Disclaimer: See Prologue.
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Part Five
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ACT 2, Scene 5. INT. The Sunnydale High Library. Night at the same time.
The library is empty. A solitary light shines in Giles' office. Giles is alone, pulling an all nighter. He stands leaning forward before his desk, his hands placed on the desk surface, and gazes down at the manuscript he and Willow were examining that morning. It is the Luxor Necropolis Text. He still has made no progress in the translation. For a few moments, he doesn't move.
Then, slowly, he straightens up, stares vacantly around his office and begins pacing. As he walks, he mutters the only thing from the Necropolis Text he has been able to translate.
GILES
(quietly)
... in all things... the end is the beginning . . . and the beginning is the end...
Giles stops pacing and looks up at the ceiling.
GILES
(repeating to himself)
... the end is the beginning, and the beginning is the end...
He rubs his hand all across his face as if trying the force an answer out of his over tired brain. He then sighs, shakes his head and walks slowly out of his office into the dark library. Giles wanders around the tables and book stacks, taking a breather.
He stops by the table piled high with books where Buffy sat that afternoon. He looks down at the volumes and his eyes fall on the large copy of Dante's Inferno. Giles reaches down, picks it up, holds it before him, and rubs the gold embossed cover. He then looks straight ahead as he remembers Buffy's distressed voice.
BUFFY'S VOICE
Giles?... for what I did to Angel... is there a special place for me?... Here... in Hell?
Giles lowers the book back to the table. His face is lined with concern for his Slayer. He turns and walks slowly back into his office, stopping at a wall cabinet with a padlock on it. He pulls a set of keys out of his pocket, unlocks the padlock and slides the cabinet open. Inside is a small black notebook shaped volume, a shot glass and a bottle of single malt Scotch. The later is covered in dust, clearly not having been used in a long time.
Giles reaches into the cabinet past the bottle and shot glass, retrieves the black notebook, and closes the cabinet drawer. He snaps the padlock shut.
As he then sits behind his desk, Giles begins thumbing through the notebook. He stops and reads aloud the page in front of him.
GILES
(softly)
"When my heart and soul are breaking,
And all the spirit inside me aching,
Hold me back by a gentle touch,
And so my pain won't hurt so much."
Giles looks up from the notebook and sighs deeply.
GILES
(almost a whisper)
Buffy... I pray I will never need to use this.
Giles continues thumbing through the notebook, reading by the light of his desk lamp. Outside his office, the books piled high in the stacks stand like lonely guardians in the dark of the night.
ACT 2, Scene 6. INT. The all night coffee shop. Night, later.
The coffee shop is modest in size and intimate. It is six feet below street level, the entrance stairway wide enough for two people to pass abreast. Small round tables are placed through the center of the shop, each able to accomodate four curved wooden chairs. Booths with leather covered seats line the walls. The lighting is subdued and each table feels like it's in its own private world.
Jazz music plays and the gentle hum of customer voices and conversation is heard in the background. Only one third of the tables are occupied. Buffy and Scott sit at one off to the side. Buffy is busy polishing off her second hot fudge sundae. Scott has finished his first and is partly occupied drawing with a pencil on the back of his paper place mat.
BUFFY
(with her mouth full)
Man, this is good! How'd you find this place?
Scott looks up at Buffy every now and then as he draws.
SCOTT
Just wandering around one night. It's pretty cool. I come here to think.
BUFFY
(pointing at her sundae)
You sure you don't want another one?
SCOTT
(looking at Buffy again as he draws)
Nah, that's okay.
Buffy finishes the last bite, slides the bowl away and sits back in her chair. She lets out a big sigh and pats her stomach.
BUFFY
Wow! Gonna have to work this off tomorrow! A little extra aerobics time with Gilesy.
Scott doesn't answer. He just continues drawing. Buffy eyes him with curiosity.
BUFFY
So whatcha doing there while I've been stuffing my face?
SCOTT
(looking at Buffy)
Hang on, don't move for a sec.
He studies her profile, returns his gaze to the drawing on the placemat and makes a final few strokes with the pencil. He sits back from the table satisfied with the drawing.
BUFFY
So?... are you gonna show it to me?
SCOTT
Promise you won't laugh?
BUFFY
Is it supposed to be funny?
SCOTT
(puzzled)
No...
BUFFY
Then I won't laugh.
Scott slides the placemat across the table to Buffy. She picks it up, looks at the drawing and her eyes widen. She gives the tiniest gasp. Looking back at her from the placemat is a sketch portrait of herself, the hair flowing with the soft impressionistic strokes of the pencil but a sharp pointed intensity in the eyes. Buffy stares speechless for a few moments at the image of herself. There is a smile on the face of the portrait, a smile that bespeaks strength and self confidence.
BUFFY
(quietly)
... wow... this is really good.... (sadly) ... but it's not me.
SCOTT
Yes it is.... That's how I see you.
Buffy doesn't answer. She moves to hand the placemat back to Scott but he stops her.
SCOTT (cont'd)
No, you keep it. I did it for you. Sort of a make up for the bomb out on the first date.
BUFFY
Thanks. (pause, wistfully) You know what I'd like? Could you do one of you?
SCOTT
(worried)
Oh, I don't know. Self portraits are really tough. Besides, I don't know what I look like to other people.
BUFFY
Aw come on. You can do it....for me?
SCOTT
(hesitating)
Well . . . here, lemme try this.
Scott pulls Buffy's placemat to himself and quickly begins scribbling on the bottom. Buffy watches Scott as his pencil moves rapidly across the paper. Rather than a portrait, Scott quickly sketches what appears to be a cartoon character, a cross between a baby dragon and a young gargoyle. The creature has large eyes, short little paws and sports a big grin across its small snout. In its left paw is clasped a pencil and a pad.
BUFFY
(watching)
It's cute!... What is it?
SCOTT
(finishing the drawing)
Promise you won't laugh.
BUFFY
I already promised!
SCOTT
It's me.
BUFFY
Huh?
SCOTT
(self consciously)
Sorta like my alter ego. When I draw or write. . . sometimes it feels like it's not me... I can't believe all of this stuff coming out of my mind... so... I pretend it's him.
Buffy stares at Scott and shakes her head.
BUFFY
Weirdo!
SCOTT
You're not gonna dump me, are you?
BUFFY
(smiling and sighing)
Nah. Who am I to judge... with my dating record.
SCOTT
(gently)
You're too hard on yourself, ya know.
BUFFY
That's what everybody says.
Buffy sighs again and a look of sadness crosses her face.
SCOTT (cont'd)
(very quietly, seeing Buffy's sorrow)
... it wasn't your fault... Angel, I mean... I think I met him once. I can see why he means so much to you.
BUFFY
(turning away)
Scott, I really don't want to...
Scott interrupts her as he reaches across the table and takes Buffy's hand.
SCOTT
Buffy... I told you... I know all about it....
Buffy turns back to Scott, now her eyes glistening.
SCOTT
I think I can even see it... in my mind... what happened. You gotta talk, Buffy... to somebody... might as well be to a friend.
Buffy gives in. A single tear runs down her cheek.
BUFFY
(looking directly at Scott)
I think of him every day. It just won't go away... what I had to do. I can't get it out of my head. At night, when I'm asleep, . . . I see him in front of me. We're all kinds of different places, the ocean, in the cemetery... and I still kill him over and over.
SCOTT
Buffy, no, that's not you...
BUFFY
(interrupting)
And all the time, the look on his face ... like he can't believe what I'm doing... what I did to him.
Scott doesn't speak now but grasps Buffy's hands tighter on the table top. Buffy is silent for a moment, but then she turns to Scott, with a desperate intensity in her eyes.
BUFFY (cont'd)
Scott? Could you see him? Now? Angel I mean . . . in the demon dimension. Could you?...
Scott backs off in shock. Suddenly his face is awash with fear. He takes his hands out of Buffy's. Looking at her, he is almost overwhelmed by fright as he turns his head away.
SCOTT
(quietly, trembling)
... not there... please don't ask me to look there.
Buffy is silent, surprised by Scott's reaction. She gazes deeply into his blue eyes for a few moments, searching for a reason for his response. At first she only senses the blind panic he feels. Suddenly, it all falls into place in her mind. She thinks she understands what has been tormenting Scott.
BUFFY
(slowly with awe in a barely audible whisper)
. . .Oh my God...
Scott tries to avoid Buffy's gaze but cannot. He finally turns his eyes up to look at her.
BUFFY (cont'd)
(still whispered)
. . . you've been there ...
SCOTT
(fearful)
... no...
BUFFY
(softly and sadly, with sympathy and no accusing tone in her voice)
... you're lying...
Scott stares down at their empty sundae bowls on the table. He breathes deeply, clenches his teeth and returns his gaze to Buffy. For a few moments they look at each other, their eyes locked, each freely sharing their despair with the other.
BUFFY (cont'd)
(her eyes widening with realization)
. . . that's what he has on you... Ethan...
Scott doesn't answer.
BUFFY (cont'd)
... he can send you back, can't he?...
Scott still is silent. Only his wide blue eyes plead, unspoken, for someone to help him. A firm resolve surges across Buffy's expression. She gets up and pulls her chair over next to Scott.
BUFFY (cont'd)
(with strength)
Listen to me. Nothing's gonna happen to you. I won't let that bastard hurt you. You hear me?
SCOTT
(whispered, with pain)
I'm afraid, Buffy... all the time...
BUFFY (cont'd)
I won't let it happen! You protected me, and I never even knew it. Now it's my turn.
Suddenly Buffy has an idea. She places her hand over the front of her blouse and feels around. She finds the leather thong with the scarab stone attached, pulls it over her head and reaches out with both hands to Scott. Gently, she slides the stone over his head, and it comes to rest against the outside of his shirt, the soft blue of the scarab standing out against the white cloth. Buffy slides her fingers down the leather thong until they are around the stone itself.
BUFFY (cont'd)
(speaking softly to the scarab stone as she caresses it)
... You keep an eye on Scott, here. He needs you more than I do.
Buffy hesitates before she speaks again. She looks into Scott's eyes.
BUFFY (cont'd)
Ya see,... he's become kind of a special friend for me.
SCOTT
(sadly)
No, Buffy, don't...
BUFFY
(laying the scarab stone against his chest)
Yes, a friend to a friend. That's what friends do.
As she did under the street lamp, Buffy wraps her arms around Scott reassuringly. Scott returns the hug. After a few moments, they separate.
BUFFY (cont'd)
Now you gotta tell me. No more secrets.
SCOTT
Okay... for you... friend for a friend.
Scott pauses, then struggles to explain.
SCOTT (cont'd)
(urgently)
Buffy, you have to tell Mr. Giles right away! It's Ethan Rayne. He's after one of the manuscripts Mr. Giles bought at the auction. It's called the Luxor Necropolis Text.
Buffy's eyes widen as she recognizes the name of the manuscript Willow and Giles were fussing over that afternoon.
SCOTT (cont'd)
Using it, someone can draw demons up out of the demon dimension - out of Hell. It even has a formula for summoning the Angel of Death and exchanging living souls for those of the condemned. Mr. Rayne had a fragment of a copy, only a few lines, but now with this almost complete one... he's going nuts, Buffy! He'll do anything to get his hands on it!... he wanted me to steal it.
BUFFY
(shaking her head)
Why? Giles can't even read the thing.
SCOTT
Rayne can! He wants to marshall an army of demons, take out both you and Mr. Giles. Then he'll turn on Trick and his vampires and seize control of the Hellmouth! And he can do it, too! Demons and the condemned of Hell aren't restricted to night like vampires. And they can blend right in; you can't tell em apart!
BUFFY
(her mind racing)
It has a formula to raise a condemned soul from the demon dimension?
SCOTT
Not exactly. It's an exchange. The mortal and demon spheres must be kept in balance. It's like a trade, a soul for a soul.
BUFFY
(speaking to herself)
. . . then Angel...
SCOTT
What?
BUFFY
Nothing. (pause) Scott, I'm sorry. I'm sorry I asked you about Angel. I'll warn Giles. I promise.
Scott breaths a sigh of relief.
SCOTT
Thanks. I owe you.
BUFFY
(reaching out and taking Scott's hand in hers)
Hey,... it's gonna be okay. As long as you wear my bud there (indicating the scarab) nobody can get you.
SCOTT
Is that really true?
BUFFY
I think so. It's a couple thousand years old. Giles says it has a special magic.
SCOTT
(slowly, with resolve)
Then... for a friend.... hang on a sec.
Scott closes his eyes. He holds Buffy's hand tight in his. His head tips forward and, in a moment, his body starts to tremble as he did at the first mention of the demon dimension. His grip becomes even tighter. Buffy tries to pull her hand gently away but she can't.
BUFFY
Scott?
Even with his eyes closed, the fear sweeps across Scott's face once more. His grasp of Buffy's hand remains firm. His breathing is labored but steady.
BUFFY
Scott? No! Don't do it!
SCOTT
(whispered, as if from a great distance)
Please... Buffy... don't let go.... or I'll fall back in.
Hearing his words, Buffy quickly wraps her free hand around Scott's.
BUFFY
(firmly)
I'm right here! I'm holding you as tight as I can. I won't let go!
Scott doesn't answer.
BUFFY (cont'd)
Scott? Scott, can you hear me? Come back now! Don't go any further. I don't want you to do this!
Suddenly the fear passes from Scott's face. He ceases trembling. His hands become limp in Buffy's grasp. She grips them tighter.
BUFFY (cont'd)
Scott? Scott? Are you okay?
Slowly, Scott's eyes open, and he takes a deep breath. Buffy waits, torn with anticipation, for Scott to speak. Finally his lips start to move.
SCOTT
(whispered)
I saw him, Buffy.
BUFFY
Angel? You saw Angel?
SCOTT
It was pitch black... darkness everywhere, and he wasn't moving,... I think he was chained. But I could see this small beam of light. Like sunlight through a tiny hole in a ceiling. It was coming down from someplace up above. And it was looking for him, searching, all the time searching.
Buffy stares at Scott, expecting more. Scott only shakes his head.
SCOTT (cont'd)
I'm sorry. I couldn't see anything else.
Buffy puts her hand up to Scott's bruised face and rubs it gently.
BUFFY
(tenderly)
Thank you.
SCOTT
I'm sorry, Buffy... I didn't dare get any closer.
BUFFY
No. It's all right. I can't believe what you just did... and... I think I understand what you saw.
SCOTT
Buffy.
BUFFY
Yeah?
SCOTT
Thanks... for not letting go...
Buffy slowly reaches out to Scott again. She wraps her hand around the back of his neck and gently pulls his head towards her. At the same time she leans forward, and both rest their heads on each other's shoulders as if neither had the strength to remain upright on their own.
THE SCENE SLOWLY DISSOLVES TO INT, The Coffee Shop as a long time passes.
It is now in the early hours after midnight. The coffee shop is almost empty. Scott and Buffy are still seated at their corner table. Both sip coffee and talk quietly. Finally they stand at the same time and walk out together. Scott puts his arm around Buffy's shoulder and Buffy nestles her head against him as they both climb the stairs out to the street.
CUT TO EXT. The street outside the coffee shop. Night. The same time.
Emerging from the coffee shop entrance, Buffy and Scott walk together under the artificial light from the street lamps. As they move out into the darkness, Scott stops and stares up at the night sky. With her arm still around his waist, Buffy halts and follows his gaze. They watch together only for a moment. Then they both look back down to the street and continue walking away into the night.
CUT TO EXT. The grounds of the Chase Mansion. Night.
Xander has just slid over the stone wall surrounding Cordelia's elegant home. He lands in the bushes with a thrashing thud and sits still for a moment, whispering a prayer to himself that he hasn't awakened the whole household. He then carefully gets to his feet and tip toes across the open yard to the stucco walls of the mansion.
He looks up at a window on the second floor where the faint glow of a night light can be seen through the curtains. Xander bends down and collects several small pebbles. Underhanded, he gently tosses one up at the window. It misses its target completely, not even bouncing off the sill or the side of the mansion. Instead, the little stone falls back down, dropping in Xander's hair.
XANDER
(under his breath)
Damnit!
Xander brushes the pebble out of his hair and tries again. This time his pebble bounces off the window with a faint CLICK. Xander waits but there is no response from the bedroom. He tries again, lofting another pebble upwards. Again, a soft CLICK and no response.
XANDER
(through his clenched teeth)
Come on, Cordie.
Xander throws the next pebble overhand. It hits the window square on and punches a hole in the glass. A SHATTERING SOUND echoes across the mansion grounds. Cordelia, in her nightgown and robe, rushes to the window and throws up the sash. She looks out and sees Xander on the lawn below.
CORDELIA
(whispered but seething)
What the hell do you want?!
XANDER
(whispering)
You ran out of the Bronze before I could finish! I've been looking all over for you!
CORDELIA
Well you've found me! Now get outta here!
XANDER
No!
CORDELIA
I'm not talking to you!
XANDER
Yes, you are!
CORDELIA
No, I'm not!
XANDER
Yes, you are!
CORDELIA
Am Not!
XANDER
Whadda ya think you're doing right now?
CORDELIA
Shut up!
XANDER
I'm not leaving until you let me explain.
CORDELIA
You told me everything I need to know at the Bronze!
XANDER
I'm not leaving.
CORDELIA
Yes, you are!
XANDER
No, I'm not.
CORDELIA
Yes, you are!
XANDER
(getting confused)
Yes, I'm not.
CORDELIA
No, you are.
XANDER
Yes, I am.
CORDELIA
No, you're not!
Realizing what she just said, Cordelia stomps her foot.
CORDELIA
Ohh! Shut up! You're getting me all confused!
Xander plants his feet firmly on the lawn and folds his arms across his chest.
XANDER
I'm not leaving, Cordie. Mountains couldn't move me.
CORDELIA
You kibble brain! That doesn't even make sense.
XANDER
Oh,... well ... I'm still not leaving... I love you...
Cordelia hears those words and hesitates. She doesn't reply but looks longingly down at Xander.
XANDER (cont'd)
And I'm not moving until you forgive me.
Suddenly the furious YAPPING of a small dog resounds across the Chase property. It is rapidly getting louder and closer. Xander quickly looks around. Like a little torpedo, a white toy poodle comes shooting out of the bushes, barking furiously and headed straight for Xander. It leaps right at Xander's leg, latches onto his trousers and begins ripping wildly at the material. Xander spins crazily on one foot as he tries to shake off his attacker.
XANDER
Holy Geez! Ow! Ow!
CORDELIA
Xander! Xander!
Xander begins to stagger towards the outside wall, all the while with the dog tearing at his pants.
XANDER
Ow! Get off me you little...
CORDELIA
Mercedes! Mercedes! You let go of him this instant!
A light comes on in another window of the second floor. The voice of CORDELIA'S FATHER calls out.
CORDELIA'S FATHER
(angry)
Cordelia! What's all that racket!
CORDELIA
Nothing, Daddy! Mercedes is just chasing... a rat.
Xander staggers against the spot in the wall where he clambered over just a few minutes before. With one final furious shake, he dislodges Cordelia's poodle, leaps up on the wall and falls over the top. He lands out of sight on the outside with a thud.
XANDER VOICE
OW! Geez, man!
Cordelia closes her window, rushes downstairs and opens the front door. The poodle runs eagerly across the yard and stops at her feet. It has in it's mouth a torn piece of Xander's pants. Cordelia puts her hands on her hips and scolds her pet.
CORDELIA
Mercedes Porsce Catera Chase! Look what you've done!
The poodle wags its tail and shakes the piece of cloth in its jaws. It then drops the shred at Cordelia's feet as if offering her a present. Cordelia's scowl vanishes and a wicked little grin creases her face. She bends down and pets her poodle.
CORDELIA (cont'd)
(as she strokes the poodle)
Good dog! You're a good doggie!
CUT TO INT. The Library, Giles' Office. At the same time.
Giles is now seated in his office chair behind his desk. Before him on the top of the desk, the little black notebook lies open and, in his lap, the Necropolis Text is rolled up as a scroll once more. He is leaning back in his chair and ever so slowly nodding off.
CUT TO INT. Willow's bedroom. At the same time.
Willow sits on the floor at the foot of her bed. She is in her pink night clothes and her eyes are red from crying. In front of her is a small lit candle and the box lot of jewelry Giles bought for her and Buffy at the auction. In her hand she holds a picture of Oz which she gazes at sadly.
With her free hand she reaches up to her neck and takes the little scarab on the leather thong in her fingers, stroking it tenderly. She then puts her hand in the box and draws out the three ancient coins she showed earlier to Buffy. Rubbing them together and still staring at Oz's photograph, she whispers to herself.
WILLOW
(very quietly)
. . . oh please... please... tell me what he's thinking... or let me just see where he is.
Willow closes her eyes as tightly as she can and increases her grip on the photo. She tries to visualize Oz in her mind as she did with the coins that morning. She remains like this for a few moments and then relaxes. From the sad look on her face, it is clear she's seen nothing. Willow lets out her breath in one, long sigh.
She continues to stare at Oz's picture by the flickering of the candle light.
CUT TO EXT. A street corner on the outskirts of Sunnydale. Night, the same time.
Oz, who has not gone home but has been out driving aimlessly since the Bronze closed, pulls up in his van to a stop sign on the outskirts of town. He squints through the windshield at the signs across the intersection. One, pointing to the left is the route to the interstate. The other pointing to the right, has written "Downtown Sunnydale - Local Points." Oz contemplates the signs for a moment. He then hangs his head, shakes it and smiles to himself. He turns the van out onto the road to the right and drives off into the dark.
CUT TO EXT. The street in front of Buffy's house. Night, at the same time.
Buffy and Scott approach the front steps of her house. She turns back to face him.
BUFFY
Well, some second date, huh.
SCOTT
Beats the first anyway.
BUFFY
Like night and day... so, I'll see you tomorrow?
SCOTT
Yeah,... your mom's not gonna yell at you for coming in this late?
BUFFY
Nah, she's getting a better handle on the Slayer trip. Besides, any lecture will be worth it... cause I found a new friend tonight... a real special one.
SCOTT
(looking down)
Me, too.
Scott then looks back up, and he and Buffy silently gaze into each other's eyes. Finally, Buffy closes hers and leans towards Scott. He slowly does the same, and both are about to kiss. Suddenly his eyes snap open, he pulls back from her and puts his hands on her shoulders, gently pushing Buffy away.
SCOTT (cont'd)
No Buffy... don't... we shouldn't.
Buffy stares at him, the hurt expression on her face rivaling her shock when he broke up with her before. Scott sees her confusion.
SCOTT (cont'd)
It's not like I don't want to. Believe me I want to more than anything but... well, there's Angel... and I don't know how long we're gonna be on the same path together.
BUFFY
(becoming worried)
What is it? Do you see something else?
SCOTT
No, it's just... after what I told you tonight...well, when Rayne finds out... he's not going to trust me anymore. I won't be... useful.
Buffy's eyes widen as she fears what Scott is driving at.
SCOTT
So I'll tell you "I'll see you tomorrow," but some morning in the next few days you'll come to school and... I just won't be there anymore. You'll ask around, but no one'll notice. I'll drop off the school lists. You'll go to my foster parents' place but they'll be long gone. Rayne pays them for my room and board... I'll just... disappear.
Buffy wants to say something, anything to contradict Scott's prediction but she's totally lost for words.
SCOTT (cont'd)
(turning to leave)
So... the way I figure it, we better just say goodnight.
Scott starts walking away. Buffy quickly takes a few steps that bring her to Scott's side. Grabbing his arm, she turns him to face her. Before he realizes what is happening, Buffy wraps her arms around him and kisses him. He then tenderly puts his arms around her and they hug silently for a few moments more.
BUFFY
There... that says your little story line is bullshit. And you know why? Cause I found a new friend tonight. And I'm gonna find a way for that friend to stick around.
Scott closes his eyes and sighs.
BUFFY
Don't give up! It's not like you. I know you now. Inside, you're stronger than anything Ethan Rayne can throw at you. You're the guy I just saw travel to Hell and back... for me.
Scott looks up at her.
SCOTT
(with his self conscious smile)
Yeah, I did, didn't I.
BUFFY
(grinning along with him)
Listen, I can even get Giles to help. He'll find the answer to anything.
SCOTT
(hopefully)
You really think so?
BUFFY
Oh yeah! Giles, like, he's always there. He's a little drifty. Reading all the time does that to ya. But when the chips are down, there's nothing he wouldn't do for me.
SCOTT
He's really important to you.
BUFFY
Yeah, he's the reason I am who I am. I don't know what I'd do without Giles.
SCOTT
I wish I had someone like that.
BUFFY
Hey,... I'll figure something out. Don't worry. For now, follow the Slayer's first rule. Just stay alive, okay? You gonna be all right?
SCOTT
Yeah, I'm used to taking care of myself.
Buffy and Scott gaze at each other for a moment more. He leans forward and gently kisses her again.
SCOTT
Goodnight.
BUFFY
Goodnight.
Scott turns away and walks back down the front walk to the street. Buffy watches him leave for only a few seconds, then she unlocks the front door and disappears inside. Scott, hearing the front door shut, looks back as he walks away. He stops for a moment at the street corner and sighs. He stands staring back at Buffy's house.
Suddenly, from the bushes behind him, four vampires leap out, grab him by the hands and around the neck and drag him, struggling, out of sight.
CUT TO INT. Ethan Rayne's room in the back of the vacant store. Night, later.
Ethan is standing by his beat up recliner with his hands behind his back. Suddenly, a door leading into a side alley by the store flies open. The four vampires drag Scott in and throw him on the floor at Ethan's feet. Scott has a bruise on his face and has been roughed up pretty badly.
ETHAN
(to the vampires)
Ah, there you are. Excellent job. Thank you.
Ethan hands to one of the vampires a small white envelope he has pulled out of his pocket.
ETHAN
(to the vampire)
Make sure this gets to Trick. Tell him it's the date and time of the next blood delivery at the hospital.
The vampires turn to leave.
ETHAN
(calling after them)
And boys . . .
The vampires stop in the doorway and look back at Ethan.
ETHAN
No peaking . . .
The vampires leave and close the door. Scott is now seated on the floor and is breathing heavily. He looks up fearfully at Ethan.
ETHAN
(to Scott)
So... I hear you put on quite a show tonight for the Slayer.
Scott looks away and doesn't answer.
ETHAN
These little excursions of yours are getting expensive. I'm running out of favors I can do for Mr. Trick. (suddenly threatening) Now... do you have what I want?
SCOTT
(glaring back up at Ethan)
It's over, Mr. Rayne! I told her everything! About you and the manuscript! What it is and why you want it!
ETHAN
(with an evil grin)
Oh you did? Everything, Rarak? Did you tell her who *you* are?... *What* you are?
Ethan laughs under his breath.
ETHAN (cont'd)
Ha, ha, ha. I seriously doubt it. But she does know about the manuscript, you say...and what it can do? Excellent! Brilliant move. There's hope for you yet, Rarak!
Scott is completely bewildered by Ethan's statement. With a look of horror, he stares up at Ethan.
ETHAN (cont'd)
You get the Slayer to trust you, mesmerize her with your vision thing and that pathetic look you do so well, maybe a little romance on the front porch.
Scott's fear turns to anger as he realizes he and Buffy were spied on the whole evening.
ETHAN (cont'd)
(gleefully)
Then you tell her about the Necropolis Text and how it has the power to exchange souls!... and all she can think of is her beloved Angel... and how she can exchange her soul for his!
Scott staggers to his feet and glares at Ethan.
ETHAN (cont'd)
So tomorrow, she'll steal the manuscript and bring it right to me! 'Cause that Ripper is too stupid to be able to read it. And in one fell swoop, I'll hold the key to the opening of the entire Demon Dimension; I'll have that obnoxious Trick off my back *and* be rid of that insufferable Slayer! All at the same time!
Scott begins to tremble with fury and fear. He puts his face in his hands.
SCOTT
(quietly)
. . . no, Buffy... no... oh God, what did I do to you!
ETHAN
(enjoying his own sarcasm, oblivious to Scott)
And the utter brilliance of your plan, Rarak, is you didn't have to do a thing to her! You didn't have to *hurt her!*
Ethan shakes his head and laughs quielty. Though soft, the laughter rings in Scott's ears. He turns and stumbles out of the room through the door into the side alleyway. Ethan keeps chuckling to himself. Finally he stops and looks around him, seeing Scott is gone.
ETHAN (cont'd)
Rarak?... Rarak?... (sighing) You've got to stop disappearing like that. I was going to offer you a drink. I feel like celebrating your fabulous victory here.... Oh well.
Ethan walks over to the little side table by his recliner and picks up the half empty Scotch bottle sitting there. He holds it up in front of him as if proposing a toast. Ethan contemplates the bottle for a moment.
ETHAN (cont'd)
(to himself)
Ethan old boy, this may sound a tad silly and woefully cliched... but what the hell!
"To world domination!" Should be bloody fun!
Ethan puts the bottle to his lips and takes a long swig.
CUT TO INT. Buffy's bedroom. Night, at the same time.
Buffy is lying in her bed but she can't sleep. She continually sees visions of Angel and their one night of passion. She tries to imagine what Scott saw, Angel's form lying in the darkness, chained to a stone floor. She then sees in her mind the rolled up scroll on Giles' desk, and remembers both Scott and Giles' description of the Necropolis Text.
SCOTT'S VOICE
It even has a formula for summoning the Angel of Death and exchanging living souls for those of the condemned!
GILES' VOICE
Heiro of Alexandria claimed it contained formulas for exchanging souls between the mortal realm and the underworld.
Suddenly, Buffy sits up in bed as her own words in the coffee shop a few hours ago come rushing back to her.
BUFFY'S VOICE
Why? Giles can't even read the thing.
SCOTT'S VOICE
Rayne can!
Buffy jumps out of bed and walks over to her writing desk. She pulls out an envelope and piece of paper. She thinks for a moment, then quickly pens a note. When she has finished, she reads the letter silently to herself, folds it up and seals it in the envelope.
She then writes in large flowing letters on the front, "Rupert Giles." She lays the note down and leans back from the desk.
BUFFY
(quietly, to herself)
I'm sorry, Scott. You were sorta right, ... but you see, it's me that won't be coming to school in the next couple of days. I've got a big debt to pay. But you'll be okay. Giles'll take care of you. I promise.
Buffy stares off blankly across her bedroom as if she were seeing some vision of an event yet to come.
CUT TO INT. Giles' Office in the Library. Night, at the same time.
Giles is now fully asleep behind his desk. He is leaning back in his chair. He gives a snore and twitches, his face frowning with what is clearly a nightmare. As he moves, in his lap, the scroll of the Luxor Necropolis Text slowly slips out of his hand. It silently drops to the floor and rolls away from the desk.
CUT TO BLACK
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