Hero
03-13-2004, 12:32 PM
TEASER
29 EXT. HADENFIELD GRAVEYARD - NIGHT
The graveyard is quiet, motionless, as the wind blows and slightly rustles the three branches. A fresh grave lies in between to tombs as a small woodland creature pokes at the fresh dirt for any signs of bugs for it to eat. A cold draft fills the air and an owl hoots, scaring away the small animal. The sky is clear except for the occasional cloud. It would be a perfect place for a romantic night if it weren't a graveyard. Buffy and Willow slowly walk past the rows of graves. Buffy is wearing jeans and a leather coat, and Willow is wearing a sweater and her pajama pants. Buffy holds a stake in her hand, fiddling with it childishly.
BUFFY
It's been a long time since we've done this, huh?
WILLOW
Yeah. The last year or so was just...extreme. There wasn't any time for us to bond except for the occasional five minutes when the potentials were changing outside. I've been busy, first with my magic problem and than with Kennedy. It's my fault! It's--
BUFFY
--It's ok, Will, really. I'm just sayinng it's nice to have some girl time. Maybe we can go to the mall, go to my house, or talk about boys.
WILLOW
Boys and girls.
BUFFY
Right, boys and girls. We can still gossip now. How's Kennedy doing?
WILLOW
Since when is my love life gossip?
BUFFY
Since I told our new friends about Kennedy and they've been dying to meet her.
WILLOW
Well, I haven't talked to her in about a week. She's busy helping Giles train the new girls in England.
BUFFY
You're not mad that she almost never is around and all you guys do is talk on the phone? Not that that's a bad thing! I'm just saying you deserve a working relationship.
WILLOW
The relationship is working and I'm not mad at her for leaving. It's a good cause where she can help people just like her.
BUFFY
So how long has it been since you got down and dirty?
WILLOW
Buffy! (She laughs.) It's been...a month I think.
BUFFY
Ah. Well--
A hand shoots out of the fresh grave as a vampire wakes up from his supposed eternal slumber. Buffy raises her stake in the air, intended on making this a quick battle. A head slowly emerges from the earth as a male vampire claws his way out of his grave. He takes him a moment, but a suited vampire finally stands to his feet. He brushes the dirt off his suit and than looks at Buffy and Willow, somewhat confused.
VAMPIRE
What's going on?
Buffy rolled her eyes. She plunged her stake into the vampire's chest, penetrating his heart. He gripped his chest as he exploded to dust. Another cold breeze swept through the graveyard, blowing the dust ashes away.
BUFFY
Where were we?
WILLOW
Kennedy...Me...Sex...
BUFFY
Ah! Yes.
WILLOW
While on the subject of sex, Dawnie told me that Mike had sex with Caridad while in the Wishverse.
BUFFY
The one who bunked at our house while the big war was going on?
WILLOW
Yup.
BUFFY
Small world. Wait, since when do guys go around telling my sister whom they're sleeping around with?
WILLOW
Buffy, don't get all protected. It's totally innocent. I mean, Dawn is capable of being and adult about certain topics and Mike is one of her best friends. He's probably going to tell her everything.
BUFFY
Everything?!
WILLOW
Not that everything! I meant things that go on in his life.
BUFFY
Oh. So what are you thinking?
WILLOW
I thought that maybe Xander should talk to him.
BUFFY
Xander? What for?
WILLOW
Mike is a teenager and teenagers make mistakes and rebellious. We know that he hasn't seen is parents in almost two years. He needs a male influence in his life. Maybe he has questions. It's easier for people to open up to members of their sex.
BUFFY
Don't you think you're looking into this way too much?
WILLOW
Maybe. If he does have questions he can either learn them on the streets or have Dawn experiment for him.
BUFFY
Right! Xander! Tomorrow! Yes, yes! How were you able to turn the conversation around on me so easily?
WILLOW
I've known you for eight years. I think I know how you work now.
BUFFY
It's taken you eight years?
WILLOW
You're a complex girl, but not in a bad way. (She pauses.) When was the last time you had sex anyway?
END OF TEASER
CREDITS ROLL
ACT ONE
32 EXT. OUTSIDE HADENFIELD HIGH SCHOOL - MORNING
The large campus of the high school was clean and ready for the students who started to arrive. The benches were dried; the morning dew always got them wet. The lawn was mowed and gardened. There was no paper or garbage lying around on the floor. The school was very well kept. Students arrived in buses, cars, bikes, and on foot. Some students were happily and willing to start the day, while other students dragged their feet as they walked into the school. The local groups of students met in their specific place. The athletic people in the parking lot, the academic achievers in the library, the gothic crowd in the gym, etc. Mike pulled up to the school in his black mustang gt and walked onto the school campus. He was wearing a black hoody and black cargo pants. He was dressed comfortably because he wanted his mood to stay positive. He walked to the normal meeting place, where they'd meet before school, and smiled when he saw his friends. Hannah, Nick, Jessica, Stephanie, Chezney, Bovee, Tina, and Darren were talking and laughing as usual. Stephanie was wearing pajama pants, dressing comfortably as well.
MIKE
I'm dressing like this because I have to host the part tonight. Why are you dressed like that?
STEPHANIE
I don't see a law that says I can't dress in pajama pants whenever I want.
MIKE
I guess so. (He turns to his friends.) You guys are coming to the party tonight at my place, right?
NICK
Definitely.
CHEZNEY
Wouldn't miss it for the world, Mike. Hey, do you mind if I bring a friend?
MIKE
No, that's fine. Bring whomever you like as long as they don't feel the need to break anything.
HANNAH
Hey, Hero, where's Dawn? She should be here by now?
DARREN
Dawn will be here. She's probably just running late.
MIKE
Hannah, why are you calling me a hero?
HANNAH
You won that medal two weeks ago. You broke the record of everyone in this town who was on the track team in the past 20 years. All the jocks are calling you a hero.
MIKE
Don't I need super powers to be considered a hero?
TINA
I'd prefer if you didn't have supernatural powers. That stuff is for psychos and I don't agree with it.
CHEZNEY
You do that.
BOVEE
Will there be strippers at the party tonight?
MIKE
I don't think I can get strippers to come to a high school party.
BOVEE
Than can I bring porn?
MIKE
Uh. (He rolls his eyes.) Sure, Bovee.
BOVEE
Sweet!
JESSICA
Can I bring Anthony to the party tonight?
NICK/STEPHANIE
Uh oh.
MIKE (annoyed)
I don't want that loser in my house.
JESSICA
Then I'm not coming.
CHEZNEY
I don't want him coming to the party either.
STEPHANIE
Is there anyone here that does?
DARREN
What's wrong with her boyfriend?
STEPHANIE
Oh, that's right. You're new here so you don't know all of our history. Jessica is dating some guy named Anthony. He's a psycho and he cuts his wrists to get attention all the time. He's really mentally abusive and he and Mike don't get along at all.
JESSICA
Can you guys please stop talking about him that way?
MIKE
Fine, Jessica, you can bring Anthony if you like. However, if or when I feel the need to, I'm kicking him out of my house.
JESSICA
I'll keep him under control.
TINA
Like that's possible...
The bell rang, signaling the hundreds of students that it was time to start their school day. Students flooded the walks and the hallways and Mike and his friends were slowly separated.
MIKE
I'LL SEE YOU GUYS TONIGHT!!!
26 INT. HADENFIELD SOCIAL OFFICES - MORNING
Workers sat in desks in offices as the morning crowd entered the building and started the day. The employees were dressed in proper clothes and were working to achieve the goals they set for that day. Buffy entered the building, and spotting a large desk, she walked up to the secretary.
SECRETARY
Hello. How may I help you?
BUFFY
Hi. I'm Buffy Summers. I have an interview for a job this morning.
SECRETARY
Ah yes. Ms. Summers, nice to meet you. Mrs. Riley is waiting for you in the office to your left.
BUFFY
Thank you.
The secretary handed her a clipboard and a few papers and pointed her in the direction towards Mrs. Riley's office. Buffy walked into the office and smiled nervously.
BUFFY
Mrs. Riley?
MRS. RILEY
Yes? Who might you be?
BUFFY
I'm Buffy Summers. I have a job interview with you.
MRS. RILEY
Yes, yes. Please sit down.
BUFFY
Ok. (She sits.) I think these are for you.
Buffy handed Mrs. Summers the clipboard and the papers and settled back in her seat.
MRS. RILEY
Ok, let's begin. How old are you?
BUFFY
I'm 23-years-old.
MRS. RILEY
Do you live in Hadenfield?
BUFFY
Yes. I live on the other side of town.
MRS. RILEY
Did you graduate from a High School?
BUFFY
Yes.
MRS. RILEY
Where?
BUFFY
Sunnydale, California.
MRS. RILEY
Crater-town?
BUFFY
What?
MRS. RILEY
Sunnydale is that place that turned into a big crater, right?
BUFFY
Yes.
MRS. RILEY
Have you ever had any working experience?
BUFFY
I worked in the Double Meat palace for almost a year and--
MRS. RILEY
--Maybe I should be more exact. Have yoou ever had any working experience in this field?
BUFFY
Oh! Yes. I was a school counselor for a year at Sunnydale High School, before it got sucked into the ground. I have my papers and a recommendation from the principal, Robin Wood, if you want to take a look.
MRS. RILEY
No thank you. I've heard that Robin Wood is a strict principal; you must have done a good job if he recommended you. (She pauses.) On second thought, let me see his recommendation and your working papers.
BUFFY
Sure. (She pulls them out of her purse and hands them to Mrs. Riley.) There you go.
MRS. RILEY
Thanks. (She looks over the papers.) Wow. It says here that the students really took to you. How many students didn't you counsel on a daily basis?
BUFFY
Would that include class scheduling, office detention, etc?
MRS. RILEY
Yes.
BUFFY
On an average I'd see about 20 kids a day.
MRS. RILEY
Impressive.
BUFFY
Does that mean I have the job?
MRS. RILEY
Not yet. We haven't talked about your college education yet.
BUFFY (nervous)
Oh.
MRS. RILEY
Did you attend college? Did you receive a Masters degree? Anything?
BUFFY
I went to UC Sunnydale for 2 years. When my mother died, I had to drop out and get a job in order to raise my kid sister, Dawn.
MRS. RILEY (serious)
Well, Ms. Summers, you come into my office with barely any credential to make someone consider you for the job. You didn't finish college with any degrees. You worked at a school known for bizarre happenings, which happened to disappear. Now you tell me that you have to raise another person while trying to balance all this. I can foresee you leaving work or being tardy. (She suddenly smiles.) But, I think you're a great person and that you can make a big difference in Hadenfield. I'm going to make you a part time social work. You'll make about 1,500 dollars a month. You need to work 45 hours a week. You get a desk of your own in the lobby. How does that sound?
BUFFY
That sounds great! Thank you!
MRS. RILEY
No, Ms. Summers, thank you. I'll see you tomorrow. I expect to see you here bright an early at 8:30.
BUFFY
I'll be here! Thank you again!
Buffy collected her papers from Ms. Riley and walked out of the room casually and like an adult. However, when she exited the building she ran to her car and jumped up and down. She picked up her cell phone and called her friends. She wanted to tell them the good news. She got in her car and sped off towards home.
29 EXT. "HIS" LAIR - MORNING
He walked around, stomping his feet in distress as he walked. He picked a two-ton relic off the floor and hauled it across the room. He was angry at the loss he had suffered. As he walked, his black trench coat flapped behind him. He ran his fingers along the area where his pet had last been spotted. Hours ago his spider demon, his most prized pet, had gone missing. He was afraid that Buffy Summers would find it and kill it. He would not let that happen...not before he could eat it...
ACT TWO
26 INT. BUFFY'S BATHROOM - NOON
Xander Harris turned off the hot water and stepped out of the shower. He wrapped a towel around his waist and walked to the sink. He brushed the steam away from the window above the sink and looked at his reflection. He had grown accustomed to see his glass eye now, so that didn't bother him. A knock came at the door, and he turned to the door as he spoke.
XANDER
Who is it?
WILLOW (from the other side)
It's me. Can I come in for a second?
XANDER
What do you need?
WILLOW
I just need my hairbrush.
XANDER
Don't have you have one in your room?
WILLOW
Yeah, but I just want to see you naked.
Xander grabbed Willow's brush from her cabinet and opened the door. He smiled to her, put the brush in her hand and closed the door.
WILLOW (from the other side)
Are you in hurry or something?
XANDER
Yes.
WILLOW
Why?
XANDER
I have a date with Vanny. I want to look my best. It's been a while since I've been out on a date.
WILLOW
Yeah, in the last few years you've dated a giant praying mantis.
XANDER
I tried to date Buffy.
WILLOW
Cordelia was a demon when it came to shopping.
XANDER
Drusilla always had a thing for me.
WILLOW
Kendra was to shy. If she lightened up, I knew she would have liked you.
XANDER
Then there was Faith. I can't say anything about her now. She's done way too much good in the world since then.
WILLOW
Then you dated Anya and left her at the alter.
XANDER
Then that weird demon girl tied me up over the seal.
WILLOW
You don't even remember her name?
XANDER
Nope. (He pauses.) Continuing on...There was...Caridad.
WILLOW
Ew. When did you sleep with her?
XANDER
I didn't sleep with her per-say as much as I--
WILLOW
--Never mind, I don't want to know. Jusst keep in mind that you can't talk about her in front of Mike, ok?
XANDER
Why not?
WILLOW
She's the girl that Mike slept with in the Wishverse. Alex killed her in a battle while they were there.
XANDER
Wow. I can't believe I forgot. (He starts to brush his teeth. A few minutes later he washes his mouth out with mouth wash and turns to the door again.) What time is it, Will.
WILLOW
It's 12:04. Why?
XANDER
My date with Vanny is at 12:30. I better hurry.
WILLOW
Anything I can do?
XANDER
Yeah, you think you can conjure me something nice to wear? I don't Vanny would appreciate me showing up in jeans and a shirt.
WILLOW
I'm on it.
XANDER
Thanks.
Xander looked at his and Anya's old wedding ring, which was lying on the sink. He made a distressed face, before he picked the ring up off the sink. He began to put the ring on his finger, but stopped himself. Anya wasn't coming back. It was nice to have a remembrance of her, but there were other ways he could do remember her; ones that didn't include awkward conversations about the ring during lunch. Xander put the ring in his bathroom cabinet and then left the bathroom. He had to hurry or he'd be late to his date with Vanny.
30 EXT. BUFFY'S DRIVE WAY - AFTERNOON
Buffy stopped her car in the driveway and stepped out. She grabbed her purse from the passengers seat and closed the door. She walked up the driveway, bobbing happily, when Xander exited the house. Xander was in such a hurry and collided into Buffy.
BUFFY
Where are you off to in such a hurry?
XANDER
I have a date with Vanny.
BUFFY
Go Xander. I have some good news too! I don't want to hold you up, so we can both share our news when you get home.
XANDER
How do you know I have good news?
BUFFY
Well, you will have good news. When you get home and tell me how your date went, I'm either going to be happy or I'm going to know Vanny is a demon and have to kill her; both situations would make me happy.
XANDER
Gotcha. I must get going, Buff.
Xander smiled and walked past her. He walked around her car and hopped in his car, which was parked next to hers. He turned on the car and slowly pulled out of the driveway. Buffy watched Xander drive off before walking into her house.
26 INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE
Buffy dropped her purse and car keys down on a small dresser in the corner of the parlor room. She took off her coat and hung it on the coat hanger. She walked to the other side of the room and slowly climbed the stairs to the second floor. She walked the hallway and entered her bedroom. She sighed happily and sat on the bed. Mr. Gordo was sitting on her pillow. She hugged him close to her body and lied back on her bed. She felt like a normal girl her age. It was the first time in a while since a demon hadn't crashed through her door and the world almost came close to ending. Someone knocked on the door, and Buffy looked up to see Willow standing in her doorway.
WILLOW
Hey, Buff. How did the interview go?
BUFFY
I'm not going to tell you until Xander gets home from his date.
WILLOW
That's not fair! (She walked to Buffy's bed and sat next to her.) Please tell me! You can't keep things from your best friend!
BUFFY
Well, if you must know, I got the job.
WILLOW
Really? That's so great. (She hugs Buffy.) I'm so happy for you. We're a two-income house now! Xander is back to his construction-working job, and you just got a job as a social worker. Now I need to find a job.
BUFFY
Do you have any idea what you want to do?
WILLOW
I don't think I'm good at anything except flaying people...
BUFFY
Come on, Will, you're good at a lot of things. Why not work at a library? You're really smart and you love books.
WILLOW
I don't know. All of my nightmares seem to revolve around The Library at school in Sunnydale.
BUFFY
Good point. Um. Why not open a magic store of your own?
WILLOW
This town doesn't strike me as an accepting town. I'd expect them to burn the place down and drown me in a river. It was ok to have a magic store in Sunnydale because people actually did magic and needed it to protect themselves. I don't think that's the case here.
BUFFY
I think you enjoy shooting down my ideas.
WILLOW
It's a small hobby.
BUFFY
What about a job with computers? Lord knows that you are a wiz when it comes to computers. You broke into a military website and a private school website. Plus you type 120 words a minute, so you can be a really fast secretary.
WILLOW
I'm not into computers too much anymore. I think I've grown out of my nerdy tendencies.
BUFFY
Who says working with computers is nerdy?
Dawn walked past Buffy's room. She stopped upon hearing Willow's statement and walked back to her door. She stuck her head in.
DAWN
I'm not a nerd.
WILLOW
I never said you were. I'm just saying that I was really into computers when I was a nerd.
DAWN
I'm into computers now. I don't spend hours and hours online like most people, but it's still my favorite machine.
BUFFY
I thought your phone was your favorite machine.
DAWN
Cool thing about computers - some have this cool dial up thing where you can talk to people through the speakers on the computer.
BUFFY
Yeah; definitely a nerd.
DAWN (jokingly)
Shut up! (She pauses.) Anyway, I have to get to Mike's house. He wants me to come over early and help him set up for his big party tonight. Anyone want to drive me?
BUFFY
I'll drive you. We can drive by my new work place on the way there.
DAWN
You got a job?
BUFFY
Yeah. I'll explain on the way.
26 INT. PROVINCIA DEL SALERMO - AFTERNOON
Many couples were seated comfortably in the Italian restaurant. Waiters and Waitresses walked back and fourth, bringing people their orders and bringing other people their checks. Xander reached for the door, and stepping to the side, opened the door so Vanny could walk in. She stepped in and smiled at him kindly. Xander was wearing a suit-like outfit and Vanny was wearing an elegant dress. They walked into the restaurant and Xander stepped forward to get them a table. A Waiter smiled at them both and held two menus in his hand.
WAITER
Table for two?
XANDER
Yes, please.
WAITER
Smoking or non-smoking?
XANDER (turning to Vanny)
You don't smoke, right?
VANNY
No. Never.
XANDER
Ok. (He turns back to the Waiter). Non-smoking.
WAITER
Right this way, please.
Xander stepped back, allowing Vanny to walk in front of him. Vanny took notice of how gentlemen like he was, and followed the waiter. The waiter took them to a quaint table in the middle of the room and left their menus on the table before walking away. Xander reached out and pulled Vanny's chair out for her. She sat down and smiled at him again. He walked to his chair and sat down.
VANNY
Thank you.
XANDER
My pleasure.
VANNY
You know, I'm surprised that you can be such a gentlemen. My first impression of you was that you were a comedian.
XANDER
Being a comedian would be bad?
VANNY
No, I just like my men to have some level of seriousness to them. I'm all for fun and games, but I have to be able to have a conversation with them.
XANDER
I agree.
The waiter came back and placed two glasses of ice water on the table. He took out a pad and a pen and looked at Vanny and Xander.
WAITER
What can I get you guys to drink?
VANNY
Can I please have a coke?
WAITER
Sure. (He turns to Xander.) And you?
XANDER
I'll stick with the ice water, thanks.
WAITER
All right, I'll be back in a few minutes with your drinks.
The waiter put the pad and pen back in his pocket and walked off, leaving Vanny and Xander to talk again.
XANDER
I thought we were on a proper date tonight?
VANNY (laughing)
Who says a coke isn't proper? You're the one who is drinking water.
XANDER
You expect me to get something alcoholic?
VANNY
Nah, I don't think they serve anything alcoholic here. Maybe we can go clubbing another night and get something.
XANDER
You go clubbing a lot?
VANNY
Sometimes. Usually my friends ask me to go, but besides those few nights, I'm usually a quiet girl.
XANDER
Speaking of clubs, you hear Mike is having a party tonight?
30 INT. MIKE'S MANSION - AFTERNOON
Loud music shook the house as a hundred or more teens partied in Mike's mansion. Earlier, Mike and his close friends had hid anything of real value up in his room to keep it from being broken in the commotion. The party was going well and everyone was having fun, despite the person Mike had to kick out for bringing drugs into the party. Mike laughed and danced with his friends as the night went on.
STEPHANIE
I love it when you throw parties.
CHEZNEY
The unsupervised ones are always the best.
MIKE
Didn't you say you were bringing a friend?
CHEZNEY
Yeah, she's here somewhere.
DAWN
Who is she?
NICK
You probably just picked a random person and invited them here, didn't you?
CHEZNEY
Oh yeah, you caught me.
DARREN
Anyone know where Tina went? She seemed a little upset before.
MIKE
What do you mean?
DARREN
I don't know. She was staring off into space and then she ran out of the room.
NICK
Not another Tina drama...
DARREN
Tina drama?
DAWN
Tina is the biggest hypochondriac the world has ever known. If you get a paper cut, she'll feel it somehow.
MIKE
Couldn't have explained it better myself.
Hannah and Jessica walked up to them. Hannah was laughing and having fun as usual. Mike was happy to see Jessica alone, but his happiness was shattered when he saw Anthony slowly creep up to them. Hannah noticed the awkward silence and tried to cheer Mike up.
HANNAH
Hey, Hero!
MIKE
Hey, Sunshine. How ya doing?
HANNAH
I'm having a blast.
STEPHANIE
What? No greeting for me?
HANNAH
Hello to you, Anger.
DAWN
Why are guys calling each other different adjectives?
NICK
Stop using big words, nerd.
DAWN
That's the second time someone called me a nerd today! I am not a nerd!
DARREN
Who called you a nerd today?
DAWN
My sister. She was just kidding...I hope...
NICK
No, I'm pretty sure you're a nerd.
CHEZNEY
Harsh.
NICK
Hey, I'm just kidding.
STEPHANIE
No fighting at this party or I'll have to kick you guys out.
DARREN
Are you the bouncer?
HANNAH (gasping)
My secret agent job!
BOVEE
Is she wasted?
NICK
Probably.
STEPHANIE
She's not wasted! It's another one of our inside jokes.
BOVEE
Right.
Mike wasn't listening to his friends talk. He was to busy watching Jessica and Anthony, who had moved the corner of the room. Anthony was hovering offly close to Jessica and was turning red in anger. Mike knew he was giving her trouble, so he walked towards them and pushed Anthony away from Jessica.
JESSICA
Mike, please don't...
MIKE
I think you need to leave, Anthony.
ANTHONY
If I'm leaving, she's coming with me. She's mine.
MIKE
She's not anyone's! She's a person who can make decisions on her own!
ANTHONY
That's right. She can. She wants to come with me.
MIKE
Let her decide for herself. Although I think she'd much rather stay here with her friends than leave with her psychotic boyfriend.
JESSICA
I don't want to be with any of you right now.
Jessica pushed through Mike and Anthony and the crowd and exited Mike's mansion, slamming the door behind her. Mike looked at Anthony and the two teens glared at each other.
ANTHONY
You see what you did.
MIKE
Get out of my house. NOW!
ANTHONY
Fine.
Anthony walked past Mike and instead of leaving the house; he walked to the staircase and walked upstairs. Mike's friends walked up to him and crowded around him.
STEPHANIE
Are you ok?
MIKE
Yeah, it's just...he's...what an asshole!
HANNAH
Don't let him ruin your party, dude.
MIKE
Don't worry, I won't. Where were we before I ran off?
NICK
Hannah being drunk.
HANNAH
I'm not drunk! I'm just really happy.
MIKE (looking at the door)
At least you are...
26. INT MIKE'S SECOND FLOOR BATHROOM - AFTERNOON
Anthony walked into the bathroom and closed the door behind him. He walked to the sink and braced his hands on it. He turned and sat on the toilet and pulled a razor blade out of his wrist. He slowly dragged the blade across his wrists, causing blood to seep out onto the floor. From the corner of his eye, Anthony saw the shower curtain move slowly.
ANTHONY
What the Hell?
He walked to the shower curtain and pulled it open. Suddenly, a huge spider, the size of a dog jumped out of the shower and tackled him to the floor. The green ugly spider pinned Anthony to the floor with its strong knife like legs and bit down on Antony's throat. He screamed out in pain as the spider's legs punctured his body. The spider leaned its head down closer towards Anthony's face, snarling loudly.
ACT THREE
29 INT. VANNY'S PORCH - SUNSET
Vanny and Xander walked up her porch and stopped at the door. Vanny took the keys out of her purse and unlocked the door. She turned to Xander and smiled.
VANNY
It's been a pleasure having dinner with you tonight.
XANDER
The pleasure was all mine.
VANNY
I hope we can do it again sometime.
XANDER
You mentioned going to a club. Maybe we can go sometime.
VANNY
Sure. I'll call you the next time I'm free.
XANDER
Or maybe I'll call you.
VANNY
Goodnight, Xander.
Vanny leaned forward and kissed Xander on the lips. The kiss turned into a slow goodnight kiss into a long passionate one. She pulled away after a few moments and walked inside. Xander smiled to himself and walked off the porch.
XANDER (to himself)
Night, Vanny.
30. INT. MIKE'S MANSION - EARLY NIGHT
It's the same setting as before. Teens dance and party to loud music. Mike and his friends are seated around the couches, having one of their pointless conversations. Suddenly, the power goes off. Everyone looks around. As if on cue, all the teens slowly leave the party, only leaving Mike and his friends in the mansion. Mike stands up and looks around.
HANNAH
Ah man! Party's over!
MIKE
That's really weird. (He looks out the window.) All the power across the street is still on.
DARREN
Maybe all the wired got fried from the sound system being too high.
STEPHANIE
Something else is weird.
MIKE/DAWN
What?
STEPHANIE
Only certain things are off. Look, the VCR and the clock are still working, but everything else is off.
CHEZNEY
Yeah, that is weird.
BOVEE
Crap! This is like a scary movie!
MIKE
There's a power switch upstairs. Stephanie, Bovee, you two come with me. I'm gunna check out the power situation upstairs.
NICK
What do we do?
STEPHANIE
Stay down here and try to keep calm. I'm sure it's nothing.
Mike, Stephanie and Bovee departed from the others and climbed the stairs. The lights were off, and an eerie atmosphere was almost palpable as they entered a long hallway. Bovee moved ahead of the group and entered Mike's room. Mike shrugged and continued down the hallway, moving towards the power switch on the wall at the other end of the hallway. Suddenly, a door flew open and a figure walked into the hallway. Stephanie grabbed the figure and pushed them up against the wall. Seconds later, Bovee entered the hallway carrying a candle Mike had in his bedroom the last time he was over.
MIKE
How'd you know that was there?
BOVEE
Remember we all did that calling the corners crap for fun?
MIKE
Oh yeah...
STEPHANIE (pushing the figure against the wall)
Who are you?!
TINA
It's just me! God!
Bovee handed Mike the candle. Mike held the candle up so he could see the figures face clearly. It was Tina. He sighed and held the candle down by his waist. He let out a sigh of relief and then looked at Tina.
MIKE
What were you doing hiding in the bathroom?
TINA
I wasn't hiding in the bathroom! I was using the bathroom when the lights went out. I'm afraid of the dark so I sat in there, hoping the lights would turn back on. When I heard people in the hallway, I came out. And for the record, next time you want to paint the walls of your bathroom, don't paint them red.
MIKE
I didn't paint them red.
TINA
Yeah you did. I'll show you.
Tina led the three other teenagers into the bathroom. Mike held the candle in the air and was shocked to see the walls were a different color. He couldn't tell what color because of the darkness. He put his hand up and felt the wall. He quickly jumped back, wiping his hand on his pants.
MIKE
The walls are wet?
Slowly the spider demon appeared from behind the shower curtain, crawling off Anthony's dead body. No one saw the spider demon moving because of the darkness in the room. The little candle was no help. The spider demon crawled forward, dead set on having another meal. It jumped on Tina and stabbed one of its legs through her side. She screamed out in pain, blood going everywhere, and fell to the ground. There was nothing they could do now. The demon had punctured Tina's body through her heart and she would be dead in seconds. The demon leaned his head down and bit a chunk out of Tina's back, ignoring the three teens in the room.
BOVEE
Crap!
Mike, Stephanie and Bovee dashed out of the room as quick as their feet could carry them. Bovee closed the door as they left, closing the demon in the bathroom for a few seconds. They ran downstairs and to the front door. Mike's other friends stood up, alarmed by their friend's arrival.
NICK
What's happening?
BOVEE
There's something in the bathroom. It killed Tina! We have to get out of here!
DARREN
Oh my God!
Mike ran forward and tried to open the door. It wouldn't open. The door would budge and jiggle, but it refused to open. Stephanie stepped forward and kicked the door, but not even her Slayer strength could break in the door. They moved to the nearest window. Stephanie punched the window, but just ended up hurting her hand against something very hard.
STEPHANIE
We're trapped in here...
ACT FOUR
26 INT. SUMMERS RESIDENCE - NIGHT
Xander put his key in the door and unlocked it. He opened the door and walked inside the house he shared with Buffy, Dawn and Willow. He sighed tiredly and began to scale the stairs when Buffy and Willow walked out of the living room and in front of the stairs to meet him.
WILLOW
How'd your date go?
BUFFY
Give us juicy details.
XANDER
There aren't any juicy details. It was a first date. We went to a fancy restaurant and had dinner. Then I drove her home.
WILLOW
Any smoochies?
XANDER
Yes. A goodnight kiss...a long one...
BUFFY
That's so great. (She hugs him.) There's a message from Mike on the answering machine. You decide whether you want to go or not.
WILLOW
Did you ever talk to him about the thing we discussed?
XANDER
No, I haven't seen him all day.
WILLOW (looking at her watch)
The party should be over by now. Why don't you stop by real quick and have that talk with him?
DAWN (entering the room)
Mike's party was a bust.
BUFFY
What do you mean?
DAWN
I don't know. Something about the power being broken. Everyone flooded out of the place and went to another party.
XANDER
Electrical problem?
DAWN
Yeah.
WILLOW
There you go, Xander. You have a reason to go over there and talk to him.
Xander looks at Buffy for some kind of support. He was uncomfortable himself about having to give someone "the talk". Willow gave him a face that he'd recognize as her way of saying "sorry".
XANDER
Fine, fine, I'll go over there.
BUFFY
Good luck. By the time you get home I'll probably be asleep. I have work tomorrow.
XANDER
You like saying that, don't you?
BUFFY
I really do.
XANDER
Then I'll see you tomorrow.
BUFFY/WILLOW
Night.
XANDER
Night.
Xander turned and walked down the stairs. He opened the door and left the house. Buffy turned to Willow and Dawn and smiled.
BUFFY
I have to go to bed. I have work bright and early tomorrow.
DAWN
Are we going to have to hear about this job for the next million years?
BUFFY
Hey! I think you'd be the happiest because now that more money is coming in, you get your allowance back. However, if you continue to make fun of me you don't get jack.
DAWN
Did you hear the message on the answering machine from Mike?
BUFFY
Yeah; I was wondering if you did.
DAWN
Did Willow hear it?
WILLOW
Hear what?
BUFFY
Mike left a message on the machine inviting us all over to his mansion for breakfast tomorrow.
WILLOW
That's nice of him.
BUFFY
Oh no!
DAWN
What?
BUFFY
I have to work tomorrow! I can't go have breakfast with you! Man! I hate this job!
Buffy crossed her arms across her chest and stomped up the stairs childishly. Willow and Dawn watched her leave.
WILLOW
She hates the job already? She didn't even start yet.
DAWN
That's just winy Buffy. I'm sure she'll be excited about the job in the morning. (She pauses.) So, you going to Mike's breakfast thing tomorrow?
WILLOW
Of course I'm going. I'm going to bring a big purse too. It makes it easier to steal things.
DAWN
Good idea. Hopefully it will be a fun morning. Things have been very uneventful lately.
28 INT. MIKE'S MANSION - NIGHT
Nick crashed onto the floor, the spider demon snapping wildly at his face. He screamed, attempting to push the spider off of him. Darren grabbed a lamp from one of the tables and smashed it over the spider's head. It did no damage at all and the demon continued to bite at Nick's face. Stephanie ran to the struggle and kick the demon in stomach. The demon flew to the side a few feet and bumped into a couch. Stephanie helped Nick to his feet and they joined Darren in the corner of the room. The spider demon was closing in on them until Mike and the others returned to the living room with a fire extinguisher.
CHEZNEY
What are you going to do, cold him to death?
MIKE
No…
Mike tossed the fire extinguisher to Stephanie. She caught it and using her Slayer power, she cracked the spider demon across the face with the extinguisher. The demon was not pleased and started screaming out in frustration.
BOVEE
Crap!
HANNAH
Can you please stop saying that?
MIKE
Guys, now is not the time to fight!
Xander walked up to the door and knocked. He could hear people moving and yelling inside, although the house was completely dark. He moved to the side and looked through a window and saw the fight occurring in the house. He tried to open the door, and it worked! He walked forward, but was cast back by something very thick and hard. The invisible force holding him outside the house confused him. Xander watched the teens try to fight off the increasingly enraged spider demon. The demon shot a web out of its butt and the web covered Mike. The web hardened in seconds and turned invisible. Mike was unable to move and toppled over. Xander pulled out his cell phone and called home, hoping Willow or Dawn would pick up.
WILLOW (on other end)
Hello?
XANDER
Willow! It's me! We have a huge problem at Mike's house! There is this huge spider thing attacking the people in the house. I can't get in there. From what I've just witnessed, this spider can shoot out some weird web from its butt. The web hardens to a likeness of steal and then turns invisible. The door is blocked and I can't get in.
WILLOW
Do you know what kind of spider it is?
DAWN
It's a Tundralian Spider?
XANDER/WILLOW
What's that?
DAWN
It's a large demonic spider. It fits the description you're giving perfectly.
XANDER
Then how do I get past this web thing?
DAWN
Although the web is hard as steal, it has a weakness to fire.
XANDER
How do you know all this?
DAWN
Remember that spider Anya summoned to kill the Frat Boys? I remember seeing that spider in one of the books we looked through.
XANDER
Ok. Thanks, Dawn!
Xander walked to his car and pushed the lighter button in his car. It would take the button a few seconds get hot, but it would have to do. Xander suddenly sensed someone to his side and turned to see Ana standing next to him. She opened her hand and dropped a lighter on the driver's side of Xander's car.
XANDER
How do you-?
ANA
Just go help your friends.
Xander reached down and pulled the lighter off the car seat. When he looked back up, Ana was gone. He didn't have time to think about it now. He ran to the door and lit the lighter. It slowly began burning a hole through the solid web. After a few seconds, a large hole had been formed and Xander climbed through the remnants of the invisible barrier.
MIKE
Xander! Help!
The spider jumped in the air and crawled on the ceiling. It fell down and landed on Stephanie, tackling her to the floor. The demon bit at her face, distracted from everything else except the need to feed. Xander lit the lighter again and approached the struggle on the ground.
XANDER
Lets light this baby up.
Xander put the lighter at the beginning of the spider demon's butt. It caught a small piece of the web on fire and the demon screamed out in pain as the fire followed the web inside its body. Its organs liquefied and its skin burned away until it was only bone.
XANDER
Ok, everyone, the party's over. Mike will talk to you tomorrow. Oh, and I'd be happy if you didn't tell your parents what happened here tonight.
CHEZNEY/NICK/DARREN/HANNAH/BOVEE
Uh huh.
The teens walked out of the house, only leaving Xander, Mike and Stephanie in the house. Stephanie stood up and brushed remnants of the spider demon off her clothes.
STEPHANIE
Ew. I need to go upstairs and change.
Stephanie made a grossed face and walked out of the room. Her footsteps could be heard, notifying Xander that he was alone with Mike. He lit the lighter and slowly began to burn away the invisible web holding Mike.
XANDER
I know this is going to be uncomfortable for you, but Buffy and Willow requested I have this conversation with you.
MIKE
Ok, what do you want to talk about?
XANDER
I just want to start off and say that we all view you as part of our family and the only reason we want to be involved in your life is because we care about you.
MIKE
This doesn't sound to good.
The last bits of the spider web burnt away and Mike was free to move again. Xander stood up, extending his hand towards Mike. Mike took his hand and they both sat on the couch.
XANDER
It came to our attention that you had sex with Caridad while in the other reality. Was she your first…um…experience?
MIKE
No. I'm a male whore. I sell my body on the streets for 70 dollars every Friday and Saturday night. (He laughs.) Yes, Xander, she was the first person I've slept with.
XANDER
Do you have any questions about how you feel or what happened?
MIKE
Xander, I'm 17-years-old, I'm not stupid. I've had all the required years of sexual education and I know all I need too.
XANDER
You know the facts, obviously, but did they ever explain to you the emotions you might be feeling?
MIKE
Who put you up to this? Was it Dawn? (He groans.) I don't know what I'm feeling. Things happened way to quickly in that universe, and Alex killed her before I had a chance to take everything into consideration. I did have an attraction to her, not just a sexual one. Although the only reason she slept with me was because of the pre-battle stress. Maybe it was like you and Faith and her after-battle stress.
XANDER (coughing)
Who told you about that?
MIKE
Dawn did. (He put his hand on Xander's shoulder.) Xander, would you like to tell me how you feel about sleeping with Faith?
XANDER
Don't turn this around on me. I just wanted to make sure you were ok with everything.
MIKE
Xander, I'm fine. Thank you for caring enough to come over here and talk to me.
Buffy walked through the door and looked around the inside of the mansion. She spotted Xander and Mike in the living room and walked over to them.
MIKE
Buffy, what are you doing here?
BUFFY
Xander called Willow and said you guys were being attacked by a spider demon. Willow woke me up and told me to get my butt down here. Is everyone ok?
Xander looked at Mike's facial expression. He knew Mike was about to give some bad news.
MIKE
No. The spider demon killed two people. Their bodies are upstairs. (He sighs.) What am I going to do?
BUFFY
Nothing. Don't worry. Xander and I will take care of the bodies. We've handled situations like this before.
MIKE
What are you going to do?
BUFFY
We have to call the police. We can't lie about something like this because it could come back to bite us in the ass. You've been through a lot tonight. You go upstairs and go to bed and Xander and I will take care of the police.
MIKE
Thanks.
XANDER
And we'll see you bright and early tomorrow morning. Well, actually, Willow, Dawn and I will see you tomorrow.
BUFFY
I can't come. I really want too, but my first day of work is tomorrow and I can't be late. I'm sorry.
MIKE
It's ok. Don't worry about, Buffy. I'll see you tomorrow.
Mike rose from the couch and began to walk out of the living room, dragging his feet as he walked. Buffy and Xander watched him leave, but were stunned when they saw Mike back into the room. A large muscular demonic figure appeared in front of Mike. He looked to be in his mid-thirties. His hair was jet black and his eyes were like Willow's when the magicks took over. He was very built and was wearing some sort of ceremonial shroud. The demon looked at the left over remains of his demonic pet on the floor.
DEMON
Ms. Summers, you are becoming a sharp pain in my side.
ACT FIVE
BUFFY
Who are you?
DEMON
I'm Daemon.
BUFFY
What do you want?
DAEMON
I just want to keep my title as this town's urban legend. For centuries I've haunted this area and I've done a superb job at it. Recently, you've moved to this town and did something I wasn't too happy with. You killed the demon I was going to eat.
XANDER
Eat?
DAEMON
I was going to eat the demon and gain his power. Do you remember the demon that gained the infinite knowledge? He was supposed to report to me after gaining the knowledge, but he never showed. I watched the whole scene through the eyes of the Greek statue in his lair. (He started walking around the room as he walked.) So, I needed to get rid of you. I have a spy watching your every move and she is very loyal to me. She saw the attempt your witch made to enchant your glass eye, Xander. She reported the information back to me and I intervened, sending you all to the Wishverse. I hoped you'd all be killed there because the spell I used to intervene had a side affect. If you died there, you died here. However, not only did you guys survive that drama, but you even saved a different reality from total destruction. Now, tonight, you killed my favorite pet before I had a chance to eat him and gain its special ability.
MIKE
That was Xander actually.
DAEMON
It doesn't matter. I see these demon slayings as an act of war against me.
BUFFY
You know what? I'm done talking.
Buffy ran and jumped in the air. She brought her feet up and forward and plowed them into the demon's face. DAEMON was unharmed and watched Buffy fall to the ground.
DAEMON
We're not going to fight, yet. You'll know when I'm ready. Until then, stay out of my way!
Daemon glared at everyone in the room and then smiled evilly. He turned on his heels and watched out of the room, not worried. He knew that Buffy and her friends couldn't hurt him; not now, he was too powerful. Buffy stood up and looked at Mike and Xander, wondering what the Hell just happened.
26 INT. MIKE'S MANSION - MORNING
Stephanie sat in bed, listening to her headphones. It was a rough night last night. Hopefully breakfast would be a more enjoyable morning and could end up as one of her better memories. Her disk-man changed tracks. She was listening to Sheryl Crow's 'I Shall Believe'. The music starts playing softly in the background.
26 INT. BUFFY'S DESK - MORNING
Buffy sat at her desk in the Hadenfield Social Offices. She was typing a business letter her boss asked her to send out to a business concerning a child's adoption. She sensed someone enter her area and looked up to see Jessica with tears in her eyes.
BUFFY
Jessica-
JESSICA
--I need help. Anthony used to beat me and he's really screwed with my mind. I was wondering if you could give me the name of a responsible psychologist.
BUFFY
Sure. I just need some information so I could file a report.
Lyrics: Come to me now, and lay your hands over me. Even if it's a lie, say it will be alright. And I shall believe.
26 INT. VANNY'S HOUSE - MORNING
Vanny walked into the kitchen and noticed the light blinking on her answering machine. She pushed the button on the machine and it was a message from Xander.
XANDER (on machine)
Hey, it's me, Xander. I just wanted to tell you I had a wonderful time last night and I can't wait until I see you again. I'm going to hold you to that clubbing date. See you soon.
Lyrics: Open the door and show me your face tonight. I know it's true; no one heals me like you. And you hold the key.
29 EXT. DAEMON'S LAIR - MORNING
Daemon turned and looked at Ana angrily. He was outraged over her betrayal.
DAEMON
How dare you help my enemies!
ANA
Xander, Mike and a house of teenagers aren't your enemies! The Slayer is! I can't believe you had someone follow me around, just as you have me following Buffy and her friends around!
DAEMON
Obviously there is a need for me to have you watched! You are my daughter, Ana, and for now on you will do what I say!
Lyrics: Never again. Would I turn away from you? I'm so heavy tonight, but your love is alright. And I do believe.
26 INT. MIKE'S MANSION - MORNING
Mike walked down the stairs and greeted his visitors with a warm smile. Willow, Dawn, Xander, Vi and Stephanie were making breakfast in the kitchen. Mike sighed and stood in the center of the room. He wanted to get something off his chest. He cleared his throat and everyone looked up at him.
MIKE
I have something to say. (He pauses.) A family is an important thing in every person's life. Everyone wants to me supported, loved, respected. As you know, my parents don't live in the mansion with me; they only pay the bills for me. They are in Italy. They didn't want to be held down by having a child. Stephanie and I have told you that I haven't seen my parents in a few years. In reality I haven't seen them my whole life. Different house sitters and the maids have raised me here. That's the only thing missing from my life - a family. I have everything I want, but a family. I notice now that you guys are my family. (He looks at Xander.) You are people in my life who care about what happens to me and how I feel. You respect me, and you trust me, and you…care. Family doesn't to be a blood bond. You guys are my family.
The sound of a mailbox being moved could be heard from the kitchen. The main was here. Mike walked out of the room to go get the mail; he needed a second to breathe. Willow and Xander looked at each other. They were both moved by Mike's small speech. Mike walked back into the room. He was pale and he was shaking violently. He held a letter in his hand. He sat in a chair and stared into space. Something was wrong.
XANDER
Mike, are you ok?
Mike didn't answer. Willow walked over to him and took the letter from his hands. She read the letter and then pulled a plane ticket out of the envelope.
XANDER
What is it?
WILLOW
It's a plane ticket to Italy. His parents want him to come live with them. The plane leaves tomorrow night.
Lyrics: That not everything is gunna be the way you think it ought to be. It seems like every time I try to make it right, it all comes down on me. Please say honestly you won't give up on me. And I shall believe. And I shall believe.
FADE TO BLACK
END OF EPISODE
(previous episodes can be found at http://buffytheslayerseason8.alturl.com)
29 EXT. HADENFIELD GRAVEYARD - NIGHT
The graveyard is quiet, motionless, as the wind blows and slightly rustles the three branches. A fresh grave lies in between to tombs as a small woodland creature pokes at the fresh dirt for any signs of bugs for it to eat. A cold draft fills the air and an owl hoots, scaring away the small animal. The sky is clear except for the occasional cloud. It would be a perfect place for a romantic night if it weren't a graveyard. Buffy and Willow slowly walk past the rows of graves. Buffy is wearing jeans and a leather coat, and Willow is wearing a sweater and her pajama pants. Buffy holds a stake in her hand, fiddling with it childishly.
BUFFY
It's been a long time since we've done this, huh?
WILLOW
Yeah. The last year or so was just...extreme. There wasn't any time for us to bond except for the occasional five minutes when the potentials were changing outside. I've been busy, first with my magic problem and than with Kennedy. It's my fault! It's--
BUFFY
--It's ok, Will, really. I'm just sayinng it's nice to have some girl time. Maybe we can go to the mall, go to my house, or talk about boys.
WILLOW
Boys and girls.
BUFFY
Right, boys and girls. We can still gossip now. How's Kennedy doing?
WILLOW
Since when is my love life gossip?
BUFFY
Since I told our new friends about Kennedy and they've been dying to meet her.
WILLOW
Well, I haven't talked to her in about a week. She's busy helping Giles train the new girls in England.
BUFFY
You're not mad that she almost never is around and all you guys do is talk on the phone? Not that that's a bad thing! I'm just saying you deserve a working relationship.
WILLOW
The relationship is working and I'm not mad at her for leaving. It's a good cause where she can help people just like her.
BUFFY
So how long has it been since you got down and dirty?
WILLOW
Buffy! (She laughs.) It's been...a month I think.
BUFFY
Ah. Well--
A hand shoots out of the fresh grave as a vampire wakes up from his supposed eternal slumber. Buffy raises her stake in the air, intended on making this a quick battle. A head slowly emerges from the earth as a male vampire claws his way out of his grave. He takes him a moment, but a suited vampire finally stands to his feet. He brushes the dirt off his suit and than looks at Buffy and Willow, somewhat confused.
VAMPIRE
What's going on?
Buffy rolled her eyes. She plunged her stake into the vampire's chest, penetrating his heart. He gripped his chest as he exploded to dust. Another cold breeze swept through the graveyard, blowing the dust ashes away.
BUFFY
Where were we?
WILLOW
Kennedy...Me...Sex...
BUFFY
Ah! Yes.
WILLOW
While on the subject of sex, Dawnie told me that Mike had sex with Caridad while in the Wishverse.
BUFFY
The one who bunked at our house while the big war was going on?
WILLOW
Yup.
BUFFY
Small world. Wait, since when do guys go around telling my sister whom they're sleeping around with?
WILLOW
Buffy, don't get all protected. It's totally innocent. I mean, Dawn is capable of being and adult about certain topics and Mike is one of her best friends. He's probably going to tell her everything.
BUFFY
Everything?!
WILLOW
Not that everything! I meant things that go on in his life.
BUFFY
Oh. So what are you thinking?
WILLOW
I thought that maybe Xander should talk to him.
BUFFY
Xander? What for?
WILLOW
Mike is a teenager and teenagers make mistakes and rebellious. We know that he hasn't seen is parents in almost two years. He needs a male influence in his life. Maybe he has questions. It's easier for people to open up to members of their sex.
BUFFY
Don't you think you're looking into this way too much?
WILLOW
Maybe. If he does have questions he can either learn them on the streets or have Dawn experiment for him.
BUFFY
Right! Xander! Tomorrow! Yes, yes! How were you able to turn the conversation around on me so easily?
WILLOW
I've known you for eight years. I think I know how you work now.
BUFFY
It's taken you eight years?
WILLOW
You're a complex girl, but not in a bad way. (She pauses.) When was the last time you had sex anyway?
END OF TEASER
CREDITS ROLL
ACT ONE
32 EXT. OUTSIDE HADENFIELD HIGH SCHOOL - MORNING
The large campus of the high school was clean and ready for the students who started to arrive. The benches were dried; the morning dew always got them wet. The lawn was mowed and gardened. There was no paper or garbage lying around on the floor. The school was very well kept. Students arrived in buses, cars, bikes, and on foot. Some students were happily and willing to start the day, while other students dragged their feet as they walked into the school. The local groups of students met in their specific place. The athletic people in the parking lot, the academic achievers in the library, the gothic crowd in the gym, etc. Mike pulled up to the school in his black mustang gt and walked onto the school campus. He was wearing a black hoody and black cargo pants. He was dressed comfortably because he wanted his mood to stay positive. He walked to the normal meeting place, where they'd meet before school, and smiled when he saw his friends. Hannah, Nick, Jessica, Stephanie, Chezney, Bovee, Tina, and Darren were talking and laughing as usual. Stephanie was wearing pajama pants, dressing comfortably as well.
MIKE
I'm dressing like this because I have to host the part tonight. Why are you dressed like that?
STEPHANIE
I don't see a law that says I can't dress in pajama pants whenever I want.
MIKE
I guess so. (He turns to his friends.) You guys are coming to the party tonight at my place, right?
NICK
Definitely.
CHEZNEY
Wouldn't miss it for the world, Mike. Hey, do you mind if I bring a friend?
MIKE
No, that's fine. Bring whomever you like as long as they don't feel the need to break anything.
HANNAH
Hey, Hero, where's Dawn? She should be here by now?
DARREN
Dawn will be here. She's probably just running late.
MIKE
Hannah, why are you calling me a hero?
HANNAH
You won that medal two weeks ago. You broke the record of everyone in this town who was on the track team in the past 20 years. All the jocks are calling you a hero.
MIKE
Don't I need super powers to be considered a hero?
TINA
I'd prefer if you didn't have supernatural powers. That stuff is for psychos and I don't agree with it.
CHEZNEY
You do that.
BOVEE
Will there be strippers at the party tonight?
MIKE
I don't think I can get strippers to come to a high school party.
BOVEE
Than can I bring porn?
MIKE
Uh. (He rolls his eyes.) Sure, Bovee.
BOVEE
Sweet!
JESSICA
Can I bring Anthony to the party tonight?
NICK/STEPHANIE
Uh oh.
MIKE (annoyed)
I don't want that loser in my house.
JESSICA
Then I'm not coming.
CHEZNEY
I don't want him coming to the party either.
STEPHANIE
Is there anyone here that does?
DARREN
What's wrong with her boyfriend?
STEPHANIE
Oh, that's right. You're new here so you don't know all of our history. Jessica is dating some guy named Anthony. He's a psycho and he cuts his wrists to get attention all the time. He's really mentally abusive and he and Mike don't get along at all.
JESSICA
Can you guys please stop talking about him that way?
MIKE
Fine, Jessica, you can bring Anthony if you like. However, if or when I feel the need to, I'm kicking him out of my house.
JESSICA
I'll keep him under control.
TINA
Like that's possible...
The bell rang, signaling the hundreds of students that it was time to start their school day. Students flooded the walks and the hallways and Mike and his friends were slowly separated.
MIKE
I'LL SEE YOU GUYS TONIGHT!!!
26 INT. HADENFIELD SOCIAL OFFICES - MORNING
Workers sat in desks in offices as the morning crowd entered the building and started the day. The employees were dressed in proper clothes and were working to achieve the goals they set for that day. Buffy entered the building, and spotting a large desk, she walked up to the secretary.
SECRETARY
Hello. How may I help you?
BUFFY
Hi. I'm Buffy Summers. I have an interview for a job this morning.
SECRETARY
Ah yes. Ms. Summers, nice to meet you. Mrs. Riley is waiting for you in the office to your left.
BUFFY
Thank you.
The secretary handed her a clipboard and a few papers and pointed her in the direction towards Mrs. Riley's office. Buffy walked into the office and smiled nervously.
BUFFY
Mrs. Riley?
MRS. RILEY
Yes? Who might you be?
BUFFY
I'm Buffy Summers. I have a job interview with you.
MRS. RILEY
Yes, yes. Please sit down.
BUFFY
Ok. (She sits.) I think these are for you.
Buffy handed Mrs. Summers the clipboard and the papers and settled back in her seat.
MRS. RILEY
Ok, let's begin. How old are you?
BUFFY
I'm 23-years-old.
MRS. RILEY
Do you live in Hadenfield?
BUFFY
Yes. I live on the other side of town.
MRS. RILEY
Did you graduate from a High School?
BUFFY
Yes.
MRS. RILEY
Where?
BUFFY
Sunnydale, California.
MRS. RILEY
Crater-town?
BUFFY
What?
MRS. RILEY
Sunnydale is that place that turned into a big crater, right?
BUFFY
Yes.
MRS. RILEY
Have you ever had any working experience?
BUFFY
I worked in the Double Meat palace for almost a year and--
MRS. RILEY
--Maybe I should be more exact. Have yoou ever had any working experience in this field?
BUFFY
Oh! Yes. I was a school counselor for a year at Sunnydale High School, before it got sucked into the ground. I have my papers and a recommendation from the principal, Robin Wood, if you want to take a look.
MRS. RILEY
No thank you. I've heard that Robin Wood is a strict principal; you must have done a good job if he recommended you. (She pauses.) On second thought, let me see his recommendation and your working papers.
BUFFY
Sure. (She pulls them out of her purse and hands them to Mrs. Riley.) There you go.
MRS. RILEY
Thanks. (She looks over the papers.) Wow. It says here that the students really took to you. How many students didn't you counsel on a daily basis?
BUFFY
Would that include class scheduling, office detention, etc?
MRS. RILEY
Yes.
BUFFY
On an average I'd see about 20 kids a day.
MRS. RILEY
Impressive.
BUFFY
Does that mean I have the job?
MRS. RILEY
Not yet. We haven't talked about your college education yet.
BUFFY (nervous)
Oh.
MRS. RILEY
Did you attend college? Did you receive a Masters degree? Anything?
BUFFY
I went to UC Sunnydale for 2 years. When my mother died, I had to drop out and get a job in order to raise my kid sister, Dawn.
MRS. RILEY (serious)
Well, Ms. Summers, you come into my office with barely any credential to make someone consider you for the job. You didn't finish college with any degrees. You worked at a school known for bizarre happenings, which happened to disappear. Now you tell me that you have to raise another person while trying to balance all this. I can foresee you leaving work or being tardy. (She suddenly smiles.) But, I think you're a great person and that you can make a big difference in Hadenfield. I'm going to make you a part time social work. You'll make about 1,500 dollars a month. You need to work 45 hours a week. You get a desk of your own in the lobby. How does that sound?
BUFFY
That sounds great! Thank you!
MRS. RILEY
No, Ms. Summers, thank you. I'll see you tomorrow. I expect to see you here bright an early at 8:30.
BUFFY
I'll be here! Thank you again!
Buffy collected her papers from Ms. Riley and walked out of the room casually and like an adult. However, when she exited the building she ran to her car and jumped up and down. She picked up her cell phone and called her friends. She wanted to tell them the good news. She got in her car and sped off towards home.
29 EXT. "HIS" LAIR - MORNING
He walked around, stomping his feet in distress as he walked. He picked a two-ton relic off the floor and hauled it across the room. He was angry at the loss he had suffered. As he walked, his black trench coat flapped behind him. He ran his fingers along the area where his pet had last been spotted. Hours ago his spider demon, his most prized pet, had gone missing. He was afraid that Buffy Summers would find it and kill it. He would not let that happen...not before he could eat it...
ACT TWO
26 INT. BUFFY'S BATHROOM - NOON
Xander Harris turned off the hot water and stepped out of the shower. He wrapped a towel around his waist and walked to the sink. He brushed the steam away from the window above the sink and looked at his reflection. He had grown accustomed to see his glass eye now, so that didn't bother him. A knock came at the door, and he turned to the door as he spoke.
XANDER
Who is it?
WILLOW (from the other side)
It's me. Can I come in for a second?
XANDER
What do you need?
WILLOW
I just need my hairbrush.
XANDER
Don't have you have one in your room?
WILLOW
Yeah, but I just want to see you naked.
Xander grabbed Willow's brush from her cabinet and opened the door. He smiled to her, put the brush in her hand and closed the door.
WILLOW (from the other side)
Are you in hurry or something?
XANDER
Yes.
WILLOW
Why?
XANDER
I have a date with Vanny. I want to look my best. It's been a while since I've been out on a date.
WILLOW
Yeah, in the last few years you've dated a giant praying mantis.
XANDER
I tried to date Buffy.
WILLOW
Cordelia was a demon when it came to shopping.
XANDER
Drusilla always had a thing for me.
WILLOW
Kendra was to shy. If she lightened up, I knew she would have liked you.
XANDER
Then there was Faith. I can't say anything about her now. She's done way too much good in the world since then.
WILLOW
Then you dated Anya and left her at the alter.
XANDER
Then that weird demon girl tied me up over the seal.
WILLOW
You don't even remember her name?
XANDER
Nope. (He pauses.) Continuing on...There was...Caridad.
WILLOW
Ew. When did you sleep with her?
XANDER
I didn't sleep with her per-say as much as I--
WILLOW
--Never mind, I don't want to know. Jusst keep in mind that you can't talk about her in front of Mike, ok?
XANDER
Why not?
WILLOW
She's the girl that Mike slept with in the Wishverse. Alex killed her in a battle while they were there.
XANDER
Wow. I can't believe I forgot. (He starts to brush his teeth. A few minutes later he washes his mouth out with mouth wash and turns to the door again.) What time is it, Will.
WILLOW
It's 12:04. Why?
XANDER
My date with Vanny is at 12:30. I better hurry.
WILLOW
Anything I can do?
XANDER
Yeah, you think you can conjure me something nice to wear? I don't Vanny would appreciate me showing up in jeans and a shirt.
WILLOW
I'm on it.
XANDER
Thanks.
Xander looked at his and Anya's old wedding ring, which was lying on the sink. He made a distressed face, before he picked the ring up off the sink. He began to put the ring on his finger, but stopped himself. Anya wasn't coming back. It was nice to have a remembrance of her, but there were other ways he could do remember her; ones that didn't include awkward conversations about the ring during lunch. Xander put the ring in his bathroom cabinet and then left the bathroom. He had to hurry or he'd be late to his date with Vanny.
30 EXT. BUFFY'S DRIVE WAY - AFTERNOON
Buffy stopped her car in the driveway and stepped out. She grabbed her purse from the passengers seat and closed the door. She walked up the driveway, bobbing happily, when Xander exited the house. Xander was in such a hurry and collided into Buffy.
BUFFY
Where are you off to in such a hurry?
XANDER
I have a date with Vanny.
BUFFY
Go Xander. I have some good news too! I don't want to hold you up, so we can both share our news when you get home.
XANDER
How do you know I have good news?
BUFFY
Well, you will have good news. When you get home and tell me how your date went, I'm either going to be happy or I'm going to know Vanny is a demon and have to kill her; both situations would make me happy.
XANDER
Gotcha. I must get going, Buff.
Xander smiled and walked past her. He walked around her car and hopped in his car, which was parked next to hers. He turned on the car and slowly pulled out of the driveway. Buffy watched Xander drive off before walking into her house.
26 INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE
Buffy dropped her purse and car keys down on a small dresser in the corner of the parlor room. She took off her coat and hung it on the coat hanger. She walked to the other side of the room and slowly climbed the stairs to the second floor. She walked the hallway and entered her bedroom. She sighed happily and sat on the bed. Mr. Gordo was sitting on her pillow. She hugged him close to her body and lied back on her bed. She felt like a normal girl her age. It was the first time in a while since a demon hadn't crashed through her door and the world almost came close to ending. Someone knocked on the door, and Buffy looked up to see Willow standing in her doorway.
WILLOW
Hey, Buff. How did the interview go?
BUFFY
I'm not going to tell you until Xander gets home from his date.
WILLOW
That's not fair! (She walked to Buffy's bed and sat next to her.) Please tell me! You can't keep things from your best friend!
BUFFY
Well, if you must know, I got the job.
WILLOW
Really? That's so great. (She hugs Buffy.) I'm so happy for you. We're a two-income house now! Xander is back to his construction-working job, and you just got a job as a social worker. Now I need to find a job.
BUFFY
Do you have any idea what you want to do?
WILLOW
I don't think I'm good at anything except flaying people...
BUFFY
Come on, Will, you're good at a lot of things. Why not work at a library? You're really smart and you love books.
WILLOW
I don't know. All of my nightmares seem to revolve around The Library at school in Sunnydale.
BUFFY
Good point. Um. Why not open a magic store of your own?
WILLOW
This town doesn't strike me as an accepting town. I'd expect them to burn the place down and drown me in a river. It was ok to have a magic store in Sunnydale because people actually did magic and needed it to protect themselves. I don't think that's the case here.
BUFFY
I think you enjoy shooting down my ideas.
WILLOW
It's a small hobby.
BUFFY
What about a job with computers? Lord knows that you are a wiz when it comes to computers. You broke into a military website and a private school website. Plus you type 120 words a minute, so you can be a really fast secretary.
WILLOW
I'm not into computers too much anymore. I think I've grown out of my nerdy tendencies.
BUFFY
Who says working with computers is nerdy?
Dawn walked past Buffy's room. She stopped upon hearing Willow's statement and walked back to her door. She stuck her head in.
DAWN
I'm not a nerd.
WILLOW
I never said you were. I'm just saying that I was really into computers when I was a nerd.
DAWN
I'm into computers now. I don't spend hours and hours online like most people, but it's still my favorite machine.
BUFFY
I thought your phone was your favorite machine.
DAWN
Cool thing about computers - some have this cool dial up thing where you can talk to people through the speakers on the computer.
BUFFY
Yeah; definitely a nerd.
DAWN (jokingly)
Shut up! (She pauses.) Anyway, I have to get to Mike's house. He wants me to come over early and help him set up for his big party tonight. Anyone want to drive me?
BUFFY
I'll drive you. We can drive by my new work place on the way there.
DAWN
You got a job?
BUFFY
Yeah. I'll explain on the way.
26 INT. PROVINCIA DEL SALERMO - AFTERNOON
Many couples were seated comfortably in the Italian restaurant. Waiters and Waitresses walked back and fourth, bringing people their orders and bringing other people their checks. Xander reached for the door, and stepping to the side, opened the door so Vanny could walk in. She stepped in and smiled at him kindly. Xander was wearing a suit-like outfit and Vanny was wearing an elegant dress. They walked into the restaurant and Xander stepped forward to get them a table. A Waiter smiled at them both and held two menus in his hand.
WAITER
Table for two?
XANDER
Yes, please.
WAITER
Smoking or non-smoking?
XANDER (turning to Vanny)
You don't smoke, right?
VANNY
No. Never.
XANDER
Ok. (He turns back to the Waiter). Non-smoking.
WAITER
Right this way, please.
Xander stepped back, allowing Vanny to walk in front of him. Vanny took notice of how gentlemen like he was, and followed the waiter. The waiter took them to a quaint table in the middle of the room and left their menus on the table before walking away. Xander reached out and pulled Vanny's chair out for her. She sat down and smiled at him again. He walked to his chair and sat down.
VANNY
Thank you.
XANDER
My pleasure.
VANNY
You know, I'm surprised that you can be such a gentlemen. My first impression of you was that you were a comedian.
XANDER
Being a comedian would be bad?
VANNY
No, I just like my men to have some level of seriousness to them. I'm all for fun and games, but I have to be able to have a conversation with them.
XANDER
I agree.
The waiter came back and placed two glasses of ice water on the table. He took out a pad and a pen and looked at Vanny and Xander.
WAITER
What can I get you guys to drink?
VANNY
Can I please have a coke?
WAITER
Sure. (He turns to Xander.) And you?
XANDER
I'll stick with the ice water, thanks.
WAITER
All right, I'll be back in a few minutes with your drinks.
The waiter put the pad and pen back in his pocket and walked off, leaving Vanny and Xander to talk again.
XANDER
I thought we were on a proper date tonight?
VANNY (laughing)
Who says a coke isn't proper? You're the one who is drinking water.
XANDER
You expect me to get something alcoholic?
VANNY
Nah, I don't think they serve anything alcoholic here. Maybe we can go clubbing another night and get something.
XANDER
You go clubbing a lot?
VANNY
Sometimes. Usually my friends ask me to go, but besides those few nights, I'm usually a quiet girl.
XANDER
Speaking of clubs, you hear Mike is having a party tonight?
30 INT. MIKE'S MANSION - AFTERNOON
Loud music shook the house as a hundred or more teens partied in Mike's mansion. Earlier, Mike and his close friends had hid anything of real value up in his room to keep it from being broken in the commotion. The party was going well and everyone was having fun, despite the person Mike had to kick out for bringing drugs into the party. Mike laughed and danced with his friends as the night went on.
STEPHANIE
I love it when you throw parties.
CHEZNEY
The unsupervised ones are always the best.
MIKE
Didn't you say you were bringing a friend?
CHEZNEY
Yeah, she's here somewhere.
DAWN
Who is she?
NICK
You probably just picked a random person and invited them here, didn't you?
CHEZNEY
Oh yeah, you caught me.
DARREN
Anyone know where Tina went? She seemed a little upset before.
MIKE
What do you mean?
DARREN
I don't know. She was staring off into space and then she ran out of the room.
NICK
Not another Tina drama...
DARREN
Tina drama?
DAWN
Tina is the biggest hypochondriac the world has ever known. If you get a paper cut, she'll feel it somehow.
MIKE
Couldn't have explained it better myself.
Hannah and Jessica walked up to them. Hannah was laughing and having fun as usual. Mike was happy to see Jessica alone, but his happiness was shattered when he saw Anthony slowly creep up to them. Hannah noticed the awkward silence and tried to cheer Mike up.
HANNAH
Hey, Hero!
MIKE
Hey, Sunshine. How ya doing?
HANNAH
I'm having a blast.
STEPHANIE
What? No greeting for me?
HANNAH
Hello to you, Anger.
DAWN
Why are guys calling each other different adjectives?
NICK
Stop using big words, nerd.
DAWN
That's the second time someone called me a nerd today! I am not a nerd!
DARREN
Who called you a nerd today?
DAWN
My sister. She was just kidding...I hope...
NICK
No, I'm pretty sure you're a nerd.
CHEZNEY
Harsh.
NICK
Hey, I'm just kidding.
STEPHANIE
No fighting at this party or I'll have to kick you guys out.
DARREN
Are you the bouncer?
HANNAH (gasping)
My secret agent job!
BOVEE
Is she wasted?
NICK
Probably.
STEPHANIE
She's not wasted! It's another one of our inside jokes.
BOVEE
Right.
Mike wasn't listening to his friends talk. He was to busy watching Jessica and Anthony, who had moved the corner of the room. Anthony was hovering offly close to Jessica and was turning red in anger. Mike knew he was giving her trouble, so he walked towards them and pushed Anthony away from Jessica.
JESSICA
Mike, please don't...
MIKE
I think you need to leave, Anthony.
ANTHONY
If I'm leaving, she's coming with me. She's mine.
MIKE
She's not anyone's! She's a person who can make decisions on her own!
ANTHONY
That's right. She can. She wants to come with me.
MIKE
Let her decide for herself. Although I think she'd much rather stay here with her friends than leave with her psychotic boyfriend.
JESSICA
I don't want to be with any of you right now.
Jessica pushed through Mike and Anthony and the crowd and exited Mike's mansion, slamming the door behind her. Mike looked at Anthony and the two teens glared at each other.
ANTHONY
You see what you did.
MIKE
Get out of my house. NOW!
ANTHONY
Fine.
Anthony walked past Mike and instead of leaving the house; he walked to the staircase and walked upstairs. Mike's friends walked up to him and crowded around him.
STEPHANIE
Are you ok?
MIKE
Yeah, it's just...he's...what an asshole!
HANNAH
Don't let him ruin your party, dude.
MIKE
Don't worry, I won't. Where were we before I ran off?
NICK
Hannah being drunk.
HANNAH
I'm not drunk! I'm just really happy.
MIKE (looking at the door)
At least you are...
26. INT MIKE'S SECOND FLOOR BATHROOM - AFTERNOON
Anthony walked into the bathroom and closed the door behind him. He walked to the sink and braced his hands on it. He turned and sat on the toilet and pulled a razor blade out of his wrist. He slowly dragged the blade across his wrists, causing blood to seep out onto the floor. From the corner of his eye, Anthony saw the shower curtain move slowly.
ANTHONY
What the Hell?
He walked to the shower curtain and pulled it open. Suddenly, a huge spider, the size of a dog jumped out of the shower and tackled him to the floor. The green ugly spider pinned Anthony to the floor with its strong knife like legs and bit down on Antony's throat. He screamed out in pain as the spider's legs punctured his body. The spider leaned its head down closer towards Anthony's face, snarling loudly.
ACT THREE
29 INT. VANNY'S PORCH - SUNSET
Vanny and Xander walked up her porch and stopped at the door. Vanny took the keys out of her purse and unlocked the door. She turned to Xander and smiled.
VANNY
It's been a pleasure having dinner with you tonight.
XANDER
The pleasure was all mine.
VANNY
I hope we can do it again sometime.
XANDER
You mentioned going to a club. Maybe we can go sometime.
VANNY
Sure. I'll call you the next time I'm free.
XANDER
Or maybe I'll call you.
VANNY
Goodnight, Xander.
Vanny leaned forward and kissed Xander on the lips. The kiss turned into a slow goodnight kiss into a long passionate one. She pulled away after a few moments and walked inside. Xander smiled to himself and walked off the porch.
XANDER (to himself)
Night, Vanny.
30. INT. MIKE'S MANSION - EARLY NIGHT
It's the same setting as before. Teens dance and party to loud music. Mike and his friends are seated around the couches, having one of their pointless conversations. Suddenly, the power goes off. Everyone looks around. As if on cue, all the teens slowly leave the party, only leaving Mike and his friends in the mansion. Mike stands up and looks around.
HANNAH
Ah man! Party's over!
MIKE
That's really weird. (He looks out the window.) All the power across the street is still on.
DARREN
Maybe all the wired got fried from the sound system being too high.
STEPHANIE
Something else is weird.
MIKE/DAWN
What?
STEPHANIE
Only certain things are off. Look, the VCR and the clock are still working, but everything else is off.
CHEZNEY
Yeah, that is weird.
BOVEE
Crap! This is like a scary movie!
MIKE
There's a power switch upstairs. Stephanie, Bovee, you two come with me. I'm gunna check out the power situation upstairs.
NICK
What do we do?
STEPHANIE
Stay down here and try to keep calm. I'm sure it's nothing.
Mike, Stephanie and Bovee departed from the others and climbed the stairs. The lights were off, and an eerie atmosphere was almost palpable as they entered a long hallway. Bovee moved ahead of the group and entered Mike's room. Mike shrugged and continued down the hallway, moving towards the power switch on the wall at the other end of the hallway. Suddenly, a door flew open and a figure walked into the hallway. Stephanie grabbed the figure and pushed them up against the wall. Seconds later, Bovee entered the hallway carrying a candle Mike had in his bedroom the last time he was over.
MIKE
How'd you know that was there?
BOVEE
Remember we all did that calling the corners crap for fun?
MIKE
Oh yeah...
STEPHANIE (pushing the figure against the wall)
Who are you?!
TINA
It's just me! God!
Bovee handed Mike the candle. Mike held the candle up so he could see the figures face clearly. It was Tina. He sighed and held the candle down by his waist. He let out a sigh of relief and then looked at Tina.
MIKE
What were you doing hiding in the bathroom?
TINA
I wasn't hiding in the bathroom! I was using the bathroom when the lights went out. I'm afraid of the dark so I sat in there, hoping the lights would turn back on. When I heard people in the hallway, I came out. And for the record, next time you want to paint the walls of your bathroom, don't paint them red.
MIKE
I didn't paint them red.
TINA
Yeah you did. I'll show you.
Tina led the three other teenagers into the bathroom. Mike held the candle in the air and was shocked to see the walls were a different color. He couldn't tell what color because of the darkness. He put his hand up and felt the wall. He quickly jumped back, wiping his hand on his pants.
MIKE
The walls are wet?
Slowly the spider demon appeared from behind the shower curtain, crawling off Anthony's dead body. No one saw the spider demon moving because of the darkness in the room. The little candle was no help. The spider demon crawled forward, dead set on having another meal. It jumped on Tina and stabbed one of its legs through her side. She screamed out in pain, blood going everywhere, and fell to the ground. There was nothing they could do now. The demon had punctured Tina's body through her heart and she would be dead in seconds. The demon leaned his head down and bit a chunk out of Tina's back, ignoring the three teens in the room.
BOVEE
Crap!
Mike, Stephanie and Bovee dashed out of the room as quick as their feet could carry them. Bovee closed the door as they left, closing the demon in the bathroom for a few seconds. They ran downstairs and to the front door. Mike's other friends stood up, alarmed by their friend's arrival.
NICK
What's happening?
BOVEE
There's something in the bathroom. It killed Tina! We have to get out of here!
DARREN
Oh my God!
Mike ran forward and tried to open the door. It wouldn't open. The door would budge and jiggle, but it refused to open. Stephanie stepped forward and kicked the door, but not even her Slayer strength could break in the door. They moved to the nearest window. Stephanie punched the window, but just ended up hurting her hand against something very hard.
STEPHANIE
We're trapped in here...
ACT FOUR
26 INT. SUMMERS RESIDENCE - NIGHT
Xander put his key in the door and unlocked it. He opened the door and walked inside the house he shared with Buffy, Dawn and Willow. He sighed tiredly and began to scale the stairs when Buffy and Willow walked out of the living room and in front of the stairs to meet him.
WILLOW
How'd your date go?
BUFFY
Give us juicy details.
XANDER
There aren't any juicy details. It was a first date. We went to a fancy restaurant and had dinner. Then I drove her home.
WILLOW
Any smoochies?
XANDER
Yes. A goodnight kiss...a long one...
BUFFY
That's so great. (She hugs him.) There's a message from Mike on the answering machine. You decide whether you want to go or not.
WILLOW
Did you ever talk to him about the thing we discussed?
XANDER
No, I haven't seen him all day.
WILLOW (looking at her watch)
The party should be over by now. Why don't you stop by real quick and have that talk with him?
DAWN (entering the room)
Mike's party was a bust.
BUFFY
What do you mean?
DAWN
I don't know. Something about the power being broken. Everyone flooded out of the place and went to another party.
XANDER
Electrical problem?
DAWN
Yeah.
WILLOW
There you go, Xander. You have a reason to go over there and talk to him.
Xander looks at Buffy for some kind of support. He was uncomfortable himself about having to give someone "the talk". Willow gave him a face that he'd recognize as her way of saying "sorry".
XANDER
Fine, fine, I'll go over there.
BUFFY
Good luck. By the time you get home I'll probably be asleep. I have work tomorrow.
XANDER
You like saying that, don't you?
BUFFY
I really do.
XANDER
Then I'll see you tomorrow.
BUFFY/WILLOW
Night.
XANDER
Night.
Xander turned and walked down the stairs. He opened the door and left the house. Buffy turned to Willow and Dawn and smiled.
BUFFY
I have to go to bed. I have work bright and early tomorrow.
DAWN
Are we going to have to hear about this job for the next million years?
BUFFY
Hey! I think you'd be the happiest because now that more money is coming in, you get your allowance back. However, if you continue to make fun of me you don't get jack.
DAWN
Did you hear the message on the answering machine from Mike?
BUFFY
Yeah; I was wondering if you did.
DAWN
Did Willow hear it?
WILLOW
Hear what?
BUFFY
Mike left a message on the machine inviting us all over to his mansion for breakfast tomorrow.
WILLOW
That's nice of him.
BUFFY
Oh no!
DAWN
What?
BUFFY
I have to work tomorrow! I can't go have breakfast with you! Man! I hate this job!
Buffy crossed her arms across her chest and stomped up the stairs childishly. Willow and Dawn watched her leave.
WILLOW
She hates the job already? She didn't even start yet.
DAWN
That's just winy Buffy. I'm sure she'll be excited about the job in the morning. (She pauses.) So, you going to Mike's breakfast thing tomorrow?
WILLOW
Of course I'm going. I'm going to bring a big purse too. It makes it easier to steal things.
DAWN
Good idea. Hopefully it will be a fun morning. Things have been very uneventful lately.
28 INT. MIKE'S MANSION - NIGHT
Nick crashed onto the floor, the spider demon snapping wildly at his face. He screamed, attempting to push the spider off of him. Darren grabbed a lamp from one of the tables and smashed it over the spider's head. It did no damage at all and the demon continued to bite at Nick's face. Stephanie ran to the struggle and kick the demon in stomach. The demon flew to the side a few feet and bumped into a couch. Stephanie helped Nick to his feet and they joined Darren in the corner of the room. The spider demon was closing in on them until Mike and the others returned to the living room with a fire extinguisher.
CHEZNEY
What are you going to do, cold him to death?
MIKE
No…
Mike tossed the fire extinguisher to Stephanie. She caught it and using her Slayer power, she cracked the spider demon across the face with the extinguisher. The demon was not pleased and started screaming out in frustration.
BOVEE
Crap!
HANNAH
Can you please stop saying that?
MIKE
Guys, now is not the time to fight!
Xander walked up to the door and knocked. He could hear people moving and yelling inside, although the house was completely dark. He moved to the side and looked through a window and saw the fight occurring in the house. He tried to open the door, and it worked! He walked forward, but was cast back by something very thick and hard. The invisible force holding him outside the house confused him. Xander watched the teens try to fight off the increasingly enraged spider demon. The demon shot a web out of its butt and the web covered Mike. The web hardened in seconds and turned invisible. Mike was unable to move and toppled over. Xander pulled out his cell phone and called home, hoping Willow or Dawn would pick up.
WILLOW (on other end)
Hello?
XANDER
Willow! It's me! We have a huge problem at Mike's house! There is this huge spider thing attacking the people in the house. I can't get in there. From what I've just witnessed, this spider can shoot out some weird web from its butt. The web hardens to a likeness of steal and then turns invisible. The door is blocked and I can't get in.
WILLOW
Do you know what kind of spider it is?
DAWN
It's a Tundralian Spider?
XANDER/WILLOW
What's that?
DAWN
It's a large demonic spider. It fits the description you're giving perfectly.
XANDER
Then how do I get past this web thing?
DAWN
Although the web is hard as steal, it has a weakness to fire.
XANDER
How do you know all this?
DAWN
Remember that spider Anya summoned to kill the Frat Boys? I remember seeing that spider in one of the books we looked through.
XANDER
Ok. Thanks, Dawn!
Xander walked to his car and pushed the lighter button in his car. It would take the button a few seconds get hot, but it would have to do. Xander suddenly sensed someone to his side and turned to see Ana standing next to him. She opened her hand and dropped a lighter on the driver's side of Xander's car.
XANDER
How do you-?
ANA
Just go help your friends.
Xander reached down and pulled the lighter off the car seat. When he looked back up, Ana was gone. He didn't have time to think about it now. He ran to the door and lit the lighter. It slowly began burning a hole through the solid web. After a few seconds, a large hole had been formed and Xander climbed through the remnants of the invisible barrier.
MIKE
Xander! Help!
The spider jumped in the air and crawled on the ceiling. It fell down and landed on Stephanie, tackling her to the floor. The demon bit at her face, distracted from everything else except the need to feed. Xander lit the lighter again and approached the struggle on the ground.
XANDER
Lets light this baby up.
Xander put the lighter at the beginning of the spider demon's butt. It caught a small piece of the web on fire and the demon screamed out in pain as the fire followed the web inside its body. Its organs liquefied and its skin burned away until it was only bone.
XANDER
Ok, everyone, the party's over. Mike will talk to you tomorrow. Oh, and I'd be happy if you didn't tell your parents what happened here tonight.
CHEZNEY/NICK/DARREN/HANNAH/BOVEE
Uh huh.
The teens walked out of the house, only leaving Xander, Mike and Stephanie in the house. Stephanie stood up and brushed remnants of the spider demon off her clothes.
STEPHANIE
Ew. I need to go upstairs and change.
Stephanie made a grossed face and walked out of the room. Her footsteps could be heard, notifying Xander that he was alone with Mike. He lit the lighter and slowly began to burn away the invisible web holding Mike.
XANDER
I know this is going to be uncomfortable for you, but Buffy and Willow requested I have this conversation with you.
MIKE
Ok, what do you want to talk about?
XANDER
I just want to start off and say that we all view you as part of our family and the only reason we want to be involved in your life is because we care about you.
MIKE
This doesn't sound to good.
The last bits of the spider web burnt away and Mike was free to move again. Xander stood up, extending his hand towards Mike. Mike took his hand and they both sat on the couch.
XANDER
It came to our attention that you had sex with Caridad while in the other reality. Was she your first…um…experience?
MIKE
No. I'm a male whore. I sell my body on the streets for 70 dollars every Friday and Saturday night. (He laughs.) Yes, Xander, she was the first person I've slept with.
XANDER
Do you have any questions about how you feel or what happened?
MIKE
Xander, I'm 17-years-old, I'm not stupid. I've had all the required years of sexual education and I know all I need too.
XANDER
You know the facts, obviously, but did they ever explain to you the emotions you might be feeling?
MIKE
Who put you up to this? Was it Dawn? (He groans.) I don't know what I'm feeling. Things happened way to quickly in that universe, and Alex killed her before I had a chance to take everything into consideration. I did have an attraction to her, not just a sexual one. Although the only reason she slept with me was because of the pre-battle stress. Maybe it was like you and Faith and her after-battle stress.
XANDER (coughing)
Who told you about that?
MIKE
Dawn did. (He put his hand on Xander's shoulder.) Xander, would you like to tell me how you feel about sleeping with Faith?
XANDER
Don't turn this around on me. I just wanted to make sure you were ok with everything.
MIKE
Xander, I'm fine. Thank you for caring enough to come over here and talk to me.
Buffy walked through the door and looked around the inside of the mansion. She spotted Xander and Mike in the living room and walked over to them.
MIKE
Buffy, what are you doing here?
BUFFY
Xander called Willow and said you guys were being attacked by a spider demon. Willow woke me up and told me to get my butt down here. Is everyone ok?
Xander looked at Mike's facial expression. He knew Mike was about to give some bad news.
MIKE
No. The spider demon killed two people. Their bodies are upstairs. (He sighs.) What am I going to do?
BUFFY
Nothing. Don't worry. Xander and I will take care of the bodies. We've handled situations like this before.
MIKE
What are you going to do?
BUFFY
We have to call the police. We can't lie about something like this because it could come back to bite us in the ass. You've been through a lot tonight. You go upstairs and go to bed and Xander and I will take care of the police.
MIKE
Thanks.
XANDER
And we'll see you bright and early tomorrow morning. Well, actually, Willow, Dawn and I will see you tomorrow.
BUFFY
I can't come. I really want too, but my first day of work is tomorrow and I can't be late. I'm sorry.
MIKE
It's ok. Don't worry about, Buffy. I'll see you tomorrow.
Mike rose from the couch and began to walk out of the living room, dragging his feet as he walked. Buffy and Xander watched him leave, but were stunned when they saw Mike back into the room. A large muscular demonic figure appeared in front of Mike. He looked to be in his mid-thirties. His hair was jet black and his eyes were like Willow's when the magicks took over. He was very built and was wearing some sort of ceremonial shroud. The demon looked at the left over remains of his demonic pet on the floor.
DEMON
Ms. Summers, you are becoming a sharp pain in my side.
ACT FIVE
BUFFY
Who are you?
DEMON
I'm Daemon.
BUFFY
What do you want?
DAEMON
I just want to keep my title as this town's urban legend. For centuries I've haunted this area and I've done a superb job at it. Recently, you've moved to this town and did something I wasn't too happy with. You killed the demon I was going to eat.
XANDER
Eat?
DAEMON
I was going to eat the demon and gain his power. Do you remember the demon that gained the infinite knowledge? He was supposed to report to me after gaining the knowledge, but he never showed. I watched the whole scene through the eyes of the Greek statue in his lair. (He started walking around the room as he walked.) So, I needed to get rid of you. I have a spy watching your every move and she is very loyal to me. She saw the attempt your witch made to enchant your glass eye, Xander. She reported the information back to me and I intervened, sending you all to the Wishverse. I hoped you'd all be killed there because the spell I used to intervene had a side affect. If you died there, you died here. However, not only did you guys survive that drama, but you even saved a different reality from total destruction. Now, tonight, you killed my favorite pet before I had a chance to eat him and gain its special ability.
MIKE
That was Xander actually.
DAEMON
It doesn't matter. I see these demon slayings as an act of war against me.
BUFFY
You know what? I'm done talking.
Buffy ran and jumped in the air. She brought her feet up and forward and plowed them into the demon's face. DAEMON was unharmed and watched Buffy fall to the ground.
DAEMON
We're not going to fight, yet. You'll know when I'm ready. Until then, stay out of my way!
Daemon glared at everyone in the room and then smiled evilly. He turned on his heels and watched out of the room, not worried. He knew that Buffy and her friends couldn't hurt him; not now, he was too powerful. Buffy stood up and looked at Mike and Xander, wondering what the Hell just happened.
26 INT. MIKE'S MANSION - MORNING
Stephanie sat in bed, listening to her headphones. It was a rough night last night. Hopefully breakfast would be a more enjoyable morning and could end up as one of her better memories. Her disk-man changed tracks. She was listening to Sheryl Crow's 'I Shall Believe'. The music starts playing softly in the background.
26 INT. BUFFY'S DESK - MORNING
Buffy sat at her desk in the Hadenfield Social Offices. She was typing a business letter her boss asked her to send out to a business concerning a child's adoption. She sensed someone enter her area and looked up to see Jessica with tears in her eyes.
BUFFY
Jessica-
JESSICA
--I need help. Anthony used to beat me and he's really screwed with my mind. I was wondering if you could give me the name of a responsible psychologist.
BUFFY
Sure. I just need some information so I could file a report.
Lyrics: Come to me now, and lay your hands over me. Even if it's a lie, say it will be alright. And I shall believe.
26 INT. VANNY'S HOUSE - MORNING
Vanny walked into the kitchen and noticed the light blinking on her answering machine. She pushed the button on the machine and it was a message from Xander.
XANDER (on machine)
Hey, it's me, Xander. I just wanted to tell you I had a wonderful time last night and I can't wait until I see you again. I'm going to hold you to that clubbing date. See you soon.
Lyrics: Open the door and show me your face tonight. I know it's true; no one heals me like you. And you hold the key.
29 EXT. DAEMON'S LAIR - MORNING
Daemon turned and looked at Ana angrily. He was outraged over her betrayal.
DAEMON
How dare you help my enemies!
ANA
Xander, Mike and a house of teenagers aren't your enemies! The Slayer is! I can't believe you had someone follow me around, just as you have me following Buffy and her friends around!
DAEMON
Obviously there is a need for me to have you watched! You are my daughter, Ana, and for now on you will do what I say!
Lyrics: Never again. Would I turn away from you? I'm so heavy tonight, but your love is alright. And I do believe.
26 INT. MIKE'S MANSION - MORNING
Mike walked down the stairs and greeted his visitors with a warm smile. Willow, Dawn, Xander, Vi and Stephanie were making breakfast in the kitchen. Mike sighed and stood in the center of the room. He wanted to get something off his chest. He cleared his throat and everyone looked up at him.
MIKE
I have something to say. (He pauses.) A family is an important thing in every person's life. Everyone wants to me supported, loved, respected. As you know, my parents don't live in the mansion with me; they only pay the bills for me. They are in Italy. They didn't want to be held down by having a child. Stephanie and I have told you that I haven't seen my parents in a few years. In reality I haven't seen them my whole life. Different house sitters and the maids have raised me here. That's the only thing missing from my life - a family. I have everything I want, but a family. I notice now that you guys are my family. (He looks at Xander.) You are people in my life who care about what happens to me and how I feel. You respect me, and you trust me, and you…care. Family doesn't to be a blood bond. You guys are my family.
The sound of a mailbox being moved could be heard from the kitchen. The main was here. Mike walked out of the room to go get the mail; he needed a second to breathe. Willow and Xander looked at each other. They were both moved by Mike's small speech. Mike walked back into the room. He was pale and he was shaking violently. He held a letter in his hand. He sat in a chair and stared into space. Something was wrong.
XANDER
Mike, are you ok?
Mike didn't answer. Willow walked over to him and took the letter from his hands. She read the letter and then pulled a plane ticket out of the envelope.
XANDER
What is it?
WILLOW
It's a plane ticket to Italy. His parents want him to come live with them. The plane leaves tomorrow night.
Lyrics: That not everything is gunna be the way you think it ought to be. It seems like every time I try to make it right, it all comes down on me. Please say honestly you won't give up on me. And I shall believe. And I shall believe.
FADE TO BLACK
END OF EPISODE
(previous episodes can be found at http://buffytheslayerseason8.alturl.com)