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The Weight of the World March 21, 2001 (Blue) Written by: Douglas Petrie | ||
| Teaser | ||
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INT. GLORY'S APARTMENT - BEDROOM - NIGHT We open with a shot of two MINIONS hastily packing a trunk. One loads folded clothes into the trunk, another closes and locks the lid, and together they carry it off.
Quickly, quickly! GRONX and his fellow Minion MURK watch them go. Seeing they are alone, they whisper to one another. Harshly, urgently, not wishing to be heard.
Already we are behind schedule. Someone's bound for a beheading; let's make sure it's not me.
Why do we remain when our moment of triumph lies so close at hand?
The Glorious One, having acquired much in this world, does not exactly travel light. They both look in the same direction. P.O.V. shot of GLORY, standing across the room on a tailor's pedestal, being fitted by two FEMALE MINIONS. She is having a ceremonial robe placed upon her, her arms outstretched.
Hey! Minions. I can hear you. God-like ears - don't miss much, know what I'm saying? They look to each other. Oh, shit...
C'mere. Bowed, they huddle forward as she steps down and faces them.
'Twas he who blasphemed, your magnificence.
Spurred on by treacherous urging! They turn on one another, grabbing each other. Glory waves a hand, bored. They stop cold.
Guys - I'm not gonna kill you. Not in the mood. (beat) What do you think that's about? They bow reverently.
In mercy does your power lie.
No, brainless. In torture, death and chaos does my power lie. So tell me. Why am I not popping your head like a zit right now? She waits for an answer. The Minions stand before her, open-mouthed and stumped.
Maybe I'm just hungry.
Yes! We shall fetch a ...
Nah, I'm not hungry. She paces the floor, seamstress minions following behind.
I'm just a little tight in this skin, is all. I've been waiting an eternity - well, 25 human years - and it all comes down to tonight.
The portal shall open.
And the Great Glorificus shall return.
To the Hell I came from. Where I'm gonna rain down more supersized portions of slaughter, mayhem, and bloodshed than you scabs can even dream about. She suddenly deflates and plops into a chair.
So how come I ain't happy? (holding up a hand) Don't try to answer that. Just do your jobs. Pack up. We're getting the hell out of here. They scurry off, taking the seamstress minions with them, out of frame. Glory still just sits, staring dead ahead.
(to herself) I got everything I ever wanted. Still - something's off. I dunno. She looks up, seeing something across from her.
What do you think? Cut to Glory's P.O.V.: Sitting across from her, terrified and immobile, is DAWN. Hands tied together, rag in her mouth, ankles bound to her chair's legs. Tears silently run down her face. INT. ABANDONED GAS STATION - CUSTOMER AREA - NIGHT The group, assembled around the SNACK AREA of the abandoned gas station last seen at the end of episode 20, prepares to leave. ANYA looks after the wounded GILES, who struggles to sit up. TARA sits huddled off in a corner by herself. XANDER and WILLOW look just off-camera at something we cannot see. Spike enters from outside, wiping his hands on a rag.
Better part of a century spent in delinquency just paid off. (beat) Hot-wired Ben's auto. Who's for getting the hell out of here?
All in favor, let's do it. (to Giles) You good to go?
Never mind about me. How's Buffy?
Same. Still.
It's been almost half an hour. Spike eyes what the rest of the group is looking at.
The Slayer'll be all right. Won't she? No answer from anyone.
Try again, Will.
Okay, but I'm not sure if she's, you know, really in there.
Try. We cut to see BUFFY. Sitting, staring off into dead space, not hearing her friends, eyes open but deaf, dumb and blind to the world around her.
Buffy? Can you hear me? Buffy? Willow keeps saying her name, but Willow's voice trails off, gets foggier, more far away every time she repeats ...
Buffy? Buffy? Buffy... ? And Buffy can hear none of it ... BLACK OUT.
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| Act One | ||
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INT. ABANDONED GAS STATION - CUSTOMER AREA - NIGHT We see CATATONIC BUFFY. Staring into dead space.
Buffy! She can't just be brain dead. I mean - she's still Buffy. Somewhere, in there. Right?
Spike, come on. We're not getting Dawn back by sitting around here.
You're not getting Dawn back any way you slice it, Harris. That's for Buffy to handle.
Good. Panic. That ought to help.
It's like she's in some kind of fugue state.
We should move her. Unless we shouldn't. Should we?
Couldn't that make it worse? I think I read that somewhere ...
I am so large with not knowing.
Impossible to know for sure. Losing Dawn, after all Buffy's been through - I think it's pushed her too far, into some kind of catatonia.
You don't need a diploma to see that. Snap her out of it. Buffy? Spike, a little panicked, grabs Buffy and SHAKES HER.
Oi! Rise and shine, love.
Spike!
Come on, people, the girl's endowed with Slayer strength. Hardly the time to get dainty. BUFFY!
We tried that. Spike SLAPS Buffy.
We didn't try that. Xander shoves Spike back away from Buffy.
Are you insane!? We could be dealing with neurological damage here. You want to kill her? As Xander lays into him, Spike still can't take his eyes off Buffy. He speaks with an edge of mounting panic.
We've got to do something! I can't just sit here watching. You waste time with kid gloves. I'm willing to gamble when all's said and done - Buffy likes it rough. Spike reaches to shove Buffy again.
I said stop! Xander shoves him back, hard this time. They get up in each other's faces.
Do that again, I'll have a piece of you. Xander PUNCHES Spike. Spike takes it and LUNGES at Xander. Just as they lock, Willow looks up and quietly spits out through gritted teeth:
Separate. WHOOSH! Spike and Xander are suddenly PRESSED BACK two feet each by some invisible force. Both come to a sliding stop, just out of fisticuffs range. A bit freaked, they both look to Willow. So does everyone else, awaiting explanation. Willow lets the pause ride, eyeing each of them, but never moving. When she does speak, it's with calm, quiet intensity.
Buffy's out. Glory has Dawn. Sometime real soon she's gonna use Dawn to tear down the barrier between every dimension there is so if you two want to fight, you do it after the world ends. 'kay? Embarrassed beat from the boys.
Alright. First, we head back to Sunnydale. Xander'll take Giles to a hospital. Anya's looking after Tara, and Spike - you find Glory. Check her apartment, first, see if she's still there. Try anything stupid like payback and I will get very cranky. (beat) Everyone clear? Or do we have questions? Long pause. Everyone's scared of Willow. Anya slowly, tentatively raises her hand.
Anya.
W-what will you do?
I'll help Buffy.
Okay, then. Anya helps Giles to his feet. Xander brushes himself off. Willow puts her arm around Tara, and they all start moving toward the exit.
The world is spinning. Straight, to the new day. Big day, big big day ...
Uh, Will? Now, uh, don't turn me into a horned toad for asking, but - what if we come across Ben? Beat. Everyone stops and stares at Spike like he's stupid.
Nothing, I don't think a doctor's what Buffy needs right now.
Well, yeah. Specially not one who also happens to be Glory.
What do you mean?
You know... Ben is Glory.
You mean Ben's with Glory?
"With" in what sense?
They're working together?
No no. Ben is Glory. Glory's Ben. They're one and the same.
When did all this happen?
Not one hour ago! Right here, before your very eyes! Ben came, turned into Glory, snatched the kid, and - phht! - vanished. Remember? Blank stares from everyone.
You do remember? (beat) Is everyone here very stoned? (losing it) Ben. Glory. He's a doctor. She's the Beast. Two entirely separate entities, sharing one body. It's like a bloody sitcom! Surely, you remember! More blank stares.
(deliberate) So you're saying... Ben, and Glory ...
Have a... connection.
Yes, obviously. But what kind?
Ah! I get it. Very crafty. Glory's worked the kind of mojo where anyone who sees her little presto- chango instantly forgets. And yours truly, being somewhat other than human, stands immune.
So, Ben and Glory are... the same person?
Glory can turn into Ben, and Ben turns back into Glory.
And anyone who sees it instantly forgets. Spike nods, points, touches his nose.
And a kewpie doll for the lady. They all nod, getting it, adjusting to the concept.
Excellent. Now. Do we suspect there could be any kind of link between Ben and Glory? Ad-libs of shrugs, "dunno"s and "no idea"s.
(sighing) Might be best, I explain on the way ... As they head out... EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE - NIGHT A construction site. We see various pocket groups of CRAZIES all working, muttering to themselves, yet accomplishing tasks in a more or less coordinated manner. Some hammer planks, some lift and carry two-by-fours, some saw wood. We don't see the totality of what they're constructing, we only see the site itself and the buzz of activity. One of the Crazies, face protected by a WELDING MASK, (sparks illuminating its visor) suddenly STOPS. He lifts the visor and looks up. His expression suddenly changes from crazy blankness to reverent awe. He drops to his knees suddenly, bowing ceremoniously, on one knee, head bowed ... Something sweeps past him. Minions follow. He stays bowed. We see the passing group making its way through the construction site. The group consists of Glory, holding Dawn, followed by the Minions, and behind them, a HIGH PRIEST MINION (same demon species but taller than the others, wearing a more formal ceremonial robe). The High Priest swings an ornate metal incense canister on a chain, heavily fumigating the path behind them, leaving a smoke trail. As the group passes through the construction site, every worker is completely changed at the moment of their passing. Before them, there's nothing but busy active worker bees. In their wake, there's nothing but bowed, reverent, near-silent worshippers. The only sound is the noise of tools being dropped to the ground, buzz-saws stilled, chatter ceasing. Dawn looks freaked out as she lets dragged along. She avoids direct eye contact, and then when she does look at one of the Crazies, she immediately looks away again. Glory, growing impatient, hustles Dawn along, picking up speed, ignoring the ceremonial trappings all around her. They head toward a CONSTAUCTION SITE OFFICE. Glory shoves Dawn inside, pulling the door shut behind them. Silence. Beat. Slowly, a few curious heads rise into frame, watching ... INT. CONSTRUCTION SITE OFFICE - NIGHT Glory pushes Dawn inside the construction site interior, shoves her toward a seat, and sits heavily herself.
Unbelievable, how annoying the Groupies can be.
They merely sense that tonight at last the Dimensional Portal shall open ...
Ushering in the long and bloody reign of the great ... As the Minions speak, we see Dawn sitting, eyes wide, as a scabby green HAND enters frame and marks her forehead with ash.
(Czech) At je Klic vynat z teto smrtelne podoby, budiz zruseno jeho prokleti ... (translation) Let the Key pour forth from this mortal form, the Magicks be Undone, and ...
What's he doing?
I must anoint the Key.
Really don't. Go.
But...
Get out get out GET OUT!!! As Glory shrieks, the Minions usher the High Priest out.
We'll just, uh... give you two a little space. Glory grabs a paper towel and starts roughly rubbing the schmutz off Dawn's forehead.
Tch. You know, you recapture your Godhood and unleash Armageddon? All of a sudden everybody wants to be part of the inner circle. You okay? Beat
I want to go home.
Sweetie, you're about to. Dawn looks confused.
Not that fake suburban nightmare the monks cooked up for you. I mean your real home. As the Key. You fit in a lock... well, it's like a lock. (beat) You want a pizza?
No.
Pillow? I don't know if this thing gets cable. Doubtful...
Please. Stop.
You're nervous.
Yes.
I know how you feel. It's your last night. As, you know, a human. This body? She picks up Dawn's wrist, shakes her hand around.
It's just a rental, Dawnie. Being human's like a costume for girls like you and me. Being something else - that's what we are.
Don't.
(confused) What? Dawn, terrified, manages through gritted teeth:
Don't - call - me - "Dawnie." Long pause. Glory sits back, looking at Dawn in wonderment. Then:
(genuine, child-like) Wow. You know ... that actually hurt my feelings.
I'm sorry.
Not the point. (piecing it together) I'm just thinking, here I'm trying to make you feel better when: comforting others - not part of my life. And I'm doing it so that I'll stop feeling so, um ... help me out.
Guilty?
Guilty! Glory stands. Excited. She's made a discovery.
That's it. But I'm not supposed to feel guilty! I'm not supposed to feel anything! I'm a God. I'm above it, I'm... You! She whirls on Dawn, accusatory. Dawn recoils.
You did this to me, didn't you? Some kind of spell. You've been hanging with the Wicca, you could have ... but no. She backs off, pacing, thinking...
Not magic. It's something else. Still ... And she swoops back on Dawn again.
It is you doing this. Dawn tries hard not to cry.
I'm not doing anything, I swear.
We'll see. Glory crosses to the door and rips it open, never taking her eyes off Dawn. The High Priest enters.
Anoint this thing. Now. (to Dawn) You know what they're all chanting for out there, "Dawnie?" Blood. 'Cause we found out, your blood? It's the Key to the Key. All I gotta do is bleed you dry, the Portal opens up, and I go home. So knock yourself out, girlfriend. Make me feel bad as you can, 'cause tomorrow? The High Priest smears ash on Dawn's forehead again.
You bleed, little girl. EXT. XANDER'S APARTMENT - NIGHT Establishing.
You sure you know what you're doing? INT. XANDER'S APARTMENT - NIGHT Anya and Willow talk in soft tones inside Xander's apartment. Willow is holding Tara's hand, occasionally offering her a soothing word or touch, but mostly she's focused on Anya.
I think so. I don't know. It's not exactly well-explored territory, but ... I've got to try.
Spells like this ... It could be dangerous for Buffy. And you.
Time. Time is coming. Time ...
Shh, it's okay. I'm here. (to Anya) Will you watch after her while I'm ...
Sure. What do I do?
Mostly? Just be here for her. There's some pills in my knapsack. Half of one every two hours keeps her pretty mellow.
Think you'll be gone more than two hours?
(shrugs) Wish me luck.
Okay. (awkward, too enthusiastic) Good Luck.
(sincerely) Thanks. (to Tara) Be good now, sweetie. I'll be back soon as I can. Okay? We good? Tara smiles and nods. Willow kisses her head. Anya watches Willow walk into Xander's bedroom and close the door.
(softly) Good luck. INT. XANDER'S BEDROOM - NIGHT Willow enters, lays out a few candles. Nothing elaborate (they're more atmospheric than anything - no big mojo here). She lights them, takes a deep breath, and then... sits on the edge of Xander's bed. She just sits. Staring dead ahead, silently, calmly. Doing nothing. We see that sitting opposite Willow, in a chair, is Buffy. The two women, mirroring one another in their posture, sit silently in the warm candle glow, facing one another, motionless. DISSOLVE TO: INT. XANDER'S APARTMENT - NIGHT Anya puts a teapot on the stove. Lights it. Tara stands beside her, watching her.
Do you like tea? I'm told it's soothing. Do you need something soothing? How about some TV? Tara smiles. Anya picks up the remote proudly. Good idea.
Maybe there's Teletubbies or ... Anya clicks on the TV - and SCREAMS.
Aaah! Tara, seeing Anya scream, SCREAMS.
Aaahh!! P.O.V. shot of the TV screen. It's a nature special. Showing BUNNIES peacefully hopping about. Anya fumbles with the remote, shuts the image off.
Bunnies. (shudders, then:) Back to tea. Tara says nothing.
You okay? I'll be honest - it's a little hard to tell now that you're all, you know, crazy. She takes out two mugs.
Honey or lemon? Not sure why I'm bothering, actually. I could probably make you a hot cup of angry bees and you wouldn't know the ... Tara steps toward Anya. Anya's thrown.
What? Tara just stands there, looking like she wants something. Comfort.
What? Tara awkwardly puts her arms around Anya as she looks to Xander's bedroom door. Anya goes rigid.
Oh. Well, this is... um ... Anya relents. Relaxes. She gently strokes the back of Tara's head, both of them looking to the closed door.
She'll be okay. We hold on the closed bedroom door ... DISSOLVE TO: INT. XANDER'S BEDROOM - NIGHT Willow and Buffy sitting silently facing one another. One, single, long-held shot... and then: INT. L.A. HOME - DAY Willow stands still, inside a modest L.A. home. It's a place we've never seen before. Willow's dressed just as she was in Xander's bedroom. After looking around a bit at her new surroundings, Willow takes a step, tentatively, and then begins to wander through the house, slowly, curiously. Hears a TV playing in the next room. Passing a few framed pictures on a mantle, she enters the TV room to see a game show droning on without anyone watching. As she stares at the TV, she hears:
Hi, Willow. Willow turns - to see a bright-eyed, blonde six year-old girl staring unabashedly at her. She holds a doll. Beat. Willow looks back at the girl, clears her throat.
Hello, Buffy. BLACK OUT.
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| Act Two | ||
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INT. GLORY'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT We see the door to Glory's darkened apartment. It's a completely still image until - BASH! - Spike's boot crashes through the lock, shattering it. Beat. Spike pokes his head in, wary. He looks around, thinks he sees something, recoils, realizes it's nothing, looks around some more ... Satisfied no one's home, he saunters in all big and bad, like he was never scared in the first place. Lights a cigarette, takes a look around... Using the whole place as his own personal ashtray, Spike investigates. There's nothing here to capture his interest. He picks up a porcelain knickknack lying on a shelf. He shrugs, tosses the knickknack over his shoulder. We hear it shatter off-screen. He starts to head out. Then suddenly stops - something's caught his eye. Spike's P.O.V. We see a small DOOR. Off to the side of the room, barely noticeable. Curious, Spike steps forward. Runs his fingers over the door's seams, which leak out a little bit of light, illuminating his eye. He reaches down. Finds a small handle. And this time he does not kick the door in, rather he merely turns the handle and lets the door swing wide ... INT. BEN'S ROOM - NIGHT Spike looks into BEN'S ROOM. It's small. Unadorned. Just a bed, a lamp, some medical garb lying around. Not much else. It's cramped and depressing. Spike enters. Looks around. He lingers, wondering. We hold on Spike's face, and hear:
What are you doing here? INT. L.A. HOME - NIGHT Six year-old Buffy (hereafter known as YOUNG BUFFY) stands before Willow. Willow takes a look around, quickly adjusting to her environment. She deals.
Actually, I'm, um - looking for you.
Do you like dolls? She starts braiding her doll's hair.
Buffy, what are you doing here?
I like it here.
But, you know we need you. You have to come out.
Why?
To be with your friends.
It's a big day for me. Before Willow can respond, the front door opens.
Mommy! Daddy! Young Buffy runs past Willow, excited, and runs to the front door. Willow is left holding the doll. She turns to see: Willow's P.O.V.: The front door to the L.A. home opens and in walk HANK and JOYCE SUMMERS, circa 1987. Joyce is holding in her arms a NEWBORN BABY. This is DAWN.
You're back, you're back!
Hi, Buffy.
How's my girl?
Ready to meet your new baby sister? Willow watches. Young Buffy takes a small step back, suddenly shy. She holds herself.
Oh c'mon now, Buffy... she's nothing to be afraid of.
Who's afraid?
Don't you want to be the big sister?
No, I wanna be the baby.
Buffy...
You're gonna pay more attention to her and forget all about me. (to Willow) Doesn't she look funny? Like a wrinkly old grandpa. Young Buffy leans forward, takes a whiff of the baby.
Mom, she smells. I know! You could still take her back! Take her back, please? Hank and Joyce just exchange knowing looks. Joyce hands Young Buffy the baby. Young Buffy recoils.
Here. Like this. Support the head. There you go. We're calling her "Dawn."
(to herself) Dawn ... Joyce shows Young Buffy how to hold a baby. Young Buffy gets it immediately. Willow watches. Young Buffy's expression and body language change instantly. She hugs the baby gently to her.
I ... I could be the one to look after her sometimes, if you need a helper. Mom? Can I take care of her?
Yes, Buffy. You can take care of her. Willow watches this, then turns. We see her P.O.V.: INT. MAGIC BOX - DAY Buffy (grown Buffy) stands alone in the Magic Box. Willow steps into frame, walking towards her. Buffy, having cleaned up after a study session, absentmindedly places one of Giles's books back on the shelf. She looks down for one brief moment as she does so, her face looking serious. Then she looks up again and the expression is gone. Buffy passes by Willow. Willow watches the book shelf, wondering. She turns ... EXT. DESERT - NIGHT ... and as she does so we see Willow THROUGH THE FLAMES of a burning bonfire.
O-kay… INT. HOSPITAL HALLWAY - NIGHT With some effort, and a lot of pain, Giles walks out the examining room and into the hall.
How you doing?
Only hurts when I answer pointless questions. Where's Buffy?
Willow's on it. Or, in it. She's working some spell, trying to reach Buffy psychically.
She's gone into Buffy's mind?
Pretty trippy stuff.
It's extraordinarily advanced. (shakes it off) I'm thinking we might check on Glory's victims while we're here.
The mental ward? Already been. Vegetable section's closed. Nobody there. It's like they all just got up and walked away. We see Spike sauntering towards them, looking way out of place in his long black coat in the sterile hospital environment. He easily slips a packet of fresh blood off a passing intern's cart into his pocket, walks up.
Checked out Glory's flat - looks like the Great One has scampered.
Gone to perform her ritual with Dawn. And leaving us entirely clueless.
Not entirely. Giles and Xander stop. Spike nods knowingly.
I know this bloke. Well, not so much a "bloke" so much as demon, but still - Bookish. All tuned in to the nastier corners of this, our magic world. Bit of a last resort, really, but still... (lighting a cigarette) ... Might persuade him to suss out Glory's game plan. Sound worthy? Giles and Xander don't have to respond. They're in. Spike exhales a plume of smoke just beneath a "No Smoking" sign.
Off we go, then. (to Giles) Meet back at the shop. He turns, heads down the hall. Xander follows. As they go:
Found Ben's room at Glory's. Didn't learn much.
Wait - Ben? At Glory's? So you're saying that all this time he was sub-letting from her?
This - is gonna be worth it. Spike smacks Xander in the head.
They both rub their heads as they exit the hospital.
Last time, from the top ... INT. CONSTRUCTION SITE OFFICE - NIGHT SMASH! A soda can goes flying up against the Construction site interior's wall and explodes, spraying foam. We see Glory pacing.
I'm hating this, Murk. The Minions look to each other, unsure.
And "this" would be what exactly, your holiness? Glory stops, holding her head in her hands, and looks up at them through streaming hair and pressing fingers.
Memories. I'm starting to remember the things Ben did. People he spoke with, stuff he wore... (shudders) Kid. She grabs Dawn away from the High Priest, who has been softly praying over her.
I came... He - came to see you. Didn't he?
Ben?
Yeah. Ben. You... (remembering) You called him. To the desert, when you were hiding from me. And he came. And then, he was me. You remember?
Yes.
See?!? She's not supposed to remember that! Nobody should. The cloak between Ben and me is fading. I almost helped her! He, I wanted to ... Glory looks at Dawn, smiles - then shakes her head violently.
I can't do this. She grabs the High Priest. Urgent:
Get him out of me.
What?
Ben! The human meatsack who's infecting me. Do your mojo, make a surgical ... (hunts for the word) Incision or removal or whatever it is you gotta do! Help me! I'm thinking Ben's thoughts and feeling his feelings and - IIII... Suddenly, Glory MORPHS into BEN. He looks strangled, ghostlike - more surprised than anyone he's here, and only long enough to BLURT OUT:
... Can't kill the girl...! And just as suddenly, Ben MORPHS BACK into Glory. She grabs her throat and staggers back into the wall. Disoriented, horrified.
Damn it! She holds herself up against the wall, barely managing to support herself. Looks to the High Priest.
Help me.
This I cannot do. You risk terrible Magicks in opening the Portal. Nothing comes without a price. This is yours.
Gods don't pay. She grabs Dawn by the throat.
We do this now. As Dawn starts to choke, we cut to: EXT. DESERT - NIGHT Willow, still seen through the flames of a burning bonfire. BUFFY and THE PRIMITIVE watching each other through the fire's flames. (PRODUCTION NOTE: ALL FOOTAGE OF BUFFY AND THE PRIMITIVE IS LIFTED FROM EPISODE 18 - WILLOW FOOTAGE IS NEW, AND WE'LL INTERCUT THEM).
Hey. I know you. You're that first original Slayer who tried killing us all in our dreams. (lame) How've you been?
(to Buffy) Death is your gift.
Death is my gift?
Wait. Death is her what?
Death is your gift. Off Willow's confused expression we cut to: INT. MAGIC BOX - DAY Buffy, exactly as before, ("exactly" as in SAME FOOTAGE) stands alone in the Magic Box. Willow watches her. Buffy, having cleaned up after a study session, absentmindedly places one of Giles's books back on the shelf. She looks down for one brief moment as she does so, her face looking serious. Then she looks up again and the expression is gone. Willow watches Buffy pass her. Willow turns and we see: INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - DAY Continuous, seen from behind Willow as she's turned. We are now in the upstairs hallway of the Summers home, where Buffy is walking ahead of Willow. Willow hurries to catch up ...
Where you going? And as Buffy heads to Joyce's room, we cut to: INT. CONSTRUCTION SITE OFFICE - NIGHT Dawn is slammed up against the wall. Glory's got a grip on her throat.
Glorificus! Wait! Kill the Key now, all will be lost!
You will be stuck on this mortal plane forever. She lets go of Dawn. Dawn, gasping for air, holds her throat, stunned. Glory backs off, enjoying her pain.
All right, you're right, it's cool. I'm just a little emotional right now. Which, if you're into irony: funny. (to Minions) Leave. We need a little girl time. The Minions and High Priest hesitate...
G'bye! They go. Glory turns to Dawn.
How do they do it?
(suspicious) Do what?
(duh) People. How do they function? Here. Like this, in the world, with all this bile running through them. Every day, it's ... She runs her hand up and down, "rollercoaster" style.
Whooo... you have no control they're not even animals they're just these meatbaggy slaves to hormones and pheromones and their, and their... feelings. (beat) Hate 'em. (beat) I mean really, is this what the poets go on about? This? Call me crazy. But as hard core drugs go, human emotion's just useless. People are puppets, everyone getting jerked around by what they're feeling - am I wrong? Really, I want to know. Glory waits for an answer. Dawn, holding her throat, doesn't say a thing.
Gonna bleed you either way.
It depends on the person.
So, you're saying some people like this?
Some.
Funny, 'cause I look around at this world you're so eager to be a part of, and all I see's six billion lunatics looking for the fastest ride out. Who's not crazy? Look around - everyone's drinkin', smokin', shootin' up, shootin' each other or just plain screwing their brains out because they don't want 'em anymore. I'm crazy? Honey, I am the original one-eyed chicklet in the kingdom of the blind 'cause at least I admit the world makes me nuts. Name one person who can take it here. That's all I'm asking - Name one. A small beat.
Buffy. Glory reacts, silently taking that in and we cut to: INT. XANDER'S BEDROOM - NIGHT Buffy. Still catatonic. Buffy and Willow sit motionless, apart from one another. INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - DAY Willow follows Buffy down the hall of the Summers home.
I can't keep following you around like this, Buffy. We have to go. You have to talk to ... Buffy enters Joyce's room. Willow follows. INT. JOYCE'S ROOM - DAY Willow follows Buffy into Joyce's room. Stops cold just inside the entrance.
... Me. We see what the room looks like in Buffy's mind. The floor is made of grass. Everything is exactly as it used to be, except in the center of the room, where the bed used to be, there lies a MOUND OF DIRT and a HEADSTONE. Buffy just stands there. Willow stands beside her.
I'm sorry.
Don't be, Will. Death is my gift. Buffy turns to walk out. Willow follows.
Yeah, I keep hearing that, but I'm not sure what it means.
(shrugs) It's really not that complicated.
Not to you, maybe ... Buffy enters Dawn's room. OMITTED INT. DAWN'S ROOM - DAY Dawn sits on her bed, softly crying. Buffy sits next to Dawn, still talking to Willow. Her tone is offhand, casual.
It's just what I do. Buffy reaches behind her, picks up one of Dawn's pillows ...
C'mon, you've known me, what, how long? This is all I'm here for. It's what I am. She places the pillow over Dawn's face and pushes Dawn down onto the bed, smothering her. Dawn struggles but Buffy ignores her completely, still talking to Willow.
Buffy, stop. No, God, no. Stop!
What? Dawn bats at Buffy's arms, uselessly. Slowly, the struggling gets weaker. Then stops as Dawn's. arms stop flailing and her body goes limp beneath the pillow.
I keep telling you. I figured it out. This is my gift. Buffy holds the pillow down on Dawn's dead face, and off Willow's silent expression of horror, we BLACKOUT ...
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| Act Three | ||
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INT. CONSTRUC-TION SITE OFFICE - NIGHT Glory, her face contorted, pounds her fist against the wall. She's struggling, writhing ...
Ohh, Ben! This is really - not a good time... nNNNOO!! She surrenders, loses her struggle - and MORPHS INTO BEN. Ben sits, stunned, before Dawn, having just transformed back into "himself." He's not in great shape - a little sweaty, short of breath. After a beat.
Dawn. Has Glory hurt you?
No. Not yet. But I have to get out of here. Ben? He's out of it. Keeps looking at his own hands.
You okay?
Where is it?
Where's what?
All the blood. I can feel it, still warm and wet and... Glory. Oh, God. She slaughtered hundreds of men. I can feel them breaking.
Ben. Something is happening. To both you and Glory.
(calming down) I'm remembering her, aren't I? The things she's done. Things she's going to do.
I know. She told me. I think whatever the magic is that keeps you guys apart, it's starting to break down. Ben. Glory could come back any minute.
How can she do this?
I don't know. But we have to get out of here and find Buffy before ...
No, I mean, I have a job. I have a life. And Glory? She never once thinks of me in all this. Beat. Dawn looks askance at this Glory-like behavior when there's a KNOCK on the door. Ben looks at it, frightened ...
Help me.
How?
Highness? Ben turns to Dawn, unsure.
Please.
Is everything all right? Ben turns to the door. Opens it. The High Priest enters, looking surprised.
You're not ... Ben YANKS the High Priest inside, and viciously HEADBUTTS him, knocking him to the ground. Another blow and the Priest is out cold. Ben looks up to Dawn
I'll take you as far as I can. Ditch you before she comes back. Ben takes Dawn by the hand and they head out together.
Okay, now this is weird. INT. L.A. HOME - DAY Willow stands exactly where she stood before, talking to Young Buffy.
Hi, Willow. What are you doing here?
Actually, I'm, um - looking for you. Here. Again.
Do you like dolls? She starts braiding her doll's hair.
No. And I think we already deja'd this vu.
(giggles) You talk funny.
Yes, as you'll tell me again when we're older, and in chem class. Buffy, what are we doing here?
(shrugs) Don't you like it here?
We don't have time.
Mommy! Daddy! Young Buffy runs from the table, excited, and runs to the front door. Willow is left holding the doll. She turns to see: Willow's P.O.V.: The front door to the L.A. home opens and in walk HANK and JOYCE SUMMERS, circa 1987. Joyce is holding in her arms a NEWBORN BABY. This is DAWN.
We're home.
We're calling her "Dawn." As Willow watches, she turns. We see her P.O.V.: INT. MAGIC BOX - DAY Buffy puts the book back on the shelf. We cut back to Willow and see she's still ... INT. L.A. HOME - DAY ... In the home in L.A. Watching Young Buffy accept baby Dawn from Joyce.
I... I could be the one to look after her sometimes, if you need a helper. Mom? Can I take care of her?
Yes, Buffy. You can take care of her. INT. DOC'S PLACE - NIGHT DOC sits reading a book by the light of a cozy fire he's got going in the fireplace. There's a KNOCK at the door. Without looking up, he says:
It's always open. Xander and Spike enter. Doc still doesn't look up.
What can I do for you boys? You want some cocoa? I was just getting ready to warm up a little.
Thanks awfully, no. We need information. We need ...
(blurts) Ben is Glory!
Who's what?
(to Xander) Look at this. Special Ed remembers.
Yeah. I do. Ben's Glory. Glory, Ben. It's like a fog is lifting.
Wonderful. But not why we're here. (to Doc) Hellgod type, name of Glory ...
A.K.A. Ben ...
... is gone missing. Brewing up some major league bad. And she's nicked the Slayer's kid sister in the bargain.
That girl you brought here? Sweet little thing -- how'd it work out with her mom? Changed her mind, didn't she?
Yeah, yeah. Got any idea where Glory would take her?
Glory? Glory... ooh, you don't mean Glorificus? Gosh, what do you want to get mixed up with her for? That's a sure way to get yourselves killed. I hear she's awfully unpleasant. He puts the book away, shelves it, stands.
When it comes to Hellgods, my best advice is to get out of the way and stay there.
Love to. Can't.
Well, other than that ... As he talks, Doc subtly maneuvers himself in front of an ornate BOX on his desk. Spike flickers his eyes once in that direction, but otherwise pays no mind to it.
... I'd like to help, but I'm just a small town guy. This Glorificus, if it is her - she's Big City.
She's got Dawn.
Right. Well... I may know a fella, who knows a fella - in China. Big cheese of his own ancient holy order, he might ...
How the hell we supposed to get to China? Teleport?
I guess, if you're in that much of a rush. Wish you luck. You and your specially challenged friend. I might, maybe have a phone number handy, let's see now ... He starts rummaging through little bits of paper.
First the knees, then the eyes, everything goes eventually. When you boys get to be my age, you'll see ...
You're lying. Spike stands stock-still. Doc looks up, a little confused. Blinks once, dumbly.
What's more, I believe you're standing right in front of the very thing we need. Everyone stands frozen. Silent beat. Doc smiles. Then SUDDENLY LEAPS PAST SPIKE, lands behind him, WHIPS a sword from its scabbard and whirls, pressing the sword to the base of his throat - all in one motion. Doc's eyes are fully dilated - all black. He's jazzed. He hisses:
Idiot. He THRUSTS - just as Spike yanks himself back and deflects the sword away from his throat. Bangs his head on the wall in the process, going down. Xander makes a move toward Doc and - FWAP! A TEN FOOT TONGUE shoots out of Doc's mouth - slams into Xander hard. He's sent shooting backwards - and slams into a wall, with enough force to knock some framed pictures clattering to the floor. The tongue recoils super-fast back into Doc's mouth.
You think only underworld bottom feeders worship the Beast? Doc SPINS away from Spike, grabs the ornate BOX, and throws it into the FIREPLACE. Flames lick at the box's edges, smoke starts pouring out. He turns back, lifting the dazed Spike to his feet.
Her day is coming, boys. And when she returns - then you're gonna see something. And suddenly Doc goes down. We see Xander's gotten hold of a FIRE POKER and he's SMASHED Doc in the back of the legs with it. Xander grapples with Doc. Spike rushes to the fireplace. Reaches in, and burns his hands retrieving the box from the fire.
Aaahh!! Xander gets atop Doc, straddles him and RUNS HIM THROUGH (offscreen) with the sword. We hear a horrible gurgling cry. Some blue goo squirts up at Xander. Demon blood. Xander drops the sword and gets off (fast as he can).
(re: box) What do we got?
Something worth dying for. They head out together, Spike holding the box. We hold on Doc's dead face a moment. Then his eyes SNAP OPEN. INT. XANDER'S BEDROOM - NIGHT Buffy and Willow sit motionless, apart from one another.
Buffy, will you just stop a second and listen to me? INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - DAY Buffy walks down the hallway, calm. Willow follows behind, getting a little frantic.
You have to stop doing this.
Doing what?
Killing Dawn.
Why? Willow runs around Buffy, gets in front of her, blocking her path.
Because it never happened. You never killed your sister!
Will, I did this.
In your imagination! None of this is real, you're stuck in some kind of loop.
I don't know what you're talking about. Excuse me? Buffy stands there, looking at Will blocking her way. Willow steps aside. Buffy heads to Dawn's room.
Why are you doing this?!? EXT. STREET - NIGHT Dawn and Ben walk fast down Sunnydale Main Street together, followed by some Minions. DAWN
Don't look back. Stay close to me. They walk along as casually as they can, then Ben suddenly yanks Dawn into an ARCHWAY. EXT. ARCHWAY/ALLEY - NIGHT Ben shoves Dawn up against a wall as the Minions pass by.
Shh. Stay very still. Ben waits a beat, then looks out to check that they're gone. They are. Ben turns back to Dawn. And the instant he does she SMASHES him in the head with a heavy metal chain. Ben goes down. Dawn drops the heavy chain.
I'm sorry. She prepares to make a run for it, out the alley. But she gets about two steps before hearing:
"Sorry?" That actually hurt, you pre-pubescent puke. Dawn turns to see GLORY rising where Ben fell. And Glory looks pissed. BLACK OUT.
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| Act Four | ||
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EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT (INTERIOR SET) Continuous. Glory holds Dawn in one hand and calmly weighs the chain in the other.
Okay, first thought, just totally spontaneous, unfiltered, off the top of my head? She holds up the chain.
"Ow!!" You hit Ben in his soft human head. And I remember the pain! She throws the chain aside. Pushes Dawn further back into the alley, out of sight of any passers-by.
You probably think I won't waste any precious blood of yours 'til tonight. You're right. But I know a thousand ways to hurt you that won't spill a drop. She advances on Dawn, holding her face in her hand, pushing her up against the wall.
And you know those pesky feelings I've been having? Like guilt, empathy ... ? I decided I'm gonna take 'em and mash 'em back down where they belong. Okay? Now let's have big girl-fun, just you and ... (beat) Leave her alone. (beat) Oh, for ... Glory MORPHS into Ben. He backs off. Dawn, freaked, holds her own throat and eases away from him.
I said leave her alone! Ben MORPHS back into Glory.
No. NO! Little late in the game to start growing a backbone, Benjamin. Now be good and stay quiet. Glory struggles with herself. Trying to hold herself back from morphing again.
No - you - don't! Get over yourself, Ben! This is the way things are! I'm strong, you're weak, this is reality. Stop trying to infect me with your ... Glory becomes Ben again.
Do you ever stop talking? I don't know which is worse, waking up in a dress not knowing where I've been, or having to hear all your self-involved ranting. Ben becomes Glory. Dawn watches. (NOTE: FROM HERE ON IN, WE'LL TAKE THE MORPHS/CUTS/TRANSITIONS BETWEEN BEN AND GLORY AS A GIVEN, EXCEPT WHERE INDICATED).
Animal...
Wrong, Glory. I'm no animal. This is humanity you're feeling. Welcome to the world. Dawn edges toward the alley entrance. Glory shoots a hand out and snags her by the collar.
No no no. She THROWS Dawn back into the alley. Dawn lands painfully, looks up at the two fighting.
Stick around, chica.
I won't let you hurt her, Glory.
Shut your hole, you sanctimonious little meatworm. I'm going home no matter what you do. Ben picks up a stray bottle. Grabs Dawn.
You really think I'll just let that happen?
Benjamin. What are you doing?
You need her blood? Ben SMASHES the bottle. Dawn SCREAMS - but Ben CLAPS his hand over her mouth before the sound can long escape.
When I'm through there won't be enough left to fill a bottle cap. Then you, Hellbitch, have nowhere left to go. Glory, genuinely frightened, shoves Dawn away from the jagged bottle's edges. She tosses the bottle away, shattering it.
You can't hurt her and you know it, Ben. I know it, because I feel what you're feeling. Scared? No response.
Shh, shh, it's okay. You don't want to die. Who would? I don't.
You can't. You're immortal.
Nobody has to die here, Ben. Just let me bleed the girl and go home. Everything'll work out fine.
Do you really believe, with all I know, that you can trick me?
Stop and think, baby. We bleed the kid. Return me to my seat of power. I become a God again. Dawn trembles, watching.
And I disappear.
Unless somebody up there likes you. Give up the girl, and I could like you a lot.
I won't make a deal with you, Glory.
(sighs) When exactly did you get stupid? I'm offering immortality here!
I believe you. That's not the problem. You make me immortal, then what? (grabbing Dawn) I have to kill her to do it and I won't be able live with that! Not even for a day - forget about eternity. He staggers. They're both drained, exhausted, like heavyweight fighters staggering through the final round.
Baby, baby, baby Ben... why do you worry so much? When you're immortal, all this crap you've been carrying around inside - the guilt, the anger, the crazy-making pain ... it all just melts away, like ice cream. Trust me. When all this is over, I can set you up real nice. I'm making it easy. It's you - or the girl.
I can't accept that.
Accept it. (smiles) I'm a God, stupid. Glory MORPHS into Ben. Exhausted. Spent. He slides down the alley wall, his legs unable to support him, and sits, hanging his head. Smiles. He's won. He walks over to Dawn. He looks tired but relieved. Ben tenderly reaches a hand out to her...
I'm sorry. He holds her hand. Tenderly at first, then his grip tightens. And, still holding Dawn, starts dragging her out of the alley. EXT. ARCHWAY/ALLEY - DAY
Wh-what are you doing?
Don't make this harder than it already is. I'm sorry, I got no choice. It's you or me. Dawn is speechless. They reach the head of the alley. Minions greet them there. Ben exchanges some unseen words with them and we cut to: INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - JOYCE'S ROOM - DAY Willow follows Buffy as Buffy heads to Dawn's room.
No. Buffy. Leave Dawn alone. What is this?
My gift. This is what I do.
But I'm not talking about this, I'm talking about ... Buffy enters Dawn's room, Willow follows, and we see they've entered: INT. MAGIC BOX - DAY The Magic Box.
... This. She points. Buffy looks. They both see: Buffy places the book on the shelf again. Looks down, sighs. Willow and Buffy watch Buffy repeat the action of putting the book on the shelf over and over.
Right here, it happened. I know it's something small, but it's something. What?
Don't go there, Will.
I'm not! You're the one who keeps dragging me back here. And you wouldn't be doing that if you weren't trying to show me something.
Do I?
Buffy, c'mon. It's your brain. Just tell me. Willow walks over to the Buffy who repeatedly puts the book back on the shelf, gestures to her.
What happened here? Buffy cannot answer. But - the BUFFY at the bookshelf (hereafter known as BOOKSHELF BUFFY) answers for her, quietly:
This was when I quit, Will. Willow deals with both Buffys without skipping a beat.
You did?
(nods) Just for a second. INT. XANDER'S BEDROOM - NIGHT Buffy and Willow sit motionless across from one another. INT. MAGIC BOX - DAY Continuous.
I remember I was in the magic shop. Reading.
I put a book back for Giles.
Nothing special about it. And then, it hit me.
What hit you?
I can't beat Glory.
Glory's going to win.
You can't know that.
I didn't just know it.
I felt it. Glory will beat me.
And in that second of knowing it, Will ...
I wanted it to happen.
Why?
I wanted it over. This is all - all of it - it's too much for me.
I just wanted it over.
If Glory wins, then Dawn dies.
I would grieve and people would feel sorry for me. But it would all be over. And I imagined what a relief that would be. Willow watches Buffy put-the book back on the shelf again.
I killed Dawn.
Is that what you think?
My thinking it made it happen. Some part of me wanted it. So, in the moment Glory took Dawn ...
I know I could have done something better. And I didn't. I was off by some fraction of a second.
And this is why.
I killed my sister. They both watch Buffy put the book on the shelf again.
I think Spike was right, back at the gas station. (sudden, sharp) Snap out of it!
What?
I'm sorry. But all this - it has a name. It's called guilt. It's a feeling, and it's important, but it's not more than that, Buffy. Buffys. You've carried the weight of the world on your shoulders since high school. I know you didn't ask for this. But you do it. Every day, and so you wanted out for one second, so what?
I got Dawn killed ...
Hello! Your sister - not dead yet! But she will be if you stay locked inside here and never come back to us.
I don't think I can.
Okay, unlike Glory, the Slayer is also human. You get to be. You feel everything you're doing and I admit, I have no idea how hard that must be - but you have to do it.
And what if I can't?
Then I guess you're right. And you did kill your sister. Willow turns and walks out the Magic Box.
Wait. Where are you going? INT. XANDER'S BEDROOM - NIGHT Buffy and Willow sit motionless across from one another. INT. MAGIC BOX - DAY Willow stops at the door, turns back.
Where you're needed. Beat. Willow offers Buffy her hand.
Are you coming? Buffy thinks about it, watches herself put the book on the shelf. She gives Willow her hand. They exchange a look. And suddenly: INT. XANDER'S BEDROOM - NIGHT Buffy and Willow sit silently across from one another. Buffy suddenly JERKS AWAKE. Her eyes open and she gulps in a big gasping breath of air. She looks to Willow, startled. Takes in her surroundings, looking around the room, sees where she is and who she's with ... And begins to WEEP. Willow lets Buffy cry. After a long beat, Willow stands, crosses the room, hugs her. Buffy continues weeping… INT. MAGIC BOX - NIGHT Giles, Xander, Anya, Tara and Spike sit around the table in the Magic Box. Buffy and Willow enter.
You're back.
Hear you found the ritual text.
Something like that, yes.
Did you know Ben is Glory?
So I'm told. (to Giles) What do we know? Giles hesitates.
Well, according to these scrolls, there is a way to stop Glory. Buffy waits. Giles hesitates, awkward and unsure.
I'm afraid it... Buffy. I've read these very carefully. There's not much margin for error. Do you understand what I'm saying?
Might help if you actually said it.
Glory plans to open a dimensional portal by way of ritual bloodletting.
Dawn's blood?
Yes. Once the blood is shed at a certain time and place, the fabric separating all realities will be ripped apart. Dimensions will pour into one another with no barriers to stop them. Reality as we know it will be destroyed, and chaos will reign on Earth.
So how do we stop it?
The portal will only close once the blood is stopped. And the only way for that to happen is ... Giles pauses. Then, grimly, straight to Buffy, says:
Buffy - the only way is to kill Dawn. Long beat. And holding on Buffy's face, we BLACKOUT.
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