Act 4


Fade In:
Int.
Watchers Council – Kitchen – Afternoon

“So these people are circus folk?” Bonnie asked in disbelief.

“More tea?” Kennedy replied, holding up the pot and avoiding the question.

“No, thank you,” Bonnie replied, putting her hand over her cup. “Again, I’ll say –”

“Yes, in a way, they are.” Kennedy interrupted before she could continue. “I mean, they have a rare medical condition that makes them freaks by society’s norms, but really they are just like you and me.”

“What’s it called?” Bonnie asked.

“Excuse me?” Kennedy asked.

“The condition. What’s the name?”

Kennedy paused. “Oh, ah, blu-it-u-itis.”

“Bluituitis?” Bonnie asked suspiciously.

“Very rare.”

“I see,” Bonnie answered, a bit of skepticism still in her voice.

Kennedy paused, as if trying to gauge Bonnie’s reaction to the story. She cleared her throat. “You know,” she began. “I think the whole event scared them more than it scared you. Can you believe that?”

Bonnie looked Kennedy in the eye and grinned. “I can’t imagine why.”

“I was just thinking the same thing myself, but it’s true. They seemed a bit unnerved by what happened. At least, that’s what they told me,” Kennedy added with a shrug.

“Well, maybe they have an aversion to real estate agents?” Bonnie smirked.

Kennedy’s eyes looked Bonnie up and down a moment, examining every aspect of her demeanor. “Maybe,” she finally answered.

Cut To:
Int.
Watchers Council – Rosenbergs Guest Room – Same Time

“Dad,” Willow began, “Please listen to me.”

“What’s to hear?” Ira shouted. “I came to make an offer to get you into the graduate program at UCLA and we end up watching people bleeding all over the place. What could you possibly say that will convince me that you belong here?”

“I’ve been risking my life like this since the tenth grade! Stuff like this has been happening for almost a decade now! Mom, in the thrall of a demon, even tried to burn me at the stake!” Willow told him. She pointed to her mother, who sat on the sofa, her hands folded on her lap.

“That’s ridiculous, Willow,” Ira challenged.

“You never told him, did you?” Willow asked as she looked over at her mother. “Go on, Mom. Now or never.”

Sheila didn’t say anything at first. She nervously bit her lip, her eyes looking everywhere but at her husband and daughter.

“Sheila? Is it true?” Ira asked.

“I don’t quite remember all the details,” she finally answered.

“Let me refresh them for you, Mom. You and a bunch of Sunnydale radicals tied me, Buffy and Amy to stakes. Then you tried to torch us using Giles’s library as tinder. A-and not to mention, it took me three years to de-rat Amy, who really was, it turns out, a witch, and not a good witch like me, a-and now I’m getting off topic.” Willow shook her head to refocus. “The point is, you’ve known all along that this wasn’t some figment of my overactive imagination. What I do is important and it’s very real.”

“Is this true?” Ira asked his wife again. “Please tell me you didn’t try to kill our only child.”

“Wait, Dad,” Willow jumped in. “It wasn’t her fault. It was a demon, not a good demon like Tram, but a bad demon that put a spell on the people in town. The only reason I mentioned it is because I’m not the only one in this family who’s experienced a Hellmouth first hand.”

“A Hellmouth?” Ira asked.

“Yeah, like in Cleveland,” Willow went on. “A place where freaky stuff like this happens all the time. The thing is, it takes special people to battle these dark forces and for whatever reason I’m one of the chosen people. Would I like a nice normal life? Some days, sure. But I know that what I’m doing here is important. So, thank you for the offer of graduate school but I’ll have to decline. My work is here, just as it’s always been – helping a slayer and, if need be, helping save the world as we know it.”

“What am I supposed to believe? Is she being truthful?” Ira asked his wife.

“Oh, I can’t believe I’m saying this,” Sheila told him. “But yes, I think she’s being honest.”

“So you’ve known,” Ira said, pulling his jacket from the sofa and adjusting it. “This whole time you’ve known and you’ve been lying to me.”

“Dad.”

“Ira.”

Both women sighed at the same time.

Ira put his hands up in front of them. “I’m going to call the airline,” he said as he left the room.

Once alone, a deafening quiet fell over the room until Willow spoke.

“I didn’t mean to cause trouble between you and Dad,” she said honestly. “I just…he deserves to know the whole story.”

Sheila didn’t say anything. She simply left the room quietly and slowly.

Fade In:
Int.
Watchers Council – Infirmary – Minutes Later

“How’s the patient?” Willow asked, poking her head inside the door.

“Just finishing up the I.V. to replace the fluids she lost,” the doctor answered, pointing to Faith. “I want to keep her on bed rest for the next twenty-four hours.”

“I really don’t need this,” Faith said as she jiggled the line.

“Probably not, but you lost some blood,” the doctor told her. “Better safe than sorry.”

“Thank you, Doctor,” Robin answered before Faith could. Instead of arguing, Faith just rolled her eyes as the doctor walked to the door. Willow passed the doctor on her way closer to Faith’s bed.

“Nice patchwork by the way,” the doctor complimented on his way out.

Willow just smiled at him before turning to Faith. As she approached the bedside, Kennedy walked into the room.

“I’d bring flowers, but I know you’re not into that crap,” the younger slayer teased.

“How’d the convo go with the home seller from hell?” Faith asked.

“Something’s up,” she told the group. “She’s left now, but…”

“But what?” Robin asked.

“Call me crazy,” Kennedy began, “but I believe the spawn. I think that woman did something. When I mentioned how scared they were she just…smiled.”

“Smiling isn’t a crime,” Willow pointed out.

“I know that.” Kennedy grinned as she answered. “Smiling can even be a good thing,” she added in a flirting tone. Robin’s eyes narrowed as Willow looked a bit uncomfortable, but he said nothing. Kennedy went on. “It’s just this smile looked…”

“Sinister? Sadistic?” Faith asked.

Kennedy shrugged. “Not sure I’d go that far, but…there’s more than she’s saying. Plus, according to Tram, it’s like she acted like she should be afraid after the Rosenbergs took off. Like it was an afterthought. You know?”

“Well, what do you suggest?” Willow asked.

“Keep her off the grounds, and if she shows up again for some reason, make sure someone’s with her every single step. But anyway, how are you feeling?” Kennedy asked Faith.

“Good as new. Just give me a few hours and I can prove it.”

Kennedy just smirked. “Tough gal act,” she remarked to Willow, gently slapping her arm. “She’s got it down pat.”

Willow gave Kennedy a genuine smile and then the expression scurried away. “Oh, Brell! He’s waiting for Tram’s family.”

“I’m on it,” Kennedy replied. “I don’t mind cleaning up Faith’s botched attempts.” The Slayer winked at the patient in the bed. “Seriously, rest up and you guys let me know if you need anything. I’m gonna check in with Giles and Ro first, see if we can spare Vi and Rona to escort them all to their final location. They might be gone a few days depending on where Brell is sending them.”

“That’s okay, but yeah, check with Giles and Ro first. Thanks Ken,” Willow answered. They watched Kennedy leave and Robin spoke up.

“I’m gonna be back in a few,” he told Faith. “I wanted to ask Will about the budget.”

“Oh fine,” Faith joked. “I’m out for a few hours and you’re shackin’ up with Red. Boy, do I feel loved or what?”

Robin leaned over and kissed Faith gently on the lips. “You’re a lousy patient, dear,” he told her. “Be back in a few.”

Cut To:
Int.
Watchers Council – Infirmary Hallway – Moments Later

Robin led Willow outside the door and closed it, taking a few steps away.

“So what did you need? Is this about Xander’s workshop, because –” Willow asked.

“No,” Robin answered. “That budget talk was just a clever disguise.”

“Disguise?” Willow asked warily.

“Are you okay?” he asked her. “When Kennedy came in you looked a little, I don’t know, off. Is it because of what happened between you two?”

“You know about that?”

“Everyone knows,” he grinned.

“Oh, well…” She looked reluctant to say anything.

“You can be straight with me, Willow. I won’t say anything to anyone, not even Faith if it bothers you. So, just between us, are you all right?”

Willow sighed. “I’m not sure, Robin. Last night, Kennedy and I agreed it was just a ‘one night, goodbye, farewell, let’s move on’ kinda thing a-and that was fine with me. I was concerned, sure, that she might wake up and she’d start wanting things all over again. Stuff that…”

“You can’t give her?”

Willow shook her head sadly. “But she kept her word and she’s not pushing me in the least.”

Robin paused in confusion for a moment, before a look of realization came over him. “And that’s the problem – you want her to push.”

“Kinda sorta,” Willow grimaced. “After last night, I’ve been wondering if maybe I’m setting my standards too high and maybe Kennedy could be right for me. I mean sure we don’t do much besides work together and sleep together, but then again, maybe that’s all there really is in life. But what happens if, somewhere down the road…”

“You change your mind back and decide to call it quits?”

Willow nodded. “Yeah, and I don’t want to hurt her all over again. I really didn’t see this coming and to say I got caught off-guard is an understatement…I think…no, I know…if I asked, she would take me back but…maybe I just want someone in my life like I had before. Maybe it’s because she came into my life when I really needed someone, kinda like I do this weekend with the parental visit from hell going on. A-and if that’s the case, am I going to run to her every time I need that and then move on when I don’t? I’m having a tough time making heads or tails of what’s going on right now. A-and –”

“Willow?”

“Yeah?”

“Breathe, okay?”

“Sorry,” Willow remarked with a sheepish grin.

“Look, if you’re not sure, don’t say anything to her. Talk it over with me and other people you trust. I know you guys are trying to be friends, but this is something that –”

“I can’t unload on her. I know,” Willow told him. “I just wish things were simpler.”

Robin gave a light chuckle. “Don’t we all?” he remarked. Willow gave him a slight grin and he continued. “You need to take some time to really think about it after Mr. and Mrs. Freud are gone and back home. Then decide, do you really need Kennedy, or do you just want a crutch that sees you through the hard times until you can stand on your own again? Kennedy’s had her problems lately, but she’s a sweet person under all the gruff and bravado. But tough gals are breakable and she deserves to be happy. And trust me on this one, I know gruff and bravado gals first hand.”

Willow smiled. “True, you’ve got the queen.”

“Damn right, and I wouldn’t trade her for anything. So, you want a little more free, unsolicited advice?”

“Please,” Willow begged.

Robin smiled. “Think about this: Faith can be a handful sometimes, distant or quick-tempered, but here’s the thing. If another woman came around, Faith’s still my baby. She’s still the one I want to see every morning when I wake up or, more often, late at night. And it’s not that I picture my life with Faith this very second. The truth is, I can’t picture my life without her, ever. The first thought I had when I learned that she was hurt was how bad is it? And if it’s fatal, what am I gonna do without her?”

“Sounds like the same thing,” Willow told him.

“No, there’s a difference – I don’t feel like I want Faith in my life. I feel like I need her in my life. Otherwise, it’s empty. Can you honestly say since the break up that you feel lost? Like you don’t know if you can go on day to day?”

Willow didn’t say anything. Her shoulders slumped as her eyes focused on the floor.

“I’ll take that as a no,” Robin went on, “So ask yourself, do you really need Kennedy, or do you just want her around as the human security blanket? If it’s the latter, then cut her loose so she can find someone – someone who can’t wait until they see her again and thinks about her all day long.”

“Oh boy,” Willow sighed.

“I hit a nerve?”

Willow nodded. “Tara. Truth is, I spent more time each day thinking about Tara than I did Kennedy. I’m an awful person, aren’t I?”

“No, you’re human. But I gotta ask, with this indecision going on… has that changed at all since the break up? Do you think more about her now than Tara?” Robin asked.

Sadly, Willow shook her head. “Not an hour goes by each day that I don’t think about Tara. Well, that’s not true, I went a whole TWO hours – count ’em two – when I was playing chess with Rowena. But that’s because I have to stay focused. The woman cheats, I tell ya,” Willow said, waving her finger with a small grin.

Robin chuckled lightly. “She does, huh?”

“Not in the official sense, but still…I get what you’re saying, Robin. I really do. And what I told my mother is true. I don’t mind being alone most of the time. It’s given me time to realize that my goal is to provide the best leadership and training I can to Marsha. I want to continue the coven classes, so we have a group of well-rounded and educated magic users. And if I do find someone who fits in with the life, shares my ideals, then someday, yeah, maybe I’ll let my heart go.”

“Sounds like you might have your answer, Willow…but if you need a sounding board, you know where to find me,” he offered

“You know, Faith’s said she’s struck out with all the guys she ever met before, but this time she might have hit one over the fence,” Willow told him with a grin.

“Well, I love Faith for Faith. I know what she’s been through and I know what she’s capable of…not all of it is bad, either. I try to convince her of that fact, but it’s difficult sometimes.”

“Whatever you’re doing, Robin, keep it up. I think you’re getting through,” Willow said, patting his arm. “I’m gonna go check in with Andrew and Xander. Make sure we’re all set with the supplies.”

“Okay, but remember, if you need me I’m here.”

“I will, and thanks. This really has helped me. Now maybe I can look Kennedy in the eye again for more than ten seconds,” she said before pointing. “Go see to Faith,” she nodded toward the door.

As she began to walk down the hallway, Robin turned back toward the room.

Cut To:
Int.
Presidium Lair – Later that day

As Bonnie entered the cave, Larmin rose to face her. “So,” he said. “The slayer is dead, I hope?”

“Which Slayer?” Bonnie asked.

“Their leader, Faith. She was sliced and they returned in the direction of the Council, according to our lookouts.”

“I spent my time chatting up Kennedy, or I should say, she tried to chat up me,” Bonnie remarked.

“Does she suspect anything?”

“They all suspect everything in life,” Bonnie answered. “It’s what they do, but no, she didn’t make any accusations.” Bonnie walked over to the device and nodded toward it. “So how long until his majesty has this up and running?” she asked. She spared a glance to the Engineer,  who appeared to be working on some electrical wires.

“He’ll begin the first stage this week,” Larmin told her. “I assume you’ll be ready on your end in the coming months?”

“Oh, don’t worry,” Bonnie said as she continued to look at the machine and smile. “Ready and waiting.”

Cut To:
Int.
Watchers Council – Slayer Rec Room – Evening

Willow entered the rec room and looked over to see Becca reading a book. She scanned the room and found Xander and Andrew engaged in mortal combat in front of a widescreen television with game controllers in their hands.

“Take that, you villainous scum!” Andrew exclaimed as both men rapidly worked the controllers they held.

“Damn it!” Xander sighed. The video game made a distinctive ‘loser’ sound. Feeling it was safe Willow walked over.

“Everything all set? Lots of petroleum goodness on hand?” she asked.

“Oh yeah!” Andrew told her. “We even had time to fit in a little shopping.”

“Right!” Xander exclaimed. He reached for the bag on the coffee table and handed it to Willow. “Something to keep the mind off the folks,” he said with a grin.

She pulled the comic out of the bag and rolled her eyes. “You know these do nothing to empower women,” Willow said, as if trying to chastise him, but all the while continued to flip through the comic.

Xander watched Willow a moment, as if sensing she was starting to get into the story. He nudged Andrew with his elbow before placing his finger over his lips to quiet anything the cook might say.

“Yeah,” Xander agreed. “You got a point, but the girls in that book aren’t nearly as hot as Ms. December last year.”

“Oh yeah,” Willow drawled absently as she continued to flip through the pages. Suddenly her head shot up. “Hey!” she said, slapping him with the comic book.

“Empowerment of women, my fanny,” Andrew chastised.

“Now there’s nothing wrong with admiring the female form, as long as you realize that all those forms have hearts and brains attached to them. Right, Willow?” Xander remarked as he stood up next to Willow, putting his arm around her. “You are looking at two individuals who realize this,” he said proudly.

“And nice breasts don’t hurt,” Willow muttered.

“They certainly don’t.” Xander nodded.

“Listen to you two,” Andrew stated. “A woman is much more than just flesh or, in some cases, silicone. She is a flower within humanity and –”

“Oh God,” Xander sighed. “We’ve touched his inner woman again.”

“I didn’t touch his inner woman,” Willow remarked. “And that’s one woman I never plan to.”

Xander laughed out loud. Even Becca giggled from the corner, looking up from her book.

“Okay, fine. You two be male chauvinist pigs. See if I care,” he said huffing from the room.

“I’m a male chauvinist pig?” Willow asked.

“Oh yeah,” Xander joked. “You need to drop that Neanderthal mentality and hop on the P.C. train…but not before you finish that comic,” he added with a wink.

Willow smiled and kissed him on the cheek. “Thanks, Xander.”

“It was nothing,” he said.

“Well, the comic, yeah, but…being here to give it to me.”

They smiled at each other until Andrew darted back in the room slightly out of breath.

“What’s wrong?” Willow asked.

“Ro,” he said taking a breath. “She said your parents called a cab and they’re leaving. She’s gone back to help Giles stall them in case you want to say goodbye.”

Willow and Xander exchanged a confused look, then  hurried toward the door with Becca and Andrew following behind.

Cut To:
Int.
Watchers Council – Lobby – Moments Later

“Flights are running again?” Willow asked as she approached her parents with her coat on.

“Yes, they have one leaving in the next two hours,” Ira told her.

“Boy, I thought at least you’d say goodbye,” she remarked, trying to sound carefree.

“I don’t think there’s much more that needs to be said here, do you?” he remarked sourly.

She paused for a moment. “I suppose not. Need help with the bags?” she asked.

“We’re all set now,” he answered. “But thank you for letting us stay. I appreciate that.”

Sheila closed the distance between them, “We’re heading to a seminar in Atlanta next week, but I’ll give you a call after that,” she told Willow.

Willow only nodded. With as awkward a hug as when they arrived, Sheila embraced her daughter again. She turned and walked back to Ira and he put his arm around his wife’s back, resting his hand on her shoulder.

“We’re going to be late,” he told Willow. “Take care.”

Cut To:
Ext.
City Street – Moments Later

Sheila climbed into the cab first. Ira paused for a moment, looking back at the Council building. The snow from the surrounding rooftops swirled in the air. With a sigh, he too climbed inside.

Cut To:
Int.
Watchers Council – Lobby – Moments Later

“Well, I guess that’s over. Another round of Willow the Failure finished for now,” the Wiccan sighed as Andrew walked into the room.

“What?” Rowena said, turning briskly to her fellow Watcher. “I refuse to stand here and listen to you berate yourself. You’re an accomplished magic wielder who’s saved this world over and over again. And you’re a damn good watcher, Willow. I’ve noticed how much Marsha’s agility has improved since she’s been training with you. So don’t let this one visit from these people, who don’t even know you, hold any bearing on how you see yourself.”

“She’s right,” Giles spoke up as Becca came to her side. “They don’t understand your life, but that’s no reason to believe that what you do is useless or a failure.”

“I know but…” Willow began.

“No buts,” Becca told him. “If I could have had a daughter I’d have wished she’d been just like you. They don’t realize what they have, so don’t let them get you down, Sweetheart.”

“Okay,” Willow answered, not entirely convinced.

“Hey Will,” Xander offered. “Just remember, we can’t pick our relations but we can always pick our family and I’m proud to have you as a member of mine.”

Willow finally gave a genuine smile.

The ring of the telephone prompted Andrew to move around the large desk in the lobby.

“Watchers Council. Andrew Wells speaking. How may I…oh hey, Angel. Funny hearing from you so soon,” he began nervously. “Look, about the recent road trip out to L.A. I…yeah, she’s right here.”

Andrew held up the phone to Willow. “Angel needs to speak to you,” he told her. “He sounds kinda stressed, well, more stressed than usual.”

“Go figure.” Willow sighed and rolled her eyes as she came over. “Why didn’t you just give him my number in Brazil?” she joked as she took it with a snap and shooed him away. “Hey Angel. If this is about the whole Andrew incident again…it’s not? Then what’s wrong?” Willow paused and listened. Giles and Xander moved closer to see tears start to come to Willow’s eyes. “Actually he’s here now and plans to stay,” she said, looking over at Xander. “Yeah, it is good news. I’m glad he’s here…oh, sure, sure…is there anything we can do? Anything you guys need?” she asked. “Okay, take care Angel and yeah, I’ll be sure to tell the gang…no, I’ve got Buffy’s cell phone number. I’ll call her. Yeah…thanks for calling, and for what it’s worth, I’m sorry…okay, you too. Bye.”

“I take it all’s not well with the dead guy,” Xander said, walking over.

Willow pursed her lips and shook her head, holding back her tears. “Angel said the hospital called. Cordy never woke up from her coma. She…she died at the hospital.”

No one in the room spoke.

Black Out

 

End of About Last Night

 

On the next episode of Watchers

In the futuristic world of the year 2130, Willow’s descendant Jocasta Rosenberg meets a slayer who may be the reincarnation of Tara Maclay.

 

Click here to read “Restoration” now!