[ Teaser | Act 1 | Act 2 | Act 3 | Act 4 ]
Teaser
Fade from black. Willow and Tara are walking through a playground on a bright sunny day.
TARA
Do you like cats?
WILLOW
I'm more of a dog person myself, but I'm not like, 'Death to all cats'. Why?
TARA
Cuz I was thinking about getting one.
WILLOW
Can you have one in the dorms?
TARA
No, but ... this would be a sneaky cat.
WILLOW
That'd be cool. You mean, it'd be sort of like a familiar?
TARA
Actually, I-I was thinking it'd be sort of like ... a pet. You know, we could ... we could name her Trixie, or Miss Kitty Fantastico or something.
WILLOW
<very excited> And we could make kitty go bonkers with string and-and catnip and stuff?
TARA
Absolutely.
WILLLOW
Fun! I'm in.
TARA
So, you're not allergic or anything.
WILLOW
Nope.
TARA
Good, cuz ... I want my room to be Willow-friendly.
WILLOW
<taking Tara's hand> Me too.
The two walk hand-in-hand for a moment, simply enjoying each other's company.
TARA
So I'm excited about the Scooby meeting. I think. What's it about?
WILLOW
I'm not sure. Probably just your garden variety disaster.
BUFFY (O.S.)
Zippo.
Cut to Giles' apartment where the Scoobies have gathered. Anya is sitting in Xander's lap, Tara is next to Willow. Buffy and Riley face them. Giles putters around in the kitchen, gathering snacks and such.
BUFFY
Patrol's been totally uneventful. My kill count's way down.
WILLOW (to Tara)
She means there's been less bad guy activity. <Tara nods>
GILES
And we know what that often indicates.
XANDER
Buffy doesn't make her quota? <admonishingly> Bad Slayer!
GILES
No, I wish it were that ... innocuous, but ... with Adam around, I-I feel he's involved somehow.
WILLOW (to Tara)
When things get slow, it's usually because there's some extra evil brewing. <Tara nods>
RILEY
Except the weird thing is, we've been busy at the Initiative. Our squads are pulling a lot more captures, we've got demons comin' out our ears.
WILLOW (to Tara)
That's a metaphor.
TARA
<smiling> I got it, thanks.
WILLOW
I'm over-helping, aren't I?
Tara laughs quietly, clearly finding Willow adorable.
GILES
So the, uh, activity's shifted not-not-not stopped. <he offers around a bowl of pretzels, but nobody takes any> That's fascinating.
ANYA
To an extremely bored person maybe. <getting up to leave> Well that was a thrilling hour.
GILES
<angrily> You know, I really don't appreciate your snide remarks, Anya. Now I have a great deal of experience in these matters, and if I say there is a matter of some import brewing, I-I ...
Throughout Giles' tirade, the sound of a door opening has been heard. Giles' back is to the door and he doesn't seem to notice, but when everyone around him looks up and starts staring, he trails off and looks over at the door, also appearing surprised. Tara looks from the door to the Scoobies, confused. As for Willow, her face is one of complete shock.
Cut to Oz, standing in the doorway, his hands in his pockets looking completely calm and Oz-like. He stares back at them for a beat.
OZ
Hey.
Cut to black. Roll credits.
Act One
Fade from black to Willow, simply staring.
WILLOW
<disbeliving> Oz!
Oz just stands at the doorway, looking a little uncomfortable.
TARA
<understanding dawns> Oz.
Willow quickly looks over to Tara, as though suddenly realizing what a messy situation this is. She glances back to Oz, unsure of what to say. Buffy watches Willow with concern.
WILLOW (to Oz)
When ... When did you get back?
OZ
Pretty much now.
Beat. Everyone keeps staring. Tara's head is down, focused on her hands in her lap. Realizing that nobody else is going to do it, Xander finally steps forward and bridges the distance between Oz and the rest.
XANDER
Oz! Man! Hate to sound grandma, but ... you don't call, don't write ...
Xander puts out his hand to Oz, who shakes it and smiles slightly.
OZ
<somewhat embarrassed> Yeah. Sorry.
BUFFY
So are you here here, or you just passing through?
GILES
Uhm, let's not, uh, bombard the poor chap with, uh ... questions right off. <to Oz> Can I you something? Tea, perhaps?
Giles moves off towards the kitchen when Oz stops him.
OZ
I'll pass. Thanks.
Oz finally steps into the room, going instantly to stand in front of Willow.
OZ (to Willow)
Look ... I'm goin' to Devon's to see if he's got a place I can crash, but ... I was hoping that we could talk. Later. Tonight?
Tara swallows hard and watches Oz and Willow.
WILLOW
<still stunned> I-I guess so.
He smiles.
OZ
I'll come by your place?
WILLOW
<quietly> Okay.
Oz gives Willow a long look then starts to back out of the room, looking at the others.
OZ
It's great to see you guys again. Really.
Oz walks out of the apartment, closing the door behind him. Nobody says anything as he leaves. As soon as the door closes, Anya speaks up.
ANYA
Everyone's uncomfortable now.
Buffy goes to Willow, touching her arm and breaking Willow out of her internal reverie.
BUFFY
<softly> You okay?
WILLOW
<lost voice> What?
TARA
I just, uhm ...
Willow spins around at Tara's voice. Tara is getting up out of the chair.
TARA
I-I realized, uhm ... I-I-I'm late for-for study group.
WILLOW
<reaching out> Tara, wait ...
Tara backs away from her.
TARA
No, no, it's ... i-it's okay. You-You-You should be with your friends and ... and I-I should go.
Tara exits, leaving Willow looking even more confused and concerned.
Fade to a cemetery, night. Buffy and Riley are walking along. Riley's in commando gear.
RILEY
So, uh ... I was missin' somethin' this afternoon, wasn't I? I mean, breakups are tough, but ... When Oz walked in, it seemed like emotions were running extra high.
BUFFY
Oz and Willow had a rough breakup.
A demon snarl interrupts Buffy's explanation.
RILEY
Hold that thought!
A demon leaps out at them from behind a tombstone. Buffy ducks as Riley throws a punch over her and the demon staggers back. Buffy stands, and Riley lifts her up; she delivers a wicked kick to the demon's head and it is again thrown back. It throws a wide punch that Buffy easily ducks, which leaves it open to a blow to the midsection by Riley. The demon falls to the ground and Buffy kicks it in the face. Riley grabs the demon from behind and throws it backward, where it falls over a low tombstone with a crunch and doesn't move. Riley watches it for a second, then turns to Buffy.
RILEY
<a little surprised> Man, that was record time.
BUFFY
<pouting> It's no fun when they're that easy.
RILEY
Speak for yourself.
He pulls out a cell phone and pushes a button. He smiles at Buffy as he talks into it.
RILEY
Base, this is Agent Finn. We have an HST down, please send a retrieval team to sector 72.
VOICE ON PHONE
We're swamped down here, Finn. We'll get to it as soon as we can.
Buffy waits for Riley to finish, bouncing up and down on her heels and looking a little bored. Riley hangs up the phone and stashes it in one of his many pockets. The two of them continue with their patrol.
BUFFY
So. I was just about to say something fascinating.
RILEY
Oz and Willow.
BUFFY
Right. <pause> They had a rough breakup. Some ... stuff came up and Oz pretty much bailed over night. It left Will really devastated.
RILEY
I remember.
BUFFY
The thing is, before that they were doing great. I mean, she was totally dealing with Oz being a werewolf, it wasn't even--
RILEY
Whoa, back up there?
They stop walking. Buffy looks at Riley. Her face is open and waiting; she has no idea what Riley is finding objectionable.
RILEY
Oz ... is a werewolf. And Willow was dating him?
Beat.
BUFFY
Yes. <they stare at each other for a second> Hence the high emotions..?
RILEY
Man, you're--you're kidding me. Gotta say I'm surprised. I didn't think Willow was that kind of girl.
BUFFY
<face falling> What kind of girl?
RILEY
Into dangerous guys. She seemed smarter than that.
BUFFY
<getting defensive> Oz is not dangerous. Something happened to him that wasn't his fault.
Riley looks at Buffy as if to say 'Yeah, so?'
BUFFY
<angrily turning and walking away> God, I never knew you were such a bigot.
RILEY
Whoa! Hey, how'd we get to bigot?
He pulls Buffy to a stop again.
RILEY
I'm just sayin' it's a little weird to date someone who tries to eat you once a month.
BUFFY
Yeah, well love isn't logical, Riley! It's not like you can be Mr. Joe Sensible about it all the time. <pause> God knows I haven't been.
RILEY
I'm not talkin' about you.
BUFFY
How about we don't talk about this at all? Okay? Let's just patrol.
Buffy walks away. Riley watches her go for a second before following.
Cut to Buffy and Willow's room. Willow opens the door to find Oz standing there. He smiles when he sees her.
OZ:
Hey.
WILLOW:
Hey.
They stare at each other for a moment.
WILLOW:
So ... Y-Y'wanna come inside?
OZ
Actually, I want you to come outside. I wanna show you something.
Cut to Oz and Willow walking through campus. They walk in silence until they finally come to a stop.
WILLOW
Oz ... <trying to find the words> This is all so weird. I-I feel like ... This isn't really happening. Like it's a dream or-or something.
OZ
It's real. Look up.
WILLOW
<confused> What?
OZ
Look at the sky.
Willow looks up and sees the moon, bright and very, very full.
OZ
I guess you stopped keeping track of them, after I left.
WILLOW
Full moon!
OZ
Full moon.
WILLOW
<looking back and forth between Oz and the moon> Full moon, but-but how? <excited> I mean-- You did it! How-How did you do it, where did you go?
OZ
It's a long story.
WILLOW
<happily> Oh my god, Oz!
Impulsively, Willow grabs Oz in a huge hug, a beaming smile on her face. Oz starts for just a second, then gently wraps his arms around Willow. When she pulls back, all the excitement has vanished and she just looks extremely confused and unsure. They look at each other before Willow finally speaks.
WILLOW
This is ... I mean ... It's wonderful for you.
OZ
I talked to Xander, and he said you didn't have a new guy.
WILLOW
<uncomfortable> No. No new ... guy.
Oz smiles and takes Willow's hand.
OZ
I know what I put you through. And I'm not gonna push. But I am ... a different person than when I left. And I can be what you need now. That's what I want. That's why I'm here.
Willow can do nothing but look at Oz, stricken.
Cut to the woods. Graham is leading two commandos on patrol.
RADIO VOICE
This is sector 27. We're all clear.
The commandos walk along when one hears a rustling of bushes off to the side. He taps Graham on the arm.
WILLIS
Sir!
They come to a halt as Graham pulls out his gun. The three of them stare intently into the bushes when a growl comes from behind them. They whirl around and hear another growl to the other side. They turn, just as a hairy, ape-like creature jumps out and knocks Graham to the ground before hitting Willis. The guy goes flying, crashing into a tree and slumping to the ground. The creature immediately leaps on top of him, pinning him. Willis cries out as Commando #2 is attacked by a second, identical creature. He's also thrown through the air and connects nastily with a tree. Willis is struggling with the first creature, which is busy ripping his throat out. Graham, on the ground, looks up in time to see Willis meet his messy end before losing consciousness.
Cut to black.
Act Two
Fade from black to Buffy and Willow's room. The sun is shining outside. Willow and Oz are reclining on her bed, pictures, postcards and other items strewn across the bed between them. Willow has a scarf in her lap, which she's admiring.
WILLOW
I love this.
OZ
A woman in Tibet traded it to me for the Radiohead record. Got a lot of mileage out of the barter system.
Oz has a string of prayer beads wrapped around his hand, which he plays with periodically throughout their conversation.
WILLOW
So, Tibet was your favorite?
OZ
Well it's where I stayed the longest. This warlock in Romania sent me to the monks there to learn some meditation techniques. Very intense. All about keeping your inner cool.
WILLOW
<grinning> Good, cuz you were such a spaz before. <beat> So that's it? You keep your cool and no more wolfie?
OZ
No, there's more. Take some herbs and stuff. Some chanting. <indicating the beads> Couple of charms.
WILLOW
That's incredible. You've been all around the world. You've had this ... complete mind/body transformation. I've just been ... here! Same old Sunnydale.
OZ
Doesn't mean you haven't gone through a lot.
WILLOW
That's true. Some of it ... you know, was me telling myself I hated you and cursing your name. Not literally.
OZ
Thanks for that.
WILLOW
And ... I dunno, I-I think I'm-I'm getting better at my spells an' stuff.
At the thought of spells, Willow stops talking. Long pause. She starts to get very uncomfortable and looks around the room, noticing for the first time that the sun's shining.
WILLOW
It's so light out!
OZ
Yeah, we talked all night.
WILLOW
Well, I believe a manly-sized breakfast is in order, don't you?
She starts to pick up all of Oz's stuff on the bed. He reaches out and touches her hand.
OZ
We could just ... sleep a little while. Whatever you want.
What Willow wants, the question of the hour. She obviously has no idea.
WILLOW
I'll have the less confusing waffles right now.
OZ
Breakfast it is.
WILLOW
Lemme just, ah, freshen up.
Willow rises from the bed and grabs her toothbrush and a toiletries bag and leaves the room. Oz looks around, content, when there's a knock at the door. He opens it to reveal Tara. She's surprised to see him and becomes instantly uncomfortable.
TARA
Oh! Sorry, I-I-I'll come back.
OZ
Are you looking for Willow? She's just in the bathroom down the hall--
TARA
No no no. No. It's-It's ... It's okay.
OZ
<recognition> I saw you at Giles' yesterday.
TARA
Yeah. Sometimes Willow takes me with her to the S-S-Scoobies.
OZ
You sure you don't wanna come in?
Tara shakes her head 'no' and smiles, leaving quickly. Oz watches her go, a slightly puzzled look on his face as he closes the door and steps back into the room. He looks contemplative as he waits for Willow, who returns a few moments later. She notices the look on his face.
WILLOW
What?
OZ
Your friend came by. The blonde girl? But she wouldn't stay.
Oz turns away, getting his coat.
OZ
So what do you think? Where do you wanna go?
As his back is turned, he misses Willow's expression of pain and more than a little guilt.
Cut to Riley's room. He and Buffy are asleep in bed. The alarm chirps, waking them both up. Riley turns it off. They yawn and go through the usual 'just waking up' motions. Riley turns to Buffy and rubs her stomach affectionately.
RILEY
Morning.
BUFFY
<detached> Morning.
She pulls away from Riley and gets out of bed. He watches her go, noticing her behavior but doesn't comment on it. Instead, he pulls on a pair of sweat pants, gets out of bed and starts doing push ups on the floor. Buffy, getting dressed, watches him.
BUFFY
Those, like, regulation? You have to do those every morning?
RILEY
No. Just a good way to start the day.
BUFFY
Great! Then you can have your perfectly balanced breakfast, and then you can call your mother.
Riley stops, mid push-up, and gets to his feet.
RILEY
O-kay. Been up less than a minute an' somehow I've managed to piss you off.
BUFFY
I should go home.
RILEY
No. <sits down on the bed in front of Buffy> Come on. Is it that ... whole thing about Willow last night?
Buffy looks at him but doesn't say anything.
RILEY
Look, I only said what I said because I'm concerned. I don't wanna see her get hurt.
BUFFY
You sounded like Mr. Initiative. 'Demons bad, people good.'
RILEY
Something wrong with that theorem?
BUFFY
<a little exasperated> There's different degress of--
RILEY
Evil?
BUFFY
It's just ... different with different demons. There are creatures ... vampires, for example ... that aren't evil at all.
RILEY
<raising an eyebrow> Name one.
She doesn't get the chance to respond as Riley's door opens and Forrest walks in. He is extremely subdued.
FORREST
Ri, we need you downstairs. Beta Team got hit.
RILEY
Bad?
FORREST
We lost Willis.
Riley looks away, pained, when a thought occurs to him.
RILEY
Graham?
FORREST
He's walkin'. <beat> We're goin' on a hunt.
Riley says nothing, but turns to grab a shirt.
BUFFY (to Forrest)
What kind of demon was it?
RILEY
<angrily> Does it matter?
Riley storms out. Buffy watches him go.
Cut to Buffy and Willow's room. Will is curled up on her bed, resting against a pillow and covered with a blanket. She's stroking her ubiquitous stuffed dog. The door opens and she looks up. Buffy enters, closing the door behind her.
BUFFY
<subdued> Hey.
WILLOW
Hey. <watching Buffy> You okay?
BUFFY
Yeah, I just ... I don't wanna talk about it. I wanna hear about you and Oz! You saw him, right?
WILLOW
<nodding> I was with him all night.
Buffy's eyes widen and she sits down on the bed next to Willow.
BUFFY
All night? Oh my god! <a thought occurs> Wait. Last night was a wolf moon, right?
WILLOW
Yup.
BUFFY
Either you're about to tell me something incredibly kinky, or--
WILLOW
<grinning> No kink. <more serious> He didn't change, Buffy. He said he was gonna find a cure and he did. In Tibet.
BUFFY
Oh my god! I can't believe it!
Buffy's enthusiasm peters out when it's not echoed by Willow.
BUFFY
Okay, I'm all with the 'whoo-hoo' here? And ... you're not.
WILLOW
No, there's 'whoo!' an-and 'hoo!' ... but there's 'uh-oh' and 'why now?' And ... it's complicated.
BUFFY
Why complicated?
Willow pauses for a moment and sighs, steeling herself.
WILLOW
It's complicated ... because'a Tara.
BUFFY
<frowning> You mean Tara has a crush on Oz?
Hold on Buffy. She shakes her head, realizing this isn't it.
BUFFY
No, you--
The penny finally drops. Buffy's eyes get wide.
BUFFY
Oh!
Willow gives a small smile and a 'well, now you know' look. Buffy is a bit taken aback. She rises to her feet, walking slowly around the room.
BUFFY
Oh. Uhm. <searching for something to say> Well ... That's great. You know, I mean, I think- I think Tara's a-a really great ... girl, Will.
WILLOW
<smiling> She is! An' ... there's something between us. I-It wasn't something I was looking for ... it's just ... powerful. And it's totally different from what Oz and I have.
BUFFY
<in a state of minor wiggins> Well, there you go! I mean, you know, you hafta ... you have to follow your heart, Will. I mean, that's what's ... important, Will.
WILLOW
<frowning> Why do you keep saying my name like that?
BUFFY
Like what, Will?
WILLOW
<leaning forward, slightly hurt tone> Are you freaked?
BUFFY
What?! No, Will--
Buffy catches herself, realizing how she's reacting. She sighs and turns back to Willow, her face serious.
BUFFY
No.
She sits down on the bed next to Willow, no more trace of the wiggins.
BUFFY
No. Absolutely no to that question.
Willow smiles, still a little sad but better.
BUFFY
I'm glad you told me. <beat> What did you say to Oz?
WILLOW
I was ... gonna tell him. But then we started hanging out an' ... I could just feel everything coming back. He's Oz, y'know?
BUFFY
Yeah. I know.
WILLOW
I won't wanna hurt anyone, Buffy.
BUFFY
No matter what, somebody's gonna get hurt. The important thing is, you just have to be honest. Or it's gonna be a lot worse.
Willow nods, still looking miserable.
Cut to Spike, lying on top of a sarcophagus in his crypt, seemingly asleep. There are heavy footsteps echoing in room. A shadow falls across Spike, and a hand reaches into frame. Spike's hand snaps up and grabs it.
SPIKE
<eyes still closed> From the sound of those massive mudflaps, I'd peg you as a demon. Which means you're in for a world of--
He opens his eyes and looks at his visitor. It's Adam.
SPIKE
...pain.
He lets go of the arm and scrambles to his feet.
ADAM
Spike. I want you to come with me.
SPIKE
Do you? Well, let's go then.
Spike turns as though he's about to leave, but instead turns back and throws a punch at Adam's stomach. Adam doesn't move a centimeter. Spike stares in surprise, shaking his fist in pain.
SPIKE
Ow.
ADAM
Come.
Adam steps towards Spike. Spike quickly steps back.
ADAM
You're going to help me with my problem.
SPIKE
Why's that, excatly?
ADAM
I'm going to help you with yours.
Spike stares at Adam, interested.
Cut to a closed door. It opens to reveal Tara in her room. Willow is outside, hands clasped in front of her and looking very lost.
WILLOW
Hi.
TARA
Hi.
They stare at each other for a moment, then Tara snaps out of it and steps back to allow Willow to come in. Tara shuts the door behind her.
WILLOW
I-I can only stay for a minute, I have class.
TARA
Me too, I-I-I have class too.
WILLOW
I just want you know that-that what you saw this morning ... It wasn't--
TARA
No, it's okay. I-I always knew that if he came back--
WILLOW
We were just talking. Nothing happened.
TARA
<sighing in relief> Oh. <hopeful> Really?
Willow nods.
WILLOW
But, you know, it was intense. Just talking. We have a lot to talk about.
Willow frowns slightly and moves further into the room.
WILLOW
I kinda feel like my head's gonna explode.
Tara remains rooted to the spot, gathering herself together. When she speaks, it's strong and very decisive.
TARA
Whatever, you know, happens? I'll still be here. I'll still be your friend.
WILLOW
<tearful> Of course we'll be friends! That's not even a question!
TARA
<resolve dropping> But I'm saying, I know what Oz means to you.
WILLOW
How can you when I'm not even sure?
Willow becomes increasingly upset and Tara slowly moves closer.
WILLOW
I mean ... I know what he meant to me. But he left, an' ... everything changed, I changed, an' ... then we--
TARA
<hopeful again, wanting to hear it> What?
Willow is now openly starting to cry.
WILLOW
I don't know! I just ... life was starting to get so good again, an' ... you're a big part of that. And here comes the thing I wanted most of all an' ... I don't know what to do. I wanna know, but ... I don't.
Tara reaches out, touching Willow's cheek.
TARA
<very soft> Do what makes you ha-happy.
Crying harder, Willow grabs Tara in a hug. Tara strokes Willow's hair, looking as though she's already lost.
Cut to establishing shot, UCSD building. Cut inside to a message board. Oz is reading it. He sniffs the air.
OZ
Willow!
He turns to look as someone walks by, but it's not Willow - it's Tara. She stops and turns towards him. Oz cocks his head to the side, surprised. He moves to Tara.
OZ
Hey. I thought I sm-- Uh, heard Willow.
TARA
<false happy> Hey!
She looks at the UCSD packet in his hand.
TARA
You're, uhm ... You're coming back to school here, huh?
OZ
Pretty much feelin' ... oddly motivated.
Oz frowns. Something's not right.
TARA
That's, uhm ... That's great. I mean, that's great for you and Willow, right?
OZ
I hope so. <he frowns again>
TARA
Good! That's ... Because ...
OZ
<not listening> Is that her sweater?
TARA
<also not listening> I just- I just hope that you guys'll be v-very ... happy ...
OZ
<in wonder> You smell like her.
Tara's eyes dart up, nervous.
OZ
She's all over you, do you know that?
TARA
I can't. I ... ca- I can't talk about th-this--
Tara tries to leave, but Oz's hand shoots out and grabs her wrist. He's very agitated.
OZ
But there's something to talk about?
She says nothing. Oz starts to catch on.
OZ
<incredulous> Are you two involved?
TARA
I have- I have ... <stronger> I have to go--
OZ
Because she never said anything to me like that and we talked all night and she never-- <Tara tries to leave> No, STOP!
Oz grabs Tara, holding her arms. He shakes her.
OZ
Is she in love with you?!
No answer. He shakes Tara harder.
OZ
<practically yelling> Tell me, is she--
Oz starts to pant. He looks down at his hand. Tara follows his gaze and gasps. Oz's human hand becomes a wolf one. Her eyes wide, Tara looks at Oz. His teeth are longer, forehead more pronounced, and his eyes are deep black.
OZ
Run.
Cut to black.
Act Three
Fade from black. Tara is running, WolfOz hot on her heels, snarling. She runs into a classroom and up the stairs, down a row of seats. WolfOz runs up the other side. Tara heads for the door at the back of the classroom, but it's locked. WolfOz closes in and she runs back down the stairs. He jumps to the ground, blocking her off from the only exit. She screams and backs away, grabbing a chair. She throws it at him and he falls to the ground, unconscious. Tara seems surprised that he's out, but it wasn't her chair so much as the tranquilizer dart sticking out of his body. Riley, Forrest and some other commandos enter, Riley holstering the gun. Tara is surprised to see them.
FORREST (to Tara)
Are you okay?
TARA
Wh-What's going on--?
FORREST
We'll take it from here.
Behind them, the commandos are quickly and efficiently putting WolfOz in a black bodybag.
COMMANDO #3
This thing looks like may be one of the demons that took out Graham's guys the other night.
RILEY
So we'll take it back and make an ID. If it is, we'll put him down.
TARA
<distressed> You don't understand! That's a p-per--
FORREST
Listen. We know what we're doing. You're in shock.
TARA
But--
FORREST
We'll handle it!
Forrest rejoins the others who are carrying the bag out the door. Tara watches them go.
TARA
No ...
Cut to Spike and Adam, now in Adam's lair. Spike seems delighted.
SPIKE
<smiling> Well, that sounds like a lot of fun.
ADAM
You see my problem, though. Total annihilation of the humans doesn't help me. I'll be needing heavy casulties on both sides.
SPIKE
I get that. I'm still not sure how the Slayer fits in.
ADAM
The humans need a leader. A champion. The Slayer can do that.
SPIKE
Yeeeeah. The thing about the Slayer is ... She is a whiny little thing, but when it comes to the fighting, she does have a slight tendency to win.
ADAM
Then I guess you should be on her side.
Spike chuckles.
SPIKE
This all goes down, the chip comes out, yeah? No tricks?
ADAM
<raising his hand in a three-fingered salute> Scout's honor.
SPIKE
<disbelief> You were a boy scout?
ADAM
Parts of me.
Cut to the library. Willow is reading, resting her head in one of her hands. She only barely seems to be paying it any attention. She looks towards the entrance when Tara rushes in. Willow immediately comes over.
WILLOW
What's up? You okay?
TARA
Oz. W-We were talking, and he changed. Right in front of me.
WILLOW
What? I-It's daylight.
TARA
I know, but it happened.
WILLOW
Oh my god, are you alright?
TARA
I'm fine. Riley and the commando guys, they stopped him. But they don't know it's Oz. I tried to tell them, but they took him away.
WILLOW
When, just now?
Tara nods.
TARA
<worried> I think they might hurt him.
WILLOW
I-I-I have to go, I have to find Buffy.
TARA
I know.
Tara nods in understanding. Willow rushes off.
Cut to Giles' apartment. The Scoobies have assembled. Willow is pacing around. Buffy's listening to the phone in the background. Xander and Anya are sitting together on the couch, and Giles is resting against the back of it, watching Willow.
WILLOW
Tara said they took him right before she found me.
ANYA
So that's good, right? I mean, they probably haven't had time to eviscerate him yet.
Willow throws herself on the couch and hugs a pillow close.
XANDER
Ahn, you can help by making this a quiet time.
GILES
Once again we're faced with the fairly daunting prospect of having to infiltrate the Initiative.
Buffy hangs up the phone and moves around to the front of the couch with the others.
XANDER
It'd be great if we knew someone datin' a man on the inside. Someone with connections. <as though it just occurred to him> Oh, wait!
BUFFY
He's still not answering his pages. I left him another message.
WILLOW
So what do we do?
BUFFY
Well we need to move fast. So we make a plan without Riley.
Giles looks worried.
BUFFY
And hope he calls.
Cut to the Initiative. WolfOz is in a cage in the center of the lab, snarling and darting from side to side. Several scientists are around the cage, clipboards in hand. Soldiers with guns are close by too. Riley paces back and forth. Another scientist approaches.
FORREST
<forcefully> What's the word, doc? Is this the animal that took apart our men?
SCIENTIST #1
We don't know yet, soldier.
RILEY
What's the hold up? I thought Graham gave you a full description?
SCIENTIST #1
The hold up is that he described characteristics present in over 40 known varieties of demon. So we're cross-checking DNA. Hair, fibers ...
RILEY
And how long's that gonna take?
SCIENTIST #1
<condescending> I have no idea.
RILEY
I don't need a bunch of tests to know that this thing's a killer.
Riley pulls out a gun, cocks it and points it at the cage. In front of them, WolfOz turns back into RegularOz. Riley lowers the gun and steps back. surprised. The scientsts are equally shocked. Oz pants from the exertion. Flash fade to white and then back again to first-person POV. Scientist #1 is shining a flashlight. Other scientists surround the shot. Riley is also there, now looking decidedly uncomfortable.
The POV is Oz, restrained to a cold, metal table. The scientist is shining the flashlight in his eyes. Riley smacks the scientist's hand out of the way.
RILEY
Hey, he's comin' to. Oz ...
SCIENTIST #1
He won't be able to talk for a while, we gave him Haldol to keep him quiet.
RILEY
Why? He's not a threat now.
SCIENTIST #1
I allowed you to stay as long as you let us to do our work, Agent Finn. Only Colonel McNamera can place a cease order on medical testing and he's told us to proceed.
SCIENTIST #2
I always suspected that stuff about werewolf transformations being based on a lunar cycle was campire talk.
The scientist injects Oz with something. It's obviously painful. Riley looks like he's going to object, but doesn't. Then Scientist #2 pulls out one of their blasters.
RILEY
Oh hey, that's enough, come on! The guy's a student, I know him.
SCIENTIST #1 (to the nearby soldiers)
Take him out!
SOLDIER
Yes sir. <grabbing Riley> Let's go.
Riley shrugs off the soldiers, and with a final glare at the scientists, he leaves. The scientists turn back to Oz, #2 raising the blaster and pressing it to Oz. He pulls the trigger and Oz cries out. The camera trucks around the scientists, and when it reaches Oz again, he's in snarling werewolf form.
SCIENTIST #2
See that? Transformation related to negative stimulation.
Cut to Giles' apartment.
BUFFY
Something's wrong. Riley usually returns my phone calls by now.
XANDER
We can't wait much longer.
BUFFY
I know. <she looks around at everyone and takes a deep breath> Okay. Xander, you and I are gonna go in. We've done it before.
WILLOW
I'm going with you.
BUFFY
No. Look, it's too dangerous, Will.
Willow gives Buffy a look that promises much argument.
BUFFY
Besides, I need you to help Giles hack into the city's electrical grid. We've gotta try to power down the Initiative.
WILLOW
Giles can do it without me. I can give him all the instructions, I can show him exactly what to do.
GILES
Of course.
WILLOW
I-I can't just sit here.
Buffy looks to Xander. Xander won't back her up. She reluctantly agrees.
BUFFY
Okay. Okay, you can back us up. <Willow nods> Now the only way I know into the Initiative is through the elevator in Lowell House, but my clearance is long gone.
XANDER
So we grab a guy. Make him take us.
SPIKE (O.S.)
Or you could just use the back way.
Everyone turns to the door to see Spike standing there.
SPIKE
Hell of a lot less bother.
GILES
How did you get in?
SPIKE
<as though Giles were an idiot> The door was unlocked. You might wanna watch that, Rupert. Someone dangerous could get in.
BUFFY
Or someone formally dangerous and currently annoying.
Spike raises his eyebrows at her harsh words, but is highly amused.
SPIKE
Now now. None of that. Or I won't help you get Red's mongrel back.
They look at Spike, the unasked question of how he knows hanging in the air.
SPIKE
Bad news travels fast with us demons. We all like a good laugh.
GILES
Short of cash, Spike?
SPIKE
I happen to be seeking monetary gratification, yeah. But I also get a kick out of jackin' up those army gits myself. I know how to find the big guy who can take you to Oz.
BUFFY
<suspicious> Uh-huh. So what's the going rate on a wild goose chase, Spike?
SPIKE
Fine. If you're not interested. But I was stuck in that hole, remember? And I've heard things from other guys who've gotten out. I can get you in, no alarms, no cameras. No waiting.
The Scoobies look at each other.
Cut to a cell at the Initiative. Oz is inside, naked and huddled in a corner while the real monsters around him are snarling and growling. Oz looks up at the sound of a door opening. He's shivering and in pain, covered with cuts and bruises. Oz watches someone walk to his cell and open it. He flinches as Riley enters, but Riley's there to help, not hurt.
RILEY
Oz. <he leans down and puts some clothes at Oz's feet> Put these on, man. C'mon.
Oz looks at him confused for a moment, but starts to move.
Cut to a now-clothed Oz being helped through the darkened complex by Riley. The height difference is truly remarkable. Before they can reach the exit, the lights come up. Riley looks around as they are surrounded by soldiers, all armed with weapons and ready to use them. Forrest and Graham walk over.
FORREST (to Riley)
End of the line.
Cut to black.
Act Four
Fade from black. A door is opened by a soldier to allow Colonel McNamera to enter. McNamera walks over to a cell -- an actual, standard prison cell, very different from the monster cages. He fishes a set of keys out of his pocket. Riley is in the cell and snaps to attention when he realizes who his visitor is. McNamera opens the cell door and walks in. Riley doesn't make eye contact, standing rigidly at attention.
MCNAMERA
At ease.
Riley relaxes.
RILEY
Permission to speak, Colonel.
MCNAMERA
Denied. <Riley looks surprised, but says nothing> Being new around here, Finn, I had a look at your record and Professor Walsh's notes. Until recently you were an exemplary soldier, headed straight for the top. Then you meet this girl, this ... Slayer, and suddenly you begin to exhibit signs of disloyalty. You abuse your command. But tonight ... <he shakes his head> To release a lethal HST back into the population ...
RILEY
Sir, the prisoner--
MCNAMERA
<shouting> You will speak when I tell you to!
Riley snaps back to attention.
MCNAMERA
Tomorrow I am going to institute a court martial to investigate the extent of your involvement with the Slayer and her band of freaks.
Riley looks genuinely hurt and shocked at this.
MCNAMERA
They're anarchists, Finn. Too backwards for the real world. You help us take them down and you might just save your military career. Otherwise you'll go to your grave labelled a traitor.
McNamera leaves. Riley is shaken.
MCNAMERA
No woman's worth that.
He closes and locks the cell.
Cut to Buffy, Willow and Xander following Spike through the woods. Xander and Spike are dressed as commandos, Buffy and Willow in white lab coats. Buffy is carrying a mini-crossbow.
BUFFY
I've mentioned how much I'm gonna kill you if this is a scam, right?
SPIKE
Look, would I wear this if I wasn't on the up and up?
WILLOW
You do sorta look like an evil olive.
Spike glares.
XANDER
Guys. Check it out.
The back entrance Spike mentioned, a big door mostly hidden by trees and bushes. Spike goes over to the door as the others watch. Cut to a series of computer terminals being monitored by Adam. The metal side of his face has been swung back to reveal some computer hardware, including a network/modem port that he's using to jack in. Adam makes a few keystrokes. The door beeps and clicks and Spike is now able to open it.
SPIKE
For a nasty town like Sunnydale, nobody seems to mind their locks.
BUFFY (to Spike)
You first.
Spike rolls his eyes, but does as Buffy says. Back to Adam, monitoring Spike's progress. He hears a beeping from one of his terminals and looks as the monitor displays the electrical grid. Cut to Anya, typing on Willow's laptop. Giles looks on. He checks the papers in front of him.
GILES (to Anya)
Try typing in 'XH4J7' for the emergency shut-down command. That covers the entire electrical grid for the university and outlying areas.
Anya does so. Adam watches, also typing. The monitor flashes 'EMERGENCY POWERDOWN IN PROGRESS'. Buffy and the others are walking through the Initiative hallways when everything goes dark. The area is soon flooded in blue light as the emergency backup kicks in. An exterior shot of Sunnydale shows block after block losing power. Giles apartment also goes dark, the room only lit by the glow from the laptop. Anya's face breaks into a delighted grin. She raises her hand to Giles.
ANYA
Slap my hand now!
GILES
<confused> Beg your pardon?
ANYA
In celebration.
GILES
<getting it> Oh!
He rather awkwardly high-fives Anya. They both wince at the loud slap.
ANYA
<whining> Ow!
Cut to Buffy kicking in the door to McNamera's quarters. Xander levels his tranq gun at the Colonel while Buffy strides to his bed. She points her crossbow at him as he scrambles for his gun on the bedside table.
BUFFY
Hey!
McNamera stops moving.
BUFFY
<low and menacing> You know who I am?
MCNAMERA
<taking in the others> Yeah.
BUFFY
Then you know I'm pretty good with this thing. Take us to him.
MCNAMERA
Finn stays in the brig.
Buffy shoots a loot at Xander, surprised.
MCNAMERA
Helping an HST escape is a court martial offense, you're only gonna make matters worse.
BUFFY
Riley tried to help Oz escape?
MCNAMERA
<realizing> That's who you came for. The wolf.
XANDER
Guess we're two for one.
BUFFY (to McNamera)
Get dressed.
Cut to Buffy walking through a hallway, alone. As she passes a soldier guarding a door, she drops a stake. The soldier leans down to pick it up.
SOLDIER
Hey, you dropped--
When he bends over, Buffy knees him in the face. The soldier falls, unconscious. Buffy gets the keycard from the body and unlocks the door. She runs to RIley's cell and unlocks that too.
RILEY
How'd you get in?
BUFFY
Talk later. Stealthy escape now.
She turns to leave and Riley grabs her arm.
RILEY
Buffy. I leave now, I can't ever come back.
Buffy stares at him.
RILEY
I just wanted to hear that out loud.
They both exit. Cut to the group moving into the containment area. Buffy is holding on to McNamera, her crossbow pointed at his head. They round the corner to Oz's cell and are surrounded by Initiative soldiers on either side of them, armed and ready. Oz sees the Scoobies enter and stands up in his cell.
BUFFY (to the soldiers)
Stay back. Or I'll pull a William Borroughs on your leader here.
Pause. Everyone just stares at Buffy.
XANDER
You'll bore him to death with free prose?
BUFFY
<irritated that nobody gets it> Was I the only awake in English that day? <slowly to the soldiers, like speaking to a stupid child> I'll kill him. <to McNamera> Get him out.
McNamera nods to the soldiers, and one of them opens Oz's door. Oz steps out and sees Willow, closing his eyes tightly. She steps forward to him.
WILLOW
Oz!
OZ
Willow, get back.
He glances at his hand and sees that it's wolfing out again. Willow steps back, alarmed. Oz concentrates and is able to regain control. He gives Willow a look of extreme hurt and some shame. Riley steps forward and helps Oz.
BUFFY
Let's go.
The group, still including McNamera, move down the hallway. The soldiers follow and keep their weapons trained on the group, but take no action. They make it to the elevator. The ride to the surface is quiet and uncomfortable. McNamera keeps shooting glares at Riley. The elevator stops and they file out. Before he leaves, Riley opens the hidden compartment in the elevator and pulls the wires out, sending sparks flying. He closes it again and stares at McNamera. Buffy backs out next, keeping her crossbow trained on the Colonel. Riley follows close behind her.
MCNAMERA
You're a dead man, Finn.
Riley turns back and walks to McNamera.
RILEY
No sir. I'm an anarchist.
Riley punshes McNamera and walks away.
Fade to the charred ruins of Sunnydale High. Riley and Buffy are inside. Riley unrolls a sleeping bag as Buffy pours some coffee out of thermos. There's also a few ice chests, a light and some other camping equipment.
BUFFY
I hope everybody else is okay. It was better to split up, right? I mean, we're just too findable in a big clump.
RILEY
It was better. Besides, it's mostly me the Initiative wants now.
BUFFY
Probably. So what should we do?
RILEY
We'll be safe for tonight at least. The campus is still blacked out, so that oughta slow the Initiative down. I'll ... figure out my next move tomorrow.
Buffy sits next to Riley on the sleeping bag.
BUFFY
Quite a day, huh? You woke up to a big bowl of Wheaties and now you're a fugitive.
RILEY
I don't know. I'm sorry it ended that way, but I am glad it's done. I'm glad I know where I stand. Finally. <pause> I was wrong about Oz. I was being a bigot.
BUFFY
No you weren't. You were thrown. You found out that Willow was in ... kind of an unconventional relationship and it gave you a momentary wiggins. It happens.
RILEY
Still. I was in a totally black and white space. People versus monsters, and it ain't like that. Especially when it comes to love.
Buffy looks at Riley. She comes to a decision.
BUFFY
I have to tell you some stuff. About my past. And it's not all stuff that you're gonna like.
RILEY
You can tell me anything.
BUFFY
<smiling> I think so. I think I can.
Cut to Oz's van, Willow and Oz sitting in the front seats. Willow is looking at Oz, but he's staring straight ahead.
WILLOW
This thing looks pretty good. Considering you drove it over seas.
OZ
<not looking at her> Well it broke down outside of Mexico. Traded my bass to have it fixed in a garage. <long pause> I shouldn't have come back now. I just thought I'd changed.
WILLOW
You have changed. You stopped the wolf from coming out, I saw it.
OZ
But I couldn't even look at you. <he still can't> I mean, it turns out ... the one thing that brings it out of me is you. Which falls under the heading of 'ironic' in my book.
WILLOW
It was my fault. I upset you.
Oz finally turns to Willow.
OZ
So we're safe then. Cuz you'll never do that again.
Willow swallows hard but doesn't say anything. They both share a very tiny smile.
OZ
But ... you're happy?
WILLOW
<bigger smile> I am. I can't explain it.
OZ
May be safer for both of us if you don't.
WILLOW
I missed you, Oz. I wrote you so many letters ... but I didn't have any place to send them, you know?
Oz just looks sad.
WILLOW
I couldn't live like that.
OZ
It was stupid to think that you'd just be ... waiting.
WILLOW
I was waiting. I feel like ... some part of me will always be waiting for you. Like, if I'm old and blue-haired and I turn the corner in Istanbul and there you are ... I won't be surprised. Because, you're with me. You know?
OZ
I know. But now is not that time, I guess.
Willow shakes her head, sad but not regretful.
WILLOW
No.
Oz stares at Willow, heartbroken but accepting. No trace of the wolf.
WILLOW
What are you gonna do?
OZ
I think I better take off.
WILLOW
When?
OZ
Pretty much now.
She nods, trying not to cry. They both know it's for the best, but that doesn't make it any easier. Oz leans over to hug Willow, and she returns it. Oz tries not to cry too.
Fade to darkened UCSD campus. Tara's room, no lights, just whatever's coming in from outside. Tara sits in a chair, her knees drawn up to her chest, staring out the window. She's still wearing Willow's sweater. A knock at the door and Tara gets up to open it. It's Willow, holding a lit candle in both hands. She takes in how dark the room is.
WILLOW
No candles? Well, I brought one. It's extra flamey.
Tara says nothing, nor does she move. Willow steps into the room anyway and gives the candle to Tara, who finally steps back. Willow closes the door behind her.
WILLOW
Tara, I have to tell you--
TARA
No, I-I understand. You have to be with the person you l-love.
Willow smiles.
WILLOW
I am.
The words sink in. Tara looks up.
TARA
You mean..?
WILLOW
I mean. Okay?
TARA
Oh yes.
WILLOW
I feel horrible about everything I put you through. A-And I'm gonna make it up to you. Starting right now.
TARA
Right now?
Willow nods, smiling. Tara smiles too and blows out the candle.
Cut to black.
