - and he said you didn't have a new guy.
(awkwardly) No. No - new guy. Oz takes her hand, worries it. Speaks with barely controlled emotion... But he's Oz - so he controls it.
I know what I put you through. And I'm not going to push... But I'm a different person than when I left. I can be what you need now. And that's what I want. That's why I'm here. Willow takes this in. Takes in this man she's loved so much... She's speechless. EXT. WOODS - NIGHT Graham and Forrest lead a couple of units. They both scan the area using night vision equipment... Then Forrest lowers his binoculars, frustrated.
Nothing.
Well something's out here. Charlie Team just got another report of a demon sighting in this sector.
So let's split up. We can cover more ground. Maybe get home before breakfast.
Sounds like a plan. Graham signals to the portion of the unit he commands, two guys, to follow him. Forrest does the same. WE STAY WITH GRAHAM and his men as they move deeper into the woods. Everything's quiet... Then a young SOLDIER notices something, whispers to Graham.
Sir... In the woods SOMETHING MOVES, SNARLS. But as soon as both men turn, the woods fall silent again. Motionless. Graham signals for the men to stop, prepare for capture... There is MORE RUSTLING AND SNARLING IN THE WOODS. But now it seems to be coming from all around them. Then, suddenly, TWO LARGE DEMONS CRASH THROUGH THE TREES AND ATTACK. (NOTE: The demons should be of the hairy variety. NOT too close in appearance to a werewolf - but close enough that a description of one might be confused with the other.) Everything happens too fast. The demons are particularly strong and indifferent to the men's weapons. They easily swipe away tasers, wrench guns from soldiers' hands. Before he really knows what's happening, GRAHAM is thrown by a demon into a tree and hits the ground with a sickening thud. He's out, barely moving, as his men are MAULED by the powerful demons. It's over quickly. One of his men is dead, the other close to it. Graham regains consciousness just long enough to register the fact. The DEMONS survey their work. Not realizing Graham is still alive they crash back into the trees - satisfied. A long beat as we take in the sudden silence... Then we MOVE TOWARDS THE WOODS, searching until we find an ominous presence hidden there. ADAM. He clearly watched the whole battle. His number one henchmen, JAPE, is at his side.
Three down. Six billion to go, give or take. I told you those demons could get it done.
They were efficient.
Efficient? They were death on legs. You're telling me it's not enough? MOVE IN ON ADAM As his mind turns, calculating plans for his own personal holocaust.
It's not enough. BLACK OUT
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| Act Two |
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INT. WILLOW AND BUFFY'S DORM ROOM - DAY We move across the room, until we find Willow and OZ sitting on her bed. It's clear that they've gotten more comfortable - but not in a naked kind of way. The bed is made and they're fully clothed. In fact, Willow is even more clothed than earlier - she's wrapped in a beautiful Indian sari. There are some pictures and foreign coins and such spread out on the bed between them.
(re: sari) I love this.
A woman in Tibet traded it to me for a Radiohead CD. I got a lot of mileage out of the barter system.
So Tibet was your favorite?
It's where I stayed the longest. This warlock in Romania sent me to the monks there, to learn some meditation techniques. It was intense. All about keeping your inner cool.
(teasing) Good. 'Cause you were such a spaz before. (then) So that's it? You keep your cool and no more wolf?
There's more. I take some herbs and stuff, some chanting, couple charms. Willow shakes her head with amazement.
It's incredible. You've been all over the world. You've had this complete mind/body transformation... And I've just been - here. Same old Sunnydale.
That doesn't mean you haven't gone through a lot.
That's true. I passed poly-sci.
I'm serious. (off her silence) But if you don't want to talk about it... Willow, uncomfortable now, struggles.
Well, some of it, you know, was me telling myself I hated you and cursing your name. (quickly) Not literally.
Thanks for that.
(nods/then) And...I don't know...I think I'm getting better with my spells and stuff. I have a friend, we kind of help each other... Avoiding, Willow glances out the window. Pushes the curtain aside, surprised.
It's light out. What time is it? Oz checks his watch.
Almost eight. We talked all night.
I used to tell people we did that sometimes, but nobody believed you knew that many words. (then) I believe a manly-sized breakfast is in order, don't you?
Or we could sleep for a while. He puts a hand over hers, a gentle overture. They both feel the charge of that simple touch.
Whatever you want. Willow hesitates. Remembering the feel of his body. But she pushes the feeling down.
I think... I'll have the less confusing waffles right now.
Breakfast it is then.
Just let me freshen up. O.J. without the yummy toothpaste flavor just isn't the same. Willow grabs her toiletry bag and exits down the hall. Oz surveys Willow's room until he's interrupted by a knock on the door. Oz opens it to TARA, who looks devastated to find him there.
Oh... Sorry. I'll come back. She starts to move off but Oz stops her.
Are you looking for Willow? 'Cause she's just down in the bathroom.
N-no... That's okay.
I saw you at Giles' yesterday. Now Tara starts to back away, trying to move off before she loses it.
Yeah. Sometimes Willow takes me with her to the S-scoobies...
You sure you don't want to come in? Tara just shakes her head and tries to smile. Makes for the exit. Oz looks after her, a little puzzled. A beat later Willow returns from the bathroom. Reads the look on his face.
What?
Your friend came by. The blonde girl? But she wouldn't stay. Willow takes this in, blanches. But Oz is already gathering his coat, unaware of what just transpired. OFF WILLOW Feeling terrible. She knows what it looked like to Tara.
So what do you think? Where do you want to go? INT RILEY'S ROOM - DAY Riley's alarm is squawking. His hand slaps it off as he and Buffy awaken. Riley rolls over to her, puts his arms around her.
Morning.
Morning. She gives him a perfunctory kiss and gets out of bed, starts dressing. This gives Riley pause. He's used to a warmer greeting. He shrugs it off, pulls on some sweats and hits the floor - starting his morning push-ups.
Is that regulation or something? You have to do those every single morning?
(still going) No. I do them because it's a good way to start the day.
Right. And then you have your perfectly balanced breakfast and call your mother. Riley stops. Looks at Buffy.
Okay. I've been up less than a minute and somehow, I've managed to piss you off.
I'm not pissed off. Keep push-upping. (he does/irked) I just wish you were more spontaneous sometimes.
(gets up) I am spontaneous. I was going to do jumping jacks... Buffy just gives him a look at this. Continues dressing.
Okay. You want to tell me what's going on? Buffy realizes how she's behaving. Relents.
Sorry. I feel all itchy and cranky. It'd be better if I just go. She starts to head out. But Riley moves to her, gently pulls her into his lap as he sits on the bed. Wraps her in a hug.
No... Come on. Is this about that whole Willow thing last night? Buffy considers, relents a little.
I don't know. Maybe.
Look, I only said what I said because I'm concerned. I don't want her to get hurt.
I know. But you sounded like Mr. Initiative. "Demons bad. People good."
Something wrong with that theorem?
Well, yeah. There's degrees of ...
Evil.
It's different with different demons. There's creatures... vampires, for example, that aren't evil at all.
Name one.
(avoids it) The point is, every relationship has issues. Willow fell for Oz before he was even bit. It's always more complicated than - She might go on, but a knock on the door interrupts their discussion. Riley stands, calls -
Yeah. Come in. Forrest enters. Looks distraught.
Rye, need you downstairs. Beta team got hit.
Bad?
We lost Willis. Riley and Buffy both go pale.
Graham.
He's walking. We're going on a hunt. Riley grabs his shirt.
What kind of demons...
(bitterly) Does it matter? He bails - leaving Buffy rattled, upset... INT WILLOW AND BUFFY'S DORM ROOM - DAY Willow sits on her bed, the sari that Oz gave her lying next to her. She is lost in thought, her face etched with concern... Then Buffy enters, also in a worried space.
Hey.
Hey. You okay?
I just... don't really feel like talking about it. I want to hear about you and Oz. You saw him, right?
I was with him all night.
All night? Oh my God - (realizes) Wait. Last night was a wolf moon, wasn't it?
Yep.
So... You're about to tell me something incredibly kinky, or -
No kink. He didn't change, Buffy. He said he was going to find a cure, and he did. In Tibet. Buffy lets this sink in, amazed. Then -
Again - Oh my God! I can't believe it! (stops) Okay. I just noticed I'm all with the "woo hoo" - and you're not.
No - there's "woo" and "hoo". But there's also - "uh oh". And "why now?" And... it's complicated.
Why complicated? You got your boyfriend back. Willow looks at her friend for a long beat. Buffy can see the conflict on her face. Grows concerned.
What? Willow takes a deep breath. Decides it's time. Answers shakily -
It's complicated - because of Tara.
(confused) You mean Tara has a crush on Oz? (off Willow's look) No, not - (getting it) Oh. Ohh. Buffy takes this in. She's definitely thrown. But she also wants to be supportive.
Well... That's great too, right? I mean, she seems like a great girl, Will.
She is. And there's something between us... I wasn't looking for it, you know. It's just totally powerful. And it's totally different than what Oz and I had.
Well, there you go then. You have to follow your heart, Will. I mean, that's what's important, Will.
How come you keep saying my name like that?
Like what, Will?
Are you freaked?
What? No, Wi- No! Absolutely no to that question. I'm glad you told me. (then) What did you say to Oz?
I was going to tell him... But then we hung out and I could feel everything coming back. He's Oz, you know.
Yeah. I do.
(pained) I don't want to hurt anybody, Buffy. I think of either of them and I can't stand it.
No matter what happens, somebody's going to get hurt. The main thing is, you have to be honest - or it'll be a lot worse. Willow takes this in. Knows Buffy's right.
So... What do you think? What are you going to do? Off Willow - stopped. She has no idea. INT. SPIKE'S CRYPT - DAY Spike is sleeping on top of his crypt. We stay on him as we hear the SOUND OF THE DOOR OPENING, and HEAVY FOOTSTEPS approaching. A LARGE SHADOW FALLS OVER HIM. Without warning, Spike's hand SHOOTS UP and stops his intruder's arm, which was reaching out for him.
(eyes still closed) From the sound of those massive mud flaps I'd peg you as a demon, which means you're in for a world of - Spike opens his eyes. Stops when he sees ADAM, huge and menacing, standing over him.
(less certain) ...pain.
Spike. I want you to come with me. Spike moves off the crypt. Sizes Adam up.
Do you? Let's go then. Spike PUNCHES ADAM WITH ALL HIS MIGHT. It seems to have no effect on Adam whatsoever. A beat.
Ow.
Come. You're going to help me with my problem.
Why is that, exactly?
I'm going to help you with yours. Off Spike, intrigued... INT. TARA'S DORM ROOM - DAY Tara opens her door to find Willow there. The air between them is charged, anxiety filled.
Hi.
Hi. Tara steps aside, lets Willow enter.
I can only stay a minute, I have class.
Me too. I have class too.
I just wanted to let you know, what you saw this morning, it wasn't -
(cutting her off) It's okay. I always knew, if he came back -
We just talked. Nothing happened.
Oh. Really?
(nods) But, you know, it was intense. Just talking. We have a lot to talk about. (then) I kind of feel like my head's going to explode. Tara takes this in, then speaks with difficulty -
Whatever, you know, happens? I'll still be here. I mean, I'll still be your friend.
(alarmed) Of course we'll be friends. That's not even a question.
But I'm saying, I know what Oz means to you...
How can you, when I'm not even sure? I mean, I know what he meant to me. But he left. And everything changed. I changed. And then we... Tara sees how upset Willow's getting.
It's okay.
It's not okay. I mean, Tara, the time we spend together is... Willow shakes her head. Can't quite say it.
What?
I don't know. It's just - life was starting to get so good again, and you're a big part of that. And here comes the thing I wanted most of all. (a little desperate) And I don't know what to do. I want to know. But I don't. Tara, emotional, puts a hand on Willow's cheek. Quiets her.
Do what makes you h-happy. Tara's pained sincerity just makes Willow want to cry. She moves into Tara's arms and they hold each other, trying to find some comfort, some answers. FADE TO: INT. CAMPUS HALLWAY - DAY Oz is walking out of the registration office, some paperwork in hand. He stops to read some flyers for bands. Then he senses something - smells it.
Willow? He turns, sees TARA walking his direction. She doesn't see him until it's too late.
Oh - hey. I thought I sm - (catches himself) Heard Willow.
Hey. (notices his papers) You're coming back to school here?
(smiles) Pretty much. I'm feeling oddly motivated. Tara feels like she can see the writing on the wall.
That - that's great. I mean, it's great for you and Willow, right?
I hope so.
Good. That's...Because, really, you two belong together. I think it's for the b-best... It's clear that Tara's getting more and more upset. Oz becomes puzzled. What's really going on here? Now he notices that Tara is wearing Willow's sweater. He reaches out and touches it, but Tara pulls away.
Is that Willow's? Tara starts to back away, awash in guilt.
I hope you'll be v-v-very - Suddenly, it dawns on OZ. What's happening here. But he can't quite believe it.
You smell like her. She's all over you, you know that?
I can't. I can't talk about th- th..
But there's something to talk about - Tara doesn't answer, just turns and hurries down the hall. This is the confirmation he dreaded. Oz is blown away, and his composure's uncharacteristically obliterated.
She's...involved? But she said -
I-I have to g-g-g-
We talked all night and she never said anything. Nothing. I - Tara just keeps moving faster. Oz yells, his voice frighteningly desperate.
Stop! Tara does, terrified. Oz is shaking with emotion.
Is she in love with you? Oz doesn't notice that his HAND IS STARTING TO GO WOLFY.
Talk to me! What is... what... He stops, unable to control his breathing. Looks down. Tara stares at him, eyes widening as he... ...looks up at her again in the first stage of TRANSFORMATION
Run. BLACK OUT
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| Act Three |
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INT. CAMPUS HALLWAY - DAY Tara is, indeed, running. As fast as her legs will carry her. Oz, who is now COMPLETELY TRANSFOMRED INTO A WEREWOLF, chases after her into - INT. CAMPUS LECTURE HALL - DAY The lecture hall, which is empty and dimly lit. Tara realizes too late that it's a dead end. She tries to turn back but Oz Wolf is blocking the entrance. Tara runs up into the seating area, where she and Oz play a brief game of Wolf and Mouse. Tara runs from row to row. Then, when Oz gets too close, she climbs over seats to get away from him. Before long Tara starts to tire and she makes a final dash for the exit. But Oz blocks her. It's clear he's moving in for the kill... CLOSE ON TARA Who tries to utter a spell. But speech is near impossible.
B-b-back demon... In the-the name of Th-th- Tara desperately grabs a chair from behind the desk and HURLS it at Oz Wolf. Much to her (and our) surprise, Oz Wolf yelps and goes down. Tara's stunned at her good fortune until she sees RILEY and FORREST enter, along with a few other men. They are all dressed in civvies. Riley re-holsters the pistol he just fired and moves to help the commandos who roughly bind Oz in leather restraints, pulling a canvas bag over him. Forrest goes to Tara, backs her away from the scene.
Are you okay?
(nods) Where are you... what's going on?
We'll take it from here. ANGLE ON Riley and ANOTHER COMMANDO, who don't hear Tara's objections.
(re: Oz Wolf) This thing looks like it may be one of the demons that took out Graham's guys the other night.
(hard) So we'll take it back and make an I.D. If it is, we'll put him down. ANGLE TARA AND FORREST Tara watches, alarmed, as Oz Wolf is loaded into a large body bag to conceal him.
You don't understand. That's a p-p-p- Tara can't get the words out, she's so upset. She moves to try to stop them but Forrest blocks her.
Listen, we know what we're doing. You just need to calm down, okay? You're in shock. Go outside and get some air. (Before she can speak he turns to the others) Let's move! Off Riley and the Commandos, taking Oz away - and Tara's helplessness. INT. ADAM'S LAIR - SEWER - DAY CLOSE ON SPIKE
Well. That sounds like a lot of fun.
I think so too.
Yeah! Count me in for the crazy fun plan! He's off to the side. Both men look at him simultaneously with deadpan annoyance.
I'm gonna feed the minions. He exits. The men turn back to each other.
You see my problem, though. Total annihilation of the humans doesn't help me. I'll be needing heavy casualties on both sides.
I get that. I'm still not sure how the Slayer fits in.
The humans need a leader. A champion. The Slayer can do that -- can even the odds. And she holds influence over Riley.
Yeah. Thing about the Slayer is, she's a whiney little thing, but when it comes to the fighting she does have a slight tendency to win.
Then I guess you should be on her side. Spike smiles.
This all goes down, the chip comes out, yeah? No tricks?
(holds up hand) Scout's honor.
You were a Boy Scout?
Parts of me. INT. LIBRARY - DAY Willow's in a study group. People share notes, chat quietly... But Willow is clearly lost in worry... Then she sees a shaken TARA standing at the doorway, anxiously searching the room for her. Willow goes to her.
What's up? Are you okay?
Oz.. We were talking and he - he changed. Right in front of me.
(alarmed) What? It's day time...
I know, but it happened.
Oh, God... Are you alright?
I'm fine. Riley and the commando guys - they stopped him, but they don't know it's Oz. I tried to tell them, but they took him away. Willow is clearly growing more and more upset.
When? Just now?
(nods) I think they might hurt him.
I have to go. I have to find Buffy.
I know. Willow races off without another word. Pained, Tara watches her go off to save Oz. INT. GILES' APARTMENT - DAY Buffy, Willow, Giles, Xander and Anya are gathered. Buffy is in the B.G on the phone. The mood is tense...
Tara said they took him right before she found me.
So that's good, right? They probably haven't had time to eviscerate him yet.
(to Anya) You can help by making this a quiet moment, An.
Again we're faced with the daunting prospect of infiltrating the Initiative...
Wouldn't it be great if one of us were dating a man on the inside, someone with connections... Buffy returns from the phone
Oh, wait!
(shakes her head) He's still not answering his page. I left him a message.
So what do we do?
We've got to move fast, so we'll make a plan without Riley. (off their looks) And hope he calls. INT. INITIATIVE - DAY Oz Wolf paces in a LARGE CAGE in the pit. Riley, Forrest, and a couple of other commandos angrily watch him, itching to take matters into their own hands. Forrest grabs a passing scientist, who clearly resents their hovering.
What's the word, Doc? Is this the animal who took apart our men?
We don't know yet, Soldier. Now, please, step aside.
What's the hold up? I thought Graham gave you a full description.
The hold up is that he described characteristics present in about 40 varieties of known demons. So we're cross checking DNA evidence, hair, and fibers...
And how long's that going to take?
I have no idea. Now back off - Infuriated, Riley takes out his pistol and aims it at Oz Wolf's head.
I don't need a bunch of tests to know this thing's a killer. So why don't you back off - Riley stops as - before his eyes - Oz DEMORPHS into his human self. Off everyone's stunned reactions. INT GILES'S APARTMENT - DAY Willow, Giles, Buffy, Anya, and Xander are still puzzling over Oz' dilemma.
We're going to need some kind of cover. If there was a way we could kill the electricity down there...
And you'll need to tranquilize Oz.
What's with the wolf in the day bit anyway? Isn't that a big no-no in the werewolf handbook?
He said he was controlling it with herbs and some kind of meditation... (guiltily) What if he got upset and lost control of himself? Could the wolf come out during the day?
If he'd managed to repress the beast for months? I suppose it could reach a point where it overflowed in him, regardless of time of day or month... Willow takes this in, feeling blame for all of it. INT. INITIATIVE - DAY FROM OZ' POINT OF VIEW As HE COMES TO. Bright lights nearly blind him - but he can almost make out a crowd of faces looking down on him. Hear their murmuring. It's disorienting, frightening. ANGLE On Riley and some scientists. They now have Oz strapped to an exam table. He looks drugged and disoriented. The scientists are all very excited.
(cutting him off) He's coming to. Oz? Oz tries to focus on Riley, but he's still very groggy.
He won't be able to talk for a while. We gave him Haldol to keep him quiet.
(angered) Why? The guy's not a threat now.
I allowed you to stay if you let us do our work, Agent Finn. Only Colonel McNamara can place a cease order on medical testing - and he's told us to proceed. Riley, frustrated, steps back as a tray arrives with another INJECTION ON IT AND A CHARGED TASER. Scientist #2 delivers the shot to Oz.
I've always suspected the stuff about werewolves' transformations being based on the lunar cycle was campfire talk... He takes the taser and moves to SHOCK OZ. Riley can't stay quiet, tries to stop him.
That's enough! This guy's a student. I know him!
(to some nearby MP's) Take him out. Riley's reluctantly led out by two M.P.'s as Scientist #2 violently SHOCKS OZ. Oz cries out and GOES WOLFY. Restrained by tight straps and heavy medication, OZ Wolf hasn't got the power to break free (all this while avoiding showing his nakedness to teen America.)
See that? (marking clipboard) Transformation related to negative stimulation... INT. GILES' APARTMENT - NIGHT Back to the Scoobies, who are starting to mobilize.
(checking her watch) Something's wrong. Riley usually returns my calls by now.
We can't wait much longer.
I know. Okay. Xander, you and I will go in. We've done it before -
Can I just ask? What's the deal? I mean, this guy hurt Willow, he's in town for one day - and you're all willing to go off and die for him?
(angered) The deal is, he's my - (catches herself) He was my boyfriend and none of this is his fault. (to Buffy) I'm going with you.
It's too dangerous, Will. Besides, we need you to hack into the city's electrical grid with Giles. We have to try to power-down the Initiative.
Giles can do it without me. I can't just sit here. A beat as Buffy considers. Then -
Fine. You'll back us up. The only way I know in is through the elevator at Lowell House - and my clearance is long gone.
So we grab a guy, make him take us.
Or you could just use the back way. Hell of a lot less bother. They all turn to see Spike standing near the door.
How'd you get in?
Door was unlocked. Might want to watch that, Rupert, someone dangerous could get in.
Or someone formerly dangerous and currently annoying.
Now, now. None of that - or I won't help you get Red's mongrel back. (to Willow) Bad news travels fast with us demons. We all like a good laugh.
Out of cash again, Spike?
I happen to be seeking monetary gratification, yeah. But I also get a kick outta jacking up those army ginks myself.
(disbelieving) Uh huh. What's the going rate on a wild goose chase, Spike?
Fine, if you're not interested... But I was stuck in that hole, remember? And I hear things from other guys who've made it out. I can get you in, no alarms, no cameras - no waiting. The gang share a frustrated look. What's their option? INT. INTIATIVE - OZ' CELL - NIGHT The Initiative is "lights-out" mode. The bright overheads are all off... CLOSE ON OZ Who's still undressed but now he's badly bruised and cut. He huddles in the corner of a dark cell, shaking, surrounded by the eerie night sounds of the Initiative. Then a heavy door someplace opens. Footsteps approach. Oz braces himself for the worst as the door to his cell opens. Then a voice whispers -
Oz. Put these on, man. Oz looks up to see Riley standing over him, glancing nervously up and down the hallway outside the cell.
Come on. Oz, a little shell-shocked, hesitates.
Where are you taking me?
To Giles and Buffy. They'll know how to help you. Oz nods. Starts to get dressed. INT. INITIATIVE - MAIN AREA - NIGHT Riley has to help a still-weak Oz out through the large main room of the Initiative. Like Oz' cell, it's quiet and dark here... As they near the stairs that lead to the elevator, they scan the area anxiously. Only a few more steps... Then the LIGHTS ARE TRIPPED and they find themselves SURROUNDED BY COMMANDOS (including Forrest and a mostly recovered Graham) with their guns drawn.
End of the line. BLACK OUT
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| Act Four |
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INT. INITIATIVE - OZ' CELL - NIGHT Oz is back in his cell where he started. The only thing he gained from Riley's attempt to help him are some ill-fitting clothes. INT INTIATIVE - BRIG - NIGHT Riley's in a military jail cell. He paces, worried, knowing the seriousness of what just transpired... The door to his cell opens and COLONEL MCNAMARA enters. He's a lot like Colonel Haviland - only he doesn't suck. Riley stands at attention.
At ease.
Permission to speak, Colonel.
Denied. (then) Being new around here, Finn, I had a look at your record and Professor Walsh's notes. Until recently you were an exemplary soldier, headed straight for the top, are you aware of that? Riley remains silent.
Then you meet this girl, this slayer, and suddenly, you exhibit signs of disloyalty. You abuse your command. And tonight... To release a lethal HST back into the population -
Sir, the prisoner is a -
(hard) You'll speak when I tell you to. (then) Tomorrow I'm going to institute a court martial, investigating the extent of your involvement with the Slayer and her band of freaks. They're anarchists, Finn, too backward for the real world. Colonel McNamara heads for the door. Stops.
You help us take them out, you might save your military career. Otherwise, you'll go to your grave labeled a traitor. No woman is worth that. Now Colonel McNamara exists, leaving a stunned Riley in his wake. EXT. WOODS - NIGHT CLOSE ON BUFFY Who, along with Willow and Xander, follows SPIKE through the woods. The guys are in make-shift commando gear and the girls are in scientist mode. Buffy whispers to Spike -
I've mentioned how much I'm going to kill you if this is a scam, right?
(re: soldier clothes) Look - would I wear this if I wasn't on the up and up?
You do sort of look like an evil olive...
Guys - check it out... Xander has spotted the rusty doors in the side of the hill. Spike moves to them and pulls them open, grins.
For a nasty town like Sunnydale, nobody seems to mind their locks. Buffy still eyes him warily.
You first. Spike grudgingly obliges. The others follow... INT. ADAM'S LAIR - NIGHT Adam has a cable plugging him directly into the external hard drive for his computer. We see a program running on a large monitor that flashes all sorts of ELECTRICAL GRIDS FOR THE TOWN OF SUNNYDALE. INT. GILES' APARTMENT - NIGHT Anya and Giles are looking at SIMILAR ELECTRICAL GRIDS FOR THE TOWN OF SUNNYDALE although they examine theirs at a snail's pace compared to ADAM. Giles is looking at a complex set of instructions from a CITY PLANNING BOOK.
(to Anya) Try typing XH4J7 for the emergency shutdown command. That covers the entire electrical grid for the university and outlying areas. Anya does. They both watch the computer expectantly. Nothing happens. INT. ADAM'S LAIR - NIGHT Meanwhile, Adam completes his sequence. Some words flash on the screen. EMERGENCY POWER DOWN IN PROGRESS. INT. GILES' APARTMENT - NIGHT Anya and Giles are plunged suddenly into darkness.
(pleased) Slap my hand now. (off his look) In celebration.
Oh. He does. Then -
Let's just hope the blackout lasts long enough to help Buffy and the others. INT. INITIATIVE - HALLWAY - NIGHT Buffy, Xander, Willow, and Spike work their way down the hall when the power goes off. A beat, then some dim utility lights snap on. The gang reacts. One for our team. INT. INITIATIVE - CONTROL ROOM - NIGHT The security cameras all go down. INT. INITIATIVE - McNAMARA'S QUARTERS - NIGHT Buffy and Xander burst in, jarring McNamara from his sleep, while Spike and Willow cover the door. Buffy puts a mini crossbow to McNamara's heart.
You know who I am? (off his nod) Then you know I'm pretty good with this thing. Get dressed. McNamara stands, starts to cautiously slip on some clothes.
Take us to -
(cutting her off) Finn stays in the brig. Helping an HST escape is a court-martial offense and you're only gonna --
Riley? He tried to help Oz escape? McNamara realizes his mistake, is clearly angry with himself.
That's who you came for. The wolf.
Guess we're two for one. INT. INITIATIVE - HALL OUTSIDE BRIG - NIGHT Buffy sneaks down the hall, sees an M.P standing guard outside Riley's door. A beat, then Buffy the "scientist" passes the M.P with a smile, drops something. The M.P helpfully bends to pick it up ...
Hey, you dropped your - Now he sees that it's a STAKE. Confused, he starts to stand up but gets a KNEE IN THE FACE. Buffy puts him down with one silent blow. She quickly grabs his keys and finds the right one for Riley's door. Pushes the door open and drags the M.P inside with her. INT. INITIATIVE - BRIG - NIGHT Riley stands, surprised, as Buffy enters with the fallen M.P in tow. Buffy moves to Riley and they hug. Then -
How did you-
Talk, later. Stealth-y escape now.
Buffy, I leave now, I can't ever come back. A beat. Is he going to stay?
Just wanted to hear it out loud. They go. INT. INITIATIVE - NEAR OZ' CELL - NIGHT Buffy and Riley have rejoined the group. Xander is the one holding the crossbow on McNamara as they go down the hall.
Which one? The Colonel nods toward a cell just down the hall. But as they move towards it the hall is filled at each end with COMMANDOS. Xander tosses the crossbow back to Buffy, who holds it to McNamara's head.
(to commandos) Stay back or I'll do a William Burroughs on your leader here! Everybody, Commandos included, looks stumped at this one.
You'll...bore him to death with free prose?
Was I the only one awake in English that day? (to the Commandos) I'll kill him! Okay - now everybody's on the same page. Buffy nods for McNamara to lead them on. They approach Oz' cage.
(to the Colonel) Get him out. The Colonel nods to one of the commandos, who opens the cell door. As Oz comes out, he and Willow spot each other. Oz' face betrays a world of emotions at seeing her, while she's relieved to see that he's okay, but shaken.
Oz... Oz starts to tremble, then realizes his hands have started to GO WOLFY again. He turns away from Willow and closes his eyes as Riley leads him out of the cell.
Will, get back. Buffy looks to Xander, who holds the tranquilizer gun.
Xand - Xander nods, readies the gun, but Oz manages to STOP THE TRANSFORMATION. His hands return to normal but he's spent from the effort. Buffy, still holding Colonel McNamara hostage, leads Riley and Oz, Xander, Willow and Spike into - INT. INITIATIVE - MAIN AREA - NIGHT Where they move slowly towards the stairs that lead to the elevator. Guns are trained on them from all corners. In order to make the walk, they have to part a sea of glaring commandos. Their angry looks are all directed at Riley - traitor. But Riley holds his head up, never betraying the fact that he knows he's walking out of the Initiative forever. Buffy watches him, impressed. Oz is weak, taking the support that Riley offers. Willow moves just behind Oz - puts a hand on his shoulder. But Oz moves away, gently tells her -
Don't... Please. Again he starts to tremble and HIS EYES AND TEETH START TO GO WOLFY. Again he closes his eyes, focuses... It obviously takes a tremendous amount out of him - but he STOPS THE TRANSFORMATION AGAIN. Willow, devastated, understands now, she's the one who's making him wolf out. They reach the steps to find them BLOCKED BY GRAHAM AND FORREST. A long beat as the two men stand their ground, looking bitterly at their former commander.
This can't end well, man.
You gonna start killing people?
I'm thinking just one.
You and me trained together from day one, Forrest. But I always outranked you. Come after me, you're gonna find out why. A long beat. Finally Forrest makes way for them and Graham follows his lead. The entire group, including McNamara, move up he stairs and enter the elevator. INT. INITIATIVE ELEVATOR/LOWELL HOUSE - NIGHT Everybody stands in the elevator. It opens and they spill out into Lowell House. Buffy rips the control panel out of the wall, stranding the elevator. Finn is the last to step out, turning back to the Colonel...
You're a dead man, Finn.
No sir - I'm an anarchist. With that he PUNCHES COLONEL McNAMARA. Drops him. FADE TO: EXT. SUNNYDALE HIGH SCHOOL RUINS - NIGHT (STOCK) To establish. INT. SUNNYDALE HIGH SCHOOL RUINS - NIGHT Buffy and Riley are setting up a little hide-away amidst the least-blown away part of the school they could find. They've brought their sleeping bags, camping supplies, etc..
This will work. Certainly off the beaten path.
Plus - snake jerky. (then) I hope everybody else is okay. It was better to split up, right? It just seems like we're too findable in a big clump.
It's better. Besides, I think it's mostly me the Initiative wants now.
Probably. What should we do?
We'll be safe for tonight at least. The campus is still blacked out, which ought to slow the Initiative down. I'll figure out my next move tomorrow. Buffy sits, Riley joins her.
Quite a day. Woke up to a big bowl of Wheaties, now you're a fugitive.
Could be worse. At least I've got a hotty girlfriend to keep me warm on the lam.
True. But..
Seriously? I don't know. I'm sorry it had to end that way. But I'm glad it's done. I'm glad to know where I stand, finally. (then) I was wrong about Oz. I was being a bigot.
No you weren't. You were thrown. You found out Willow was in kind of an unconventional relationship and it gave you a momentary wiggins. (thinking of Tara) It happens.
Still, I was in a totally black and white space. People versus monsters. Ain't like that. Especially when it comes to love. A beat, as Buffy considers.
I gotta tell you some stuff. About my past. It's not all stuff you're gonna like.
You can tell me anything.
I think so. I think I can. INT. OZ' VAN - NIGHT Oz and Willow are sitting up front. He's a bit of a distance from her. They both look up, uncomfortable...
(re: van) This thing looks pretty good considering you drove it overseas.
It broke down outside of Mexico. I traded my bass to have it fixed and garaged. (frustrated) I shouldn't have come back now. I thought I'd changed...
You have changed. You stopped the wolf from coming out - I saw it.
But I couldn't look at you. It turns out the one thing that brings it on, is you. Which falls under the heading of ironic in my book.
It was my fault. I upset you.
So we're safe then, 'cause you'll never do that again. Willow sees the ridiculousness of that. A beat. Then -
When you spoke to Tara...
I knew.
I'm sorry. The last thing I wanted was - Oz stops her. Doesn't want to get into it.
It's - it's okay. (then) But you're happy?
(realizes) I am. I can't explain it-
Maybe safer for both of us if you don't. Willow quiets, pained and emotional.
I missed you, Oz. I wrote you so many letters - but I didn't have any place to send them, you know? I couldn't live like that.
It was stupid to think you'd just be waiting.
I was waiting. I feel like some part of me will always be waiting for you. Like, if I'm old and blue-haired and I turn a corner in Istanbul and there you are - I won't be surprised. Because you're there with me - you know? Oz allows himself to look at her.
I know. (with difficulty) But now's not that time, I guess.
No. (then) What are you going to do?
I think I'd better take off.
When?
Pretty much now. Willow nods, starts to cry. Oz finally touches her, puts his hand on hers. Willow moves into his arms - and they stay like that for a long time. INT. TARA'S DORM ROOM - NIGHT Tara, alone, has been crying in the dark. A knock takes her to the door. Willow stands in her threshold, holding a lit candle.
No candles? Well I brought one -- it's extra flamey. She hands it to Tara, who steps quietly aside for Willow to enter. Tara's silent, her whole body tensed, waiting for the brushoff.
Tara, I have to tell you that --
I understand. You have to be with the person you l-love.
I am. Tara looks up at her, too hopeful to be sure of her meaning. Willow looks a bit tentative as well.
You mean --
I mean. Tara smiles -- Willow returns it.
Okay?
Oh yes. They both look like their hearts might explode out of their chests...
I feel horrible about everything I put you through. I'm gonna make it up, too. Starting right now.
(softly) Right now? Willow just smiles a little. Tara returns it, her eyes never leaving Willow's as she blows the candle out... BLACK OUT.
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