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Doppelgängland (January 27, 1999) Written by: Joss Whedon |
| Teaser |
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(NOTE: this episode will begin with a big-ass "Previously", depicting the events of episode nine.) INT. CEREMONIAL CHAMBER - NIGHT (PREVIOUSLY SCENE A) A dark and maleficent demon, D'HOFFRYN, sits on a stone altar, barely visible in the dim flicker of candlelight. Kneeling before him is ANYA, dressed in ceremonial robes. Neither of them is particularly happy.
Do not ask again! Your powers were a gift of the lower beings. You have proved unworthy of them.
I was robbed of them!
By your carelessness.
For a thousand years I wielded the power of the wish. I brought ruin upon the heads of unfaithful men, I offered destruction and chaos for the pleasure of the lowers beings. I was feared and worshipped across the mortal globe and now I'm stuck at Sunnydale High! A mortal! A child! And I'm flunking math.
This is no concern of ours. You will live out your mortal life and die.
Give me another chance. You can fold the fabric of time. Send me back to that moment and I'll change it. I won't fail again.
Your time is passed.
Do you have any idea how boring twelfth graders are? I'm getting my powercenter back. And if you won't help me then by the pestilent gods I'll find someone who will. EXT. SCHOOLYARD - DAY Willow is concentrating intently on something. We hold close on her face as, magically, a pencil floats up into frame in front of her. Very slowly, the pencil begins to spin. A WIDER ANGLE shows Willow lying on her stomach in the grass. Buffy is doing sit ups next to her, talking.
The Watcher council shrink is heavily into tests. He's got tests for everything. T.A.T.'s, rorschach, associative logic... (finishes sit ups) They have that test to see if you're crazy that asks if you hear voices or have ever wanted to be a florist.
(perky) Oh, I used to -- Wait. Florist means crazy, right? I never wanted to do that.
(re: pencil) Neat.
Thanks. It's all about emotional control. Plus, obviously, magic. You wanna go to the espresso pump? Get sugared up on mochas? Buffy starts packing stuff in a gym bag.
Pass. I'm gonna hit the pool, do some laps.
And how come all the sudden calisthenics? Aren't you sort of naturally buff, Buff? (to herself, pleased) Buff buff!
Well, they've really got us running around on the physical side, too. A lot of precision training and reflex evaluation, and I just wanna... do...
... better than Faith?
(contrite) So very shallow.
Competition is natural and healthy. And you'll definitely ace her on the psyche tests. Just don't mark the box that says "I sometimes like to kill people."
I know Faith isn't exactly on the cover of Sanity Fair, but she's had it rough. Different circumstances, that could be me.
No way.
We can't control the way we grow up.
No. You're you. She's her. Some people just don't have that in them.
I'm sorry, I know you hate talking about Faith...
No, it's okay.
Really, I --
It doesn't bother me. I mean it.
Uh, Will? Will looks at Buffy, who indicates the pencil. ANGLE: THE PENCIL is spinning so fast, it's starting to steam.
Ooh. She frowns at it, tries a hand gesture -- and the pencil rockets away, smashing into something O.S.
Emotional control.
I'm working on it. BLACK OUT.
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| Act One |
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INT. SNYDER'S OFFICE - DAY Snyder sits before Willow and the slack and hulking PERCY, jock extraordinaire.
As far as I'm concerned, this is a marriage made in heaven. Willow Rosenberg, despite her unsavory associations, represents the pinnacle of academic achievement at Sunnydale high. Percy West represents a devastating fast break and fifty percent from behind the three point line.
I'm not sure I understand the marriage part.
You've got the brains, he's got the fast break. It's a perfect match.
(nervously glancing at Percy) Match? You want us to breed?
I want you to tutor him. Percy is flunking history. Nothing seems to be able to motivate him.
Hey, I'm challenged.
You're lazy, self involved and spoiled. That's quite the challenge. But we need a winning year, especially after last year's debacle with the swim team. Can't have our point guard benched. (to Willow) So you are going to take on a little teaching job. I know how you enjoy teaching.
But I have a lot of work of my own --
You've gotten a letter of acceptance from every university with a stamp. I think your academic career is safe.
Yes, but I still have classes and I don't want --
Rosenberg. It's time to give something back to the community. I know you want to help your school out here. Ask me how I know.
How do y--
I just know. The threat is really only in his eyes. Willow looks at him, and at Percy. Percy just looks bored. INT. LIBRARY - DAY Willow enters with Buffy.
So he threatened you? With what?
It wasn't anything exactly that he said. It was all in his eyes. I mean, there was some nostril work as well, but mostly eyes.
Snyder needs me to kick his ass.
Oh, no, Buffy, don't get yourself in trouble. I'll be okay. I just hate the way he bullies people. He just assumes their time is his.
(entering from his office) Willow, get on the computer. I want you to take another pass at accessing the Mayor's files.
Okay. Faith enters with a winded Wesley.
Well, that was a blast.
How did it go?
Princess Margaret here had a little trouble keeping up.
(to Wesley) How did it go?
Faith... did quite well on the obstacle field. And her... reflexes are improving rapidly. Physically... (pointedly emphasized) she's in good shape. Still a little sloppy, though. He hands Giles a clipboard of times.
Do you feel up to taking Buffy out, or shall I?
No, I'll be fine. I just need a minute. And some defibulators, if it's not too much trouble.
I better change.
You're gonna love it, B. It's just like fun, only boring.
Faith, The evaluations are a necessary part of --
(contrite) Hey. I know. I'm on board here. Just shooting my mouth off. As Buffy passes to go out, she and Faith lock eyes. Faith says quietly and sincerely:
Good luck. Touches Buffy's arm as she passes. Buffy smiles kindly at her, exiting. Faith wanders over to Willow as Giles and Wesley retreat into the office. Willow is not wildly comfy around Faith, but acts with strained politeness.
Whatchya doing?
I'm trying to access the Mayor's personal files.
Can you do that?
He's got some pretty tricky barriers set up.
Can you get past 'em?
Eventually. I'll get through. INT. FAITH'S NEW APARTMENT - DAY The Mayor stands before us, taking in the news.
Well, that's very interesting. Faith is looking around, blown away by the place.
Yeah, I thought so too. Are you serious about this place?
Of course I am! No Slayer of mine is going to live in a fleabag hotel. That place has a very unsavory reputation. There are immoral liaisons going on there.
Plus all the screwing. But this is the kick!
We'll keep your old place, in case you need to see your friends there. But from now on -- Faith has run to the bed, is jumping up and down on it.
Shoes! Shoes! She jumps off, landing in front of him.
Thanks, sugardaddy.
Oh! Faith. I don't find that sort of thing amusing. I'm a family man. Now. Let's kill your little friend. Faith looks a little hesitant at this.
Oh, don't worry. I wouldn't ask you, not this early in our relationship. I think a vampire attack would look less suspicious anyway. Faith nods, still not saying anything.
In the meantime, let's take a look at the rest of the place. If I'm not mistaken, some lucky girl has herself a playstation.
No way!
Yes way. He leads her towards the other room. OMITTED INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY Willow is there. Oz approaches.
Hey, Baby.
Oz. Hi.
There's something about you that's causing me to hug you. (which he is) It's as if I have no will of my own. She hugs him back perfunctorily. They start for the grassy fountainy area.
Where were you yesterday?
We got back late, sort of very.
We? Who? Where?
The Band. We had a gig in Monterrey Sunday night.
You did? How come I didn't know?
I thought you did...
Maybe I would have liked to go.
Didn't figure you for missing school.
You think I'm boring.
I'd call that a radical interpretation of the text. We're playing the Bronze tonight.
I can't. I have too much homework.
Well, you'll be there in spirit. If you get done early. He goes in a classroom. Willow goes outside. EXT. STEPS TO FOUNTAIN QUAD - DAY Willow catches up with Percy.
Percy! Hey. Listen, why don't we get together at lunch and we can go over your Roosevelt paper, what books you'll need and stuff.
What are you talking about?
Tutoring you. The history paper?
Snyder said you were gonna do it.
He never said that.
What meeting were you in?
Look, I'll pick up the books. Just meet me at lunch and we'll --
I don't have time at lunch. I have to hang out.
Oh. Well...
What, you got something better to do? Just type it up and put my name on it. And don't type too good. Dead giveaway. He bails. Willow sits, unable to shake her crankiness as she goes through her lunchbag. She pulls out a banana.
I'm gonna eat this now. It's not lunchtime and I don't even care. Buffy and Xander come happily up to her.
Hey!
Willow! Did you remember to tape Biography last friday?
Uh huh.
(to Xander) What did I tell you? Old reliable.
(bitterly) Oh, thanks!
What?
Old reliable? Yeah, great! There's a sexy nickname.
Oh, Will, I didn't mean --
No, it's fine. I'm old reliable.
She just meant, you know, the geyser. You're like a geyser of fun that goes off at regular intervals.
That's old faithful.
Isn't that the dog that the guy has to shoot --
That's old Yeller.
Xander, I beg you not to help me. (to Will) Will, I didn't mean it in a bad way. I think it's good to be reliable.
Well maybe I don't wanna be reliable all the time. Maybe I'm not just doormat... person. Homework Gal.
I'm thinking nervestrike. She's up and ready to head inside. Starts in, turns back.
Maybe I'll change my look. Or cut class. You don't know. (holds up banana) And I'm eating this banana. Lunchtime be damned! She starts off again, Buffy coming up to her.
Willow, I really didn't mean --
(not unkindly) Buffy, I'm storming off. It doesn't work if you come with me.
Oh. She lets her go. INT. SCHOOL LOUNGE HALL - DAY (PREVIOUSLY SCENE B) Willow comes grumpily inside, starts heading up the stairs.
Willow? Willow turns, sees Anya coming up the steps. Willow comes back down a few, clearly not that familiar with the girl.
Uh, hi...
Anya. I'm sort of new here. I know Cordelia...
(deadpan) Ooh, fun.
Listen, I have this little project I'm working on, and I heard you were the person to ask --
Uh huh. That's me. Reliable dog geyser person. (resigned) What do you need?
It's nothing big. Just a little spell I'm working on. Willow perks up.
A spell? Ooh. I like the black arts.
Yeah. I need a secondary to create a temporal fold. I heard you were a pretty powerful wicca, so...
You heard right, mister. I'm always ready to work some dark mojo. So tell me... (sly smile) ... is it dangerous?
Oh, no.
(disappointed) Well, could we pretend it is? INT. CLASSROOM - NIGHT We are close on a spell set-up that sits on the floor. In the middle of the usual accoutrement is a white plate on which is a finger painted representation of a necklace. The camera pulls out to find Anya and Willow finishing the set up. The desks have been pushed away from the center of the room, forming a rough circle around the circle of majick. Anya is taking colored sand and funneling it into a small glass vial with a paper funnel. Willow is laying bones and whatnot about.
The necklace was a family heirloom. Passed down for generations, then it was stolen from my Mom's apartment.
How does the spell work?
We both call on Eyrishon, the endless one. Offer up the standard supplication. Then there's a teensy temporal fold - we hope -- I pour the sacred sand on the representation of the necklace and Eyrishon brings it forth from the time and place where it was lost.
Cool.
Of course, there's a lot of theory there, but I figure it's worth a shot. Are we ready?
I think so. They sit facing each other, cross-legged in the circle. Close their eyes. Anya begins, holding out her right hand, palm up.
Eyrishon. K'shala. Meh-uhn. Willow does the same gesture.
Diprecht. Doh-tehenlo Nu-Eyrishon.
The child to the mother.
The river to the sea. Anya holds out the vial. Willow wraps her hand around Anya's.
Eyrishon. Hear my prayer. A moment. Nothing. Then LIGHT, streaming from the ceiling, wrapping the girls in electric auras. Willow is jolted -- transfixed. This is more than she expected. CLOSE ON: WILLOW'S EYES As they suddenly jolt open. WHITE OUT. Images flash before us, rapidfire, distorted. Images from the alternate universe from episode nine: Anyanka and Giles. Vampire Willow (heretofore referred to as Vampwill) fighting Buffy. Buffy killing Xander. The necklace. And others, so fast we can't even register them. Willow is shaking, so is Anya -- a huge thunderclap and Anya turns the sand vial over. CLOSE ON: WILLOW'S LEG As it is jolted, kicks out, knocking the plate aside and the sand pours onto the leg instead, the frame WHITES OUT again... INT. THE PLANT (ALTERNATE UNIVERSE NEW FOOTAGE) - NIGHT 9 We see Vampwill about to be impaled By Oz -- and she disappears. Oz looks about him, confused. INT. CLASSROOM - NIGHT The light is suddenly sucked back and the girls break apart, breathing hard. Willow is more than a little freaked.
What was that? That was - what was that?
(looking for her necklace) It's not here. It's not here!
Okay, that's a little blacker than I like my arts.
Oh, don't be such a wimp.
That wasn't just a temporal fold, that was some weird Hell place. I don't think you're telling me everything.
I swear, I'm just trying to find my necklace.
Did you try looking inside the sofa in HELL?
Look, we'll try again, and if --
I think emphatically not.
I can't do it by myself!
Well, that's a relief. I'm out of here.
Fine. Go! Idiot child. Willow grabs some spell stuff.
I believe these chicken bones are mine. Magic is dangerous, Anya. It's not to be toyed with. Now if you'll excuse me, I have someone else's homework to do. She strides out, leaving Anya desolate in the midst of her failure. Anya picks up the plate --
Nothing. Nothing! She throws the plate to the ground, smashing it. INT. THE PLANT - NIGHT It's the same plant from the alternate universe, but dark and abandoned. The moment we see it Vampwill's face rears into frame, incohately hissing with pain. We find her on the ground, smoke surrounding her. As it clears she gets her bearings, looks around. Looks very confused.
This is weird. BLACK OUT.
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| Act Two |
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EXT. SUNNYDALE STREET - NIGHT (PREVIOUSLY SCENE C) Vampwill walks down the street, befuddled by what she sees. What she sees is people: happy, normal people. Families with kids. Couples. Even OLD people, walking around with a distinct lack of terror. It bothers her. She passes the movie theatre as people pour out. Passes the Espresso Pump as people eat, drink and be annoyingly merry. She looks increasingly lost, vulnerable. An old woman comes up to her, asking politely:
Excuse me, young lady -- And Vampwill whips her head around and GROWLS at the old lady, who promptly backs off. Fed up, will heads for: INT. BRONZE - NIGHT This is the worst of all. Her usual vamp headquarters is filled with living humans, and the pulse pounding beat has been replaced by the mellow song stylings of K's Choice. Vampwill wanders about, looking for the master, or some sign of sanity. Instead, she bumps into:
Hey! She looks at him, no idea who he is.
Rosenberg? What are you doing? Trick-or-treating? She looks him over, amazed at his audacity.
You're supposed to be at home doing my history report. I flunk that class you're gonna be in big trouble with Snyder. Till we graduate, I OWN your ass.
Bored now. She rockets the heel of her hand into his chest. He flies backwards over the pool table, landing just about as painfully as he can. While he groans and struggles to get up, she circles the table lazily.
(pouty) I'm having a terrible night. She grabs him by the throat and pulls him up. Eyes him seductively.
Wanna make it better? He takes a swing at her but she blocks it. Continues to squeeze his neck. He tries to put his hands around hers, but his strength is failing. People have backed off, are watching in horror (or in some cases, mild interest). Xander pushes through the throng.
What's going on? Is there a funny thing? He sees Vampwill and Percy, and of course completely misinterprets the situation.
Whoah! He plows forward, pulling them apart and facing Percy.
Back off! You stay the hell away from her!
(stunned) Okay. Sure. He bails from the Bronze. Xander turns back to Vampwill and gets his first real look at her, as she gets a look at him.
Xander...
Will. Changing the look not an idle threat with you.
You're alive! She comes at him, embraces him very sensually.
Uh, Will, this is verging on naughty touching here. We don't want to fall back on bad habits -- Hands! Hands in new places. He takes her hands, holds them away from new places. She sniffs him, frowning, and pulls away.
You're alive.
You mentioned that earlier. Will, are you okay?
No. Everything's different. Buffy works through the crowd.
Xander, there you are.
(eyes on Will) Hey, Buff.
Aren't you going to introduce me to your -- holy god you're Willow.
(eyes narrowing) You...
Okay, well, you know what? I like the look. It's extreme, but it looks good, it's a leather thing, it's very... I said extreme already, right?
I don't like you.
Will, I'm sorry about today. You know how my foot likes to be in my mouth sometimes, but you really don't have to prove--
Leaving now.
Willow, I gotta say I'm not loving the new you. Vampwill ignores him, turns away. Buffy tugs at her arm.
Willow, wait -- Vampwill spins and is in VAMPFACE, snarls at her:
Get off me! She snaps her head back, normal faced once more, and stalks out of the Bronze. Neither Buffy nor Xander can speak. EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT (PREVIOUSLY SCENE D) Vampwill strides along, grouchy as hell. She gets a ways before she realizes she's being followed. Two vamps come out of the shadows. The one who speaks is ALPHONSE.
Willow Rosenberg? She stops, her back to them. She can tell they're up to no good. Smiles ever so slightly.
I'm not supposed to talk to strangers.
Then we won't talk. They rush her. And she's a blur, takes them out in seconds flat. The second vamp finds himself on the ground several feet away. Alphonse finds himself on his knees, Vampwill twisting his arm painfully.
You made me cranky...
There's been a mistake here. We were sent after a human.
Really? She puts her hand around one of his fingers.
Who do you work for?
I'm not telling you a thing -- She breaks his finger. Holds another.
Who do you work for?
Wilkins, the Mayor. She breaks his finger. Holds another. Again, in the same innocent tone:
Who do you work for?
You... She lets him up, as he is joined by his sore companion. No longer playing girlie, Vampwill takes command.
Get your friends. Bring them here. The world's no fun anymore. We're gonna make it the way it was. Starting with the Bronze. INT. LIBRARY - NIGHT Giles is coming out of the office, speaking to:
Ah. Buffy. I thought you were going out tonight, didn't expect... Buffy and Xander stare, unable to speak.
What is it? INT. SAME - A BIT LATER Now three people can't speak. They sit around the table, entirely shellshocked. Finally...
This isn't real.
I can't feel anything. Arms or legs or anything...
(trying not to cry) She was... truly the finest of all of us.
Way better than me...
(sadly nodding) Much, much better.
We just saw her at lunch... how could...
It's all my fault.
What makes you say that?
I don't know... Statistical probability...
(emotion rising) No, it's me... it's me, I called her reliable, she must have gone out and gotten attacked which she wouldn't have done except I called her reliable and now my best friend is --
What's going on? They all turn to her, stunned, confused.
Jeez, who died? (serious) Oh god! Who died? Xander springs to action, jumping up and grabbing a cross, holding it to Willow. His voice is thick with emotion.
Back! Get back, Demon! Willow stares at him. He stares at the cross. It's not working. He pulls it away, shakes it, holds it to her again. Buffy has risen more slowly, eyes wet, fearing the hope in her breast.
Willow? You're alive?
Aren't I usually? Buffy runs to her and grabs her in a hug, crying. A moment and Xander joins the hug. Willow can barely breathe.
I love you guys too... okay, oxygen becoming an issue... They let go. She turns to Giles --
What's going on with these guywHOAH! -- who grabs her in yet another bear hug. Eventually he lets her go.
Sorry. Buffy touches Willow's hair, still so amazed and grateful she's here.
It's nice that you guys missed me. Say, you didn't all happen to do a bunch of drugs, did you?
Will, we saw you. At the bronze. A vampire.
(defensive) I'm not a vampire.
But you are, I mean you were... Giles, you planning to step in with an explanation any time soon?
(not a clue) Well, something... something very strange is happening.
Can you believe the Watcher council let this guy go? INT. BRONZE - NIGHT ANGLE: BY THE BAR Anya sits grumpily down.
What a day... She addresses the WAITER behind the counter.
Gimme a beer.
I.D. She stares at him.
I.D.
(losing it completely) I'm eleven hundred and twenty years old! Just give me a friggin' BEER! Beat.
I.D.
Give me a coke. ANGLE: ONSTAGE K's Choice have left. Dingoes Ate My Baby are setting up. Oz and Devon move a heavy amp stage left (if stage left is the left side from the audience's pov. Which it might not be.)
Man, We gotta get a roadie. Other bands have roadies.
Other bands know more than three chords. Your professional bands can play up to six and sometimes seven completely different chords.
That's just like, fruity jazz bands. Angel mounts the stage.
Oz.
Hey, man. You looking for Buffy?
As always.
No sightings as of yet, but I think she said she'd show.
Hey, man, how'd you like to be our roadie?
Less than you'd think.
Well, stick around, I'm sure Buffy'll... He stops, turning to follow Angel's suddenly intense gaze. ANGLE: the back door is visible from the stage. A VAMP can be seen blocking it, not letting a patron out.. Oz and Angel look at each other. Look at the other exits, including the front door. There are vampires setting up at every door.
This doesn't look good... At the front door, A male patron tries to push past Alphonse. He throws him onto a table, smashing it and causing the guy's date to SCREAM! A murmur rises up as Alphonse steps into the middle of the room.
Everybody, SHUT UP! Everybody more or less does.
All right. Nobody causes any trouble, or tries to leave, and nobody gets hurt. Angle: the stage
Why don't I believe him?
Well, he lacks credibility. ANGLE: ANYA Also notices the commotion. Is warily intrigued. Angle: the stage
Can you get out of here?
(looks around) Skylight in the roof. I can make it.
I think we need some back up.
I think I'm needed here.
Ten to one. Could get pointless. ANGLE: FEET Stroll into the bronze. It is no surprise to whom they belong. We arm up to see a slyly grinning Willow.
Everybody's all afraid. It's just like old times. ANGLE: OZ He becomes very still. Even for Oz. Angel is also appalled. Neither takes their eyes off Willow.
(eyes on Willow) Get Buffy. Do it now. Angel slips behind the stack of amps. He starts climbing the rope up against the wall, quickly and quietly.
(quietly) Dude. Check out your girlfriend. She moves about the center of the bronze, looking at everyone. Comes to an attractive young woman, SANDY, at a high table.
What's your name?
Sandy... Vampwill runs her hand down Sandy's arm. She takes Sandy's hand in hers and pulls her along with her like a little girl pulling her baby sister. Sandy is too intimidated to resist.
(to the crowd) You don't have to be afraid... just to please me. If you're all good boys and girls, we'll make you young and strong for ever and ever. We'll all have fun. She stops just behind Sandy. Licks the girl's neck. Oz watches intently.
If you're not ... She whips her head around, MORPHING and sinking her teeth into the spot she licked. Oz starts for her -- and a vamp blocks his way. Vampwill holds Sandy's bucking body from behind as she drainsthe life out of it. Drops her like a wet sack and, after a moment of intense pleasure, morphs back. Looks at the crowd.
Questions, comments... For a moment, no one can muster either.
Willow. You don't want to do this.
I don't? But I'm so good at it.
Who did this to you?
I know you. You're a white hat. How come you're talking to me like we're friends?
Because he thinks you're someone else. Vampwill spins to face Anya, who has stepped forward. Alphonse moves to shut Anya up, but Willow stops him with a slight wave of her hand.
He thinks you're the Willow that belongs in this reality.
Another me...
You know this isn't your world. You know you don't belong here.
No... this is a dumb world. In my world there are people in chains and we can ride them like ponies.
You want to get back there.
(pouty) Yeah...
So do I. INT. LIBRARY - NIGHT Giles, Buffy, Xander and Willow discuss the New Willow sitch. Will stands by the lectern, just out of sight of the entrance.
This is creepy. I don't like the thought that there's some vampire out there that looks like me.
Not looks like -- is.
It was you, Willow, in every detail. Except for your not being a dominatrix... as far as we know.
Oh, right. Me and Oz play Mistress of Pain every night. Please.
Did anybody else just go to scary visual place?
Oh yeah. Angel enters hurriedly, moving to Buffy. He looks intense. Even for Angel.
Angel... What is it?
Buffy, I... Something's happened that... (doesn't know how to say it) Willow's dead. (sees Willow) Hey, Willow. (turns back to Buffy) ... (turns back to Willow) (turns back to Buffy) Wait a second.
We're right there with you, Buddy.
We saw her too. At the Bronze.
She's there now. With a cadre of Vampires looking to party.
Then we can worry about who she is after we stop a feeding frenzy. INT. HALL OUTSIDE LIBRARY - NIGHT (MOMENTS LATER) The gang comes out with weapons, heads down the hall.
How many are there?
Eight or ten.
(to Giles) Should we call Faith?
No. I don't want her in combat yet. Not around civilians.
Here here.
Guys? Something in her tone stops them.
What are we gonna do with... me? Other me.
I don't know, Will. We've just gotta stop them --
I get that. I just sorta wanna know what -- Oh. Hey! Go. I'll catch up. She runs back into the library. INT. LIBRARY - NIGHT She leans over the counter, reaching for something she does not find. Straightens up again. Vampwill grabs her from behind. Hand over mouth. Face right by hers. (greenscreen)
Alone at last... BLACK OUT.
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| Act Three |
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INT. LIBRARY - NIGHT Right where we left off. Vampwill spins Willow, looks her over, hand at her throat.
Well, look at me. I'm all fuzzy.
What do I want with you? Dyeh, I mean --
Your little schoolfriend Anya said you brought me here. She said you could get me back to my world.
(gets it) Oh. Oh. Oops.
But I don't know... She comes around Willow, checking her out, getting her from behind again.
I kinda like the two of us. We could be quite a team, if you came around to my way of thinking.
Would that mean we have to snuggle?
What do you say...? She licks Willow's neck. Willow's face is a study.
...wanna be bad?
This just can't get more disturbing. Vampwill smiles, and growls nice and low. Willow struggles free.
Okay, Ack! Ack! No more! You're freaking me out! She moves for the door, But Vampwill blocks her. She grabs a cross from the counter and holds it out -- Vampwill knocks it from her grasp and grabs her, hurls her over the counter. She lands in a heap as Vampwill makes her way around, no longer amused.
You don't wanna play, I guess I can't force you. Oh wait. I can. She comes around and as she does Willow reaches in under the counter for the thing she came here to get. It's the tranquilizer gun. She fires point blank into Vampwill's chest. Vampwill looks at the little dart sticking through her corset. Looks at Willow.
Bitch... Vampwill drops. A beat, then Will heads out of the library at top speed. INT. LIBRARY - LATER ANGLE: THE CAGE As Vampwill is dragged into it, still unconscious. The gang has been called back, regard the surfeit of Willows with varying degrees of wonder.
Amazing.
It's horrible. That's me as a vampire? I mean, I'm so evil, and skanky, (softly, to Buffy) and I think I'm kind of gay.
Just remember, a vampire's personality has nothing to do with the person it was.
Well, actually -- (off Buffy's glare) -- that's a good point.
What do we do now?
We still have to get to the Bronze.
Even if they're supposed to wait for her they might start feeding. Vampires not notoriously reliable.
So we charge in, much in the style of John Wayne?
High casualty risk. I haven't any other plan, though.
I have a really bad idea... EXT. BRONZE - NIGHT The group is coming to the entrance as Angel drops down (ostensibly from the skylight) onto some crates, thence to the ground.
They're still in a holding pattern. That's good; it means they must really be afraid of you. He says this to the off screen Willow, whom we then see: ANGLE: WILLOW dressed as Vampwill. And clearly deeply uncomfortable in the outfit.
Well, who wouldn't be?
You okay in that?
It's a little binding. I guess vampires really don't have to breathe... Adjusting her corset, she looks down at her sudden cleavage.
Gosh. Look at those.
All right. You go in, try to defuse the situation as much as possible. At least get a few of them to come outside. Even the odds a bit.
First sign of trouble, you give the signal. We come in hard and fast.
What is the signal?
Me screaming.
Giles, you and Xander wait at the back entrance.
Right. He and Xander take off. Buffy moves to Willow.
You sure you're up to this?
Well, it was me that started it... sort of. Don't worry. I won't do anything that could be interpreted as brave.
We're right outside. She and Angel move out of sight as Willow knocks on the door. It opens to reveal an intimidating vampire. A moment of fear from Willow, and then she composes herself.
Hi, I'm back. She strides in, trying not to stumble on her platforms, as the vampire deferentially moves aside. INT. BRONZE - NIGHT Alphonse and Anya are the only ones who dare approach.
Did you find the girl?
Yep, I did.
Where is she?
I killed her. And sucked her blood, as we vampires do. (to the vamp by the door) I think maybe I heard something out there. Why don't you go check? He does. EXT. BRONZE - NIGHT As he steps out and closes the door behind him, Angel grabs him and Buffy stakes him. INT. BRONZE - NIGHT
How could you kill her? She was our best shot at getting your world back!
I don't like that you dare question me. Maybe I'll have my minions take you outside and kill you horribly! She spies Oz -- right after "kill you horribly" she secretly smiles and waves at him. Oz looks bemused.
Vampires. Always thinking with your teeth.
She bothered me. She's so weak, and accommodating. It's pathetic -- she lets everyone walk all over her and then she gets cranky at her friends for no reason. I just couldn't let her live. (to another vamp) He's been gone a while. Why don't you check on him?
Well, boss, since that plan is out, why don't we get to the killing? Off Willow's look... INT. LIBRARY - NIGHT ANGLE: in the cage Vampwill wakes up, gets her bearings. She looks down at the pink fuzzy attire she's sporting.
This is like a nightmare... Cordelia enters the library, pretty dressed up.
Hello, Giles? (smaller, more hopeful voice) Wesley? (fixing her hair) I just happened to stop by... for books...
Hey, you.
Hey me? Hey me what? I have a name, you know.
Uh, Cordelia...
What'd you do? Lock yourself in the book cage?
Yeah. Let me out. (trying to ape Willow) I'm so helpless...
Okay. She goes behind the counter. Gets the key and comes back around as the conversation continues.
I think Giles keeps a spare -- yeah. How'd you manage to lock yourself in, anyway?
I was... looking at the books, 'cause I like books 'cause I'm so shy...
Yeah, right. The famous shy girl act all the boys fall for.
Open the cage. Cordelia is about to, but she stops.
Wait a minute. Vampwill looks warily at Cordy. Is she on to her?
It occurs to me that we've never really had the opportunity to talk. You know, woman to woman, with you locked up.
Don't wanna talk. Hungry.
What could we talk about? Hey, how about the ethics of boyfriend stealing? INT. BRONZE - NIGHT Willow is, well, vamping.
I don't know if I feel like killing any more... I'm so bored... She walks by a girl, sensuously running her hand through her hair -- which it then gets tangled in. She awkwardly extracts it, continuing:
It would be like shooting fish in a barrel. Where's the fun?
With all due respect, boss, the fun would be the eating.
Maybe we should let everyone go, give them a thirty second head start --
(gets it) Wait a minute!
No, I like my plan.
Oh, nice try.
Okay, let's get to the killing. (re: Anya) Why don't we start with her?
Why don't we start with you? (to Alphonse) If she's a vampire, I'm the creature from the black lagoon. Willow looks at Alphonse and the other vamps. Tries not to be nervous. INT. LIBRARY - NIGHT Cordelia has yet to stop talking. Vampwill just hungrily eyes her neck.
And, okay, it isn't even like I was that attracted to Xander, it was more just that we kept being in these life or death situations and that's always all sexy and stuff. I mean I more or less knew he was a loser but that doesn't make it okay for you to come around and -- what? Do I have something on my neck?
Not yet...
(trying to look) Am I getting a zit?
Cordelia, I'm very sorry. I realize I was wrong. I'll never steal your boyfriend again.
Like you could. She opens the cage.
I should just leave you in there. But I am a great humanitarian and you'll just have to think of a way to pay me back sometime.
Okay... She steps out of the cage in full VAMPFACE.
How about dinner? BLACK OUT.
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| Act Four |
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INT. LIBRARY - NIGHT As befits a woman in her situation, Cordelia SCREAMS. INT. HALL OUTSIDE LIBRARY - NIGHT Cordy comes busting out the doors at a full tear, Vampwill not far behind. INT. CLASSROOM - NIGHT Cordy comes in, makes her way through a sea of desks, pushing them in Vampwill's way.
I didn't mean all that stuff I said before. I want you to have Xander. My blessings on you both...
I'm so over him. I need fresh blood. She lunges for Cordy, who SCREAMS and makes it to the other exit. INT. HALL OUTSIDE LIBRARY - NIGHT Wesley is headed for the library when he hears the scream. He turns and heads down the hall, pulling a cross from his jacket. INT. ANOTHER HALL - NIGHT Vampwill turns a corner to find Cordy cornered.
No more hiding... She moves toward Cordy -- and Wesley steps in front of her, holding his cross. She hisses at it, deeply unhappy.
Back! Creature of the night! Leave this place!
Don't wanna. But he pulls a vial of holy water from his other pocket, and that looks a little dicier. A moment, and she bails, snarling. Wesley looks cautiously around the corner to see if she's gone. Cordy comes up behind him and touches his back. He screams like a woman.
I'm sorry...
No no. A little on edge. You know. Men in combat. Grrrr. Are you all right?
You saved my life. Throwing her arms around him isn't exactly natural at this point, but that doesn't stop Cordy.
Oh, thank you!
Yes, well... Was that vampire...
Willow. (genuine sadness) They got Willow. (over it) So, you doing anything tonight? INT. BRONZE - NIGHT Willow is subtlety backing up under the inspection of Alphonse and Anya.
I'm just so tired of being around humans and all their baggage, I don't care if I ever get my power back, I think he should eat you.
This girl has a history of mental problems dating back to early childhood. I'm a blood sucking fiend! Look at my outfit!
A human. I should have smelled it right away.
A human? Oh yeah? Could a human do this? She SCREAMS at the top of her lungs. There is silence for a moment. Anya and Alphonse look at each other. Talk at once.
I'd say -- yeah, human could do that.
(simultaneously) Uh huh. Most humans could, yeah ... They both look back at Willow. Which is when, thankfully, Buffy and Angel burst in. Let the fighty begin. It maps out essentially thus: ANGLE: BUFFY Squares off with Alphonse. Asskicking abounds in the pool table region. ANGLE: ANGEL Fights vamps over by the counter. ANGLE: BACKSTAGE Giles and Xander rush in, fight the vamp there. Xander holds, Giles kills. ANGLE: BRONZE PATRONS Mostly cower. Some flee out the now unguarded door. ANGLE: ANYA Sees it's time to go. Turns to run -- right into Willow. A moment, then Willow punches her. She falls, unconscious as Willow grabs her poor hand.
Ow! Ow! It's all happy but OW! Oz grabs her, heads for the stage.
Come on. Devon! let's go! Devon is trying to climb up the ropes Angel used to escape. He's not getting very far, and he abandons the effort, following Oz toward the back door. Oz reaches it first -- and finds himself thrown back by Vampwill. He hits Devon on the backwards fly and they both go down. So Vampwill faces off with Willow once again. (in Vampface)
No more snuggles? Vampwill launches herself at Willow, and easily overpowers her, Willow hitting the stage on her back and Vampwill coming in for the throat ANGLE: BUFFY Sees Willow's plight. This gives her the strength to kill Alphonse (possibly with a pool cue). She bolts for the stage with the broken end of the cue and jumps up, lands behind Vampwill and raises her makeshift stake, Brings it down --
Buffy, no! CLOSE ON: THE STAKE An inch from Yampwill's back, it stops. Vampwill looks about her. Her men have fled. Angel approaches, as do the others. She's licked. She lets go of Willow, stands up. So does Willow.
(to Buffy) Nice reflexes.
Well, I work out. Willow turns to Vampwill. Vampwill looks about her, and back at her counterpart.
(pouty) This world's no fun...
You noticed that too. INT. THE PLANT - NIGHT Oz, Giles, Angel, Buffy, Willow, Xander, Vampwill and Anya. Anya grouchily preps a returning spell, with Giles's help. The Willows are back in their own outfits. Xander sidles up to Vampwill.
So, in your reality I'm like this bad ass vampire, huh? People afraid of me? She gives a withering look.
Oh yeah. I'm bad.
(to Willow) I'm not sure about releasing this thing into the wild, Will. It is a Demon.
I can't kill her.
No, me neither.
I mean, she's not me -- we have a big nothing in common, but -- still. There but for the grace of gettin' bit. We send her to her world, she has a chance. It's the way it should be anyway.
I think we're ready. (to Anya) Now, no tricks, dear.
I don't need tricks. When I have my powers back you will all grovel before me. ANGLE: BOTH WILLOWS Roll their eyes in exactly the same way.
Willow, if you'll complete the circle... Willow moves to sit, then goes back to vampwill.
Good luck. Try not to kill people. A beat, and Willow can't help herself: she embraces Vampwill in an awkward hug. Vampwill smiles, returns the hug. Willow pulls away suddenly --
Hands! Hands! -- and glares at Vampwill, who grins wickedly. Willow sits, completing the circle. INT. THE PLANT (ALTERNATE UNIVERSE NEW FOOTAGE) - NIGHT Vampwill pops back in. She smiles -- and Oz pulls her back, impaling her just as before.
Oh, fine -- She explodes into dust. EXT. SCHOOL - DAY Willow and Buffy sit in front of the school on a bench.
You wanna go out tonight?
Strangely, I feel like staying home. And doing homework. And flossing. And dying a virgin.
You know, you can O.D. on virtue.
Between me and my evil self, I've got double guilt coupons. I see now where the path of vice leads. She messed up everything she touched. I don't ever wanna be like that. Percy comes up to Willow and Buffy, carrying a load of books and papers.
Hey, Uh, hi.
Oh, hi. Listen, I didn't have time to --
Okay, so I did the outline for the paper on Roosevelt -- (hands it to her) -- but, uh, it turns out there was two president Roosevelts and I didn't know exactly, uh, which I was supposed to do, so I did both -- (hands her another) I know they're kind of short but I can flesh 'em out, here's my bibliography, (hands it to her) I can retype that if, uh... So just let me know what I did wrong, and, and, I'll get on that. He exits, leaving Willow completely nonplussed. A beat, and he returns. Puts an apple on top of her books. Exits again. The girls sit for a moment.
You wanna go out tonight?
Nine sound good? BLACK OUT.
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