WILLOW
(voice-over)
Previously on Buffy the Vampire Slayer:

XANDER, BUFFY, WILLOW and DAWN watch in horror.

ANYA
(to XANDER)
I owe you nothing!

XANDER walks away.

Season VI: Grave
The demon thrusts his hand into SPIKE's chest.

DEMON
Your soul is returned to you.

Season VII: Stone Cold
A lone figure leans against the railing on the platform above the dance floor of the Bronze watching every move that Buffy makes.

Season VII: Ep 3
Xander tells Anya he doesn't love her anymore.

Anya makes a deal with D'Hoffryn - she'll become human again but only for a few hours and is allowed to make a wish. She wishes that Xander would love her again.

Anya finds out that nothing's changed. Xander apparently still doesn't love her. She says she became human for him.

Spike confesses to Anya that he has a soul. Anya tells him that she only has a few hours.

Spike doesn't tell Xander that Anya is going to be wiped.

Xander finds Anya as she is about to disappear. He tells her that he does still love her... he's just not sure in what way any more. They hug. Anya disappears leaving Xander alone.

A wave spreads across Sunnydale.

TEASER

Scene: Cemetery [Ext.], Night
We look out over the vast field of gravestones that extend to a brick wall in the distance. Several newly dug graves can be seen.

XANDER
(off-screen)
I can't even believe he has the nerve
to show his face around here after
what he did to you...

We PAN DOWN to see BUFFY and XANDER walking through the dark graveyard. BUFFY is holding an axe while XANDER handles a broadsword.

BUFFY
I know but...

XANDER
I sure as hell hope you're not planning
on letting him back into your life.

BUFFY
I'm not but...

XANDER
I hope you realise how much I'm not
liking these "buts" you seem to be
letting out. I don't trust him... I never
have and I swear to God I never will.

BUFFY
He'd never hurt Dawn...

XANDER
Of course not. That's 'cause she won't
let him anywhere near her now and I
can hardly blame her. And what's not
to say that the rest of us aren't in
any danger?

BUFFY
The chip...

XANDER
You know as well as I do he's been
acting kinda strange recently... all
after he comes back from a trip to
who knows where... there's something
up and I don't like it.

XANDER stops walking. He looks into BUFFY'S eyes.

XANDER
(continued)
As much as it makes me sick to
think about it I can see why you
did... what it was you did with him...
but you can't forget what he tried to
do... what he would have done to
you if you hadn't fought him off.

BUFFY
I can take care of myself, Xander.

XANDER
I know you can... but don't forget
I'm all trained up to be watching
your back.

BUFFY smiles. She grips her axe tighter and continues walking.

BUFFY
I won't.

XANDER
Just don't let anything make you
forget Spike's evil. I almost wish I'd
killed him la...

BUFFY
Xander... don't... I agree but...

XANDER
Again with the "buts"...

Suddenly, a LARGE DEMON comes running from the undergrowth, knocking BUFFY back into XANDER'S arms. She straightens herself.

BUFFY
(continued)
Giles was right. The demon was here.

XANDER
Where would we be without him and
his books?

BUFFY
In bed asleep.
(glances at him)
Our own, respective beds of course.

They run after the LARGE DEMON. It's getting closer to the exit of the graveyard, green drool spraying everywhere as it pants for breath.

XANDER and BUFFY run as fast as they can towards it.

XANDER
Didn't Giles say something about two
of them? They were here to mate after
all.

BUFFY
Maybe they just did the business and
left. Looks like they do have something
in common with people.

BUFFY readies herself and hurls her axe.

It flies through the air. Spinning... spinning...

Until it collides with the LARGE DEMON, hacking off its right hand. It spins around angrily.

BUFFY
(continued)
Well, I stopped him.

XANDER
And kinda pissed him off.

The LARGE DEMON begins to run towards them. XANDER is sent flying through the air when it barges into him. His sword is knocked from his grasp.

BUFFY kicks the DEMON in the face. It tumbles back but manages to maintain its balance. Her fist collides with its jaw with a *thud*. She pulls back suddenly, shaking her hand in pain.

BUFFY
Ow!

XANDER runs into the DEMON and gets it into a rugby tackle. The DEMON is floored.

XANDER
Didn't Giles say something about bones
on the outside.

BUFFY
Now you remind me!

The DEMON is on its feet again. It grabs XANDER from behind and hurls him into a tree. He falls to the ground and notices something...

BUFFY flies in the direction of the DEMON, kicks hitting it left and right as it tries to block her. Its remaining clawed hand hacks at her, cutting the arm off her sweater.

BUFFY
Hey! These things costs money!

The DEMON tries to strike again. BUFFY grabs its arm, twists it and snaps it over her knee. The DEMON pulls back in pain.

Xander sees his sword. He reaches for it.

The DEMON jumps on top of BUFFY, pinning her to the ground. It growls and flashes its hideous teeth. It goes in to bite her.

XANDER
(off-screen)
Buffy!

XANDER hurls the sword towards BUFFY. She reaches out with a free hand and grabs it, bringing it down on the neck of the DEMON that still holds her down.

Its body becomes still and the head rolls off BUFFY and onto the ground. She pushes the demon body off her.

XANDER holds his hand out. BUFFY takes it and he pulls her to her feet.

BUFFY
Thanks, I...

BUFFY looks down at her sweater that has demon blood all down it.

BUFFY
(continued)
Eww! This'll never come out.

XANDER
Tell you what, I'll treat you to a new
one when my next pay-cheque arrives.

BUFFY
You know you don't have to...
(stops herself)
Is Miss no spare cash, College Girl saying
no to free clothes?

XANDER nods. BUFFY smiles and wraps her arms around him.

BUFFY
(continued)
You're so sweet! You know that right?! I
wish all guys were like you.

XANDER
Uh, Buff... now I'm having demon
bloodstain issues...

BUFFY
Oh! Sorry!

She disengages from him. He has a few spots of the blood on his shirt.

XANDER
Ah, I need a new work shirt anyway.

BUFFY smiles. She picks up her axe and hands the sword back to XANDER.

XANDER
(continued)
So what's the plan?

BUFFY
I go to Giles' and give him the usual
mission completed report... you oughta
get back home. You've got work in the
morning and I don't want you to be the
reason you fall asleep and get someone's
eye out with... a hammer or something.

XANDER
You sure?

BUFFY
Sure. I'll see you tomorrow.

BUFFY walks off out of the graveyard. XANDER watches her leave then makes his own way out.

Scene: Xander's Parent's House, Basement [Int.], Night
Arguing can be heard as XANDER walks in and slams the door behind him. He walks down the stairs and throws his sword into the corner.

XANDER
(to himself)
I really gotta get outta this dump.

He pulls his shirt off and inspects the blood stain. He shakes his head and throws it into the corner. He stops and thinks.

XANDER
(continued)
Hmm. I guess that's only the second
time I've said that today.

He collapses onto his bed and closes his eyes.

An eerie feeling fills the room. We can hear a female voice in the distance. It's ANYA'S.

ANYA
(voice-over)
Xander... Why are you doing this?

XANDER turns in his bed.

ANYA
(voice-over)
Why Xander?

He grabs a pillow and covers his head with it.

ANYA
(voice-over)
Xander...

XANDER gets up suddenly. He looks around. Nothing.

XANDER
Damn it.

CREDITS
Sarah Michelle Gellar [Buffy], Nicholas Brendon [Xander], Alyson Hannigan [Willow], Emma Caulfield [Anya], James Marsters [Spike], Michelle Trachtenberg [Dawn] with Amber Benson [Tara], Anthony Stewart Head [Giles] and Andy Umberger [D'Hoffryn]

ACT I

Scene: Construction Site [Ext.], Day
XANDER is working with a power saw on a large plank of wood. He blinks a few times. He's tired. He tries to keep his work up but takes one hand off the saw to yawn.

He goes back to his work.

TALL WORKER
(off-screen)
Harris! Hey Harris!

XANDER doesn't hear him over the sound of the saw. The TALL WORKER taps him on the shoulder. XANDER turns around without switching the saw off.

XANDER
Yeah?

TALL WORKER
Could you help me with something
over here?

XANDER
Uh, sure. What is it?

XANDER walks off with the TALL WORKER.

Another WORKER comes passed the area XANDER was working. The saw falls off the plank of wood onto the floor. It starts moving around like it has a life of his own. The WORKER panics and tries to jump out of the way.

XANDER turns around suddenly.

XANDER
Damn it!

He runs back to the saw, pushing the WORKER out of the way. He tries desperately to find a way to pick up the saw but can't.

XANDER
Damn! Damn! Damn!

The saw suddenly stops. XANDER turns around to see the FOREMAN standing with the power cord unplugged.

FOREMAN
What the hell is going on here, Harris?

XANDER
Sir... I... I'm not sure I...

WORKER
You almost got my legs hacked off is
what's wrong! What the hell is your
problem today?

XANDER
I...

The FOREMAN leans towards the WORKER.

FOREMAN
I'll take care of this. Get back to work.

WORKER
He could've killed me!

FOREMAN
I said I'll take care of this.

The WORKER walks off mumbling. The FOREMAN puts his hand on XANDER'S back and leads him away.

XANDER
Look, boss, I can explain.

FOREMAN
I think I already know the answer,
Harris. You look tired.

XANDER
Well, yeah. I didn't get much sleep
last night...

FOREMAN
Of course, of course... but a tired
worker is not a safe worker. You just
proved that. You didn't think, Harris.

XANDER
I know boss. I'm sorry.

The FOREMAN has led XANDER away from the main site.

FOREMAN
Look I think it would be better for
all... better for you and for everyone
else here... if you take the day off.
Get some sleep. Come back here
tomorrow.

XANDER
Are... are you sure?

FOREMAN
I don't want any limbs cut off on my
watch.

XANDER smiles.

FOREMAN
(continued)
But if this ever happens again you're
out of a job. You got that?

XANDER
Yes boss.

FOREMAN
Now go. Get some rest.

XANDER
Thanks boss.

The FOREMAN walks off. XANDER removes his helmet and safety goggles. He looks back at the site unhappily.

Scene: 'Magic Box' [Int.], Day
GILES is working behind the counter. About five customers are trying to get his attention. They all speak at the same time, waving things in his face. His hair is a slight shade greyer than it's meant to be. It's the stress y'see.

YOUNG WOMAN
Are you sure salamander eyes are
okay for a lucky charm?

TALL MAN
Is this real dragon hide? Not any of
that genetically modified stuff?

OLD WOMAN
Is the price right?

BALD MAN
Are these clawdite nails? Really?

GILES' eyes dart over each one of them. He

GILES
Look, I'll come to you all in time.
Please... calm down.

WILLOW, sitting at the table in the middle of the shop looks up from her laptop.

WILLOW
Can I help?

GILES
I don't know Willow... I really don't
want you going anywhere near magic
supplies quite yet.

WILLOW
I'm clean, Giles. I'm in a magic shop
and I haven't come out in a cold sweat
or anything.

GILES
Yes, but I still...

The TALL MAN waves a small clear bag in front of GILES' face.

TALL MAN
Is this real dragon hide?

GILES glares at him.

GILES
I'll help you in a moment.
(to WILLOW)
I still think you aren't ready yet.

WILLOW
I'm getting better. Maybe if you hadn't
stayed in Sunnydale after we brought
Buffy back I'd have got a lot worse...
You've helped me so much.

GILES
Flattery isn't going to get you anywhere
Willow. Now please... Tara?

TARA looks up from behind a bookshelf.

TARA
Yes?

GILES
Maybe you could assist me here.

TARA
If you're sure.

She gives WILLOW a reassuring smile as she gets behind the counter. The YOUNG WOMAN leans over.

YOUNG WOMAN
So salamander eyes... lucky charms... do
they go together?

TARA
N-no... I think what you're looking for are
toad eyes. Let me help you...

She gets from behind the counter again and leads the YOUNG WOMAN to the amphibian eyes shelf.

WILLOW watches dejected as her girlfriend helps people out. She looks back at her computer but can't concentrate. She looks up again but TARA is no longer helping the customer out. It's ANYA.

ANYA
Don't touch the eyes unless you're
making a purchase!!!

WILLOW looks confused. She blinks a few times and looks again. TARA is back and ANYA is gone as if she was never there.

TARA
Let me help you with that.

TARA scoops a few eyeballs into a small plastic bag.

WILLOW shakes her head and rubs her eyes.

WILLOW
Tired... I'm just tired... Not going mad.

The bell at the top of the door jingles as XANDER walks in.

XANDER
Hey, Will... you seen Buffy today?

WILLOW, still a little disorientated shakes her head.

WILLOW
Aren't you supposed to be in work?

XANDER
They sent me home early.

WILLOW
Why?

XANDER
Personal stuff... so where is she?

WILLOW
Who?

XANDER
Buffy. I need to talk to her about
something... you know, other work
related.

TARA comes to the table after helping the customer. She wraps her arms around WILLOW'S neck affectionately.

TARA
She's had to miss class to get to the
high school.

XANDER
Don't tell me Dawn's in trouble again?

TARA nods.

TARA
I think she beat up another girl. Buffy
got a call from the principal an hour
ago.

XANDER nods. WILLOW takes TARA'S hands in her own.

Scene: Sunnydale High [Int.], Afternoon
Establishing shot. The new high school is seen in the middle of a rainstorm. Thunder is heard in the distance. Several students run with books over their heads into the building.

Scene: Outside Principal's Office, Sunnydale High [Int.], Afternoon
DAWN looks glumly through a window into the principal's office where BUFFY is talking. Another GIRL sits next to her with a black eye.

Scene: Principal's Office, Sunnydale High [Int.], Afternoon
BUFFY sits next to her trying to explain things to PRINCIPAL FARROW. He's in his early 40s, a lot more youthful and caring than old Snyder but has a sense of severity to him.

PRINCIPAL FARROW
I appreciate the sensitive circumstances
that you and Dawn are currently
experiencing, however I must repeat
that this kind of behaviour is not acceptable.
She's become quite the troublemaker.

BUFFY
Look... I understand where you're coming
from but...

PRINCIPAL FARROW
It does appear that you're not able to
keep her under control at home. This
certainly appears to be a case of neglect.

BUFFY is visibly hurt by these accusations.

BUFFY
Please... I'd love to spend more time with
Dawn but if it isn't college work then…
then it is other work.

PRINCIPAL FARROW
And after college Ms. Summers?

BUFFY
Yeah... you know, important stuff like...
keeping the house in order.

BUFFY looks to the floor. She knows her excuses are lame and she feels more disappointed in herself than she does in DAWN right now.

PRINCIPAL FARROW
I want you to know I understand the
strain you're under Ms. Summers, but
I want to warn you that your sister is
running the risk of being expelled if
this continues and I doubt that's
something that either of us want.

BUFFY
Expelled?

PRINCIPAL FARROW nods.

PRINCIPAL FARROW
We can't keep spending our time and
resources stopping her unruly behaviour
when it could be more wisely used in
the classroom.

BUFFY
O-of course. I understand.

Scene: Outside Principal's Office, Sunnydale High [Int.], Afternoon
BUFFY walks out of the office sadly.

DAWN
(off-screen)
Say that again and I'll kill you!

BUFFY turns to see DAWN on top of the other GIRL, fists flying.

BUFFY
Dawn! Get off her!

BUFFY drags DAWN away from the girl.

DAWN
Get off me! You didn't hear what she
said!

BUFFY
I don't care what she said! Come on!

DAWN
Buffy!!!

BUFFY drags DAWN away angrily.

Scene: 'Magic Box', Training Room [Int.], Afternoon
We can hear the rain batter against the windows along the top of the room. The training dummy receives a violent punch to the face followed by another and another.

XANDER hits it over and over. He's out of breath but keep on going.

WILLOW walks into the room and watches him for a while.

XANDER jumps away from the dummy and performs a high kick in its face. He stops and grabs a towel to wipe his forehead. He turns to see WILLOW who looks impressed.

WILLOW
Wow. You're just like Action man. Except
without the extensive all occasions wardrobe…
plus you have genitals.

XANDER smiles at her.

WILLOW
(continued)
So what did the dummy do to you?
Did it say something about your hair
or what?

XANDER
I'm just training.

WILLOW
Training yourself to exhaustion...

XANDER
That's kinda the point. Maybe then I'll
get some sleep.

WILLOW talks to him and touches his shoulder.

WILLOW
Sleep? What's wrong?

XANDER
Oh you know...

He looks at her deeply. He frowns.

XANDER
(continued)
...everything.

WILLOW
I've noticed you've been kinda down
recently...

XANDER
I... I don't know... I've felt so bad the
last couple of days but I really can't
explain it. It's like I've lost something
really important to me but I can't for
the life of me remember what it was.

WILLOW
And that's why you haven't been
sleeping?

XANDER nods. He looks at the dummy again, almost wanting to attack it again. Instead her turns back to WILLOW.

XANDER
That and these visions I keep having.

WILLOW
Visions?

XANDER
They are now. It just started off as just
these voices in my head... Like there
was something there talking to me but
not, you know what I mean? Now I keep
seeing this face I don't recognise.

WILLOW
What does she look like?

XANDER pauses. He looks at WILLOW.

XANDER
How'd you know it's a she?

WILLOW looks toward the door into the main part of the shop.

WILLOW
I think I just experienced the same thing.

Scene: 'Magic Box' [Int.], Afternoon
GILES is getting angrier and angrier as a SHORT MAN waves a stick in his face.

SHORT MAN
You said this was Neigyarn stick!
It can't be! I doesn't work.

GILES
Well maybe it's because you're using
it wrong!

SHORT MAN
I followed the instructions that you
gave me! It doesn't work! I demand
a refund!

GILES
(through gritted teeth)
I'm sure I can arrange that.

He pulls the stick away from the SHORT MAN with a violent burst.

TARA jumps in and takes the stick from GILES.

TARA
I think maybe I should handle this...

GILES breathes a sigh of relief as TARA takes over.

The door opens and BUFFY enters looking somewhat unhappy. GILES goes straight to her.

GILES
Buffy... are you alright? Is Dawn okay?

BUFFY
Yes... no... I don't know. She's just out
of control. I took her home then I had
to come here... I needed to talk to
someone...

GILES
I take it things didn't go well?

BUFFY
They're threatening to expel her, Giles.
What am I supposed to do if they do?
I haven't got time to find her a new school
and sign all the papers and... you know...
all the stuff you need to do... I haven't
got the time.
(expectantly)
Maybe you can help... I mean, she listens
to you.

GILES shakes his head. He takes BUFFY'S hand in his own.

GILES
I think you should be the one to do
any talking.

BUFFY
I do. But it's just not working. She just
won't listen.

GILES
Maybe you should spend some more
time together. Try to regain her trust
after all that's happened. Give her a
chance to open up and see what she
has to say about all this. You may even
surprise yourself and come up with a
solution.

BUFFY
(not really sure)
I guess.

GILES
Now perhaps some training would be
in order?

BUFFY
I'm starting to think all the training is
one of the problems.

GILES
Buffy, I think Dawn understands that
you...

There's a flash of lightening in the distance that temporarily illuminates the room. Everyone blinks and turn to the centre of the room. ANYA is standing there.

ANYA
Why did you forget me? After all I
did... you forgot me...

The lightning is followed by a clap of thunder. ANYA is gone.

BUFFY
What just happened. Did you just see
that?

TARA
See what? I didn't see...

WILLOW and XANDER rush in from the training room.

XANDER
Okay. That was weird.

Everyone looks at each other then at the spot ANYA was standing in.

ACT II

Scene: 'Magic Box' [Int.], Afternoon
BUFFY, WILLOW, TARA and XANDER are sitting around the research table.

GILES turns the sign in the shop window to "closed". It is still pouring with rain outside. The sun is nowhere to be seen. GILES joins the others at the table.

GILES
Another day done...

BUFFY
And now the weird stuff kicks in, huh?

GILES
So it appears.
(to the whole group)
Now, has anyone got anything resembling
an explanation? It's not every day a
woman appears from thin air and then
disappears again without a trace.

He looks over them all.

XANDER
Well... I think I know her.

BUFFY
You do?

XANDER
Not know her as such... but there's
something familiar. I... I've been seeing
her for almost a week now.

BUFFY
Seeing her in the real physical sense
or the "hi... grrr... you forgot me... bye"
sense?

XANDER
Uh, the second one.

GILES
And you say it's been going on for a
week?

XANDER nods.

GILES
(continued)
Why didn't you tell us?

XANDER
I don't know... I just kinda thought it'd
go away...

WILLOW
But instead it seems to have... infected
the rest of us.

TARA looks from WILLOW to all the others. She seems slightly nervous but remains silent.

XANDER
(nervously)
Infected?

GILES
Well, I wouldn't want to jump to any
conclusions quite yet, Willow... but it's
a possibility.

XANDER
But infect! I could be infected! How?

BUFFY
A demon?

XANDER
That girl didn't look like any demon I've
ever seen before... and I've seen a hell
of a lot.

GILES
Maybe it can appear in human form.

WILLOW
I gotta say... not a bad human form.

TARA looks at her sharply.

WILLOW
(continued)
Well, you saw her too... definitely no
ugly demon there.

TARA says nothing. She just gives a vague nod.

BUFFY
So we do what? Find out what it is?
We haven't even got a name for it!

GILES
Well, that does appear to be a problem.

XANDER
(distantly)
Anya...

BUFFY
What?

XANDER
She... uh... it's called Anya.

GILES
How do you know?

XANDER
I'm not sure... I just... I just do.

GILES
Interesting.

GILES gets to his feet he walks over to a bookshelf.

BUFFY
You think that's enough to go on?

GILES
I'm not sure... but I think I've heard of
some demons that are able to do this...
almost like exotic reptiles that are able
to poison any predators that eat them.
A defence mechanism almost. A
subconscious venom.

BUFFY
And this thing gave us memories of it
as a human to do what exactly? Make
us feel guilty.

GILES
To torment us, perhaps, yes.

XANDER watches them carefully.

BUFFY
So we can't even go kill it... because
we already have and don't know it?

GILES
That certainly seems to be the case.

XANDER
I'm not so sure...

GILES and BUFFY turn to XANDER.

XANDER
(continued)
Well, I'm not. There's something about
her... it. Something I can't put my finger
on.

BUFFY
Maybe that's what it wants you to feel.

XANDER
Yeah, but...

BUFFY
Now who's got an obsession with buts.

XANDER
(slight smile)
I swear to God, I don't want that sentence
getting beyond these four walls.

GILES pulls out a few books and plonks them onto the table. He looks towards TARA.

GILES
You've been rather silent. What do you
think about this?

TARA
I...

WILLOW
What is it, sweetie?

TARA
I didn't see anything... I didn't see this
girl you all saw...

She looks worried. GILES and WILLOW both have concerned expressions on their faces.

Scene: 'Magic Box' [Ext.], Afternoon
A clap of thunder! Rain continues to pour down. SPIKE walks along the street and passed the magic shop. He is dripping wet. Water runs down his leather coat. He doesn't seem to care.

He stops at the window and looks inside.

The Scoobies are debating things. He can't hear them. WILLOW comforts TARA.

A flash of lightening followed by the rumble of thunder that fills the sky. SPIKE blinks a few times.

He looks through the window. He sees himself on the table, making out with ANYA. Clothes are off.

SPIKE turns away suddenly, almost in disgust but sees...

Himself being thrown against the wall by XANDER.

SPIKE tries to shake it off.

VISION SPIKE
(as if from a distance)
It was good enough for Buffy...

SPIKE tries to walk away from the scene being played out in front of him. He grabs his head in pain and falls against the wall.

He flashes to the scene in 'Seeing Red'.

VISION SPIKE
(as if from a distance)
I know you feel like I do... you don't have
to hide it any more...

VISION BUFFY
(as if from a distance)
Spike, stop this...

VISION BUFFY continues to struggle under VISION SPIKE who continues to force himself on her, saying

VISION SPIKE
(as if from a distance)
I know you love me, you love it when
I'm inside you.

VISION BUFFY
(as if from a distance)
No! Stop!

VISION SPIKE doesn't listen.

SPIKE hits his head against the wall violently. He keeps doing it over and over.

SPIKE
No... no... No!!!!

Another flash of lightening. SPIKE looks up. There are tears in his eyes. He growls angrily at himself. He wipes the blood that has formed on his forehead and storms off into the rain.

Scene: Buffy's House, Dawn's Room [Int.], Evening
The storm continues to rage outside. DAWN looks through a collection of stolen artifacts in a jewellry box. Her face is almost emotionless. She just stares at them.

A hand moves forward and she touches a necklace.

ANYA
(off-screen)
How could you do this to me? Steal
from me? I took care of you!

DAWN turns around suddenly. There's nothing there. She looks terrified.

Scene: 'Magic Box' [Int.], Evening
GILES and XANDER are looking through some books on the table.

XANDER
I don't know... maybe I was wrong...
maybe she isn't called Anya... it was
just a...

GILES
Gut instinct?

XANDER
(nods)
Yeah.

GILES
Well, that's all we have to go on
right now.

ANGLE ON: WILLOW and TARA are in the corner talking. WILLOW holds TARA'S hand tightly.

WILLOW
Honey, I'm sure there isn't anything
wrong.

TARA
But I didn't see it. The rest of you
did. Maybe that...

WILLOW
It doesn't mean anything. Maybe you
weren't infected.

TARA
Maybe... maybe I'm not meant to be
here.

WILLOW
What?!?

TARA
I don't know. It's just... I have this feeling.
This weird feeling. Like-like I don't
belong or... or something.

WILLOW begins to stroke TARA'S hair. She smiles.

WILLOW
You always belong.

ANGLE ON: BUFFY comes from the training room. She lingers in the doorway watching XANDER with GILES.

XANDER (O.S.)
There has to be something in here!

GILES (O.S.)
You seem eager to find this out.

XANDER (O.S.)
What? And you're not?

GILES (O.S.)
Well, of course but... you seem very
sure of yourself here.

FLASHBACK:
Season VII, Episode I 'Stone Cold': BUFFY and XANDER in the ruins of the Magic Box.

FLASHBACK BUFFY
Why are our lives such a mess?

FLASHBACK XANDER
It'll get better.

BUFFY turns from the window and moves over to XANDER.

FLASHBACK BUFFY
Promise?

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

END OF FLASHBACK.

BUFFY focuses on XANDER. She frowns sadly then shakes her head. She walks towards them and picks up a few stakes.

BUFFY
I'm going out on patrol.

XANDER looks up.

XANDER
Want me to come with?

BUFFY
(shakes her head)
No... I can do this on my own. You
keep up the research.

XANDER
You sure?

BUFFY
(nods)
Yeah. Super sure.

She walks out of the door into the rain. It closes with a bang.

XANDER watches her go for a few moments then goes back to his book.

Scene: Sunnydale Street [Ext.], Evening
Wearing a raincoat, DAWN walks at an increasingly fast pace. She stops under a tree for shelter.

DAWN
Come on... come on...

Above her, a VAMPIRE is crawling over a wall from a graveyard. He swipes down.

DAWN walks forward to check if the rain is calming down. She frowns and steps back.

The VAMPIRE grabs her. She looks up in shock. She struggles, grabbing onto the VAMPIRE'S arms, pulling him down from the top of the wall.

The VAMPIRE hits the ground with a *thud* and is dazed. DAWN makes a run for it. The VAMPIRE follows. He pulls her back. She reacts, launching an elbow into his stomach. He staggers back. DAWN punches him the face then starts running again.

DAWN runs. The VAMPIRE is in close pursuit. He dives at her, knocking her to the ground. She struggles to push him off but can't. He flashes his fangs and runs his fingers along her neck, leaning down to sniff her.

VAMPIRE
The blood's pumping. I like that.

DAWN
(screaming)
No... not again…

The VAMPIRE suddenly explodes into a collection of dust that spreads everywhere. DAWN looks up.

BUFFY is above her. She reaches down and helps her sister up.

BUFFY
What are you doing here?

DAWN
I needed to see you!

BUFFY
I told you to stay at home!

DAWN
But I had to... had to tell you something!

BUFFY
And it couldn't wait?

DAWN
No!

BUFFY pulls DAWN under the relative shelter of another tree.

BUFFY
What is it?

DAWN reaches into her pockets. She pulls out a handful of stolen items with the price tags still on. BUFFY doesn't seem to understand.

BUFFY
(continued)
What're they?

DAWN
I... I took them... from the Magic Box.

BUFFY
What?!! When??

DAWN
Over the last year or so... I'm really
sorry Buffy! It's just... she caught me.
She caught me!

BUFFY
Who? Who caught you?

DAWN
Anya...

BUFFY looks at DAWN. She's suddenly more concerned than ever.

Scene: 'Magic Box' [Int.], Evening
XANDER puts a useless book back on a shelf. He randomly pulls another one out.

GILES
(off-screen)
Hmmm....

XANDER turns.

XANDER
Hmmmm? What kind of "hmmm" are
we talking about here?

He returns to the table. GILES has found a page in a book.

GILES
This demon appears to be the closest match
the name you described... Anyanka... a
vengeance demon...

XANDER
Vengeance?

GILES
(reading)
It appears she can be summoned and
grants wishes to scorned women... to
exact revenge on, well, unfaithful lovers.

XANDER
I don't get it. Why would it be affecting
us like this?

GILES
That's something I don't understand.

XANDER looks at the book over GILES' shoulder.

XANDER
But saying this is the demon we're
talking about... who could have called
her? I mean, it'd have to be someone
we'd know... otherwise why would it
do this to us?

GILES
I'm not entirely sure.

XANDER glances toward WILLOW and TARA on the other side of the shop.

XANDER
Well, someone here isn't being
affected by this...

GILES
Surely you're not suggesting that Tara
has something to do with this?

XANDER
I don't know. She's not getting these
memories... these visions... No. No,
I've gotta be wrong. Why would she
want vengeance? She's happy with
Willow. I mean things were a bit
touch and go at the end of last year but
they're happier now than they've ever
been.

GILES
Exactly... I'm sure there's another
explanation for her not knowing
anything.

XANDER
Yeah.

XANDER looks at the book again. It shows a picture of a very demonic looking creature.

XANDER
(continued)
I really don't think what I'm seeing looks
anything like that.

GILES
Look... it says here that Anyanka can
take on human form. What you're
seeing could very well be her in that form.

XANDER
I'm not so sure about that. It's not
just what I saw... I felt it too...

The bell on the door jingles. GILES and XANDER look up. BUFFY and DAWN walk in looking pretty damp.

GILES
Buffy... I though you were out on
patrol...

BUFFY
Dawn's got something to tell you.

GILES
Really?

GILES gets up from his seat. He goes to BUFFY.

XANDER looks at the book on the table. He sees a summoning spell on the page about Anyanka. He glances up at the others then back at the book. He carefully pulls the double page out of the book and pockets it quickly.

DAWN hands GILES the things she stole.

DAWN
I'm sorry... I didn't know what I was doing...

BUFFY
I think you knew exactly what you were
doing!

DAWN
I'm sorry!
(pause)
I'm really sorry.

XANDER gets up to his feet.

XANDER
I... I gotta go. I... uh... there's something
I've gotta do.

GILES
So you're leaving us to the research?

XANDER
Yeah. Sorry. Call me if you find anything.

XANDER walks to the door. He turns to WILLOW and TARA.

XANDER
(continued)
I'll see you both tomorrow.

WILLOW looks up from talking to TARA. She smiles.

XANDER leaves.

ACT III

Scene: 'Magic Box' [Int.], Evening
DAWN is still being confronted by BUFFY and GILES.

DAWN
I'll give it all back!

DAWN drops the items onto the shop counter.

BUFFY
Is that all?

DAWN
Yes!! God!!!

GILES
And how long has this been going on,
Dawn?

DAWN
Uh...

BUFFY
She says it's been just over a year.

GILES
So what exactly brought this confession
on?

DAWN looks nervously at BUFFY.

BUFFY
She says she saw the demon we've
been encountering... accusing her
of stealing.

DAWN
It wasn't a demon! It was Anya!

GILES
And who exactly is Anya?

DAWN
(looks down)
I don't know. I just know it is. It's
weird...

BUFFY pulls GILES towards the table covered in books.

BUFFY
Have you got anything new on it?

GILES
I think I have. We've got a potential
if nothing else, look.

GILES points toward the book.

BUFFY
At what exactly?

GILES
The entry. The one on the demon
Anyanka.

BUFFY
Uh, there isn't one.

GILES looks at the books. He adjusts his glasses. The page is gone.

GILES
Xander...

Scene: Xander's Parent's House, Basement [Int.], Evening
The rain continues to beat against the windows violently. XANDER sits on the floor with the page of the book in his hand. He speaks the incantation loudly.

XANDER
Anyanka, I beseech thee. In the name
of all women scorned... come before
me!

Nothing happens.

XANDER
Come before me!

Still nothing happens. XANDER throws the piece of paper down.

XANDER
Damn it!

He picks it up again and reads over it.

XANDER
Ingredients. To do this? Willow and
Tara just click their fingers and poof!

A flash of lightening. XANDER jumps suddenly.

ANYA
(off-screen)
This is your fault.

XANDER turns around. ANYA stands behind him. Her image is fading in and out.

ANYA
(continued)
I loved you and you made me go away.

XANDER
I'm sorry, I...

ANYA
You made me leave, Xander.

XANDER
So you do know me...

ANYA
I went away...

Another flash of lightening. ANYA disappears. A loud clap of thunder.

XANDER
I'm sorry. I really am... I'm sorry...

There's nothing there at all. He looks at the spot ANYA was in.

Scene: Buffy's House, Willow and Tara's Room [Int.], Evening
We can still hear the ever present rain outside. WILLOW holds TARA in her arms. They lie on the bed looking up at the ceiling.

WILLOW
I still can't believe Dawnie took all
that stuff...

TARA
She's been through a lot. I guess it
was her way of blanking out all the
pain and loneliness. And it's a lot less
self destructive than anything else she
could have done.

WILLOW
I guess. But it's Dawn. I wouldn't have
guessed. It just doesn't feel right.

TARA looks at WILLOW sadly.

TARA
Nothing feels right.

WILLOW
Tara, baby, I've told you a hundred
times. Nothing's wrong.

TARA
So why haven't I seen or felt all the
things you have? The world just doesn't
feel like I'm part of it. I feel like... an
interloper. I'm not an interloper am I?

FLASHBACK:
Season VI, Episode XIX 'Seeing Red': Willow gently strokes her hair. She sobs, her head down.
WILLOW
(softly, building)
No... no... no...
Tears of grief and loss quickly become burning rivers of anger. She raises her head. Her face is a gut-wrenching swirl of pain and fury... and her eyes have gone completely black.

END FLASHBACK.

WILLOW gasps suddenly. She pulls TARA a little closer. In her eyes she knows there's something wrong too. She just doesn't want to admit it.

WILLOW
Everything's fine. Once this demon
thing is out of the way it'll all be back
to how it should be... you'll see.

TARA
I guess.

WILLOW holds TARA tightly and plants a kiss on her forehead.

WILLOW
You belong here and don't let anyone else
tell you differently. I won't ever let you go
away. Ever.

TARA wraps her arm around WILLOW pulling her closer to her. They lie on the bed looking deeply yet sadly into each other's eyes.

Scene: Xander's Parent's House [Ext.], Night
XANDER pulls a hood over his head to protect himself from the violent rain. He walks down a pathway towards the pavement. He walks at a fast pace.

He looks back. He senses something nearby. He stops. Looks around. A frown covers his face. He walks to a tree and pulls SPIKE out from behind it.

XANDER
(almost growling)
Spike...

SPIKE
Right, mate?

XANDER punches him. SPIKE staggers back but manages to regain his balance.

XANDER
I'm not your mate.

XANDER pushes SPIKE up against the tree.

SPIKE
Careful. You could do me an injury.

XANDER
And that would be such a shame.

XANDER pushes him again.

XANDER
(continued)
What the hell d'you think you're doing
following me? You think you can try
to get in with Buffy again? Or is it
something else? You think you can
hurt the rest of us to hurt her?

SPIKE
You know I can't. My chip.

XANDER
That's the funniest thing. I really think
there's something up with you and
that lump of metal. I swear, you touch
Buffy or Dawn and I'll...

SPIKE
(stifles a laugh)
You'll what? Bore me to death?

XANDER punches him again. He grasps SPIKE'S collar hard.

SPIKE
(continued)
Hey! That was uncalled for.

XANDER
Why are you following me Spike?

SPIKE
Well that's the funny thing. I don't
know.

XANDER
What?

SPIKE
I don't get it. The past few days... it's...
it's like I've done something to hurt
you... but I don't know what it is.

He looks at XANDER, almost sincerely. XANDER lets SPIKE go and takes some steps back.

XANDER
I know exactly what it is. You came
back to Sunnydale.

SPIKE doesn't flinch.

XANDER
(continued)
You keep away from Buffy. If you even
think of touching her again and she can't
find enough disgust to kill you then I
guarantee I'll do it for her.

XANDER pushes SPIKE violently then turns to walk away.

SPIKE
(off-screen)
About... about the thing with Anya...

XANDER turns around.

SPIKE
I don't know what it is or what it means...
but what I did... I'm sorry... I'm really
sorry.

XANDER
(frowns)
An evil, soulless thing being sorry?
Somehow I doubt that!

XANDER storms off down the pavement and disappears into the mass of rain.

SPIKE leans against the tree and pulls out a cigarette. He puts it in his mouth.

SPIKE
Well you see...

SPIKE gets out his lighter and puts it to the cigarette. He takes a drag.

SPIKE
(continued)
...that's the whole problem.

He blows the smoke out and looks in the direction that XANDER walked off.

Scene: Sunnydale Street [Ext.], Evening
The strong wind blows as BUFFY tries to fight through the torrential rain in her search for XANDER. She can't see very far ahead of her.

BUFFY
Xander!!! Xander!!!!

Nothing. She continues her pursuit. Something appears from nowhere and knocks her down. She looks around. A vague form is nearby.

BUFFY
(continued)
Watch where you're going!

BUFFY tries to get up onto her feet. A DEMON jumps out towards BUFFY. She rolls across the ground again.

BUFFY
(continued)
Damn it!

BUFFY wraps her hands around the DEMON'S throat, trying to crush it with all her strength.

The DEMON growls loudly. It's foaming at the mouth.

BUFFY
(continues)
I see someone didn't get their rabies
shot.

She kicks the DEMON off her. It jumps to its feet and dives at her again.

BUFFY swings her foot around. It collides with the DEMON'S jaw. It stumbles back to steady itself then attacks again. BUFFY hits the ground even harder than before. The DEMON raises its clawed hand to strike.

An axe goes straight through its back. It slides off BUFFY and onto the floor, with the weapon still embedded in it..

BUFFY looks up. XANDER is standing over her.

BUFFY
Xander! Where've you been?

XANDER
That doesn't matter. Looks like we
killed the other demon's mate at last.
Giles should be happy.

XANDER helps BUFFY to her feet.

BUFFY
What's wrong, Xan? Why did you take
that page?

XANDER
So you know, huh?

BUFFY
Could hardly miss it. Why?

XANDER
To summon Anya.

BUFFY
Anyanka. It's a demon. It infected us
with these false memories. It's meant
to make you suffer like this. Don't give
in to it.

XANDER
No!

BUFFY
No?

XANDER
No! We don't know that's what happened!
It's just Giles guessing. There's nothing
I've read that even suggests she can do
that!!

He begins to walk off.

BUFFY
So you'll try and summon it. Then what?

XANDER
I don't know!

BUFFY
Then why?

XANDER
Because anything's better than feeling
this gnawing pain... this guilt... for
something I don't even remember doing!
Do you know how much that hurts? Do
you?

BUFFY shakes her head sadly.

BUFFY
No.

XANDER
Then you know why I have to do this.

BUFFY
No! I don't! Say it does work. Say this
demon is still alive...

XANDER
Well, then I get punished for whatever
it was I did to her!

XANDER tries to walk off. BUFFY pulls him back.

XANDER
Why are you fighting me? I thought you'd
want answers as much as I do!

BUFFY
I do! But I don't think this is the right way
to go about it! We need to find out more.

XANDER pulls away from BUFFY'S grasp. Their faces are just inches away from one another.

XANDER
I'm doing this Buffy.

XANDER ducks to the floor and sweeps his leg. BUFFY lands on her front. She lifts her head but XANDER has gone. BUFFY picks herself up and runs off in the opposite direction.

Scene: Buffy's House, Hallway [Int.], Evening
BUFFY runs in from the rain. She pulls off her jacket and throws it aside as she rushes up the stairs as quickly as she can.

Scene: Buffy's House, Willow and Tara's Room [Int.], Evening
WILLOW and TARA are in each other's arms, oblivious to everything going on outside. BUFFY barges in. They both look up suddenly.

TARA
Buffy! What is it?

WILLOW
Are you okay?

BUFFY
I'm fine but... has Xander been here?

TARA
No. Not that we know of anyway.

The door to the room opens and DAWN enters the room. She sees everyone's faces.

DAWN
What's happened?

BUFFY
It's Xander…

BUFFY looks panicked.

BUFFY
(continued)
I think he's about to try something really
dangerous... I'm guessing he'll need magic
supplies...

WILLOW
Magic...?

BUFFY
Yes! Have you got any here? Any that
he could take?

WILLOW
No... everything I had... we got rid of.
You were there. You saw me do it.

BUFFY
Thank God! Tara?

TARA
I-I have a few things... Nothing much...
But he won't know where they are.

BUFFY
Good.

BUFFY makes her way towards the door.

WILLOW
Buffy... what's wrong? What's he going
to do?

BUFFY
I just spoke to him. He's planning on
summoning Anyanka... the demon Giles
thinks we've all been seeing.

TARA
Oh God...

WILLOW'S face seems to lose all of its colour. She gets up quickly.

WILLOW
He can't! We have to stop him! I... I can't
lose her! Not again!

BUFFY
What?

WILLOW suddenly looks back at TARA then to BUFFY. She's just as confused as her friend.

WILLOW
It doesn't matter.

TARA
He's messing with some really powerful
magic if he's trying a summoning spell.

WILLOW
I couldn't even deal with it right now...
and Xander's hardly experienced.

TARA
And I can't imagine how disappointed
he would be if it worked and he finds out
something he doesn't want to.

BUFFY looks straight at TARA.

BUFFY
Could you come up with something...
a spell... anything... that could disrupt
him? Stop him from calling up this
demon?

TARA
I… I can try…

Scene: 'Magic Box' [Ext.], Night
The lights are off. A shadowy figure is seen on the other side of the door. A hand smashes through the glass on the door and opens it up.

XANDER lets himself in and looks around.

ACT IV

Scene: 'Magic Box' [Int.], Night
The main table in the shop is littered with various mystical items, crystals, sage roots, etc. XANDER has the spell in front of him as he tries to do the summoning spell properly.

XANDER
Anyanka, I beseech thee, uh...

XANDER throws a few herbs into a chalice. He checks the piece of paper again.

XANDER
(continued)
In the name of all women scorned -
come before me!

He lights a mixture of herbs in a chalice. Waits. Nothing seems to happen.

XANDER
(continued)
Anyanka! Come before me!

There is a flash of red light that fills the room.

VOICE
(off-screen)
The number you dialed has not been
recognised.

XANDER spins around suddenly. It's D'HOFFRYN.

Scene: Buffy's House, Kitchen [Int.], Night
The sound of thunder and flashes of lightening are almost constant now. Rain batters loudly against the window. BUFFY is pacing the room. She looks outside then quickly closes the blinds.

TARA sits cross legged on the kitchen surface. DAWN moves towards TARA and places a few crystals and herbs on the counter.

DAWN
Will these be enough?

TARA
I-I don't know. It may not work even with the
right ingredients...

BUFFY
It has to work. We have to stop him
calling this demon.

WILLOW
We may already be too late.

BUFFY looks nervously at her.

Scene: 'Magic Box' [Int.], Night
XANDER looks around. D'HOFFRYN stands behind him. The demon chuckles.

D'HOFFRYN
(continued)
Sorry. I couldn't resist.

XANDER
Who are you? You're not her.

D'HOFFRYN
Well, quite. I must admit that I'm not
as much of a looker as Anya but, still...

XANDER
Who are you?

D'HOFFRYN takes a few steps forward. XANDER carefully reaches for a sword at his side.

D'HOFFRYN
Is that really relevant? You didn't come
here for me, now did you?

XANDER
So... she is real... Anya...

D'HOFFRYN
Well, not strictly speaking.

XANDER grasps the sword. He slowly gets to his feet.

XANDER
You've been messing with our minds.

D'HOFFRYN
Well… I suppose that would be true.

Scene: Buffy's House, Kitchen [Int.], Night
TARA focuses on one of the crystals that DAWN gave her while DAWN carefully pours herbs in a circle around TARA.

BUFFY
I refuse to believe that, Will! We need
to... God, he's gonna do something
stupid.

TARA
Maybe not.

BUFFY
What?

BUFFY turns to TARA who continues to focus on the crystal.

TARA
Maybe this is something he needs to
do. Maybe he needs to find the truth.

BUFFY
And get himself killed in the process?
If Giles is right, we're talking about a
man hating demoness here! Can you
imagine what could happen if she really
is still alive?

The crystal that TARA is holding starts to glow very faintly.

TARA
This may take a little time... It could
end up being...

BUFFY
It won't be too late!
(beat)
I've gotta find him…

BUFFY makes a move for the door. WILLOW holds her back.

DAWN
We don't even know where he is. You
said yourself he left his parent's place.

BUFFY
Yes, but... Don't you want to help him?
What he's doing is insane!

WILLOW
Maybe not... but we have to stop him.
And... I don't want to say this... but not
just for his safety. I can't explain it but...
I can sense that what he's about to do
could... I don't know. But it feels wrong.

BUFFY
It's okay, Will. I'll find him.

WILLOW lets go of BUFFY'S arm. BUFFY makes a break for the exit. The phone begins ringing. BUFFY turns. WILLOW answers it.

WILLOW
Yes? Giles! You're kidding? Yeah, I'll tell
her now!

WILLOW puts the phone down. She looks towards an expectant BUFFY.

WILLOW
(continue)
It was Giles. He just got a call from the
cops. Someone just set the Magic Box's
silent alarm off. He is guessing it's demons
so he stopped the cops turning up but...

BUFFY
No… not demons…

DAWN
Xander…

The crystal that TARA is holding shatters. She looks up. The spell has failed. BUFFY rushes out of the door.

Scene: 'Magic Box' [Int.], Night
XANDER holds his sword in an attack stance. D'HOFFRYN holds his hands up to calm him down.

XANDER
Why are you doing this?

D'HOFFRYN
Believe me... you weren't supposed to
know about this...

XANDER
About what?!?

D'HOFFRYN
The magic used to alter reality... it's
breaking down. Something I didn't
anticipate to tell you the truth.

XANDER
Reality?

D'HOFFRYN
You don't think we'd do something as
incomplete as wipe Anya from
existence do you? Anya's done too much
for you all, for me to just do that.
(pause)
When she left both the reality she lived in
and the memories she left behind had to be…
modified…

XANDER suddenly whips the sword forward and points it at D'HOFFRYN'S neck. The demon doesn't flinch.

XANDER
She wasn't just a demon? She was human too…
Our friend…

D'HOFFRYN
Oh no, young man. She was much more
than that...
(suddenly shocked)
You haven't remembered everything have you...

XANDER
Remembered what? Tell me! Tell me
now!!

D'HOFFRYN
My, aren't we testy?

XANDER pushes the sword forward, enough to draw blood from D'HOFFRYN'S neck.

D'HOFFRYN
(continued)
Amusing. I'm actually rather impressed
at your thirst for vengeance... It's such
a pity that I'd rather my demons to have
an agenda. If I were to offer you a job
what would you be? Demon for people
who are angry for no particular reason?

D'HOFFRYN smiles.

XANDER
Please... just... tell me...

D'HOFFRYN
Why?

XANDER
To have her back... So I can say sorry.

D'HOFFRYN
For what exactly? Do you even know?

XANDER flips the sword over and uses it's hilt to jab into D'HOFFRYN's stomach.

Scene: Sunnydale Streets [Ext.], Night
The sky is darker than ever apart from the occasional flash of lightening that breaks through the rain. BUFFY darts down the street with WILLOW, DAWN and TARA in close pursuit.

DAWN
Buffy! Slow down!

TARA
Giles is on his way!

WILLOW
He won't be fast enough!

They try to catch up with BUFFY.

Scene: 'Magic Box' [Int.], Night
The rain outside becomes heavier. Lightening flashes are occurring more and more often. Each time it happens XANDER seems to remember more. He hits D'HOFFRYN. The demon takes a few steps back each time.

XANDER
I want her! I miss her! I... I love her.

D'HOFFRYN
She loved you too... and look what you
did.

XANDER
(desperately)
What did I do?!!? You won't even tell me!

D'HOFFRYN walks away. He picks up something from one of the shelves and looks at it, amused before putting it down again. He looks away from XANDER.

D'HOFFRYN
You know, after all you did, she didn't
stop feeling the way she did about you.
Never did quite understand that.

XANDER
She… she loved me...
(looking up)
And you killed her…

D'HOFFRYN
Not killed.
(pause)
Wiped. Her essence placed
in the gap between dimensions. A place
where neither time or space exists.
(beat)
And it was her choice.

XANDER
No!

XANDER throws D'HOFFRYN against a wall.

D'HOFFRYN
Now calm down. You don't quite get this.

XANDER
No, I don't! Bring her back!

D'HOFFRYN
I can't do that.

XANDER grabs the sword again and holds it to D'HOFFRYN'S throat.

XANDER
Bring her back!!! Now!!!

D'HOFFRYN
You don't know the whole story. If you
did then...

XANDER prepares to take off D'HOFFRYN'S head.

D'HOFFRYN
(continued)
Now, you don't want to do this...

XANDER
You're a demon. Of course I want to!

XANDER takes a swing. D'HOFFRYN ducks. He pushes XANDER backwards.

XANDER tumbles back. The sword drops to the floor. XANDER hits the table. The contents are sent in all directions.

The chalice used for the spell smashes against a shelf of flammable magical items. A fire spreads down the whole shelf in seconds.

XANDER doesn't seem to notice. D'HOFFRYN stands over XANDER.

XANDER
(meekly)
Please! Bring her back!!!

Scene: Sunnydale Streets [Ext.], Night
BUFFY runs as fast as she can getting wetter and wetter and the rain pours down on her. WILLOW, DAWN and TARA are puffing and panting.

GILES' car comes speeding down the road with the roof down. It skids to a halt next to BUFFY.

GILES
Jump in!

BUFFY nods. She hops into the car next to GILES. WILLOW, DAWN and TARA get into the back.

Scene: 'Magic Box' [Int.], Night
XANDER knocks D'HOFFRYN down and XANDER grabs the sword and holds it to D'HOFFRYN's throat once more. The demon just grabs the blade.

D'HOFFRYN
You can't hurt me. If I didn't feel so sorry
for you I would have just left here by now.

In the background, the fire continues to spread along the shelves.

XANDER
Please... bring her back to me.

D'HOFFRYN hurls the sword aside.

D'HOFFRYN
Be careful. You could have someone's
eye out with that.

Scene: Sunnydale Main Street [Ext.], Night
GILES' car zooms toward the shop. The rain pours down.

Lightening. A loud clap of thunder.

WILLOW looks over towards TARA. She smiles sadly. TARA begins to fade in and out. WILLOW'S face turns to one of sheer horror.

WILLOW
Tara... Oh God...

TARA
Willow...

WILLOW holds TARA tightly.

WILLOW
Tara... Don't go...

DAWN looks at WILLOW and TARA. BUFFY notices too.

BUFFY
Giles... we have to hurry.

GILES
Uh, yes... I agree.

BUFFY looks down at his hands. They are fading too.

Scene: 'Magic Box' [Int.], Night
A flash of lightening outside. It fills the entire shop.

XANDER pushes D'HOFFRYN onto the floor.

A clap of thunder. It rumbles for several seconds.

XANDER begins punching D'HOFFRYN violently over and over. Thwack! Thwack! Thwack!

XANDER
Bring her back! Bring her back!

D'HOFFRYN grabs XANDER'S hand with his own.

D'HOFFRYN
Anya can't be brought back, boy. She's been
wiped. She no longer exists. She did it for
you! I wanted to save you the trauma of
knowing...

The fire spreads along the shelves. It reaches another area of dangerous materials and an explosion spreads across the back of the shop.

The shop's interior starts to fade and the shop, still surrounded by fire, begins to return to it's original state.

Scene: 'Magic Box' [Ext.], Night
BUFFY jumps out of GILES' car and runs towards the shop. Flames fill the inside of the shop.

A flash of lightening. An errie silence that lasts several seconds.

Another explosion inside the shop causes the shop's window to explode, the force throwing BUFFY backwards. BUFFY shields her eyes from the flying glass. She turns to face the others who stand by GILES' car.

DAWN
No!

BUFFY
I have to.

BUFFY runs into the shop, keeping low to the ground to avoid the smoke.

Scene: 'Magic Box' [Int.], Night
XANDER looks up at the raging fire. D'HOFFRYN uses this distraction. He pushes XANDER off him. He gets to his feet.

D'HOFFRYN
The reality is breaking down. I'm
sorry. I really am. I wanted to save
you from the pain of remembering
what happened. I didn't quite
realise the considerable effect that
Anya had on you all...

XANDER looks upwards. D'HOFFRYN steps backwards.

D'HOFFRYN
(continued)
I'm sorry...

A dimensional rift opens behind the demon. D'HOFFRYN turns to XANDER once more before stepping through.

He's gone.

XANDER
No! Come back!

The shop returns to it's original state once more. XANDER looks up in horror as one of the beams comes down towards him... He covers his eyes.

The beam stops. BUFFY holds it up and pushes it away. XANDER looks up at her.

BUFFY
Out! Now!

XANDER
She's gone!

BUFFY
(sadly)
I know... but I am not losing you too.

She helps XANDER to his feet. She drags him towards the exit but another beam falls in the way.

BUFFY grabs XANDER's hand and pulls him out of the way. She looks around and looks towards the broken window. A fire still rages in front of it but she pulls XANDER forward and together they run and jump through the gap.

Scene: 'Magic Box' [Ext.], Night
BUFFY and XANDER land on the street outside and into the pouring rain. Another explosion rips part of the shop front apart. They fall to the ground.

BUFFY holds XANDER as he begins to cry.

XANDER
She's gone... We forgot her... She's
gone...

Fire trucks can be heard in the distance.

GILES joins BUFFY and XANDER.

GILES
I'm sorry, Xander.

He reaches to touch XANDER'S shoulder but fades away into nothing.

WILLOW and TARA are standing by the car, holding onto each other for dear life. TARA slowly disappears.

WILLOW
Noooo! Noooo!

DAWN is in absolute shock as only the four scoobies are left.

WILLOW slumps to the ground in tears.

BUFFY holds XANDER as they lay on the ground in each other's arms. While the fire continues to envelop the shop behind them, flashing blue lights light the surroundings as a fire truck pulls up to the scene.

ENDING CREDITS