In Fair Sunnydale...: Act III
by Veggiebelle
ACT III
SCENE I. OUTSIDE OF THE BRONZE.
(Enter ANGELUS and CLEM)
CLEM
Angelus, let's get out of here. It's hot, and the Scooby gang is everywhere we turn. Even with the Mayor's decree, there's gonna be a fight, I just know it.
ANGELUS
I wouldn't mind a good fight.
CLEM
If I liked to fight as much as you, I'd be dead by now. Wait, look, there's one of them now!
ANGELUS
Ooh, I'm soooo scared!.
(Enter XANDER with ANDREW and JONATHAN)
XANDER
Give me a second to talk to them. (to ANGELUS and CLEM) Guys, we gotta talk.
ANGELUS
Talk or fight? Because fighting sounds so much more fun right now.
XANDER
You want a fight? Just give me a reason.
ANGELUS
Do we really need one?
XANDER
Look, Angelus, about your crony Spike--
ANGELUS
Crony? Who says crony anymore?
CLEM
Y'know, guys, do we have to be doing this in public?
ANGELUS
Let people look. I've got nothing to hide.
(Enter SPIKE)
XANDER
Not looking to fight you, Angelus. Not today, anyway. Here's the undead guy I need to talk to.
ANGELUS
I'm crushed.
XANDER
Spike, bottom line. I don't like you. You're a vampire.
SPIKE
I'm not ever going to be a fan of yours, mate, but the way things now are, we have to get along a little better. I'm not your enemy anymore. But you're too thick-headed to see that, so I'll go.
XANDER
Hey, peroxide boy, you're not getting out of this so easy. You crashed our party. You have to answer for that.
SPIKE
That's a big crime? It didn't hurt anyone. But we aren't on opposite sides anymore. You'll know why soon enough. Just be satisfied with that.
ANGELUS
Spike, what is up with you and all the pansy-ness? I can't listen to this.
(Draws his sword.)
Xander, time for that fight you wanted. But with me.
XANDER
You've got to be kidding me.
ANGELUS
What, you chicken? Don't want to fight someone itching for it? I dare you.
XANDER
Bring it on.
Draws a sword and takes a stake out of his pocket.
SPIKE
Angelus, what the hell are you playing at?
ANGELUS
This'll be cake.
(They fight)
SPIKE
Stop! Have you both gone completely insane? Xander, Angelus, the Mayor outlawed fighting in Sunnydale streets!
(XANDER, under SPIKE's arm, stakes ANGELUS, and escapes, with ANDREWW and JONATHAN following him.)
ANGELUS
Damn. (turns to dust)
SPIKE
I could have stopped this. And I forgot my coat, never helpful. The day has gone black and cold, thanks to the actions of that wanker Xander Harris.
CLEM
Uh-oh, Xander's coming back again.
SPIKE
Xander's alive, and Angelus is dust. I must have my revenge. Not that I liked the great poof all that much, but it's the principle of the thing.
(Re-enter XANDER)
Angelus is gone, and now you and I have a score to settle.
XANDER
Over him? Hey, he started it. But I have no problem with dusting you if you're looking for it too. You game?
SPIKE
You think you can best me? We'll see about that.
(They fight; SPIKE stabs XANDER)
CLEM
Oh my god! You killed Xander! The Mayor's gonna eat you for that. Run! Get out of here!
SPIKE
That wasn't too bright, was it?
CLEM
Hello? RUN!
(Exit SPIKE)
(Enter Citizens)
PRINCIPAL SNYDER
Which way did he go? Where is Alexander Harris?
CLEM
There lies Xander.
PRINCIPAL SNYDER
Get up, demon. We need to talk. Time to be questioned, in the name of the Mayor.
(Enter MAYOR, attended by THE MASTER, GILES, and others)
MAYOR
Where are the vile beginners of this fray?
CLEM
Mayor, I saw it all. Xander dusted Angelus, and then Spike killed Xander.
MAYOR
Clem, who started it?
CLEM
When Xander and Angelus fought, Spike tried to stop them, but Xander got a cheap shot in while Angelus was distracted. Spike swore revenge and then killed Xander. It wasn't pretty.
JOYCE
Don't believe him! He's with them! Xander is dead, and somebody must pay for it! I'll start a coalition if I have to!
MAYOR
Spike slew him, he slew Angelus. So who gets to pay for all this? Not the taxpayers, I'm telling you that.
MASTER
Not Spike, Mayor. He was Angelus's friend.... Well, sort of. His only mistake was killing the human.
MAYOR
I'm feeling merciful today, so I'm just going to exile Spike. That should do just fine. Now, who's up for a round of miniature golf?
(Exeunt)
SCENE II. SUMMERS' BACKYARD.
(Enter BUFFY)
BUFFY
This day is taking forever. Why won't the sun move across the sky faster? Spike and I are married, but we couldn't DO anything about it. I've been waiting hours for him now. I hate waiting. Oh! Here comes Willow, maybe she has some news.
(Enter WILLOW)
Willow, what's going on? What's wrong?
WILLOW
He's dead! Buffy, he's dead! Gone! Forever!
BUFFY
What? No! Am I never going to be allowed to be happy?
WILLOW
I never thought that Spike...
BUFFY
Spike? Was he killed? Did he stake himself by accident? What happened? Tell me!!!
WILLOW
I saw him... it was just awful! Buffy, all that blood....
BUFFY
Spike... he's gone. Have I mentioned that my love life is totally doomed? Wait a minute... blood? Don't you mean dust?
WILLOW
Xander, my best friend... I never thought I'd live to see him dead! I'll never see him again!
BUFFY
Xander? but I thought... Wait, Spike AND Xander are dead? No! Please, no! Could today get any worse?
WILLOW
Xander, he... he's gone. And Spike banished. Spike, he killed him, and he's banished.
BUFFY
Oh god! Spike killed Xander?
WILLOW
He did! Buffy, it's horrible!
BUFFY
No... he looked so beautiful with those abs and those cheekbones, but he's still evil. How could I not know he was still evil?
WILLOW
Men! It's not just that he's a vampire, all men have this kind of horribleness in them. Spike is just extra-horrible.
BUFFY
How can you say that? There must be good in him. I can feel it.
WILLOW
But you're talking about the vampire that killed Xander!
BUFFY
But I married him today! I can't say bad things about him! It's way too early for that. But why did he kill Xander? I don't understand! My husband lives, and Xander would've killed him. And Xander's dead, but he would've slayed my Spike. I guess the fact that the person who would've killed my husband is gone is sort of a silver lining. But... banished... Xander's death is awful enough, but my misery's got a lot of company. 'Spike is banished,' and now I'm really depressed. Where's my mom? Where's Giles?
WILLOW
Weeping over Xander's body, just like I should be, and you too. They need you, Buffy.
BUFFY
I don't have enough tears for both Xander's death and Spike's banishment. Plus, I think I'm a little conflicted about all this. And y'know what's the worst? With Spike exiled, my wedding night is a total letdown.
WILLOW
Um... I sort of know where he is. He's hiding out at Wesley's place.
BUFFY
Here! Give him this ring, and tell him he has to see me before he leaves Sunnydale forever and ever. Thank you!
(Exeunt)
SCENE III. WESLEY'S APARTMENT.
(Enter WESLEY)
WESLEY
Spike, where are you? We must speak, your situation is dire.
(Enter SPIKE)
SPIKE
What did the Mayor say? Am I to die, then?
WESLEY
No, he was quite merciful, considering. You are banished.
SPIKE
Banished? Better to put a stake through my heart.
WESLEY
You are only banished from Sunnydale, and the world is vast.
SPIKE
Outside of Sunnydale, there is no world.
WESLEY
This is merciful! Can't you see that? You escape the hellmouth and are allowed continue your existence in peace.
SPIKE
Without Buffy, I have no existence. I'd rather become a ghost than leave her presence. How can you say that exile isn't death?
WESLEY
Spike, listen to me...
SPIKE
I won't hear of more talk about the glories of banishment. I won't.
WESLEY
This is madness! Why won't you listen?
SPIKE
Don't you see what this sort of talk does to a man?
WESLEY
Let's discuss this logically...
SPIKE
You just don't get it, mate. You can't understand my love for the slayer. But I'm married an hour, and I murder my love's friend Xander. Not that I cared about him, you understand, but I care that she cared. I should be dead.
(Knocking)
WESLEY
Someone's here. Spike, hide yourself.
SPIKE
I won't. I don't care anymore.
(Knocking)
WESLEY
I don't think they are giving up. Who's there? Spike, please get up, you'll be arrested for certain. Go to my study, I will fetch you from there when the coast is clear.
(Knocking. SPIKE doesn't move.)
(WESLEY sighs.) Who is it?
WILLOW
Just let me in! I have a message from Buffy.
WESLEY
Come in! Welcome, then.
(Enter WILLOW)
WILLOW
Please, where's Spike?
WESLEY
Here. Unsurprisingly, wallowing in misery..
WILLOW
Him too? That's what Buffy's been doing ever since she heard, blubbering over his banishment. Stand up, mister, and be a man... er, a vampire. Falling apart isn't going to help, y'know.
SPIKE
Buffy! How is she? Does she see me as a murderer? Does she still love me?
WILLOW
When I left, she was crying. For Xander, then for you, and then sometimes I'm not sure for who.
SPIKE
Xander. That name. I killed her friend. Does she curse me, then. I can't bear the guilt of hurting her.
WESLEY
This is unseemly! Are you not a man? Well, true, you're not a man, but that is completely beside the point. Yes, you killed Xander. Are you going to kill yourself, too? While still being in reach of love? Buffy is still alive. You still walk the earth, and you were not slain by Xander's hand or the Mayor's sentence. Don't you see? The Powers That Be smile upon you! But all you do is sulk about it. Go to Buffy, comfort her, then go to Los Angeles and await a time when you can reconcile with the Mayor and return. That is far better than death, you must admit. Willow, go to Buffy, tell her of our plan and that Spike will come to her.
WILLOW
That's a great idea! Yes, I'll go tell Buffy right now.
SPIKE
And tell her I'll be there as soon as I can.
WILLOW
Wait, before I go, she told me to give you this ring. It's a whole symbolism thing. I'd better hurry!
(Exit)
SPIKE
Well now, this is a right bit better than staking myself.
WESLEY
Indeed. Now go, hurry, but be out of the city by dawn so the Mayor's lackeys don't find you. Send word once you are in Los Angeles; I'll let know know when circumstances favor your return.
SPIKE
That I will, mate, and thanks.
(Exeunt)
SCENE IV. A ROOM IN THE SUMMERS' HOUSE.
(Enter GILES, JOYCE, and RILEY)
GILES
I'm sorry, Riley, but we all that has happened, we have not been able to make the arrangements. Buffy loved her friend Xander dearly. And so did I. Well, we were born to die. It is what separates us from the vampires we despise. But it is very late, she'll not come down tonight.
RILEY
I understand. Times like these are not the best for wedding talk. Please tell Buffy I stopped by.
JOYCE
I will, and I'll speak with her again tomorrow about this. Tonight, she is too wrapped in her grief. As are we all.
GILES
Riley, I think that she will honor my wishes in this matter. But come back in a few days, after we have had time to begin to grieve for Xander. I will speak to her of your love.
RILEY
Then I'll definitely be back in a few days
GILES
I will see you then. Joyce, as her mother, please prepare her for this. I hope it will bring her some measure of happiness in these terrible times.
(Exeunt)
SCENE V. THE SUMMERS' BACKYARD
(Enter SPIKE and BUFFY above, at the window)
BUFFY
Do you have to go? It isn't dawn yet.
SPIKE
The sun is coming, I can feel it. I either go and live, or stay and die. Not much of a choice, is it?
BUFFY
It can't be daylight yet. I'm not ready for you to go to Los Angeles:
SPIKE
Then I stay and am put to death, luv. But if you'd rather have it that way... Come, death, and welcome! Buffy says so.
BUFFY
No! Literal, much? But I think you're right, sunrise is coming.
SPIKE
I hate sunlight a helluva lot more than usual today.
Enter WILLOW)
WILLOW
Buffy!
BUFFY
Willow?
WILLOW
You're mom's coming, and it's almost daylight. Just be careful, okay?.
(Exit)
BUFFY
You'd better leave through the window.
SPIKE
Kiss me, my love, and I'll go.
(He goeth down. Not sure how that differs from "He descends," but we'll go with it.)
BUFFY
Call me!
SPIKE
Daily, pet.
BUFFY
Please tell me that we'll meet again.
SPIKE
Nothing will stop me from returning to you.
BUFFY
Huh. You look so much more dead than usual. It must be the light.
SPIKE
You have a bit of a death-look about you too, love, but the light plays tricks. I will come for you. I promise.
(Exit)
BUFFY
Y'know it would be nice to be lucky in love for once in my life and get him back. Uh-oh, I hope I didn't just jinx myself.
JOYCE
Buffy? You awake?
BUFFY
Mom?
(Enter JOYCE)
JOYCE
Good morning, Buffy!
BUFFY
Hi, Mom. Sorry, but I feel sort of sick today.
JOYCE
You're grieving for Xander. It's understandable. You should. It shows that you loved him. Feel the loss, but be glad you had the friend who you weep for.
BUFFY
All I feel is loss.
JOYCE
Grieve for him, but also weep about the vampire that murdered him.
BUFFY
Which vampire?
JOYCE
Spike.
BUFFY
(Aside) I can't be angry at Spike for this. I can't. I'm still so conflicted.
JOYCE
That is, because the traitor murderer lives.
BUFFY
(Weakly) If only I could, um, avenge Xander's death...
JOYCE
Don't worry, it's taken care of. We are sending a man to Los Angeles, and soon he'll get what he has coming to him. Will that make you feel better?
BUFFY
I won't be satisfied until this murderer gets what he deserves. And stuff.
JOYCE
Good, that's settled. Now, I have happy news.
BUFFY
I could really use some happy news. What is it?
JOYCE
Giles and I have discussed this at length, and we think a day of joy is just what you need.
BUFFY
Uh... Day of joy? Could you vague that up for me a little?
JOYCE
Why, get married! Riley Finn is willing to marry you this week. Isn't that wonderful?
BUFFY
Riley? No! I can't! First of all, setting this up for me? SO Middle Ages. And second, I don't love Riley. I love...
JOYCE
What? I don't understand?
(Enter GILES and WILLOW)
GILES
Good morning, Buffy. I'm sorry to bring this topic up at such a time. I grieve for Xander as well. But Riley wishes your hand, and marrying him will be good for us all.
JOYCE
She won't listen. She's being stubborn.
GILES
What? Isn't she grateful that Riley wishes to be her husband?
BUFFY
Thank you for setting this up, but I can't marry Riley. I just don't love him.
GILES
You say thank you but you decline? I don't understand this. You will marry Riley this very week!
BUFFY
Giles, listen to me...
GILES
I will not! You must respect my wishes in this matter.
WILLOW
Giles! How can you talk like that to her?
GILES
Willow, please, stay out of this.
WILLOW
What did I say that was wrong?
GILES
You aren't a part of this.
JOYCE
Giles, you're getting angry.
GILES
Yes, I am angry. I have promised her hand to Riley, and by the Council, it will be done whether she wishes it or not!
(Exit)
BUFFY
My life sucks. Better that I was buried next to Xander. Mom, you understand me, right? You know I can't do this!
JOYCE
I can't talk to you right now about this
(Exit)
BUFFY
Oh God!-- Willow, how can we stop this? I already have a husband!
WILLOW
If you really want my opinion? Marry Riley. He'll make you happy. Spike was dead even before he was banished, and there is that whole "he's an evil vampire" issue.. Your life will be happier without him.
BUFFY
Wow, Wil. Is that what you really think?
WILLOW
I'm afraid so. That, or maybe you should stay away from both of them.
BUFFY
Hey, yeah!
WILLOW
Hey yeah what?
BUFFY
You're so right! Tell Mom I went to ask forgiveness, since I made her so mad.
WILLOW
Thank goodness! Okay, I will, and Buffy? You're doing the right thing.
(Exit)
BUFFY
My life so beyond sucks. But if Willow won't help me, maybe Wesley will.
(Exit)
This story archived at: The Slayer\'s Fanfic Archive
The Slayer\\\\\\\\'s FanFic Archive - http://www.slayerfanfic.com/viewstory.php?sid=5419