act 3
Fade In:
Int.
Watchers Council – Library – Same Time
“Tell me more about this Fury hunch of yours, Will,” Rowena asked. Willow looked up from the book in her hands.
“Well, it’s a dark magic spell, a tool of vengeance – a sorcerer casts it on himself or a device of some sort.”
“So you think the athame the necromancer used was tainted?”
“Yeah, I-I mean it doesn’t explain why he was trying to raise an army of the undead, but it might explain Xander’s problem somehow.”
“How exactly?” Rowena asked.
“That’s the million dollar question. I haven’t figured that part out yet. Xander was there that night, though, in the room with the necromancer, and so was Vi. There’s a connection there, but since Xander wasn’t the one who got cut with the athame, I can’t figure out why he’s being haunted.”
Kennedy entered with several folders in her arms.
“Here’re the reports,” she said. “I’m not sure what you’re looking for, but this is everyone’s account.”
“Did you go over these?” Rowena asked Kennedy.
“Yeah, why?”
“What happened to Xander and Vi – specifically.”
“Vi took the guy on. He did some mojo that made it so she couldn’t move. In the report it says that Jeff cast his energy ball and the necromancer dropped the knife he was going to use on Vi and the blade hit her arm.”
“And who else was there?” Rowena asked.
“Dawn and Xander. They went over to see to Vi, while Jeff checked out the necromancer.”
At that moment, Dawn entered with a stack of books.
“Some more light reading material,” she said. She struggled to the nearest table before putting down the pile with a thump.
“Hmm…Dawn, did you, or anyone else, touch Vi’s injury the other night?” Rowena asked.
Dawn shook her head. “I didn’t. But Xander might have. He was on that side of her and wanted to see if she was okay.”
“There’s the connection,” Willow said, waving her finger.
“But what does it mean, exactly?” Rowena asked.
Willow pursed her lips for a moment and picked up a book. “I’m workin’ on it.”
Cut To:
Int.
Watchers Council – Video Monitoring Room – Same Time
“So that’s all of it?” Faith asked, nodding to a stack of tapes. She hovered over Andrew’s shoulder as he sat at the video console.
“Yep, all the dates you asked for, but I’m wondering what’s up,” he answered.
Tracey poked her head inside the doorway. “Hey,” she called softly.
“Hi Tracey,” Andrew replied, waving her in. “Come on in.” As she walked deeper into the room, he continued. “I thought we’d catch that new romantic movie tonight that we talked about, but this might take awhile.”
“Sorry to cut into your Tristan & Isolde plans, but this is important,” Faith answered.
“Tristan & Isolde? No, we were going to see King Kong,” Andrew explained. Faith looked confused.
“Technically, it’s a love story too,” Tracey told her.
“Yeah,” Andrew added. “And I hear the special effects are –”
Faith held up her hand. “Let’s just start with October thirty-first guys, okay?”
“You got it,” Andrew replied. He pulled out a chair for Tracey and motioned for her to sit down as he reached for the first tape.
Cut To:
Int.
Watchers Council – Holding Cells – Same Time
Dr. Millenti and Skye entered Dana’s and the troubled slayer’s head whipped around to focus on Skye.
“Demon!” she yelled. “Demon! Keep her away from here – away!”
Dr. Millenti’s face showed disappointment and he began to shake his head. “This is Skye. You remember Skye, don’t you Dana?”
“She’s a demon…evil. I can feel it. Don’t let her near me!”
Dr. Millenti motioned Skye to take a step back, then put his hand in his pocket and walked up slowly toward Dana. Unseen by the doctor, Skye shifted behind him into her vampire form and made a scratching motion with her fingers.
“Look!” Dana yelled. “Look at her!”
Skye returned to normal and Dr. Millenti turned around. She shrugged at him. When he turned back to face Dana, a satisfied smirk came to Skye’s lips.
“You’re perfectly safe here, Dana,” the doctor told her. “I promise.”
Dana ignored the doctor, keeping her focus on Skye. He took the opportunity to give her an injection and quickly step back. He picked up his radio and said, “Orderly. I’d like to have a straitjacket for Ms. Monroe.” He then turned back to Skye. “I’m sorry. Don’t take this personally. She’s a very troubled young lady.”
Skye watched as Dana swayed, but managed to stay upright. “Not a problem,” Skye answered. “The girl’s got issues.”
Cut To:
Int.
Watchers Council – Library – Same Time
“Ooh, ooh,” Willow said, her eyes trained on the book in front of her. “I think I found it. It says here that, and I’m paraphrasing, of course, that the Fury is half-formed and weak, having been cast with only a tiny amount of blood from Vi. That’s why it’s forcing Xander to recast the spell, so it can take form properly. But it can’t be anyone’s blood and it can’t be any caster. It has to be someone connected to the knife, which in this case is Vi and someone who touched the blood first, which is Xander. That’s why it’s trying to get Xander to do the ritual.”
“So it can become solid,” Dawn added. Willow nodded. “And when that happens, chances are it will kill Vi, Xander and anyone else it can before it escapes.”
“We better warn Vi,” Kennedy said as she started to make her way out.
“Hold up Ken,” Willow said, as she looked at the book. “It says here we can’t, or shouldn’t.”
“Why?” Kennedy asked. When Willow didn’t answer immediately, she repeated, “Why?”
“Reading now,” Willow said, without looking up. As she finished she turned to the small group. “Okay, the Fury will sense it if Vi is aware of her – the connection that the Fury has is through Vi. Xander is just the tool. That’s why Xander was able to project his thoughts to me without this ghost girl, Fury-thing, whatever the heck she is, without her knowing. She’s not tied into Xander’s thoughts, feelings and so on. Vi, on the other hand, is different.”
“I still don’t get it, Will,” Kennedy answered. “I mean, so the Fury senses that Vi knows about it. Big deal.”
“Not a big deal to Vi, no. But to Xander, yes, because if this Fury isn’t allowed to escape its present form, it could haunt him for the rest of his life, driving him insane. And if it learns that Vi knows and is willing to go along with the idea of making her whole again, then it will expect an attack. It might just stay in its present form, torturing Xander for the rest of his life.”
“We can’t kill Vi,” Kennedy argued.
“According to this, we don’t have to. All Xander has to do is use the dagger to draw blood. Once he does that, then the ritual begins and the Fury starts to become whole. Then we can kill it. Xander will be fine, Vi will be fine and the Fury will be gone.”
“I don’t like it,” Kennedy muttered.
“Kennedy,” Willow sighed.
“I don’t like it, either,” Rowena answered.
“Guys, come on,” Willow pleaded with them. “We don’t have a lot of time here. This thing expects Xander to do the ritual at any moment. We can’t debate it. I don’t like it either, but it’s the only way to ensure that this thing tries to go solid so we can kill it and, actually, save both Vi and Xander. I’m sure Vi doesn’t want a boyfriend who goes around talking to a ghost who’s torturing him. Kinda cuts into snuggle time, y’know?”
Rowena blew out a long breath and looked up at Kennedy.
“What do you think?” she asked.
“You’re asking my opinion?” Kennedy asked, skeptical.
“As the second in command of the Slayer Division, yes. Can you get a team ready to strike as soon as Xander gets things going – not too soon or too late?”
“I don’t like keeping Vi in the dark, and I hate having her think her boyfriend is trying to kill her, but…Will makes a good point. So yeah, I can do it.”
Cut To:
Int.
Watchers Council – Xander’s Workshop – Moments Later
“You don’t understand,” Xander told her. “Slayers are strong. I can’t just grab her and expect to get this done.”
“But I told you,” Rose replied. “She must be conscious.”
“Look, little girl,” Xander said, getting annoyed. “You need me. You told me that much, so we do it my way or not at all. She can be conscious for the ritual, but I have to make her weak or unconscious to get her here. Got it?”
Willow walked in with an envelope in her hand. “I thought I told you to get some rest, and here you are working,” she teased.
“Whatcha got there, Will?” he asked, motioning to the envelope.
“Another herb for you to try for the tummy troubles,” she answered as she handed it over. “The instructions are on the inside flap there. If that doesn’t work, then there’s always the other old reliable inside, too.”
Xander opened the envelope and read silently as Rose hopped up and down trying to see what it said. He grinned and pulled out a stick of gum. “Old reliable?” he asked.
Willow shrugged. “My gal swears by it. But follow those instructions and your stomach woes should be gone forever…well, at least until you eat spicy sausage pizza again,” she teased.
“Thanks Will,” he said sincerely, stuffing the envelope inside his pocket. “Oh, hey,” he said, trying to sound casual. “Can I get some of that Cruciamentum drug? I want to improve the tranq guns, and I’ve got a few ideas, but I need some to see if it works.” Willow narrowed her eyes slightly. I need to knock out Vi and bring her back here. “Not a whole lot,” he said out loud.
“Yeah, I’ll have Dr. Miller’s staff send some over. If it’s not enough, just let me know.”
“Cool,” he said with a nod.
“Will you be here all night?” she asked.
“Yeah, I don’t plan on going anywhere,” he explained.
A look of understanding came over Willow’s face and she nodded as she looked around the room. “You really need to get out of this room more often,” she teased.
“It’s one of my New Year’s Resolutions,” he said with a grin. “As you can see, it’s not going well.”
“I’ll cut you some slack,” she replied with a grin of her own. “See ya,” she said casually, as she made her way out.
“What on earth does Cruciamentum have to do with our project, Xander? We need to stay focused here,” Rose said angrily.
“If you knew anything about slayers, you’d know that Cruciamentum takes away slayer powers. If I’m going to get Vi under control, then I need something that will make it impossible for her to bend me into a pretzel. And I’m talking literally here, not figuratively, understand?” Xander said, annoyed. “Now, let’s get busy.”
Cut To:
Int.
Watchers Council – Library – Moments Later
Willow walked back inside the library to find Rowena and Kennedy waiting.
“We’re set,” she told them. “There’re two entrances to Xander’s shop where he’s doing it.”
“I’ll get girls on both ends ready,” Kennedy said with a nod. “This thing won’t get out alive.”
Cut To:
Int.
Watchers Council – Video Monitoring Room – Later that Evening
Andrew and Tracey sat in front of the monitor, while Faith stood over their shoulders.
“Wait, rewind that,” Faith said suddenly.
“What?” Andrew asked. “Why?”
“I said rewind it!” the slayer insisted.
“Okay, okay, geez,” Andrew said, changing the direction of the tape.
“Okay, stop there,” Faith said a moment later.
Andrew stopped the tape and began playing it at normal speed.
“Get Ro, now,” Faith told him. Andrew looked confused. “Now!” she said, in a firmer voice. Andrew picked up the phone without any further questions.
Cut To:
Int.
Watchers Council – Library – Same Time
“Do you really think this will work, Will?” Rowena asked. “We’re taking an awful chance here.”
“Yes, Xander will be able to hold it together, and that’s the most important part of all. He knows what’s at stake now and what he’s got to do.”
Andrew’s voice buzzed over the intercom. “Rowena? Faith needs you in the video monitoring room immediately.”
“I don’t have time right now, Andrew,” she replied.
“Blondie, we’ve got an emergency,” Faith’s voice broke in. “The sooner you get here, the better.”
The look Willow and Rowena exchanged was one of confusion mixed with concern.
“Fine. I’m on my way,” she replied, and rose from her chair. She turned to Willow. “Keep double checking to make sure this works, Sweetie. It’s not that I don’t trust you. I just don’t want any more slayers injured…or worse…”
Cut To:
Int.
Watchers Council – Slayer Rec Room – Same Time
Xander walked into the Rec Room, with Rose following close behind him, to see Vi sitting nearby.
“You’re late,” she said with a smile.
“I know. I’m sorry,” he replied. “But I come bearing Dr. Pepper, your favorite,” he said, holding a can up in a tempting fashion.
“Okay, I guess you’re forgiven,” she said with a smile. “Any idea what’s playing in the media room?”
“Not sure, but let’s go find out,” he said, motioning her toward the door. As she came over, she took the can and had a drink before they started walking.
She continued to drink as they headed out of the Rec Room and into the hallway. A moment later, Vi stumbled sideways, bracing herself on the wall. Her eyes got wide.
“It’s working!” Rose said excitedly. “It’s working. Now she’s gonna pay. She’s finally gonna pay!”
“Are you okay?” Xander asked, reaching out to steady Vi.
“I…I don’t feel so good,” she replied.
“Let’s get to the shop,” he told her. “I’ll call Dr. Miller there.”
Leading her along Xander let her into the room and gently closed the door behind them.
Cut To:
Int.
Watchers Council – Xander’s Workshop – Moments Later
“Here,” he told her, “Lay down on the bench.”
Xander put his hands under her arms to help her up onto the bench. Before she could react, he locked a handcuff around one of her wrists. She pulled instinctively and discovered that the other end of the handcuffs was connected to a shackle. He pushed her down and quickly did the same with her other hand. Unable to fight, Vi tried to sit up, but failed.
“Xander, what are you doing?” she asked in a sleepy, but still fearful, voice.
“Giving you what you deserve!” Rose screamed. “Start it, Xander! Get it started now!”
Vi’s eyes were slightly glazed, but wide in fear and confusion. Her instincts took over and she kicked at Xander as he tried to shackle her feet, forcing him away. Rose reached her hands into Vi’s neck and started to choke her, allowing Xander to get Vi’s feet restrained while she gasped for breath.
“Let her go!” Xander shouted once he was done. “Stop now or this ends!”
“What ends?” Vi asked, barely able to get the words out. Rose released Vi and began to pace the room. Xander walked up to look into Vi’s eyes.
“Xander, what are you doing?” she asked again, this time in a pleading voice.
“Something that has to be done,” he told her in a regretful tone.
Cut To:
Int.
Watchers Council – Video Monitoring Room – Same Time
“This better be important,” Rowena said as strode swiftly into the video monitoring room.
“Check it out,” Faith said. She pointed at the screen, which showed a video of Bonnie opening the Council’s front door to let in Skye and Dr. Wagner. “This is from the night Skye came back.”
Rowena glanced dubiously at the slayer. “Yeah, it’s just Skye.”
“I wouldn’t be too sure,” Faith said quietly.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Rowena asked.
“Pause the tape,” Faith told Andrew.
He pressed a button and the image on the screen froze.
“Notice anything?” Faith asked Rowena. “Look close.” She poked a finger at a spot on the screen.
“Hey, you’re gonna make fingerprint smudges!” Andrew protested. The slayer just glared at him.
“Look,” she repeated firmly.
“Faith, it’s just a…a mirror,” Rowena said. Rowena studied the screen for a moment. Then her eyes widened. “Oh my God.”
“What’s going on?” Andrew asked, looking confused.
Tracey looked close at the monitor, too. “She’s got no reflection,” she muttered.
All eyes then turned to Rowena.
“Looks like we’ve got a snake in our mongoose den,” she said.
Cut To:
Int.
Watchers Council – Xander’s Work Room – Same Time
Vi remained shackled to the table as Xander busied himself setting out the ritual items.
“Let me go,” Vi called out, her voice slightly slurred. “Please, whatever it is you’re thinking of doing, please, don’t.”
Xander stopped, a clearly torn look on his face. Rose raced up to him.
“Remember, Xander. One or everybody – your choice,” she threatened.
Xander took a deep breath and continued to light the candles he’d placed around the bench.
Cut To:
Int.
Watchers Council – Video Monitoring Room – Same Time
Rowena tried to speak, but stuttered at first. “H-How is that possible? Dr. Miller said she was fine. Robin checked out her story. We’ve got wards in place. And…and…”
“All good points,” Faith interrupted, “but the camera doesn’t lie.” She turned to Andrew. “Rewind it, and play audio too. I want to check this out again.”
Andrew did as he was told and the image began to play again, this time with sound.
It showed Bonnie taking her time getting to the door and then opening it. Faith and Rowena listened as intensely as they watched.
“I think we’ve found someone who belongs to you,” Dr. Wagner said. “Can we come in?”
For a moment, Bonnie stood in shock, but she quickly shook it off.
“Yeah, yeah, get her in here.” Bonnie quickly turned to Skye. “Where the hell have you been? Everyone here has been going nuts looking for you.”
Andrew stopped the tape.
“Son of a bitch,” Rowena swore. “She got an invite. Damn it, Bonnie!”
“So, now what?” Faith asked. “I sure as hell don’t want to be the one to call B to say her little sis might be a vamp now. Any takers?”
Rowena closed her eyes tight and pitched the bridge of her nose.
Cut To:
Int.
Watchers Council – Xander’s Workshop – Moments Later
Rose strolled around the room, nodding in approval.
“Very nice Xander, excellent work,” she told him. “Now, enough stalling. Just do it already!”
Xander took another calming breath and picked up the ritual dagger. Very slowly, he walked toward Vi. She slightly lifted her head and tried desperately to focus her eyesight on him.
“Xander, no,” she said, shaking her head. “Please, don’t.”
Xander swallowed hard and raised the knife above his head. “I have to, Vi. I’m sorry.”
Vi’s eyes went wide in fear.
Black Out
End of Act Three