Season V: The Gift
BUFFY runs along the platform and swan dives into the energy below.

WILLOW
[Voice-Over]
Previously on Buffy the Vampire Slayer:

GILES
[Voice-Over]
For as long as there have been vampires,
there's been the Slayer. One girl in all the
world, a Chosen One.

Season I: The Witch
XANDER and WILLOW stand facing BUFFY in the library.

XANDER
We're a team!

WILLOW
You're the Slayer, and we're, like, the Slayerettes!

Season VI: Normal Again
XANDER, WILLOW and BUFFY share a group hug.

BUFFY
[Voice-Over]
I will continue my work with the help of my friends...

Season V: Checkpoint
BUFFY stands in the centre of the 'Magic Box' surrounded by watchers. XANDER, WILLOW, ANYA and TARA sit on the upper level listening in.

FEMALE WATCHER
…but, but, civilians!

Season IV: This Year's Girl
WILLOW and TARA sit in the centre of the room chanting before a burst of magic emanates from their position.

BUFFY
[Voice-Over]
We're talking about two very powerful witches…

Season VI: Entropy
ANYA is in XANDER's apartment. She turns around and morphs into a demon.

BUFFY
[Voice-Over]
…and a thousand-year-old ex-demon.

Season V: Checkpoint
A male watcher looks up towards XANDER.

MALE WATCHER
The boy? No power there…

Season VI: Normal Again
XANDER punches SPIKE hard knocking the vampire back.

BUFFY
[Voice-Over]
That boy has clocked more field time than all of
you combined. He's part of the unit.

Season IV: The Initiative
SPIKE lunges at WILLOW's neck.

SPIKE
[Voice-Over]
I can't bite anything. I can't even hit people.

Season V: The Gift
SPIKE grabs some weapons from the chest.

BUFFY
[Voice-Over]
I'm counting on you

Season V: Blood Ties
BUFFY places her hand on her bloodied chest and grasps DAWN's cut hand.

BUFFY
It's Summer's blood.

Season VI: Bargaining
BUFFY is re-animated within her grave.

DAWN
[Voice-Over]
You're alive.

DAWN hugs a distressed BUFFY.

Season V: The Gift
XANDER stands in front of ANYA holding up an engagement ring.

XANDER
Marry me.

Season VI: Hell's Bells
XANDER walks out of the wedding and ANYA stands crying.

D'HOFFRYN
[Voice-Over]
It's time you got back to what you do best ...
don't you think?

ANYA sits in a very dark place ready to accept her old job back.

Season VI: Normal Again
XANDER sits in front of BUFFY and WILLOW.

XANDER
I love her, and god, I miss her so much.

Season VI: Entropy
SPIKE and ANYA have sex on the table within the magic shop.

SPIKE
[Voice-Over]
It was good enough for Buffy.

ANYA
[To Xander]
I don't owe you anything!

XANDER drops his stake and walks away. BUFFY follows.

Season VI: Two To Go
ANYA and XANDER talk in the magic shop.

ANYA
I care whether you live or die. I just don't know
which one I want yet.

Season VI: Seeing Red
SPIKE uses force as he tries to rape BUFFY. BUFFY kicks SPIKE.

BUFFY
[Voice-Over]
I don't love you!

Season VI: Villains
SPIKE enters an African cave.

SPIKE
[Voice-Over]
Get nice and comfy Slayer. I'll be back…

Season VI: Grave
SPIKE looks up.

SPIKE
I need to take care of the Slayer. Give her what's
coming to her

Season IV: New Moon Rising
WILLOW sits with OZ in his van.

OZ
I think I better take off

WILLOW stands in front of TARA.

TARA
You have to be with the person you l-love.

Season VI: Seeing Red
WILLOW and TARA kiss passionately.

WILLOW
[Voice-Over]
I am.

XANDER and BUFFY sit on a bench in the back garden.

XANDER
I don't know what I'd do... without
you and Will.

BUFFY
Let's not find out.

TARA is fatally wounded and WILLOW leans over her.

WILLOW
No! No!

WILLOW looks up with black eyes.

Season VI: Villains
WILLOW absorbs magic from the dark books.

WILLOW
[Voice-Over]
You took her away from me.

ANYA, BUFFY and XANDER watch WILLOW skin WARREN alive.

WILLOW
One down…

Season VI: Two To Go
DAWN is with CLEM in SPIKE's crypt.

DAWN
I need your help.

DAWN enters RACK's room. RACK is hanging from the ceiling. DAWN screams. She turns around and sees WILLOW.

WILLOW
You used to be... what, some mystic ball of
energy?

WILLOW and BUFFY are fighting.

XANDER
[Voice-Over]
Buffy gets shot. Tara gets killed... And Willow...
[Sinking Dread]
Losing her...

Season VI: Grave
DAWN walks with XANDER. They stop a moment.

DAWN
Y'know if Spike was here, he'd go back and fight.

XANDER's expression darkens.

XANDER
Sure, if he wasn't too busy trying to rape your sister.

The fireball hits the ground.

BUFFY and DAWN are inside the pit.

DAWN
So it's true?

BUFFY
You didn't need to know.

DAWN
[Exploding]
Yes, I do! I need to know! I'm not a kid anymore!

BUFFY
Xander!

XANDER is unconscious above ground.

GILES lies on the ground. ANYA is next to him.

GILES
I know where Willow's gone... She's
going to finish it...

ANYA
Finish what?

GILES
The world.

BUFFY is in the pit. WILLOW talks to her telepathically.

WILLOW
[Telepathically]
It was me that took you out of the Earth. Well, now
the Earth wants you back.

BUFFY and DAWN fight earth monsters.

WILLOW sends a mystical beam towards the satanic temple. XANDER steps into the beam.

XANDER
I love you.

WILLOW beats lightly on XANDER's chest. WILLOW breaks down in XANDER's arms as the two friends slump to the ground in a tight hug.

ANYA sits by GILES' side.

GILES
The magic she took from me tapped into the spark
of humanity she had left. Allowed her to feel again...
Giving Xander the opportunity to reach her.

BUFFY and DAWN exit the pit and look at their beautiful surroundings.

BUFFY
[Voice-Over]
I don't want to protect you from the world - I want
to show it to you.

The DEMON plunges his hand into SPIKE's chest. SPIKE writhes is pain as he receives a soul.

SPIKE
Make me what I was... so Buffy can get what
she deserves.

DEMON
Very well.

A gnarly demonic hand reaches into SPIKE's bare chest

DEMON
[Continued]
Your soul is returned to you.

TEASER

Scene: Sunnydale High [Ext.], Late Evening
The camera focuses on a constellation, 'Orion's Belt', before slowly panning down and revealing the partially collapsed bell tower that remains intact above the rest of the school. A wordless, soothing tune plays in the background.

DAWN sits on the floor, knees brought towards her chest, leaning back against rubble. By her side a small candle is burning while an old rug loosely covers her legs in an attempt to protect her from the cold.

The roof of the bell tower is missing and therefore DAWN has a panoramic view across the whole of Sunnydale.

DAWN
[Voice-Over]
So it's finally October. Summer is over. Just
another seven months till May.
[Pause]
May sucks.

The camera slowly moves forward while Dawn's voice-over of her diary extract continues.

DAWN
[Voice-Over]
Last May. That was the worst. Yeah Buffy
dying was not of the good, but this was just
so crappy. Everything happened so quickly.
The wedding, Buffy getting shot, Tara dying,
Willow trying to end the world, Spike almost
raping Buffy.
[Pause]
I haven't seen Spike in like, forever, and Anya left
soon after Giles headed back to England.
Sometimes I wonder if they'll even come back.
[Pause]

Scene: Dawn's Bedroom [Int.], Afternoon
DAWN reaches under her bed and pulls out SPIKE's leather duster. After unfolding it, she holds it tightly to her chest and leans back against the wall. She closes her eyes.

DAWN
[Voice-Over]
What he did to Buffy…
[Pause]
It's unforgivable. When I found out, I wanted
to close my eyes, pretend it didn't happen. But
it did.
[Pause]
He should be staked.
[Pause]
But not by me. I will never ever forget what
he did… almost did… but… I miss him. I really
miss him.
[Pause]
I've written him letters and stuff but I still have
no place to send them. I wish he was back.
When he's around I never feel as alone as I do
with the others. Buffy tries to make sure I'm
never on my own but she is always working…
or out slaying with Xander.

Scene: Cemetery [Ext.], Late Evening
BUFFY high kicks a yellow-coloured DEMON in it's chest. The DEMON staggers back to where XANDER is standing. XANDER grips the DEMON's horns tightly; pulling it backwards he punches it in the face.

DAWN
[Voice-Over]
Buffy and Xander have become really close over
the summer. After everything with Spike and
Anya and then the whole deal with their best
friend trying to destroy the world, they kinda
bonded.

The DEMON throws XANDER over his shoulders and onto the ground. As the DEMON launches forward, BUFFY attempts to kick it back, but the demon grabs her foot and flips her over making her land awkwardly next to XANDER.

The DEMON rushes forwards. XANDER kicks upward pushing the DEMON backwards once more. BUFFY knees the DEMON in it's groin and hits it's back before bringing her foot down on it's neck, snapping it.

DAWN
[Voice-Over]
Xander's been patrolling with Buffy all the time
lately. Training too. Right now he is so hot. I
mean he was never not hot, but after the
wedding he kinda lost the 'mmm' factor;
but now, after a summer of Buffy's
work out regime, he's got the whole muscle
thing again. The 'mmm' is so back.
[Pause]
He and Buffy are like best friends; they'd
make a cute couple. I'd make a way better
girlfriend though. Just look at Buffy's
relationship history: vampire, one night
stand, science experiment oh look, vampire.
Again. Need I say more? But it's not like
they're gonna go there after everything with
Anya and Spike.
[Pause]
I think.
[Pause]

BUFFY and XANDER smile at one another

DAWN
[Voice-Over]
I bet they have no idea where I am.
[Pause]

Scene: Sunnydale High [Ext.], Late Evening
The camera arcs around DAWN in-between focusing on different parts of her face and body.

DAWN
[Voice-Over]
Willow knows.
[Pause]
Soon after… after everything with Warren and
trying to end the world… she came here to be
alone…
[Pause]
I followed her.
[Pause]
We talked. We talked or ages.
[Pause]
But we never talked about Tara. No one talks
about Tara.

Scene: Willow's Room [Int.], Late Evening
WILLOW sits hunched up on a bed alone. She holds a photograph of herself and TARA.

DAWN
[Voice-Over]
Willow never went to the funeral; she hasn't
visited Tara's grave either. All of us try and
comfort her, try to help her move on somehow,
but the mention of Tara just upsets her.

WILLOW reaches forward with her finger and lightly touches the image of TARA's face. A tear falls from WILLOW's cheek and hits the glass of the photo frame. The tear splashes.

DAWN
[Voice-Over]
Xander hates leaving Willow alone. He knows
what her emotions are capable of making her
do. She tries so hard not to use magic but
we can all tell it affects her.

WILLOW puts the photograph down, picks up her jacket, and leaves the room.

Scene: Sunnydale High [Ext.], Late Evening
DAWN slips her diary into her bag before picking up the candle. She heads down the stairs leading to a blackened corridor of the school.

Scene: Sunnydale High [Int.], Late Evening
DAWN walks towards the exit.

DAWN
[Voice-Over]
I guess she's just reached a point in her life
where she feels so completely alone.
[Pause]

DAWN slips through a gap in the rubble and reaches the door. The door's glass panel has been smashed.

DAWN opens the door and turns to face the inside of the school once more.

DAWN
[Voice-Over]
I can relate to that.

DAWN slams the door closed.

CREDITS
Sarah Michelle Gellar [Buffy], Nicholas Brendon [Xander], Alyson Hannigan [Willow], Emma Caulfield [Anya], James Marsters [Spike], Michelle Trachtenberg [Dawn] with Amber Benson [Tara]

ACT I

Scene: 'The Bronze', Lower Level [Int.], Night
The camera passes though a swarm of bodies that move to the beat of a wordless song being played by "LIFEHOUSE" on the stage, as it follows TWO GUYS in their twenties. The TWO GUYS glance towards a table in the distance at which BUFFY, XANDER and DAWN are sitting. The leading male merges into the crowd and is soon followed by the other man. Another figure passes directly in front of the camera and once they have moved, the camera is adjacent to the table where the group are now all sat.

DAWN
Did you slay anything?

DAWN takes a sip from her drink.

BUFFY
A demon. Big. Ugly. Bad breath.
[Pause]
The usual.

XANDER
What've you been up to?

DAWN
Me? Oh. Math. Y'know, boring stuff.

DAWN looks down. XANDER shudders.

XANDER
Math: evil in it's purest form!

XANDER grins and DAWN smiles in return.

BUFFY
So, did Willow mention if she was coming?

DAWN
Not so much. I mean, I told her that I was
heading to the Bronze, but she was in her
silent mood.

XANDER looks really worried.

BUFFY places her hand on top of XANDER's; she is reassuring him. The second she touches his hand the screen flashes white.

BUFFY looks around with a glazed view.

She can hear everyone's heartbeats.

CREEPY VOICE
I want you…

BUFFY jumps back and opens her eyes. The view is clear again. BUFFY pants.

DAWN
Buffy?

BUFFY looks directly at XANDER.

XANDER
You okay?

BUFFY
Yeah.
[Pause]
Just… it was like I felt something.

BUFFY looks around the room.

DAWN
A vamp? I mean, we haven't seen one in what…

XANDER takes his gaze away from BUFFY. He turns to face DAWN.

XANDER
…two weeks.

DAWN
But that's a good sign right? I mean, with you
and Buffy slaying every night and another failed
apocalypse, maybe the vampires realise the
odds are against them…

BUFFY
The vampires haven't gone anywhere.

DAWN looks towards her sister. BUFFY looks up and glances around the building again.

Scene: 'The Bronze', Upper Level [Int.], Night
A LONE FIGURE leans against the railing on the platform above the dance floor of the Bronze. We do not see the figure's face or learn of their identity, although we do see parts of their entirely black attire, as they peer down at the table at which BUFFY sits.

BUFFY
[Voice-Over]
In the shadows. Lurking. Waiting.
[Pause]
Even if I can't see them, I can sense them.

In the distance, WILLOW enters the Bronze and slowly heads towards the bar.

The camera focuses on the LONE FIGURE'S black boots as they move into the darkness.

Scene: 'The Bronze', Lower Level [Int.], Night
The camera returns to the table at which BUFFY, XANDER and DAWN are sitting. The group are blatantly unaware of the LONE FIGURE and WILLOW being present in the Bronze.

DAWN
You can sense them here. The Bronze, here?

BUFFY looks around confused. She can sense something, but she cannot locate what or who she is looking for.

BUFFY
I… It's probably nothing.

XANDER
You sure? I mean your spider-sense isn't
normally screwy.

DAWN places her hand on top of BUFFY's. BUFFY faces DAWN and nods.

BUFFY
[Smiling]
I'm sure.

BUFFY looks around one last time before turning to smile at XANDER.

The background song is replaced by "Everything" also played by "LIFEHOUSE" who are performing on the Bronze's stage. The crowd partially dissipates. The group listen to the wordless beat that initiates the song for a few moments.

BUFFY
I'm probably just sleepy. I mean all work and
no play isn't of the good.
[Pause]
God I love this song.
[Pause]

BUFFY looks at XANDER.

BUFFY
[Continued]
Wanna dance?

XANDER grins.

XANDER
I'd love to.

SONG
Finally here.
Once speak to me.

BUFFY
[To DAWN]
You gonna be okay on your own?

DAWN
Yeah. I can deal.

SONG
I want to feel you.
I need to hear you.

BUFFY and XANDER walk towards the dance floor. BUFFY is wary of touching XANDER again after the previous flash, but still, she loosely places her arms around XANDER's shoulders, while XANDER wraps his arms around BUFFY's waist.

SONG
You are the light.

DAWN
[Quietly]
It's not like it's the first time.

Scene: 'The Bronze', Bar [Int.], Night
WILLOW pays the barman and turns to face the crowd. She holds a bottle of water and she gulps from it momentarily.

SONG
That's leading me, to the place.
Where I find peace, again.

In the centre of the dance floor BUFFY and XANDER are dancing to the song while in the far distance DAWN sits alone at the table.

WILLOW takes a deep breath and moves through the Bronze towards DAWN.

SONG
You are the strength.
That keeps me walking.

Scene: 'The Bronze', Lower Level [Int.], Night
DAWN sips her drink through a straw while watching BUFFY and XANDER dance. The TWO GUYS, shown at the start of the scene, pass by the table and check out DAWN. DAWN smiles at the guys but they continue walking. DAWN looks a little dejected.

SONG
You are the hope.
That keeps me trusting.

WILLOW
[Off-Screen]
Hey Dawnie.

DAWN
Willow!

WILLOW and DAWN hug tightly.

DAWN
You okay?

SONG
You are the light to my soul.
You are my purpose.

WILLOW smiles.

WILLOW
Yeah. I'm good. What you doing here alone?

DAWN
Oh… Buffy and Xander. They're dancing.

SONG
You're everything.

WILLOW
[Laughing]
I saw. I meant the guys.

DAWN looks into the distance as the TWO GUYS talk to another older FEMALE.

SONG
And how can I stand here with you.
And not be moved by it.

DAWN
I don't really think they were interested.
[Pause]

WILLOW smiles apologetically.

SONG
Would you tell me how could it be.
Any better than this.

DAWN
Earlier. When I came into your room. Was
that Tara's photo?

WILLOW looks away.

WILLOW
[Bluntly]
It doesn't matter.

DAWN
It hurts. Mom. Buffy. Tara. You think it'd get
easier. But, it just doesn't. Even so, eventually,
you have to let go.
[Pause]

SONG
You calm the storms.
And you give me rest.

DAWN
[Continued]
Say goodbye.

WILLOW looks to the dance floor. She looks solemn.

SONG
You hold me in your hands.
You won't let me fold.

Scene: 'The Bronze', Dance Floor [Int.], Night
XANDER and BUFFY dance slowly. The camera circles around the pair as they talk, always focusing on the speaker.

SONG
You still my heart.
When you take my breath away.

XANDER
Do you miss him?

BUFFY
Who?

XANDER
You know who.

SONG
Would you take me in take me deeper now.

BUFFY looks into XANDER's eyes. The topic of SPIKE is one she'd rather avoid, but it is has been an inevitable conversation all summer.

BUFFY
I think about him and what he, we, did and…
it felt so good. It hurt to let him go. Then when
he… in the bathroom.
[Pause]

SONG
And how can I stand here with you.
And not be moved by it.

BUFFY
[Continued]
I feel disgusted with myself for allowing him
to hurt me. I never loved him, I never can, I
never will; you can't love someone you don't
trust. But before, before he left and before
what he did with Anya, back then I felt
comfortable with him. He understood me.
He understood me better than I could.

SONG
Would you tell me how could it be.
Any better than this.

XANDER
He was part of you.

BUFFY nods.

BUFFY
[Slowly]
Do you still think about Anya?

XANDER looks away momentarily at the mention of ANYA's name.

SONG
And how can I stand here with you.
And not be moved by it.

XANDER
For two and a half years of my life she was
everything I had; I was so sure she was the
one. I think about our wedding day and I feel
so stupid for letting her go. And then I think
about her and Spike. That hurt more than
anything I've ever known.
[Pause]

XANDER looks solemn.

XANDER
[Continued]
At that moment I felt that I couldn't ever
love her again. Not like before.

SONG
Would you tell me how could it be.
Any better than this.

BUFFY
And now?

SONG
Cause you're all I want.
You're all I need.
You're everything… everything.
You're all I want.
You're all I need.
You're everything… everything.

XANDER
[Quietly]
I don't know.

BUFFY rests her head on XANDER's shoulder.

BUFFY
It hurts so much. Sometimes I think it always
will.

XANDER holds BUFFY tightly.

XANDER
We'll find someone.

BUFFY
Yeah. Yeah, we will.

SONG
You're all I want.
You're all I need.
You're everything… everything.
You're all I want.
You're all I need.
Everything… everything.

Scene: 'The Bronze', Lower Level [Int.], Night
WILLOW takes a drink from her water bottle. It is now empty. She looks up and stares into the distance.

WILLOW and TARA are dancing on the dance floor. TARA moves to kiss WILLOW.

DAWN
[Off-Screen]
Do you want another drink?

WILLOW turns to DAWN. She looks back to the dance floor where she had seen herself dancing with TARA. The image has now gone and BUFFY and XANDER dance in their place. WILLOW is clearly upset.

SONG
And how can I stand here with you.
And not be moved by it.

DAWN
Will?

WILLOW turns to face DAWN.

WILLOW
Umm… sorry?

DAWN holds up her empty drink.

SONG
Would you tell me how could it be.
Any better than this.

DAWN
Drink?

WILLOW looks down at her bottle. It is empty.

WILLOW
Yeah. Thanks.

WILLOW smiles. DAWN returns the smile although she also looks a little worried. DAWN gets up and moves through the edge of the crowd. She looks back briefly as WILLOW looks into the distance. She turns back and reaches the bar to wait to be served.

SONG
And how can I stand here with you.
And not be moved by it.
Would you tell me how could it be.
Any better any better than this.

DAWN looks into the crowd. BUFFY and XANDER continue to dance. Looking to the far side of the dance floor DAWN can see the TWO GUYS with the FEMALE from before. They seductively dance on either side of the FEMALE, moving up and down rhythmically.

Somebody walks in front of them.

SONG
And how can I stand here with you.
And not be moved by it.

DAWN can once again see the TWO GUYS. One is now nuzzling on the FEMALE's neck. DAWN looks worried.

Another person obscures DAWN's view.

The TWO GUYS lead the FEMALE towards the exit.

DAWN
[Shouting]
Buffy!

Scene: 'The Bronze', Dance Floor [Int.], Night
BUFFY and XANDER move apart as she hears DAWN's shout. BUFFY looks in the direction of the bar. DAWN points towards the guys. BUFFY and XANDER follow her gaze as they see the TWO GUYS reach the exit. One of the guys vamps out.

XANDER
I guess your spider-sense isn't screwy
after all.

BUFFY and XANDER rapidly move through the crowds towards the vampires.

SONG
Would you tell me how could it be.
Any better than this.

Scene: 'The Bronze', Lower Level [Int.], Night
DAWN gazes after BUFFY and XANDER. WILLOW, who holds DAWN's bag, joins DAWN. DAWN takes the bag off her and reaches into it.

WILLOW
[Concerned]
Maybe you should stay here.

DAWN reaches into her bag; she produces a stake and a cross. DAWN grabs the stake ready for fighting and thrusts the cross into WILLOW's hand.

DAWN
[Defiantly]
I'm fighting.

WILLOW smiles. Together they move through the crowds. The camera swings around and focuses on the band as they finish their song.

SONG
Would you tell me how could it be.
Any better than this.

ACT II

Scene: 'The Bronze' [Ext.], Night
BUFFY strides out of the Bronze, closely followed by XANDER, and walks towards a back-alley. The FEMALE, that the two vampires have taken, screams. BUFFY rounds the corner, but is surprised to see VAMPIRE I simply holding his hand over the FEMALE's mouth, while holding an axe in the other and VAMPIRE II holding a baseball bat. Both are prepared for BUFFY's arrival.

Both vampires have a distinctive serpent-like infinity symbol branded on the backs of their hands.

BUFFY
Wow.
[Pause]
This is new.

XANDER stands next to BUFFY.

XANDER
[Quietly]
Umm… Buff?

BUFFY
[Quietly]
You good?

XANDER glances at the vamps and then back to BUFFY who continues to stand her ground.

XANDER
As long as you have my back.

BUFFY smiles.

BUFFY
[Loudly]
Think you can take both of us?

VAMPIRE I pushes the FEMALE into the alley wall and she slumps to the ground. The vampire charges forward with axe raised. BUFFY instinctively ducks and uses a high kick to knock the vampire forward. His axe clatters to the ground.

VAMPIRE I
No problem.

VAMPIRE II charges BUFFY too and she kicks the bat out of his hand. XANDER grabs the bat and uses it's butt to hit VAMPIRE I's stomach causing it to lurch over. He follows the hit by smashing the bat over the vampire's back.

WILLOW and DAWN round the corner. WILLOW rushes to the FEMALE's side and checks on her.

WILLOW
You okay?

The FEMALE raises herself of the ground and puts her hand to her head. She nods slowly.

BUFFY punches VAMPIRE II before kicking it backwards. It starts to stumble into the FEMALE, but WILLOW raises her cross; the vampire instinctively moves forward again to avoid the cross and BUFFY throws him into the alley wall. BUFFY smiles to WILLOW.

BUFFY
[To WILLOW]
Glad ya came.

WILLOW returns BUFFY's smile.

WILLOW
[Softly]
Me too.

XANDER ducks a punch from VAMPIRE I but has the bat knocked from his hand. XANDER punches the vampire.

BUFFY continues attacking VAMPIRE II with a series of kicks and punches.

BUFFY
Dawn! Stake!

DAWN throws the stake upwards in her sister's direction. BUFFY grabs the stake, twirls it in her hand and stakes the vampire. VAMPIRE II explodes into dust.

XANDER ducks another punch from VAMPIRE I; the vampire's hand is bloodied as it hit's the brick wall of the alley behind XANDER. The vampire grabs XANDER's throat.

BUFFY & WILLOW
Xander!

DAWN grabs the axe from the floor and uses the weapon to decapitate VAMPIRE I. XANDER looks up to see his saviour. He smiles

DAWN returns XANDER's smile.

XANDER
Thanks.

DAWN
No problem.

BUFFY picks up the FEMALE's bag and joins WILLOW.

FEMALE
Who were those people?

WILLOW
It doesn't matter. They've gone now. You're
safe.

BUFFY and WILLOW help the FEMALE to her feet.

BUFFY
You should probably get inside. Sit down.

BUFFY hands the FEMALE her bag.

FEMALE
Thank you. You… you saved me…

BUFFY
[Bluntly]
It's what we do.

The FEMALE takes her bag and walks a few steps. She turns back and watches the group meet in the centre of the alley. She ponders the group before entering the Bronze again.

XANDER looks in WILLOW's direction. He shares a quick smile; he's glad she's there.

XANDER
Buffy, those vamps didn't come to kill the
girl. They came for you.

BUFFY
I know. But we dealt with them.

DAWN
And if there are more?

WILLOW
The vampires, they had symbols on their hands.
That could mean a cult or something.

Scene: Building Roof [Ext.], Night
On the roof of a building adjacent to the alley, the LONE FIGURE watches the group leave. The figure leaves too.

BUFFY
[Voice-Over]
Then we'll deal with them too.

Scene: Abandoned Warehouse [Int.], Night
A haunting, quiet tune plays in the background as the camera focuses on the same serpent-like infinity symbol that was branded on the vampire's hands, which has been painted in blood on a concrete floor.

Approximately thirty black candles encircle the symbol. A shimmer in the symbol starts at the snake's tail and flows through it's body. When the shimmer reaches the serpent's head it releases a rush of air that extinguishes two of the candles.

The camera takes a horizontal position. A MALE and FEMALE VAMPIRE stand in front of the symbol watching the smoke rise from the two old candles. They both have the symbol tattooed on their hands.

FEMALE VAMPIRE
Two have fallen.

MALE VAMPIRE
The slayer; she is strong.

FEMALE VAMPIRE
She is unlike those that have gone before her.

MALE VAMPIRE
Friends. Family.

FEMALE VAMPIRE
They make her unique. They make her powerful.

MALE VAMPIRE
To eliminate the slayer we must remove those
that choose to support her.

FEMALE VAMPIRE
Without her unit the slayer will be vulnerable.

The MALE VAMPIRE continues to watch the candles burn. The FEMALE VAMPIRE waits for a second before turning and walking away. The MALE VAMPIRE turns to the FEMALE.

MALE VAMPIRE
We strike tomorrow.

The camera moves to in front of the FEMALE VAMPIRE; she does not turn around.

FEMALE VAMPIRE
I will inform the followers.

The camera turns to reveal the far side of the darkened building. A mass of vampires sit around sharpening weapons while a few others are feeding off a victim; all of the vamps have the symbol branded on their hands too. The camera moves upwards as the FEMALE VAMPIRE continues walking towards the vampire followers.

Scene: 'Magic Box' [Ext.], Late Afternoon
The camera is situated in front of the shop. A few people wander by, but the sign on the door shows the shop is closed.

Scene: 'Magic Box' [Int.], Late Afternoon
We hear a banging noise.

The camera moves through the lower level of the shop, under the beam and down the step. The shop's interior is gloomy and piles of books, magical equipment and other materials are scattered in different areas of the shop. The upper level to the shop is partially destroyed.

A thick layer of dust covers everything and it is obvious that the shop has hardly been touched since ANYA left.

BUFFY
[Off-Screen]
Evil. Evil. Evil.

The camera moves further into the shop and swings around to reveal BUFFY banging on the electrical box situated behind the counter.

WILLOW
Maybe it's possessed?

The camera shows WILLOW sitting on a pile of books at the broken, circular, research table. She is working on the lap top. To the right of the computer is a notepad with a sketch of the serpent symbol on it. Books cover the rest of the table.

BUFFY hits the electrical box extremely hard. The lights flicker on.

BUFFY
Geez. Why do they keep cutting out?

WILLOW
Once again with the possession.

BUFFY
Or one of Anya's curses.

BUFFY and WILLOW grin.

BUFFY
[Continued]
So any luck with the research?

WILLOW leans back.

WILLOW
Zero. I mean, normally the computer produces
at least one match.
[Slowly]
The last time we came up with nothing
was when we tried researching Glory.

BUFFY
You think we're dealing with a psycho hell-goddess
again?

WILLOW
[Quietly]
I was going more along the lines of something really,
really old.

BUFFY ponders this. WILLOW takes a book from the large pile that surrounds her. BUFFY takes a seat.

WILLOW
[Continued]
There still might be a reference in one of the
books.

BUFFY looks at the books in disgust.

BUFFY
Proper research. It's feels like a lifetime since
I even picked up a book. Not since college…

BUFFY trails off.

BUFFY
Can we call Giles? He likes books.

WILLOW smiles again.

WILLOW
You want to go back to college don't ya?

BUFFY nods.

WILLOW
[Continued]
Have you reapplied?

BUFFY
Yeah. But that isn't the problem. It's the money.

WILLOW looks down.

WILLOW
Is the work at the Double Meat Palace not helping?
And with me chipping in when it's bill time and all.

BUFFY
It all helps. But who am I fooling? The money is
barely enough for me and Dawnie to get by on.

WILLOW
Maybe I could help some more?

BUFFY
No.
[Pause]
It's not that I wouldn't love the extra cash.

WILLOW
I know.

BUFFY
Have you thought about going back?

WILLOW puts the book she is scanning down and picks up another.

WILLOW
Yes. No.
[Pause]
I've thought about it, but I don't know if I'm
ready.

WILLOW opens up the book and a piece of paper falls out. WILLOW picks up the piece of paper.

BUFFY
What you got?

WILLOW unfolds the piece of paper. Her eyes glance over it and her face drops. She looks upset and confused.

BUFFY reaches over the table and takes the piece of paper from WILLOW's grasp. She glances over the words.

BUFFY looks up. WILLOW's eyes are filled with tears.

BUFFY
[Understanding]
Tara…

WILLOW
It was in her book. One we used for research
when Xander did the happy go sing and dance
spell.

BUFFY
I'm so sorry.

WILLOW
No… I… I said I wouldn't get like this.

WILLOW gets up.

BUFFY touches WILLOW's arm.

BUFFY
You don't need to explain.

At the far end of the shop the door opens and XANDER enters. He ducks under the broken beam.

XANDER
Hello ladie…

XANDER sees the situation.

XANDER
What's happened? Will, you okay?

WILLOW
I… I have…

WILLOW moves towards the exit. Tears run down her face. WILLOW brushes past XANDER.

XANDER
Will?

BUFFY stands up.

WILLOW reaches the beam and turns to look at her friends.

WILLOW
I have to go.

WILLOW ducks under the beam and exits the shop.

XANDER
Should I go after her?

BUFFY
[Bluntly]
No.

XANDER
[Slowly]
No?

BUFFY looks at XANDER.

XANDER
[Continued]
What happened?

BUFFY passes XANDER the piece of paper. XANDER reads the text.

XANDER
When I look into your eyes, I feel alive.
When I hear your voice, I know I'm safe.
When I sense your presence, I am whole.
When I touch your skin, I become warm.
When you smile, I melt.
Be mine. Always. Forever.
[Pause]
Tara.

BUFFY
This is something she has to deal with
on her own.

XANDER
And what happens if she does something stupid?

BUFFY
She's strong Xan. She'll be fine. But she
has to deal with these things alone.

XANDER looks at the note again.

BUFFY
[Calmer]
She must have written it before they split.

BUFFY looks up at her friend.

XANDER
You alright?

BUFFY
No.

XANDER moves places the note on the metal steps leading up to the upper level of the shop. He turns back to BUFFY who leans against the beam in the centre of the shop. She is looking out of the window.

BUFFY
[Continued]
Why are our lives such a mess?

XANDER
It'll get better.

BUFFY turns from the window and moves over to XANDER.

BUFFY
Promise?

BUFFY moves into XANDER's body and he holds her. BUFFY hugs back.

XANDER
Yeah. Maybe not straight away. But give it a
little time. And god you really do have a tight
grip.

BUFFY lets go. XANDER can breathe again.

BUFFY
Sorry. I am just so… tense… with Willow
and the vamps and the whole research thing.

XANDER
Think a training session could help?

BUFFY
Maybe…

BUFFY smiles and moves towards the training room. XANDER stares towards the exit.

BUFFY
[Reassuring XANDER]
She will be alright.

Scene: Cemetery [Ext.], Late Afternoon
The wind picks up some leaves and twirls them around a little. DAWN enters the shot and she walks up to SPIKE's crypt. She pauses when she reaches the door, but she does enter.

A saddening, quiet tune plays in the background.

Scene: Spike's Crypt [Int.], Late Afternoon
Light spreads across the floor.

DAWN closes the door behind her and moves towards one of the sarcophagi; she steps on some broken glass. Bending down, DAWN picks up a piece of the glass and lets her finger trail over the edge of it. The camera focuses on her finger.

DAWN
Ow!

DAWN moves her finger away from the glass. DAWN stares at the speck of blood on her finger. It is mesmerising to her.

A rat scuttles along the floor.

DAWN looks up and throws the glass to the floor. It bounces a little before coming to a stop.

DAWN rubs the fingers on her other hand along the edge of the dusty sarcophagi.

DAWN
[Pissed Off]
Why'd you leave?

DAWN stops.

DAWN
I needed you Spike.
[Pause]
We needed you.

DAWN doodles something into the dust.

DAWN
[Loud]
You tried raping Buffy, then you left me.

DAWN moves away from the sarcophagi and towards the television and seats. She rocks one of the chairs back.

The camera watches in slow motion as the chair rocks back into it's original stationary position.

DAWN
[Quietly]
You left me on my own.

DAWN looks around the crypt. He hasn't come back. She turns to the exit and leaves. The door is left open and the light from outside shows the doodle DAWN did. It simply says "why?".

Scene: Cemetery [Ext.], Late Afternoon
DAWN moves towards the exit of the cemetery. In the distance WILLOW watches.

Scene: Street [Ext.], Late Afternoon
WILLOW grabs onto the iron bars of the cemetery. He face has a saddened expression.

WILLOW
[Softly]
Tara…

WILLOW breaks down into tears. Slowly she eases herself onto the ground while continuing to sob.

WILLOW
[Upset]
Tara.

The camera focuses on WILLOW's face. She is distraught. The camera pulls away and upwards. While WILLOW is slumped on the ground, the camera also shows DAWN pause at the exit to the cemetery. She looks back. Nothing. She carries on walking.

The sad tune comes to an end.

Scene: Training Room [Int.], Early Evening
We see two battle staffs collide mid air. The camera pulls back to reveal BUFFY and XANDER in the middle of their training.

BUFFY
[Teasing]
Tired yet?

XANDER
[Grinning]
Nope. You?

XANDER brings back his pole and uses it in a hammer motion to bring down on to BUFFY's head. BUFFY literally does the splits and lowers to the ground with her staff above her head; she deflects XANDER's move.

BUFFY
Not a chance.

BUFFY sweeps her foreleg into her body and rolls backwards ending up in a standing position. She jabs the pole forwards like a lance.

XANDER uses his pole as a shield and locks BUFFY's pole between himself and his battle staff before twisting. BUFFY is forced to follow and ends up behind XANDER.

BUFFY ducks down and uses her arms to pull XANDER's ankles. He tumbles backwards. BUFFY twists around while grabbing her pole.

XANDER's pole has fallen to the floor. BUFFY takes her battle staff and holding her end near her stomach holds the other end at XANDER's throat.

BUFFY
You lose.

XANDER grasps his end of the pole.

XANDER
Nuh uh.

XANDER jams the pole forwards into BUFFY's stomach. BUFFY staggers backwards. XANDER rolls sideways, and uses his staff to help get him into a standing position once more.

BUFFY
Nice move.

BUFFY twirls her staff in her hand and launches into an attack.

XANDER
Yeah. I liked it.

The two battle staffs collide in a series of attacking and defensive moves between the pair.

BUFFY brings her pole on a horizontal angle towards XANDER's head. XANDER ducks; XANDER's staff clatters to the ground on impact. BUFFY twists on the spot but XANDER traps BUFFY between himself and her pole.

BUFFY
Think ya won?

BUFFY flips XANDER over her back and he lands on the floor.

BUFFY
[Grinning]
Think again!

In the background we hear the front door of the shop open and shut.

XANDER smiles back before picking up his fallen pole that lies on the other side of BUFFY. He pulls the pole into the back of BUFFY's legs causing her to collapse forward; instinctively BUFFY does a handstand spin landing upright with her legs astride XANDER's feet.

XANDER
Thinking over… I'm winning.

XANDER spreads his feet apart knocking BUFFY's legs off balance. She falls forwards so she lands on top of XANDER.

Both BUFFY and XANDER feel the closeness to each other. Their faces are just a small distance apart.

The camera focuses of their eyes as they watch each other. BUFFY very slowly lowers her face towards XANDER's.

ANYA
[Off-Screen]
Sure hasn't taken you long to move on has
it Xander!

BUFFY lifts her head and turns. XANDER now has full view.

ANYA stands in the doorway between the main shop and the training room. BUFFY turns back to XANDER. XANDER's face is one of absolute shock.

XANDER
Anya!

BUFFY picks herself off the ground as XANDER stands up too.

XANDER
When did you get back?

ANYA steps into the room. BUFFY moves towards the edge of the room. She looks a little guilty.

ANYA
Not long ago.
[Pause]
I called by the apartment.

XANDER
Oh.

BUFFY uncoils the bandages that are wrapped around her hands.

BUFFY
I should go.

XANDER turns to BUFFY remembering she is there.

XANDER
No. You don't have to.

ANYA looks down. BUFFY clearly sees this; she needs to leave.

BUFFY
I need to get home. Check on Will.

BUFFY moves up close to XANDER.

BUFFY
[Quietly]
I'm always there... if you need me.

XANDER looks into BUFFY's eyes.

XANDER
Thanks.

BUFFY gently touches the side of XANDER's hand. ANYA notices. BUFFY crouches down, picks up her staff pole and exits the room.

Scene: 'Magic Box' [Int.], Early Evening
BUFFY puts the battle staff on the table, grabs her jacket and heads to the door. BUFFY throws down her bandages. She waits by the door pondering whether to stay. She looks down to the floor then grabs the door handle, pulls the door open and leaves.

Act III

Scene: Training Room [Int.], Early Evening
ANYA takes a seat on a weapons' chest that sits against the wall. XANDER sits on the wooden bench opposite her.

ANYA
How've you been?

XANDER looks a little uncomfortable.

XANDER
It's been a difficult summer. Willow… getting her
off the magic. It was a long process.

ANYA
Is she okay now?

XANDER
She struggles through each day. She's
vulnerable. Small things… they get to her.

ANYA nods.

ANYA
She has her friends to support her. She's lucky.

XANDER
Yeah. I guess she is.
[Pause]
Where have you been?

ANYA
Around. Went to LA for a while. Popped into New York.
Met up with old friends. Did some ven…

XANDER looks up.

ANYA
[Continued, off Xander's reaction]
...Some work...

XANDER
[Slowly]
So why'd ya come back? Why now?

ANYA
There are some things in Sunnydale that are
hard to let go.

XANDER
The shop?

ANYA
Not just the shop.
[Pause]
Where I've been. It has given me time to think.
To realise what I could be losing.

XANDER looks into ANYA's eyes. He knows why she came back. ANYA bites her lip.

ANYA
I never wanted to leave. But I had to.

XANDER
[Softly]
Why?

ANYA
I had to get away from you Xander. I had to know
how I felt.

ANYA and XANDER eye each other. This is a very difficult conversation.

XANDER
So are you back for good?

ANYA
I'm not sure yet. The shop needs renovating.
Relationships need mending.

XANDER looks up.

ANYA
I want us back Xander.

XANDER
Ahn… don't.

ANYA looks worried.

ANYA
Don't what Xander? Talk? Be adults?

XANDER
This. You coming back and pretending
that everything is fine between us. That
everything is going to go back to the way
it was.
[Pause]
I've changed Ahn. That kid who hides behind the
goofy, comic façade… he's gone. Right now I
don't even know who I am.

ANYA bites her lip.

XANDER
[Slowly]
I don't know if I feel the same way anymore

ANYA
[Hurt]
Because I slept with Spike?

XANDER
[Honest]
Because of us.

There is silence.

ANYA
I love you.

XANDER
And I don't know if I love you.

ANYA moves her hand to her face to hide a tear.

XANDER
[Slowly]
I missed you so much. Every day for the
last four months I've prayed that you were
safe.

ANYA
I really didn't think it could be much worse after you
left me at the altar.

XANDER
Ahn…

XANDER kneels before ANYA. He takes her hands in his own. He looks up and they connect on some spiritual level.

XANDER
I'm sorry.

XANDER gently kisses ANYA on her forehead. He gets up and heads to the door.

XANDER
I'm so sorry.

XANDER walks out of the training room and into the back alley.

The camera focuses on ANYA's face. She is visibly upset.

ANYA
[Meekly]
Xander…

Scene: Alley [Ext.], Early Evening
XANDER stands outside the door still.

Scene: Training Room [Int.], Early Evening
ANYA stands up and moves to the door.

Scene: Alley [Ext.], Early Evening
XANDER looks up with teary eyes. He walks away.

Scene: Training Room [Int.], Early Evening
ANYA walks into the main part of the shop.

Scene: Alley [Ext.], Early Evening
XANDER reaches the end of the alley. He is standing in the shadows. He leans against the wall and slumps down to the floor, back to the wall. He is really confused.

Scene: 'Magic Box' [Int.], Early Evening
ANYA stands next to the counter. She turns and violently sweeps the counter with the back of her hand in a fit of rage. Paper, pens, the telephone and other objects fall to the ground. Only a pair of scissors, a small paperweight and a few sheets of paper remain on top of the surface.

ANYA looks around the shop.

Scene: Summer's House [Ext.], Early Evening
BUFFY walks up to her house. She touches the door and it swings open without being unlocked. The second she touches the door the screen flashes white. The flash from the Bronze has come back.

BUFFY looks around with a glazed view. She can hear heavy breathing.

CREEPY VOICE
Feel me…

BUFFY jumps back and opens her eyes. The view is clear again. BUFFY looks around. There is no one.

Scene: Summer's House [Int.], Early Evening
The door opens and BUFFY enters. She places her keys on the counter. She is a little unsteady and nervous.

DAWN
Buffy. You okay?

BUFFY looks up. DAWN is by the refrigerator getting some juice.

BUFFY
Umm… yeah.
[Pause]
I think so.

DAWN
You sure? You're looking kinda pale.

BUFFY puts her jacket on one of the stools.

BUFFY
I had another flash. I'm just a bit shaken.

DAWN
Oh.

BUFFY suddenly remembers why she came back.

BUFFY
[Worried]
Is Willow back?

DAWN
I haven't seen her.
[Pause]
You sure everything is alright?

BUFFY
She ran off from the shop this afternoon. I thought
she'd have come back.

DAWN
Willow ran off?

BUFFY walks into the sitting room looking for a sign of WILLOW coming back.

BUFFY
She found something Tara wrote a while
back. It really affected her.

DAWN
You didn't go after her?

BUFFY checks in the dining room. She turns back to DAWN.

BUFFY
We can't keep running after her and making
sure she is okay. She has to deal with things
and she has to do that in her own time and in
her own way.
[Shouting Upstairs]
Willow! Willow?

BUFFY climbs the stairs and DAWN follows.

DAWN
I'm just saying. She still has to come to terms
with Tara's death. Maybe we should be more
understanding until then.

BUFFY checks in WILLOW's room. The room is very tidy. White sheets cover the bed and all magical equipment has gone from the room.

BUFFY
[To DAWN]
She knows Tara is dead.

DAWN stands in the hall.

DAWN
That doesn't mean she has accepted it!

BUFFY turns to look at DAWN.

DAWN
[Slowly]
When you died.
[Pause]
We all knew you had gone. Me, Spike, Giles; we
dealt with it.
[Pause]
Will and Xander. They couldn't. They wouldn't.

BUFFY is pretty shocked. DAWN is being all deep.

BUFFY
Willow told you this?

DAWN
She didn't have to.

BUFFY looks down. There is a moment of silence.

BUFFY
Do you know where Willow might be?

DAWN turns away and walks towards her room. She touches the wall and purposely looks away from BUFFY.

BUFFY
Dawn?

DAWN
There's a place…

BUFFY approaches DAWN and touches her shoulder. DAWN turns around. She really doesn't want to tell BUFFY where WILLOW is but this is something she has to do.

DAWN
[Continued]
…the old high school.

BUFFY looks confused.

BUFFY
[Disbelieving]
Sunnydale High? Willow went back to school?

DAWN takes a huge breath.

DAWN
A few months back… I followed her there. She was
sitting up in the bell tower. The view. It's amazing.
You can see the whole of Sunnydale from one place.
[Pause]
She goes there a lot.

BUFFY
Do you think she'll be there now?

DAWN nods.

BUFFY kisses her sister's forehead.

BUFFY
I need you to go to the shop.

DAWN
To tell Xander?

BUFFY
Yeah.

BUFFY pauses. She starts going down the stairs.

BUFFY
[Looking Away]
Anya too.

DAWN looks shocked. BUFFY rushes down stairs. DAWN chases after her.

DAWN
She's back? When?

BUFFY grabs her keys and turns to DAWN.

BUFFY
Not long before I got back here.

DAWN stands silently.

DAWN
Oh.

BUFFY opens the door ready to leave.

In the background the song "Beauty on the Fire" (Acoustic Version) by NATALIE IMBRUGLIA begins to play.

DAWN
[Slowly]
She is really hurting Buffy.

BUFFY
I know.

BUFFY closes the door after her. DAWN is alone. Again.

Scene: Summer's House [Ext.], Early Evening
BUFFY steps out of the house and runs off into the distance. From the shadows of the alley adjacent to the house, the LONE FIGURE steps out. They move off.

SONG
Here it comes again.
Cannot out run my desire.

Scene: Sunnydale High [Ext.], Early Evening
WILLOW sits hunched up in the bell tower of the school. The clouds in the sky are stained red from the reflection of the sun that has disappeared over the horizon.

SONG
Cover my decent.
And throw the beauty on the fire.

There is noise coming from the stair-well that leads up to the tower, but WILLOW doesn't take her eyes off the clouds that lye on the horizon.

BUFFY
Hey.

WILLOW
You came.

SONG
Drawn towards the edge.
Do I assume I could fly.

BUFFY stands behind WILLOW. She sits down next to her friend.

BUFFY
My best friend is hurting. I don't just stand back.

WILLOW turns to BUFFY and smiles. WILLOW looks down at the demolished school that lies beneath them.

WILLOW
Can you believe it's been over three years since
we graduated.
[Pause]
So much has changed.

BUFFY
We've grown up.

WILLOW
Have we?

SONG
Every secret shared.
Why do I drink the feelings dry.

BUFFY looks up.

BUFFY
These past three years; we've been through hell.
[Pause]
And we survived.

WILLOW
No thanks to me.

BUFFY turns to face WILLOW.

BUFFY
That wasn't you Will.

WILLOW
No?
[Pause]
I was in control.
[Pause]
The rage. The evil. The darkness.
[Pause]
I killed Warren and I almost destroyed the world
and killed everyone I loved because I was hurting.
[Pause]
Because I wanted her back.

BUFFY
And you came back. The real Willow, the Willow
that everyone loves and trusts came back.
[Pause]
It must have been so hard.

WILLOW looks up.

SONG
Don't go too far.
Limitation scars.

WILLOW
Yeah.
[Pause]
Yeah it was.

WILLOW turns to BUFFY.

WILLOW
[Continued, Softly]
But I knew if I got through it that I wouldn't have to
be alone.
[Pause]
I'd have my friends.

BUFFY smiles.

WILLOW and BUFFY hug tightly. They don't stop holding each other.

BUFFY
Me and Xander… we'll always be here for you.

A tear flows down WILLOW's cheek.

VAMPIRE
[Off-Screen]
Until I break your neck that is.

SONG
Tonight, could I be lost forever.

Still holding on to WILLOW, BUFFY open her eyes. She pushes WILLOW back and twists to a standing position, avoiding a blow from an axe. In front of BUFFY and WILLOW stand three vampires, all with the serpent-like infinity symbols branded on their hands; they are prepared for battle.

BUFFY
[Determined]
Bring it on!

WILLOW looks off the side of the bell tower.

WILLOW
Umm… Buffy.

BUFFY follows WILLOW's gaze. On the roofs of the demolished school below, ten more vampires are waiting.

Scene: 'Magic Box' [Int.], Early Evening
DAWN closes the door behind her.

DAWN
[Shouting]
Xander? Anya?

There is no response.

DAWN
Xan…? Anya…?

There is still no response.

SONG
To drown, my soul in Sensory.
Pleasure, Sensory, pleasure.

DAWN moves further into the shop and peers over the counter. Still nothing. She goes to the door of the training room.

Inside, the room is dark. Nobody is there.

DAWN goes back inside the main area of the shop and starts to head up the metal steps towards the top level of the shop. She prepares to take another step but notices the small piece of paper that sits there.

SONG
Here it comes again.

DAWN slowly leans forward and picks up the piece of paper. It is TARA's love poem to WILLOW that XANDER left lying around earlier. DAWN reads it.

DAWN is visibly upset. She drops the note and it slowly floats to the floor.

SONG
You raise the bar even higher.

DAWN turns and moves over to the end of the counter. She places one hand on the surface of the counter and vomits into a bin on the floor. She vomits again. DAWN wipes her mouth with a tissue.

The camera takes DAWN's view. She looks up. A pair of scissors are directly in front of her. The camera focuses on the scissors.

DAWN reaches forwards and takes the scissors.

SONG
I cannot catch my breath.

DAWN continues to focus on the scissors.

DAWN rolls up the left sleeve of her top exposing the skin on her arm.

DAWN takes a huge breath before grabbing the scissors. She moves the point of the scissors directly above her wrist.

SONG
So throw the beauty on the fire.

DAWN closes her eyes and brings the point of the scissors down into her skin.

ANYA
[Off-Screen]
Dawn…

The scissors clatter to the floor. DAWN turns to see ANYA standing behind her. Her face is colourless. She feels sick.

Scene: Xander's Apartment [Int.], Early Evening
XANDER sits on his window sill looking out the window. The clouds are still stained red. XANDER looks really down.

SONG
Don't push too hard.

XANDER swivels himself, ready to get off the window sill. In front of him on the wall is a picture of himself and ANYA.

The camera focuses on XANDER's face. He is really conflicted. He grabs his jacket and leaves.

SONG
Limitation scars.

The camera does not follow, but instead turns to the window again and passes through the window. Below, XANDER runs down the street.

The song fades out…

Scene: Sunnydale High [Ext.], Early Evening
BUFFY high kicks a vampire in it's chest. It falls straight off the edge of the structure.

WILLOW
Buffy!

BUFFY turns to be jumped on by another vampire.

BUFFY flips the attacker over her back. The vampire lands on the ground with a thud.

The third vampire swings at BUFFY with its fists. BUFFY ducks the punch and punches the vampire knocking it backwards. The vampire stakes itself on a broken beam that is at an angle.

BUFFY
Run!

BUFFY rips off a piece of wood from another beam. With her other hand she grabs WILLOW's hand and together they rapidly descend the stairs.

Scene: Sunnydale High [Int.], Early Evening
BUFFY and WILLOW enter one of the blackened corridors. Another vampire stands in their way. BUFFY stakes it in a single thrust.

WILLOW
This way!

BUFFY runs after WILLOW as they enter the remnants of the library. The two friends sprint up a pile of rubble and simultaneously jump out of the broken window.

Scene: Sunnydale High [Ext.], Early Evening
BUFFY and WILLOW land on the soft ground outside.

BUFFY
You okay?

WILLOW nods.

WILLOW
You?

BUFFY
Fine.

BUFFY looks around for the best way to exit the school grounds.

WILLOW
Buffy we have to get out of here and warn
the others.

BUFFY's eyes dart around. She sees something in the distance

BUFFY
Lets go.

BUFFY grabs WILLOW's hand again. They start sprinting away from the school. The vampires give chase.

BUFFY and WILLOW reach the road. Cars screech to a halt as WILLOW and BUFFY dart across the road.

Act IV

Scene: 'Magic Box' [Int.], Early Evening
DAWN backs away from ANYA's position.

DAWN
I… I wasn't…

ANYA looks worried.

ANYA
Dawn.
[Slowly]
I know what you were doing. Hallie was right.
Your pain can be felt all over Sunnydale.

DAWN has tears in her eyes.

DAWN
Please. Don't tell Buffy.

ANYA
I am here to help you. Not cause you more
pain.

DAWN
You think vengeance is gonna help me?

ANYA looks away.

ANYA
No vengeance. Vengeance doesn't work.

DAWN looks confused as she sits on a pile of books. ANYA picks up the scissors from the floor.

ANYA
[Continued]
I know you feel alone. I know that you wanted
to hurt yourself. You've done it before. It might
take the pain away. It might mean people will
pay more attention to you.

DAWN
That's not true.

ANYA
Really?

DAWN
[Slowly]
I just wanted to make the pain stop.

ANYA
[Cross]
By doing this?

DAWN looks away.

ANYA
[Softer]
You're not alone you know.
[Pause]
Buffy. She loves you more than anything. We all
do.

DAWN
I know she does. I know you and Will and Xander
all do. Buffy has been great all summer. But still
people left. You. Spike. Giles.

ANYA crouches down in front of DAWN.

ANYA
[Caring]
Sometimes people have to leave. To think things
over. It doesn't mean they love you any less.

DAWN looks at her arm.

DAWN
I hate being alone. I hate being treated like kid.

ANYA
I know. But this is not the way.

DAWN looks up.

The door is smashed off it's hinges. DAWN and ANYA turn to the front of the shop. DAWN ducks under the beam and is followed by ANYA. Two large vampires stand in the door way.

VAMPIRE
Hello ladies.

DAWN turns to ANYA. A look of shock on her face. ANYA grabs DAWN's hand and they run towards the back of the shop. A third vampire comes out of the training room. DAWN and ANYA are trapped.

Scene: Alley [Ext.], Early Evening
BUFFY stands at the edge of the alley. Beside her WILLOW is panting; she is really out of breath.

WILLOW
Can you see them?

BUFFY is peering around the corner. She turns back to WILLOW.

BUFFY
[Unsure]
I think we've lost them.

WILLOW
Need air…

BUFFY checks around the corner again. She turns back to WILLOW.

BUFFY
Breathe okay? Nice slow, deep breaths.

WILLOW calms herself down.

BUFFY
[Continued]
We should keep moving.
[Pause]
You gonna be okay?

WILLOW
Yeah. Exercise is all good.

BUFFY
This way.

BUFFY heads further down the alley. WILLOW follows. They only get a few steps when another vampire jumps off the roof into the alley.

BUFFY ducks a punch and punches the vampire. The vampire grabs her fist.

BUFFY uses her other arm to try and stake the vampire but the vampire hits her arm and the stake drops to the floor.

BUFFY
Damn vampires…

WILLOW picks the stake up.

BUFFY head-butts the vampire. The vampires growls and kicks her in the stomach. BUFFY crunches forward. The vampire uses both hands to hit BUFFY in the face before shoving her into the alley wall.

WILLOW
Buffy!

WILLOW thrusts the stake forward. The vampire is dusted.

BUFFY drops to the floor. She looks up and smiles. WILLOW pulls her up. They start running in the opposite direction towards the cemetery.

Scene: 'Magic Box' [Int.], Early Evening
DAWN and ANYA are back to back as the two vampires encircle them.

DAWN
Anya. You can get out of here. Save yourself.
Get help!

ANYA
I am not leaving you Dawn.

DAWN
So you want us both to die?

ANYA
We are not dying!

VAMPIRE I
Enough talk! I'm hungry!

The vampire charges towards ANYA. ANYA pulls DAWN sideways and to the edge of the room where she hands DAWN a sword. ANYA grabs an axe for herself.

ANYA
You! Stay away!

The vampires look at one another.

VAMPIRE II
You talk too much.

The vampires slowly encroach on ANYA and DAWN.

DAWN steps forward. She lifts her sword.

VAMPIRE II
What you gonna do? Poke me to death?

DAWN grabs the hilt of the sword with both hands.

DAWN
Think again!

DAWN swings the sword forward and cleanly takes VAMPIRE II's head off. The vampire falls to the ground in a pile of dust.

The other two vampires rush forward.

ANYA dodges VAMPIRE III by teleporting behind him and embedding her axe in his back.

DAWN attacks VAMPIRE I using her sword. She takes a swing but VAMPIRE I grabs the sword's blade in his hand and throws it aside. He starts backing DAWN against the wall.

DAWN
Get off me!

VAMPIRE III rips his axe blade out of his back and throws it at ANYA's head. ANYA teleports away and the axe embeds itself in the wall.

ANYA appears by VAMPIRE III's side.

ANYA
Dawn!

VAMPIRE III throws ANYA to the floor; in the process ANYA's necklace is ripped off her person. ANYA screams:

ANYA
Dawn!

VAMPIRE III places his hand over ANYA's mouth. She bites on it. The vampire grabs ANYA's throat.

The camera does a complete turn as we return to DAWN. VAMPIRE I is now right up against her body.

VAMPIRE I
Goodnight precious.

DAWN
[Softly]
No! No! No!

VAMPIRE I silences DAWN with a finger to mouth signal. The camera focuses on DAWN's eyes as VAMPIRE I bends down and bites into DAWN's neck.

Scene: Cemetery [Ext.], Early Evening
WILLOW and BUFFY are sprinting through the cemetery. It is now a little darker and the tombstones are difficult to see.

The camera reveals the nine vampires that give chase to WILLOW and BUFFY.

BUFFY
Keep going!

WILLOW is panting.

WILLOW
I can't.

BUFFY
You can. You will!

BUFFY and WILLOW round the corner and they reach a wall. BUFFY helps WILLOW over before following. They keep sprinting.

BUFFY looks over her shoulder.

BUFFY
How many do you think there are?

WILLOW turns around while continuing to sprint.

WILLOW
Seven… eight… nine. Nine.

WILLOW stumbles over a tree root. She falls to the ground.

The camera focuses on WILLOW's absolutely shocked face as she looks up. We do not see what she is viewing.

BUFFY rushes over to WILLOW.

BUFFY
[Shouting]
Willow! We have to go!

WILLOW stays on the ground.

BUFFY
[Continued]
Willow!

WILLOW reaches forward.

The camera finally reveals what WILLOW has seen. TARA's grave.

In slow motion, WILLOW touches the stone. Her face is a look of amazement. In the background the vampires run towards BUFFY and WILLOW. BUFFY turns to see the oncoming threat.

The slow motion is ceased. BUFFY turns back to WILLOW.

WILLOW
… It's so cold.

BUFFY leans down.

BUFFY
Willow! It hurts. I know. But we have to go!

WILLOW is mesmerised by the gravestone.

BUFFY turns back to the aggressors. She runs towards them in slayer mode. In a single move she jumps over all of them.

The second she lands, she twists around and stakes a vampire.

BUFFY rotates and flipping the stake over she stakes another vampire.

BUFFY stares at the vampires.

BUFFY
You want me?

Two vampires charge forward and BUFFY ducks them and rotates but fails to stake another one. She flips it over her back and kicks another.

Another vampire charges and BUFFY side steps.

The camera returns to WILLOW who ignores the fight that goes on behind her. BUFFY is keeping the vampires away from her.

WILLOW
[Quietly]
Tara…

A previous attacker charges BUFFY again. BUFFY grabs the vampire's arm and flips him over as another vampire charges. BUFFY looks weary but she is not giving up this battle. Not yet anyway.

Everything becomes slow motion again as BUFFY rotates to face the vampire. She falls backwards and uses her legs to carry the vampire forward in momentum. The vampire flips right over and…

We return to normal viewing speed as the vampire falls into TARA's grave.

The camera turns to slow motion once more as WILLOW turns to the grave.

The camera returns to normal speed as we take WILLOW's point of view. In a series of mini flashes she looks down and sees TARA's decaying body beneath the ground.

WILLOW's eyes turn black. In the background BUFFY fends off another vampire. WILLOW speaks something.

WILLOW
[In Latin]
Fly.

BUFFY looks across and therefore loses concentration.

BUFFY
Willow! No!

The vampire that was knocked into the grave looks towards WILLOW for forgiveness before at immense speeds he flies towards a tree near by. The vampire is impaled on one of the tree's branches.

Two vampires grabs BUFFY from behind.

WILLOW turns to BUFFY. Her eyes return to their normal size and colour. WILLOW glances back to the grave.

WILLOW
I'm sorry.

BUFFY watches in disbelief as WILLOW stands up and sprints away in tears. WILLOW has not only encountered TARA's grave but has used magic. WILLOW is traumatised.

BUFFY
Willow!

BUFFY struggles against the vampires. The FEMALE VAMPIRE from the earlier scene in the abandoned warehouse walks into view and in front of BUFFY.

Scene: 'Magic Box' [Ext.], Early Evening
XANDER jogs down the street and gets to the door of the magic shop. The door is off it's hinges. XANDER is visibly worried and rushes into the building.

Scene: 'Magic Box' [Int.], Early Evening
XANDER creeps along the beam to where it touches the floor. His face is a picture of absolute terror as he sees VAMPIRE III grabbing ANYA's neck as she struggles to breathe while VAMPIRE I drains DAWN.

XANDER leaps over the beam.

XANDER
[Shouting]
Get the hell off of her!

XANDER pulls VAMPIRE I off DAWN and throws him into VAMPIRE III who releases his grip on ANYA.

DAWN slumps to the floor. Her eyes are glazed over and she looks pale. ANYA clutches her throat as she sees DAWN's condition.

ANYA
[Gasping]
Dawn!

XANDER storms over to the vampires. He punches VAMPIRE I in it's face knocking it back. He grabs VAMPIRE III's shirt and slams him on top of the counter. He repeatedly hits the vampire's head over the edge of the counter.

XANDER
[Fuming]
You son of a bitch!

VAMPIRE III kicks XANDER back. XANDER looks to the table where BUFFY left her battle staff earlier. He grabs the battle staff and twists it in his hand as VAMPIRE I starts to get up.

As VAMPIRE I starts to charge, XANDER plunges the wooden pole into VAMPIRE III's chest and then stakes VAMPIRE I using the opposite end of the battle staff. The two vampires explode into dust.

XANDER turns around.

ANYA is by DAWN's side. She holds her hand over DAWN's neck wound.

ANYA
[Worried]
She needs a hospital.

The camera looks at XANDER's panicked expression before the camera focuses on DAWN again.

Scene: Cemetery [Ext.], Early Evening
BUFFY glares at the FEMALE VAMPIRE

FEMALE VAMPIRE
Your sacrifice will not be in vain. With the slayer
gone the Mother can arise.

BUFFY
All this… for your mother?

The FEMALE VAMPIRE backhands BUFFY leaving a nasty scratch on her face.

FEMALE VAMPIRE
[Ordering]
Kill her!

The two vampires holding BUFFY prepare to snap her neck.

The FEMALE VAMPIRE turns around and explodes into dust.

The camera moves from the ground upwards. The LONE FIGURE stands in front of the pile of dust. The camera continues up the figure's body and reaches the distinctive bleached blonde hair of:

SPIKE
Hello Buffy.

BUFFY looks up in shock to see SPIKE holding a stake in front of her.

BUFFY
Spike!?

SPIKE punches one of the vampire's holding BUFFY and the other vampire releases his grip as he goes forward to attack SPIKE. BUFFY elbows the vampire in it's face.

BUFFY
(continued)
You're… you're…

As the remaining seven or eight vampires rush BUFFY and SPIKE, SPIKE punches one of the vampires and grabs BUFFY's wrist pulling her out of the fight.

SPIKE
…back?
[Pause]
Glad you noticed love.

SPIKE and BUFFY make it into the woods. BUFFY pauses. SPIKE moves a few paces before turning back.

"Frightened Child" (Acoustic Version) by NATALIE IMBRUGLIA starts in the background.

SPIKE
You coming?

BUFFY stares at SPIKE.

BUFFY
[Worried]
Willow…

SONG
I hear your silent scream.
Deep in your private dream.
Two ways to go from here.
One way will bring you near.

Scene: Willow's Room [Int.], Early Evening
WILLOW enters her room and looks around. The camera flashes between each of WILLOW's actions. She appears psychotic.

WILLOW grabs at her bed and starts pulling the covers off.

SONG
Fragile wish
Full moon, no rain, no shame
That distance still remains
More shades of grey to come

WILLOW turns around and sweeps the items on her bedside table to the floor. She opens the cabinet's drawers and throws it's contents to the floor.

WILLOW opens the wardrobe's doors and starts ripping clothes off their hangers and throwing them to the floor.

SONG
We've been through more than one
Close your eyes
Like a frightened child
Fragile in spirit

WILLOW pulls a picture off the wall.

WILLOW throws an ornament at the wall.

WILLOW slumps to the floor and enters a fit of hysterical sobbing. She looks to the floor through teary eyes and spots her address book.

SONG
Like a wind blowin' wild.
No name you can give it.
Like an infant I see in the light for the very first time.
No tricks, no slight of hand.

WILLOW slowly picks the small book up and flips through the pages to a specific page. She looks at the page. WILLOW pauses. She is contemplating what to do. WILLOW looks down at the page, takes a deep breath then rips the page out and pockets it.

She turns around and grabs a few items of clothing and stuffs them into a small back pack. She searches the floor for something.

SONG
Find somewhere safe to land.
Before your walls were shaken.
But now the whole thing's brakin'.
And it makes you feel.

She comes across her purse. Next to the object, she finds a photo of herself, BUFFY and XANDER. She looks at it fondly. Grabbing a piece of paper and a pen she scrawls a note.

SONG
Like a frightened child.
Fragile in spirit.
Like a wind blowin' wild.
No name you can give it.

She picks up her purse and bag before leaving the room.

As the door closes we see what she wrote: "Goodbye".

SONG
Like an infant I see in the light for the very first time.
Yes, your right.
What is right?
Yes it's night I can tell.
Yes it shows.
Yes I know.
You're a beautiful stranger to yourself.

The song fades out.

Scene: Abandoned Warehouse [Int.], Early Evening
The MALE VAMPIRE stands watching the serpent-like symbol on the floor. All but two candles are still lit.

Around ten vampires all with the mark branded on their hands stand behind the MALE VAMPIRE.

IMPATIENT VAMPIRE
The slayer? Is she dead?

The serpentine symbol on the floor starts to vibrate.

The MALE VAMPIRE raises his hand to silence the IMPATIENT VAMPIRE. The MALE VAMPIRE watches as a shimmer starts at the serpent's tail and heads towards it's head. The serpent releases another rush of air that reaches the ring of candles and spreads around the ring extinguishing several more candles.

MALE VAMPIRE
[Screaming]
Noooooooooo!

The screen turns black.

ENDING CREDITS