The Descent to Avernus: Part 2
by Gaius Petronius
DISCLAIMER: See Prologue.
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Part Two
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"Odi et amo! Quare id faciam fortasse requiris.
Nescio, sed fieri sentio et excrucior!"
"I hate and yet I love. Perhaps, you ask, why I do this?
I don't know. But I feel it and I'm in torment."
Catullus, 1st century B.C.E.
ACT 1, Scene 3. INT. The storage room where Ethan is being held prisoner. Early evening.
Ethan is lying in his beat up recliner with Faith's pint bottle now empty, sitting on a small table close at hand. He is not passed out, but definitely drunk. He stares ahead into the dark recesses of the room. After a few moments, he grins and nods to a particular corner as if something only he could see were hovering in the shadows.
ETHAN
(spoken with a surly drunkeness to the dark)
Glad you could take some time out of your busy schedule! Where the Hell you been when I need you?
The Voice that replies is the same as the one which spoke to Giles.
VOICE
(sarcastically)
Good to see you again, too. But is that anyway for a loving son to speak to...
ETHAN
Oh, Shut Up!
VOICE
My! We are out of sorts today. You really shouldn't be drinking that cheap stuff you know. The high level of impurities and lack of aging... well, let's just say the hangover is an effect I'd love to be able to reproduce for my... "clients."
ETHAN
Well, are you going to open the bloody door and let me out or not!
VOICE
Tsk, tsk, tsk. Ethan dear boy, you know I only have one power outside of my realm, collecting the dead. I couldn't even flush the loo, if I had to. We've gone over this dozens of times. That's why you and I are trying to "expand" my realm.
Ethan turns his head away from the darkness and sighs with disgust.
ETHAN
Bleeding lot of good you are! Here I get you a Watcher... and what thanks do I get?
VOICE
I do appreciate receiving Mr. Giles. He'll be a wonderful addition to our R & D department... but I wanted The Slayer.
ETHAN
You and every other drooling cretin the Hellmouth has spat out into this stinking little village. You'll just have to get in line behind... (counting on his fingers) The Mayor, Mr. Trick, that bald headed imbecile Snyder, every vampire and demon for fifty miles around and half the male senior class of Sunnydale High! I included the other half in my vampire count 'cause they're all dead.
VOICE
(quietly, after a pause)
She's the real threat, you know.
ETHAN
(exasperated)
I know that! I'm working on it!
VOICE
You've been slumming around up here for nearly forty years with damn little to show for it.
ETHAN
I said I'm working on it!
VOICE
Look at you, you're just a drunken yob. You have no followers and all I ask is for you to take out one stupid Slayer who not only could sabotage our expansion into new markets but confine us to our realm forever! You have to understand my position, Ethan. We're talking possibly a serious set back here, centuries of temptations, booze, gluttony, pillaging, lust, rapine... one of the finest and most carefully constructed marketing plans devised... all down the flusher!
ETHAN
You'll have your Slayer.
VOICE
I may have to revisit my strategy. After all, the competition is pretty intense and with Y2K coming up... I may just have to... set you up as a prophet... and then have you executed.
Shocked, Ethan looks up at the corner of the room from where the Voice is emanating.
VOICE (cont'd)
Not terribly creative I admit, but it's worked pretty well for the opposition for the last two millenia.
ETHAN
I said I'm on it! You'll have her in your hands within the week! She's going to try to rescue that stupid Ripper, you know.
For the first time the Voice is silent. Finally it speaks again.
VOICE
Does she know... how?
ETHAN
She and that little Wiccan will probably figure it out. (realizing the Voice is now concerned) She'll get the whole group of Ying-Yangs she hangs out with and go after him.
VOICE
(now fearful)
I must stop them. They must not reach the center of the Kingdom of Death.
ETHAN
Don't get yourself all in a dither! You can do your regular thing, demons along the path, rock slides, boiling lava... as well as your usual mind games.
VOICE
That won't stop them... this moment has been coming for thousands of years.
ETHAN
Oh will you stop with all that Rot! I've been listening to your moaning and complaining for God know's how long.
The Voice does not reply. Ethan, realizing what he just said, apologizes.
ETHAN (cont'd)
Oh,... sorry about that.
VOICE
That's perfectly all right. Happens to the best of us.
ETHAN
Just relax. I'll be tagging along with them for the ride. So even if they find the path all the way down, I'll make sure they can't pull anything off. Besides, the Slayer thinks she's going to rescue her Watcher. She hasn't a clue, you know,... as to what her real destiny is.
VOICE
For both our sakes... we'd better keep it that way.
ETHAN
Oh, and one thing before you go. You know that little demon I got a hold of, that Rarak thing?
VOICE
No...
ETHAN
Yes you do! I just sent him back the other day! He's defective. Has a bloody soul. Mucked up things real bad.
VOICE
Ethan, if I had to keep track of everytime a little demon, creature or politician under my purview passed wind, I'd be up to my eyes in disciplinary reports and paperwork.
ETHAN
Well... You ought to vaporize him or something. He's given me nothing but trouble.
VOICE
Ethan... let's keep our attention on the task at hand.
ETHAN
Oh, one last thing.
Ethan picks up the empty pint bottle and waves it at the darkness in the corner of the room.
ETHAN (cont'd)
You think you might be able to bend the rules a little and get me something from your private stock?
VOICE
Well... as long as "He" isn't looking.
A full pint bottle sails out of the darkness as if it were tossed. Ethan catches the bottle and raises it in a toast to the shadows in the corner.
ETHAN
Thanks, I appreciate that. You know, while you're here, you really should spend a little time off. Go out, get some Chinese, take in a movie, tip over a speeding car... loosen up... have some fun.
There is no reply from the corner of the room.
ETHAN
No? Well, stay in touch. Oh and next time, don't embarrass me. Lose the leisure suit. It may be back in style down there but... oh, it *is* God Awful!
There is another pause.
ETHAN (cont'd)
(smiling sarcastically)
Oh... sorry.
CUT TO BLACK
ACT 1, Scene 4. INT. The Library. Early evening.
Willow is still in Giles' office, searching through the pile of manuscripts and books on his desk. In the library itself, everyone else has left for the Bronze except Oz. He is sitting patiently, casually thumbing through one of the books the others have left on the table. Finally he sighs, gets up and walks into the office. Willow, with her face in the Necropolis Text, barely looks up at him.
OZ
Will... let's go. You're gonna burn out.
WILLOW
(distracted, staring at the text)
Just a couple minutes more. I've almost got what the phrase about "touched by the finger of God" really means. Ya see that's Ethan's translation and it doesn't fit the Latin but my vocabulary and declensions are so bad... I mean I can't keep the dative and ablative straight and I confuse the genitive plural with...
Oz interrupts her and puts his hand on her shoulder.
OZ
Willow... you're babbling.
She stops talking and stares back at him.
OZ (cont'd)
(gently)
You're not Giles.
WILLOW
(pleading)
But I have to be like him if I'm going to be the Watcher.
OZ
No, you don't. You just have to be Willow Rosenberg. The Willow I know will pull all this together in her own way.
Willow doesn't reply.
OZ (cont'd)
Come on, let's go down to the Bronze. I gotta play the second set and you really need a break.
WILLOW
(stepping back from the desk)
Okay, (speaking as if to the empty chair behind the desk)
I'll be back. I promise.
OZ
(wrapping his arm around her shoulder)
He knows, Will. He knows.
They both turn and walk out of Giles' office.
CUT TO INT. The Bronze. Night at the same time.
Faith, Cordelia and Xander are all sitting together at a round table. The band on stage is almost finished with the first set. Cordelia and Xander are sipping sodas but Faith is ignoring hers. Every once in awhile she stares up from the table towards the door as if she were waiting for someone.
XANDER
(to Faith)
You're awful quiet... not your usual bubbly self. What's up? You expecting somebody?
FAITH
(gazing at the door as people come in and out)
Nah... just people watchin'.
Xander and Cordelia study Faith for a few moments. Her subdued demeanor has both surprised.
CORDELIA
(to Faith, a little worried)
Uh, is something going to happen here we should know about? I mean, if vampires are gonna burst through the door any second...
FAITH
Easy, Cords. Nothing's coming down.... just feeling a little funky tonight.
CORDELIA
Well, it can't be the ice cream cause I gave you the one without the...
FAITH
(grinning, interrupting)
Nah, it's nothing like that.
At the same time, Xander gives Cordelia a questioning look.
FAITH (cont'd)
(moody)
I just got this real blue feeling tonight... like any minute he's gonna come walking through that door like nothing ever happened,... tail between his legs lookin' fer Buffy.
Cordelia and Xander are respectfully silent, letting Faith continue uninterrupted.
FAITH (cont'd)
And I'm bored so I go over and ask the little twerp if he wants to dance. Course he's embarrassed which is sorta cute since most guys 'ud have their paws all over ya in a second.... But I can tell he wants to. Dance I mean, so we go out on the floor and start dancing, easy, nice and slow.
Faith's voice lowers as she fantasizes. Xander and Cordelia listen with rapt attention.
FAITH (cont'd)
(quietly)
Then I start telling him stuff while we're out there... I don't know why. It's stuff I haven't told anybody. 'Bout my Mom and Dad... what I remember anyway... before they died... how my Mom cried, even through the booze, when I got called as a Slayer. And my older brother who tried to teach me some moves until he realized I could beat the crap outta him with one hand tied behind my back. And my Watcher... when he was alive...
Faith stops talking and looks away. She is silent for a moment and then continues.
FAITH (cont'd)
And he's cool, 'cause he just listens. Doesn't judge ya or expect anything. Just keeps it to himself. You could count on him for that.
XANDER
Faith... it's all right to feel bad about what happened.
FAITH
Hey, I'm okay about it. Besides you guys are bummed about Giles anyway. You don't need to hear me moaning.
XANDER
No, no, don't stop. We can listen, too, ya know. Can't we Cordie?
CORDELIA
(smiling without sarcasm)
Wow, is this the new and improved "sensitive" Xander Harris?
XANDER
Depends. Are we still pretending?
CORDELIA
(looking directly at Xander)
I don't know. Starting to get hard to tell.
FAITH
You two are a real stitch, ya know it? I mean, why don't ya just talk to each other?
XANDER
Oh, no! That would be too easy... and logical.
Xander puts his arm around Cordelia's shoulder. She glares at him.
XANDER (cont'd)
Talking? No, Cordelia and I are comfortable now with the icy stares, snide remarks, cutting commentary delivered from behind the back... the occasional spiked soda...
Cordelia, with a look of horror on her face, suddenly shoves away her drink.
XANDER
(pointing at her)
Ha! Ha! Gotcha!
FAITH
(almost to herself as she gazes at the door once more)
Don't blow it guys. I'd give anything just to sit around and shoot the shit with Scott again.
XANDER
I don't know whether it helps or anything and I'm really not supposed to tell but... Buffy said she felt the same way.
FAITH
(looking back at Xander)
Really? (shaking her head) I figured something was going on. I know he's really hung up on her. I mean I like the kid... but I got no chance there. He has it so bad for Buffy. ... (nodding her head and smiling) ... and she likes him, huh?... she really likes him. That's cute. That's really cute.
Faith sighs briefly then speaks in an almost cold, matter of fact tone.
FAITH (cont'd)
And now he's dead.... and Angel's back. What a pisser.
For a few moments no one speaks.
CORDELIA
What happened to Buffy? I thought she was coming with us.
FAITH
Nah, she's finally going to talk to Bloody Buddy.
CORDELIA
(stumbling for words)
Somebody tell me if I'm really flunking this one but don't when she and Angel get together... I mean when they... if they end of up doing... "it"...
FAITH
Cords, no offence, but get a vocabulary.
XANDER
My Dad's got Readers Digest. You can borrow 'em when he's done.
CORDELIA
Shut up! What's with you two? Shouldn't we be stopping this match made in the Hellmouth? I mean how many people did Angel kill last time they did "it?"
Cordelia glares at Faith. Xander follows her gaze and nods his head in agreement.
XANDER
I guess I'm with her on this one.
FAITH
Relax, gang! There's nothing we can do anyway. Buffy's on her own tonight and they gotta face each other sometime. Funny, how she got what she asked for... but I bet it's not what she really wanted.
Faith looks around, and her gaze falls on the entrance door to the Bronze.
FAITH (cont'd)
I gotta get outta here. This place bites tonight. I'm gonna go check up on weasel man.
Faith gets up to leave but before she goes she turns to Xander and Cordelia.
FAITH (cont'd)
Thanks for listening, guys.
XANDER
No problem. Anytime.
FAITH
Oh... and you two. You're cute together and everything but... ditch the "pretend" stuff, okay. Maybe it's just cause I'm feeling a little funky tonight... but I think something may be coming down soon. I know I feel like I ain't got much time left. Take it from me, don't piss away what ya got playing games, okay?
Faiths walks away. Cordelia and Xander stare after her as she leaves. Then they both gaze down self consciously at the table, not willing to look each other in the eyes.
XANDER
So, I guess it's just us.
CORDELIA
Yeah, guess so.
XANDER
What'd ya want to "pretend" tonight?
CORDELIA
(after a long pause, quietly and holding in a sob)
Xander? Why did you do that with Willow?
Xander turns to her, surprise on his face.
XANDER
(very quietly)
No pretending? You really wanta talk, huh? I... I never thought I'd ever hear myself say this but... I do, too. 'Cause I never thought we ever would again.
CORDELIA
(not looking at him, almost a whimper)
... why?... you gotta tell me... so we can finish whatever's happening.
XANDER
(after a pause)
... I... if you wanta dump me... I understand.
CORDELIA
That's not what I said. I said we gotta finish this part... before we know what to do next.
XANDER
(meekly)
Do I have to?
CORDELIA
(quietly)
If you don't... I'll beat the crap outta ya... and it won't be pretend.
XANDER
(smiling)
Promise me something then?
CORDELIA
(a little exasperated)
What? You haven't explained diddly and you're already asking for promises.
XANDER
No, this is different. If we break up,... promise you'll still yell at me. Tell me what a jerk I am and trash me in the hall all the time. That you won't just walk away and ignore me.
The stern look on Cordelia's face melts.
CORDELIA
(slowly)
That's a helluva lot to ask.
XANDER
(looking down, avoiding Cordelia's gaze)
I know.
CORDELIA
(gently)
Okay, jerkface. That's a promise. Now start talking.
Xander hangs his head and takes a deep breath.
CUT TO INT. The stage of the Bronze. At the same time.
The band is playing a slow, acoustic song with quiet electric base backup. The female LEAD SINGER, silhouetted in the stage lights, pulls the microphone from the stand and holds it close to her lips as she sings softly. Across the room, visible between the band members, are Xander and Cordelia in the distance, seated together at their table.
They are too far away to be heard over the music and general buzz of conversation. Xander is trying to explain what happened between him and Willow and apologize to Cordelia at the same time. He's too ashamed to look her directly in the eyes. As he talks he fiddles with his hands on the table in front of him. For a moment, Cordelia listens intently, looking directly at him. But as the details become more intimate, she turns away from him and stares blankly ahead. Her brown eyes tell the story of how much Xander has hurt her.
The Lead Singer addresses the microphone seductively.
LEAD SINGER
(singing)
"How has this never happened to me before?
And come tomorrow will you be there anymore?
And how can I stand it,
Though my heart demands it?
And I want to leave you,
But I can't tell what for.
Tell me your secrets, tell me your lies,
Everything about you I love and despise."
Xander looks up at Cordelia and is silent, his expression begging her to forgive him. She won't turn back to him, but slowly hangs her head. As her rich brown hair cascades across her downturned face, she begins sobbing softly. Although his words can't be heard, Xander's lips say "Please, Cordie!" He reaches over to her hands on the table. She weakly pushes his hand away. He waits a moment, then tries again. This time Cordelia doesn't move. He pulls her hand over to him and caresses it slowly. He then wraps his arms around her shoulders and draws her close to him. Cordelia, her brown eyes glistening, rests her head against Xander and doesn't move.
CUT TO CLOSE UP - Xander and Cordelia at the table.
XANDER
(whispered)
I love you.
CORDELIA
(whispered as well)
I know.
XANDER
Do you still love me?
CORDELIA
I... I don't know.
CUT TO CLOSE UP - The Lead Singer at the microphone.
LEAD SINGER (cont'd)
(singing)
"Now say where we're going,
And not where we've been.
Cause I promise I'll love you
But I can't tell when.
If only you'd love me
And be more than my friend,
Forgiving each other's
The way we'll both mend.
I'll tell you my secrets, I'll tell you my lies,
'Cause everything about me you love and despise."
CUT TO LONG SHOT - across the Bronze dance floor towards Xander and Cordelia's table.
Xander and Cordelia don't move but remain silently in each other's arms.
ACT 1, Scene 5. EXT. In front of the ruins of the old mansion. Night.
Buffy is standing on the lawn in the darkness before the wreckage of the old mansion. The demolition of the decaying structure is now virtually complete. Only a few beams of the first floor and the foundation are still standing. Debris lies everywhere. Several payloaders and bulldozers, their metal claws outstretched like demons guarding the entrance to the gates of Hell, gape in the darkness at her. Mounds of splintered timbers, broken stucco and stone fragments from the main fireplace are all that remain where the central hall once stood.
Buffy stands silently. As she gazes at the ruin everywhere around her, her face is cast in an image, not of despair, but almost peaceful resignation and acceptance. Out of the darkness behind her, ANGEL appears and slowly walks forward. She hears his footsteps, but, recognizing them, doesn't turn to him right away. Her eyes are still riveted on the wreckage before her. For a moment, Angel, unsure of how to speak to her, says nothing.
ANGEL
(after a long pause)
... Buffy?...
Buffy turns to him. Slowly she walks over and stands before him. Neither speaks. Finally, Buffy reaches out her arms and slowly wraps them around Angel. Angel does the same and they hug together for a long time. Buffy then pulls her head off of Angel's shoulder and, with one arm still around him, takes her other hand and gently strokes the features of his face, as if trying to remind herself of an image from a distant time, now long forgotten.
Slowly her hand runs down the bridge of his nose, across the high ridge of his cheek bones and then up his forehead into his hair. Her face then moves forwards and her lips gently meet his. They kiss, but it is not of passionate reunion but closer to a painful, final farewell.
Buffy and Angel separate. She then steps back from him and turns to face the ruin of the old mansion in front of them both.
BUFFY
(spoken to the darkness)
... I... I have no idea where... or even how to begin.
ANGEL
(quietly)
Faith came to see me yesterday. She filled me in on everything that's happened.
BUFFY
(turning to Angel, but with no accusation in her voice)
Everything? What happened to you... and why? Did she tell you what you did... to everyone? To Ms. Calendar? ... to Giles?
ANGEL
(feeling her building agony)
... Buffy...
BUFFY
(quietly)
... how could she tell you? She wasn't there. She didn't feel any of it.
Angel doesn't answer.
BUFFY (cont'd)
And what I did to you, that you know. But what happened after that... to Scott, to Giles. What happened to all of us after they died,... that you can *never* know.
Buffy turns away from Angel again and stares at the ruins of the mansion. Her eyes stay fixed on the twisted timbers and broken stones as she speaks.
BUFFY (cont'd)
We're all just trying to pick up the pieces now. Groping our way around in the dark.
ANGEL
Buffy... I never meant any of this to happen.
BUFFY
I know... neither did I... but it did.
ANGEL
And although what happened between us can never happen again,... I still love you, Buffy.
BUFFY
(turning to him)
And I love you, too. But that's *why* it happened.
Angel stares at Buffy, questions on his face.
BUFFY (cont'd)
(with no anger)
This isn't love, Angel. The price is too high. (she waves her hand at the wreckage) Love doesn't do this! It's something else. Something terrible.
There is another long pause.
BUFFY (cont'd)
(whispered)
I love you... and I hate you, too... 'cause we can never be together.
ANGEL
Buffy, we were meant to be together.
BUFFY
(lashing out)
No! We're not! Us together is a freak! This is not what you're supposed to be, a vampire! You're from two hundred years ago! We never should have met.
ANGEL
But I am... and we did.
Buffy looks Angel directly in the eyes.
BUFFY (cont'd)
Angel? What happens... when lovers see love has changed... when the pain is so great, it tears their hearts to pieces... and everything around them dies? When all they touch is destroyed, is it still love?... or something else that drives them. Sometimes lovers, even though they want each other more than anything else in the world,... are no longer lovers... and the nights must grow quiet once again.
ANGEL
Buffy, after what we've gone through, we have to try to...
BUFFY
(without anger, only regret)
No... I gave you back your life, your soul. That's enough. I have nothing more I can give you.
ANGEL
I may have my life back... but you still own my soul... and always will.
Buffy turns away from Angel and is about to walk away but she holds her place.
ANGEL (cont'd)
Buffy... since there's nothing else I can do... can I at least walk with you... for just tonight?
Buffy looks back at Angel. Her green eyes glisten in the faint reflected light of the evening.
BUFFY
(trying not to sob)
Angel... wherever I go and whatever happens from here... there'll always be a place for you to walk... at my side.
Angel joins Buffy. Both turn away from the ruins of the mansion and, without touching, slowly walk away together until they disappear into the darkness.
CUT TO INT. The storage room downtown where Ethan is being held. Night.
Ethan is drunk and finally passed out in his beat up recliner. A floor standing lamp is the only source of illumination. Outside, the SOUND OF A SLIDING BAR slipping out of the door, echos in the room. Slowly the door swings open and Faith stands in silhouette against the light from the street lamps. She walks in, slams the door behind her and saunters over to the recliner.
Faith spots the second empty pint bottle lying on the floor. Quickly her stance changes from self confident arrogance to cautious defence. She senses someone else is in the room with her and Ethan. She turns to face the darkness. From out of the inky blackness in a corner of the room, the Voice speaks to her.
VOICE
(sarcastically)
Hello, Faith... good to see you again. It's been awhile.
FAITH
(shouting)
Who the hell are you? Get out here so I can see you!
VOICE
I feel a little slighted, you don't recognize me. We've met at least three, four, maybe five times.
FAITH
Get out here!
VOICE
(as if counting)
Let's see there was the time with your Father... and your Mother,... oh yes and your Watcher. And number four was your first *real* boyfriend, Randall. Sensitive fellow. I sort of liked him. Pity that was so messy when you dumped him because you got bored.... you never realize a .22 caliber to the head can do so much... damage.
Faith is trembling. For the first time her fear is getting the better of her, and she is losing control.
FAITH
(screaming)
Shut Up!
VOICE
Oh, and number five... Mr. Giles. Well technically that was my assistant. At least in that case you put up a good fight.
FAITH
What the hell do you want!
VOICE
Why you, of course.
Faith tries to regain control of her emotions but her breathing is heavy. She stands up straight as if ready to accept her fate.
VOICE (cont'd)
Oh no, no, no. Not tonight! ... but soon. A shame your life has so little to show for it. No status, no family, no real friends... no one to mourn for you. But you'll do what I ask when the time comes. And then you'll get to be with your buddies, Mr. Giles... and Scott.
FAITH
(with bravado and trying to bluff)
You f*cking bastard! We're gonna get Giles back from you! And then you know what we're gonna do? We're gonna bust your stones! We're gonna wrap your ass up so tight in that stinking shit hole you call Hell, you're never gonna set foot out into the sunlight again!
Suddenly, the tone changes in the Voice. The self confidence and sarcasm are less pronounced. Faith picks up on the change.
VOICE
My, language. That'll never win you any Emmy's.
FAITH
Ah, touch a sore spot did we?... You *know* we're gonna get Giles back, don't you! And we're gonna nail your ass down good!
VOICE
None of you will ever return ... to the world you know.
FAITH
Maybe... but that doesn't mean we won't return to a *better* one!... I *do* know you. You're right. We've met a bunch of times. And you are one Hell of a liar!
Out of the darkness in the corner of the room, a slowly whirling black cloud begins to surge towards Faith. It rolls in slow motion like twisting strands of molten tar. Faith drops to a fully defensive stance and holds her ground. The black form halts only a few feet away from her.
FAITH (cont'd)
Come on! Do it now! Just try it and see how far you get!
The blackness still doesn't move.
FAITH (cont'd)
I've beat the shit outta vamps, demons and dozens of horny guys with six hands. Come on Mr. D! You're next!
VOICE
I will take you... when it is your time.
FAITH
And I'll be waitin' for ya!
The black form quickly fades away leaving only shadows in the corner of the room. Faith drops her defensive stance. She puts one hand on her hip and swaggers over to Ethan who is still passed out in his recliner.
FAITH (cont'd)
(to the unconscious Ethan)
Told him, didn't I! Trying to scare me!... (suddenly without her usual bravado) threatening me with something I don't already know. What an asshole!
Faith looks down at Ethan.
FAITH (cont'd)
What I wanta know is... what's your deal in all this, Sleeping Beauty?
Ethan gives a drunken snort and fidgets around in his recliner. Faith shakes her head. She reaches down to the floor and picks up the empty bottle the Voice gave to Ethan. Faith sniffs the mouth and recoils back slightly at the powerful vapors. She sticks one finger inside the throat of the bottle, swirls it around and draws it, wet, back out. She then rubs the liquid on the back of one of her fingernails. For a moment she contemplates the nail. Then she remarks to herself, obviously impressed by the result.
FAITH
Cool. Works pretty good!
CUT TO EXT. The street outside of Willow's house. Night.
Oz's van pulls up to the curb and stops. Inside the van, Willow sits next to Oz. She turns to him before she gets out.
WILLOW
Thanks for dropping me off. I just really wasn't up for the Bronze.
OZ
That's okay. No problem. But get some sleep... or do something dumb,... read a trashy novel, watch TV or something. Just don't think about... you know who.
WILLOW
(looking Oz directly in the eyes)
Oz? Is it gonna be okay... between us?
Oz stares back at her. Only the faintest hint of a smile creases his face. Suddenly, Willow leans over, puts her hands around the back of his head and kisses him passionately. When they separate, his smile is broader.
OZ
It's definitely getting there.
Willow grins with just a trace of embarrassment.
OZ (cont'd)
Go on. I'm gonna miss the second set. I'll call ya later.
Smiling, Willow jumps out of the van and runs to the front door.
CUT TO INT. Willow's bedroom. Night, moments later.
Willow walks into her bedroom, shuts the door and flops down on her bed. She dangles her feet over one side, sinks her elbows into the comforter and puts her head in her hands. After a moment, she rolls over onto her back and stares up at the ceiling. Willow closes her eyes tight as if she is trying to force some hidden image to come to her mind. The effort is unsuccessful so she sighs and sits back up.
At the foot of her bed is the small box of junk jewelry and broken artifacts Giles bought for her and Buffy at the Furtwangler estate auction only a week earlier. As she gazes at the shoe box size container, she shakes her head, unable to believe that only a few days before, she, Giles and Buffy were wandering together in the sunshine on the green lawn of the estate.
She pulls the box towards her and begins absent mindedly rooting through the bracelets, pins and old corroded coins in the box. As she digs towards the bottom, she draws out an object about two inches square and wrapped in a worn scrap of dingy cloth. The cloth is tied in place by an old piece of disintegrating twine.
Willow begins to untie the twine but it falls apart in her fingers. She pulls off the piece of cloth to reveal a fragment of a stone, blackened at the corners and marked with a symbol or letter that is broken off at the edge. Inside the old piece of cloth is written a date.
WILLOW
(reading the date to herself)
November 10th, 1889.
Puzzled, Willow wrinkles her brow. She puts the piece of cloth down on the bed covers and holds the stone in her hands, staring at its rough shape. Suddenly, Willow's eyes widen and she sucks in her breath. An image comes to her.
CUT TO INT. The tent in the Sinai Peninsula in the Prologue. 1889.
Dr. Furtwangler is seated alone in the camp chair as he was in the Prologue. He holds in his hand the same stone Willow is holding.
FURTWANTLER
I know it is not through me that You will work Your miracle... but through one... yet to come...
Dr. Furtwangler looks up from the stone as if he were staring off at someone in the distant future but who is nevertheless familiar and right beside him. The old German archeologist smiles.
CROSS CUT BACK to Willow's bedroom.
Transfixed by the image she sees of Dr. Furtwangler, Willow doesn't move. Then, not knowing exactly why, Willow speaks as if she were part of the image.
WILLOW
Dr. Furtwangler?... Sir... ?
CROSS CUT BACK to the tent in the Sinai desert.
FURTWANGLER
(staring ahead, quietly)
Do not be afraid. You hold the answer in your hand. Now do what you must... auf wiedersehen...
Dr. Furtwangler's eyes glow with their soft blue. Still smiling, he lowers his head, satisfied and sighs.
CROSS CUT BACK to Willow's bedroom.
The image from over one hundred years before suddenly vanishes from Willow's mind. She gasps and sits back against the headboard of the bed. She is still clutching the stone fiercly in her hand. She looks down and opens her palm. There, the small scorched rock fragment sits, silent, enigmatic, guarding its secrets once more.
Willow closes both hands around the stone. She cradles it to her chest. Her puzzled expression melts away. In its place comes a look of confident resolve. She smiles her trademark grin but it is different now. There is no trace of self consciousness. For the first time since Giles died, she feels she has the strength to fill his shoes, but not as just an imitation but rather as herself.
She leans unmoving against the headboard. Now calm, she sighs and closes her eyes. With the stone fragment still held firmly against her breast, in a few minutes more, Willow is asleep.
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