7.6

Episode 7.6

"Old Friends"

written by: Swedish Bob

December 20th, 2001

Previously, on Buffy the Vampire Slayer:

Ethan Rayne visited Sunnydale infrequently to cause mayhem. After turning Giles into a demon he was arrested by Initiative soldiers and sent to a military prison. Giles returned to England indefinitely. Anya and Xander learned they were going to be parents. Dawn begins dating Josh and pretends that she leads a normal life. Buffy pursues a career as a cop in time to learn that members of the Sunnydale police force are engaged in a dark conspiracy.

The episode begins at the Magic Box; it is early afternoon. Anya is busy waiting on a customer while Dawn works on homework at the table and Willow files books on the shelves. The bell chimes and Giles walks in carrying his bags. Willow and Dawn give Giles a warm greeting while Anya rushes to complete the sale. Giles comments that he has been away for too long and asks how everyone has been. Willow and Dawn attempt to deliver a synopsis of the last few months' activities. Giles is overwhelmed by the barrage of information and asks the two to slow down a bit. He suggests that they discuss everything over dinner once he has settled in and recovers from his jet lag. He turns to Anya and asks her how things are with the shop. Her eyes glow and she boasts that sales are "way up" over last year. She continues to tell Giles about a new supplier she found in Malaysia who can undercut the international magic oyster cartel. Giles smiles but his patience wears thin and he begins to clean his glasses. Willow and Dawn take the hint and try to change the subject. Dawn asks if Giles has learned anything about the people in dark cloaks. Giles says that he hasn't found much but that he has brought a few books with him. He picks up his bags and carries them towards the desk. As he walks he jokingly states that he never knows what horrors to expect when he comes to Sunnydale for a visit. He lays the bags down on the desk and his eyes widen as he spots a new computer that has replaced the filing cabinet and pile of papers! Meanwhile we see a shot of the outside of police station. The scene cuts to a door inside the building; the door reads, "Fraternal Order of Police, Sunnydale Local Number 19456." A man opens the door and walks inside. A second man in seated in front of a desk, we can only see the back of his head. The first man walks behind the desk and sits down. He tells the second man that they are pleased they were able to find him on such short notice. He says they had to find someone fast after the untimely death of the chief. He asks if his associates have filled him in on all the details and finishes with, "We are pleased to have someone as distinguished and experienced as you Mr. Rayne." "Please, call me Ethan," Rayne interjects.

Opening Credits.

Buffy and officer Grant are on patrol in his cruiser. Grant is eating a doughnut and drinking coffee. It is almost dusk. Grant asks Buffy why is she being so quiet. Buffy tells him that she has a few things on her mind and that she is distracted. Grant says that her shift will be over soon. Buffy looks releived and explains that her friend Giles is visiting from England. Grant asks if Giles is a man or woman, and Buffy laughs and say that Giles is a man. Grant jokingly asks if Giles is Buffy's boyfriend. "God no!" Buffy exclaims. She stumbles for a moment to explain and says that Giles is much older and explains that he is an old "family friend...and surrogate father figure" to Dawn and her after her mother died. She adds that if they have the chance maybe Grant and Giles will meet. The cruiser pulls up to the police station and they head into the station.

Across town, Ethan Rayne walks into the Mystic Mind Tarot shop. The clerk asks Ethan if there is anything she can help him with. "I am looking for a few items," he says as he hands her a list. She checks the list and explains that they have a few of the items but not all of them. She adds that they are mainly into fortune telling: tea leaves, tarot, auras, and so forth, and not so much into spell casting, potions, and artifacts. "There is a place across town," she adds, "called the Magic Box." She reaches behind the counter and pulls out a magic box card and hands it to Ethan. A close up of the card has Anya's name in a rather bold font in gold print and below if Gile's name in plain black ink. Ethan says that he knows the owner. "An old friend?" asks the clerk. "We go way back," Ethan says with a smirk. Ethan graciously thanks the clerk and leaves. The camera pans to the back where we can see Tara peeking out from behind a beaded curtain. She walks into the main room of the shop and asks the clerk, "What did he want?" "A few rare artifacts and some potion ingredients," the clerk answers. The camera pulls back to reveal a troubled look on Tara's face.

Back at Castle Summers the remaining Scoobies are sitting around the dining room table. Buffy walks into the dining room carrying a casserole dish. "It smells delicious, Buffy," Giles compliments. "I should have taken home economics," Buffy jokes. "Compared to cooking, slaying is a piece of cake," she badly puns. Xander says that the casserole looks fine and Anya says that she is just glad that she didn't have to make anything other than dessert. "Where is Dawn?" Buffy asks rhetorically, before yelling up the stairs for Dawn to come to dinner. "Just a second," Dawn yells before she runs down the stairs. She takes her place at the table and everyone notices that she is wearing a large button that reads, "WE LOVE JOSH." Buffy freaks at the button, but Dawn explains that Josh is running for Senior Class President and that it is a campaign button. She continues, "...even if I am not at Sunnydale next year, I can still vote, gotta get the votes out, go democracy." "What is this about not being at Sunnydale next year?" Giles asks. Buffy smiles and says that Dawn has some news that will make Giles proud. Giles looks at Dawn as she explains about testing into an early admissions program. Giles congratulates Dawn and says that her hard work is paying off. "You should see her with a sword too," Spike adds as he walks into the dining room. Giles gets a rather worried look on his face, but before he can say anything Anya says that she and Xander have an announcement to make as well. Before Anya can make her d�nouement the door opens and Tara walks into the dining room. She apologies for being late and hugs Giles. She has a worried look on her face and Giles asks her what is wrong. She starts to tell him about the mysterious customer at the Mystic Mind this afternoon. Anya has a very irritated look on her face as Giles listens intently to Tara.

The scene switches to the darkened Magic Box. There is a loud slamming noise as someone breaks the lock and forces open the door. Ethan Rayne walks in carrying a crow bar. He walks behind the counter and looks though the inventory, knocking various jars off the shelves. He looks over the counter and opens several drawers dropping their contents on the floor. He eyes the cash register and raises his crow bar. After changing something in Latin he smashes the register and looks thought the money. Rayne removes a key from the drawer and head to the back of the store.

Back at Castle Summers Tara finishes her story. Giles cleans his glasses and says that it sounds rather mysterious. "I don't know who it could be," he remarks, "I have many acquaintances." You don't think it's, ya know," Buffy interjects. "He was being escorted to a military prison the last time any of us saw him, Buffy," Giles answers. "Besides, he would have to be a fool to resurface here," Giles adds. He further adds that it could be anyone and that they had best not worry about it yet, or jump to any conclusions. "Yes, no worrying right now," Anya states, "because we have something to announce." "You are beeping," Giles interrupts. "Yes," Anya smiles and repeats, "I'm beeping....I'm beeping...?" Anya looks at her belt and removes a beeper. "What is it honey?" Xander asks? "Oh God, the Magic Box, it's the alarm! The sercurity system is going off...the money...," she wimpers "Do you this has anything to do with the man at the tarot shop Buffy asks? "It may very well be related," Giles answers, "We should get to the Magic Box and investigate right away." Buffy sighs and picks up her casserole. "I guess dinner is delayed yet again." "Damn, that looked good too," Xander adds as the gang walks out of Castle Summers. "Can I drive?" Dawn asks as they walk out the door. "No!" Buffy yells.

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Cut to the Magic Box where the gang sort through the mess: Willow is on the new computer, Anya is counting the money, Giles is looking through the off limits books, Xander is sorting through the piles on the floor looking for clues, Dawn is sweeping up broken glass. "Who did this Buffy asks?" "It looks like it was a human," Giles answers. "We will just have to clean up the mess, we have had worse disasters stirke the store: Snakes, Vampires...." "Don't forget the troll," Willow yells from behind the computer. Anya glares at Willow. "Whomever it was, he knew what he wanted," Giles explains. "He didn't take any of the books, or any of the ingredients from the front of the store. "The money is all here!" Anya exclaims as she finishes counting it. Spike walks up from the basement carrying the trunk that Buffy recovered at the docks and says that he doesn't see anything missing, but that he can't be sure. Anya says that they can check the inventory as soon as Willow is finished doing whatever it is she is doing on the computer. Giles makes a smart comment about having duplicates of the inventory on paper, but no one except Xander hears him.

The bell rings and officer Grant walks in. "Officer Grant," Buffy says with a surprised look. "What are you doing here?" "There was a break in, and I am a police officer," he answers. "What are you doing here?" he asks in tern. "This is our friend Rupert Giles," she says as she introduces the two. Grant explains that the security system sent an alarm to the station, he was sent to investigate. He says that he is sorry he is late, but he was investigating a homicide across town. Buffy questions him about the homicide. "Gang related we think," he explains. "Probably drug related, someone took a knife to the neck or something." Buffy exchanges glances with Giles. "Maybe I should go investigate," she says, nearly forgetting that Grant is the in the store. "Summers, first you are off duty and second, rookies don't usually investigate homicides," Grant tells her. "But your enthusiasm is inspired. Now which of you are the owners?" Anya and Giles make eye contact with Grant who says that he would like to ask them a few questions in private. Giles suggests that they go to the back and offers to make tea. Grant politely declines the offer.

Grant is questioning Giles and Anya in the training room. By the look on his face, it is not going well. "Do you have any idea who might have done this?" he asks. Anya and Giles simultaneously respond with, "Yes," and "No," respectively. They exchange glares. Grant sighs. "Do you know if anything of value was taken?" Again the two give conflicting answers, but then correct each other with a qualified, "We don't know until we check the inventory." After a few more painful questions Grant realizes his line of questions is going nowhere and he asks again if there they suspect anyone. "No," Giles says firmly. Grant notices that Anya rolls her eyes. Before Giles can continue Willow bursts into the training room carry a handful of print-outs. "Giles, Giles, Ethan Rayne broke out of prison two months ago," she yells. She hands Giles some papers and says that they found two guards bound and gagged in his cell. "He ordered some supplies from a catalogue...apparently sea salt, chalk, and ox blood aren't prison contraband," she adds. "And they found this painted on the floor of his cell." She holds up a photo for Giles to see. Officer Grant takes a peak at the print out and asks how Willow obtained this. Willow stumbles to make up an excuse. Finally an exasperated Giles blows off Grant's questions, thanks him for coming, and heads back towards the front of the store. Anya and Willow follow, trailed by Grant. In the front of the store Giles asks Spike to bring up a box from storage. Grant tries to ask what all of this is about but Giles does not want to reveal anything and tells Grant they will call him once they figure out what is missing. Exasperated, Grant hands Anya a card and says that if they decide to let him into the loop, to give him a call. Grant bumps into Spike causing him to drop the chest. They bend over to pick it up and Grant's hand brushes against Spike's. Grant asks Spike if he is ill because he feels awfully clammy. Spike says that he has "a bit of the flue." Grant suggests that Spike drink some tea and get plenty of sleep. Spike suggests perhaps a bit of bourbon would help more than some tea. Grant laughs and gets up. Under his breath Spike says, "Or a bit of blood that's not day old blood bank refuse." As Grant walks towards the door, Buffy asks him to wait. He turns and exchanges glances with her before continuing out. She follows him out the door.

Meanwhile, in an apparently abandoned factory a group of robed figures are seated in a circle around an altar; all of their faces are covered. Ethan Rayne approaches the circle carrying a chalice. Rayne walks to the altar and joins the others in reciting the incantation. He burns some incense and raises the chalice above the altar and pours blood onto a figure engraved on the altar.

Inside the store the Scoobies see that the lock on the trunk is broken. Giles and Anya root through the contents to see if anything is missing. Dawn asks why they had a trunk of stuff stashed in the basement. Giles says that experience has made them cautious about putting powerful artifacts on display. Anya adds, rather matter-of-factly, that they have hidden some of the more dangerous artifacts ever since Giles accidentally sold Glory the ingredients to summon "the big snake spirit." Giles glares at Anya and defends himself by saying that he had no way of knowing that Glory was capable of performing a ritual of that magnitude. He also makes a comment about the "troll episode in which Anya played no small part." Giles takes some of the old inventory sheets and continues to look through the contents of the chest. The only artifact that is missing from the trunk is the Chalice of Charon, which dates to the 11th Century. Dawn, Xander and Tara begin researching the Chalice in the books. Giles and Anya close the trunk and do a quick sweep of the store to see if anything else was taken.

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Outside the Magic Box Buffy follows officer Grant. He asks why she is following him, as there is apparently nothing for him to investigate. She says that she doesn't want to fight with him, and that it's just complicated when it comes to her friends. Grant tells her that her friends can call him when they are ready to tell him something. Buffy has a confused look on her face and Grant explains that Anya and Giles were not forthcoming and that Willow hacked into the FBI's computers and flashed a print out of what she found. He turns and starts to walk away. "Wait," Buffy pleads. Buffy tries to explain to Grant that things are complex in her life and that Giles and Anya have the best intentions. She starts to say that they don't want anyone to get hurt but Grant stops her and gives her the same speech about letting him into the loop. He goes on further and says that he doesn't understand Buffy and her friends and why they always seem to be involved when something goes wrong. Buffy has a sad look on her face and tells Grant that she can't let him into her world right now. Grant says that he is sorry that it has to be that way and he tells Buffy he will see her in the morning before walking off.

Back inside the store Anya, Giles, and Willow are crowded around the computer. Xander, Tara, and Dawn are still looking through some books. Anya suggests that they should scan the books and created a database to speed up the cross-referencing. Giles snaps and says that the new technology didn't help tonight and that he still hasn't checked the rest of the inventory, which is now computerized. An exhausted Anya collapses into a chair and starts to sob. Xander tries to console her and reassures her that it will be all right. She looks up at Giles and says that she bought the computer to reduce the time she spends on paperwork and the security system because she wouldn't be able to watch the store full time after the baby is born. "What?" Giles asks. "I'm pregnant..." Anya sobs, " I wanted to tell you over dinner, but first the break in and now all of this...." Anya blows her nose into a hankie and sobs some more. Giles beams and says that he had no idea. He hugs Anya and apologizes for snapping at her. He congratulates Xander as well and suggests that they celebrate after recovering the chalice that Ethan stole. Dawn tells the others that she hates to interrupt their love fest but that she has found some information on the Chalice of Charon. Giles reads over her shoulder and gets a very worried look on his face. He takes the book and reads a few pages. "Oh dear," he says.

Meanwhile in a dark alley (isn't it ironic that in a town named Sunnydale all the alleys are rather dark) a random vampire chases after his dinner. The vampire easily catches his prey, a young woman in black leather pants and a lacy top. The vampire takes the woman into his arms but mysteriously lets her go before feeding. The vampire looks into the night with glassy eyes and begins walking towards the factory district.

Back at the Magic Box, Buffy returns from her chat with Grant. The Scoobies are now all gathered around the table. Giles explains to the Chalice of Charon can be used to cast a powerful mind-controlling spell. Buffy sighs and says that such a spell is typical of Ethan Rayne. Giles states that it is not that kind of spell; the chalice can be used to control the minds of vampires, changing their minds into a zombie like state and that they will follow the bidding of whomever is casting the spell. Buffy asks how many vampires Rayne can control with the spell. Tara says that it isn't clear from the text; it could be a few dozen vampires, it could be all the vampires in a hundred mile radius; they just don't know for sure. Spike interrupts Tara to say that they had better brace themselves because the spell is potent and, "all hell is going to break loose." Everyone in the gang delivers a confused look especially Dawn. Buffy asks Spike to explain more but he only gives her a blank stare and walks for the door. Xander blocks the door and Buffy walks in front of Spike trying to stop him. He tries to push her out of the way but she easily knocks him unconscious. Xander asks Buffy what she wants to do with Spike; Buffy sighs and says that she doesn't know. Dawn suggests chaining Spike to a chair until they have time to formulate a plan. Giles says that Anya will have to get the chains because he doesn't know where anything is anymore. Xander asks Anya to get something to gag Spike just in case he starts ranting.

Meanwhile a small mob of vampires congregate outside of the warehouse as the ritual continues inside.

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Inside the Magic Box Giles explains how they can stop the ritual, which they must do it in person. Buffy asks Willow if she and Tara can use a spell to trace the Chalice. Willow and Tara explain that such a spell is difficult and considerable preparation. Xander says that they need to act quickly and they have to find a faster way to locate Rayne. Willow adds that she couldn't find anything online that would help. Dawn asks if anyone knows why Ethan Rayne would want to raise an army of zombie vampires and Giles says in an exasperated voice that, "it is anyone's guess," and adds that, "whatever his intentions they certainly aren't noble." Buffy starts asking questions about the cloaked figures she has seen and if Giles thinks there might be a connection. Giles says that anything is possible in Sunnydale. In the corner Spike starts to come to and mumbles something in his gag. Anya jumps up and suggests using Spike in a, "Tara-esque lead 'em to the bad guys move." Tara and Willow glare and Anya delivers a facial apology. Giles says that while Anya's phrasing was less than tactful, it is the best idea anyone has had so far. Xander kisses Anya on the cheek and says that he loves it when she acts "all brainy." Spike, mumbles something again and Buffy takes the gag out of his mouth. He says something about a warehouse and being late. Buffy instructs everyone to get some weapons. Giles asks Anya if she feels up to fighting considering her current "condition." At first Anya is somewhat offended but realizes that Giles is only looking out for the baby's best interest; she reassures him that she will be careful. Dawn picks up an axe only to have Buffy reprimand her and tell her that it is a school night. Dawn objects that Buffy slayed on school nights when she was her age and Buffy tells her that it is different. Dawn then brings up that Willow and Xander used to patrol on school nights too. Buffy doesn't know what to say for a moment. Buffy looks towards Giles who in turn cleans his glasses and looks towards the ceiling. Buffy starts to say something to Dawn but is interrupted by Anya who puts her hands on Dawn's shoulders and says that Dawn can play "bench warmers or backup." Buffy throws up her arms and agrees. The gang gathers at the door and Buffy unchains Spike who mutters about being late and walks out the door. The Scoobies follow.

At the warehouse Ethan Rayne stands in the center of a group of the robed figures, who are looking up to him. Vampires stand in a larger circle around and also look towards Rayne. Rayne babbles on about chaos and destruction while the vampires nod. He continues with a rather clich� speech about taking over Sunnydale. Spike walks in a takes a place with the vampires. Rayne comments about Spike's tardiness and continues with his diatribe ending with the predictable, "no one, not even the Slayer can stop us once our army is amassed." From the back of the warehouse Giles asks smartly, "Ethan, don't you ever grow tired of hearing yourself speak?" Rayne and the cloaked figures look to the back and see the Scoobies (minus Anya and Dawn) at the door. Ethan commands the vampires to, "kill them all." The vampires move towards the gang but are intercepted by arrows shot from above. Two vampires are dusted. The camera pans revealing Anya and Dawn along a catwalk armed with crossbows. One of the cloaked figures steps up to Rayne and argues that it wasn't supposed to work out like this. Rayne says that they weren't supposed to find them this easily.

Buffy, Xander, and Giles fight the vampires in hand-to-hand combat while Dawn and Anya continue to shoot arrows. Spike goes into game face mode and moves towards Buffy who is busy fighting three vampires; Willow and Tara knock Spike over telekinetically. Xander stakes a vampire and says that it seems too easy; Giles yells that the vampires are still confused by the spell. As the number of zombie vamps dwindles the cloaked figure continues to yells at Rayne. Rayne tries to cover for himself as Willow and Tara make a move on the alter. The people in robes start to make a hasty exit. The man arguing with Rayne says that it isn't over and runs to catch up with the others. "No it isn't," Rayne adds with a twisted smile. "It never is with you," Giles says as he punched Rayne is the Jaw. Rayne quickly gets up and two exchange a few more blows. Willow and Tara meanwhile, take the Chalice of Charon off the alter and recite something to reverse the spell. There is a flash and the vampires fighting Buffy loose the glossy look in their eyes. Several vampires come around and team up against Buffy; Spike gets up off the floor and helps fight them off but there are still too many. Giles sees that Buffy is in danger and looks between her and Ethan. Giles grabs a stake off the floor and rushes to help the rest of the Scoobies. Willow and Tara follow. Ethan sneaks off. On the catwalk Dawn and Anya have exhausted their supply of arrows and head for the stairs; at the bottom Dawn climbs down the stairs only to have Ethan grab her by the arm. He holds up a knife and tells her to come with him and behave. Anya screams for help but no one can hear her over the commotion.

The combined Scoobies dust a few more vampires before the remaining ones realize that it is a lost cause and start to run. Giles says that they have to find Ethan before he can get away. Ethan walks on camera dragging Dawn in one hand and brandishing his knife in the other. Ethan tells the gang that he will be making his getaway now and that Dawn is his "insurance." Buffy tells him that if he "hurts Dawn ..." Ethan says that Dawn will be safe after he is a safe distance. He and Dawn back away towards the back door.

In the alley behind the warehouse Dawn struggles to break free as Ethan drags her. She tells him that Buffy and Spike are going to, "kick his ass," for this. Dawn is holding her left arm over her torso as she says this. Ethan says that she is "a snippy one" and asks her if she wants to be cut, "just a scratch" to teach her a lesson. Dawn asks Ethan, "How would you like me to stick a pin in your eye?" Ethan stops walking and gives Dawn a confused look. He asks, "what are you talking...." But before he can finish his sentence Dawn sticks Josh's campaign pin in his right eye. He falls to the ground screaming and she kicks him and runs back towards the warehouse.

Later that evening the Scoobies including Spike are gathered around the table at Castle Summers to finally have dinner. Buffy tells Dawn that she should have been more careful. Dawn looks upset and Buffy delivers her self-defense speech. When Buffy is done Spike tells Dawn, "You did good niblet." Dawn smiles. Buffy accuses Spike of "always encouraging her." and the two start to bicker. Willow and Tara smile at each other and laugh at Spike and Buffy. Giles congratulates himself on not having been knocked unconscious "for once." Xander tells Anya that she was also very brave but that she will have to be more careful in the coming months. She half agrees and half blows him off.

Meanwhile in a seedy looking parking lot Ethan Rayne (who has bandages wrapped around his right eye) unlocks the door to a car. A group of men armed with nightsticks surround him and one of them says, "I said this wasn't over." Rayne looks rather terrified at this point, but tries to hide it and says that they "can't get away with this." "What are you going to do?" the man asks cynically, "call the police?"

End Credits

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