[Transcript of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" episode Welcome To The Hellmouth at buffyology.com.]
In every generation there is a Chosen One. She alone will stand against the vampires, the demons and the forces of darkness. She is the Slayer.
Establishing. Typical American Southern California suburban high school.
The camera pans across the trophy case; slow dolly through the halls.
The counter in front of the windows is full of various things: a skeleton, some vertebrae, jars of things in formaldehyde, a skull and a microscope. A fist punches through a window pane and reaches in to undo the clasp. It's a teenage boy and a girl (DARLA), sneaking into the school.
Are you sure this is a good idea?
It's a great idea, now come on.
They crawl in through the window.
The pair emerge from the classroom and begin walking down the darkened corridor.
Do you go to school here?
I used to. On top of the gym it's so cool. You can see the whole town.
He continues down the hall, but she stops him close to an intersection.
I don't wanna go up there.
You can't wait, huh?
We're just gonna get in trouble.
Yeah, you can count on it.
He leans toward her and they almost kiss when Darla suddenly startles, draws a quick breath and turns her head around to look down the hall.
What was that?
What was what?
I heard a noise.
It's nothing.
Maybe it's something.
Or maybe it's some thing!
That's not funny.
He looks down the other hall.
Hellooooo! (to Darla) There's nobody here.
Are you sure?
Yes, I'm sure.
Okay.
She turns back to him and her face has morphed into a demonic visage--yellow eyes, ridged brows and large dripping fangs. She snarls and sinks her teeth into his neck. He moans in pain as they sink to the floor.
Opening credit sequence.
Overhead shot of a teenage girl, asleep in bed. This is BUFFY SUMMERS, blonde, 16 years old, typical American teenager in every way--except for the fact that she is the Chosen One--a Vampire Slayer. As the Slayer, she possesses phenomenal physical strength, reflexes and agility, as well as an innate skill for hand-to-hand combat.
She kept the fact that she has been chosen for this dubious honor a secret. She and her mother have just moved here from Los Angeles in the wake of her parents' divorce and some unfortunate vampire-related incidents at her previous high school. Buffy looks at this as a fresh start: new school, new friends and a normal life free of the supernatural.
She's currently having nightmares, but not nightmares of the ordinary variety. As the Slayer, Buffy's nightmares are intense and prophetic. We see what she dreams: visions of cemeteries, vampires and demons.
She wakes with a start.
Buffy?
I'm up, Mom!
You don't want to be late for your first day!
No... wouldn't want that.
JOYCE pulls up in her car with Buffy.
Okay!
Buffy gets out.
Have a good time. I know you're gonna make friends right away. Just think positive.
Buffy looks through the open car door and gives her mother a quick nod. She turns to go and closes the door behind her.
And honey? Try not to get kicked out.
I promise.
Okay.
Buffy faces the school and lets out a deep breath. Joyce drives off.
XANDER HARRIS, dark-haired, slightly geeky kid, sloppily dressed, but not the type to care about such things. Xander is outgoing, but always on the fringes of the "popular" crowd. He compensates by using his talent for humor to mask his disappointment. He's currently riding a skateboard, bobbing and weaving recklessly through the crowd.
'Scuse me, comin' through, pardon me, 'scuse me, whoa! 'Scuse me, not sure how to stop! Please move, whoa, 'scuse me... (notices Buffy walking by) Whoa!
Distracted by Buffy's curves, he crashes into a railing and falls to the ground. As he lies there in pain, a mousy girl with long auburn hair walks casually up to him. She is cute in a girl-next-door, best-friend kind of way. This is WILLOW ROSENBERG, a fellow social outcast like Xander, Willow does not enjoy acceptance in the high school social scene. Unlike Xander, Willow is a brilliant student with a passion for learning. Willow also has an unrequited crush on Xander who seems oblivious to her affection. She walks up to Xander and has to step high to avoid tripping over his legs.
I'm okay. I feel good.
She looks down at him, smiling.
Willow! You're so very much the person that I wanted to see!
Oh, really?
They start walking toward the school.
Yeah. You know, I kinda had a problem with the math.
Which part?
The math. Can you help me out tonight, pleeeease, be my study buddy?
Well, what's in it for me?
A shiny nickel!
Okay. Do you have Theories in Trig? You should check it out.
Check it out?
From the library? Where the books live.
Right, I'm there! See, I wanna change...
Cut to the hall just inside the door as Xander and Willow enter. Xander's friend JESSE spots him.
Hey, hey!
Hey, Jesse, what's what?
New Girl!
That's right, I saw her. Pretty much a hottie!
I heard someone was transferring...
So tell!
Tell what?
What's the sitch, what do ya know about her?
New Girl!
Well, you're certainly a font of nothing!
Buffy is seated across the desk from Principal FLUTIE. He has her school records open in front of him.
Buffy Summers, sophomore, late of Hemery High in Los Angeles. Interesting record, quite a career...
He takes the sheet he's reading and tears it into pieces.
Welcome to Sunnydale. A clean slate, Buffy, that's what you get here. What's past is past. We're not interested in what it says on a piece of paper, even if it says... (reads) Whoa.
Mr. Flutie...
All the kids here are free to call me Bob.
Bob...
But they don't.
He begins reassembling the torn sheet.
I know my transcripts are a little... colorful.
Hey... we're not caring about that. Do you think 'colorful' is the word? Not 'dismal'?
It wasn't that bad.
You burned down the gym.
I did, I really did, but... you're not seeing the big picture here. I mean, that gym was full of vamp... asbestos.
Buffy, don't worry. Any other school, they might say 'watch your step', or 'we'll be watching you'. But, that's just not the way here. We want to service your needs and help you to respect our needs. And if your needs and our needs don't mesh...
He puts the poorly repaired sheet back into her file and slaps it shut. She gives him a thin, nervous smile.
Buffy exits Mr. Flutie's office. She opens her bag and rummages through it as she walks into the hall right in front of a girl and a boy. The girl bumps into her, making her lose her grip on the bag and spill its contents.
Oh! Sorry!
That's okay.
Oh...
Xander hears the noise, looks back and quickly comes over and squats down next to her to help her gather her things.
Can I have you?
She gives him a confused look.
Duh... Can I help you?
Thanks.
I don't know you, do I?
I'm Buffy. I'm new.
Xander. Is me. Hi.
Um, thanks.
They stand.
Well, maybe I'll see you around... maybe at school... since we... both... go there.
Great! It was nice to meet you.
She starts down the hall.
We both go to school. Very suave. Very not pathetic.
He notices a something still on the floor: a pointed wooden spear, about 8 inches long.
Oh, hey! (picks it up) Hey, you forgot your... stake?
Buffy doesn't hear him and continues down the hall. Xander keeps the stake.
The TEACHER writes 'The Black Death' on the board and then turns to the class.
It's estimated that about 25 million people died in that one four- year span. But the fun part of the Black Plague is that it originated in Europe how?
CORDELIA CHASE is taking notes. So is Buffy, seated next to her. Cordelia is the center of Sunnydale High's social web. Beautiful, tall, with gorgeous long, dark chestnut hair, she exudes confidence and high fashion. She is head cheerleader, student body president and prom queen all rolled into one stunning package. She also has little patience for those she feels are beneath her and is known for her complete lack of tact and casually brutal off-hand remarks.
As an early form of germ warfare. If you'll look at the map on page 63 you can trace the spread of the disease into Rome, and then north...
Buffy doesn't have a book and looks around for help. Cordelia notices and shares her book.
Thanks.
And this popular plague led to what social changes? Steve?
The bell rings and the students get up to leave.
Hi! I'm Cordelia.
I'm Buffy.
If you're looking for a textbook of your very own there's probably a few in the library.
Oh, great, thanks. Where would that be?
I'll show you, come on. So you're from Hemery, right? In L.A.?
Uh, yeah.
Oh, I would kill to live in L.A. That close to that many shoes?
Buffy laughs as they exit the classroom.
Well, you'll be okay here. If you hang with me and mine, you'll be accepted in no time. Of course, we do have to test your coolness factor. You're from L.A., so you can skip the written, but let's see. Vamp nail polish?
Um, over?
So over. James Spader?
He needs to call me!
Frappaccinos?
Trendy, but tasty.
John Tesh?
The Devil.
That was pretty much a gimme, but... you passed!
Oh, goody!
They turn toward a drinking fountain. Willow is there. She straightens up as she sees them coming.
Willow! Nice dress! Good to know you've seen the softer side of Sears.
Well, my mom picked it out.
No wonder you're such a guy magnet. Are you done?
Willow looks at the fountain, then back at Cordelia.
Oh, yes!
She turns and leaves. Buffy watches her go for a moment, then looks back at Cordelia as she starts talking again.
You wanna fit in here, the first rule is: know your losers. Once you can identify them all by sight they're a lot easier to avoid.
Buffy lets out a nervous laugh and nods. She looks at Willow again, who is near a door at the end of the hall. Willow glances back at her before disappearing through the door.
And if you're not too swamped with catching up you should come by the Bronze tonight.
The who?
The Bronze. It's the only club worth going to around here. They let anybody in, but it's still the scene. It's in the bad part of town.
They arrive at the library.
Where's that?
About a half a block from the good part of town. (laughing) We don't have a whole lot of town here. But, um, you should show!
Well, I'll try. (indicates the library) Uh, thanks.
Good. So I'll see you in gym, and you can tell me absolutely everything there is to know about you.
Great! (to herself) Oh, that sounds like fun.
She enters the library.
Buffy enters and looks around. It looks deserted. There is a check-out counter to the right with an office area behind it. The library itself consists of a reading table and computer on the main floor with stairs leading up to the book stacks on the second level. There is a wire-mesh caged storage area containing books and boxes to the left of the reading table.
Hello? Is anybody here?
She notices a newspaper on the counter with a picture that's been circled. The caption above the picture reads 'Local Boys Still Missing'. RUPERT GILES comes up behind her and taps her on the shoulder. She spins around, startled.
Giles late 40's, dressed in a tweed sport coat and slacks with wire-rimmed glasses. When he speaks, it's immediately evident that he is British. He has the mannerisms of a stuffy English gentleman, slightly bumbling, but sharply intelligent.
Oh! Anybody's here!
Can I help you?
I was looking for some, well, books. I'm new.
Miss Summers?
Good call! Guess I'm the only new kid, huh?
I'm Mr. Giles. The librarian. I was told you were coming.
He moves behind the counter.
Great! So, I'm gonna need 'Perspectives on 20th Century'--
I know what you're after.
He pulls out a large old book with the word 'VAMPYR' written in gold leaf on the front cover. Buffy looks up at him with an uneasy gaze.
That's not what I'm looking for.
Are you sure?
I'm way sure.
My mistake.
He puts the book back behind the counter. Buffy quickly leaves.
So, what is it you said...
He turns as she leaves the library. Their first encounter leaves him puzzled.
Two girls, AURA and APHRODISIA are discussing Buffy.
The new kid? She seems kind of weird to me. What kind of name is Buffy?
Hey, Aphrodisia!
Oh, hey!
Well, the chatter in the caf is that she got kicked out, and that's why her mom had to get a new job.
Neg!
Pos! She was starting fights!
Neg-ly!
Well I heard from Blue, and she said that...
Aura dials her locker combination and opens it. A dead boy falls out of the locker onto Aura. She screams and lets the body fall. It's the young man we saw attacked by the female vampire in the Prologue.
Willow is sitting on a bench in front of a wall taking her lunch of a sack. Buffy approaches her.
Uh, hi! Willow, right?
Why? I mean, hi! Did you want me to move?
Why don't we start with 'Hi, I'm Buffy,' and then let's segue directly into me asking you for a favor. It doesn't involve moving, but it does involve hanging out with me for a while.
But aren't you hanging out with Cordelia?
I can't do both?
Not legally.
Look, I really wanna get by here-- new school-- and Cordelia's been really nice... to me anyway, but I kinda have this burning desire not to flunk all my classes, and I heard a rumor that you were the person to talk to if I wanted to get caught up.
Oh, I could totally help you out! If you have sixth period free we could meet in the library.
Or not. Or we could meet someplace quieter. Louder. That place just kinda gives me the wiggins.
Oh, it has that effect on most kids. I love it, though. It's a great collection and the new librarian is really cool.
He's new?
Yeah, he just started. He was a curator at some British museum or The British Museum, I'm not sure. But he knows everything, and he brought all these historical volumes and biographies and am I the single dullest person alive?
Not at all.
Xander hops up on the wall behind the girls and sits on it between them. Jesse stands in front of them and drops his bag.
Hey!
You guys busy? Are we interrupting? We're interrupting.
He tosses his bag to Jesse.
Hey!
Hey!
Hey there!
Buffy, this is Jesse and that's Xander.
Oh, me and Buffy go way back, old friends, very close. Then there's that period of estrangement where I think we were both growing as people, but now here we are, like old times. I'm quite moved.
Is it me, or are you turning into a babbling idiot?
No, it's not you.
Well, it's nice to meet you guys, I think.
Xander jumps down to retrieve the stake from his bag.
Well, you know, we wanted to welcome ya, make ya feel at home, unless you have a scary home.
And to return this. (holds up the stake) The only thing I can think is that you're building a really little fence.
Hah, no, um, actually it was for self-defense. Everyone has them in L.A. Pepper spray is just so passČ.
So what do you do for fun? What do you like? What do you look for in a man? Let's hear it.
If you have any dark, painful secrets you'd like us to publish?
Gee, everyone wants to know about me. How keen.
Well, not much goes on in a one Starbucks town like Sunnydale. You're pretty big news.
I'm not. Really.
Are these guys bothering you?
Uh, no!
She's not hanging out with us.
Hey, Cordelia!
Oh, please! (to Buffy) I don't mean to interrupt your downward mobility, but I just wanted to tell you that you won't be meeting Coach Foster, the woman with the chest hair, because gym was canceled due to the extreme dead guy in the locker.
What?
What are you talking about?
Some guy was stuffed in Aura's locker!
Dead.
Totally dead. Way dead.
It's not just a little dead then?
Don't you have an elsewhere to be?
Y'know, if you need a shoulder to cry on, or just to nibble on...
How did he die?
I don't know.
Well, were there any marks?
Morbid much? I didn't ask!
I gotta book. I'll see you guys later.
She grabs her things and leaves. Cordelia stares after her.
What's her deal?
Buffy cautiously approaches the outside entrance. It's locked. She grasps the lock with her hand and snaps it, looking around to make sure no one sees her.
Buffy finds the body and pulls back the sheet and sees the vampire bite.
Oh, great!
Buffy storms in.
Okay, what's the sitch?
Sorry?
You heard about the dead guy, right? The dead guy in the locker?
Yes.
'Cause, it's the weirdest thing. He's got two little, little holes in his neck, and all his blood's been drained. Isn't that bizarre? Aren't you just going 'oh'?
I was afraid of this.
Well, I wasn't! It's my first day! I was afraid that I was gonna be behind in all my classes, that I wouldn't make any friends, that I would have last month's hair. I didn't think there'd be vampires on campus. And I don't care.
Then why are you here?
To tell you that... I don't care, which... I don't, and... have now told you, so... bye.
She turns to leave.
Is he... will he rise again?
She stops and turns back to him.
Who?
The boy.
No. He's just dead.
Can you be sure?
To make you a vampire they have to suck your blood. And then you have to suck their blood. It's like a whole big sucking thing. Mostly they're just gonna kill you. Why am I still talking to you?
Buffy turns and starts out.
You really have no idea what's going on, do you? You think it's coincidence, your being here? That boy was just the beginning.
Oh, why can't you people just leave me alone?
Because you are the Slayer. Into each generation a Slayer is born, one girl in all the world, a Chosen One, one born with the strength and skill to hunt the vampires--
--with the strength and skill to hunt the vampires, to stop the spread of their evil blah, blah, blah... I've heard it, okay?
I really don't understand this attitude. You've accepted your duty, you've slain vampires before.
Yeah, and I've both been there and done that, and I'm moving on.
What do you know about this town?
It's two hours on the freeway from Neiman Marcus?
Dig a bit in the history of this place. You'll find a steady stream of fairly odd occurrences. Now, I believe this whole area is a center of mystical energy, that things gravitate toward it that you might not find elsewhere.
Like vampires.
Like zombies, werewolves, incubi, succubi, everything you've ever dreaded was under your bed, but told yourself couldn't be by the light of day. They're all real!
What? You, like, sent away for the Time-Life series?
Ah, well, yes.
Did you get the free phone?
The calendar...
Cool! But okay, first of all, I'm a vampire Slayer. And secondly, I'm retired. Hey, I know! Why don't you kill 'em?
I'm a Watcher. I haven't the skill--
Oh, come on, stake through the heart, a little sunlight... it's like falling off a log.
A Slayer slays, a Watcher--
Watches?
Yes. No! He trains her, he prepares her...
Prepares me for what? For getting kicked out of school? For losing all of my friends? For having to spend all of my time fighting for my life and never getting to tell anyone because I might endanger them? Go ahead! Prepare me.
A long beat while they stare at each other. Buffy turns and leaves the library in disgust. Giles hesitates for an instant.
Damn!
He runs after Buffy. Xander walks out from behind the stacks.
What?
Giles catches up with Buffy.
It's getting worse!
What's getting worse?
He guides her over to the wall and speaks with her in a low voice.
The influx of the undead, the... supernatural occurrences, it's been building for years. There's a reason why you're here and a reason why it's now!
Because now is the time my mom moved here.
She tries to evade him, but he puts his arm out to stop her.
Something's coming, something is going to happen here. Soon!
Gee, can you vague that up for me?
The signs, as far as I can tell, point to a crucial mystical upheaval, very soon. Days. Possibly less.
Oh, come on! This is Sunnydale! How bad an evil can there be here?
The camera descends behind some bushes and sinks through the ground into the lair of the Master. There are candles everywhere. Vampires bearing torches are gathering. The camera moves around the lair and settles on a huge, hulking vampire named LUKE as he speaks.
The sleeper will wake. The sleeper will wake. The sleeper will wake. The sleeper will wake, and the world will bleed. Amen!
She's considering what to wear to the Bronze. She holds a shiny black outfit up to the mirror.
Hi! I'm an enormous slut! (holds up a blue floral dress) Hello! Would you like a copy of 'The Watchtower'? I used to be so good at this.
Her mother comes into the room.
Hi, hon.
Buffy returns her dresses to the closet.
Hey!
Are you going out tonight?
Yeah, I'm going to a club.
Oh. Will there be boys there?
No, Mom. It's a nun club.
Well, just be careful.
I will.
You know, I think we can make it work here. I've got my positive energy flowing. I'm gonna get the gallery on its feet. We may have found a space today.
That's great.
Oh, and that school is a very nurturing environment, which is just what you need.
Well, actually--
Oh, not too nurturing. I know, you're sixteen. I've read all about the dangers of over-nurturing.
Buffy lays out a couple of outfits on the bed.
It's hard. New town and everything... It is for me, too. I'm trying to make it work. I'm going to make it work.
I know.
Oh, you're a good girl, Buffy. You just fell in with the wrong crowd. But that is all behind us now.
It is. From now on I am only going to hang out with the living. I mean, lively. People.
Hmm. Okay. You have fun.
Buffy is walking down a dark street, as a dark shape appears behind her. She senses that she is being followed. After walking a bit further, she ducks down an alley and looks around for a place to hide. A cat yowls and kicks some cans as it runs away. She spies something above her. ANGEL walks into the alley but doesn't see her anywhere. He's tall, dark and brooding, dressed in black from head to foot and wearing a black duster greatcoat, he is a striking figure.
As he slowly walks along, the camera pulls up to reveal Buffy in an impossible handstand on a pipe high above the pavement. As Angel passes beneath her, she swings down and kicks him in the back. He is knocked to the ground and Buffy pins him to the pavement with her foot.
Ah, is there a problem, ma'am?
Yeah, there's a problem. Why are you following me?
I know what you're thinking. Don't worry, I don't bite.
She backs off and lets him get up, but keeps her guard up.
Truth is, I thought you'd be taller, or bigger muscles and all that. You're pretty spry, though.
What do you want?
The same thing you do.
Okay. What do I want?
To kill them. To kill them all.
Sorry, that's incorrect. But you do get this lovely watch and a year's supply of Turtle Wax. What I want is to be left alone!
She starts to walk away.
Do you really think that's an option anymore? You're standing at the Mouth of Hell. And it's about to open.
She stops, turns and stares at him, slack-jawed. He reaches into his jacket and pulls out a small box.
Don't turn your back on this. (tosses her the box) You've got to be ready.
What for?
For the Harvest.
Who are you?
Let's just say... I'm a friend.
Yeah, well, maybe I don't want a friend.
I didn't say I was yours.
He turns and walks away. Buffy stares after him for a moment, then opens the box. It contains a silver cross and chain. She takes it out, holds it in her hand and glances back in his direction.
People are arriving and meeting. Buffy is wearing the cross around her neck. She walks up to the entrance, gives the doorman some cash and goes in. Sprung Monkey is playing Believe, and the dance floor is crowded with people.
Buffy moves to the music a bit. She sees a guy waving in her direction and waves back, then notices someone behind her waving also and pulls her hand down, embarrassed.
She finds the bar and sees Willow sitting there.
Hey!
Oh, hi!
Buffy sits on the stool next to her.
Oh, you're here with someone?
No, I'm just here. I thought Xander was gonna show up.
Oh, are you guys going out?
No, we're just friends. We used to go out, but we broke up.
How come?
He stole my Barbie. (off Buffy's look) Oh, we were five.
Oh.
I don't actually date a whole lot... lately.
Why not?
Well, when I'm with a boy I like, it's hard for me to say anything cool or witty, or at all. I can usually make a few vowel sounds and then I have to go away.
It's not that bad!
No, it is. I think boys are more interested in a girl who can talk.
You really haven't been dating lately.
It's probably easy for you.
Yeah, real easy.
I mean you don't seem too shy.
Well, my philosophy, do you wanna hear my philosophy?
Yeah, I do!
Life is short.
Life is short!
Not original, I'll grant you, but it's true, you know? Why waste time being all shy and worrying about some guy, and if he's gonna laugh at you. Seize the moment, 'cause tomorrow you might be dead.
Oh, that's nice!
Buffy looks up and sees Giles on the upper level.
I'll be back in a minute.
Oh, that's okay, you don't have to come back.
I'll be back in a minute.
Seize the moment.
Buffy makes her way up the stairs.
So, you like to party with the students. Isn't that kinda skanky?
Oh, right, this is me having fun. Watching clown hair prance about is hardly my idea of a party. I'd much rather be at home with a cup of Bovril and a good book.
You need a personality, stat!
This is a perfect breeding ground for vampire activity. It's dark, it's crowded... Besides, I knew you were likely to show up, and I have to make you understand.
That the Harvest is coming. I know, your friend told me.
What did you say?
The Harvest. That mean something to you? 'Cause I'm drawing a blank.
I'm not sure. Who told you this?
This... guy. Dark, gorgeous in an annoying sort of way. I figured you two were buds.
No. The Harvest. Did he say anything else?
Something about the Mouth of Hell. I really didn't like him.
The band has finishes its song to great applause. They soon start their next song, Swirl. Giles moves around Buffy, leans on the railing and looks down at the crowd.
Look at them, throwing themselves about, completely unaware of the danger that surrounds them.
Lucky them.
Or perhaps you're right. Perhaps there is no trouble coming. The signs could be wrong. It's not as though you've been having the nightmares.
Buffy is silent.
Elsewhere in the Bronze. Cordelia is holding court.
My mom doesn't even get out of bed anymore. And the doctor says it's Epstein-Barr. I'm like, pleeease! It's chronic hepatitis, or at least chronic fatigue syndrome. I mean, nobody cool has Epstein-Barr anymore.
Jesse spots Cordelia and comes over.
Hey, Cordelia!
Oh, yay, it's my stalker.
Hey, you look great!
Well, I'm glad we had this little chat.
Listen, uh, you know, you wanna dance?
With you?
Well, uh, yeah.
Well, uh, no! C'mon, guys.
She and her friends leave. Jesse is left in the dust.
Fine! Plenty of other fish in the sea. Oh, yeah, I'm on the prowl. Witness me prowling!
Buffy and Giles on the upper level.
I didn't say I'd never slay another vampire. It's not like I have all these fluffy bunny feelings for them. I'm just not gonna get way extracurricular with it. You know, if I see one, sure I'll--
Will you be ready? There's so much you don't know about them, about your own powers. A vampire appears to be completely normal until the feed is upon them, only then do they reveal their true demonic visage.
You're like a textbook with arms. I know this.
The point is, a Slayer should be able to see them anyway. Without looking, without thinking. Can you tell me if there's a vampire in this building?
Maybe...
You should know. Even through this mass and this... din, you should be able to sense them. Well, try! Reach out with your mind. You have to hone your senses, focus until the energy washes over you, until you feel every particle of--
There's one.
Where?
Right there, talking to that girl.
You don't know--
Oh, please! Look at his jacket. He's got the sleeves rolled up-- and the shirt! Deal with that outfit for a moment.
It's dated?
It's carbon dated. Trust me, only someone living underground for ten years would think that was still the look.
But you didn't... hone.
The guy moves aside and Buffy realizes that the girl he is talking to is Willow.
Oh, no.
Isn't that...
Willow.
What's she doing?
Seizing the moment!
She heads down to rescue Willow.
Willow is being led out of the Bronze by the vampire.
Giles, at a loss for what to do.
Buffy-- she has lost them. She tries the back. She breaks a leg off of a stack of chairs and begins to stalk. Momentarily, Cordelia comes out of the restroom and surprises her. Buffy reacts, seizing Cordelia by the throat and pushing her up against a wall.
Cordelia!
She lets Cordelia go.
God! What is your childhood trauma?
Cordelia's entourage appears in the restroom door behind her.
Have you guys seen Willow? Did she come by here?
Why? Do you need to attack her with the stick? Jeez!
Buffy turns and leaves.
Excuse me, I have to call everyone I have ever met, right now.
The main floor. Giles catches up with Buffy.
That was quick. Well done! I need to go to the library. This Harvest thing--
I didn't find them!
He grabs Buffy by the arm and turns her to face him.
The vampire is not dead?
No, but my social life is on the critical list.
So, what do we do?
I'll take care of it!
I need to come with you, yes?
Don't worry. One vampire I can handle.
She leaves, walking past Jesse who is happily engaged in conversation with a very interested Darla.
So, um, what did you say your name was?
Darla.
Darla. You know, I haven't seen you around before. Are you from around here?
No, but I have family here.
Have I met them?
You probably will.
The MASTER rises out of the pool of blood as Luke kneels and looks on. He is a fearsome sight. The Master is an ancient vampire, far older and infinitely more powerful than any of his minions. He is so old and evil that he no longer appears human at all, his vampiric features permanently in evidence. He steps out of the pool and offers Luke his hand.
Master!
The Master stands before Luke who kneels in prostration.
I am weak.
'In the Harvest he will be restored.'
The Harvest.
We're almost there. Soon you'll be free!
The Master tests his confines-- he reaches a hand out and is repelled by an invisible barrier.
I must be ready. I need my strength.
I've sent your servants to bring you some food.
Good. Luke?
Yes?
Bring me something... young.
Cut to the sidewalk next to the cemetery. Willow and THOMAS are walking.
Sure is dark.
It's night.
Well, that's a dark time, night. Traditionally. I still can't believe I've never seen you at school. Do you have Mr. Chomsky for history?
Thomas ignores her babbling and heads into the cemetery.
Uh, the ice cream bar is this way. It's past Hamilton Street?
I know a shortcut.
He grabs her hand and leads her into the cemetery.
Cut to outside the Bronze. Buffy is trying to find Willow.
Hey, you're leaving already?
Oh, Xander! Have you seen Willow?
Not tonight, no.
She left with a guy.
We're talking about Willow, right? Scorin' at the Bronze. Work it girl...
No, I need to find her. Where would he take her?
Why? Oh, hey, I hope he's not a vampire, because then you might have to slay him.
Was there a school bulletin? Was it in the newspaper? Is there anyone in this town who doesn't know I'm the Slayer?
No. I only know that you think that you're the Slayer, and the reason why I know that...
Well, whatever, it doesn't matter, just tell me, where would Willow go?
You're serious!
We don't find her and there's gonna be one more dead body in the morning!
Willow and Thomas are walking.
Oh, okay, this is nice... and scary. Are you sure this is faster?
They reach a mausoleum.
Hey! Ever been in one of these?
No. Thank you.
He grabs her hair, yanking it back.
Come on. What are you afraid of?
He moves in toward her neck. She lets out a yelp as he grabs her and pushes her into the mausoleum.
Willow trips down the stairs and slams against the stone crypt. She turns around.
That wasn't funny!
Thomas walks down the steps. She backs away from him, up against the wall.
I think I'm gonna go.
Is that what you think?
He comes toward her again. She skirts by him, but only because he lets her. She bolts for the door to the mausoleum but suddenly Darla is there, blocking her way out.
Is this the best you could do?
She's fresh!
Hardly enough to share.
Why didn't you bring your own?
I did.
Jesse stumbles into the mausoleum, holding his neck.
Hey! Wait up!
Oh, my God, Jesse!
He is weak from blood loss and collapses. Willow tries to catch him and breaks his fall.
Y'know, you gave me a hickey.
Thomas gives Darla a look.
I got hungry on the way.
Jesse, let's get outta here!
Oh, you're not going anywhere.
Leave us alone!
You're not going anywhere until we've fed!
Her face morphs and she snarls viciously.
Willow screams and falls back down next to Jesse as Buffy and Xander enter the mausoleum behind Darla.
Well, this is nice. It's a little bare, but a dash of paint, a few throw pillows... call it home!
Buffy moves behind the crypt to draw the vampires away from the others.
Who the hell are you?
You mean there's actually someone in this town who doesn't know already? Whew, that's a relief, I'm telling you! Having a secret identity in this town is a job of work.
Buffy, we bail now, right?
Not yet!
Okay, first of all, what's with the outfit? Live in the now, okay? You look like DeBarge!
The vampires close in on her. She turns to Darla.
Now, we can do this the hard way, or... well, actually there's just the hard way.
That's fine with me!
Are you sure? Now, this is not gonna be pretty. We're talking violence, strong language, adult content...
Thomas roars behind Buffy. She pulls the chair leg out from inside her shirt. He attacks from behind, but Buffy neatly slams the makeshift stake into his chest without taking her eyes off Darla for a second. He falls back and explodes, disintegrating into ashes. Darla can't believe her eyes. Neither can anyone else.
See what happens when you roughhouse?
He was young and stupid!
Xander, go!
Don't go far!
Buffy and Darla start to fight ferociously, punching, kicking and jabbing. Xander helps Willow pick up Jesse.
Xander and Willow help Jesse out and they start to run.
Darla hits the wall and falls to the floor, winded.
You know, I just wanted to start over. Be like everybody else. Have some friends, y'know, maybe a dog... but, no, you had to come here. You couldn't go suck on some other town.
Who are you?
Don't you know?
Out of nowhere, Luke grabs Buffy by the neck from behind.
I don't care!
He throws Buffy across the room and helps Darla to her feet.
You were supposed to be bringing an offering for the Master! We're almost at Harvest, and you dally with this child!
We had someone, but then she came. She killed Thomas. Luke, she's strong.
You go. I'll see if I can handle the little girl.
He approaches Buffy as she starts to get up, still a little dazed. Darla quickly climbs the steps, looks back once and runs out the door. Luke attacks Buffy with a double punch, but she blocks it and delivers a punch to his gut and a roundhouse kick to his jaw. He steps back, but isn't fazed.
You're strong.
He lands a solid backhand fist on her. She goes flying.
I'm stronger!
Xander and Willow are supporting Jesse as they run.
We'll get the police, it's just a few blocks up!
A group of vampires emerges in front of them, blocking their escape.
Buffy is losing the fight badly.
You're wasting my time.
She backs away up the stairs toward the exit.
Hey, I had other plans, too, okay?
Luke shoves the heavy lid off of the crypt. Buffy does a cartwheel over it and kicks Luke in the chest with both feet, knocking him down. She grabs the stake from the floor and lunges at Luke, but he is too quick for her and grabs her by the wrist.
You think you can stop me? Stop us?
He takes the stake with his other hand and breaks it. Then he grabs her by the shirt.
You have no idea what you're dealing with.
He throws Buffy onto the rim of the now open crypt. She rolls off onto the floor, dazed. Luke gets up and starts toward her, quoting scripture.
'And like a plague of boils, the race of man covered the Earth.'
Giles is paging through an old volume and stops on a picture of Satan with lightning forking from his hand to a man's.
'But on the third day of the newest light would come the Harvest. And the blood of men will flow as wine.'
The Master is sitting in an intricately carved chair.
'When the Master will walk among them once more!'
Xander, Willow and Jesse surrounded by vampires, including Darla.
'The Earth will belong to the Old Ones.'
Luke is right in Buffy's face now.
'And Hell itself will come to town.'
He seizes Buffy and, snarling, lifts her by the throat and throws her toward the crypt. Buffy lands in the crypt next to a skeleton, and lets out a quick scream, but then remains silent, only breathing. She can't see or hear Luke. She slowly starts to get up. Suddenly Luke jumps up and into the crypt.
Amen!
He bares his fangs and lowers his head toward Buffy's throat.