The Descent to Avernus: Part 6
by Gaius Petronius
DISCLAIMER: See Prologue.
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Part Six
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ACT 3, Scene 3, INT. The Library. Night, a few minutes later.
The Mayor and Mr. Trick stand alone in the Library. All around them are piles of dust where vampires have disintegrated. The dust mounds form a diminishing circle around a central point in the floor of the library. There, lies an empty pile of clothing topped by a tweed sport jacket and a leather vest. Lying next to the pile is MacDuffie's jewel encrusted Claymore. The Mayor kicks at one pile of dust near his feet.
MAYOR
Trick, make a note for the Board of Ed to approve Snyder's request for those Oreck XL's in the maintenance budget.
TRICK
(shaking his head)
Whew! Wild, man! Good thing you're indestructible. That was one dangerous muther!
MAYOR
(under his breath so Trick doesn't hear)
Still is.
The Mayor bends down and picks up MacDuffie's sword. He examines it, admiring the skilled metal work and precious stones. As he does, the Claymore begins to glow. A SIZZLING SOUND and a small cloud of smoke comes from the Mayor's hand. Unphased that his hand is burning, the Mayor continues to study the sword. Trick stares at the scorching of the Mayor's hand. Finally the Scottish weapon begins to split and crumble, at last disintegrating into charred fragments that fall to the floor. The Mayor brushes the blackened remnants of the hilt as well as the shreds of his own seared flesh, off onto a library table. New skin immediately slithers back into place to cover what was burned away.
MAYOR (cont'd)
Trick? Ever notice how people and things come and go around here so quickly?
TRICK
Sir, if you don't mind my saying so, how are we going to explain to the "Old Boy" that we blew this deal?
MAYOR
(unconcerned)
We don't. He already knows. Anyway, it's His problem now. I just hope He's a damn site smarter than He looks.
TRICK
Sir...?
MAYOR
(sighing)
All good things must come to an end, Mr. Trick.
Puzzled, Trick looks at the Mayor.
MAYOR (cont'd)
Whadda ya say while we're waiting to see if our little empire here comes to an untimely demise... we go out and pick up a couple of six packs... play some miniature golf!
TRICK
Mr. Mayor... !
MAYOR
I won't hear no!
The Mayor wraps his arm around Trick's shoulder as they walk out the library door together. As the two disappear through the door and down the hallway, the Mayor's voice trails off.
MAYOR
How about Rolling Rock! That's *my* favorite. The fresh clear waters of Latrobe, Pennsylvania! None of that snootsy import stuff for me! How 'bout you?
TRICK
... uh... Bud Lite?
MAYOR
Uuuggh! Nasty tasting stuff! I'll let you in on a secret? You wanna know why they raise all those Clydesdales?...
ACT 3, Scene 4. EXT. A pathway beyond the Gates of Hell. At the same time.
The entire Scooby Gang have halted along the gravel path amidst towering boulders and blasted rocks. The scene is vaguely reminiscent of the desolation of the Sinai Desert in the Prologue. All around them, jagged grey cliffs shoot up at fantastic angles into low hovering black clouds. Every once in a while there is a RUMBLING SOUND from beneath their feet.
Scott, his head still bandaged, rests against a ledge on the edge of a precipice about twenty feet down the path ahead of the rest of the others. He stares off, his face expressionless, into the whirling mists that obscure what lies ahead... and below. A little ways behind him, Buffy and Angel lean against a pair of scarred boulders. Buffy casts worried glances behind her to the rest of the group. Her main concern is Willow who is hanging on Oz's arms and having difficulty breathing. She is even paler than usual.
A few feet away from them, Faith, Xander and Cordelia form a circle around Ethan Rayne who stands with his arms folded and taps his foot impatiently.
WILLOW
(gasping)
Oz, can we sit down for a sec.
OZ
Sure.
Oz helps Willow settle on the gravel surface of the path. He sits beside her and she leans her head against his shoulder. Faith sees them sit down
FAITH
(to Xander and Cordelia, indicating Ethan Rayne)
Watch this numb nuts. I'll be right back.
She walks over to Oz and Willow and squats down.
FAITH
(to Willow)
Hey, Red. I didn't get a chance to say "thanks" back there. You saved my ass.
WILLOW
(trying to catch her breath)
Oh... gee, that's okay. Finally got to do a little more than just spin pencils.
FAITH
You all right? Can I get ya anything?
WILLOW
(weakly)
I'm real thirsty.
FAITH
(yelling over her shoulder)
Sure... Hey! Xander! Throw me that canteen!
Xander takes one of the canteens from off his shoulder and is about to toss it to Faith.
FAITH (cont'd)
Not that one! The one with the water!
XANDER
This *is* the one with the water!
FAITH
Oh, yeah, right!
XANDER
It is!
FAITH
Well check it out fer craps sake!
Xander unscrews the canteen cap. Warm Dr. Pepper sprays out in his face. Shaking her head in disgust, Cordelia pulls the other canteen from around Xander's neck and tosses it to Faith who catches it.
FAITH (cont'd)
Thanks, Cords. (opening the cap and turning to Willow) Here, suck on this.
Willow grasps the canteen with the help of Oz and takes a few sips. She gets the water down but suddenly begins coughing and choking. Oz covers her mouth with his cupped hand until she finally manages to stop and breathe regularly once more. Oz looks down at his hand and sees blood on it. Faith sees it as well, as does Willow. A look of fear crosses Willow's face.
FAITH (cont'd)
(reassuringly)
It's okay. That's nothing. You should have seen me the times I've been punched out. Like the Starred Spangled Banner! You'll be fine, just rest a little bit.
Faith's words have the desired effect. Willow, now calm, closes her eyes and rests her head against Oz once more. Oz looks up at Faith.
OZ
(silently mouthing the word to Faith)
... thanks...
Faith winks back at Oz. She then gets up and walks down the path to Angel and Buffy. As she leaves, Willow starts to shiver and turns to Oz.
WILLOW
(very weakly, urgently)
Oz... you gotta help me with something real quick. I only got a couple of seconds.
OZ
Anything, Will. Just name it.
At the same time, Faith reaches Angel and Buffy.
FAITH
(quietly to Angel and Buffy)
We got a problem. Willow's coughing blood. Must be from when that "thing" back there whacked her in the chest.
ANGEL
Probably broke some blood vessels in her lungs.
FAITH
Could be a busted rib.
BUFFY
Anything we can do?
FAITH
I don't think so. The bleeding might stop on its own. But she's gotta rest.
BUFFY
But we can't stop now!
ANGEL
With Willow like that, I don't think we're going anywhere.
BUFFY
Let me talk to Scott.
Buffy walks ahead down the path to where Scott is standing. Faith turns to Angel.
FAITH
How you holding out down here?
ANGEL
Okay,... I get flashes of things... they're like panic attacks... I'll see something that jogs a memory, like back at the gate. I'm worried though, Faith. There's been a moment or two... when I felt like the old Angelus was trying to break out.
FAITH
You're shittin' me!
ANGEL
(shaking his head)
The closer we get... to the Center,... the stronger he's gonna grow. This is where he comes from. And if something goes wrong, well... you got a stake on you?
Faith's eyes widen at Angel's implied request.
ANGEL (cont'd)
If you have to,... kill him. I don't think Buffy'll be able to.... Promise?
FAITH
... yeah...
ANGEL
And keep an eye on Oz. He's probably going through the same thing. He just doesn't realize it yet.
FAITH
I better warn him.
ANGEL
Don't let Willow hear, okay.
FAITH
(grinning)
Hey, you don't think I can be discreet?
Faith and Angel watch Buffy approach Scott.
FAITH
She likes him, ya know.
ANGEL
(resigned)
... yeah... I know.
FAITH
You wanna talk about it? This is probably the last chance we're gonna get.
ANGEL
(looking directly at Faith)
Faith... whatever happens... if we get Giles back... if we stop the Ruler of the Kingdom of Death... in order to do that, what came before has to be rolled back... and that means what we are here today will cease to exist.
FAITH
(sceptically)
Everybody keeps telling me this.
ANGEL
It's true... If we return the Kingdom of Death to its original boundaries, I'll get my old life back... but it'll be two hundred years ago... a life without Buffy. I've always wondered what I would do if I got a second chance.
FAITH
And if we blow it?
ANGEL
Then Angelus will survive... and I'll be gone. Either way... I have to let her go.
FAITH
You do love her that much.
ANGEL
Yeah... I do.
Faith stares at Angel, trying to understand the depth of his emotions for Buffy. Finally she shakes her head.
FAITH
This is so weird. All my Watcher ever taught me was to stake you guys. This deal is nothing I ever learned in Slayer 101.
For a moment, neither speaks. Finally, Angel stares at Buffy and Scott standing together.
ANGEL
Buffy really likes him?
FAITH
She won't admit it to anyone.
ANGEL
And what about Scott?
FAITH
You shittin' me? He worships her! I tried to make a couple a passes at him. I'd get a better reaction kissing the Washington Monument!
ANGEL
(grinning slightly)
You're getting rusty, Faith. You,... actually liking a guy.
FAITH
How the hell would you know? Don't you start spreadin' rumors! I got a reputation to uphold! (pause, quietly) He kept her from going over the edge, ya know... while you were "gone." And when she finally flipped out... he saved her... gave himself to the Angel of Death.
ANGEL
So I heard. What do you think'll happen to him... after all this is over?
FAITH
Who knows. Maybe just turn into a kid. That's why Buffy started going out with him... (Faith snickers) He seemed so "normal." (pause) What're ya checking all this stuff out about Scott for? You're starting to sound like a guy who's gettin' ready to die.
ANGEL
(sarcastically)
I'm already dead, Faith.
FAITH
You know what I mean! Geez, that's all we need around here now, a funny ass vampire!
ANGEL
(after a pause)
I want her to be happy, Faith. If all of this is gonna change... and we have to go our separate ways... I want her to forget me forever... and be happy.
Looking beyond where Buffy and Scott are standing, Angel stares straight ahead off into the mists obscuring the path that disappears in front of them all. Faith regards Angel, a new respect for the vampire visible in her expression.
CUT TO CLOSE-UP of Buffy and Scott standing further down the path.
SCOTT
How's Willow?
BUFFY
Not too good. She's started coughing blood.
SCOTT
You're kidding!
Scott turns and is about to run up the path towards Willow but Buffy catches his arm.
BUFFY
She's okay. Oz is taking care of her. She's just gotta catch her breath. We can hang out here for a little bit?
SCOTT
Sure.
BUFFY
Scott?... Are you mad at me?
SCOTT
(quietly)
What?
BUFFY
Are you mad at me?... for what I did to you?
SCOTT
Oh, no! No, no, Buffy. Please don't think I'm mad at you.
BUFFY
'Cause I'd understand if you were.
SCOTT
(discouraged)
Then you don't really know me, do you.
BUFFY
Actually, I think I do... let's see... your name is Scott...
SCOTT
(looking back up at her)
Well, duh.
BUFFY
(gently, smiling)
You're quiet, but you're a real dragon underneath that phony nice guy get up... and you can fight like Hell. (sadly as she looks into his blue eyes) But you'd rather write poetry... and draw beautiful pictures... (Buffy grins again)... and you like hot fudge sundaes... you can see into the future...
There is a long pause as Scott turns his head down.
BUFFY (cont'd)
... and I think... you love me...
Scott looks up at her. Their eyes meet. Scott suddenly turns his head away from Buffy.
SCOTT
... no... no, Buffy...
BUFFY
Yes,... you do.
SCOTT
Buffy, it doesn't matter what I feel. All of this is going to end.
BUFFY
Which is why it *does* matter. Because you have to know... I have to tell you what *I* feel...
SCOTT
(insistently)
No! I don't want to hear it.
BUFFY
But Scott, I want you to know...
SCOTT
(cutting her off)
Buffy, if all this is going to end, then what you tell me will, too. Just like with you and Angel. I wander around through this *place,* and I can hardly stand up sometimes because the pain is so terrible. But then to know... what you're going to tell me will not only vanish, but, when everything is changed, I'll probably never remember what you even said... and you won't either. Knowing that,... that pain, even if it's just for a little while... I don't think I could stand it.
Buffy stares at Scott. She impulsively reaches her hand up to her eye to wipe away watering that might have been caused by the blowing dust.
BUFFY
(sadly)
All right... I'll keep my secret to myself, then. And I'll tell you... and everyone else... a little lie instead. That I don't love anyone... never have, never will... you, Angel... anybody... There. Does that make it feel any better?
SCOTT
(quietly, hanging his head)
... no...
BUFFY
(almost pleading)
Good. Now you have to promise me something. Promise, that when this is all over... you'll remember me... and try to find me. That it won't end like this. That you won't just... forget.
Buffy looks away from Scott and stares out into the mists swirling across the path they must follow.
BUFFY (cont'd)
I've got a funny feeling that... whatever world comes next... it's going to be real lonely. And I'm gonna need a friend.
Buffy, unseen by the rest of the group further up the path, gently slides her hand into Scott's and holds it tight.
BUFFY (cont'd)
(whispered)
Promise?
SCOTT
(firmly)
I promise.
They stand silently for a moment. Suddenly behind them, there is the SOUND OF FOOTSTEPS AND CRUNCHING GRAVEL on the path. Buffy and Scott turn around. There, facing them, is the entire Scooby Gang lead by Willow, with Oz at her side. Ethan Rayne is corraled between Xander, Faith and Cordelia. Willow's face is a pasty grey. It is as if she has marshalled up some inner, psychic strength to replace what her body can no longer do.
BUFFY
Willow? Are you okay?
WILLOW
That doesn't matter anymore, Buffy. I'm putting my Wicca stuff to good use. We have to keep moving.
FAITH
(to Buffy)
I tried to make her sit still but she threatened to beat me up.
ANGEL
Me, too.
XANDER
She said she'd to turn me into a toad!
Buffy grins with affection at Willow. Willow pulls the cloth wrapped stone out of her pocket. She holds the stone out to Buffy.
WILLOW
It's getting warmer, Buffy. Here, feel it.
Willow takes Buffy's hands in hers and wraps them around the cloth holding the stone fragment. Willow's hands are cold to the touch.
BUFFY
Yeah. That means we're getting closer. (to Scott) How much further?
SCOTT
We have a couple areas to pass through... a river crossing and then He'll descend on us. We'll know we're there when He appears.
BUFFY
A river crossing?
WILLOW
Yeah... (to Scott) the Styx, right? And the Boatman will take us across?
Scott only nods. Buffy stares at Willow as she returns the stone to her best friend.
WILLOW
I read the *whole* book, Buffy, not just the pictures.
Buffy grins then looks at Willow with concern on her face.
BUFFY
(to Willow)
Will, your hands are icy. You sure you're going to be able to make it all the way there and back? No offence, but you look terrible.
WILLOW
... Buffy, I'll make it there... but not back.
BUFFY
What?
WILLOW
(sadly)
That "thing" that attacked us... it punched me really hard. Too hard.
BUFFY
(afraid of what Willow is saying)
... Will?...
WILLOW
My body quit just a few minutes ago. But before it pooped out, Oz and I did a couple quickie spells. You know, to keep the works running just a little while longer. Xander and Cordie helped. (to Xander and Cordelia) Thanks, guys.
Xander and Cordelia look down. Buffy and Angel stare at Willow with growing shock.
WILLOW (cont'd)
You guys were so busy and you looked so worried, I figured you'd never notice. I know Giles said I'm not supposed to do these spells but, hey what the Hell. It'll be enough to get me there.
BUFFY
(starting to shiver with sorrow)
... Will... no...
WILLOW
(hanging her head)
I'm sorry I failed you guys... I died, Buffy. I couldn't help it.... I'm not going to last much longer, but it's okay. I mean, after this is all over, everything's gonna change, right? (grinning) We'll all be "normal" again. Whatever that is! But we gotta get going.
Buffy bursts out crying and throws her arms around Willow.
BUFFY
No, Willow!
Buffy looks around in confusion at the group as if she won't accept what has happened.
BUFFY (cont'd)
(desperately)
Willow, you're so cold! (she rubs Willow's hand) We gotta get you warmed up! Cordelia, you got one of those plastic hot blankets in all that junk you brought?
Cordelia doesn't answer but only stares sadly at Buffy. Oz steps up and gently separates Buffy from Willow.
OZ
She'll be okay, Buffy. I'll take care of her.
ANGEL
(to Willow)
I guess you did what you had to do, right?
WILLOW
Yeah, seems like we're having to do a lot of that lately. (to Angel and Scott) Oh, guys?... I know what it feels like now... you two, you're amazing.
Oz, who is standing sadly at her side, reaches out and runs his hand down her long red hair. He then kisses her tenderly on her grey pale cheek.
BUFFY
(starting to cry again)
... Willow!... You can't die on us!
WILLOW
(grinning, gently)
Oh, shut up, Buffy. I'm the one that always cries, not you.
CORDELIA
She's right, Buffy. You're the strong one. Only Willow and I get to cry...
WILLOW
(without malice)
Cordelia, you scream.
CORDELIA
Oh,... yeah. You're right.
ETHAN
This is one hell of a party! Three dead people and the rest a bunch of bloody sniveling...
CORDELIA
(to Buffy)
Buffy, can I kick him again?
Buffy, wiping away her tears, nods to Cordelia. Cordelia turns to Ethan and before he can get his hands between his legs to protect himself, Cordelia has planted her knee in his groin. Once more, Ethan doubles up.
OZ
One more time and he'll be able to hit high "C."
SCOTT
Willow, do you think you're ready?
WILLOW
(grinning, but her corpse-like face is now disturbing)
I'm ready. The spells won't last long and it's gonna get tougher for me to walk all the time. You're the Guide. Lead the way.
Scott turns back to the path and walks forward into the mists. He is followed by Willow and Oz. Faith, Buffy and Angel join them with Xander and Cordelia pushing a hobbling Ethan Rayne along at the rear.
CUT TO INT. The Library. Night.
The library is dark except for the lone green glass shaded desk lamp in Gile's office. It is peaceful despite the wreckage of book shelves, tossed volumes, broken furniture and dust everywhere, evidence of the struggle that took place just a few hours before.
CUT TO EXT. Sunnydale High seen from the street. Night at the same time.
The street is quiet. A gentle breeze rustles several trees. The only light coming from the school building is a soft glow from the Library windows. It is the faint light from Giles' desk lamp.
CUT TO EXT. A miniature golf course. Night at the same time.
The golf course is closed but the lights from the street lamps illuminate the nine holes. Mr. Trick and the Mayor are staggering drunkenly around the different tees and course obstacles. Behind them, the golf booth has been broken into. They each carry putting irons from the ransacked booth. Dozens of white golf balls lie scattered everywhere. The Mayor swings wildly at one, sending it careening out into the street.
MAYOR
(yelling)
FORE!
There is a CRASH OF BREAKING GLASS.
The Mayor spins around to face Trick and proclaims loudly.
MAYOR
YES! Hole in One!
CUT TO EXT. The pathway approaching the edge of the River Styx. Later.
The pathway descends a precipitous cliff face to the edge of the inky water of the River Styx. All around, grey stone and jagged rock rise up out of the river's current, leaving no gentle slope or bank anywhere on the water's edge. Rolling black clouds loom low over the choppy waters.
There is a steady rush of what at first sounds like wind. After a moment, it is clear that the sound is rather the MOANING of souls, and it is coming from deep in the river waters themselves. Every now and then an arm, a head or a leg breaks the surface, points towards the clouds as if striving to grab a foothold in the ether, then sinks once more with a bubbling groan below the waters.
At the point where the path reaches the river's edge, a long stone projection juts out into the surging current. It is on this that the Scooby Gang is all huddled. Scott stands at the outer point of the promontory. Willow, with Oz supporting her, is at his side.
XANDER
(worried, looking around)
Where do we go from here?
WILLOW
(peacefully)
It's okay, Xander. Scott knows the way. He'll get us there.
XANDER
(staring at Willow)
I'm... I'm sorry, Will... I just can't get used to seeing you...
WILLOW
It won't be for much longer.
XANDER
(trying not to whimper)
No, Willow! I didn't mean it like that! You gotta stick around! I don't want you to leave!
Cordelia takes Xander's head and rests it on her shoulder. Xander closes his eyes and rubs his face with his hand.
WILLOW
(to Scott)
He's coming, isn't he.
SCOTT
He'll be here in a moment.
Buffy walks up beside Willow, Scott and Oz.
WILLOW
Scott? How do you do it?
SCOTT
What?
WILLOW
You know, keep going. Nothing seems to hold you down. I can barely walk now. I feel like whatever life is left inside me is trickling away even with the spells. I'm so tired... I want to just lie down and go to sleep... forever.
SCOTT
(gently)
Oh... that.
Scott reaches out and gently strokes Willow's pale cheek.
SCOTT
That's simple. Willow, it's because you don't belong down here. When it's finally over, this is not where you're going to be.
WILLOW
(softly)
... and you?
BUFFY
NO! Scott, you don't belong here either!
SCOTT
Buffy, many of us are here not because of what we are or what we did, but because He seized us as He has outspread His Kingdom. (Turning to Angel)... Angel, me, so many others beyond counting... that's why we must push Him back. We are not here just to free Giles, but all those souls imprisoned over the last three centuries. That's why you are here, Buffy. That's what he doesn't want you to know.
Scott turns and gazes out over the churning waters. He points off into the distance.
SCOTT (cont'd)
There... he's coming... Charon.
WILLOW
(straining her eyes)
Yeah, I can see him. The Boatman.
A tiny ghost-like figure, whiter than snow, a heavily muscled but ancient man appears gliding fainting in the distance over the waters. He skillfully guides his bounding craft amidst the underwater obstacles that could easily puncture the hull and send it to the bottom. CHARON, the boatman is naked, covered only at the waist by a tattered loin cloth. The boat has no sail but rather is propelled by the boatman's powerful thrusts on a single oar that he works from side to side.
ETHAN
(to Scott)
This is a joke, Rarak. Only three of you can pass, the dead ones. Charon won't carry the living across.
SCOTT
You know, Mr. Rayne, with all your knowledge and your "contacts" you wouldn't survive ten minutes down here on your own. Your Father's own subjects would tear you to pieces before you'd gone twenty feet... with good reason.
Buffy, Angel and the rest, their faces blanched with horror, turn to stare at Ethan. Only Willow doesn't react, as if she already knew.
BUFFY
Wait a minute! You're telling me that this bastard...
Buffy can't finish the sentence.
ETHAN
Thank you, Rarak. Maybe now the rest of you teenage twits will treat me with a little respect.
Cordelia moves as if to knee Ethan in the groin again.
ETHAN
Ah, ah, ah! I wouldn't do that if I were you. He may just be watching now.
FAITH
You stinking little worm! I should've chopped your head off back at the store room!
ANGEL
But I thought he was here because he knew how to get Giles back!
ETHAN
Oh, yes, I would do *anything* for my good buddy, Ripper!
WILLOW
(calmly)
Guys, Mr. MacDuffie sent him along because he was too dangerous to leave behind.
ETHAN
I'm flattered!
SCOTT
Willow's right. And I can see it. Whatever's going to take place,... it'll involve betrayal... (indicating Ethan)... and he'll be at the center of it.
ETHAN
Well, thank you again, Rarak. Finally this party is beginning to perk up a little.
FAITH
Well, I for one, vote to pitch the bastard off the rocks right now!
SCOTT
Nothing would give me more pleasure, Faith, but he's gotta come with us.
BUFFY
But he knows everything! He's like a spy! The Ruler now knows what he does!
SCOTT
(staring at Ethan with steely anger)
Buffy, Ethan Rayne may be dangerous, but he's a liar... and he's an idiot. Always remember, everything down here is a lie. That's what Ethan and his kind will use against us... to confuse us and turn us away from our purpose.
ETHAN
(huffing)
Well!
SCOTT
Besides, the Ruler of the Kingdom of Death has known about us for centuries. He knows we're coming. But what He can't figure out is how it all finishes... that's where we fight Him on an equal footing.
FAITH
Okay, I'll put up with this scrawny smelly booze hound but... (looking directly at Ethan) don't get too close to me in that boat unless you wanna go for a swim.
Charon and his boat loom closer to the rock on which the Scooby Gang is clustered. He yells at the group in a gruff voice.
CHARON
I sense living among you there! No living! Only the dead may cross!
ETHAN
(to Scott)
I told you.
SCOTT
(ignoring Ethan)
Charon!
CHARON
(with surprise)
Is that you, Rarak?!
SCOTT
(grinning)
That's me!
Charon back paddles his boat a few feet away from the stone outcropping. He guides the hull near the rock so that the gunwales gently roll level with where the group is standing.
CHARON
Well, I'll be! It *is* you! Not as fearsome as I last remember when you pitched those smelly demons overboard that peed in my boat. But I will say, the look becomes you. I like it.
SCOTT
(smiling)
We need to cross, Charon. We got some *business* with the asshole that runs this dump.
CHARON
Well, I can take you and the little red head. (pointing to Angel) And that big fellow in the back. But that's all. (indicating Ethan) And especially not that pile of Cerebus feces you got hanging around with you there!
Ethan Rayne gasps at the insult.
SCOTT
(to Ethan)
I told you you couldn't make it down here. (turning to Charon) Listen, this is a special case, Charon, and I need your help... real bad.
Scott waves his hand at the rest of the Scooby Gang.
SCOTT
My friend... these are "the Seven."
CHARON
(slowly, with amazement)
Well... burn... my ... clothes!
Xander starts to snicker as Charon is naked except for the loin cloth. Seeing Cordelia is staring at the boatman, he suddenly covers her eyes with his hand.
CORDELIA
(to Xander)
Hey! Whadda ya doing?
XANDER
Naughty, naughty!
SCOTT
(grinning at the boatman)
Charon, you don't have any clothes! You never did.
CHARON
Ah, but I can dream, can't I! So! These are the ones that are going to kick that fat bastard back three hundred years! Rarak, my boy! I can't wait! I'm so sick of hauling across those who have no business here. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind giving you and your friends a lift.
SCOTT
I appreciate that.
CHARON
It's just... it pisses me off... the good ones He keeps snatching and how He's gotten away with it for three centuries! I have enough work to do just carting over the rotten ones. And believe me there are still plenty of those! Finally a little true justice'll be done!
SCOTT
(indicating Buffy)
And I'd like you to meet a special friend of mine, Buffy Summers. She's the Slayer.
CHARON
(suddenly embarrassed in front of Buffy)
Oh... oh my.
Charon quickly tries to straighten his loin cloth. He licks one palm and runs it across his unruly white shocks of hair, pressing hard to hold the scraggly strands in place over a bald spot on the top of his head. Buffy can't help but grin at Charon.
CHARON
(to Buffy)
Excuse me, Miss. I'm just an old ferryman. I don't mean no offence. Please, climb in. And your friends, too.
Buffy gets in followed by the rest of the group. As Ethan climbs aboard, Charon growls at him under his breath. Scott is last. As he steps over into the boat, Charon whispers to him.
CHARON
I didn't make a fool of myself in front of the ladies, did I? Cussin' and all?
SCOTT
You were a perfect gentleman. You only called Rayne a pile of Hell-hound shit.
CHARON
(pondering and scratching his head)
Oh... well... couldn't be helped.
WILLOW
(to Charon)
Sir, aren't we supposed to pay you with some kind of a coin? To take us into the Kingdom of the Dead?
SCOTT
(putting his arm on Charon's shoulder)
Put it on my tab!
CHARON
(gruffly)
You're good for it aren't you, boy?
SCOTT
Hey, have I ever stiffed ya?
CHARON
And now you're making jokes about my job!
Charon casts the boat off from the rock promontory and guides the craft out into the current. The SOUND OF MOANING from deep in the waters increases.
CHARON (cont'd)
(shouting to his passengers)
All right everyone! Hands away from the sides! Keep your eyes turned up! And whatever you hear, no looking down into the waters! Understood?
CORDELIA
(afraid)
Why? What's down there?
CHARON
It's not "what", Missy... but "who."
As the boat crashes through the choppy waters, spray flies up across the bow and drenches the occupants. All the while the moaning, like a rising wind, keeps building.
XANDER
(to Cordelia)
Listen...
CORDELIA
(frightened)
What? There's nothing but groaning.
XANDER
I hear his voice...
CORDELIA
Whose?
CHARON
(shouting over his shoulder)
Don't look down, boy!
Xander ignores the warning. He grabs the gunwales and gazes into the inky waters. Rising up out of the depths, a hand breaks the surface, followed by a bleached white face. It is Xander's old friend, JESSE, who was harvested shortly after Buffy came to Sunnydale.
XANDER
(gasping almost in a whisper)
Jesse!
JESSE
(faintly)
Xander? It's you? Help me...
Impulsively, Xander grabs the dead arm reaching up out of the water. He pulls, trying to haul Jesse up into the boat. Suddenly a hand rests on his shoulder. It is Scott.
SCOTT
Xander, he can't come on board. None of them can.
XANDER
(angrily)
Why!? He doesn't belong here! It wasn't his fault!
SCOTT
That's why we're here... let him go.
XANDER
(to Jesse)
I'm sorry, Jess my man, I gotta let you go. But I'll be back! I swear!... I'll be back for you!
JESSE
Thanks, you're a good bud.
Jesse releases his hand from Xander's. As the white arm and face swirl to stern, Xander and Scott watch it disappear in the darkness. Cordelia sobs quietly at Charon's feet. The old boatman speaks quietly to her.
CHARON
I warned him not to look down.
Cordelia, several tears staining her cheeks, looks up at Charon.
CHARON (cont'd)
You love him, don't you Missy.
Cordelia nods faintly.
CHARON (cont'd)
(quietly)
... good... you made a good choice. (grinning at Cordelia) I see gold in that heart.
The boat plunges forward towards the opposite bank. All the Scooby Gang have their attention trained on the shore. All except Xander who will not turn his gaze away from the spot in the darkness, now far astern, where his friend disappeared.
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