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Consequences (January 8, 1999) Written by: Marti Noxon |
| Teaser |
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EXT. RIVER - DAY FADE UP To find that we are UNDER WATER. Shafts of sunlight slice flowing blue currents ... It is tranquil, peaceful... Until a PANIC-STRICKEN BUFFY thrashes into view and we see that someone is GRIPPING HER ANKLE, pulling her down to a watery grave. Now we see that her attacker is the DEPUTY MAYOR. He is wearing a SUIT, just as he was the night he died. Buffy manages to fight him off, kick him back into the murky depths. She swims frantically, tries to surface - but can't. Something is holding her down. She struggles. For a moment, she manages to break the surface - sees that FAITH is holding her under. Her expression inscrutable, FAITH SHOVES BUFFY UNDER AGAIN. CLOSE ON BUFFY Desperate, drowning... INT. BUFFY'S ROOM - NIGHT Buffy wakes from her dream with a start, badly shaken. INT. HALLWAY - NIGHT Buffy moves down the hall to the bathroom. Overhears her mother watching the NEWS on her bedroom TV. Stops as:
...fishermen discovered the body today, the victim of a brutal stabbing... Buffy moves so she can see both the TV and her mother. Joyce doesn't notice her. INT. JOYCE'S BEDROOM - NIGHT CLOSE ON TV Where a REPORTER STANDS ON THE DOCKS, addressing the camera.
....Authorities and citizens alike were shocked when the slain man was identified as Deputy Mayor, Allan Finch. Still reeling from the news, Mayor Wilkins had this to say: Now THE MAYOR appears on the TV, STANDING AT A PODIUM IN THE ROTUNDA. Looking appropriately distraught.
Mr. Finch was not only my longtime aide and associate, he was a close personal friend... I promise you - I will not rest until whoever did this is found and brought to justice. ON JOYCE Who notices Buffy standing there.
Oh, honey. You're up... Now Joyce looks back to the TV. Shakes her head sympathetically.
It's just terrible - isn't it? INT. HALLWAY - NIGHT ON BUFFY Who just nods, horrified. Feeling like the walls are closing in on her. BLACK OUT.
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| Act One |
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INT. LIBRARY - DAY ON WESLEY Who paces, amped.
I want you to look into this. Find out everything you can about the murder of the Deputy Mayor. REVEAL that he's talking to an extremely anxious BUFFY
But, I mean - it's not really our... jurisdiction - is it? Now we see FAITH, who seems pretty cool. She glances at Buffy, sending the message - chill out.
It's no big, B. We can get into it if he wants- She'd go on - but now GILES steps forward, irritated.
No. Buffy's right. The Deputy Mayor's murder was the result of human malice. There's nothing supernatural about it.
We don't know that for certain. I say it merits investigation.
Which I'm sure the police are doing. However, if you ask me, there are far better uses of the slayers time-
(pointed) Ah, but, I don't believe I did. Ask you.
(fuming) Well, considering the success of your last venture you might do well to- Giles STOPS SHORT as CORDELIA ENTERS.
Don't let me interrupt. Wait. Let me interrupt. I'm in a hurry.
What did you need?
(turning back) Psych class. Freud and Jung. Book me.
Happily. Giles moves into the stacks. Now Cordelia turns to the others, really noticing WESLEY for the first time.
Check out Giles, the next generation. What's your deal? Wesley is clearly taken with/flustered by Cordy. He manages this debonair reply:
Uh, I, uh - well -
New watcher.
Oh.
Does everyone know about-
She's a friend.
Let's not exaggerate. Cordy looks him over, likes what she sees. Decides to have a little fun.
(flirtatious) So you're the new watcher.
(proffered hand) Wesley Wyndam-Pryce. She takes his hand, doesn't let go.
I like a man with two last names. I'm Cordelia.
And you teach psychology?
I take psychology.
(returning) She's a student. Wesley snatches his hand back. Giles stamps Cordy's books.
(trying to be official) Well then, yes. In fact I am. Here to watch. Girls. I mean Buffy and Faith, in specific. Cordelia is enjoying her effect on Wesley. Moves closer, really turning on the gas. Wesley squirms.
Well, it's about time we got some fresh blood.
Ha! Well. Fresh. Yes. Giles stamps emphatically. Hands the books to Cordy.
Here you go.
Thanks. Cordy turns back to Wesley. Hits him with a killer smile.
Welcome to Sunnydale. And she bails. Wesley takes a minute to recover.
My. She's... cheeky. Isn't she?
First word, "jail," second word, "bait."
Well. Where were we? Anxious to get out of there, Buffy stands. A little too urgent.
Done. (to Faith/trying for calmer) We were done. Weren't we?
Yep. Off to patrol. See ya. Faith gets up and they start for the door. But Wesley catches them. Gives Giles a "back off" look.
One moment, girls. I am your commander now and on the matter of this murder, I am resolved. "Natural" or "super" - I want to know. ON BUFFY AND FAITH Who both look like the proverbial deer caught in the headlights. Finally, Faith smiles.
Fine by me. Always ready to kick a little bad guy butt. INT. CLASSROOM - DAY An agitated Faith and Buffy move into an empty classroom. They close the door - make sure they're alone. Then-
You gonna rat me out? Is that it?
We have to tell, Faith. I can't pretend to investigate, can't pretend that I don't know...
Oh. I see. You can "pretend" that Angel's still dead when you need to protect him-
I am trying to protect you, Faith. If we don't do the right thing, it'll only make things worse for you.
Worse than jail for the rest of my young life? No way.
Faith, what we did-
Yeah. We. You were right there beside me when this thing went down. Anything I have to answer for - you do too. You're part of this, B. All the way. With that, Faith TAKES OFF - leaving Buffy breathless. INT. SCHOOL LOUNGE - DAY Dazed, Buffy moves from the hall to the lounge area. Sees WILLOW there, reading. Goes to her - needing a connection. Willow sees her coming. Glances up from her book. Looks back. She's still a little hurt by what she feels is Buffy's rejection. Buffy sits next to her. Tries to smile.
Hey.
Hey... Where's Faith? I saw her around. Figured you guys were off to kill more nasty stuff.
Not right now. She bailed, I guess. An awkward moment. Then they both talk at once.
Will - I thought maybe we could-
Actually, I should get- They stop.
Sorry... You go.
I'm - late. Willow stands, gathers her things. Continues, a little apologetically.
I'm meeting Michael, the warlock guy? We're still trying to "de-rat" Amy.
Oh.
So. See you.
See you. And she takes off, leaving BUFFY feeling more alone and lost then ever. EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT Two police cars are parked at the entrance to the alley, lights flashing. A few policemen and detectives move about, collecting evidence. DETECTIVE PAUL STEIN, the policeman who investigated Buffy in "Ted", is there - talking to a neighborhood woman.
So you heard the man scream about what time last night?
I'm not sure. Seven? Maybe eight.
Can you be more specific? Say, between seven and seven thirty? ANOTHER ANGLE Where we see ANGEL, moving in the shadows near the entrance of the alley. He stops - watches a medical examiner scraping BLOOD from the wall. CLOSE ON ANGEL As he remembers... FLASH TO: EXT. ANOTHER ALLEY - FLASHBACK TO EPI. 14 - NIGHT As BUFFY runs into Angel, distraught.
Angel!
Buffy. I've been looking for you. (sees her hand) Your hand! He takes it. She looks down to see it is covered in blood. She pulls it away. EXT. ALLEY - REAL TIME - NIGHT BACK TO ANGEL As he moves away, clearly worried. INT. MAYOR'S OFFICE - NIGHT CLOSE ON A paper shredder as it GOBBLES UP some documents - makes spaghetti of them. WIDEN TO INCLUDE The MAYOR, who feeds the shredder. Looking glum. Now TRICK enters - a file folder in hand. The Mayor barely looks up from his task.
It's not working.
It's supposed to do something Besides shred?
It's supposed to cheer me up! Usually, using the shredder gives me a lift. It's fun.
And today you're not getting the ya yas.
No. Guess it'll take more than this to turn my frown upside down. I just don't understand why Allan would leave such a paper trail about our dealings. Do you think he was going to betray me? That's a horrible thought. And now he's dead and I'll never have the chance to scold him.
Maybe this will change your mood. Now Trick drops a file folder on the Mayor's desk.
What is it?
Bombshell. The Mayor picks up the file. Reads. Then looks up, his expression in agreement with Trick's assessment.
The Deputy Mayor had wooden splinters in his wound. Struck right through the heart with a sharp, pointed object. Now word is someone was fighting vampires not a block away from the scene. (then) Smart money says - it's a slayer did this job.
You think he talked? To them?
If he did, I'm thinking he said the wrong thing.
(smiles) Well, this is exciting. A slayer up for Murder One. That's sunshine and roses to me. It really is. OFF THE MAYOR Clearly feeling a tad peppier. BLACK OUT.
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| Act Two |
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EXT. SUNNYDALE TOWN HALL - NIGHT Establishing. INT. DEPUTY MAYOR'S OFFICE - NIGHT BLACK Then a door opens and light from the outside hail spills in, illuminating BUFFY AND FAITH as they enter. Buffy closes the door and Faith flicks on a light. The office is absolutely generic. A few unremarkable personal items. A rubber plant. Buffy and Faith move about, taking all this in as they talk in hushed tones.
I'm telling you. We did the world a favor. This guy was about as interesting as watching paint dry. Buffy stops, shocked at her callousness.
Faith-
Joking. Geez, lighten up, B... But now Faith comes across a framed photo. Picks it up. CLOSE ON PHOTO It's a shot of the Deputy Mayor with the Mayor at an official function of some kind. The Deputy Mayor is smiling, proud.
He came out of nowhere.
(sympathetically) I know. At this Faith's eyes go cold and she returns to the search.
Whatever. I'm not looking to hug and cry and learn and grow. I'm just saying it went down quick, is all. Buffy, a little stung, decides to let it go - also looks around some more. But now Faith is restless, irritated.
Let's just blow. I mean, who cares what this guy was about? It's kind of moot now - don't you think?
I don't think he was in that alley by chance. I think he was looking for us. Like to know why.
(scoffing) So, what, you think there's some big conspiracy- Buffy opens the file cabinet drawers. They're empty. Buffy looks to Faith. Touché.
You were saying?
So his papers are gone. That doesn't prove anything.
Except that somebody doesn't want us to prove anything. OFF BUFFY Troubled. INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE DEPUTY MAYOR'S OFFICE - NIGHT Buffy and Faith poke their heads out of the Deputy Mayor's office - checking to see if the coast is clear. They are about to move into the hall when another door opens and THE MAYOR AND TRICK walk out of the Mayor's office. Buffy sees them - then quickly and quietly shuts the door before she and Faith are noticed. INT. DEPUTY MAYOR'S OFFICE - NIGHT Buffy and Faith lean against the door. Hear the muffled voices of the MAYOR AND TRICK as they pass.
...get as many men on it as we can.
Yeah. We'll be wanting to turn up the heat. Faith and Buffy look at each other. EXT. STREET - NIGHT Buffy and Faith walk quickly. Buffy is reeling, freaked by what she just saw. Faith, on the other hand, seems pumped.
(wry) So the mayor of Sunnydale is a black hat. Shocker, huh?
Actually - yeah. I didn't get the bad guy vibe off him. Faith shakes her head. Scoffs.
When you gonna learn, B? It doesn't matter what kind of "vibe" a person gives off. Nine times outta ten the face they're showing you? It isn't the real one. Buffy takes this in.
I guess you know a lot about that.
What's that supposed to mean?
Look at you, Faith. Less than twenty four hours ago you killed a guy. And now you're laughing and scratching and zipidee doo dah. That's not your real face, and I know it. I know what you're feeling because I feel it too.
(dubious) Do you? So, fill me in. I'd like to hear this.
Dirty. Like something sick creeped inside you and you can't get it out. And you keep hoping what happened was just some nightmare... (hard) But it wasn't, Faith. And we have to-
(cutting her off/unmoved) Is there gonna be an intermission in this?
Let's just talk to Giles. I swear-
No way. We're not bringing anybody else into this. You gotta keep your head, B. This is all going to blow over in a few days.
What if it doesn't?
If it doesn't... They got a freighter leaving the docks at least twice a day. It's not fancy - but it gets you gone.
And then what? You just live with it? See this dead guy in your head for the rest of your life?
Buffy. I'm not going to "see" anything... I missed the mark last night. And I'm sorry about the guy, really. But it happens. (then) Anyway - how many people do you think we've saved by now? Thousands? And didn't you stop the world from ending? In my book, that puts you and me firmly in the plus column.
we help people. That doesn't mean we can do whatever we want-
Why not? This guy I offed was no Ghandi. We just saw - he was mixed up in dirty dealing.
Maybe. But what if he was coming to us for help?
What if he was? You're still not looking at the big picture, B. Something made us different. We're warriors. We were built to kill-
(cutting her off) To kill demons. But we don't get to pass judgement on people, like we're better than everybody else-
We are better. (this stop Buffy) That's right. Better. People need us to survive. In the balance? Nobody's gonna cry over some random bystander who got caught in the crossfire. Buffy looks stricken. Finally-
I am. Faith just looks at her. Shakes her head.
Your loss. With that, Faith walks on. Leaving Buffy behind, appalled. EXT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - NIGHT Buffy comes up the walk to her house, distraught. Before she even gets to the front door, JOYCE opens it - freaked.
Buffy... She steps aside, revealing DETECTIVE STEIN. OFF BUFFY Stunned, cold with fear. INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT Buffy and Detective Stein sit across from each other as he questions her. Joyce is also there. Buffy is doing her best to remain calm in the face of his intense scrutiny.
Tell me again. You got home at what time last night?
Late. A little past one, I guess.
Maybe you can explain to me what a girl your age is doing out all night. INTERCUT WITH: INT. FAITH'S MOTEL - NIGHT As STEIN interrogates FAITH. He's just asked her the same question. Faith, naturally, throws attitude.
Just hanging.
Hanging? By yourself?
No. I was with my friend Buffy. INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
We were at Faith's. Watching TV.
What did you watch? INT. FAITH'S MOTEL - NIGHT
Some old movie. INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Infomercial.
That's funny. 'Cause I've got a couple witnesses who put you near the alley. INT. FAITH'S MOTEL - NIGHT
Witnesses?
(nods) Somebody stabbed this guy through the heart. Strange thing is, the weapon? It was made outta wood. (then) Any of this mean anything to you?
Yeah. Whoever did it wasn't hip to the bronze age. !NT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT Buffy looks like she can barely contain her rising panic.
Is that it? I'm - I'm kind of beat. Stein stands to go - fixes her with a knowing look.
I have enough for now. (then) Buffy. If you know something. If you're protecting someone... INT. FAITH'S MOTEL - NIGHT As Stein gives the same rap to Faith.
...I promise you it'll be better for everyone if you come clean. BUFFY'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT Buffy looks as though she could be wavering. But she just shakes her head "no."
I wish I could help you. INT. FAITH'S MOTEL - NIGHT
You mean, am I covering for someone? Hardly. I'm not the "throw myself on the sword" type. She smiles. Stein nods, but he's not buying it. He heads for the door. Hands her his card.
Well. Call me if you "remember" anything. And he's gone. Faith leans against the door, letting down. She fights to catch her breath. EXT. FAITH'S MOTEL - NIGHT We see Stein exit the hotel. He gets in his car, drives off. REVEAL ANGEL. Standing alongside the motel, watching. His expression betraying both thoughtfulness and concern. INT. WILLOW'S BEDROOM - NIGHT Willow is working on her computer when a TAPPING on her FRENCH DOOR WINDOWS draws her attention. Is surprised to see BUFFY standing there. She goes to the doors - opens them.
Hey.
Hey... They move into the room. Stand there awkwardly. Then-
I really need to talk to you.
Good. 'Cause I've been letting things fester. And I don't like it. I want to be fester-free.
Yeah. Me too-
(anxious/interrupting) I mean, don't get me wrong. I understand why you and Faith have been doing the bonding thing. You work together - you should get along.
It's more complicated than that.
But, see? It's that exact thing that's ticking me off. This whole "slayer's only" attitude. Since when wouldn't I understand? You talk to me about everything! It's like - all of the sudden I'm not cool enough for you because I can't kill things with my bare hands! BUFFY takes this in. A beat. Then she BURSTS INTO TEARS. Willow reacts.
Oh! Oh, Buffy. Don't cry. I'm sorry. I was too hard on you. Sometimes I unleash... and I don't know my own strength. It's bad. (off Buffy's continued tears) I'm bad. I'm a bad, bad person. Finally, Buffy finds her voice. Barely meeting Willow's eye, she manages-
Will. I'm in trouble. TIME CUT TO: INT. WILLOW'S BEDROOM - NIGHT As BUFFY finishes her story.
...And Faith just acts like she doesn't care. The way she talks, she doesn't even think she made a mistake. Willow takes it all in. Overwhelmed.
You think she's like, in shock?
I don't know. But this police guy knows more than he's saying. I think he knew I was lying. A long beat as Willow considers Buffy's options. Then-
You have to go to Giles, Buffy. He'll know what to do. Buffy finally nods. Takes Willow's hand. And they both just sit there, scared. INT. LIBRARY - NIGHT BUFFY enters. The lights are on - but the library appears empty.
Giles? A beat. Then he enters from his office. He immediately reads her expression. Knows something is terribly amiss.
Buffy- Buffy steels herself. Moves to him.
Giles, I don't know how to say this so I'm just going to say it. I know I've kept things from you before but- She stops as she sees FAITH standing in the doorway to Giles' office. It's clear from her expression that she's heard every word Buffy said. Buffy immediately starts to back down.
But... I've been sort of blowing off my classes- you know, in the sense of not attending... But Faith stops her.
It's okay, Buffy. I told him. Now Faith looks away - unable to meet Buffy's eye.
(surprised) You told?
Had to. He had to know what you did.
What I did? A beat as this sinks in. Then Buffy turns to Giles, desperate.
No. Giles. That's not- That's not what happened- But Giles shuts her down, furious.
I don't want to hear it, Buffy. You've been lying again. To me, to everybody.
What? No! (to Faith/aghast) You can't be serious. You're setting me up? Faith, guilty, ignores her. Turns away.
Buffy. Go to my office. (almost as sternly) Faith, I'll speak to you in the morning.
Giles-
Now. Buffy, stunned, does as she's told. Faith moves to Giles, anxious. Ready to bail.
I'm... sorry. Giles just nods. Faith leaves. INT. GILES' OFFICE - NIGHT Giles enters. Silent. Buffy immediately launches into her explanation.
Giles. I didn't do this. I swear. I messed up bad, I admit it. But the murder. It was-
Faith. I know. (off Buffy's surprise) She has many talents, Buffy. Fortunately, lying isn't one of them. Buffy takes this in. Tremendously relieved.
Oh. Oh God. I thought-
I'm sorry. I needed to see how far she'd take the charade.
Try - far. Like all the way.
You should have come to me right off.
I know. I wanted to...
But Faith wouldn't hear of it.
It's not all her fault, Giles. We both thought it was a vamp. I only realized a second before-
Buffy, this is not the first time something like this has happened.
It's not?
A slayer is on the front lines of a nightly war, Buffy. It's tragic - but accidents have happened.
What do you do?
The council investigates, meters out punishment if punishment is due... I've no plan to involve them, however. That's the last thing Faith needs right now. She's unstable, Buffy. She seems utterly unable to accept responsibility. Shows no remorse.
Well, she's freaking, right? I mean, we'll just have to help her deal.
There is no help for her unless she can admit what happened.
I can talk to her...
Perhaps...
Or maybe I'm too close- one of the guys could...
We should meet. They may be seeing a different side of her.
Okay.
But nobody else is to hear, understood? INT. LIBRARY - CONT. (NIGHT) Where we see WESLEY, who entered a few moments before. He's overheard the whole thing.
Absolutely.
This is a very delicate stage. If we scare her off now we could lose her forever. OFF WESLEY His expression inscrutable. BLACK OUT.
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| Act Three |
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INT. CAFETERIA - DAY It's late in the day and the cafeteria is totally empty. Buffy, Willow, Xander and Giles are in the midst of a "family meeting." Topic - what to do about Faith and the murder.
Maybe we should all talk to Faith together.
Like the intervention thing you guys did on me? As I recall, Xander and I nearly came to blows.
You nearly came to blows, Buffy. I nearly came to loss of limbs.
No - Faith's too defensive to be confronted in that manner. I think the "one on one" approach is more likely to reach her-
I could be the one. On her one. (quickly) Let's rephrase. I mean, I think she might listen to me. We kind of have a "connection."
(dubious) A connection. Like when you say "hi" and she says "hi" and then she blows you off?
Something like that. It's just worth a shot, that's all I'm saying.
I don't see it, Xander. Of all of us, you're arguably the person Faith has had the least contact with.
Yeah - but we hung out a little. Recently. And she seemed, uh, responsive.
When did you hang out?
She was fighting one of those apocalypse demon things and I helped her. Gave her a ride home.
And you guys talked?
Not extensively.
Well then why do you- Oh.
Ohh. A beat of surprise. Then they all look to Willow for her reaction. Amazingly, she appears quite calm.
I don't need to say "oh." I got it before. They slept together.
(uncomfortable) Fine then, moving on-
Xander - I know you mean well. But I don't see Faith opening up to you. She doesn't take the guys she... "has a connection with" very seriously. They're kind of a big joke with her. No offense.
(offended) Oh, no. Why would I find that offensive?
Buffy's right, Xander. In this instance, it would be best if you let Faith be. (then) However, if you want to be of assistance, I could use some research help. We have this business of the Mayor and Mr. Trick to attend to.
Yeah. They were looking pretty cozy the other night.
(to Willow) Willow - can you access the Mayor's records?
What? Oh. Sure. I can try.
Good. It's clearly time we took a harder look at him. He's up to something.
What about Faith?
I don't know. Give me a little time-
She needs help. Now. (almost to herself) I owe her that, at least. INT. GIRL'S BATHROOM - DAY We move past the stalls. Find a pair of feet behind one door. INSIDE STALL Where we see WILLOW, books on her lap, sitting on the closed lid of the toilet - crying uncontrollably. FADE TO: INT. HOTEL ROOM - DAY Wesley dials the phone in his comfortable but modest hotel room. Waits. Then-
Yes, hello. I need Mr. Travers, Quentin Travers... Wesley Wyndam Pryce calling. The code word? Monkey... M-O-N-K- (losing patience) Just put him on, would you? This is an emergency. INT. FAITH'S MOTEL ROOM - NIGHT Faith is watching TV, her face a complete blank - until a knock at the door rouses her from her trance-like state. She goes to the door. Opens it. Sees Xander.
What?
Hey. She just looks at him, impassive.
I just wanted to see how you are, actually.
Sick of people asking me that, for one thing. Another awkward beat. Then-
Can I come in? Just to talk. Promise.
Like you could make something happen if I didn't want it to.
Hey, yeah. You got me there. Pretty much, not gonna try to "take you" under any circumstances. (makes a muscle) See? Feel that. Must be like a wet noodle to you. Finally, Faith steps aside to let him in.
Five minutes.
That's all I need. (quickly) For talking. In conversation - I can be quick like a bunny. Xander enters - looks around. Realizes he has no idea what he's going to say.
Clock is running.
I just - I heard about what happened, and I thought maybe you needed a friend.
So talk to Buffy. She's the one who killed a guy. Xander takes this in.
Yeah. I heard that version-
(hard) Version?
Either way, sounds to me like it was an accident. That's the important part.
No. The important part is - Buffy's the "accidental" murderer.
Faith, you may not think so, but I sort of know you. I've seen you post- battle. And I know, first hand, you're... like a wild thing. You don't know what you're doing half the time.
You're living proof of that, huh?
See - you can try to hurt me, but you need somebody on your side right now. What happened? It's not your fault. And I'm willing to testify to that. In court, if you need me to.
You'd dig that, wouldn't you? To get up in front of all your geek pals and go on record about how I made you my boy toy for a night-
No. No, that's not it- Now Faith's attitude shifts. Becomes sexual, predatory.
That's what this is all about, isn't it? You just came here because you want another taste.
No... I mean, it was nice, it was great, well, it was kind of a blur, but, okay, someday, sure, yay... But not now, not like this.
Then like how? Lights on or off? Kinks or vanilla?
(sincere) Come on,Faith. I just wanted to help. I thought we had a connection. Faith laughs. Then SLAMS XANDER hard in the chest, shoving him down onto the bed.
Ow! Faith- Faith STRADDLES him. Hands go roughly under his clothes.
You want to feel our connection? She's touching him. Arousing him despite himself.
It's just skin. Now she kisses him - wet and deep. Breaks away.
I see. I want. I take. (then/hard) I forget.
No. We- It's more than that- Faith is grinding on him (thank God for Levis) - making him crazy.
I could do anything to you right now. And you want me to. He moans, helpless in more ways than one. CLOSE ON FAITH AND XANDER As she nibbles - then BITES.
Ahhh!
I could make you scream. WHOMP! And her hands are around his neck. Squeezing. Xander grabs her arms, but can't break her grasp. Faith still licks and kisses, clearly even more aroused than before. Xander's eyes are WILD and DARTING. He struggles for breath.
I could make you die. She TIGHTENS HER GRIP, not kissing anymore. Xander is turning colors, passing out. She's taking this all the way. His arms claw at her, then drop. Then there's a noise - a floor board creaks - and a HUMAN SHADOW falls over the bed. Faith SPINS, shocked. FAITH'S POV As she sees ANGEL SWING A BASEBALL BAT right into her FACE. WHOMP! BLACK INT. MANSION - NIGHT CLOSE ON A SET OF CHAINS BOLTED INTO THE WALL We follow the chains down until we see FAITH in shackles. She's just regaining consciousness after the BLOW ANGEL dealt her. She looks across the room, sees- ANGEL Who sits, waiting for her to awaken.
Finally decided to tie me up, huh? Always knew you weren't really a one slayer guy.
I'm sorry about the chains. It's not that I don't trust you- (then) Actually. It is that I don't trust you.
That thing with Xander? I know what it looked like, but we were just playing-
And he forgot the safety word? That it?
Safety words are for wusses. Now Angel crouches near her. Looks at her hard.
I bet you're not big on trust games, are you, Faith?
(scoffing) You gonna shrink me now, that it?
I just want to talk to you.
That's what they all say. Then it's - "just let me stay the night. I won't try anything."
You wanna go the long way 'round, I can do that. He stands.
I'm not getting any older. And he walks off. WE FOLLOW ANGEL AS HE MOVES INTO THE- EXT. MANSION GARDEN - NIGHT WHERE WE SEE BUFFY waiting, like a worried parent. Angel moves to her.
How's she doing?
Like talking to a wall. Only you get more from a wall.
But you'll keep trying, right?
Sure. We're just getting started.
So what do I do?
(gently) Right now there's nothing you can do. Again Buffy can't hear it. Brightens at an idea.
This could go on for a while, right? So I'll go to Faith's place and get her some of her clothes and stuff. That way she'll see we're on her side - that we want her to be comfortable.
It's not a bad idea.
Great. I'll be back.
I just... Don't get your hopes up, Buffy. She may not want our help.
She does. I know it. She doesn't know how to say it.
She killed a man. That changes everything for her.
Giles said with counseling, she might not have to be locked up, or at least-
That's not what I mean. She's taken a life.
I know.
She's got a taste for it, now. Off Buffy's reaction... INT. MAYOR'S OFFICE - NIGHT CLOSE ON A TV SCREEN Where we see a SECURITY TAPE playing. The image, although grainy, clearly shows BUFFY AND FAITH sneaking into the Deputy Mayor's office. ON THE MAYOR AND TRICK Who watch. The Mayor is as upset as we have ever seen him.
Not one slayer, but two. Right here in the building...
(blustering) There was supposed to be a guard-
(cutting him off) Shhhh. Here comes my favorite part - where the slayers see us in the hall together, thick as thieves. (burning) Oh, wait - we are thieves. And worse. And now they know it.
They're not gonna be much of a threat in jail-
We don't have near enough evidence to put them away. No, you're going to have to think of a more efficient solution. And Mr. Trick... You'd better think of it soon. Trick gets the message. INT. MANSION - NIGHT CLOSE ON FAITH Who wears a studied look of disinterest as we see ANGEL'S LEGS PASS IN FRONT OF HER.
I know what's going on with you.
Join the club. Everybody seems to have a theory. WIDEN TO INCLUDE ANGEL, who stares her down. Intense.
But I know. What it's like, to take a life. To feel a future, a world of possibility - snuffed out by your own hand. I know the power in it. The exhilaration. It was like a drug for me.
Yeah? Sounds like you need some help. A professional, maybe.
A professional couldn't have helped me. It stopped when I got my soul back. My human heart.
Goody for you. (then) If we're going to party, let's get on with it. otherwise, could you let me out of these things?
Faith. You have a choice. You've tasted something few ever do. To kill without remorse is to feel like a God- Faith doesn't want to hear it. Starts to struggle.
Right now - all I feel is a cramp in my wrist. Let me go!
(ignoring) But you're not a God. You're not much more than a child. And this path will ruin you. You can't imagine the price for true evil. A flicker. Like something he said hit the mark. But-
Yeah? I hope evil takes Mastercard. And she smiles. But Angel isn't biting (so to speak).
You and me, Faith, we're a lot alike.
Well, you're kind of dead...
Like I said. A lot alike.
Sorry, buddy. I'm alive and kicking. In fact, I've got a bodily function that needs attending to pretty quick here.
You're not alive. You're just running. Afraid to feel. Afraid to be touched... Some part of her reacts to this truth. But she averts her eyes.
Save it for Hallmark. I have to pee.
Time was, I thought humans existed just to hurt each other. Faith looks back to him now. Silent. But he's struck a cord.
But then I came here. And I found out that there were other kinds of people. People who genuinely wanted to do right. They still make mistakes. They fall down. But they keep trying. Keep caring. A long beat. Faith takes this in, clearly wanting to believe. Angel sees this. Moves to her - speaks from the heart.
If you can trust us, Faith, it can all change. You don't have to disappear into the darkness. She looks genuinely moved, confused. But the moment is lost as- BOOM! WESLEY bursts in through the main doors with a couple of henchmen. Wesley and one henchman hold Angel off with crosses - then the other THROWS A NET OVER HIM. Angel struggles, but he's completely tangled in the webbing.
No! One of the henchman grabs the KEYS to the shackles from a peg on the wall. Tosses them to Wesley. He moves to Faith. Angel sees this - cries out, infuriated.
Leave her! You can't help her! ON FAITH AND WESLEY As, ignoring Angel, Wesley takes one of her hands from the shackles and slaps a handcuff on it.
By the order of the Watcher's Council of Britain... He cuffs her other hand. Stands her up roughly, starts to walk her out. CLOSE ON FAITH
I am exercising my authority and removing you to England, where you will accept the judgement of the disciplinary committee. As her EYES GO COMPLETELY DEAD. This is the last straw. BLACK OUT.
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| Act Four |
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INT. WESLEY'S VAN - NIGHT CLOSE ON FAITH Who rides in the back of a van. Her hands are CUFFED in front of her - and the cuffs are chained to a METAL BRACKET embedded in the low wooden bench she sits on. She looks totally shut down. Impassive. Across from her sit WESLEY and one of his HENCHMAN. The driver and passenger compartments are separated, but one can assume the other henchman is piloting the van.
I'm sorry for the extreme measures. Unfortunately, this is a rather extreme circumstance.
Whatever.
(sincere) Despite the... violence of your apprehension, please believe - nobody 's rushing to judgement. The first priority of both myself and the council is to help you- Now he notices that Faith has been subtly PULLING ON HER CHAINS - and the metal bracket is loosening.
Ah, now. None of that. (to Henchman) Tighten her restraints. (to Faith) Faith. There's no point in fighting this, you know... Faith, frustrated, looks away as the henchman moves near her with a WRENCH. He goes to tighten the bolt in the bench and, in a flash, Faith KICKS his legs out from under him. Then she positions HER FOOT ON THE HENCHMAN'S HEAD, which lies against the hard floor of the van - ready to CRUSH IT. It all happens so fast - a stunned Wesley barely has time to react.
(to Wesley) Have to disagree with you on that one. The henchman groans, struggles. But Faith presses down more firmly an his temple.
Now unlock me, or I'll pop this guy's head like a grape. Wesley hesitates. Eyes the WRENCH ON THE GROUND.
Don't even think about it. Wesley knows he's beat. Moves to her and uncuffs her. She massages her bruised wrists, glares at him.
You can't keep running, you know. BOOM! She SLAMS him in the face. Wesley reels - but grabs the wrench from the floor. He moves to HIT Faith with it but SHE CATCHES HIS WRIST, bends it back until Wesley is wincing in pain and the wrench clatters back to the ground.
Wrong again, Wes. And she roughly head-butts him into unconsciousness. Bails out the back doors of the speeding van. EXT. STREET - NIGHT As we see Faith TUMBLE out of the moving van and onto the street. A beat as the van barrels off into the night. Then Faith gets to her feet, limps off. INT. MANSION - NIGHT Buffy returns with a small bag full of Faith's stuff. Sees the doors left standing open. She wanders in - sees that ANGEL has been left tied up in the net and Faith is gone. She rushes to him, starts to free him.
Angel. Are you all right?
I'm fine. They took Faith-
Who took Faith? INT. LIBRARY - NIGHT ANGEL Now addresses Buffy, Giles, Willow and Xander. Xander is quiet and looking pretty shell-shocked - his neck covered in NASTY BRUISES.
The new watcher. He had a couple of guys helping him.
Then he figured it out. The murder-
Which means that Faith will soon be on her way to England to face the Watcher's Council.
And then what?
Most likely? They'll lock her up for a good long while. Buffy takes this in, worried.
So - we head them off at the airport. Stop them. Willow, looking tentative, pipes up again.
Can I- I'm just wondering. Why? Everyone looks to her. She's definitely got their attention.
I'm not the most objective, I know. I kinda have an issue with Faith sharing my ... people. (then) But - she murdered someone and accused Buffy. Then she hurt Xander. I hate to say it, but maybe she belongs behind bars. Now Xander tries to add something - but his voice is completely shot. He falls silent, embarrassed and frustrated. Buffy is sympathetic, but resolute.
She's out of control, I know. But Angel was getting somewhere with her. She was opening up. If we can just stop Wesley- A VOICE STOPS HER.
That's no longer an issue. They all turn to see WESLEY, who has come through the library doors, unnoticed. His face is black and blue - he looks terrible.
You let her get away?
"Let" wouldn't be the way I'd phrase it, but - yes. She escaped.
Good work. First you terrorize her, then you put her back on the streets-
That was hardly my plan. I was trying to save the girl-
(hard) Well, you didn't. You probably destroyed her-
Buffy. That's enough. Buffy backs off. Turns to the others.
We'd better find her before she does any more damage. Everybody rallies - with Buffy in command.
We should split up. I'll take the docks - chances are, she's there. Giles - you go to her place. Will - you and Xander check her haunts. (firmly) Take weapons.
I'll try the airport.
What can I do? I want to help. Buffy shoots him a withering glare.
Still got your plane ticket back to the mother country? And they head out, leaving Wesley to stew. EXT. DOCK'S - NIGHT Buffy walks along the docks, sees a cargo boat ahead - loading up. She approaches, looking for any sign of Faith. Then a voice startles her-
You don't give up, do you? Buffy turns. There's Faith, looking a little worse for the wear. She's dressed for a journey - carries a small bag.
Not on my friends. Faith takes this in. Scoffs.
Yeah. 'Cause you and me are such solid buds.
Could be. It's not too late.
For me to change and be like you, You mean? Little miss goody two shoes? Ain't gonna happen, B.
Faith. Nobody's asking you to be like me. But what you're doing - you can't keep going like this.
It scares you, doesn't it?
Yeah, it scares me. You're hurting people. You're hurting yourself- Faith takes this in. Smiles knowingly.
But that's not it. That's not what bothers you so much. What bugs you is - you know I'm right. You know in your gut. We don't need the law. We are the law-
No. Faith moves in closer. Sees that she's getting to her.
Yes. You know exactly what I'm about. Because you have it in you, too.
No. You're sick, Faith-
I've seen it, B. You've got the lust. And I'm not just talking about screwing vampires-
(warning) Don't bring him into this-
It was good, wasn't it? The sex? The danger? Bet a part of you even dug him when he went psycho-
No-
See - you need me to tow the line because you're afraid you'll go over it, aren't you, B? You can't handle watching me living my own way and having a blast - because it tempts you. You know it could be you- That's it. Something snaps in Buffy. She rears back and POPS Faith a good one. Faith falls back, but she's smiling as she puts a hand to her bleeding mouth.
(taunting) There's my girl... Buffy struggles to regain her composure. Puts her hands down.
No. I'm not going to do this.
Why not? It feels good. Blood rising- She'd go on but is stopped as an OVERHEAD CARGO CRATE LURCHES AND STARTS TO FALL FROM A CRANE. It's about to drop right on FAITH. Acting on pure instinct, Buffy LUNGES for Faith - knocking Faith to safety and causing the crate to fall on her instead. CLOSE ON BUFFY Pinned under the crate and injured. She tries vainly to free herself. ON FAITH Who spins - sees that she and Buffy are SURROUNDED by TRICK and THREE MASSIVE BAD ASS vamps. Trick and the three vamps ATTACK FAITH. ON BUFFY Who finally pulls herself out from under the crate. She's clearly hurt - but struggles to get to her feet. ON FAITH Who manages to get hold of VAMP #1 and VAMP #2 - and SLAM THEIR HEADS TOGETHER. They fall back, stunned, as VAMP #3 lunges for her. ON BUFFY As VAMP #2, still reeling from Faith's blow, practically FALLS INTO HER. Thinking quickly - Buffy grabs a pointed shard of wood from the shattered CARGO CRATE and DUSTS HIM. Now Buffy turns - only to be confronted by TRICK. ON FAITH Who battles VAMP #3. He gets her in a headlock - moves in, teeth bared. But Faith manages to FLIP HIM off her. He goes OVER THE SIDE OF THE DOCK AND INTO THE WATER. Faith recovers, only to encounter VAMP #1 again. They square off, start trading blows. ON BUFFY AND TRICK Who go at it. With Buffy hurt, Trick clearly has the upper hand. Buffy's getting pummeled. Trick manages to DROP BUFFY with a brutal blow that leaves her dazed. Then he goes to the ground - lifts her into his arms and holds her against the crates. ON FAITH Who has just DUSTED VAMP #1. She turns and SEES Buffy about to meet her maker at the hands of Trick. Now Faith looks around - clearly has a chance for escape. She hesitates. ON BUFFY AND TRICK As Trick leans in to bite her.
(licking his lips) I hear once you've tasted a slayer? You never wanna go back. Buffy struggles, but is clearly lost. Trick's FANGS GRAZE HER NECK... But he suddenly STOPS. Eyes wide. A look of indignation crossing his features.
Oh. No. No, this is no good at all- And HE GOES TO DUST, revealing FAITH, who stands behind him - stake still hoisted in the air. A long beat. Faith and Buffy just stare at each other - breathing hard. Then Faith silently extends a hand, helps Buffy off the crates. FADE TO: INT. LIBRARY - NIGHT It's late. Buffy and Giles are doing a recap of the night's events.
Faith saved you?
(nods) She could have left me there to die, Giles. But she didn't. Giles considers this - slightly encouraged.
And the fact that she opted to come back to town with you bodes well.
I really thought we were gonna lose her.
She still has a lot to face before she can put this behind her. But yes, she has a real chance. Because you didn't give up on her. OFF BUFFY Her expression lightened a tiny bit. INT. MAYOR'S OFFICE - NIGHT The Mayor is gathering his coat and briefcase, getting ready to leave for the day. He opens his office door to find FAITH standing there. Being mister invincible - he's more surprised than concerned.
You sent your boy to kill me.
That's right. I did.
He's dust.
I thought he might be. What with you standing here and all. Now Faith moves a little closer - getting in the Mayor's personal space.
Guess that means you have a job opening. And she smiles. A beat as the Mayor gets her drift. Then he smiles... Steps out of the doorway, inviting her in. Faith moves into the room. Takes a seat. And the MAYOR CLOSES THE DOOR - BLOCKING OUR VIEW OF THE SCENE. BLACK OUT.
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