Title: Changes Author: Rocky Rating: R...For violence and some language. Disclaimer: Characters and show are owned by JW and ME... unfortunately...Explains why the show went down the toilet. Pairing: B/F...Trust Me...Love takes time to manifest itself clearly in the eyes of those who refuse to see it. Summary: Faith gets haunted by her past. Dawn makes friends with the new girl. Give me a break...I suck with titles and summaries...trust me, it's more substantive than that verbally glowing description. Dedication: Jodie Foster...Just `cause I love her so much. Feedback: As much as possible. Notes: Second in a B/F series. The first was "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly". Read that one if you haven't for one obvious reason that it's a companion to this...also `cause everything I do deserves to be read. Seriously. This is a teleplay: an episode of Buffy as I'd see fit to write it and doubles as a fic. Names in scripts are tricky...if you call someone something and then a character calls he/she something else, you have to decide what name to use from there. So, when the Dark Man is given an actual name, he remains Dark Man for writing purposes. Same goes for any other similar situation. You'll see. As voiced by Anya...Previously on Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Faith returned. Buffy went bad bad bad and beat everyone up. Faith and Xander pretty much came to an understanding. Anya's smitten with Faith. Buffy most certainly is not as evidenced by the screaming match at the end of the last episode and all the fighting the two did during. Faith stabbed Buffy in the side. The slayers did, however, make out and almost had sex in the cemetery. Oh, and Giles removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes several times AND made a joke. FADE IN INT. THE BRONZE - NIGHT The place is lively. At a seating area is BUFFY, WILLOW, and XANDER. BUFFY This is nice. Just the three of us...no slaying. Good times. WILLOW Yep...thanks to Faith. Buffy GROWLS, amusing Willow and Xander. XANDER Yeah, that Faith is really something. Gotta have Faith 'cause Faith is IT! WILLOW I have my Faith. Have Faith in Faith--that's my new mantra. Buffy's steaming. XANDER Mine too. Faith saved some school kids the other day. What a gal. WILLOW I know...and Faith rescued an elderly couple and a blind girl! Faith rocks! BUFFY (shouting) Shut up! And shut up some more. XANDER There something wrong Buff? BUFFY Only it's all about Faith these days. Faith this and Faith that and Faith is so great and so beautiful and such a good slayer and her breasts and ass are so perfect and blah blah blah Faith- cakes. It's really pissing me off and I'm going to blow up. A DUDE and CHICK come up to the group. DUDE Hey, were you talking about Faith? We love Faith! CHICK Faith is the best! Like they say: you gotta have Faith. Buffy SCREAMS causing the Dude and Chick to step away from her. They go behind Xander and Willow who crack up. Xander calms down long enough to hand the Dude and Chick some cash. XANDER Thank you so much. Excellent work. The Dude and Chick walk away. Buffy glares scarily at Xander and Willow causing them to wilt. XANDER It was all Willow's idea. I was forced to go along because she threatened me with magic. WILLOW Wimp. XANDER I prefer the term "bravery-impaired". BUFFY I really don't think that was funny. WILLOW You're not supposed to. That's the point. BUFFY Look, can we just NOT talk about Faith please? This is OUR night, something we can't say very often. XANDER You're right. WILLOW Sorry. BUFFY It's okay. So Xan, what's Anya doing? CUT TO: EXT. CEMETERY - NIGHT ANYA leans against a headstone and watches FAITH battle a LEATHER VAMP. Faith doesn't stop fighting as Anya talks. ANYA He cheated on his wife with her sister AND her mother! I took absolute joy in flambaying him. FAITH As well you should. ANYA Are you almost done? FAITH What's the hurry? Xander's got easy access to sex so he ain't goin' anywhere. ANYA It's not that--I just find these patrols to be utterly unsatisfying. FAITH My mind says the same, but my body says a whole lotta different things! Faith finishes off the vampire with a backhand, a knee to the gut, and the dust blow with the stake. Faith takes a few deep breaths as Anya sidles up behind her. Faith turns around and is startled to find Anya right in her face smiling like a goof. ANYA You're horny. Can I help? FAITH I don't think X would like that--or maybe he would since he's a guy, bu-- Faith stops and suspiciously scans the area. ANYA What is it? Is it trouble? Protect me! Anya latches onto Faith for dear life. Faith looks as if she's waiting for something to jump out. She shakes it off after a moment. FAITH Forget it. It's nothin'. ANYA Really? Are you sure? Because there's no such thing as nothing in Sunnydale. Usually, when there's nothing, there's something. So there must be something. FAITH Wait...I do sense somethin'. ANYA Really? What? FAITH YOU smotherin' me! Get off! Anya detaches herself from Faith and sheepishly smiles. ANYA You smell nice. FAITH Oh geez. Faith shakes her head and walks off with Anya quick to catch up. As they go, close on a nearby bush. BUSH'S P.O.V. - FAITH AND ANYA WALKING AWAY WHISPERY VOICE Faaaith. END TEASE ACT ONE FADE IN EXT. SUNNYDALE HIGH - DAY STUDENTS make their way in. Among them is ELLE, a not-so happy-looking young beauty. A calculator falls out of her backpack and hits the ground. She hears and stops. When she turns around, she finds DAWN presenting it to her. DAWN Here you go. Elle takes a moment before actually moving and taking the calculator. ELLE Thanks. Dawn smiles and walks past Elle inside. Elle takes off her glasses and watches intently. CUT TO: INT. SUMMERS BASEMENT - DAY Faith wails on a punching bag as Buffy stretches. Faith's eyes wander over to Buffy periodically. FAITH Aren't ya gonna DO anything? BUFFY Stretching is something. FAITH I stretch when I don't even know I'm stretching. How 'bout somethin' with a little effort? BUFFY Yeah, that bag is really putting up a fight. Faith stops and faces Buffy. FAITH You want some live action? I can give it to ya. BUFFY I'd rather not risk anything. God knows what you'll try. FAITH How's your side? BUFFY Healed. FAITH Are you sure? Maybe I should check--I AM an expert. Buffy glares for a moment before looking away. Faith's eyes drop. BUFFY I'm fine. So, tonight, why don't you go uptown and I'll take downtown. FAITH No problem. (sarcastically) I mean, SunnyD is so drownin' in vamp action that we need to split up to handle it all. BUFFY Why can't you just shut up and do something for once? There's two of us--meaning twice the ground can be covered and my life can be easier. And let's remember, I'm not the one who just got out of prison with nothing else on her plate. I've got a life. FAITH Not much of one as far as I can tell. Buffy heads for the stairs. She intentionally bumps into Faith. BUFFY If I don't see you again until tomorrow, then there really is a God. Buffy and Faith stare coldly at each other before Buffy leaves. Faith becomes enraged and whacks the bag hard enough to send it crashing to the floor. BUFFY (OS) (shouting) You're paying for that. CUT TO: INT. SUNNYDALE HIGH, HALLWAY - DAY Dawn walks up to her locker and opens it up. A few lockers away, Elle struggles with the lock. She bangs the locker in frustration and turns to Dawn. ELLE Is it possible that you could be a safe-cracker? Or, in this case, a locker-cracker? Dawn turns to her and gives a wry smile. DAWN Sorry. But I do have a sister with super-human strength who could break that thing easily. ELLE Superhuman sister--you can make money off of that. DAWN I've tried. I sold her to the circus once...they returned her two days later demanding a refund. ELLE Too freaky for the freaks? Sounds like my kind of girl. DAWN You're definitely not the first person to say that. Dawn walks over and positions herself in front of Elle's locker. She lifts up her right leg. DAWN Lucky for you, I'm a freak too. Dawn kicks downward breaking the lock. She smoothly opens up the locker letting the door swing open. Elle's caught in a mix of awe and fear. Dawn takes a long look at Elle. DAWN You new here? ELLE My brother says I shouldn't think of it as being new but instead like I'm returning to the scene of a former life. Coincidentally, he had just come back from Pip the Pot Guy's office when he told me that. DAWN It's not totally horrible once you've been here a few...millennia. ELLE But I bet hanging with you is a smart thing to do. DAWN Sure...if you're a masochist. CUT TO: EXT. SUMMERS BACKYARD - EVENING GILES reads a book as he walks out into the yard. Willow sits in a lawn chair. Giles looks up and notices her. GILES Good evening Willow. When did you get back? WILLOW Just now. What are you reading? GILES Oh, Anya tracked down this fabulous set on Greek mythology. They must be at least 10,000 years old. Remarkably informative. WILLOW If they're informative, then doesn't that devalue the "mythology" part? GILES Well, that may be correct. Some of this is absolutely fascinating and being that it is not in the mainstream, the myth aspect is essentially removed. WILLOW Does that mean Icarus didn't really build wings and fly near the sun only to have the wax melt? I love that story. GILES Fear not...that one is true. You might be interested to know Glory was a direct descendant of Hades. WILLOW Why would I be interested in that? GILES Because not even HE liked her. Willow laughs. WILLOW Giles, do you ever worry? GILES About...? WILLOW The quiet. I mean, Buffy and Faith are at each other's throats and nothing serious has happened in a long while. At least, not in a non-Buffy-type way. It's like we're being set-up for an explosion of negativity. GILES Living here, I feel that way every day. CUT TO: EXT. UPTOWN APARTMENT BUILDING - NIGHT No activity. A youngish, average-looking-in-every-way DARK MAN wearing sunglasses and all black, swaggers up to the entrance of the building. He stops in front, face emotionless, and surveys the area. When he's satisfied, he pushes open the door and enters. CUT TO: INT. BRONZE - NIGHT Dawn and Xander hang out by the bar. The TV plays the news nearby. DAWN So I made a new friend today. XANDER Really? All right Dawnmeister! High-five! Xander puts his hand for a fiver, but Dawn doesn't. She stares at him like he's nuts. XANDER You have to give me this...I have no guy friends; Giles is British and Spike is Spikish. I need some masculine love. Dawn gives Xander a high-five. He's thrilled. DAWN Find some guy friends. XANDER Yes sir! I mean ma'am. Dawn glares, but she can't keep the grin off her face. XANDER So what's your new friend like? DAWN Oh she's really cool and funny and smart and great fashion sense and she's from New York! Is that not the bomb? XANDER It does send bomb-like feelings running through me. DAWN And her name is Elizabeth--but I get to call her Elle. XANDER Elizabeth but prefers a nickname...reminds me of someone we know... You seem psyched. DAWN SHE WANTS to be friends with ME! How often does that happen? XANDER Is that a rhetorical question? This time, it's a serious glare from Dawn. Xander backs off a little and turns his attention to the TV where a special report comes up. The BARTENDER turns up the volume. TV REPORTER It's a full-blown massacre here at the Quincy Building--a residential nightmare that has left not a single innocent life spared by whatever monster did this. Xander and Dawn share a look. CUT TO: INT. HALLWAY/APARTMENT - NIGHT Faith slowly walks through the dim hallway, eyeing the scattered blood on the floor, walls, and doors. She comes across a door with a note on it. She stops and reads the note. Her eyes narrow and she nudges the already-open door further. She enters. APARTMENT Faith finds two adult dead bodies on the floor. She walks in further and heads down a mini-hallway. She opens one door and finds a bedroom--empty. She opens another: bathroom--empty. She comes to the next door and: CUT TO: INT. BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS The door creaks open, revealing Faith's face. Instantly, her eyes widen. On the back wall, above the bed, a dead TEENAGER. Above the Teen, written in blood: IN DEATH, WE FIND FAITH On Faith's darkening face: END ACT ONE ACT TWO FADE IN INT. SUMMERS HOUSE - NIGHT Everyone's assembled, including SPIKE. Faith stands by pensively. Dawn gives her the stink-eye; Giles is stone- faced; Buffy's fuming. BUFFY (to Faith) Mass-murder occurs in your area and you don't get there until AFTER the fact. FAITH There was absolutely zip to make it seem like somethin' was up. BUFFY Or maybe you just weren't paying attention. FAITH There's wasn't much that needed attention. I took care of a couple of newbies and that's all. I had no friggin' reason to think there was a bloodbath in progress! XANDER How could vampires get in there to do that kind of damage? I mean, getting an invite from every single person who answered the door...the odds aren't there. WILLOW Maybe they got smart and found a spell to break the rule. I could go down there to check for traces of magic. BUFFY Good idea Wills. (to Spike) Spike, you go with her and be ultra-cautious. SPIKE Shouldn't I be patrolling? You know, something that can utilize my talents more. XANDER That better not be a veiled sexual reference. SPIKE Bite you. BUFFY Look, we can't take much of a risk anywhere near that building--no matter how dead it is. ANYA How do we even know this is the work of vampires? Maybe it's just a bunch of psychos. GILES It could be possible this is part of a ritual of some sort for a cult. BUFFY Either way, we're taking major precautions. We won't hunt these guys so much as keep an eye out. FAITH Let THEM hunt US. BUFFY What's a matter Faithy, afraid of the hunt? FAITH As much as I'm afraid of you. There's silence for a moment. DAWN What does that mean? ANYA For all intents and purposes, I do believe she's NOT afraid--and rightfully so seeing as Faith is Classic Coke to Buffy's Diet. Everyone stares at Anya incredulously. ANYA You know I'm right. GILES Yes, well, I will get to work on research. BUFFY Dawn, Xander, Anya, you help with that. (to Faith) We'll do an all-night sweep. FAITH I guess you want uptown this time. BUFFY No...we're sticking together. No screw-ups that way. Faith shakes her head. BUFFY Everyone, get to it! Buffy heads to the door with Faith close behind. Dawn rushes to cut off Buffy. DAWN I can help out on the street. BUFFY Sorry Dawny, but not this time...not this situation. DAWN Even after what I did at the library! Do you have to be there to see it? BUFFY Not this one. Plus it's a school night...have to be responsible. Dawn angrily stomps off. Faith nudges Buffy. FAITH Since you're my babysitter, should I call you Miss Summers? Off Buffy's not quite amused look: CUT TO: EXT. WEST SIDE STREET - LATER THAT NIGHT Buffy and Faith walk in the empty street. It's chillingly quiet between the two. FAITH I gotta say, this is kick-ass weather we're havin'. BUFFY I'm glad you brought that up. FAITH Really? BUFFY Yep. Gives me a good reason to tell you to shut the hell up. FAITH I'm always happy to give ya a GOOD reason to do something. Means I'm useful. BUFFY Don't make too much out of it. FAITH I'm pissin' you off? BUFFY Words can't even... FAITH Now THAT'S being useful! Buffy brings them both to a halt. BUFFY You just don't quit--do you? FAITH I can go on longer than you can take it. I will if you don't get out of my face. BUFFY Well then out of fear of what you might do to me, I will now take another step forward-- Buffy steps forward right in Faith's face. BUFFY --And get in your face even more. And why am I doing this? Because nothing's happening and I really want to beat you down. FAITH I thought it wasn't worth the risk. Buffy smirks. BUFFY I guess all that badness didn't leave me after all. Faith takes the first swing and catches Buffy by surprise, but she recovers and the duo engage in a heavy exchange of power-shots and counter-shots. Buffy fires a backhand that Faith catches. Faith punches Buffy in the kidneys and twists her arm and body around into a possessive hold. Faith wraps her arm around Buffy's waist--tight--while her other arm hovers just over Buffy's chest. Faith brings her mouth to Buffy's ear. FAITH (whispering) Do you feel it? BUFFY (breathy) I don't know what you're talking about. FAITH Someone's here. They're watching. I felt it the other night too. BUFFY Where? Faith slides her leg in between Buffy's, causing Buffy's breath to hitch. Faith maneuvers her left foot so it moves Buffy's left foot pointing in the direction of an alley. FAITH You feelin' up to it? BUFFY No excuses. Faith likes that answer. Faith shoves Buffy away from her. Buffy regains composure several feet away. Buffy calmly walks backwards towards the alley. BUFFY This night can only get more interesting. Buffy turns and sprints towards the alley. Faith sprints in favor of the alley on the opposite side of the building. CUT TO: EXT. PRIMARY ALLEY - CONTINUOUS Buffy enters the alley which is seemingly empty. Buffy scans the area but finds nothing. Suddenly, a CREATURE steps out and materializes from the wall behind Buffy. Buffy furrows her brow and turns around only to get hammered by the Creature. CUT TO: EXT. ROOF - CONTINUOUS Faith climbs onto the roof from the fire escape and runs across to the other edge. She peers down into the alley. The sound of a FIGHT can be heard, Buffy GRUNTING loudly. CREEPY VOICE (OS) Faaaith. Faith whirls around and finds no one. She's freaked. BUFFY (OS) (screaming) FAITH. Faith again whirls around. She looks down and a CRASH happens down in the alley. FAITH (shouting) B! Faith hops over the edge. CUT TO: EXT. PRIMARY ALLEY - CONTINUOUS Faith shoots down the fire escape in record time and lands from a big jump down. She spots Buffy lying in a heap of garbage cans and shattered glass. Faith rushes over to her. FAITH B? What happened? BUFFY (wearily) He came out of nowhere. Disappeared. FAITH You okay? BUFFY Better than I look. Really. Faith helps Buffy up and races out of the alley. Buffy slowly but surely follows. CUT TO: EXT. WEST SIDE STREET - CONTINUOUS Faith searches for anything at all. FAITH Somethin's out to get me. BUFFY I beg to differ...and I've got the bump to prove it. FAITH You don't get it--I'm a target! BUFFY Then let's turn the tables. Buffy starts walking but Faith stops her. FAITH You're hurt. BUFFY YOU'RE right. You were also right about being hunted. Whether it's only you they want--to kill you or bait you into something stupid-- doesn't matter. It involves me too. FAITH I can do this myself. BUFFY Just because you can, doesn't mean you should. Faith nervously looks around one more time. Buffy begins walking and Faith goes with her. CUT TO: INT. SUNNYDALE HIGH, ROOM 227 - DAY Dawn sits in class, tired but clearly disgruntled. A couple of rows over, Elle eyeballs Dawn with curiosity. Dawn glances over at Elle and catches her staring. Elle mouths "Are you okay?". Dawn smiles. CUT TO: INT. SUMMERS HOUSE - DAY Faith, Willow, Xander, and Giles reside in the living room. WILLOW There were no magicks. I went over the entire building three times. GILES The texts were no help. It's a crapshoot. (to Faith) What did you say attacked Buffy? FAITH I didn't see it. B said it was empty and the thing just came out of nowhere. Disappeared before I got down there. Street was empty. XANDER Really advanced vampire? A master? FAITH No. Too quiet for a vamp. I could sense the thing the other night, but that's it. And Buffy--she didn't put up much of a fight. WILLOW You think it's following you? FAITH Not even I'M this paranoid. XANDER Assassins? Wouldn't be the first time. GILES That's a good theory. Have Spike ask around. XANDER I'll send Anya with him. She's pretty good at the investigating part. I suck at it. Which makes me depressed. Xander checks with Faith who raises an eyebrow at him. XANDER There's also your predicament. You shouldn't be jumpin' for joy. But at least you have a bitchin' body! Faith concedes to that. Xander chuckles and wants a high- five. Faith won't go near it and leaves. Willow and Giles can't believe what Xander's doing. XANDER You have to admit, Faith is kinda man-ish. Willow and Giles gape. XANDER Spike's right--maybe I should go on a gay cruise. Willow's and Giles' eyebrows shoot to the ceiling. XANDER That didn't come out right. CUT TO: INT. ESPRESSO PUMP - DAY Dawn and Elle sit at a table with their drinks. Elle pours an assload of sugar into her cappuccino. Dawn can't help but gawk at the obscene pouring. Elle finally stops. ELLE I get that a lot. DAWN No, it's no big deal. I consume that much all the time...over the span of a month. ELLE People can be so intolerant of sugaritis. DAWN You gave it a name? ELLE That way I can accuse people of discrimination. Which is weird because I'm a Republican. DAWN Yeah, that's the only reason why it's weird. ELLE Why were you so down today? DAWN It was a rough night. Major reading. And there's the whole "my sister won't let me do anything beyond safe" factor. ELLE That makes you a member of a very non-exclusive club that includes most teenagers in America. Even me with my not-so-mainstream brother. DAWN I just want--I mean, I can help-- Dawn laughs pitifully. DAWN My life is too complicated for this conversation. Elle flashes dejection. ELLE No problem. I understand. Dawn notices Elle's hurt and is about to speak, but holds back at the last moment. She looks away sadly. CUT TO: INT. WILLY'S BAR - NIGHT Spike and Anya walk in. There's a good crowd. Willy tends bar and gets antsy at the sight of the duo. They walk over to him. WILLY Hey there. What brings you to my fine, semi-law abiding establishment? I've done nothing wrong! I'm telling ya I'm innocent. I want no one killed. ANYA We haven't said anything yet. WILLY Just covering my bases. SPIKE We got a few questions. WILLY Like... SPIKE Is there a hit out on the rogue slayer? WILLY Faith? ANYA Yes--Faith. There may be someone who wants her dead--a theory that, if true, is vigorously unacceptable! WILLY I'm clueless on that. I like the slayers and I don't wanna see 'em bite it. I got nothing for ya but I'll keep an ear open. (to Spike) Now you on the other hand...I've heard plenty dealing with you, big guy. SPIKE Really? What-- ANYA (shouting) --Hey! This is about Faith.. Anya slaps Willy. WILLY What was that for? ANYA Get your mind where it belongs--on Faith and NOT Spike. (to Spike) This is not, never has been, and never will be about you. (to Willy) And you will not divert attention to Spike to satisfy whatever unholy crush you may have on him. Willy's shocked and Spike is disgusted. Anya pushes Spike away and slaps Willy again. Anya walks to the center of the room with Spike. ANYA We have to question these. How do you want to handle it? SPIKE You're really taking this to the extreme. It's just Faith. Anya backhands Spike. ANYA There's no "just" Faith. Faith is Faith and you will respect that you popsicle bleach-head. SPIKE All you want is for her to live so you can get in her pants. ANYA So? Spike's intrigued. SPIKE We could engage these blokes one at a time. Weed out information. ANYA Actually, I believe getting tough is more responsible. (to the room) Excuse me, can you please listen up? The room quiets down and all eyes go to Anya. ANYA Can I get a show of hands...how many of you have a penis and testicles? Spike's thrown off big time by that. CUT TO: EXT. RESTFIELD CEMETERY - NIGHT Faith strolls through, her eyes darting around. FAITH (low) I'm alone and ready and heady and outta control Faith stutters in her step for a moment and her face twitches. She picks up the pace near a mosoleum. She hits a corner and whips her arm around. She pulls out a clean- looking PUNK VAMP and slams him against the mosoleum wall. FAITH You better have a good reason for followin' me. No, wait, that won't help you, so spare yourself the torture and open wide. Faith pulls out a stake and prepares to strike. PUNK VAMP Whoa! Faith, don't you recognize me? FAITH You're a vampire, right? Punk Vamp nods. FAITH That's all I need to know. PUNK VAMP Lester. We worked together for the mayor. The good ole days. FAITH (angrily) If you think that helps you, then someone better fill you in on my life the last 3 years. PUNK VAMP Okay, so that doesn't paint me in a nice light, but I know who's out for ya. There's an out-of-towner, hired for big bucks. A corrupt crusader you can say. A rogue slayer, past or present, is painted in black and deserves to die...according to the heroes. FAITH Rogue doesn't equal stupid. PUNK VAMP You want proof. I can give it to ya. CUT TO: INT. SUNNYDALE HIGH, BASEMENT - NIGHT Punk Vamp leads Faith into a shadow-covered space. They hide behind some boxes as Buffy walks into sight with the Dark Man behind her. BUFFY Way to screw up. She lives and I get a headache...another one along with you and your failure. DARK MAN She will die. I guarantee results. BUFFY Guarantees are as valuable as a California public school education. All I want is that pathetic, worthless, slutbomb lying as a corpse on my doorstep. DARK MAN I'll do it with a smile. Even I know she's no good and I lived 3000 miles away. She's little more than a mistake turned nightmare...a soulless murderer masquerading as a people's protector. She deserves no less than death. BUFFY Excruciating. Make her feel it. Dark Man nods his approving confirmation. He and Buffy walk off in the direction they came. Faith looks beyond lost. END ACT TWO ACT THREE FADE IN EXT. STREET - NIGHT Faith solemnly walks. Punk Vamp is along side her wearing a smug expression. PUNK VAMP You really can't trust the good guys...the goodie good guys. FAITH That wasn't her. There's an explanation--somewhere. PUNK VAMP What you see is what you get. FAITH Shut up. PUNK VAMP I can see you're pretty bummed. That redemption kick ain't workin' so good. FAITH It was. PUNK VAMP But not in her eyes. Faith stops and stares at Punk Vamp for a moment. FAITH Blow off. Faith picks up a swift stride. Punk Vamp doesn't move--but does grin wickedly. PUNK VAMP She's nothing. You're the REAL slayer! You could do so much more than kowtow to some vengeful bitch! Faith flinches but keeps walking. CUT TO: INT. SUMMERS HOUSE - NIGHT The gang's assembled in the living room--minus Faith. BUFFY Please tell me someone had success. ANYA We had a certain amount of success that people might find successful but others unsuccessful. Depends on whether you prefer a glass half- full of vodka, or half-empty. SPIKE I could really use a FEW half-full glasses of vodka after tonight. GILES What do you have? SPIKE Bad mojo times two. Christopher Dean-- Dawn's startled by that. SPIKE --A demon killer, self-proclaimed peacekeeper. There's way too much about him to go into... WILLOW You know him? SPIKE I've been around a long time and he's got about a decade of anti- hero work under his belt. Only 22...reputation for playing both sides in order to maintain stability. There's a laundry list of theories on WHAT he is... That earns a sideways glance from Anya. SPIKE ...And he's got a reputation for not shying away from killing humans. BUFFY So he's got the ability to put up a decent fight against a slayer? ANYA Yes, but the way you described the attack doesn't mesh. XANDER Mesh? Why no mesh? ANYA He's famous in the underworld--but not for his stealthness. He makes his presence known due to an exceptional ego. BUFFY I know WHAT he is--a MAN. SPIKE The bad news is he's stronger than a slayer. Good news--he works alone...except for a sister that's probably a teenager by now. XANDER (to Dawn) Hey Dawn, what about-- DAWN --Those new kids...yeah, you know there's a few newbies that came in recently. I can snoop around. BUFFY New? I didn't hear about that. DAWN Come on...the only work you'd do would be counseling anyone crazy enough to think you actually DO any work. That gets some giggles. A dangerous look from Buffy quiets them. The front door opens and Faith enters. She sways into the living room and immediately locks eyes with Buffy. BUFFY Anything happen? FAITH Handled a vamp. Got a beat on the bad guy. WILLOW Oh, so do we. FAITH (to Buffy) Where were you? BUFFY Scouted places evil might make itself comfy--boardwalk, high school, docks. FAITH Sounds like you didn't need me. I really didn't need you. BUFFY What's that supposed to mean? FAITH It means I'm tired, goin' back to my "home", you can do whatever the hell you wanna do and call me. That knocks everyone off, especially Buffy. Faith makes a loud exit. BUFFY Hooray for personal issues. CUT TO: EXT. REVELLO DRIVE - MINUTES LATER Faith huffs and puffs but deflates when the Punk Vamp gets in step with her. PUNK VAMP You're obviously pissed. FAITH Which sucks for you if you stick around. PUNK VAMP I can help. I remember how you handled being the Mayor's number one. This town could be yours. I'll help. We don't even have to touch the hellmouth. FAITH Did you bang your head too many times tryin' to get out of the coffin? I don't swing that way anymore! PUNK VAMP You were made for a life of death. You've been betrayed by the very people--or person--that you put your trust in, that you wanted to be forgiven by and what do you get? A contract on your head. Faith spins and headbutts Punk Vamp hard enough to knock him into a car. FAITH My head--my business. CUT TO: EXT. SUNLIGHT HOTEL - LATER Faith makes her way up the walkway. She stops abruptly. FAITH You don't learn, do ya? Faith spins around and is surprised. Standing a few feet away is the Dark Man--Christopher Dean. DARK MAN Actually, I'm extremely proud of my high school diploma. It would've been more, but when your night job involves killing things...well, English Lit seems trivial. FAITH I know what you mean. I didn't even get through 9th grade. DARK MAN I only finished up to set a good example for the kids. Faith nails him with roundhouse kick to the face. Dark Man hits the ground. He gets back up after a moment and wipes at his lip a little. DARK MAN Huzzah...totally didn't appreciate that. FAITH Why not? That was a love tap. Here's some more lovin'. Faith fires off a flurry of punches and kicks--some connecting, others blocked or avoided. Dark Man fights back enough until he lands a kick to Faith's stomach and another kick sending her stumbling backwards. DARK MAN What's goin' on here? We just met. FAITH Oh, so if we get to know each other, THEN you won't kill me? DARK MAN Who said anything about killing you? FAITH You did. DARK MAN I did? I, Christopher Dean, said I was going to kill you. FAITH Names don't matter. Just the principle. DARK MAN I like my name. You can call me Dino though. FAITH Really? That's sweet of you. DARK MAN No problem. I think we should get some issues straightened out here. FAITH Good idea. Faith punches Dark Man in the face and follows up with several more blows. Dark Man fights back but Faith gets the upper hand. She drives her foot into his knee, elbows him and grabs him. She SCREAMS as she throws him all the way through a hotel room door. FAITH (shouting) I ain't lettin' you or that blonde, righteous superbitch take me out. I'll bury you both. Straight enough for ya? A determined Dark Man soldiers out of the room. DARK MAN That's the way it is--fine. Get ready for a Godsmacking. CUT TO: EXT. COLUMBUS AVE - NIGHT Buffy mutters while powerwalking. BUFFY Damn Faith, always getting on my nerves. Has to be all Miss Attitude causing more problems on top of existing problems making me leave in the middle of the night to track her down to resolve those problems so we can focus on resolving the other problems and it's nothing but problems problems problems in my life and Faith is just another problem and I've got major Faith-related problems and Faith probably has Buffy-related problems and I would kill her if I didn't need her so much. Buffy freezes. She shuts and rubs her eyes in frustration. BUFFY Now I'M all about Faith. Buffy prepares to scream but gets beaten to the punch by a SCREAM from afar. CUT TO: INT. APARTMENT - MOMENTS LATER The door busts open, giving way to Buffy. She enters to find Punk Vamp feeding on a woman. He drops his victim and holds his ground. Buffy stalks towards him. BUFFY Not a good move. PUNK VAMP I'm a monster--what do you expect? BUFFY Fair enough. But the dustbuster's making an appearance. PUNK VAMP Faith won't like this. BUFFY What do you know about Faith? PUNK VAMP We go way back. She's seen your plan. She's pissed. BUFFY Your babbling is having no effect on my desire to kill you. In fact, it's making it worse and-- (dangerously) --don't you dare talk about Faith like you know her. PUNK VAMP Touched a nerve. You won't live much longer. BUFFY I'm too bored to blah blah you. Buffy pulls out a stake and approaches Punk Vamp. Behind her, the Creature materializes from the wall. Buffy halts her steps as she notices a mirror on the opposite wall. She spots the Creature's reflection and turns around as the Creature jumps her. CUT TO: INT. SUMMERS HOUSE, DAWN'S BEDROOM - NIGHT Dawn packs some stakes, crosses, and holy water into a backpack. She pulls open the door and the VOICES of the others can be heard downstairs. She quietly closes the door and heads over to the window. After looking back one more time. she tosses the backpack through the opening and climbs out. CUT TO: EXT. HOUSE - NIGHT Elle closes the door behind her. She checks her watch and adorns a worried look. She wraps her jacket around herself, adjusts her purse, and kisses the large cross around her neck. CUT TO: EXT. SUNLIGHT HOTEL - NIGHT Faith crashes into a dumpster. Dark Man goes on the offensive and leaps at Faith who gets out of the way. They exchange numerous blows until Faith elbows Dark Man in the chest, stunning him. Faith hammers Dark Man with an assortment of punches, a kick to the stomach, and finally an uppercut. Dark Man hits the ground but sweeps out Faith's legs sending her down with him. He hits with her with a couple of forearms. The battle continues as a messy rumble on the ground. Faith uses her knees to push Dark Man away. He hops to his feet and she does the same. DARK MAN You're making a mistake. Faith's eyes burn with rage. She attacks him in an all-out assault. They have a lengthy engagement that culminates in Dark Man tossing Faith onto the windshield of a car. Dark Man jogs towards the recovering Faith and hits the sky. Faith rolls off the hood a moment before Dark Man lands on it. Dark Man wastes no time in jumping off the hood and landing a boot to Faith's head. Faith positions her right foot in between Dark Man's legs and delivers a low blow causing Dark Man to collapse in ungodly pain. Faith puffs for air and recuperates for a moment. Dark Man lies in agony. Faith reaches into her boot and pulls our her switchblade. Dark Man reacts with a swift kick knocking it out of her hand. Faith moves to jump on him but Dark man resists. He grabs her head and bangs it against the car. He flips her over and brings her down onto the pavement hard. He scrambles to his feet and prepares for another attack, but appears to run into a barrier. He tries walking again, but finds resistance again. She slams his fist forwards, to the side, backwards and hits some kind of invisible wall. Faith gets up and watches wide-eyed. VOICE (OS) I rationalized that you might want just a teeny bit of assistance. Faith becomes white as a ghost. She slowly turns around and finds MAYOR WILKINS smiling. MAYOR I missed you so much Faith. But you already knew that. Faith is speechless. END ACT THREE ACT FOUR FADE IN EXT. SUNLIGHT HOTEL - CONTINUOUS Faith stands astonished at the sight of the Mayor circling a jailed Dark Man. MAYOR A wonderful thing, isn't it? Like magic. Of course, it is magic so that explains that. DARK MAN (to Faith) Who the hell is this annoying jackass? FAITH Shut up. MAYOR (to Dark Man) Talk like that isn't encouraged while you're imprisoned. (to Faith) Oh, my apologies. A tasteless joke on my part seeing as you were in prison. And that boggles my consciousness to no end my dear girl...why prison? You did nothing wrong. FAITH I killed human beings. MAYOR Murder is subjective. What one person calls "murder" another calls "necessary house-cleaning". DARK MAN Oh wow, my sister was right...shoulda moved to Texas. FAITH (to Mayor) You're dead. Splattered snake meat. Evil snake meat. MAYOR Spirituality. And "evil"? I don't recall you ever using that word in reference to me. I certainly never used such a word to describe you. In fact, I had nary but praise and love for my favorite girl. FAITH What about that video? MAYOR Motivation. It worked, didn't it? Faith silently regards him. MAYOR You were the apple of my eye for a time and it was a fabulous time. I'm not saying you should bring armageddon...but eliminating those who seek to destroy you is a must. FAITH This is messed up. The world is gettin' tossed on it's ass. I'm seein' dead people--either REALLY dead or just undead--and I'm actually listenin' to 'em. Buffy-- MAYOR --Does not even have the decency to face you as you die. There's a moment of silence. Faith's conflicted. MAYOR Slayer powers are a marvelous gift. Such a shame to leave them wasted on petty vampires. Buffy is waiting in the shadows. Her greatest prayer is to be Faithless. DARK MAN Drowning in an ocean of bullshit! All it is is underworld propaganda. You don't buy any of this...right? Faith doesn't say anything. The Mayor walks over to Faith and leans in close to whisper: MAYOR Buffy is scowering the town for you. That's a fact--and I can bring her to you. Faith peers at the Mayor, then at a hopeful Dark Man. FAITH (to Mayor) Where we headed? MAYOR You won't regret that decision precious. Follow me. FAITH What about him? MAYOR Can't leave if you can't move. Plus, loyal associates will stand guard. Three SUITS appear out of the darker parts of the area. Faith meets up with the Mayor, exchanging a glance with the Dark Man as she passes by. CUT TO: INT. SUMMERS HOUSE - NIGHT Xander and Giles ARGUE. Anya's spacey on the couch. Willow gets off the phone. WILLOW No answer. Buffy's cell, Faith's hotel... XANDER Buffy should've been back by now. ANYA (haughtily) I bet she and Faith met up, talked, decided to go dancing and then ended up in bed in a pile of lustful passion. It's always about Buffy isn't it? Buffy Buffy Buffy. Everyone stares at Anya like she's out of her mind. GILES That's a possibility--in an alternate universe far far away from this one. WILLOW Should we go out and look for them? XANDER We could be overreacting. It's possible Buffy could show up any second. Everyone points their attention at the door. Moments pass. Finally: XANDER Okay! Do we split into pairs or go as a group? Spike rushes down the stairs. SPIKE That group'll be minus one. The little bit is gone. Window's open and all. XANDER That SO doesn't help. WILLOW What could she be thinking? CUT TO: EXT. HILLSIDE ROAD - NIGHT Elle walks and uses her cell phone but shuts it off in frustration. ELLE God Chris, where are you? Leaping into the screen is a TALL VAMP. He frightens Elle who backpedals. TALL VAMP I found myself a piece of candy. ELLE I've been known to sour. TALL VAMP Doesn't bother me. ELLE Well then, allow me to reveal objects that will. Elle pulls out a stake from her purse and grasps her cross. TALL VAMP That's it? ELLE This is an arsenal of goodness that only contributes to my animal-like fury. You look at me and think fresh meat, but I'm a puma prepared to pounce. So if I were you, I'd hightail out of here. Way WAY out. TALL VAMP You're not me, so... Tall Vamp moves like lightning and captures Elle. Tall vamp applies a choke hold. Tall Vamp rips the chain around Elle's neck, the cross falling away. Tall Vamp pushes Elle's head to the side exposing her neck. TALL VAMP Mmm...puma. Tall Vamp descends but disappears in an explosion of dust. Elle collapses to the concrete. She struggles to breathe for awhile, massaging her neck. Behind her, an icy Dawn approaches. Elle hears her, whirls around and looks relieved. ELLE Dawn, thank God. How-- Dawn clasps Elle's shirt and hoists her off the ground and up against a car. DAWN Who are you? ELLE (fearfully) What? Dawn pulls back slightly then pushes Elle against the car again causing Elle to bang he head. DAWN You can do better than that! Denial won't fly with me. Who are you? WHAT are you? ELLE I don't know what you want me to say. DAWN Tell me about your brother, probably the reason why you'd be stupid enough to go out at night alone. No coincidence that a famous killer from New York with a sister is here and a whole bunch of people die and my sister could be next if things go wrong and God knows what else could happen. And if your brother's a demon then you probably are too. Say a few words on THAT. Elle's eyes water. DAWN At the espresso pump, I felt like dirt hurting you by not opening up. Talking about my life is impossible--people can't understand! And for the first time, I felt horrible for someone NOT ME--for YOU! ELLE Please...we don't want to hurt anyone. Chris is a great guy and only wants to help. He wanted to come to Sunnydale 'cause New York's demon population keeps decreasing. He's a fighter--a killer--for good. He's good...we're good. Please believe me. Dawn gazes deeply at Elle. Fire versus fear. CUT TO: INT. CRYPT - NIGHT Dim, spacious, creepy, and cryptic. Faith follows the Mayor inside the open doorway. On the walls: blood stains; pictures of death, destruction, and torture; holding chains. MAYOR Death is not a bad thing. Actually, it's a talent for some. A slayer for one--or TWO in this case. You are a hunter--and when you become the huntED, it doesn't mean you're prey. It just means you've done something right. Making enemies is a sign of success because there's a loser in every game. This is a dangerous game we play Faith--and you play it so well. Faith's virtually in a trance. Making a loud entrance is Punk Vamp and a HENCH VAMP with a woozy Buffy in their possession. FAITH What's this? MAYOR Let's call it a belated birthday present. (to vamps) Chain her up--tight. The vamps do as told. They chain her to the wall. Buffy's head lulls. FAITH She looks awful. MAYOR I've got a few things up my sleeve. She's not much of a factor...easy pickings. FAITH I have to kill her. The Mayor smirks. CUT TO: EXT. SUNLIGHT HOTEL - NIGHT The Suits stand guard around Dark Man who's getting antsy. DARK MAN Do you like baseball? SUIT 1 We may be dead, but we're still Americans. DARK MAN Living, dead, and undead united under the same flag, the same ideals. Sure, if I wasn't boxed up, I'd annihilate ya all...but that's just what I do. SUIT 2 We can respect that. DARK MAN Something's been on my mind for a while now, almost to the point of becoming unsettling. I'm Catholic... SUIT 1 There's nothing wrong with that. DARK MAN Of course not. Overpopulation. I see the approach people and institutions take as bordering on incompetent. The idea is humans are going out and having sex and women get pregnant at inhuman rates and that's that...sex is the problem and the Pope, for one, says marriage is the answer and condoms aren't and it's the other way around for the non-religious folk and I think they're seeing it all wrong. Fact is, they don't appreciate the affect the dead and undead have on the census. If a guy dies on a Tuesday in 1997, yet keeps walking around as if it's Tuesday in 1994, that's a serious problem. Not to mention the rest of the demon world. Essentially, you're the equivalent of illegal aliens that were most likely born here which brings a complicated irony to the whole thing. SUIT 3 A point well taken. But an argument can be made that demons are responsible for many premature deaths to humans and thus it balances out. DARK MAN Floating in a paradox--that's us. This is nice...how 'bout freeing me and headin' to a bar? On me! SUIT 2 The brain is one of the last organs to decompose. DARK MAN You can't tell right now, but I'm sending 'kill vibes' at you. The Suits chuckle. Suit 3 suddenly stops and goes exceptionally pale before turning to dust. DARK MAN Damn I'm good! ELLE (OS) Think again dork. Dark Man and the remaining Suits turn to find Elle and Dawn heading their way. The Suits move to meet them half way. Elle stops dead in her tracks. ELLE (to Dawn) I'll back you up...from back here. Dawn jump-kicks Suit 1 and spin-kicks Suit 2. She takes both on at the same time and dominates the fight. Dark Man's impressed. Elle's mesmerized. Dawn uppercuts Suit 2, elbows Suit 1, and kicks both. Both Suits take a swing at Dawn, but ducks and rolls between them, pulling out 2 stakes at the same time. She pops to her feet slightly behind the Suits, and without even looking, drives the stakes over her shoulders into the backs of the Suits. They fall in piles of dust. DARK MAN I, for one, am NEVER screwing you over. ELLE Chris... Elle runs towards Dark Man. He signals for her to stop but instead she hits the forcefield and plops to the ground. She's fed up. ELLE I wanna move. DARK MAN So do I! Dark Man punches the forcefield. Dawn helps Elle up. DAWN (to Dark Man) Magic? DARK MAN Yep. Dawn pulls out a phone and dials. DAWN Willow, it's Dawn. You know I snuck out, right? (pause) Good. I'm at the Sunlight--there's a mime spell you have to undo. DARK MAN (adamantly) Whoa whoa whoa...I ain't no mime! This town sucks. DAWN (to Elle and Dark Man) You definitely belong here. CUT TO: EXT. GRAVEYARD - NIGHT Xander and Spike walk while keeping on alert. SPIKE That girl of yours is a spitfire. XANDER That's no joke. She used to spit fire. SPIKE Got a problem with her jonesing for the raven? XANDER My girlfriend's got a sexual crush on another woman...my wildest dream has become my worst nightmare. SPIKE Explain that to me. XANDER Let me put it in perspective--if you were still with Drusilla, and she had it for Buffy--knowing how good Buffy is in bed, how secure would that make you? Spike considers it. SPIKE Accept my sympathies. XANDER Gladly. SPIKE Could still get a hot three-way out of it. XANDER The fact that helps me sleep at night. There's a RING. Xander pulls out his cell and answers it. XANDER Yeah? (pause) At the hotel? But, if he's legit, then... Xander turns to Spike. XANDER Didn't you say there were TWO problems? CUT TO: INT. CRYPT - NIGHT Buffy's head moves and faces up. BUFFY'S POV Black. Eyes open to a faint light and a distorted image. Once focused, the image is an unhappy Faith. RETURN TO SCENE Buffy groggily comes to attention. BUFFY Faith? My head hurts again. FAITH There's a drug store not too far away...aspirin sound good? BUFFY Wouldn't hurt. Faith punches Buffy straight in the face. Buffy's head collides with the wall. FAITH Did that hurt? Please say yes--it was supposed to. BUFFY Faith... FAITH Why do you want me dead? BUFFY Huh? FAITH Such a bitch. Admit it to my face! You ain't gettin' outta here alive, so just SAY it! BUFFY I don't want to kill you. I can't. MAYOR The word "confabulation" comes to mind for some reason. Oh wait, I know... The Mayor walks up directly behind Faith. MAYOR ...And you do too. FAITH My eyes are tellin' me lies. Is that it B? I SAW you with that pro...but never happened. Just a fuckin' illusion, part of me gettin' played. MAYOR Death is the only suitable form of retribution here. This is the time and place. This is where you belong, what you should be doing. Falls in line with the slayer's gift...isn't that correct Miss Summers? Faith stares at Buffy. Buffy desperately gazes back. MAYOR (to Faith) That carnage at the Quincy was meant for you. You felt the thrill standing in that room...simply electric. FAITH (to Mayor) Give us a little space. The Mayor steps back a few paces. Faith slides right up against Buffy. Buffy's rattled. They whisper: BUFFY Don't believe it. That's what he does--gets into your head. He doesn't even qualify as a spirit...the First Evil...and he wants to open the hellmouth with as little resistance as possible. Don't do this. FAITH There's so much to think about. I think about YOU and US and what we could be. You got no idea...that knife in my gut at least brought me some peace, but seein' you say you want me whacked, showin' how much you HATE me--that went square into my heart and lookin' at you right now makes it worse. I gotta make it go away B. BUFFY I've NEVER wanted to kill you...not even when I tried. (pause) I need you. That really hits Faith. A long moment passes. BUFFY Can you feel it? FAITH Yeah. I know when you're near and it's like waves of energy flowin' into me. BUFFY (apologetically) I meant the creature in the corner. Faith flashes disappointment. Her eyes glaze over though and she turns around to the still-smiling Mayor. She smiles and approaches the Hench Vamp. She grabs him by the lapels of his jacket and hurls him into a corner. He slams into the wall causing a rippling effect and a painful SQUEAL. The Creature materializes from the wall and comes into view as a pasty, muscled thing. Faith turns back to the Mayor and finds an empty space where he stood. She gets majorly pissed and returns her attention to the Creature. She belts out a primal YELL and attacks the Creature with everything she's got. She pounds the thing in all places. The Punk Vamp grabs Faith from behind, locking her arms. The Creature makes his move but Faith lifts her legs into the air and kicks him, then slings her head backwards, headbutting the Punk Vamp. PUNK VAMP Not again. Punk Vamp can't help but let go of Faith and she begins wailing on him and the Creature. Buffy watches and looks as if a surge of power runs through her. She pulls and breaks one chain and then grabs the other and breaks it. She jumps into the fray, taking on the Punk Vamp, then goes to work on the Hench Vamp. Faith pummels the Creature until it's motionless. She rams her hand into the Creature's chest and rips out some kind of goo-covered organ. She then rips out some more gooey organs. Buffy launches the Hench Vamp almost through the wall near the door. She strides over and grabs him by the hair. She opens the door and sticks Hench Vamp's head in the opening. She abruptly shuts the door chopping off Hench Vamp's head and dissolving him to dust. Punk Vamp shuffles around nervously. Buffy and Faith sandwich him, but keep their distance. Punk Vamp tries to smile at Faith. PUNK VAMP Think you could do a favor for an old friend? FAITH I'm guessin' you want it to be painless. PUNK VAMP I'd prefer an exit plan. My unlife is valuable--to me. Faith's glare is killer. Punk Vamp lets out a jittery giggle and makes a superfast move to the door but Buffy whacks him with a high-kick. Faith nails him with a right cross. Buffy gets in a left uppercut. Faith blasts a boot into the midsection. Punk Vamp falls to his knees. Faith places a foot on Punk Vamp's shoulder and firmly grasps his head. FAITH Didn't ya listen to the man--death is my gift. With one easy pull, Faith beheads Punk Vamp. She tosses the head aside before it all turns to dust. Faith and Buffy gaze at each other. BUFFY You okay? FAITH Yeah. You? BUFFY I've been better. I've also been worse, so this is more of a mid- level discomfort. Faith nods and manages a grin. The door bursts open and like an avalanche Xander, Dawn, Giles, Willow, Spike, Elle, and Dark Man enter ready for a fight. They all look around confused. Buffy and Faith are amused. Elle discovers the Creature and points at it. ELLE Ew! Ew times 25. GILES I wouldn't put it that way, but I agree. XANDER I agree and I WOULD put it that way. BUFFY Sorry guys...two vamps, whatever that is, and the First. On the bright side, I didn't break a nail. Just saying... Glances are exchanged. DARK MAN Anyone up for a drink? On me. Everyone's agreeable. Spike checks his watch. SPIKE It's four AM. Everyone's disappointed. WILLOW Espresso Pump's open. DARK MAN Anyone up for coffee? On me. Everyone's happy again and they file out. XANDER Gotta call Anya--if she's still awake. Buffy follows but looks back to Faith who hasn't moved. BUFFY Coming? FAITH Next time. I'll check ya later...really. Buffy nods and waits a moment before leaving. The Mayor strolls into the frame next to Faith. She barely acknowledges his presence. MAYOR I'm disappointed...again. FAITH That means I'm doin' somethin' right. Off Faith's brilliant smile: CUT TO: INT. FAITH'S OLD APARTMENT - THE NEXT EVENING The door flies open. Faith somberly enters. The place is a mess. Faith moves deeper into the apartment. She examines whatever she can see. The window to the balcony is still broken. Pain engulfs Faith. Buffy appears in the doorway. Faith doesn't notice with her back turned. BUFFY Drapes might help spruce this place up. Faith jumps a little, but doesn't turn around. BUFFY Drapes have the power. FAITH This place should never be lived in again. How did you know I was here? Stalkin' me now? BUFFY Supernatural stalkers...that sounds familiar. Actually, I was passing by and I got this warm buzz throughout my entire body... Faith seems to brighten up at that, but she keeps her face out of sight. BUFFY You didn't feel it? FAITH Kinda had other things on my mind. (beat) You come here any time since the last-- BUFFY --No. I'm surprised it's still empty. For all the bad memories, it was a gorgeous pad. They're OUR memories. FAITH (softly) It's all my fault. We shouldn't have to remember any of that crap-- at least YOU shouldn't. I thought comin' here would make me feel better. It ain't workin'. BUFFY Go ahead and blame yourself for all the bad stuff. You can be a stubborn know-it-all and break this up into good and bad and which one of us is which one of those...when in reality you screwed up by going bad and I screwed up by not trying or caring hard enough to stop you. We screwed each other--and not in that pleasurable way we both enjoy. Buffy smirks but Faith begins to sob, tears flowing. FAITH Man, that is loaded with bull. I appreciate it, but don't kid yourself. I TRIED TO KILL YOU. You and your friends and your mother...and all because I'm an idiot, fallin' for a monster's humanity. (pause) Buffy, I'm sorry. Buffy sidles up to Faith, concern and compassion etched on her face. Buffy places a hand on Faith's shoulder. BUFFY I forgive you. And you'll forgive me. And we'll slay together again the way it's supposed to be. That sets Faith off even more. Faith jerks her head a couple of times until she finally turns enough for Buffy to look at her. FAITH All right...but no stuffy watchers. Faith delivers a small smile. Buffy can't help but do the same. On Buffy and Faith's moment: FADE OUT