Act III INT. lowel level SPIKE'S CRYPT - NIGHT In the darkness we can just make out the shape of a figure making its way down some steps, struggling to keep a grip on BUFFY who is trying to wrench herself free. As they reach the bottom of the steps Buffy pulls herself free and in the process subjects her abductor to a series of kicks and punches. FAMILIAR VOICE Alright, alright, less of the fancy stuff. Can't show me anything I haven't seen before, love. BUFFY [incredulously, as she brushes herself off and tries to adjust her eyes to the darkness] Spike? SPIKE takes his lighter out of an inside pocket in his coat and uses it to light some of the candles that are there, revealing that they are in the lower room of Spike's old crypt. SPIKE Well well Slayer. Here we are. You, me, tomb with a view. He drops the lighter into one of his outside coat pockets. BUFFY looks for a moment as if she is about to make an indignant retort, but her face breaks into an involuntary grin and she seats herself on one of the coffins. BUFFY What can I say Vampire? It was always going to happen. SPIKE spots something, reaches downwards, and holds up a half-empty bottle. SPIKE And look what I found. We have refreshments. BUFFY Bourbon. Of course. SPIKE Vintage some joyful occasion last year. BUFFY Somebody has opened that. SPIKE [looking straight at her] And found something better to do than finish it. BUFFY Oh, that joyful occasion last year. SPIKE raises an eyebrow and smirks a little as he pours out a glass of bourbon and hands it to BUFFY. BUFFY [screws up her face and takes a sip] Ew! Gross. Don't you have any blood? SPIKE laughs as they exchange a look. BUFFY [swinging her legs up so she is sitting cross-legged on the coffin] C'mon then Vampire. Explain yourself. Do you make a habit of stowing innocent females down here, or is that my privilege? SPIKE I needed to speak to you. Seemed like an opportunity too good to pass. BUFFY Where's Clem then? SPIKE It's Friday. Line dancing night. BUFFY He line dances? There is so much more to him than meets the eye. SPIKE Yeah, that guy has hidden creases in hidden creases BUFFY widens her eyes in an expression of mock intrigue. SPIKE I'm guessing. BUFFY So did you catch up with the vamps then? How is it they won't stake? SPIKE OK, are you ready for this? Apparently they protect their hearts by covering them with some kind of magic potion. Something about the crushed bones of a past Slayer. BUFFY An anti-stake spell? That's a new one. SPIKE Thing is, potion's got a sell-by date. Pumpkins on the stroke of midnight. That kind of thing. BUFFY So we're looking for a post-midnight staking here then? I can do that. SPIKE Oh, but there's more. They've come here to claim the one missing ingredient that will give the potion some kind of staying power. The one thing that will make them invincible. Immortal. BUFFY Which is? SPIKE You're gonna like this. The fresh blood of a Slayer. BUFFY That would be my blood. SPIKE Full marks to the lady. BUFFY You think it's true? SPIKE [thoughtfully] I don’t know. I...[he appears to be struggling] I killed two slayers, Buffy. You know the score. I just...I would know, wouldn't I? I've tasted it. He seems reluctant to meet her eyes and when he does eventually look up there is a strange mixture of pain and defiance in his face. BUFFY [looking steadily at him] What do you say we do next? SPIKE [resuming his typical demeanour] Right, well I told them I'd come down here to get the TV for them. Keep them busy for the night, buys us a bit of time. I'll see what else I can find out. BUFFY What is it with the demonkind of today? TV, line dancing, kittens? SPIKE Yeah, well, this isn't the dark ages any more, pet. 'Man's gotta have his vices. He lowers his gaze and raises it to her face again with a hint of a smile playing around his mouth. BUFFY And how do you explain to your new-found friends this late-night rendezvous with the enemy? SPIKE OK, how's this? I find the Slayer bint lurking round my crypt - Clem's crypt, if you're a sucker for detail, - decide to teach her a lesson, few rounds of rough and tumble, the girl gets away...[he gives a mock evil chuckle]...this time... BUFFY And I thought I lived with a creative genius. [Gets to her feet] Game on then, Vampire. Round One. SPIKE Round One? BUFFY What, you're gonna skimp on details now? They exchange a look. INT. SUMMERS' HOUSE - NIGHT ANYA, WILLOW and XANDER are all sitting round the TV, singing along to a Disney Sing-A-Long-Songs video. DAWN (OS) I'm off to bed then, guys. The others do not respond. The camera pans over to DAWN who has paused half way up the stairs. DAWN [calls out] 'Night then. 'Night Dawn. Sleep well. The others continue singing and pay no attention to her. DAWN [calls out, as she walks up the stairs to bed] I'm just going to get wildly drunk, burn down the house, and take a quick mugging spree round town, alright? ANYA [vaguely, not really listening] That's sweet of you Dawnie. DAWN [grinning, as she pokes her head back round from the top of the stairs] Oh, and you are all missing the timing in the chorus. XANDER, ANYA and WILLOW: [All turning round to face Dawn at once] WHAT?? INT. upper level SPIKE'S CRYPT - NIGHT BUFFY and SPIKE are walking up the steps of his crypt, both looking rather dishevelled. BUFFY [Buttoning her shirt, as she heads towards the entrance] See you later, then. Happy bonding. SPIKE Buffy. BUFFY Mm? SPIKE Watch your back. BUFFY [smiling] Thought you were back-watcher guy. We move to the exterior of the crypt as BUFFY appears outside, scanning the area cautiously. VAMPIRE 1 (OS) We meet again, Slayer. BUFFY folds her arms across her chest and taps her foot with an exaggerated gesture of boredom as VAMPIRES 1, 2 and 3 approach. VAMPIRE 1 Didn't think it would be long before you came to seek out the bit of rough. BUFFY kicks him, sending him staggering back slightly. VAMPIRE 1 [laughing as he regains his balance] And he gives us some bull about getting the TV. At this moment SPIKE appears, carrying his TV. SPIKE [putting the TV down] Boys, come on in. Have to say my place is a bloody sight nicer than yours. Can see why you came. VAMPIRE 1 Nice of you to bring the missus along for the ride...Spike. SPIKE [realising his cover is blown] Hey, it was worth a try. [He punches VAMPIRE 2 in the face and he falls to the ground] Offer's still on. Highlights of the 'United game in ten minutes. VAMPIRE 2 gets to his feet and punches Spike back. A fight ensues between BUFFY, SPIKE and the three VAMPIRES. While SPIKE exchanges a series of blows with VAMPIRES 2 and 3, BUFFY manages to overpower VAMPIRE 1 and slams him up against the outside wall of the crypt. She takes out a stake and holds it to his chest. BUFFY You know what? You're right. I can't resist a bit of rough. She plunges the stake towards his heart, but suddenly screams and drops it, grasping her hand in agony. Vampire 1 takes his opportunity to move out of her way. VAMPIRE 1 [tauntingly] You don't get it, do you Slayer? You can't touch us. You gonna get that through your pretty head or you gonna keep coming back for more? He and the other two vamps exit, laughing. SPIKE [coming over to BUFFY, as he catches his breath] You alright? BUFFY Yeah, I'm OK. Look at that though. She holds out her hand to reveal most of yesterday's bandage has been burnt away, and there are angry red burn marks across her skin. SPIKE [Walking across to where the stake she has dropped is lying on the grass.] Tell me we have at least a reserve choice stake here. [He tries to pick it up but lets out a yell and drops it again] BUFFY comes over to join him and they both look at the charred remains of the stake. BUFFY Oh yes. A Slayer always comes prepared. [She sighs and shakes her head in frustration] What is this? The legacy of a long-dead Slayer or just some dumb vamp game I haven't sussed yet? She turns back to SPIKE. BUFFY I'm the Slayer, right? Sworn to protect the world at any cost. Well...I think it's time this slayer paid a visit to the vampires' lair. Lead the way. End of Act III Act IV INT. DILAPIDATED BUILDING - NIGHT The three VAMPIRES are sitting inside the building, a pot full of dark bubbling liquid beside them. BUFFY and SPIKE enter. VAMPIRE 1 Slayer. Thought you might show. BUFFY So talk. What's the game? VAMPIRE 1 You know what we want. BUFFY Let me get this straight. You're after my blood, so that you, the scum of the earth, can become invincible. And you have the courtesy to ask? I'm touched. Flattered. Really I am. Gotta pass though boys. Sorry. VAMPIRE 1 [Shrugs his shoulders] It's your choice, Slayer. You don't wanna play, we can take it the other way. BUFFY Like hell you can. VAMPIRE 1 You know we can. Could get messy, that's all. BUFFY says nothing. VAMPIRE 1 Listen. We don't need a lot. 'Few drops. Just enough to test it on a willing volunteer. A trial run, if you like. That's where your man comes into it. SPIKE Well that's gratitude for you. I was bloody going to lend you my TV. BUFFY You want me to donate a few drops of my blood so you can make my man guinea pig in your staking experiment? Gentlemen, you have got to work on your selling technique. VAMPIRE 1 We will have your blood Slayer. Whoever gets hurt on the way. You can't hurt us, Slayer, so how can you protect them? The friends, the kid sister - BUFFY [turning pale] How did you - VAMPIRE 1 Like your friend said, word gets around. BUFFY thinks for a moment, and then walks over to Vampire 1. BUFFY Say I do it. I give you three of the best, we try out the potion, it works. You're gonna need more. More potion, more of this Slayer's blood. I don't have a lot to spare. What's stopping you getting the rest? VAMPIRE 1 [indicating towards SPIKE] The invincible bit on the side, maybe? BUFFY So what's in this for you? He becomes invincible, you're gonna have to drain me a little before you can join him. And you're gonna have to come through the both of us. Tough call. VAMPIRE 1 Unless - BUFFY Unless what? VAMPIRE 1 He was a legend, Girl. The darkest of the dark. You up the stakes, you give him that little bit of immortality he's always wanted - who's to say? How much do you trust him, Slayer? BUFFY stands facing VAMPIRE 1, considering what he has said. Then she turns and walks slowly and deliberately across the room to where SPIKE is standing. She places both her hands gently on his chest and slowly and tenderly runs her hands upwards to take hold of his collar. She stands in front of him, facing him in silence for a moment. Then with one sudden movement she rips open his shirt and spins round to face the vampires. BUFFY You're on. We'll do it. VAMPIRE 1 nods to VAMPIRE 3, who approaches BUFFY holding out a small penknife. BUFFY [stepping back from him] Don't touch me! VAMPIRE 1 Come on, Slayer. We'll play fair. Only a few drops. BUFFY We'll do this my way. She turns back to face SPIKE and holds her hand out towards him. BUFFY [not looking at him] Do it. SPIKE Buffy - BUFFY raises her eyes to meet his. BUFFY [more resolutely] Do it. SPIKE hangs his head as if in pain. He takes her hand in his, as he does so folding in her fingers so that only her forefinger remains extended. He continues to keep his head bowed, focusing on her hand. BUFFY [almost fiercely] Just do it. SPIKE shakes his head slowly and painfully and then slowly lifts her finger towards his mouth. We can see there are tears in his eyes as he looks towards BUFFY, who is still looking straight at him. In one resolute gesture SPIKE shifts into game face and sinks his teeth into her finger. Her face remains expressionless as an expression of great yearning flickers across his face. Seemingly fighting some great battle within, SPIKE suddenly flings his head backwards, dropping BUFFY's hand as if it has stung him. BUFFY turns back to the vampires and holds out her finger, revealing a deep gash. Cradling it in her other hand to prevent the blood spilling, she starts to walk towards them. BUFFY [her voice shaking with anger] You wanna know how much I trust him? This is it, isn't it? [holding out her finger towards them] This is what you vamps crave more than anything else in the world. Look at that. Not a drop taken...[her voice breaks]...not a bloody drop. She holds her finger up over the mixture and allows three drops of blood to drip into it. BUFFY That's how much I trust him. [beat] Question is... She walks back over to SPIKE, whips out a stake and holds it to his chest, looking up into his eyes BUFFY ...how much does he trust me? All this time the VAMPIRES have watched in silence, gripped by the scene unfolding in front of them. Suddenly they seem to regain their senses. VAMPIRE 1 Hang on slayer. No-one said you get to do the staking. BUFFY Like I said, we do this my way. SPIKE Told you she was tricky. BUFFY Potion, please. VAMPIRE 3 picks up the pot carefully and starts to take it over to Buffy. VAMPIRE 1 Hang on, Slayer. How do we know you're not going to try anything stupid like pretending he won't stake when he sure as hell will? BUFFY You're right. That would be stupid. SPIKE reaches inside his coat for a cigarette. BUFFY About as stupid as keeping one very impatient Slayer waiting for this potion. Shot of SPIKE reaching into his pocket for his lighter. VAMPIRE 2 [to Vampire 3] Give it to her. Shot of SPIKE frowning as he continues to grope around in his pocket. BUFFY takes the pot from VAMPIRE 3. Shot of SPIKE checking his opposite pocket. VAMPIRE 3 Yeah, you put your hand right in and smear it all over him. VAMPIRES 1 & 2 glare at VAMPIRE 3 Focus on SPIKE's hand as he re-checks the original pocket. He suddenly puts his fingers straight through a hole in the bottom of the pocket. He looks down, thoughtfully, still frowning. BUFFY [about to reach into the pot] Tell me if it hurts. SPIKE Wait up, love. The boys want to play? Let them play. So, who's up for the smearing then? BUFFY [surprised] You want one of them to do it? SPIKE Just noticing how they're not very forthcoming here, pet. BUFFY What are you saying? SPIKE [to the Vampires] What is it, don't wanna get your hands dirty? BUFFY [realising what Spike is getting at] Bit late for that. She lifts the pot up as if about to throw it at the vampires. They all back across the room towards the empty doorway on the opposite side. VAMPIRE 1 You can't touch us, Slayer. You know that. BUFFY Maybe I don't play by your rules. BUFFY throws the pot across the room and it hits the wall just above the empty doorway. It shatters and the liquid pours over the head of VAMPIRE 3, who is trying to make his escape through the doorway at that very moment. He screams as he falls to the floor and shortly afterwards crumbles into ashes. BUFFY Hmm...interesting. BUFFY and SPIKE proceed to fight VAMPIRE 2. As they fight the already dilapidated building takes several knocks and the odd brick is dislodged. After a short time they manage between them to knock VAMPIRE 2 senseless and leave him in a crumpled heap on the floor. BUFFY Two down, one to go. Where did he get to? She and SPIKE head through the empty doorway, being careful not to tread on the last traces of liquid from the smashed pot there. They find themselves in a second room but there is no sign of VAMPIRE 1. VAMPIRE 1 (OS) The question is, how're you going to take me? We're all out of potion. BUFFY and SPIKE turn round to find him standing in the doorway. BUFFY What is this all about? VAMPIRE 1 [from the doorway] They've been saying Sunnydale is hell for us vamps nowadays. Not only the Slayer but the Slayer's bit of stuff making life very difficult for our kind. Couldn't resist a challenge. BUFFY The blood of the Slayer? The invincibility potion? VAMPIRE 1 All we had to do was work out a way to take you both out and I'd say we were pretty near invincible. You played along very nicely...for a while. SPIKE Game's up, mate. VAMPIRE 1 I wouldn't be so sure. Slayer's still in, aren't you? He advances towards BUFFY. SPIKE Touch my lady and you'll be sorry. VAMPIRE 1 [suddenly grabbing BUFFY from behind] What are you going to do about it? BUFFY throws him off, and he lands in a heap on the floor. SPIKE Applaud the lady while she breaks your sorry neck. VAMPIRE 1 gets to his feet and launches himself at Spike. SPIKE I said don't touch the lady. SPIKE punches VAMPIRE 1 in the face and he stumbles backwards. As he tries to catch his balance BUFFY launches herself at his back with a drop kick, sending him to the floor. She lands on top of him and sits, straddling him, holding his head down by his hair. BUFFY [pulling VAMPIRE 1's head up by his hair] You heard him. She breaks off and looks down in amazement as a pool of thick, dark liquid very similar to the 'potion' in the pot spreads out from underneath VAMPIRE 1. SPIKE [looking on as he catches his breath] Might wanna watch your feet there, love. BUFFY lifts up each foot in turn, pinning each of VAMPIRE 1's arms to the floor with the heels of her boots. BUFFY [leaning in towards Vampire 1's face, which she still holds up from the floor] You want the blood of the Slayer? Have a taste. She shoves his face down into the pool of liquid on the floor. BUFFY Let me know if you live forever. SPIKE holds out his hand and helps BUFFY back to her feet, keeping her from stepping on the liquid. As BUFFY gets off VAMPIRE 1 he rolls over onto his back. He writhes in agony as he covers his burning face with his hands. SPIKE Will you look at that. The potion has burnt away most of VAMPIRE 1's shirt and jacket, revealing some kind of protective material wrapped around his upper body. Strapped to the VAMPIRE's chest is a small box, crushed by his own weight, from which the dark liquid is seeping out. As they watch, VAMPIRE 1 crumbles into ashes. SPIKE No immortality then. Just your standard skin-eating poison. BUFFY bends down and dips the end of the stake she is holding in the puddle of liquid on the floor. The tip fizzes and dissolves. She quickly jerks her hand back up again. BUFFY That is one hell of an appetite for something so slimy. SPIKE You gotta hand it to them. The idea was almost there. Stake 'em through the box and instead of bye bye evil Undead it's bye bye pointy sticks. BUFFY [looking at the remains of Vampire 1 on the floor] Think I spotted a design flaw though. They both stand in silence for a minute. BUFFY So how did you know? SPIKE I solved the mystery of yesterday's disappearing stake. It ate through my pocket. BUFFY [smiles] I say we go dust him nextdoor. BUFFY and SPIKE return to the first room again. VAMPIRE 2 is still lying, unconscious, on his back in the middle of the room. BUFFY [kneeling down and propping VAMPIRE 2 up] Here, take hold of him. We don't want to risk any more sticky moments. We'll finish this one from behind. SPIKE bends down and takes hold of VAMPIRE 2's shoulders from the front. BUFFY takes out the stake and is about to dust the vampire when she remembers that she took the end of the stake off dipping it into the liquid. She turns the end of the stake up to face her for a moment, pauses, and then turns it back over and plunges the blunt end into the vampire's back. He dusts. BUFFY Who needs pointy bits anyway? SPIKE We should get going. This building looks like it could come down at any minute. He stops mid-gesture, as if suddenly realising the significance of what he has just said. Focus on BUFFY, still kneeling on the floor, as she looks towards him with a wicked twinkle in her eyes. Focus on SPIKE as a slow smile spreads across his face. EXT. SUMMERS' HOUSE - NIGHT BUFFY and SPIKE are sitting on the porch, in the moonlight. She is cradled against him as he reads to her from his book. After a while he breaks off. SPIKE You know, I had a great inspiration for the sequel today. How's this? Vampire meets girl, falls for her, goes through fire, water and finger paintings to prove it to her, finally wins her love and they all live happily ever after. BUFFY [smiling] It's a beautiful idea. [wrapping her arms around his neck] But Spike - SPIKE Mm hm? BUFFY: [whispers with her mouth touching his] It would never...[kisses him]...ever...[kisses him again]...happen. The camera pans out as they indulge in a long, tender kiss. Long shot of the two of them on the porch in the moonlight. Fade Blackout Feedback Notes